Introductions to the Shapeshifter Characters now, just in case any of you are unaware of who they are. As Always, enjoy, and do feel free to express your thoughts or opinions in a review.
After the newcomers had calmed down enough, from the surprise of a living, talking skeleton, to string together a proper sentence, between them at any rate, Skulduggery and Valkyrie introduced themselves, as did Tom and Lucy. Anna, Alex, Volley and the two Rippers stood silently in the background, trying to remain anonymous. Fletcher arrived just before the newcomers introduced themselves, giving them all a fright. After they were calmed down once again, they introduced themselves one by one.
Tom checked them against their files, and noted their powers too. The boy with tufty blond hair and without glasses was called Gideon, and his twin with glasses was Luke. Gideon introduced Luke, and when asked why Luke didn't introduce himself, explained that Luke was mute. They were both telekinetic. A boy who seemed to have a fondness for food introduced himself as Barry. Barry had short, dark hair and grey eyes. Tom noted that Barry was able to turn himself invisible, but adenoids in his nose meant that he could often be detected by a slight whistling noise when he breathed. A short boy next to him, wearing what looked like a stab and bullet proof vest and a pair of slightly battered glasses introduced himself as Clive. Tom was surprised to find that in Clive's file it said he had no supernatural abilities, he was just incredibly intelligent. The girl who had what Gideon called "The Mia effect" was, of course, Mia. She could heal most wounds, apparently, although up until the past couple of years it had taken a lot of her own energy. There was a boy with ginger hair standing protectively near Mia, called Spencer, although he asked them to call him Spook. Spook was an illusionist, able to make people see things that weren't there, and to some extent disguise things that were there. Next came Lisa, a blond, stressed looking girl who had the power to read weak minds and control them, find lost things and speak to dead people. She also had a slight power of foresight, able to see a few minutes into the future. Last of the kids to introduce himself was a boy named Dax. He seemed to be the one that most of the others looked to as leader, because he'd been in the lead when Gideon and Luke were carrying one of the men. Tom was surprised to see that Dax was a shapeshifter. A fox was Dax's preferred animal form, but he could also shift into a peregrine falcon and an otter.
The man who had been injured until Mia worked her magic, was called Owen. Ex-army, Owen was a man of immense courage, one who could always be trusted to do the right thing for those around him, with very little thought for himself. The other adult was only in his twenties. He was telekinetic, although he had got his powers in a different way to the children. His name was Tyrone.
Owen reached out to shake Skulduggery's hand. "If you came here for the same reason we did, we'll probably end up working together."
Skulduggery shook Owen's hand. "I don't like the thought of putting kids in danger."
Owen glanced at Valkyrie. Valkyrie smiled. "I've been training for years with Skulduggery. I've killed beings with power equal to that of gods. I don't really think I can be called a kid."
Owen looked impressed, as did the eight kids who were straining their ears to hear the conversation. "Be that as it may, Miss… Cain? Be that as it may, these kids aren't exactly new to fights either. I think we'll manage."
Skulduggery sighed. "If you insist, Mr Hind."
Owen smiled. "I do, Mr Pleasant."
Anna stepped forward at this point, removing her helmet. "We have wasted enough time. I am glad we have made some allies, but now we must follow Mr Dispel's leads."
Volley stepped forward too. "I'm flattered that you all came here to rescue me. I think I know what you want to know. The small cult that wants to bring back Mevolent's two elite forces is based in Russia. They've been training new members for over eighty years. Most of them are Disk Throwers. Similar to my archery magic, disk throwing magic provides the user with an unlimited amount of razor edged disks to throw at their enemies. There are some 'Natural' sorcerers too. Similar to your Teleporter here, or your Siren, long time since I've heard one of them, 'Natural' Sorcerers are Sorcerers who have natural abilities, abilities that can't be trained in. One I have heard of is a man who can replicate himself with a snap of his fingers. Another who can shift out of reality for a short time, allowing him to 'ghost' through walls. But I do not know where their base is, because Russia is a big place. If we travel to Russia, I have leads we can follow, after we have obtained the Russian Sanctuary's permission to operate."
Skulduggery had a whispered conversation with Fletcher and Owen, before coming back to Valkyrie. "Me and Fletcher will take the Bentley back to my house, before collecting a few things and traveling a bit in Russia until we find a place to live for a bit. I want you to travel with Owen and his group of kids. They're going to stop off at your house, just so you can check on your reflection, before heading on to England. We've arranged a place to meet in a few days, and we'll head to Russia and get to work."
Valkyrie nodded. "What are you going to collect?"
"The case. That's something I need to talk to you about. We have to completely trust these people. We will not be able to defeat the army that has been raised without both Vile and Darquess. So from now on, if they ask about a secret weapon, or a plan, tell them. There is no point keeping it secret. I'd hoped that just you and I would have been able to face this, but we've got too many allies. And don't worry, Fletcher will be long gone." Skulduggery put a hand on her shoulder. "Understood?"
Valkyrie nodded. "See you in a few days?"
Skulduggery nodded too. "See you in a few days." He confirmed.
