A/N: I don't own Skulduggery, Valkyrie, Saracen or Lord Vile.

"The Huntsman?" I asked as Skulduggery started driving again.

"Yes. My coming back isn't the problem actually, I just happened to borrow things. Those upgrades I told you about?"

"Dear Lord." I sighed. "Can't you just give them back?"

"As they are literally inside my bones, er, no. I've disappointed you, haven't I?" He asked.

"Not really. I'm surprised that he's all we have to worry about actually. He is all we have to worry about, right?" I asked when his shoulders stiffened.

"Yes." He lied. "I missed you, you know."

"Being adorable at this point is not helping, Skulduggery!" I growled. Then turned away so he wouldn't see my smile. He had the ability to charm people and worm his way out of things. In all fairness he deserved to face his punishment alone, but he was my best friend and I wouldn't abandon him, no matter what.

"I'm sorry." I said at last. "That things didn't work out for you with your wife. Can you try again?" He got very quiet and I knew I'd said the wrong thing. "Sorry."

"No, I brought it up, didn't I? I'd planned on lying to you, Valkyrie. To tell you I was welcomed home with open arms. To tell you I had just popped back for a visit. That everything was OK."

"It should be. I mean, Lord Vile only exists because you loved your family so much. It's rather sweet actually, if you think about it." I said, trying to cheer him up.

"I was a stranger to them. They've watched me, but I was a stranger, a terror. A monster." He said softly. "But I'm not to you, am I? Thank you for that."

"You're my best friend. Does anyone other than Saracen and I know you're back?"

"Um, no. Though I've a feeling he's told them all about me. You see, since I have these upgrades I opened a portal of sorts. But only for three days. I'm fairly sure nothing bad will happen."

"What kind of portal?" I asked nervously. "Shouldn't we be there, guarding it?"

"Well, I'm kind of the portal. So you can guard me if it helps." I sighed.

"Tell me again why you stole all these upgrades?"

"I had my reasons."

"Which were?"

"If we live through the three days and the world doesn't end I promise to tell you."

Bad, Skeleton Detective, bad!