~A Final Choice~ (Skephalo)

Chapter 26: Call Back

~Bad's pov~

"Baaaad! Carry me!"

The little muffin head whined as we cleared the smoke near the border, begin our trek back to the fortress.

"Okay, jeez! You don't have to say it like that!" I exclaim as I lift Skeppy up, carrying him bridal style.

Meeting the Demigod of music was... an experience...

I know, he's young, but I don't think I was that bad when I was young! Or at least, as young as him. I'm still very young for a demon, heck, XD is still technically young for a god! And he's at least ten thousand years older than me!

"Bad?"

I look down at Skeppy, tilting my head as he fully grasps my attention.

"If you are the king of hell... does that make you Satan? 

"W-what... No... Language! Why would you ask me that!?"

He just shrugged, as if he had said nothing at all.

"I don't know. Satan was alway, like, the king of hell."

"Are the stories they tell humans thousands of years old?" I ask sarcastically, then sigh, "No, I'm not Satan. However, he did exist before the war, and yes, he was the king of the Nether."

Skeppy nodded as he took in all the information, and then paused to yawn and stretch.

"Awww..."

"Shut up." He snapped, crossing his small arms over his chest, and turning his head away from me in a defiant manner.

It was almost as if he refused to be called cute, or adorable. Regardless of that, I have no regrets describing him that way to Niki. He is just so tiny, and...

"Skeppy!" I gasp with my realization.

"What?" 

"You're not small, you're just fun-sized!"

He took a moment of hesitation, maybe to process what had been said, before facepalming.

"Why would you ever want to say half the thing you do?"

I giggle at him, and yet, not wanting to explain my motives for anything.

The honest truth is that I like to mess with him. I enjoy his company, and am still learning how to be a good friend!

As we continue with our walk, a dinging sound began to rise in my left ear, a sound I could only recognize as one thing...

Now..?

I drop Skeppy's legs, holding him close to me with one arm, earning a squeak from him as I manage to catch a glowing, pinkish cube as it falls from nowhere with my now free arm.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry!" I apologize as I set Skeppy down on the ground. The poor thing seemed to be frozen in place... I wonder what he's thinking about.

After a few moments of silence, he seemed to bring himself back into reality, quickly shaking his head.

"What's that?" He questioned, looking at the cube I still had clutched in my hand.

"It's a communication cube... Which is odd. No one really sends me these." I answer as I look the cube over. 

It's pink color told me that I had never received one of these from the person who sent this one, which is a relief.

The first, and last time I had acquired one of these it was green. Turns out XD had some choice words for me that day about... I'd say a thousand years ago...

Nonetheless, I tap the cube, opening it up to receive its holographic message.

The pink text projected upwards slightly, forming a small note.

Hello Bad!

There is something I forgot to tell you. Could you and Skeppy come back to the border, if at all possible?"

Sincerely,

Niki

"Woah!" Skeppy awed at the magic technology. "So, are we going to go back and see Niki again?"

I slowly nod, turning my head back to the wall of smoke, looming several yards behind us.

Skeppy quickly lead us both back to the dark cloud, but before he could make his entrance, I slid down to my knees and grabbed his wrist.

"Skeppy. Wait." I whisper as I pull him back over to me.

"Bad, what are you-"

"Shhhh!"

I slowly unfasten his bright blue cape, folding it up, and setting it carefully to the side.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" He asked in a hushed tone.

"Skeppy, I need you to do exactly as I say right now." I make sure that even in my whispered tone, my voice is still dead serious. "Niki, in all our years of working together, has never contacted me via communication cube, and has never called me back to the border. I have to make sure she's alright. I need you to stay behind me, no matter what is said. If I do not tell you to move, do not leave my side. You have your sword, and though, I understand that you aren't fully trained, if you feel threatened, draw it."

I give everything a moment to sink in, I understand what I said was a lot to take in, but I can't afford to slip up right now, I don't know what is going to happen.

"You got it?"

When Skeppy nodded, giving my a thumbs up with one of his hands, I rose to my full height. 

Skeppy softly gripped my cape with one hand.

I turn my head back to make sure he is fully hidden. He met my eyes and nodded, and even though I couldn't see it, I could practically feel his comforting smile radiating through his box.

I take a final deep breath, before leading us through the smoke.

~Author time~

Ah, things are starting to heat up! I'm really excited to write the next few chapters.

How are you lovelies doing?

I can't tell you how much it mean to me if you've made it this far. Thank you for sticking with me throughout the story and being entirely patient with me.

Another thing, this may be your last author time for a bit. I don't know.

Anyways, enjoy the rest of your day darlings!

Make sure to stay safe and hydrated!

<3