Trigger Warnings ⚠️: Mentions of blood, boy x boy, and slight injuries such as a possible concussion! 

Notes: I sincerely apologize for the long wait on this next chapter! I was running low on ideas at the moment so it took me longer to write than I would have liked it to. Nonetheless, I hope you still all enjoy this next chapter! :)
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Coatl's Pov:

I kept my feet grounded as the sound of the two Demon Steves prowled closer, each step making me all too aware that the Elite was right above this place, if not already inside it. He must have summoned and sent Demons in here after us, probably catching the scent of my energy signature in the process. This was too dangerous for the Leader and Shy to be here so, in a desperate plea, I tried to warn them to leave. 

“Gr– Green Scientist, get the Leader out o– of here! Sh– Shy, go with them!” I heard the Green Scientist hastily drag the Orange Leader away from the oncoming fight, my instincts flaring as I felt my own claws retract. I don't think Shy left yet. If he's frozen by fear, that's not entirely good saying that us Demon Steves could smell it, and right now someone reeks of it. Thankfully, I was already in front of Shy, saying that he was holding my hand only a few minutes prior but now came the hard part; trying to fight whilst blind. I knew I had other senses I could use but without sight, the Demons could get into my blind spot and I'd have no idea until it was far too late. Fine. If Shy was persistent on staying behind, he can help be my eyes. 

“S– Shy! If you're really w– willing to stay here, can you help me o– out? Tell me if they're be–behind me or if they come b– by you, okay?” I didn't get to wait for a response as the first Demon hissed and lunged forward, I heard the sharp sound of metal snap past my ear as I sidestepped at the last second. Shy audibly gasped, blood pouring from a small wound against my cheek from being grazed. I grabbed the hilt of the weapon by the Demon Steve's hand and began attempting to wrestle it out of their grasp, using my claws to scratch at his face, aiming for their throat. I was so focused that I didn't realize the other Demon Steve was behind me until Shy gasped and tackled me to the cold, stone floor. We both got up quickly, the Demon Steves hissing and cursing at each other as they tried getting up. I didn't get a chance to make another move though as Shy grabbed my hand and began quickly dragging me down the corridors with what I could only guess was the hope for an exit in sight.

But he stopped suddenly, my momentum causing me to crash into him as we both fell on the floor. I didn't get the chance to question him before I felt someone yank on the hood of my hoodie, a howl of pain escaping before I felt something sharp pressed against the base of my throat. Shy cried out as a hand covered my mouth, restricting me from screaming at him to go. To run. Because I recognized the cruel, cold and unnaturally scarred hands that held me, for they were the same ones that inflicted pain on me nearly a month ago. 

Nightmare Steve, or as most now know him as; the Demon Lord. So he has come for me… but, why? What was so important about me that he bothered to track me down all the way in the Overworld? It didn't matter. I struggled despite the end of his spear being harshly pushed up against vital organs, mainly because I didn't want Shy to get hurt because of me. 

“Did you miss me, Coatl..?” I huffed, his breath sending shivers down my spine. In the moment escape seemed impossible, especially when the one that held me nearly had the power of a god. So, I played the one dirty trick I knew would distract him. I placed both feet hard on the ground, quickly bringing my leg up. I thanked Origin that we were pushed so close together because the moment I reeled my leg back, he yelped in pain from me slamming my foot into his groin. And it worked, he did release me… just not in the way I was expecting. 

Rather than letting go, leaving me a small window of escape, he swiped his leg under mine, throwing me off balance, before smashing my head against a nearby wall. I whimpered in the pain that suddenly shot through my skull, as blood began to spill down my head. I was seriously fighting the urge to cry out when the pressure of his hand increased against my head until I heard someone else call out. Spirit. 

“Let him go, Nightmare. Your fight is with me.” He laughed, insanity seeping into his tone as he let go of my head. I groaned as I felt my body limply hit the ground, Shy’s hands bringing me comfort as he cradled my beaten and battered form. I was still worried about Spirit but he was giving us a window of escape, one that Shy wasn't willing to pass up on a second time. I had no words to protest, letting my head drop against the form of the taller, until I felt the cool breeze from being outside, a soft sigh escaping my lips from it. Moments later I heard two more familiar voices; the Green Scientist and the Orange Leader. 

“Shy! What happened, is he okay?!” 

“I– I don't know!” Shy stuttered, his firm grip on me getting a little tighter.

“Maple, we need to bring them to the village! Send guards to try and help Spirit!” And then, I felt the wind rush past me while we ran. Everything was getting fuzzy in my mind but I fought hard to keep my consciousness from going out, too worried about Spirit and Shy to even think about rest. So, I tried to talk while we ran. 

“S– Shy..?” 

“Coatl?! Oh, thank Origin! A– are you alright?!” I nodded, a bit numbly against him. 

“Y– Yeah… just fuzzy… d– didn't want to rest yet though.” I felt Shy tense from that new knowledge, but I tried to reassure him nonetheless. 

“I– I'm fine, Shy… just w– worried about you and S– Spirit… t– that's… a– all…” I mumbled, the darkness in my mind winning as it started dragging me under. I yawned, but I wouldn't rest… not until I knew both Shy and Spirit were safe. 

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Word Count: 1071

Character's owned by me: Coatl and the Orange Leader's nickname (Maple)