Valkyrie broke the surface of the salty seawater, coming out about a foot then sunk back down. Her head bobbed just over the waves. She cursed and dived back in.
She had been trying for hours without succeeding. Her muscles ached and her head throbbed, but she was determined.
The water begun to sway with her as she connected her surroundings. She focused for a moment longer then forced her arms down and shot out the water once more. But she still didn't succeed.
The waves hit her face and she spat. Cold air rushed past, making her skin burn. She hadn't realized how long shed been out there. It was bright and warm when she had first started. Now it was quickly becoming dark and a bad storm was approaching.
The waves were hitting Valkyrie much harder now. She kicked violently at the water trying hard to stay above the surface. Then it started raining.
Valkyrie kicked back and swerved, retreating to shore. She could feel herself being pulled back into the sea and away from the beach. She cried out as a large wave crashed over her head.
Water moved swiftly above Valkyrie, keeping her under. This really didn't turn out the way she had planed. She gathered all her strength and once again burst out of the surface. Valkyrie gulped in air and quickly swam forward.
The rain hit her face and her vision became blurry for a moment. When her sight was back she looked out at the beach and spotted a tall, skinny man. Skulduggery Pleasant.
His scarf blew back with the wind, flipping around gracefully. Raindrops pelted his coat and hat as he stood on the rocks.
"What are you doing out there?" he called.
"Um… Swimming," She called back finally reaching the shore.
"In this weather? You're going to catch a bloody cold."
"It wasn't like this earlier." Valkyrie climbed up onto the beach, dripping wet and shaking. Why did she choose today to wear a bikini?
"How long have you been out there?" Skulduggery asked, walking towards her.
"I don't know. A few hours," Valkyrie said, teeth clenched. She shivered and wrapped her arms around her chest. It was extremely cold out and the rain wasn't helping one bit.
A wet pile of cloths sat on a rock next to her. Grate, she thought.
"Those yours?" Skulduggery pointed to the pile. "Apparently so," Valkyrie mumbled and picked them up with one arm, then slipped her feet into her sandals. They were uncomfortably wet.
"Valkyrie. What am I going to do with you?" Skulduggery shook his head.
"Give me a ride home?" Valkyrie said hopefully. Her teeth chattered violently.
"Here," Skulduggery shrugged off his coat and dropped it over her shoulders. Valkyrie smiled brightly, happy to have something dry on, and tugged it closer. It was surprisingly warm.
"Now, what were you doing out here?" Skulduggery asked once more, leading Valkyrie to the Bentley.
"I was trying to walk on water. Like you did."
"And how did that work out for you"
"Not very well…" she admitted.
Skulduggery got into the Bentley and Valkyrie followed.
"What were you thinking?" he reached over and let the water on her skin rise up and drop outside the door before she shut it.
"That I'd be as grate and cleaver as you one day?" Valkyrie said innocently and smiled. Skulduggery silted his head and seemed to smile back, but it was hard to tell.
"Charming."
"See? I'm already half way there."