A/N: I don't own Skulduggery, Lord Vile, Ghastly, Tanith, Tipstaff, Erksine, or Valkyrie. Val is still 24, story is still in her POV.

I woke up several hours later to the feeling of a contented Skulduggery stroking my head softly. I tilted my head slightly and he kissed me, grasping the back of my head gently. He sighed contentedly and settled his head back down before speaking. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, I did, Skulduggery."

"Mmm, good, because I'm sure Ghastly is furious with us. I left my mobile on as promised, but it was all the way downstairs, and you are so very nice and warm, so I didn't bother answering. On the plus side, my mobile stopped ringing an hour ago."

"Skulduggery, I left mine in my pocket, I'm sure he called me as well. Why didn't you answer?"

"Oh, that thing? Yes, it kept ringing so I pitched it out into the hall. I'm afraid it might not be working anymore though, it did hit a wall."

I went to get off him, but he held me in place. I sighed and shook my head in disbelief. "You didn't think I'd ever do this with you again, did you? That's why you refused to move. God, you're thick."

"On the contrary, I got just what I wanted, didn't I?" He sounded rather smug.

"Yes, you did. Hopefully it won't cost us both our jobs."

He did let me get up then, his eye sockets locked onto me. I could read the uncertainty in his gaze and leaned back down to kiss him. "I'm fine, Skulduggery. You didn't hurt me, OK? I slept better that I have in a long time."

He looked relieved and was about to reply when my mobile began ringing out in the hall. I went out to get it. Ghastly. "Hello, dad."

"Valkyrie? Where have you two been? I've been trying to reach you for hours. There's been a development in the case. The killer is dead."

"What?"

"I'm serious, get to the Sanctuary as soon as possible, needless to say, this changes things."

We rang off and I looked over at Skulduggery. "The killer's dead."

"What?"

"My reaction exactly, Skulduggery. But Ghastly wants us at the Sanctuary, now."

Skulduggery nodded and got out of bed. "No time to make you coffee, I'm afraid. Get your jacket, make sure you're warm enough." He was hustling me downstairs as he spoke, concern written on his features. I got my jacket as Skulduggery got his and made sure his disguise was secure. He looked over at me, and nodded. "Warm enough?"

"Yes, of course, but the Bentley is warm, Skulduggery."

"We're not taking the Bentley." He opened the door and we stepped outside. Night had fallen, and it was overcast. I looked at Skulduggery for an explanation, and he wrapped his arms around my waist, waiting for me to wrap mine around his neck before we lifted into the air. We went higher and faster, and I knew he was enjoying himself.

"Skulduggery, we're flying there?" I asked, delighted.

"Yes, we'll make better time than in the Bentley, and frankly I wasn't done holding you yet. Just don't try to kiss me or I think we'll crash." I laughed and settled more securely into his embrace. We both knew I could fly on my own, that as his partner I should lighten the load by flying alongside him. But we also knew that if I pulled away now he'd never ask to hold me like this again. "Penny for you thoughts?" He said, picking up speed ever so slightly.

"I think this is amazing, Skulduggery. I never thought I'd get to fly with you again. I love flying with you."

"Good, because I doubt Ghastly will be in any kind of mood to drive us back home."

"I'll just cry like any hysterical daughter and wail he doesn't love me, he'll take us. Trust me, it will work like a charm."

"He'll give you one of those motivational slaps if you do, then I'll have to shoot him. Do you know something? I would too, if he ever hit you. But let's not talk like that or he'll twitch wrong one day and end up in a pine box."

"You're a dangerous man to know, Skulduggery Pleasant."

"I never said I wasn't. When are you going to ask my why Vile didn't shadow-walk you there?"

"Because I like flying better for one, and for two Vile would be attacked on sight. Then I'd have to kill all our co-workers to protect him, not that he needs protecting any more than you do, mind you, and we'd be out of a job."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Skulduggery, if it came down to you and the entire planet, I'd feel rather sorry for the planet, wouldn't you?"

"I would now."

We landed far too soon, Skulduggery drawing me in for a kiss before we started inside. The Sanctuary was a hive of activity, all of the detectives, and it seemed, the entire staff, rushing about. I smelled a probable demotion, but Erskine just waved cheerfully as we passed his office on the way to see Ghastly. "Good day to be a Dead Man." Skulduggery murmured. I smiled in reply, and we stopped outside the open door. Ghastly was bellowing at full tilt into his mobile, but he waved us in.

"Don't you tell me what the American Sanctuary can do! You step one foot on Irish soil and it will be a deceleration of war. When I find your little spy he'll be sorry you sent him." Ghastly rang off, the rage on his face making his scars seem to almost glow. Tanith sat on the couch, amused. We both knew Ghastly meant what he said. We both also knew that with both Vile and myself as resources, the Sanctuary would be only too happy for the Americans to try something.

Ghastly rolled his eyes at me. "I've been having loads of fun, Valkyrie, in fact I'm nominating you for the open position of Elder so you can join me."

"I'd second the nomination." Skulduggery chirruped happily.

I looked from one man to the other. "You wouldn't dare!"

Ghastly smiled as he put the water on for tea. "Actually if I thought you'd accept, I would. You've got more common sense that most of the people who will be nominated. Erskine even wanted both of you as Elders, but Tipstaff started throwing fits about tradition."

"At least he hasn't said a thing about the lawn." I said, accepting a mug of tea. I looked over at Tanith, then at Ghastly, and he nodded, so I carried am mug over for her as well and sat down.

"Thanks, sis. He's been trying to reach you for hours. What were you two up to?"

"We were sleeping."

"I bet."

"Tanith!"

"Whatever you say, sis, whatever you say. You're dress is coming along nicely, but maybe I should have Ghastly add a blush of some other colour, hmm?"

"I hate you, and no, you shouldn't."

"Seriously?" She looked amazed.

"Seriously, not with Skulduggery, yet, and not before. Not that I see how it's any of your business."

"We're sisters, it is all my business. Tell me you at least have a general idea of what happens on your wedding night."

"I'm not a total moron, sis. That's what my generation has the Internet for."

"And chick sticks." She grinned devilishly. We both burst out laughing, and the men paused to turn and glare at us.

"Valkyrie!" Skulduggery barked.

"Tanith!" Ghastly said, almost at the same time.

"Yes, dear." We replied in chorus. The men shook their heads and went back to talking. Tanith and I sat there giggling.

I looked at her with a gleam on my eye. "We keep this up and that's all we we're getting on our wedding nights, too." We both lost it them, convulsing in silent laughter.

"If you two children would like to join the investigation, you're welcome at any time." Skulduggery called over.

"He thinks you're a child and wants to marry you? Run, girl, run!" Tanith whispered. I shushed her and tried to stand, I really did. But I was shaking so hard I couldn't quite make it. Tanith found this extremely funny, of course.

"Ladies!" Skulduggery barked. There was something in his tone that sobered us both up and we went over quietly enough. Skulduggery glared at me and shook his head angrily. I shrugged helplessly, but he was still angry with me.

Ghastly just put his head in his hands. "I swear, if the two of you can't get along for five minutes I'm canceling the wedding."

"This is how we get along, Ghastly." I replied, and he just sighed again.

Skulduggery reached out and grabbed my hand briefly. "Sorry."

"Not a problem, the day you become the model of loving-kindness I'm having you committed." Skulduggery smiled in reply.

Ghastly walked us down to the morgue, the killer's body already tucked away in the body cooler. We poked through his effects, finding nothing of interest. The overnight worker pulled out the proper drawer, pulling the sheet back so we could see the head and torso. I blinked. This explained the covered face. The skin around the mouth was chewed away, the teeth revealed in a gruesome grin. But there were fresh bite marks all over where we could see, large gouges where flesh had been ripped off in chunks.

"Well?" Ghastly asked. Both he and Skulduggery were looking at me.

"The bite marks are human, but there's more than one attacker. You can tell by the differences in the bite marks. I don't think he was ever meant to be the one the cave spirit would use. Or if he was, it changed its mind. It must have several people now at least, and this is what it fed them. I'm guessing he either escaped or we were sent the body as a message. The cave spirit has all his power now."

"Indeed. Well done, Valkyrie." Skulduggery answered. "Anything else?"

"We've lost our time table, or maybe not. The cave spirit could launch an attack in three days, or rather three nights to match the dark of the moon for power. Or it could attack right now. But something else happened, didn't it? We wouldn't be here if it was just a dead body." I looked at Ghastly and he nodded.

"The power at the hospital went out, back up generators included. When it came back on all the patients that had been on life support were gone."

"But that's not too many, right?" Tanith asked hopefully.

"Twenty four." Ghastly sighed.

Tanith tried to cheer us all up on the way back to the office. "Come on then, how far are a bunch of dead people going to get anyways?" She asked, missing Skulduggery's affronted glare.

"Filled with the power of a god? Plenty far, I'd say." Ghastly replied.

"So they're zombies?" She laughed in amusement. "Zombies are nothing." All three of us just stared at her. "What?" She asked. "They move so slow."

"These ones have god-like power, sis. Imagine Thrasher and Scapegrace on speed. These aren't really zombies though. More like bodies inhabited by a demon, so think 'Evil Dead' instead."

"Demons aren't real." She countered.

"That we know of." Ghastly said thoughtfully. "What would civilians call the cave spirit? They would call it a demon, they would be wrong of course, but they would still be dead, wouldn't they?" We were all quiet until we reached his office. Ghastly looked at Skulduggery. "You two are staying, and no arguments, we can't afford to be scattered right now."

"So we all sit in one place so it is easier for the cave spirit to kill us?"

"No, we all stay in one place because if Valkyrie and Lord Vile need to attack they will be a lot closer here than from your house."

"Ah."

Ghastly seemed to think of something. "You two flew, didn't you? I wondered how you made such good time. Do you need to go back for the armour?"

Skulduggery shook his head. "Valkyrie can call her armour from here, distance isn't an issue for her. Vile of course can call his armour to him, and then hers, if he needs to."

Ghastly nodded and dismissed us. The official didn't even bother with separate rooms, mainly because there weren't any. We ended up back in the room I'd been assigned before. Skulduggery paced and I tried not to think of being hungry. "This isn't much fun, is it?" He asked, pausing to look up at me. He looked dejected to be trapped there, and I shared his feelings.

"No it isn't. At least you won't starve until you can get outside to real food in the morning."

"Sorry about that. Perhaps Ghastly will bring you something later. There isn't anything good here to eat, at all?"

"They burn the water, Skulduggery, that's how bad the cooks are."

"You don't have anything stowed away in your jacket?"

"Surprisingly, no, I don't think so."

"I'd check if I were you." There was the slightest hint of amusement in Skulduggery's voice.

I dug around in my pockets, finding nothing until I checked the largest inner one. Skulduggery's grin broadened at my surprise. "Skulduggery, is this what I think it is?"

He nodded happily. "You asked once what else I could do, and I told you lots. It was easy enough to make sure it stayed hidden and you couldn't feel it."

I smiled, utterly charmed and I pulled out the MRE. I knew he had to have imported it, because we just didn't have them in Ireland. Also it was clearly American military in issue. I didn't even think it was legal for him to buy those, but I wasn't about to argue.

"How did you do that?" I asked.

Skulduggery blinked and tilted his head. "I'll teach you. But eat first. Here, at least there's a pot here to boil water, I'll take over preparations, you just sit before the fire and relax, I insist." I sat as he happily worked, humming to himself. He grabbed the tray that held the water glasses for a plate, making sure it was clean, then set the pouch with the charcoal starter and water on it, the entree tucked inside, to cook. He prepared the powdered drink, and the coffee, then turned back to me. "Scone of doubtful origin now or later?"

"I'll wait until it is all ready if that's OK with you." He nodded and took out his watch, then came and sat beside me.

"It should be ready in about fifteen minutes, I think. I understand those heaters don't always work well, but the convenience is worth it. I'm happy you're pleased with the gesture, Valkyrie. I like being able to surprise you."

"You always manage to surprise me, Detective Pleasant." I purred. He grinned and we rose of one accord, Skulduggery pressing his teeth down firmly on my lips. I returned the kiss, feeling my body melt into his. Skulduggery growled slightly when I started to stroke the base of his skull, removing his hat and tossing it onto the bed behind him without looking.

I took full advantage of his now bare skull, finding every seam, every bone, the natural dips and contours that made his skull uniquely his. I hit a rather sensitive spot and he yelped softly, jerking his head back in surprise. "Did that hurt? I'm so sorry, Skulduggery." I let go and he backed away several paces.

"No, it didn't hurt, but I think that's enough for now, unless you want Ghastly to work a blush of another colour into your wedding dress."

"Oh. You heard us, didn't you?"

"Indeed. What language, Valkyrie, honestly."

"Sorry."

"Mmm. You food's ready. That is, if you want to accept anything from the scary man with sweets in his pocket." He added tartly.

"Sorry, again." I said as I hugged him. He held me briefly, kissing the of my head.

"Just be kind enough to remember in the future that I do have feelings, Valkyrie. But that's all right, I know you meant nothing by it. It would have still been nice of you to defend my honour, though." He grumbled, before releasing me and going to prepare my food. He took everything to the small table in the room, then turned and motioned me over. He must have seen something in my face, because he swept me into his arms, kissing me deeply. I was more than happy to comply.

"You're forgiven." He said softly, when we at last parted, touching the side of my face with the back of his skeletal fingers. I nuzzled into him, then at last sat down to eat. Skulduggery smiled over at me. "Of course after your dinner I expect our evening ritual, then you can really apologize." I grinned at him in anticipation, enjoying the chicken and rice. Soon enough I'd finished the meal, and even though the scone tasted more like bread, it was nowhere near as bad as the Sanctuary food. Skulduggery gave me a wicked girn, clearly enjoying the idea of the evening ritual.

He rose, tilting his head, the grin only broadening. I stood, slightly intimidated, but only for a second. Skulduggery could certainly use his masculine wiles when he wanted to, and his were in full effect. "Skulduggery, what would the official say?" I teased, approaching him.

He grunted. "This Sanctuary has more officials than it needs, but if he does say anything, I'll shoot him."

"Such a fierce man of bones!" I teased, looping my arms around his neck before kissing him deeply. Skulduggery eagerly returned the kiss, deepening it as his arms looped around me. He was murmuring again, and I swore I heard snatches of Gaelic. I parted my lips slightly and Skulduggery matched the gesture, the lowest of growls coming from him. I was teasing him, simply keeping my mouth open, then went to close my lips, but Skulduggery pressed his teeth forward, preventing me from closing my mouth.

A skeletal hand clamped on the back of my head, and his growls increased. "Don't tease." He managed, not moving his teeth a milimetre. I complied, slowly seeking out his teeth, then very barely touching his maxilla. I felt something touch me in response, a velvety caress, and pulled back in surprise. Skulduggery grinned at me. "Skulduggery, that felt amazing. How did you do that?"

"I told you I can do lots of things, but that's enough for now. As to how, well, I apparently don't have to completely be Lord Vile in order to manipulate the shadows in a room, something I discovered right now, as a matter of fact." I stared up at him in utter awe and he grinned down at me. "Well," he amended, "Lord Vile may have touched his engagement ring."

"You clever man, you."

"Aren't I just? Most Necromancers don't get more than one object to hold their power, but Vile is rather special, and by the way," He paused to nip at my neck. "he touched your ring as well when he was training you, it pleased him to no end that you were too lost in his affections to notice."

"Lord Vile is a very generous man when he wants to be."

"Indeed he is. But you've helped him make peace with himself to a certain extent, so he's more than happy to help."

"I'm a lucky woman then." I said, looping my arms around Skulduggery's neck. "You'll be sure to pass on my gratitude, won't you?" I asked before pulling him in for a deep kiss. I felt Skulduggery pull back the barest fraction of a milimetre to answer.

"Indeed I shall, and my appreciation as well." Then I felt his shadows start to slither up my body as his teeth found my lips. Skulduggery started to growl softly, and we stayed that way for the longest time, Skulduggery putting his new found talent to repeated use.

When he at last pulled back he looked perfectly content with himself. "Now it is late, and you my dear, need your rest." He said, scooping me up and carrying me to the bed. He manipulated the air to pull the sheets back then set me down gently, before going over to his side. Skulduggery made a gesture as he got it and the lights in the room went out. But we didn't need the lights as he pulled me towards him, settling me on top of him, his arms wrapped protectively around me. I'd barely settled my head into his clavicle before sleep took me.

Skulduggery with Necromancy powers in full effect? What is the world coming to?