Valkyrie quickened her pace to keep up with Skulduggery as he zoomed through the Sanctuary. Heading for the medical ward, he made no intention to talk to anyone else but the person he was looking for. Once he entered the white room, he spotted Sharon and Finbar towards the back, the toddler in her arms again. "Sharon," Skulduggery breathed, "How's Finbar doing?" Finbar lay still on the bed.

"Oh, I'm fine Skul-man," said Finbar brightly as he opened his eyes.

"Look Finbar, I'm sorry for what I've put you through," Skulduggery apologized.

"Oh, it's okay man. I did a mighty heroic thing back there and, you know, for the good of mankind and uh... monster kind." He smiled and suddenly he sat up in his bed, "Oh! Yeah, Skuldug, I was thinkin' about the, uh, Black Market thing and Sharon agreed she would take ya' there."

Skulduggery inclined his head towards her, "Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks," smiled Valkyrie.

"You're welcome," Sharon replied.

"Now you guys go and kick whatevers evils ass is out there and bring peace to the world and all," Finbar waved his hand in the air.

"Will do, Finbar," Skulduggery promised. "Now," he turned to his partner, "Are you ready to see the Black Market?"

"I don't know," Valkyrie smiled, "Might be a little dangerous."

"Oh, you take the fun out of things. I'm dying to get a look in there."

She rolled her eyes.

-------

ValPoint of View

Behind the old tattoo shop, Skulduggery and Valkyrie followed Sharon down into the old sewer network. Like before, they followed the same path till they reached the cloaking barrier. Sharon pushed her thumb up against the scanner and the bars parted for them.

"This is as far as I'll go," said Sharon.

"Thank you for getting us in," Valkyrie waved as she departed. Then she turned to Skulduggery. "We're going to the Black Market. Are you excited?"

He looked at her stiffly. "The enthusiasm is oozing out of me. Can't you see?" He took hold of her hand, "Ladies first."

If I didn't know him better, I would have thought of him as an angel. Stepping through the portal, she felt the world shift around her in a circular motion soon presenting her with the view of the market. Her jaw fell, "Wow." The Black Market seemed like it was draped in ribbons of purple upon black velvet. There were streets that wove in and out of little shops and stands. There was one main street that cut through the heart of the market, its path a stream of white rocks. She looked up to see little faeries flying above her head. Being a market, it was filled with people from all kinds of species and races. Valkyrie could have sworn she saw a centaur walk by.

She heard Skulduggery step up beside her and she turned to him with an air of excitement. But she gasped.

"What?" he asked, looking down at her, "Surprised?"

"I can't believe it worked," she grinned.

Skulduggery produced her favorite smile, "That's because I'm brilliant." His black hair fell across his face.

"Ha ha," she failed to hide her smile. Valkyrie waved her hand about, "Look at this place."

Skulduggery raised his head up, "It is truly amazing. I understand why it wouldn't want to be found."

She gestured him to follow her as she walked up to a booth in front of her covered in jewels. The woman behind the table was covered in cloths so that she could only see the pair of green eyes. "See something you like? the woman asked.

"Where did you get these from?" asked Skulduggery.

"Oh, darling, these are from south India. Right off the Prince's table."

Valkyrie picked up a glistening orange stone.

"Ah," breathe the woman, "An original cats eye."

"How much?" asked Skulduggery.

Valkyrie snapped her head in his direction, "Skul-"

"Ang, sweetie." He pressed a single finger to her lips.

"Oh a couple I see." observed the woman.

"Yes," said Skulduggery, "Now what's the...?"

"It's worth 800 Euros or two faeries."

He took out his wallet.

"Ang," Valkyrie said through gritted teeth.

"What?"

"You can't buy this for me."

He handed his card over, "But I just did."

She scowled at him but couldn't help to think of how nice the cats eye choker would look on her.

"Nice doin' business with you," the woman waved as they departed.

Skulduggery stopped Valkyrie from walking away by grasping her shoulder. He looked at her lovingly.

"Can't believe you just did that," she stated.

"It's all because I love you." He took the choker from her hands and put it around her neck. "It's looks beautiful on you." She blushed and he reached down to kiss her.

She liked the feeling of being able to love her lover in public. They weren't ashamed to be themselves down there. Like they were just ordinary people.

When he parted, he took her hand in his. "Now lets go find Kane."

They walked down the main street, hand in hand, looking for a suitable candidate for information. Valkyrie gazed at all the things held for auction and sale. When she thought Nickolas Romel was the big dog, she was way wrong. She filched when a few vampires crossed her way and was almost knocked over by a couple of muscular dwarfs. Skulduggery kept her near, as they approached a district selling animals and slaves. She gaped at all the creatures locked up in cages. A rhino sorta looking thing snapped its fearsome jaws at her as they passed. She held tightly to Skulduggery's arm, who put it around her shoulders.

When they reached the next district, it sold nothing but potions and poisons, spell books, and candles. Witchcraft Headquarters. They were just about to round a corner when someone called, "The Merciless Angel!"

Valkyrie turned around to see a young man walking up to them. He was clothed completely in black with a glowing light blue ring on his right middle finger. His lazy mohawk bounced up and down as he walked. "Oh my God! It's you! I thought you were dead!"

Skulduggery stood still. Only after a moment did he mutter, "You still look the same."

"That's the magic of magic! Man, it's been forever!" He held out his arms.

Skulduggery stepped forward to give a, what Skulduggery would call, a manly hug. "The Insane Shocker," Skulduggery smiled.

"Righty oh! And who's this fine young lady you have with ya?"

"This," Skulduggery put his arm around Valkyrie, "Is my girlfriend."

She blushed.

"Oh ho, man you picked a pretty one might I say."

"Yeah, well, she's my first love in a long time."

"Well that's awesome! I was just betrothed just a few weeks ago. Finally after all these years I found the perfect woman for me."

"That's great, brother."

"Yeah, yeah. Hey, what's you around here for?"

"I'm looking for the leader of the Black Market." Skulduggery inclined his head.

"Oh, he's a hell of a far from this spot but did you know the old one died? It was replaced by guess who."

"Um... Grace Kelly."

The Insane Shocker laughed, "No, no but it would have been an honor if it were her wouldn't it? Nah, it's your old man, Ang, Kane."

Valkyrie saw Skulduggery smile as if to himself. "That's a well surprise."

"Yep, I was shocked when he got the apart too." He laughed, "Get it? Shocked?"

Skulduggery laughed, "Yes, brother, do you know a way I can get to him?"

"Oh yeah sure. I can bring you there, if you like. I'm sure he'll welcome you with open arms."

"That would be pleasant, thank you."

"No problem, lemme go get my jacket real quick." And he departed back to his booth.

Skulduggery squeezed Valkyrie s hand and gave her a gentle kiss.

More to come! Please comment!