Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a dark day when Valkyrie got the text from Fletcher. ‘There’s another set up for the cube, prison thingy’ said the text message. She grimaced. 

   Fletcher was currently at the laboratory that, two months ago, stored Argeddion. He was busy with Sanctuary work; being tasked with moving all of the equipment from the Alps laboratory from the Sanctuary back to the Alps laboratory. Tiring work, yes, but Ghastly, Erskine, and Madame Mist had decided the equipment be moved back so that they had a location for stowing Darquesse, should they have had the chance of catching her. The old Tempest had been destroyed, but the Sanctuary assured that they had their finest scientists working on creating a new one. 

   Valkyrie had asked Fletcher to tell her anything of importance regarding what he saw in the lab, and this certainly counted as important. She stood and thought of a reply she could respond with, but came up with nothing, so she just sent a thumbs up and closed her phone. 

   Now was time for the internal debate. On one hand? She really did not want to get put in a cage for, well, as long as possible. On the other hand, she really did not want to destroy the world. Not very high on her agenda, if she was being honest. She stood still, zoning out a bit, before shaking her head as she heard her mother’s voice.

   “Stephanie? School’s about to start!”

   “Coming mum!” Valkyrie shouted, moving to her mirror and tapping the surface. She shuffled back as the reflection stepped out, throwing her uniform at it. She started dressing herself in her finely tailored Bespoke clothes. She smiled to herself, admiring herself in her mirror. She looked over to her reflection and nodded when it finished dressing. “Have a great day at school,” Valkyrie said, jumping out the window. 

   She used the air to soften her fall and started walking to the pier. Thinking and thinking. The cube could trap Darquesse and keep her from destroying the world! Or it could just anger Darquess and make her destroy the world faster. World ends either way, doesn’t it? Should she tell Skulduggery? Or should she throw this information under the bench, tell Fletcher not to tell anyone else. She sighed, leaning against the fence as she waited for Skulduggery to arrive.

   Twenty minutes later, the Bentley R-Type Continental rolled up. The engine cut and a thin man wearing a fake face walked over.

   “You’re late,” Valkyrie scowled, sitting on the gravely floor. She glared at Skulduggery as she raised her arms for him to pull her to her feet. “Yes, yes, I know. But, as a busy skeleton, I was busy doing busy skeleton things.” Valkyrie stared as they moved into the car.  “Like what?” Skulduggery hesitated. “Meditating” He said sheepishly, starting the car. Valkyrie smirked as the engine purred to life. 

   “Skulduggery Pleasant, the Great Skeleton Detective, sleeping in late?”

   “Not sleeping, meditating” Skulduggery corrected. Valkyrie rolled her eyes. They slipped into silence as the car started along to, presumably, Roarhaven. 

   The silence was deafening to Valkyrie. What was she to do? She knew Skulduggery would help her, no matter what. But she just… really didn’t want to be trapped in a box like Argeddion had.

   “Say, Skulduggery?”

   “Hm?”

   “If they do manage to recreate the Tempest, would you make sure to ask them if there was a way to make the Cube, like, larger? Just so my claustrophobia doesn’t kick in, like, so I can enjoy my eternity in the Cube. Hah.”

   Skulduggery went silent.

   “Something wrong, Valkyrie?” Came his luxuriously velvety voice. 

   “Nope,'' answered Valkyrie with no hesitation. Valkyrie then sighed and nodded. Then shook her head. Then shook her head again. After a few awkward moments, Valkyrie groaned and nodded again. 

   “Fletch said he found another Cube set-up in the Alps.”

   Silence.

   “Oh.”

   “Yep.”

   More silence.

   “Well, how do you feel about that?” Asked Skulduggery. Valkyrie let out a dry laugh. 

   “Didn’t really know my feelings mattered.”

Skulduggery tilted his head and looked at her.

   “Why wouldn’t they?”

   “Well, I mean, if I’m going to destroy the world and we can stop it, then… would it matter how I feel about it? It’s for the better good of the world, right?”

   Skulduggery was still looking at her. “Aye, eyes on the road.” Skulduggery looked back to the road.

   “Your feelings do matter, Valkyrie. If you don’t want to use the Tempest and Cube, then I’m sure we can find some other way to stop Darquesse.”

   “But we don’t, do we? All the visions show Darquesse ending everything. At least if we use the cube now then, well, at least we know for sure that Darquesse will be stopped.” 

   “There’s always another way,” said Skulduggery.

   “Yes, but we don’t know if we can find that way soon enough.” Answered Valkyrie. 

   Even more silence.

   “Well it sounds like you already have your mind made, doesn’t it?” 

   Valkyrie didn’t answer. She leaned over, turned on the radio, and leaned back against her seat, crossing her arms and closing her eyes.

   3 days later, Valkyrie was knocking on a door, holding a pyramid. A beautiful, elegant, gorgeous woman answered the door. “Ah, Valkyrie. Come on in.” 

   “Hey China. So um-“

   “All business? No ‘how are you?’” China crossed her arms and stuck out her lip, a slight, fake pout.

   Valkyrie hesitated and gave out a weak laugh. “How are you…?”

   “Hah, please! You know I don’t really care about that Valkyrie! Now, what can I do for you?” Valkyrie held out the Tempest as China came over, peering closely at the pyramid. “Very interesting piece of equipment you have here… may I ask what it’s for?” China asked, taking hold of the pyramid herself. It was around a metre high and made of glass.

   Valkyrie nodded. “This is called the Tempest. The Tempest is what Lament and his team used to power the Cube. The Cube is what they called Argeddion’s cage.”

   “I see. You want me to strengthen this Tempest to be able to hold Darquesse?” Valkyrie nodded. China smiled. “Come back in a couple days, I’ll see what I can do”

Chapter Text

   “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

   “Of course.”

   “There really is, always, another way.”
 
   “You don’t know that.”

   Skulduggery pressed the break, jerking the whole car. “What the hell Skukduggery!” Valkyrie’s hands were against the glove box. “You can’t do this. You’ll leave your family with a reflection, you’ll have to say goodbye to China and Ghastly and Tanith and Erskine… do you really want to have to do that?”

   Valkyrie looked at him. “No, but I have to. I can’t just keep walking around, a bomb ready to blow, nobody expecting anything. Someone might set me off on accident and suddenly I’m destroying the whole world. We, I, have to do this.” Skulduggery was staring at her. Valkyrie noticed his hands gripping tightly to the wheel.

  “You… don’t want me to be gone, do you?”

   He lowered his head.

   “I mean, you can come visit and stuff! Though I wouldn’t really be able to respond much, hah. Just… get another apprentice. You don’t need me. Forget about me and raise up another twelve-year-old to maybe be successful in not having an evil alter ego who will do evil things. Though with your luck, that might not happen.” Valkyrie poked him, for the joke, but gasped as she was brought up into a tight, bony hug.

   Skulduggery wasn’t a man of hugs, so this was really unexpected for Valkyrie. “I won’t ever forget about you. I won’t leave you either. I’ll be there for you, always.” Valkyrie stayed still for a moment, then hiccuped as a few tears slipped from her eyes. After a while, she had slumped against Skulduggery, her crying and him, well, he would probably be crying if he could.

   “I’m scared,” Valkyrie said, once she had finished crying.

   “I will be there for you every step of the way. I promise. Until the end.”
   
   “…until the end”

   The next afternoon, Valkyrie looked at her phone. She then moved to the door of her uncle’s house. She smiled, frowned, rolled her eyes, then smiled again at the girl waving at her from the bike. Valkyrie stepped out of the house, locked the door, and ran down to greet her friend.

   Tanith slapped Valkyrie on the back once she got to her. “Ow!” “Haha! Sorry. You’re looking good though! Been working out?” Valkyrie shook her head, smiling sideways. “Actually, I've been pretty busy these past few days. Preparing for a uh, a detective thing. No time to work out.” “Oh.” They sat in silence. “Anyways, Tanith, I was wondering if we could go on a ride? I don’t care how long or where to, I just wanted to spend some time with you. I know you’re really just a remnant but, like, I don’t know. I just wanted to see my friend's face.”

   Tanith gave her a funny look. “Is something happening? Are you going to be gone for a while?”

   “Yeah well, I’m just preparing for when Darquess takes over. Getting in some good memories as Valkyrie that I can remember before we all, well, die.”

   Tanith nodded. “I get that, I do. Though, I just want you to know-“

   “Yeah, yeah. Just cause you’re inhabited by a remnant doesn’t mean you still aren’t my good friend Tanith. Whatever. Just- shush and drive us” Tanith smirked, handed Valkyrie a helmet, and gunned the engine.

   Valkyrie got on the bike, turned on the tracker on her phone, for extra safe measures, then gripped onto Tanith’s waist.

   The two rode far out, got lunch at a small cafe, turned back, and made it to Gordon’s home. Valkyrie handed Tanith the helmet and got off the back. “Hey, Tanith. Come in real quick.” Tanith shrugged and followed Valkyrie into the large home. “Okay, so. I don’t care if you as a remnant likes Gordon’s books, but I know Tanith does so… here.” Valkyrie handed Tanith a key. “This key is the key to the front door, which means that you have full access to all of his books, whenever you want.”

   Valkyrie watched as Tanith’s mouth dropped. “For real? Really? For me?” Valkyrie nodded and Tanith snatched the keys. She looked down at the keys, then up to Valkyrie. Tanith ran in, crushing Valkyrie in a steel gripped hug. Valkyrie laughed as she squirmed. Tanith let go, waving her arms around. “Thank you so much Val!! This is a wonderful End-of-the-World gift!” Valkyrie smiled. “Glad you like it.”

   Around a half hour later, Tanith left and Valkyrie sat and sulked. She went up the stairs to Gordon’s study. “Gordon?” She asked the Echo Stone.

   “Ah, Valkyrie, my most favorite niece- not like it’s much of a competition. How may I help you this fine afternoon?” Valkyrie sighed and sat on the floor, leaning against a bookcase. “Another Tempest has been found which we can use to replace the last Tempest. The new Tempest is currently at China’s to be strengthened, so that it can then hold Darquesse. I’m here to say goodbye before I agree to go out to the Alps and be stored away, hopefully, for a really long time.”
 
   Valkyrie looked up at the silent Gordon. Gordon looked down at her, a frown on his face. “I won’t allow it. No parent should ever have to watch their child die.”

   “Well then, it’s a good thing you’re not my parent, hmm?”

   “Well I’m practically your parent! Your real parents never let you read any of my amazing books.”

   “Yeah, well, I’m sorry, but this is happening so, that’s why I’m here.”
   
   “Are you sure there isn’t another way? Have you told Skulduggery? He truly is fantastic at finding other ways.”

   Valkyrie looked at Gordon and shrugged. “What would you like me to do with your echo stone? I can maybe ask to bring you along with us. I could also leave you here or give you to someone else… China perhaps?” Valkyrie giggled as she watched her uncle blush. “I would very much like to go to the Alps with you, thank you very much. Maybe I could even help with some science magic things that might come up.”

   Valkyrie’s phone beeped and she looked down. “Well, Skulduggery’s here so let’s get going.” She grabbed the echo stone and headed down the stairs and out the house, locking it with her spare key. She hopped into the gleaming black car, echo stone in hand, and smiled at Skulduggery. She then frowned. He had an air of annoyance to him. “Are you…. Angry at me?”

   “Yes,” he huffed. “But not for the reason you think I am.”

   Valkyrie looked at him. “Wha-“

   “You got gross tear stains on my suit! It was new too! If you notice, I didn’t get any tear stains on your clothes.”

   “I-“ Valkyrie was so astounded.

   “You’re a skeleton!! You can’t cry!” She exclaimed, slapping him on the arm. “Take me home or I’ll get more tear stains on you.” Valkyrie mimed spraying liquid from her eyes.

   “Oh no, anything to keep from that,” Skulduggery said, putting the car in drive and speeding down the road.

   Valkyrie snuck through the window and patted the reflection on the shoulder. The reflection looked up for their homework. “So this is it then? You’re leaving to go save the world again?” Valkyrie nodded, slightly shaking. “Better go say goodbye then.” The reflection muttered, turning back to the homework.

   Valkyrie sighed and opened the bedroom door. She quietly crept down the stairs and took in a deep breath. She turned the corner and smiled at her mother who was in the kitchen. “Hey mum.” Milissa smiled and turned, holding a half cut apple. “Hey, Steph! Finished your homework?” Valkyrie shook her head. “Nah, I have a little bit left but I wanted to go ahead and take a break, see my lovely family.” Milissa tilted her head.

   “Everything ok?”

   “Of course,”

   “You sure?”

   “Yep. Where is the darling baby munchkin?”

   “Alice is with your dad. I think he’s trying to teach her the rules of golf, while also learning for himself.”

   Valkyrie walked into the living room and took in the sight before her. Alice was in Desmond’s left arm as his right arm frantically swiped through a book. Golfing was also playing quite loudly on the television.

   “Uh… Dad?”

   “Yes sweetie?”

   “You okay there?”

   “Perfectly splendid.”

   “Alright…” Valkyrie moved to sit on the couch, grabbing Alice out of her dad’s grip.A bunch of people clapped on the tv so Valkyrie grabbed the remote and turned the volume down. They sat in silence for a bit. “Gonna tell the class what you’re doing?” Valkyrie asked.

   “Reading.”

“Reading what?”

“Golfing.”

Valkyrie smiled. “You’re reading golfing?”

Desmond responded with a “yep” and went back to page turning. Valkyrie looked down at her sister. Alice looked up at Valkyrie. She booped Alice’s nose and looked back to her dad. “Hey, I love you.” Desmond looked up at her suspiciously. “You would say that, wouldn’t you…?” Valkyrie froze and stared at him, suddenly breaking into a laugh. After she calmed down she looked at him again. “Good luck with your golfing.” She said, walking back into the hall.

“Hey mum, I love you,” Valkyrie said to her mother, passing the kitchen. “Love you too, Steph!” Her mother called. Valkyrie smiled and looked down at Alice as she climbed the stairs. “Okay Alice. Here is what’s happening. I have to go off to save the world, right? Now here, I’m leaving my reflection to take care of you and to act as a good sister should.” Alice gave her a blank stare. “Just want you to remember- That reflection isn’t me alright? I’m much more superior, got that?” Alice gurgled. “Good.”

Valkyrie walked into her room and closed the door. “Good night, have a fun time being me,” Valkyrie said, slapping the reflection on the back and placing Alice on their bed. The reflection nodded. “Thanks for saving the world Valkyrie.” Valkyrie smiled and gave a thumbs up. “Anytime,” she said, opening the window.

Chapter Text

   “Ah, Gordon, Skulduggery, and Valkyrie. What a pleasant, quite very expected, surprise. Come in.” China beaconed the three in. China was wearing an elegant, blue silk dress that had intricate gold markings along the bottom and sleeves. It’d probably be safe to assume these markings were some kind of sigils, likely for protection.

   “Well, to be truthful, It is unexpected that Gordon has come along. What brings you here Gordon?” Gordon opened his mouth to reply but Valkyrie beat him to his answer. “We are going on a detective trip and we are bringing Gordon along this time because he wanted to join us for a case.” Valkyrie smiled, Gordon nodded, and Skulduggery just stood there.

   “Speaking of,” Valkyrie continued, “is the Tempest ready? We kinda need it so we can drop it off with Fletcher before our top secret detective trip, of which we need to leave for soon.” Valkyrie’s hands were behind her back as she smiled nervously. “In a hurry, hm?” China’s suspicious gaze shifted from Valkyrie to Skulduggery. “Let me get the Tempest for you.”

   I see what you’re doing, Valkyrie. You can’t possibly think that I’d have been oblivious to your plans, right? C’mon now, talk to me. Valkyrie shook her head slightly, smiling thinly as she looked around the room. China came back into the room holding the glass pyramid, placing it on a stool nearby.

   “Here it is. Thousands of individual, tiny sigils have been carved into the Tempest, strong enough to hold the strongest.”

   Let’s hope I’m included in that spectrum eh?

   Valkyrie nodded at China. “Let’s hope Darquesse is included in that spectrum, right?” China looked at Valkyrie, Skulduggery tilted his head, and Gordon just stood there. “Haha okay also China?”
   
   “Yes?” “Do you know if there are any uh sigils for- um- nevermind. I forgot what I was gonna say.” Everyone stared at Valkyrie. “Haha okay bye China!” Valkyrie ran up, hugged China, picked up the Tempest, then ran out the door to the car.

   China stood stunned, Skulduggery tilted his head again, and Gordon was no longer there as the Echo Stone was in Valkyrie’s pocket. China looked to Skulduggery and Skulduggery looked to China.

   “Well?”

   No response.

   “What is wrong with you? You haven’t said a single word this visit and yet you are usually the one who says the most. What’s happening? What’s wrong with Valkyrie?”

   Skulduggery held his hand out and China took it and they shook hands.

   “Valkyrie and I will be gone for a bit. Tracking down Darquesse and everything; you know how it goes.” And with that, Skulduggery turned his heel and walked out of China’s home. China was silent.

   They drove off to the Sanctuary, the car silent.

   “Now Valkyrie, are you sure you want to do this? Positive?” Gordon asked, his voice coming from the back of the car. “Yep. Sure. Now please don’t try to change my mind.” Valkyrie noticed Skulduggery's hands tightening on the wheel again. Noticed the strained silence from Gordon.

   “Please guys. One life for the whole world, right? This is the best thing that we can do. Besides, it’s not my fault you have both decided to be with me in my time of comatose.”

   Silence.

   “C’mon, you both know I’m joking right? I am one-hundred percent grateful that you two are staying with me.” Valkyrie looked at Skulduggery and frowned. “Please don’t ignore me.”

   Skulduggery tilted his head. “I’m not ignoring you, Valkyrie. I just don’t have anything worth saying.”

   “Yes, but please say something! I can’t handle sitting here, with all these swirling thoughts. And yes, Darquess is here too. Don’t forget about her. She’s here just to add another level of me feeling terrible.”

   “Well then what would you like me to say? The truth? Well the truth is that I love you Valkyrie, and I don’t want you to leave. I think we could find another way around this, I think it’d be better to fight through this than giving up and hiding yourself away.”

   “Fight through this?!? Fight through this and kill my parents in the process? Fight through this and end the world? If you could have prevented being Lord Vile, prevented killing all of those people, wouldn’t you have done whatever it took to get out of that the fastest rather than just ‘fight through it’? Come on Skullduggery!”

   A sigh escaped him.

   “We’ve already talked about this. You know what I think. Stop trying to needlessly argue with me Valkyrie. It won’t make anyone feel any better.” He sounded incredibly exasperated.

   Valkyrie leaned against the window. She brought out her phone, sent a text, then rubbed her eyes as the car continued on along the road.

Chapter Text

   When the Bentley pulled up to a parking space within the Sanctuary parking garage, Valkyrie and Skulduggery got out of the car. Gordon did too but he more so phased through the car door.

   “Ok so. You’ve got somewhere to be, right?” Skulduggery nodded. “Ok and I’ve got somewhere to be so let’s get to it. Meet up in the lobby in like, thirty minutes?” “Why in the world do you have somewhere to be? Do you really think it’s best for you to go somewhere alone at this time? What if Darquesse decided to make her escape while you two are alone?” He does have a point there, Valkyrie. Valkyrie came over to drop the Tempest into Skulduggery’s arms. “Don’t worry, I won’t be alone.” She assured, like that sounded any less suspicious.

   Hesitation.

   “Go talk with the scientist people. I’ll be fine, I promise Skulduggery.” Valkyrie gave him a winning smile and thumbs up, then turned and walked down the street. Skulduggery watched her go then shrugged, figuring Gordon would be there to watch her.

   “That girl only follows her own rules.”
   
   Skulduggery groaned and looked into his pocket and a pristine echo stone glittered back to him.
 

   “Hello Valkyrie. Must say it was a surprise to get a text from you. A pleasant surprise, to say the least.” Valkyrie looked around the shop. “Yes, well, by the time I leave, I don’t think you’ll find my surprise very pleasant.” Solomon Wreath frowned as Valkyrie ordered a small to go coffee. They sat in silence.

   “Ok, well then what is this meeting about?”

   Valkyrie frowned and crossed her arms. “I’ve got a secret I need to share with you. Now the only reason I want to share it with you is because I trust you. I also think Skulduggery doesn’t quite understand what he’s getting himself into so I need you to be there to help him if, well, if I do something… stupid.” Solomon leaned back in his chair and stared Valkyrie down.

   “What makes you think I’d ever help Skulduggery?”

   “Well I was hoping you would if I just… asked.”

   “That was a stupid assumption.”

   “Oh.”

   Solomon looked away as the waiter came over and handed Valkyrie her coffee. Valkyrie looked down at the coffee, not really wanting to hear Solomon talk poorly about Skulduggery.

   “If you really need me to watch Skulduggery, then I’ll do it. Where are you going to be though?”

   Valkyrie looked up. She smiled slightly and stood. She pulled out a wad of cash, placed it on the table, and beckoned Solomon to follow her out of the coffee shop.

   “Ok so,” Valkyrie started once they were outside and far from anyone else. “I have a secret,”

   “Yes, we’ve gotten to that already.”

   “and, because of this secret, I will be going away. Hopefully permanently.”

   Solomon stared.

   “You see, Solomon. We’ve found a new Tempest and we had China strengthen it so that it could possibly hold Darquess when we find her.”

   Nothing.

   “And uh- well Solomon. I’ve got to tell you something.”

   Solomon tilted his head.

   “Haven’t you noticed that the people who are decided to be the Death Bringer kind of turn out… not amazing?”

   “If this is about-“

   “No, no, It’s not that I’m scared I’ll become bad. It’s that-“ Valkyrie hesitated. “Solomon, I'm already bad.”

   “What?”

   “You remember what I said about the Tempest yeah? And how I said Skulduggery’s gonna do something that’s a little over his head and I, I just want him to be safe when I’m not there to help him.”

   “What are you talking about?”

   “I’m Darquesse.” Valkyrie blurted. “Darquesse is my true name and all the visions show me destroying the world and I don’t want that so I’m going to use the Tempest to trap myself so I don’t end up ending the world but Skulduggery decided that he’s going to stay there to guard me and help use his magic to keep me locked up in the Tempest but I think he’ll go crazy cause he’s going straight from detective,  guy who chases bad guys everyday to sitting around all day-“

   “Stop, you’re spiraling. Go back to that first part. You’re Darquesse?”

   Valkyrie nodded.

   “And you’re going to use the Tempest to trap yourself?”

   Valkyrie nodded again.

   “Do you know for how long?”

   Valkyrie shrugged. “Hopefully forever?”

   Solomon frowned. “Are you sure there isn’t another way?”

   Valkyrie shrugged again. “We don’t have the time for another way. I hear Darquesse in my head, everyday, and she’s only getting louder. Now please, Solomon. I need you to make me two promises. One, you don’t tell anyone this. Two, please just check in with Skulduggery every once and awhile. For me?”

   Solomon was quiet for a little while. Valkyrie frowned as her phone rang. “One sec. Hello?”

   “Valkyrie. It’s been about 45 minutes. We agreed to meet in 30?”

   Valkyrie frowned and went quiet, staring at Solomon. Solomon stared at her.

   “Valkyrie? Are you ok? Are you having second thoughts?” Skulduggery’s voice became lighter. “No, Skulduggery. We’re still going through with this. Just wanted to check in with Solomon to say goodbye.” “Oh.” “Yep. I’m on my way.” And with that, Valkyrie hung up.

   “The research facility is in the Alps. Do your research and you’ll find it. You don’t have to give me your answer but just think about it, ok?” Valkyrie wrapped her arms and didn’t let go until Solomon hugged her back. She smiled. She knew Solomon hated hugs.

   “Bye Solomon.” Valkyrie said as she stepped back and walked towards the sanctuary.

   That was sad. So, so sad. You broke poor Solomon’s heart. Going to break everyone’s heart, really, when they realize you ran away.

   “I’m not running away. I’m protecting everyone.”

   That’s not how Skulduggery sees it.

   “Yes, well we wouldn’t be surprised if Skullduggery turned out to be a little biased, hmm?”

   A moment’s hesitation. Don’t go through with this Valkyrie. You know I’m going to break out sooner or later. It’s inevitable. Oh, I wonder what Skulduggery will do when the visions continue. Wake you up? Wake us up? And while we’re in there, just know that you will be asleep but I’ll be waiting.

   Valkyrie shuddered as she walked up the steps to the Sanctuary.

   ‘Oh Valkyrie! I told you this wouldn’t work, let's find another way!’ ‘Alright Skulduggery! Let’s go off and find another way at defeating Darquesse!’ But see, at this point I’m you so… well I’ll be tricking him see? It’d be super fun. Maybe I could wait on destroying the whole world and see just how long I could pretend to be you. He’d notice at some point but, I mean, imagine if I acted as you for a whole month, half a year, maybe even a whole year! When you wake up, not saying you will but eh, you’ll be sooo devastated. Would you stop talking to Skulduggery? Man. What a moral booster am I right? Valkyrie?

   Valkyrie broke down, ran behind an out-of-the-way pillar and started crying. A few moments later, Skulduggery found her and sat next to her, not before taking off his coat and putting it on top of her. Valkyrie sniffled and leaned against him, her stomach coiling and her hands twitching nervously.

   “She just, she just says awful things. I’m sorry Skulduggery.” Valkyrie sighed and rubbed her eyes.

   “It’s okay Valkyrie. You’re attempting to save the world. It takes sacrifice.”

   Valkyrie sneaked her arms across Skulduggery and squeezed him in a hug. Skulduggery let out a grunt of surprise but then hugged her back, also squeezing, trying to get her to let go. They were then thrown into a squeezing competition, a girl with strong arms who works out every day versus a skeleton man with years of combat experience. It’s safe to say they tied, both having to get up as Valkyrie laughed at Skulduggery’s annoyance that he hadn’t immediately beaten her.

Chapter Text

   Valkyrie stared at the four new people who she’d be spending the rest of her time with.

   The first person was a man named Dunnock Damaris. He was tall with thinning hair and tiny, rectangular glasses. He, apparently, was a scientist who watched birds in his down time. He’d been working at the Sanctuary for about 120 years before volunteering for the Grandmage’s ‘classified, time consuming, job available’. 

   The next was a small, round woman named Gertrude. Why she picked the name ‘Gertrude Silvius’ was beyond Valkyrie’s knowledge. Gertrude had said she didn’t even work at the Irish Sanctuary but at the Australian Sanctuary as a secretary. She’d been briefed on what she needed to do on this job but she claimed, ‘-doesn’t matter what I’m supposed to do here really. Anything to get me out of the Secretary job.’

   Two of the six were a married couple who were in a relationship, but platonically. They were very cute together, Valkyrie decided. One was a short, thin, non-binary person who had named themself ‘Sarin Sapphire’. Valkyrie thought it was a cool name until Skulduggery explained to her what Sarin was. She was slightly afraid of them. Sarin, it turned out, worked in the war as a chemical warfare engineer. Before Valkyrie asked, Sarin assured her it was the war with Mevolent, against Mevolent. They worked in the sanctuary for only 20 years as Sarin was a newer mage, just reaching 130 years old. Sarin worked in the Sanctuary as a chemical specialist so they would be working on keeping Valkyrie slash Darquesse sedated while in the Tempest. Sarin’s lovely husband was named Cyprus Abernathy. Cyprus was a tall, burly man who was a professional baker though the bakery was recently closed for recent events. Valkyrie tried not to think about how much she was ruining all these people’s lives. 

   Valkyrie looked to Skulduggery and echo-Gordon. She nodded to herself and looked to the four before her. 

   “Nice meeting you all. Um, so. You all know why you are here. To stay with Darquesse once we have captured her and uh, to help use your magic to keep her contained. You may have noticed Skulduggery and Gordon in the room. That is because they will be joining you in keeping Darquesse contained. I guess I will be too.” Valkyrie wrung her hands and looked back to Skulduggery. “This is a soundproof room right? No microphones or anything in here?” She asked him. He tilted his head and nodded. Valkyrie took a sharp breath in.

   “Ok everyone here’s a classified secret. So, no telling. Not like you’ll have access to the outside anyway haha.” Everyone stared at her intently. “Uh ok so, You guys know how Skulduggery and I are inseparable? And he’s like, joining you guys in keeping Darquesse contained? Well that is because I’m Darquesse. So we’ll like, keep me in the box thing, for as long as possible. Haha yay,” Valkyrie’s smile fell as she watched the four before her work out what she just said. Sarin just nodded, Cyprus smiled thinly with a small thumbs up, Gertrude just looked Valkyrie up and down, and Dunnock looked nervous. 

   Skulduggery shifted slightly. “What a great first impression.”

Chapter Text

  “See you soon Skulduggery, Valkyrie,” said Ravel, shaking both their hands. Ghastly was standing there, eyeing the two. “Do you two have any idea how long tracking Darquesse will take?”

   “No clue.” 

   “Damn. Better not miss my birthday. Specifically towards Skulduggery. Valkyrie no offense but…”

   “Yeah, yeah I know my gifts suck. No need to bring it up.”

   “They aren’t that terrible, it’s just,” Ghastly looked at Valkyrie as Skulduggery started shaking his head. “a wig? Really?”

   Valkyrie turned red as Madame mist looked at her. “Shut up.” She mumbled. Erskine smiled and nearly burst out laughing. Ghastly was covering his mouth and Skulduggery kept shaking his head. 

   Once they calmed down, Skulduggery turned to them and held out his hand. Ghastly took it and they brought each other into a hug. Once they finished Skulduggery nodded to them. “This might take awhile. And if we disappear, don’t come looking for us. Probably safest not to go searching for our corpses.” 

   Ghastly frowned but Skulduggery waved him off. “Worst case scenario. Don’t think about it too much. Anyways, we are off. Can’t keep Darquesse waiting, can we?” Skulduggery looked to Valkyrie as she held up a finger.

   Valkyrie stepped up to Erskine and gave him a tight hug. He wheezed as she let go and moved to hug Ghastly. 

   Something clicked, like a light switch. Light’s on, click, off.

   “While I’m gone, I’m going to need you to make me some of the strongest armored clothes you’ve ever made before. Make it for my current size and, hmm, place the clothes in a box or something and place it behind that bush at the end of your shop. Remember, the strongest clothes you’ve ever made before.” Darquesse smiled. She pulled back and looked at Ghastly. Ghastly smiled awkwardly at Darquesse and she shrugged. Less work, killing people rather than healing yourself and killing people. “Goodbye you two, I will miss you while we’re gone. Farewell Madame Mist.” Darquesse waved her hand as she turned heel and walked out.

   Skulduggery glanced at the three. “Teenagers, am I right?” He asked, following suit. 

   Once they were outside Skulduggery placed a hand on Darquesse’s shoulder and turned her to face him. “What’d you tell Ghastly?”

   “It’s a secret.”

   “Did you tell him about Darquesse?”

   “Why would I tell him about her? It’s fine, don’t worry.”

   A pause.

   “Why are you keeping something from me? This close to your end and you’ve got something to hide?”

   Darquesse looked Skulduggery up and down and scowled. “Just cause you’re all trying to stop me doesn’t mean it’s the end.” Darquesse turned from him and kept walking off.

   Skulduggery stood there in the hall, soon after following her. 

   Darquesse grunted as Fletcher brought her into a hug. He hugged her so tightly that she quite really wanted to break all of his bones with her mind. She refrained, though, because he was needed for their little trip to the Alps.

   “You can let go now,” she said through gritted teeth. 

   “Oops, yes, sorry. Just don’t want to see you go.” Fletcher said, letting go of Darquesse. She mentally rolled her eyes as Fletcher dug something out of his pocket. He kept digging as Darquesse turned and looked out at the people she was going to spend some time with. Not long, she hoped. 

    They all seem nice to me.

    ‘Yes, well, I wouldn’t call you the best in trusting the correct people, would I?’

    …that was harsh.

    Darquesse smiled. ‘Was it?’

   “Ah hah!” Darquesse looked at Fletcher as he stood, proudly reaching a hand towards Darquesse. In his hand was a beaded, rainbow bracelet with the word ‘friend’ on it in a mix of upper and lower case letters. Darquesse took it and thought to just put it in her pocket.

    You have to act like me if you want to get by, remember?

    Darqusse grimaced to herself as she put the bracelet on. She looked at Fletcher and watched as he smiled even wider. “Wow, I didn’t, actually, y’know, think you’d put it on.”

   “Of course I would,” Darquesse shuddered internally. “I’m Valkyrie Cain, literally your first ex but now bestie. Of course I’d wear any poorly made bracelet you made me.” A slight hesitation. “What is it for though?”

   Fletcher put his hands in his pockets as he tilted his head, looking at Darquesse quizzically. “It’s a… friendship bracelet? Like for friends? Look, see I have one too!” He brought out his left hand and pulled up the hoodie sleeve to reveal another, poorly made bracelet. 

   “Wow, thanks.” 

   “It’s so that in case you die hunting Darquesse, you can spend your last moments looking down to your wrist to remember me.” 

   Darquesse stared.

    That’s so weird. Nope we don’t need that. Throw it out as soon as you can.

    Darquesse nodded, patted Fletcher on the shoulder then turned. 

   “Everyone ready?” She shouted out to the group of people. A few nods and shrugs answered her but as she turned back to Fletcher, one velvety voice answered her. 

   “Actually, Valkyrie, I would love to talk to you in private before we leave.”

   Darquesse frowned as she heard the smile in Valkyrie’s voice.

    He knows.

Chapter Text

    “Let her go.”

   “Mmmmm… no thanks.”

   “Whether you’re in control or not, we will trap you.”

   “Good. I want to be trapped. A challenge to face.”

   Skulduggery’s intense glare never left Darquesse. Darquesse smiled and shrugged. “Can’t be mad at me, can you? This situation is just like you with Vile! Lock me away out of everyone’s reach, but keep me alive in case my power is needed for some extraordinary event.”

   “This is nothing like that.”

   A smirk. “Okay.”

   A moment.

   “Let her out.”

   “Why?”

   “…”

    You should let me out actually. 

   ‘Why?’

    We don’t know how sedation works with us.

    ‘Hm?’

    What if, by staying in control of the body, you become sedated with the body and I am free to roam the consciousness. If I were in control, then maybe I’d be put out and you’d have all the time in the world to chill in our consciousness and figure out a way to escape. Or we might both be awake or asleep. Who knows.

  ‘ Who knows indeed.’

   Darquesse looked up. Turns out Skulduggery had been talking this whole time. She held up a hand and it took him a moment to notice. Skulduggery quieted and Darquesse cleared her throat. 

   “Valkyrie and I have decided that we are going to switch control. For what reason? It does not pertain to you. I will be flicking our little light switch and Valkyrie is so weak that she might just need you for balance as she takes control.” Darquesse smiled and winked. 

   “We are going to have so much fun, you and I.”

   Click

   “Ow.”

   “Well that’s what you get for slamming your head into a metal wall.”

   “I didn’t know it was metal.”

   “Still your fault.”

   Silence.

   “Why do they have-“

   “How are you?”

   “Fine. Don’t know why I slammed my head into the wall though. Jerk reaction I guess.”

   “Hm.”

   Valkyrie stared at Skulduggery as he stared back at her. She smiled weakly as he stepped up and embraced her tightly. She wrapped her arms around him and breathed, noticing the distinct feeling of Skulduggery’s padded clothing under her arms. “I’m going to miss you.”

   “Me too.”

   “Do you think Darquesse would be able to break us out?”

    I will.

    “I hope so.”

   Valkyrie pulled back. “Why would you say something like that? All she wants to do is end the world. That suddenly okay with you?”

   “It’s not okay, but it happens. But we’ll be there to stop her, just like we always have.”

   Valkyrie looked to the ground. “I love you Skulduggery.”

   “I love you too. Until the end?”

   Valkyrie smiled slightly and looked up to him. “Until the end.”

   Valkyrie scowled. The beads in her friendship bracelet kept tugging at the hairs on her wrist, quite painful for such a small thing. She looked over at Fletcher who was completely unbothered by the bracelet. Valkyrie crossed her arms as she started wandering the lab.

    You’re so tense. Loosen up a little bit Hm? We won’t be trapped for long. 

    ‘That’s what worries me.’

    Awh It’ll be alright. We can compromise later while our body’s in a coma. Unless you are unresponsive then I guess I’ll have to make all the decisions for us. Hey, do you think I could contact people in their sleep? Like how Argeddion did?

   ‘ Who would you possibly want to talk to?’ 

   Valkyrie tugged at the bracelet. She heard echo Gordon’s voice outside the room.

    I don’t know. I’m curious to see if I could contact echo Gordon. He doesn’t have a mind, but the echo stone is still a consciousness, right? Same with Lord Vile. I know Skulduggery’s mind can’t be read, but I’m sure after years of practice, we could mess with something in that perfect little skull of his.

    ‘…Why would you want to talk to Lord Vile?’

    Ah, just exercising my options. I could force us awake. Perhaps call on Lord Vile to kill everyone here and then wake us. I don’t know yet, I’m still thinking on our grand entrance from the middle of the room.

    ‘Please no.’

   “Oh.”

   Valkyrie turned and watched as Gertrude walked in. She smiled awkwardly, but the smile fell as Gertrude just stared at her. “So you’re Darquesse hm?”

   “Well, a part of me, yeah.”

   Gertrude nodded. “Shame you’re doing this. So young, throwing your life away. Oh well. Necessary sacrifice. Appreciate what you’re doing young lady.”

   Valkyrie smiled genuinely. “Thank you.”

   Gertrude just ‘hmpf’ed and nodded. She looked around the room, nodded again, and then left.

    What a weird woman.

    ‘Agreed.’

   “Intense, isn’t it?”

   “What is?”

   “The thought of losing your partner.”

   Skulduggery was silent. 

   “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost Cyprus. I thought I did, one time, but he just got lost in the hotel.” Sarin smiled and looked over to Skulduggery. They’d found him sitting on the staircase and decided to join him. Loneliness, Sarin decided, was the worst possible thing for a person.

   “Hey, it could be worse, right? Like, dying for one. Dying would be worse. Or killing the planet. That’d be pretty bad too eh? Imagine how bad she would feel if she came from Darquesse’s possession and saw what she’d done.”

   Skulduggery didn’t say anything.

   “I mean, even smaller things would still be worse. Like, what if she turned into a harpy? That would be pretty nasty. Keep attacking you… ‘d probably ruin your relationship. You know wh-“

   “You aren’t helping, Sarin.”

   “Oh. Yeah sorry. Being a chemical engineer is actually quite lonely. I’ve lost my social touch.”

   Silence.

   “Awh I wish I could help you man but I don’t know how.”

   “I can’t be helped, Sarin; few can. It comes with being a skeleton.”

   “Ah but I bet Valkyrie Cain could, right? She’s one of the few who can and you’re losing her. At least she’ll still be here. Her body at least. I could see about making her induced coma lighter some days? Risky but she could possibly hear you then.”

   Skulduggery didn’t say anything. He just stood up, clapped Sarin on the back, and walked off. Sarin frowned but nodded. He really was never good at consoling people.

Chapter Text

“Ready?”

   Valkyrie grimaced and looked around the room. Dunnock was staring outside a glass window, clearly disappointed in the lack of birds.

    Seriously though, what did he expect?

    Gertrude was sitting in a chair by one of the doorways leading into this room. She’d found herself a cup of tea and was occasionally sipping from the cup. Cyprus was gone, Valkyrie remembers Sarin saying something about Cyprus running off to go bake something. Echo Gordon is to the left of Valkyrie and Skulduggery is behind her right shoulder. His left hand is on her shoulder while the other is firmly clasped in hers. She looked ahead at Sarin who smiled softly and came forward. A pole was next to them, bags filled with liquid hanging from bars that stuck out all along the pole. Valkyrie nodded to them as they wiped the inside of her elbow. She looked up to Gordon then moved her gaze to Skulduggery. She smiled softly, he brought his head down to hers, placing his forehead against Valkyrie’s. 

   “Be brave.”

   Valkyrie nodded. She nodded again when Skulduggery pulled his head back. 

   “Let’s get this over with.”

   Sarin nodded and smiled. They put the needle on Valkyrie’s arm and opened the flow. “Thank you,” they said.

    Darquesse smiled to herself. Any minute now Valkyrie would be sedated, ready for Darquesse to take over. If Valkyrie was right, that is. Darquesse sighed and crossed her arms behind her head. She closed her eyes and started humming a tune. 

   Darquesse.

    She opened her eyes and frowned. ‘What?’ She asked.

    Issue. One of the abominable snow monster things broke in. Help me.

    ‘Your eyes are closed. I can’t see anything. Open your eyes.’

    Can’t.

    ‘Why not?!?’

   My eyes got gouged out. Do you not feel the pain?

    Darquesse huffed loudly. ‘Fine! Fine. But don’t get mad at me when I decide to break the world while I’m out there.’

   Click.

   Bright lights flooded Darquesse’s eyes. She growled and firstly focused on healing her body. She frowned. Nothing to be healed. She frowned again, realizing that she saw bright lights just earlier. She opened her eyes to a frowning Sarin. Darquesse tried to get up but noticed restraints on her ankles. She shook her arms but looked over to Skulduggery keeping her arms still. Darquesse roared as she tried to shoot energy towards him but stopped suddenly. 

   She looked around as everything went fuzzy. Darquesse shook her head but groaned when it just gave her a headache. 

   “She’s fighting it. Up the dosage,” she heard, so far away. She growled again and gripped the arms of the chair. She tried to push herself up again but Skulduggery pulled her back down into the seat. “I will kill you all!” She snarled, but couldn’t help but feel it really wasn’t all that intimating. 

    Hah. See? I can have my own secret plans too, you know.

    ‘Shut up.’

   “AGH.” Darquesse screamed.

   Click.

   No. 

   The switch broke.

   “…Darquesse? Valkyrie?” Skulduggery’s voice dripped with worry. Echo Gordon looked up. Skulduggery was shaking the body slightly. He reached and felt for a pulse; he relaxed, just slightly. “What happened?” He asked Sarin.

   Sarin shrugged. “It looks like she fainted. Not too uncommon, but seeing as how Darquesse is some undefeatable god, I am slightly curious as to what happened.” Sarin came over and checked her pulse, took out a light and checked her eyes, snapped to test her hearing, and continued doing small tasks on checking Valkyrie’s condition. “Well Skulduggery, it would appear Valkyrie has been put into a coma. So… mission accomplished.”

   Sarin smiled softly. Gertrude nodded and walked out. Dunnock sniffed, but kept sitting, watching the group in the middle of the room.

   Skulduggery finally moved after minutes of stillness and gently lifted Valkyrie into his arms, carrying her bridal style. Sarin promptly followed, wheeling behind the pole. Everyone near was silent as he walked her vacant body from this room to the next over, placing the body on a small cot next to the Tempest. Sarin left the room quietly. “Well, I guess I’ll go first then.” Announced Skulduggery to an empty room aside for the quiet echo Gordon. “No, I believe I should go first, in case something goes awry. You can at least run out of the room.” 

   “…Fair point.” Skulduggery leaned over and clicked a few buttons on the machine that was connected to the Tempest. A panel the length of a tissue box slowly came from the machine. On this panel was an indent for the echo stone. “Well, wish me luck Skulduggery.”

   Skulduggery nodded and took the echo stone out of the cradle and onto the panel. “See you soon Gordon.” He said. The machine whirred and Skulduggery watched as Valkyrie’s body lifted up and slowly came over the Tempest. A cube of energy slowly built itself around her and Skulduggery watched as the cube completed itself, shining a flash of light for a second. The lights of the lab dimmed for a second, but came back and Skulduggery nodded to himself. He pulled up a chair, sat, and watched Valkyrie.

Chapter Text

Good going genius. Now we’re stuck here; the both of us, stuck in each other's company for who knows how long. 

   Well I’m sorry for trying to save the world from my evil half.

   That doesn’t make it ok to trap me here. Like, for real, what were you thinking? Are we just going to be stuck here for eternity? Are you so selfish enough that you’re going to make Skulduggery just sit there until his bones turn to dust? What a great friend you are.

   …

   God, your consciousness is so small, no wonder you can’t make up an actual good plan. Well cheers Valkyrie. A toast to you and your stupidity.

   *clink*

   Oh look at that, I can summon whatever I want here. That’s cool. Oh well. I better get to work planning my way to escape. If you ever get too incredibly alone or bored, don’t come crying to me. See ya Valkyrie~

-

   “Hello?”

   Gordon?

   “Valkyrie?”

   Yes, It’s me Gordon! Are you using the crystal to power the Tempest right now?

   “Yes, I am. Where has Darquesse gone?”

   Off to make her own evil schemes. We’ll be fine though.

   “Alright, good. How are you? I know it’s only been about 20 minutes but I do realize this is a drastic change of pace for you.”

   20 minutes? That’s it? Wow. This might be harder than I thought. Well, it’s cool that I can talk to you at least, won't go insane too fast if I can talk to you on a regular basis, right?

   “You won’t go insane, Valkyrie, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

   …

    “…”

   “This is crazy, I’ve actually helped save the world. Hah, maybe you and Skulduggery should have found me earlier to involve me in more cases. Wouldn’t that have been fun?”

   Heh, yeah.

   Oh hey Gordon! Can I tell you something?

   No do-

   “Sure, Valkyrie, what do you need?”

   Are you the only one operating the Tempest as of right now? I know you said Skulduggery was just outside but, you’re the only one contributing power, right?

   “Um, yes, why?”

   Just curious.

   “…”

   …

   * Shuffle*

   “Valkyrie?”

   “Uh hello?”

    *Crack*

   Get out Gordon, she’s trying to take over-

   “What?”

   Gordon, don’t you want to stay with me? Let me out Gordon, I’m scared. I don’t like it here, you know how claustrophobic I am. It’s so tight in here.

   “Valkyrie- I-“

   *Crackle*

   Get out Gordon!

   “…ok.”

-

   Skulduggery lifted his head at the sound of a crack. He looked to the Echo Stone and jumped to watch a small crack appear upon its surface. ‘Oh no’ was all he could think. Hardly any time passes as another crack appears, splintering off from the original line. A moment passes and the Tempest whines as Gordon appeared out of thin air, panting. 

   “They’re both in there Skulduggery, trapped together. They sounded the same and I, I couldn’t tell them apart at first.”

   “Wait, you could talk to her? You spoke to Valkyrie? Is she okay? Did you see her, was there anything else there?”

   “No. Only darkness, I could only hear her. It was very similar to being in the Echo Stone when no one's there. She was slightly worried of going insane but I told.. her…. Uhh…”

   “Gordon?”

   Echo Gordon shook his head. “Sorry, I just, lost my train of thought. But uhm, oh yes, I told her you were here to watch her and that she’d be fine. And then Darquesse came and spooked us all.”

   Skulduggery shifted, a hand raised to his face. “What did Darquesse do?” He asked, a socket just visible through his gloved fingers.

   “She just, well, chased me off essentially. It doesn’t make too much sense yet that’s what shedid. Why do you think she would do that?”

   Skulduggery shrugged and remained silent. After a moment he looked up and pointed to the cracked stone.

   “Oh.”

-

   I miss him

   Already? It's been, what, 30 minutes? And you miss your little Skeleton already. How sad.

   You don’t have any friends. You wouldn’t understand the feeling of losing a friendship.

   Eh, you’re right.

   *plop*

   Let’s just rest Valkyrie. We both deserve a break. You’ve been saving the world, I’ve been trying to understand it. We just need a break from it all. Let’s just take a nice, long nap. We’ve deserved it.

   Ok but stay away from me.

   Your wish is my command. I’ll be a little genie.

    *ting*

   See? I’ve got a little genie lamp. Well. We can’t see, can we. Can you see? I can’t. 

   No

   Man, what a bummer. Good night Valkyrie. Perhaps once we wake we’ll have the energy to make progress. Good night, Valkyrie.

   … Goodnight Skulduggery

   You do realize I can hear that right? We are literally in your consciousness, you can’t say anything without practically saying it outloud, moron.

   Sigh

-

   “Good night Valkyrie.”