Valkyrie wasn't really sure what to expect. Dr Noone led the pair of them out of the communal tent towards a nearby shabby looking building, walking briskly. She didn't have time to prepare herself for what was to come. What was she going to say to the Dead Men? What was she going to say to Skulduggery?"

Livena looped her arm through hers again. This time, the urge to yank herself away felt less overwhelming, and a small part of Valkyrie was grateful to have this random girl supporting her. They certainly weren't friends yet, but she decided she would make the effort to get to know her. Maybe they had more in common than Valkyrie was expecting.

The doctor invited them inside the house, which was less grubby inside than Valkyrie was expecting. They approached a closed door, and Dr Noone knocked.

"Come in." The velvet voice was unmistakable, even through the wooden door.

Dr Noone opened the door and bade them inside. "Skulduggery Pleasant, Dead Men, please let me introduce Miss Livena Estrange and Valkyrie Cain."

It was like a punch in the gut for Valkyrie seeing the traitor again. Erskine Ravel and his golden eyes stood in a far corner. His demeanour had always been friendly, but his betrayal was still raw. Despite the events of Devastation Day being decades ago now for Valkyrie, the hatred she had for Ravel was still very present. It felt worse, seeing him stood amongst those she had grieved for, whose deaths he had caused.

Ghastly Bespoke, Anton Shudder and Saracen Rue flanked the table, along with Dexter Vex. She fought down the urge to hug them close. Another man stood in the opposing corner. It was either Hopeless or Larrikin, but Valkyrie wasn't sure which and she didn't have the mental capacity to pay him much heed. Finally, she turned her attention to the tall, slender man who stood before them. She knew who he was, although he was very notably not a skeleton.

Skulduggery Pleasant in the flesh stood before her. "Good evening ladies," he said, with his smooth voice. "My name is Skulduggery Pleasant." He had a full head of red, curly hair, freckled skin and bright green eyes that eyed them with mild suspicion, but he disguised his wariness with his impeccable manners. "I appreciate that you have come a long way to join the Resistance. What sort of help do you think you can provide?"

Valkyrie was still somewhat shellshocked at the sight of him. He did not look anything like she had expected. Actually, she wasn't sure was she had been expecting; she had known him such a long time as a skeleton that hearing his voice coming from a living being was freaking her out a little. Once again, Livena drew attention away from her, letting Valkyrie have a second to collect herself.

"Mr Pleasant, it is an honour to meet you and your Dead Men. We had heard about the Resistance in the south years ago, but my cousin Valkyrie and I only had the chance to bring ourselves here recently. In terms of our services, I am proficient in Symbol Magic, although I must admit, I'm not the most skilled at combat. I can use a bow and arrow with some skill as well. Valkyrie, though, will likely be more useful. She is highly skilled in combat and is an energy thrower of sorts."

Skulduggery raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in a way that Valkyrie knew he was feeling sceptical. "Of sorts?"

"Yes," Valkyrie finally spoke, her voice steady despite everything. "It's not quite the same as energy throwing, more like throwing lightning. But I've never got the hang of traditional energy throwing. This came naturally to me." She wasn't sure how passable a lie that was, but she figured that new magic types appeared all the time, and if Serpine had his weird hand that killed people through some weirdly specific necromancy power, then she figured lightning style energy throwing couldn't be too far fetched. As long as she didn't outwardly use her other powers, she would be fine.

"How unusual," Dexter commented, looking genuinely interested.

"Energy throwing is certainly a useful skill to add to our cause," Skulduggery said, not looking like he fully believed Valkyrie, but didn't press for more details. "Symbol magic will also greatly help us. We don't have many people who can use it with proficiency and we've been wanting to reinforce the base camp with more protection sigils."

"Miss Cain's combat skills will undoubtedly come in handy," Saracen said.

Skulduggery's face remained impassive. "I need to gauge your proficiency myself if you want to get sent on any away missions," he said. "I don't want to unnecessarily risk lives because of lack of training."

Valkyrie frowned. "That's fair," she admitted, begrudgingly. She didn't like having to prove herself. In her time, she was well known and nobody questioned her control and skill when it came to her magic and her combat. Worse still, this was Skulduggery doubting her. She tried her best not to let the hurt show.

"Do you mind us asking where we could find more suitable clothing?" Livena asked. "The stuff we have at the moment is not particularly practical or protective."

"You are welcome to come by my home," Ghastly spoke. "My father and I make protective clothing for anyone who joins the Resistance with no cost. However, if you wish for some personal clothing that isn't for combat, it will come at a price."

"That is very generous. May we come by tomorrow to be fitted?"

"Of course."

Valkyrie felt a headache coming on. The whole situation was making her feel awash with conflicting emotions and trying to stay impassive, like she didn't have a personal connection with nearly all of them, was not helping.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen," she finally managed to blurt out as eloquently as she could. "My cousin and I have had a long day and we would like to rest."

"Of course," Ghastly said. "My family have a boarding house. Most of the men camp out, but we have some rooms spare that would probably be preferable for two fine ladies, such as yourselves."

"You are most kind," Livena said.

"I shall lead the way then."

"Ghastly, we have a meeting to finish," Skulduggery said, frowning.

"I cannot leave them waiting in the corridor for us to finish our meeting, Skulduggery," said Ghastly. "They are tired enough as it is. Continue the meeting and I will be back shortly."

Skulduggery frowned, looking like he was about to argue back, but Dexter drew his attention back to the plans on the table and the discussion was set aside. Ghastly, rolling his eyes, ushered them back out.

"I would like to apologise for Skulduggery's behaviour," he said, as he led them out the building into the cool evening air. "He isn't used to dealing with new recruits. That's usually left to me, or Dexter or Saracen. He didn't even give us a chance to introduce ourselves." He chuckled. "My name is Ghastly Bespoke. I'll leave it to the others to introduce themselves properly tomorrow."

"That's fine, thank you Mr Bespoke," Livena said with a smile.

"Why is Skul— I mean Mr Pleasant, somewhat… oh, how do I put this," Valkyrie wondered aloud.

"You mean, abrasive?" Ghastly said with a laugh.

"I mean…" she didn't really know what to say.

"Don't worry, he isn't the easiest person to get along with, shall we say. I've known him for a long time already and he has always been very direct. But, he is particularly disinterested in anything that isn't something that directly benefits the Resistance in a way he can quantify. So, being polite and helping you ladies feel settled is not at the forefront of his mind."

"I see."

"He is a good leader, but in terms of managing the members of the Resistance with more day to day concerns, that has never been a strength of his. He leaves that to me or Dex. Sometimes Saracen." He paused to open the door of the only stone building in the area. "Welcome to my home. My mother will assist you from here." Ghastly gestured to the door where a stocky woman appeared.

She smiled. "Ghastly dear, do introduce me before you vanish away."

"Oh yes. Miss Livena Estrange, Miss Valkyrie Cain, this is my mother, Ms Anastasia Ragnhailt. Now, I really should go back to the meeting before Skulduggery sends someone looking for me." He bowed politely and left.

Hello all! Sorry I haven't said hi to y'all over here sooner. Its so much easier to respond to comments over on AO3.

SlightlyInsaneBookNerd: Glad you are enjoying the rewrite! I'm assuming you read the original PHC XD I hope this one is proving to be more cohesive :)

Guest 1: Hopefully good memories XD

erikablair: Glad you are enjoying this :)

Guest 2: I'm trying my best to adhere to a weekly posting! Hope you enjoyed this update :)

AshleyMistc: Thanks for reading the original :) I'm glad its still getting read, despite it being a bit of a hot mess XD

See you next week :)

-Leo