A/N: It is late and I am tired, but if I don't post this as-is you will never see it. I don't own Skulduggery, Valkyrie, Tanith, or any other SP characters. Thanks to those still reading and reviewing. Hope you like this! Ignore the typos as I said it is late and I am tired...
So much had changed in five months I could scarcely believe it. Skulduggery and I were retired as detectives, both being needed more urgently at the Sanctuary in our role as Elders, and the Sanctuary itself was changed dramatically. Jr. had been the one to find it, the old book stored on a shelf in Erskine's office that Erskine hadn't even bothered to look at. Although only five months old he looked to be five and had the IQ of an adult. He'd brought the book to me, wanted to know if there really had been a hidden supply of wealth placed beneath the Sanctuary.
So, with Erskine's permission we had mounted an expedition and found just such a supply, and it changed everything. There were, all told, trillions of dollars worth of gold and magical artefacts, priceless books and scrolls. Hidden histories of magic that were priceless. With the find, came sweeping changes. Ireland was now the most powerful Sanctuary in the world, and the others knew to leave us be, or taste our wrath. But not because of our considerable wealth. There had been other changes too. I'd taken my job as Elder seriously, and as long as Tipstaff approved I was using our wealth for the good of those who worked in the Sanctuary, as well as the other sorcerors we cared for.
This didn't mean of course, that any sorcerer could have anything he or she desired, but it did mean things greatly improved for everyone. We had health care free for all who worked in the Sanctuary now, and a day care as well, we even were starting small classes for children. We were expanding, becoming all inclusive and a place people actually looked forward to coming to. We'd had the dreadful stone walls redone with paint, covered over, or anything else each staff member felt suited their area best, and carpets now covered many of the cold stone floors.
My own office was so plush and well-stocked with sweets and other delights that those who came to see me were always well cared from, at least so far as food and drink went. The baskets of sweets came from one of the new bakers, out of gratitude for the job, increase in wages, and medical care for her grandchild.
She brought dozens of sweet rolls, bear claws, all sorts of good things, and of course I had to watch that my fellow Elder and son didn't scarf them all down the instant they appeared. There were also four large catering size coffee urns, two exclusively for Skulduggery, one for me, and any guests, one for Jr. Being a skeleton he could eat or drink as he pleased and was always in stunning health. I made sure he ate well of course, and with the new cooks the food at the Sanctuary was now so good mages stopped by just to eat there.
That paticular day we were going through paperwork as usual. There were always requests and of course I always had the people applying for help come in and speak to me personally. I could spot a liar, but they were rare. What I wanted to know is if it was just money the person needed or additional services would help as well. I'd become known as the people's Elder, since I'd become ferociously protective of everyone in the Sanctuary, and those who came to us for help as well. It gave Tipstaff fits at first, but he had calmed down and now seemed almost happy as he delivered more paperwork. I just wished he'd stop calling me Elder. It was creepy.
"Elder Bespoke and Detective Low would like an audience with Elders Cain and Pleasant." He announced in a friendly voice. I nodded my approval, repressing a sigh. Ghastly and Tanith walked in, amused.
"So good of you to agree to see us, your majesties." Ghasly said dryly after Tipstaff had left. I laughed. "I hear you get to hear the reports from all our new detectives today, Valkyrie, lucky you. What, if anything, is Skulduggery doing?" We looked over. Skulduggery was currently meditating in his desk chair, his feet propped up on his desk. He did do his duty, but there were days when he felt like being lazy, and truth be told, with three Elders there wasn't always that much for him to do.
"Holding down his desk. Ah, not that you aren't welcome to stay, but you know all the new detectives are reporting right?" I looked at Ghastly and Tanith who nodded. They weren't exactly happy with our newest detectives, but I'd started a policy with Erskine's approval. Any criminal, no matter what his or her past crimes was free to walk into the Irish Sanctuary and sign up for duty. They would be absolved, providing they remained detectives in good standing. If they ever slipped back into a life of crime, I personally promised each one to be kept in the worst gaol I could possibly find.
Surprisingly, or perhaps not, some of the magical world's worst offenders had jumped at the chance, many having come back from the grave the night Lord Vile and I had fought the cave spirit. They'd proved loyal so far, and as I was consistently kind and truthful, they all returned the favor. OK, they were really afraid I'd go all Darquesse on them, but whatever worked...
Our first detective to report in strolled into my office, doffing his top hat to all and sundry. Jr. ran up to him, squealing in delight, and his uncle Jack as he called him swung him high off the ground to rest in his arms. "Well hello there, my fine young lad. Beautiful day, innit?"
Skul looked at Springheeled Jack adoringly and nodded eagerly. Jack was a good uncle to him, taking him on his back and racing along rooftops, teaching him any skills he thought would help. Jack turned to me and grinned. "We got those wannabe Necromancers easily enough, poppet. Couldn't even throw a shadow, they'll have a long time in the gaol to think about what they did. Kidnapping children, the nerve of it."
I took his report, repressing a smile. One rumor about Jack was that he ate children, thought I thought people were being rather cruel. I knew Tanith had once trapped him with a baby's cry, and she shook her head as she left, glaring at Jack's back.
Jack left, promising to be nearby if needed. As if on cue our next detectives walked in, both looking rather decrepit. Thrasher and Scapegrace were our two worst detectives, but having zombies as allies never hurt. They had nothing to report, though their squabbles were highly entertaining. I got a break for lunch and Ghastly joined me and Skul in the dining room. It was a huge place, and being waited on was nice after a morning of serving others. I looked at him wearily. I don't know how we do this every day, dad. Though I suppose it is worth it." I glanced at Skul, the real reason I'd settled down into the Elder's position. Both Skulduggery and I were protective of him, and we'd agreed to work at our positions until new Elders were elected for his sake. The problem being that people liked us as Elders.
Skulduggery wandered up to our table, stretching sleepily. "I miss anything good this morning?" He asked, chirruping happily. He knew very well what he'd missed and I strongly suspected he'd been awake all morning. Our food came and we ate heartily, Skulduggery looking at Jr. We were both training him in magic, so was everyone else he could charm. I knew Skulduggery wanted to be out in the field again, and soon. He sighed but said nothing. I knew he adored our son, but he wasn't geared to be a desk jockey.
Skul of course knew exactly why his father was sighing, and made a slight sound I couldn't describe. It turned out skeletons indeed had their own way of communicating, and they exchanged a series of sounds, Skulduggery nodding every so often. Skul turned to me and made a purring sound. He'd won the discussion and I realized belatedly I'd not only understood what they'd said, but my answering purr confirmed it. Skulduggery was taking our son on a stakeout after lunch.
That left me free to deal with Tesseract, who I personally wished had stayed dead, and detectives Sanguine and Cat. I sighed when the interviews were over, wishing I was back out in the field. Office work was boring, even if I did care about people and like helping. Hadn't Erskine said that we could do as we pleased?
I left my office and headed to his, he looked up, smiling, then laughing as I groused to him. "Try being Grand Mage. Sorry, Valkyrie, but you really care about people and the new detectives like and respect you. I know office work is boring and I'll try and let you out in the field, honest. But for right now we need you here. Why not hunt down Tanith and annoy some Cleavers?" He grinned and dropped his head back to his work.
Tanith still loved me like a sister, but she was having problems with me letting criminals into the Sanctuary as detectives, even though I pointed out most of our regular detectives also qualified as criminals. We often broke the law to preserve it. She had just dropped her children off at our daycare and seemed happy to see me. I sighed in relief as she hugged me in greeting. "Hey, sis! So Skulduggery and Jr. are off having an adventure without you, huh? How about we get out of here for a while too?"
"I'd love to, Tanith. But I have to be here if I'm needed. Yes, we can do as we please, but to a point. We have so many changes now it feels like I'll be stuck here forever. I don't suppose you'd like to spar?" Tanith grinned in reply and we found an empty training room for our session. We were keeping ourself up because in a short amount of time from a magical perspective the kids would be grown and off on their own, thought admittedly it seemed mine would leave a lot faster.
I worried about Jr. as we fought, and I didn't even realize the match was over until Tanith shook me. "Sorry." I apologized. "I've just been worrying a lot lately. I'm afraid that- Never mind."
"Afraid that what, sis?" She slung a friendly arm around me and we rested against a wall.
"I'm afraid that Skulduggery regrets marrying me and having our son. That he feels tied down, repressed. I'm afraid he'll take off one day and never come back." I put my head down on my bent up knees and Tanith stroked my back soothingly.
"Has he ever said he feels tied down?" She asked gently.
"No, but he's changed. He's not the same Skulduggery he was before. Maybe our getting married was a mistake." I sighed.
Tanith gave me a Gibbs slap and I yelped. "Now you knock that off, Valkyrie Cain. You've changed as well. You are married to your job, you even take paperwork home. A year ago you'd have danced out from under the stuff. It is all well and good to be an Elder, but your husband comes first."
"You just killed women's liberation." I said dryly, but she was right. I wasn't doing the little things for Skulduggery like I used to. I was either too tired, or too busy, and I knew that was great incentive for him to find companionship elsewhere. Had he? Was there a woman somewhere I didn't know about? The stress of my job and my fears caught up with me, but I refused to cry. I got up and resolved to stagger back to my office through my blinding tears, but Tanith held me, refusing to let go. "There's someone else, isn't there?" I asked her, brokenly, and earned another Gibbs slap.
"Oi! That man bloody well adores you. Now you get your six back to your office and you bloody well think about how self-centered you're being." She gave me another rap and I skulked back, hoping I wouldn't see anyone.
I got there and dug out my mobile, but paused before dialing. I had no official reason to call Skulduggery. He was having father and son time with Jr. after all. But I missed them both. The mobile rang and I almost dropped it. Skulduggery. "What is it? Are you both OK?" I asked, keeping my voice low. He never called on a stakeout unless it was an emergency.
"Valkyrie, I need you to remain calm, but we have a situation in the park near the Sanctuary. Come quickly." I was out of my office and running to my own Bentley before I rang off, abandoning my duties. My family, after all, came first.
I tore down the streets and reached the park, ringing Skulduggery's mobile. "Where are you?" I hissed when he answered.
"Centre of the park, drive sedately please." He sounded way too calm but I obeyed his instructions, putting him on speaker. "Skulduggery, where are-" Then I saw them and almost sobbed in relief. Father and son hadn't been out in the field, they'd been getting an area ready for us all to relax. I parked and joined them, hugging Skulduggery tightly, then Skul.
"I thought you two were hostages." I scolded and they both managed contrite looks, even though neither one felt anything bad had happened. Scaring the living daylights out of me, after all, was half the fun.
"Bad skeleton." I shook a finger at Jr. and he giggled. But the pair had laid out snacks and drinks for all of us, Skulduggery having packed about six thermoses of coffee and two dozen pastries in a hamper. We all stretched out on a blanket and I thanked the heavens that the two men I loved most were still in my life.
"You OK, mom?" Jr. asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I've just been, off lately, all, well, if I didn't know better I'd swear you were getting a brother or sister." I snorted laughter. "Don't worry Jr. it isn't possible." Jr. instead of looking happy snuggled into me.
I looked at him in surprise, taking him into my lap. He looked at me solemnly, his eye sockets mournful. I was glad at that moment that the park was warded by magic. Jr. was free to be himself there, there was no chance of a mortal finding him. "What's the matter, hungry?" I asked. He shook his head.
"Jr. has two things he, well, we both want to ask for. Well, three, really. No, make it four, but that's all, we swear." Skulduggery sounded so sad my heart melted. No doubt it was something they felt they shouldn't have, but I nodded. Four things was the least I owed them.
"What's the first?" I asked, pouring coffee all around and handing out pastries.
Jr. spoke up, very bravely. "We want us to all quit the Sanctuary for a few months, Uncle Erksine says it's OK." I blinked. That was news.
"All right, done. To tell you both the truth I need the rest." Jr. squealed in delight then devoured his sweet, tilting his head endearingly for another. I nodded and they both descended on the basket.
Skulduggery looked at me with a happy chirrup. "Have another, Valkyrie. these are wonderful. OK, well, we also wanted, well, uh, Jr. wants to pick his Taken Name. We know it is early, but he is powerful and our son."
I knew what he meant. Jr. would always be a target because of who his parents were. "Just promise me you'll think a long time before you pick, did your father give you his inspiring speech?" I asked playfully and Jr. giggled and nodded.
"OK, third."
"Don't get angry with us, because Jr. already picked. You love us, right?" I laughed.
"OK, what is it, son?" I asked and Jr. looked speechless for a moment.
"You might not like it, but I wanted a name that would sound normal to mortals, but reflect the people I love most, please don't be mad at me mom, please. But I picked Cain Pleasant." I scooped him up and kissed him.
"I love you, Cain Pleasant, and that's you're name from now on. I think it's wonderful, and very creative, taking both our last names that way." Cain giggled.
"Well Skulduggery Valkyrie sounded like a Rolls Royce Phantom IV that never made it off the concept board." He giggled again. The boy had a strange sense of humour, I'd give him that.
I tilted my head. "Of course, the Rolls mascot, who taught you to be that clever? I did." I grinned at Skulduggery and he snorted. "All right you two, what's the fourth?" I asked envisioning vacations and the like.
"I want a sister like Ghastly has." Cain piped up. I cradled him to me and he continued. "I found a way, it's wierd but, we just need to go to the new bakery and talk to the nice lady who brings us all these sweets shes a- A confection-" He paused and looked at Skulduggery.
"This sounds odd, but she's a confection magician. She can imbue any kind of sweet or pastry with magical powers, baby-granting kind included. We, uh, well-" He drifted off, clearly embarrassed and I gathered them both in my arms.
"Yes, I'd love another baby. I'm guessing nine months the hard way is involved this time?" I asked and they both nodded. I sighed, but I was so thankful to have my men after scaring myself good that I happily agreed, and the truth was, I envied Tanith the twins. We broke apart and resumed snacking. Cain looked at me happily and purred, and his father joined in, making me laugh. "We haven't seen you laugh in a long time, Valkyrie. Don't worry, the Sanctuary got the jump start it needed. We can work on our family now. We've both, take this the right way, we've both missed you so much."
"I've missed you boys too. You know, we could get another boy, just so you two are OK with that." Skulduggery nodded.
"We're more than OK with that. It just feels, well, we need one more child. Cain will have a brother or sister. You know I grew up in a large family, I want him to have that as well. Providing of course you want it too." He looked at me hopefully and I nodded.
"I do, just think, Cain, your own sibling. Are you ready to be a big brother?" He nodded proudly. He might have a genius IQ, and accelerated growth rate, but he was still five months old in many ways. So being a big brother was still special to him. We lingered, Skulduggery confirming that as of then we were on leave and my fears of him leaving me evaporated. I'd known I wasn't there for him or Cain and I was just happy they'd both given me a second chance.
"Let's agree no one in this family ever becomes an Elder again." I suggested, and the both agreed.
At home that night Cain had snuggled in between us to watch a movie. He was drifting to sleep, and soon cuddled into my lap. Skulduggery pulled us both closer, wrapping his arms around me like he used to. "I was frightened I was loosing you, Valkyrie. To that blasted office. So was Cain. You're never allowed to take an office job, ever again, not if that's what you become. We missed you."
He kissed me deeply, like he used to and I realized how much I'd missed him doing it. I returned his kiss with utter thankfulness. We parted and I smiled at him. "Thanks, for rescuing me, again, and for not giving up on me. I love you, Skulduggery, and I haven't told you that nearly enough lately."
Skulduggery smiled. "I was just as bad. Lazing about, not helping much. A form of silent protest. I realized we needed out of that blasted place before we lost one another. That frightened me, Valkyrie. How could we of all couples do that?"
I kissed him again, then pulled back. " I neglected you, both of you. I lost sight of what was important. Not that helping bring in change for the better wasn't, but you two mean the world to me, and you both know you do." Skulduggery smiled and we both settled in for the rest of the movie.
Cain was up before anyone else the next day, tearing through the house excitedly. I now regretted letting his Uncle Jack teach him anything as he raced and leapt along furniture. "Come here you." I growled affectionately, managing to snare him midleap and he squealed happily.
We ate a hurried breakfast and were off for the bakery, all of us nervous. I was ready to give Cain a companion, and Skulduggery another child. I knew he felt two would break the cycle, that it would make his family strong. We pulled up to the quiet storefront and entered, a tinkling bell announcing us. Mrs. Gintlíocht came out to greet us. "Hello! You're here for something special today, well come back to the kitchen, come."
She was a cheerful woman, and had already switched her bakery deliveries to our front door, still refusing payment. Her grey hair was piled op top of her head in a neat bun covered by a hairnet, and her hands were dust with confectioner's sugar. She pointed to a plate laid out and waiting with two tempting fudge confections on it. "I bake, and I make candies. Confections. Here it is, you both eat this, and nine months from now you have a little one." She handed a sweet to Cain to keep him occupied and we smiled our thanks.
Skulduggery and I stepped up, both picking up a piece of fudge. His hollow eye sockets held my gaze with utter adoration, then we both ate. The fudge was decedent, but I felt no instant change. I looked at Skulduggery and he shrugged slightly, drawing cheery laughter. Mrs. Gintlíocht came forward to embrace us both. "It worked, you will see. No charge, I insist. You saved my precious grandson's life. We moved close to the Sanctuary for a better life, more work, and it has all come true. We thank you both for everything."
She hugged us again and escorted us out. We drove home, all of us slightly stunned. Could pregnancy happen that easily? I supposed we'd find out in a few months.
In a few weeks time I knew I was pregnant. I was eating enough to send Skulduggery and Cain into fits of rapture, and they both started petting my belly and talking to the new family member. I grinned. I was enjoying our time together. All day every day simply wasn't enough time with my two best guys. I loved them both dearly, and we'd soon have another bundle to add to our brood. I didn't even mind it when the Sanctuary doctor dropped by with a van loaded with equipment.
He did an ultrasound. It was very early, but he wanted to be sure everything was OK. There on the screen a tiny skeleton was curled up, seemingly quite content. I knew without asking it was a girl. Her hips, her beautiful face. The doctor congratulated us all and Skulduggery held me to him tightly when we were back inside. A daughter. I knew he'd been praying for one. She'd never make up for the daughter he'd lost, but he'd get a second chance with her.
Tanith squealed so loudly I thought she'd broken my eardrums when we told her and Ghastly the news. They were visiting with the twins and Cain happily played with them. He adored his brother and sister as he saw them. Though if I considered them the same thing, it just meant we had one very strange family.
He was gentle with them, a good sign. But he had always been and I wondered if he wanted children of his own someday. Cain had come so far in five months. He knew now magic was for alone time with us or emergencies only, that included his armour. People like Ghastly and Tanith were fine, but he never used magic in front of the babies, telling me he was afraid he'd scare them. Ghastly smiled over at him. "How are you holding up, Cain? Ready to be a big brother?"
"Yes, but will we both be your grandchildren, I'm confused." Ghaslty laughed and held out his arms for Cain.
"So am I, but yes, if you'll both have me." Cain cuddled into him and purred, soon falling asleep.
Tanith glanced at me. "You're doing something right. He takes to everyone right away, but he's streetwise too. I never worry about him with you to, or on his own. He's a clever one. And protective of you both." She mused.
We chatted for a while, and when our guests left at last trudged up to bed. So far everything was going smoothly, and I hoped it would for a long time to come.
It seemed to only be a week later that I held a tiny, fussing skeleton. She blinked what passed for her eyes at me, then gave a happy squeal. Father and brother were there, taking turns holding her. "She's beautiful." Skulduggery managed.
"I have a sister, a real sister." Cain added happily. "What will we name her, mom?" I smiled.
"I like Macha myself. If she is anything like the rest of the family she needs a strong name."
Both father and son agreed, and so Macha she was to be. Macha cuddled into me, a wee version of Skulduggery's purr emanating from her, and I laughed.
"Sleep, my little war goddess. Soon you'll be all grown up and having adventures of your own."
"With her brother." Cain insisted.
"With her brother." I agreed.
This was another smooth sailing chapter, but if we went ahead in time a family of four would be terrible for the bad guys to face indeed. Would the former bad guys have kept to the Sanctuary or would they need hunted down by the four best detectives in the Irish Sanctuary? Ah, Macha is an ancient Irish goddess of war and horses and Gintlíocht is one of several Gaelic words for Sorcery.