Skulduggery Pleasant-Phoenix Rose- The Beginning
Chapter 3: Anywhere on the giant snake is fine
Quickly, the world began to meet me. White tiles reflecting the lights above were the only things in my vision. In the few moments of me letting go of the snake and waiting to collide with the ground I noticed the slight imperfections on each tile; the shoe marks and dirt which symbolised years of memories were about to be joined by another-maybe the last memory I would leave the world.
Hands clutched around my waste and the distance between me and the floor lengthened as I rose higher and higher.
My eyes flickered up to meet my saviour's but instead I saw two black pits. They weren't haunted or sad he simply had no eyes. I didn't scream out or show fear; I just said the first thing that came into my head-
"Anywhere on the giant snake is fine thank you." He didn't look at me (I think) but I could tell he found it amusing.
Realising I'd forgotten the bigger picture I shifted my gaze to the Basilisk still below. It was crushing the floor beneath its mass but its movements suggested it was in distress. Squinting, explosions of orange and black became visible and I guessed a Necromancer and Elemental were trying to make quick work of the serpent, but there was never the same form of magic done simultaneously and it was always in the same area. Then it hit me.
The man and teenager I'd spoken to. A skeleton working with an amateur Necromancer/Elemental. The famed Skulduggery Pleasant and his partner Valkyrie Cain.
Their names flashed into my mind followed by rumours and stories along with an alarming number of Sanctuary officials who trusted them both. There was no time to dwell on this before I heard a hurried 'ready?' from the skeleton and I was dropped on the Basilisk's head. With my knives hidden somewhere in the snakes body I tucked my finger tips beneath its scales and tried to figure out what to do next. I'd gotten to the top alive, that was a bonus, but I couldn't reach for a weapon without relaxing my grip on the beast which was beginning to notice an abnormality. Battle plans, myths, techniques; all useless until Valkyrie aimed a painful blow.
Its head flung back and I was in the air again.
Digging my hand into the uncomfortable, hidden pocket I had in my trousers I pulled out a sword the exact length of my thigh but long enough and sharp enough to land a fatal blow into its skull.
A cascade of scales and flesh fell to the floor with me at the top, curling around the sword and not daring to release my grip. I hoped the force of impact would be absorbed by the head but I splayed my hand to slow my descent, just to be on the safe side.
I waited for my thoughts to clear before looking up towards the couple standing before me
"That was fun," I groaned, trying to stand "I guess I should thank you for your help." I finally managed to look at the detective and his partner, they were wearing what I remembered but slightly dishevelled. The skeletons skull was almost hidden beneath his hat he'd miraculously kept on during the struggle; the facade I realise he must of been wearing before was gone but I still recognised him. They were what I found strange before; no luggage or bags; dress sense would probably mean business but why would a teenager look so formal? If I'd had enough time before the Basilisk decided to make an entrance I might of noticed his waxy and unnatural expression.
"We've called the Sanctuary," Skulduggery informed me "Cleavers should be here soon along with other officials to sort out this mess."
I tried to hide my grimace as he mentioned the Sanctuary but told him I should probably get going before they show up.
"How come?" it was Valkyrie now, standing with her arms placed protectively before her chest.
"Authority and I have never got on; I usually try to avoid it whenever I can so it isn't awkward." I shrugged as I turned to remove my daggers I'd spotted earlier from the stationary snake. I moved to the sword when I heard Skulduggery behind my back:
"People running from the Sanctuary usually have their reasons."
"Yes they do and if you find yourself in the company of someone who obviously isn't one for talking about her past," I stopped to clench the sword handle and stumbled as it came loose "you don't want to ask for her reasons when she has a weapon."
Muffled voices became noticeable from outside "and that is my cue, I know you have questions but I haven't got time. I'll meet you at the cafe two blocks away from here tomorrow afternoon, come there with anyone from the Sanctuary and I won't hesitate to let my friend snake eyes here get a much wanted rematch in the afterlife." I was already running before they could reply.
"What is your name?" Valkyrie cried as a last resort for information.
"Phoenix, Phoenix Rose." And I ran again.
2. Which do you prefer: the Purple Menace or the Yellow Canary?
My answer: The Purple Menace
(PS This is also my poll on my profile if you want to be one of the first to answer it)