m/watch?v=lUjWJSnGVB0, Thats the music. I did EVENTUALLY find something better than the last tune. Once you open it, You'll know it.
Valkyrie picked up her dress from the lamp that the hanger had been resting on. Skulduggery had recovered from attacking her, But he was still shaken. He seemed all drifty yet slightly jumpy when she called his name. But she wasn't surprised. The Skulduggery from the future wouldn't speak when he hurt her.
Valkyrie sighed and shook the thoughts from her head. She didn't need to think of that. God. She hoped she could get back to HER world soon. She made it a rule that she wasn't going to miss the ball, But she didn't want to stay any longer. She was hurting Skulduggery from the future to much and she was changing who he was. She didn't wan't to do anymore damage. So as soon as she saw her, She made it a rule to go and speak to her.
She looked towards the door Skulduggery had disapeared into to get changed. She had a idea of what he was wearing, But he might have changed it. Just to keep the girl on her toes. She really hoped his mood would lighten by the Ball. She didn't want to end up dragging him across the dancefloor and she really didn't want him to be going mental in the middle of the room and start screaming. The other Skulduggery screamed loudly when he was mad once...Because she had spilt paint on the Bentley...It was funny.
"I'm just going to Rocket and Cryptics room!" She called to him. "Because i can't trust you not to take a sneeky peek at what i am wearing!"
Skulduggery's laugh came from inside the bathroom and a splash of water. Probably from the bath. "I wouldn't do that!"
"Liar! I'm going anyway! I can't trust you!"
"You're lovely you are!" He called just as she walked out of the room. Once she closed the door she took a deap breath and closed her eyes. Not wanting to relax to much or she might drop her Perfume, Hair brush, Dress, Body spray, Tiara and necklass that came with the dress and hair grips. Thin hair bands lined her arms and she walked speedily to Rocket and Cryptic's room. As soon as she got there and was about to open the door, A voice from behind her called-
"Valkyrie!"
Just who i'm looking for.
"Hey Amelia.." Valkyrie trailed.
"We're going...We're going to head back after the ball. So..."
Valkyrie felt like a kid who only had a few more precious moments left in the play ground. Disapointed. "Oh..."
"I'm sorry. But this is the longest we can stay-" She bagan, But was cut off.
"Its okay." Valkyrie said. "I understand. I wouldn't mind going back. As much as i like it here, I preffer there."
"Good. Well after the Ball, We're going back."
"Okay then..." Valkyrie said and turned to the door. Realising that she had no hands free and Amelia laughed, Opening the door for her and Valkyrie murmured a small thanks before she wandered into the room. It was full of girls running around for stuff. But all stopped dead when they saw Valkyrie.
"EMERGENCY!" One yelled. "BABY DOLL HAS ENTERED THE ROOM."
"Who are you?" Valkyrie asked. Staring at her puzzled.
"I'm Champagne Lightning. We were told to make you look your best by Mrs Luan."
"You mean-"
"Me." Said a voice and they turned to see Skulduggery's mother wander up. Her golden hair glittered with little strings of glitter and soft golden dress hung around her frame. It was strapless and beautiful with the glitter that decorated the chest. The skirt flared out around her legs and trailed slightly, Making her look more elegant and beautiful than she was. Her glistening eyes shone in the light and the crystal flowers in her hair glittered like her eyes. "You my dear, Must be thankful that i am here. I snuck out of my room with the baby, Who is now getting fused about by the girls over there." She said indicating to the girls who were craddleing the little thing in they're arms.
"But she's so beautiful." One of them said, Wrapped up in towels.
"She gets that from her mother." Said another.
"I'm afraid i'm not the prettiest of people. Look at all you beautiful young ladies-" She said. tilting the chins of some of the girls in the room. Admiring their beauty. "-All of you are most definitely going to find a perfect husband and I will make sure of that." She grinned and the girls cheered.
"NOW!" She yelled. "I'M GOING TO DRESS BABY DOLL FOR THIS BALL! WHO'S WITH ME?" She roared and the girls cheered again.
xXx - A hour or so later.
Valkyrie watched the woman infront of her as she adgusted her FULL fringe. She had given her a fringe like that saying it helped the loose, drapped look that her fringe used to have because it had out grown itself. So she had cut it and brought the rest of her thick locks of hair around her front so they hung loosly down her chest. She had pumped up the sides by her head to give it a thicker look and gently placed the tiara on the top of her head. She looked simple yet amazing. Just the look she was going for.
"There, Thats your hair done. Now. Go and slide the dress on from the bottom up. Do not mess up my work of art." Skulduggery's mother told her sternly and Valkyrie picked up the dress, Still under its cloth and walked into the bathroom. Thankful there wasn't a que.
She shrugged off the towel that she had wrapped around herself and put on the dress. As usual, The cream skirt flared out around her legs, Giving it shape but not to much. The golden split in the middle seemed to be more beautiful than before. Valkyrie adjusted the rope like straps on her shoulders so it held the dress up.
"Rocket! Can you do this corset for me!" She yelled and there were footsteps and a knock on the door. Valkyrie said it was okay to come in and Rocket opened the door. She walked up behind Valkyrie and took hold of the straps, Pulling them tight. But loose enough for her to breath.
"I want to see you get kissed, Baby Doll" She smirked over her shoulder as Valkyrie stared at her reflection.
"I don't know. I might have scared him off."
Rocket laughed. "Nah, I think he's been looking forward to tonight. Knowing that he has got the most gorgeous girl on his arm and the most handsome looks for himself. He's going to pick the right moment."
Valkyrie smirked. "Is there something i don't know about this thing?"
"Do you know there is a catwalk thingy at the begining? You walk down this red carpet and either side of you, There are BOYS EVERYWHERE. Halfway down though, The boy that has chosen you will walk out and take your arm. And we all know who yours is."
"Stop going on about that." Valkyrie said, Dropping her head.
"Come on. He kisses you, Kiss him back. He hugs you, Hug him back. If he says something offencive, Slap him."
Valkyrie laughed. "I'll be sure to remember that, Rocket."
"Good girl. You're done by the way- No. Wait a minute. Turn." She said, Guiding Valkyrie into a spin that sprayed the dress out.
"YEAH BABY YEAH!" She yelled and ran out of the bathroom. Valkyrie slipped on her heels, Knowing what was going to happen now. She heard Rocket silence everyone and call out her name. So she walked into the room. And everyone stared.
She had never felt so awkward in her life. "Uh...Ta-Da?" She said and everyone laughed.
"You look so-" Began someone but was cut off by someone else.
"BOYS HEADING TOWARDS THIS ROOM. ONE OF THEM IS DRESSES VEEERRRRYYYY NICELY AND HIS NAME IS SKULDUGGERY FREAKIN' PLEASANT!" The girl yelled and Valkyrie dived for the bathroom door. Slamming it and remembering the time at the dress shop.
There was a knock and Skulduggery asked for entry, The girls agreed, But the ones in their dresses and run and hid.
"Mum?...What are you doing in here?" Skulduggery asked. Sounding like he had been caught red handed.
"I'm helping Baby Doll get ready, What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I wanted to talk to her."
"Why?"
"Uh..."
"Why, Skulduggery?" She asked suspiciously.
"Because...Well..."
"Did something happen?"
"No! I just...Had a fit...Again."
"Oh GOD." His mother said and face palmed. "You had another fit? What did you do?"
"I, Uh...Attempted to strangle her- But mum i SWEAR on my own life it was not intentional." He added at his mothers horrified expression.
"I know that happened...Before but...You've not got to loose your rag because someone asulted the girl you cared about. Again." She stated and girls cheered.
"Shut up. There are a load of screaming girls in this room all dieing to hear gossip."
"But there is another in the bathroom..."
"WHAT?"
"No problem son."
"YOU-"
"Don't insult your mother!" Came Valkyrie's yell and Skulduggery glared at the door.
"I shall!"
"Because she stated the obvious?"
"I. Hate. You."
"No way to treat a lady!"
"You're not a lady."
"Then why did you call me a lady?"
"You're not one now."
"I'm in a dress"
"...Oh."
"Yes."
"Does that mean you'll be coming out of there to talk to me?"
"No. You'll have to walk up to the door and talk to me that way. If you attempt to open the door, I will kill you."
"Alright love, Keep your hair on." He muttered and walked up to the door. "Um...Will you still dance with me after-"
"You stupid prick." She interupted. "Of course i'm dancing with you. You'll have a major breakdown if i don't."
"True actually. Dads begged me to do a dance with you infront of the whole school by the way." He said and she could hear him laughing.
"I'll do that. Just aslong as you surprise me."
"I will."
"Good" She said and girled sniggered from all over the room.
"Is this your Locket?" Came Skulduggery's voice and jingle of the chain.
Damn.
"Uh...Yeah...Why?"
"Do you want me to help you put it on?"
"Keep it in your pocket." She grinned. "Put it on me when we get into the hall."
"Damn it." He said and slipped it into his pocket. "I wanted to trick you into coming out of there."
"Oh i am staying right were i am."
"In that case i'll leave you."
"Good."
"You're a lovely person."
"So are you."
"I was being sarcastic."
"So was I."
"...Oh." He paused.
She laughed. "What was you expecting me to say?"
"That you were telling the truth."
"I wasn't."
"Then i shall leave you, You need to get on with your prancying around in your pixie dress, So i shall see you later. Baby Doll."
"See you later, Skulduggery" She said and once he had left the room and Valkyrie had heard the door close, They all stepped out of their hiding places.
"Damn it all to hell" She cursed.
Rocket laughed. "I love the way he keeps on walking in on you."
Valkyrie glared. "Don't remind me."
"That one were you were half naked in the bathroom was the best."
"Shut. Up."
"But..." Cryptic said. Her head tilted to the side. "Did he really try and strangle you?"
"Yeah but...I think his anger overwhelmed him. Because his eyes were black."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"It has." Came Skulduggery's mothers voice. "But its no reason for you not to trust him. He's the same Skulduggery. But just don't meddle with his temper at the moment."
"Then why did he go for Baby Doll?"
"Because she was the only one that was there for him to let his anger out on. Usually...Usually my husband would fight him for hours to just pin him down. He's just so...Angry."
"Mr Luan would have to fight him?" The girl that Skulduggery's father had named Miss Lilith said. A dark red silk dress with black decorations flowing around her tiny frame.
"Yes. And he would come off worse. That is why sometimes he wouldn't be there in the mornings. He would be coughing up blood sometimes. But Skulduggery has seemed to calm down a little now."
"A little?" Rocket asked.
"He used to have fits every night like it. Thats why we can't have him in the boys dorm. But it is in no way intentional. Its like his subcontious used to take him over at night...I suffered a misscarage from it-" Hands flew over mouths at her words. "-But there is no reason to treat him diffrently. He won't hurt Valkyrie. Its just another side to him thats filled with anger. My father was just the same."
"Who was your father, Mrs?" Another asked.
"A horrible man. Always beat the hell out of me. He knocked on mine and Madalim's door when Skulduggery was 2 years old. Madalim and my father got into a fight, He got knocked out and my father chased me, Skulduggery and Charles...It wasn't the best of experiences, I must say."
"I know what you mean Mrs." Valkyrie said and people looked at her.
"I was at my dead uncles house, I was sleeping there for the night and then...This man burst in. He tried to kill me and take one of my uncles things. But a man broke into the house and saved me. That was when i found out about magic."
"You were born into a mortal family?"
"No. Yes. Its complicated."
"So Miss Jones isn't your mother?"
"No...My real mother left me when i was a baby." She lied.
"I'm sorry." His mother said, Giving her simpathy.
"Don't worry about it. I looked after myself well, Didn't i?"
"Of course you did!" She smiled cheerfully, But Valkyrie could see the hurt in her eyes. So she changed the subject.
"I'm going to do my nails-" She said and turned but the girl who had greated her when she came in ran up. Champagne Lightning. She had navy blue hair that had lighter streaks in the fringe that fell over one eye. It was slightly curled and bounced on the shoulders of a black dress with a lacy corset. "I'll do that for you!"
"Uh...I can do it myself...Thanks..."
"Everyone is getting her to do their nails, Baby Doll" Rocket sighed and Valkyrie rolled her eyes.
"Fine!" She said and Champagne led her over to a leather sofa that was neatly tucked up against a wall and she sat. Champagne began her work and attempted to make a conversation.
"Is...Is Eskrine Ravel going with someone?" She asked and Valkyrie felt a pang of guild rise in her throat.
"Uh..." She said. Glancing at Rocket. "I don't know. Sorry."
"No its okay. How are you after that incident with Charlotte?"
"I'm fine. God, People worry to much."
"We care."
"I know. But...It gets annoying after a while."
"So you're saying you can take care of yourself?"
"Yes."
"What if someone overpowers you in a dark ally-way? What will you do then?"
Valkyrie was silent.
"Trust me. No one is invincible. So take my advice and keep people by you."
"I know i just-"
"Don't worry. Just don't go wandering down dark ally-ways on your own."
"I won't"
"Good. I don't think Skulduggery would be able to keep his mind in one peice if that happened."
"He probably wouldn't."
Champagne laughed. "You know...I heard your's and Miss Jones' conversation earlier."
Valkyrie's face dropped and Champagne laughed at her expression. "Don't worry, I ain't told anyone. Thats your job."
"Thankyou"
"No problem. I'm done by the way."
"Thankyou again." Valkyrie smiled and Champagne stood, But Skulduggery's mother was walking towards them with Rocket, Cryptic and Emerald. Who was wearing a dress that matched her eyes and black butterfly clips in her hair. Skulduggery's mother was Telling them that she wanted a picture."Now girls. You'll have to keep still for Anna here. But only for a few minutes"
Valkyrie put her hands together on her lap and Rocket put her arm on the rest of the sofa, Balancing her head on her fingers. Champagne put her elbow behind Valkyrie's head and rested her chin on her hand. Cryptic balanced her self on the arm of the sofa next to Valkyrie whilst Emerald put her back to the sofa. She had her hands placed down on the top of it and was looking over her shoulder at them. Whilst Skulduggery's mother was looming over Rocket. Like her daughter, She had both hands fimly placed down on the sofa and they all looked at the girl infront of them. The one that had been named Emily.
"Right, This won't take long." She smiled and a golden glitter swirled around the canvas infront of her.
xXx
Valkyrie looked at Champagne, Rocket, Cryptic and Emerald who were stood with her. Waiting to walk up that fancy cat walk. She knew she would probably trip up or walk stupidly. But she didn't really care. Just aslong as Skulduggery came out to meet her or she would feel rejected- WAIT. When had that come into everything? Yes. Valkyrie did like Skulduggery, As a friend. But she was loosing the battle to not make him a lover. Well. That battle had ended long ago.
"You nervious Baby?" Emerald teased and Valkyrie grinned.
"Duh!" She she grinned.
Silence rippled through them and one at a time, They all strolled out down the carpet with their dresses swaying. Emerald was taken by a boy Valkyrie had ran into in art class, Dark hair and they were the same height. Champagne was taken by a boy called Zac who loomed over her and had black hair with bright purple eyes. Rocket was of course taken by Ravel, Making the little girl blush. And Cryptic was taken by someone she didn't know, But before she could as who that tall, long dark haired figure was, Skulduggery's mother chirped- "Thats Charles. He's a splitting image of his father!"
Valkyrie turned and smiled. "I know. The hair gives the hint."
"Oh gosh, I'm keeping you from going. GO ON!" She cursed and shoved Valkyrie to the door. The girl adjusted herself before taking her steps on the carpet. Eyes fell on her and wolf whistles were heard. She looked towards them as music filled her ears from the ball room and smirked. But when she caught the eye of the boy walking towards her, Her mouth almost dropped.
He was in a creamy-White suit with that same long white over coat. His hands were placed by his sides and she could make out the silver band on one of his fingers. His golden hair was sprayed across his face, Framing those georgeous Lilac-Grey eyes. The golden hints in them seemed to glow more and one of those fancy collar-Tie things that were ruffled was around his neck. His wavy shirt sleaves were poking out of the ends of his suit jacket and he had a devilish grin on his face.
"You look bloody-"
"Don't say it. I've been told enough times already."
He smirked and lifted her hand planting a kiss on it. "Because you are"
"Am I?"
"Yes," He smirked and slid a arm around her waist. "Lets get going, You owe me a dance, Remember." He said and began walking, Without her comand, Her own arm slipped around him.
"I do," She smirked. Her mind flashing back to the conversation with Rocket.
When they got into the Ball room, Valkyrie stared. The floor was polished, Black and white squares glowed Valkyrie's reflection as she passed over them. The skirt of her dress trailing slightly. Grey/Black/Green marble linned the lower half of the walls and strong, White engraved pillars held up the domed ceiling that was made out of decorated glass. Large crystal chandaliers hung from the ceiling and Chairs that matched the walls lined the outskirts of the room. There was a grand paino and a few cellos playing by the arched decorated windows. Gold decoration swirled around random things and paintings swirled around the dome in the ceiling. It was as Valkyrie had expected, In great detail and beauty.
"This is amazing." She murmured. Staring up.
"This is the work of my father. Damn good, Innit?"
She laughed. "Yeah"
They walked in a comfortable silence, But Skulduggery suddenly stopped. He reached into his pocket and drew out the locket. Holding it infront of her face.
"Do you want me to put this on you?"
"Sure" She smiled and he swooped it around her neck. Doing the lock up with ease.
"Beautiful" He smirked and grinned at her glare. They began making a beeline for the sofa in the corner when Skulduggery's dad and his wife darted infront of them.
"Did you two really think your were going to escape us?" His mother giggled.
"No...I thought you would miss us." Skulduggery said, Far to inoccently for his own good.
"We couldn't miss you. Not when you're dressed smart for once and Miss Cain here is dressed like a angel." Skulduggery's dad said, Gently kissing the girls hand. Making her blush deeply.
"Thankyou." Valkyrie said. "But i've been told that enough times."
"Its true Baby, Weather you like it or not." Skulduggery sniggered from her side and she bunched her fist up behind his back, Digging her nails into his skin. "That hurts." He managed.
"Sorry, But you shouldn't tease someone you're scared of."
"Can you let go now?"
She laughed and let go, Placing her warm and gentle hand on the place she had hurt him. "Don't worry, I won't do it again."
"Can you promise him that?" His mother smirked.
"Yes."
"Thank god. I'm going to have a bruise there now." Skulduggery muttered.
"I said sorry."
"You say that like you care."
"I do care. But rarely really."
"I'll remember that."
"Hope you do."
"Son, Miss Onyx Shadows gave her confirmation that she will be coming tonight." Skulduggery's father stated. But there was a scared look in his eyes, Even though he had a smile on his lips.
"Good. I'd like to see her again." Skuldguggery nodded.
"BABY DOLL!" Came a screech and Valkyrie whirled around to Rocket and Champagne. Who were stood there grinning. "YOUR DOIN' FINE!" Champagne laughed and Valkyrie glared.
"Shut your face!"
"You might get lucky!" Rocket laughed and Champagne doubled over with laughter.
"I hate them. I hate this world. I hate this." She muttered, But stopped her cursing when Skulduggery wrapped his arms around her and burried his face into her neck. Biting lightly at the crook of her neck.
"Yeah, Baby. You might get lucky." He smirked and Valkyrie turned on him. Her glare softening into sadness when she remembered she was leaving after the ball.
"Get off," She sighed. "They're only doing it to annoy me."
"Its working then?"
"Skulduggery," Skulduggery's dad said. "You do know Miss Cain is leaving the school tonight, Don't you?"
Skulduggery pulled away from her to stare at his father. "You're having a laugh."
"I am not. She is leaving tonight, But rest assured, You will see her again."
Valkyrie could tell he was speechless and it hurt her, So she threw her arms around his middle. Catching him off guard. "I know i should of told you-" She bagan, But he cut her off.
"Don't you dare. Don't you dare ruin this Ball." He said into her hair. "This is something i want to remember you by, So don't you dare ruin it." He told her sternly.
"I won't..."
"Good girl."
"We'll leave you." Skulduggery's dad said. "I need to go and pester students about their homework."
"See you later." They both chimmed, Valkyrie still clinging to Skulduggery with a arm around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder.
"Now where do we go?" Valkyrie asked Skulduggery.
He looked at her. Realising how close he was to her. "Uh...I dunno."
She let go of him. Letting him feel the cold that replaced those warm arms.
"Maybe to see me?" Said a voice and Skulduggery whirled around to see a young girl stood there. She had Onyx coloured hair that was pinned to one side and flowed down her chest and bright blue eyes. A long, White dress swirled around her skinny frame and Valkyrie noticed that she had nasty scars on her chest and up her neck. She was far to skinny to be healthy and her hands were crossed and marked with scars. She was a beautiful girl and right in Skulduggery's direction of women. Valkyrie saw that she didn't have a chance against her. Not now.
"Onyx?" He asked.
"You prick!" She cursed, Swipping for him. "Course its me! Anyway, Who's the beautiful girl beside you?" She asked. Grinning at Valkyrie.
"Valkyrie Cain" She smiled. "Well, I got given the nickname Baby Doll but-" She said, Cutting herself off.
"Onyx Shadows. Mr Luan told me all about you"
"Did he?" Valkyrie asked awkwardly. She could feel the stares on them, Eyes adverting from people to them. "What did he say?"
"He said about..Well...Charlotte."
"Oh don't worry. I'm fine"
"Thank god." She sighed. Putting a scared hand on her chest. "He said you had a trapped airway."
"I did, But the doctor freed it."
"Good. I just wanted to know if you were okay. That cow can really...Well. You can tell"
"Don't." Valkyrie said. "We shouldn't speak such things at a night like this! Come on," She said and linked her arms with Skulduggery and Onyx. "I'm paying for the first round."
Still can't bloomin' spell...