A PLEASANT HALLOWEEN

Disclaimer: We do not own Skullduggery Pleasant, Derek Landy does (lucky man), Ruby Rhaspados belongs to me and Garnet Rhaspados belongs to Garnet Redverne. (Rhaspodos is the surname of Genesis from FF VII: Crisis Core)

Chapter 1 Party Preparations: Part A Valkyrie's POV

"Perfect", I said looking in my full length mirror at my outfit. "Not a thread out of place." My costume was officially amazing. It consisted of a floor length blood red gown with a black corset; the skirt of which was covered in a shear black lace which matched to fingerless gloves I wore. The dress itself was strapless so I was a bit conscious at first but when I put it on that all vanished. It looked great on me and fit perfectly. Ghastly really was amazing, he made it for me without anyone knowing. The whole thing was torn tastefully (I was a vampire after all).

I had spent the last half hour curling my hair so it now hung in ringlets, most of which had been pulled back into a scruffy bun leaving a few ringlets to frame my face which was artfully covered in a very pale foundation to give my skin an almost translucent pour less quality usually found among vampires.

"Now only make-up left". I said as I reached for my make-up box (my mum had taken me shopping a while ago and ended up getting my a load of make-up even though I said I'd never use it) and pulled out a thick black eyeliner and applied it carefully before moving onto my eyeshadow, again black. When I finished the eyes with mascara I got out my one lipstick, a deep red and put some on before slipping it into the small black bag I got to go with the dress.

Before leaving my room to go to Skulduggery's house where we were supposed to meet for the party, I slipped on a pair of short black heeled ankle boots to complete the look. I checked my bag for my phone and fangs (I wasn't putting them in till we were at the Sanctuary as they had a tendency to fall out if I wore them for too long).

I quietly walked down the stairs and tried to sneak out the door past my parents but got caught when the door creaked. My mum got up and came out into the hall.

"Stephanie, where are you going? And what are you wearing?" she asked.

"Um, to a Halloween party at a friend's house. And this is my costume. I'm going as a vampire." I said quickly trying to get away.

"Well then, turn around so I can see you"

I turned around slowly waiting for her to have a go about my outfit. But to my surprise she said, "Oh! You look great! You look quite pretty too."

"Seriously?" I exclaimed a bit in shock.

"Yes. Now go, you don't want to be late to the party. Just make sure you come back at a reasonable hour. Ok Steph?"

"Yes mum." I hurried out of the house grabbing my black cloak of the coat hook to cover my bare arms and the dress as I got a taxi to Skulduggery's.

The driver looked at me strangely as I got in, but as soon as I said party he nodded and started driving. In less than 20 minutes we were at the end of Skulduggery's road and I paid the man, got out and pulled my cloak around my shoulders more tightly against the cold. I wouldn't have to worry about it later; the Sanctuary building was always warm even if it was in Roarhaven now.

I reached the house and knocked on the door, humming to myself as I waited for Skulduggery to answer.