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Page 268 of White Noise Keywords: "extraneous," "socks," "interested," "mirror" Title: Faeries Disclaimer: Hi again from the Pen and the Brain. This is an Real Disclaimer: We wish these characters were ours. Alas they Please reply, we got none for "Figs". My E-Mail is Hayle, Cornwall. 1961. It was the heavy and unnatural blanket of silence that woke "Walter" Her voice was a mere tremor as she reached out to Eilian sighed, feeling the relief wash over her and she relaxed "Kate!" she yelled desperately. The cries continued, growing Suddenly the realisation hit her and she felt her knees go The door yielded unwillingly under her hand and she shoved Kate's broken cries were dimmer now, less frequent, but they A hundred thousand tiny Faerie lights danced around the She turned her feverish gaze on Eilian. "Mama?" And it broke the spell. "Daoine Sidhe." The ancient words fell from Eilian's lips and The lights paused, dimmed and flickered as she took a step When she reopened her eyes they were gone. The only other Eilian slapped on the light, provoking and startled squawk Then she stopped, the heaviness forming in her heart. The sweet round face was Kate's. The matted curls. The "Faeries" by The Pen and the Brain: Part 2 of many. For disclaimer see part 1 *** The lights were off in the dim basement office when Special She stepped slowly into the room and frowned, half curious. The door closed behind her and she tensed, one hand A strong hand caught her wrist and warm fingers tightened "Leave it off, Scully," came his voice, quite close behind her. She relaxed, took a step back and nearly collided with him as "What's going on here, Mulder?" she asked, trying to keep "A slide show," he replied. Turning she saw the projector set up in the corner of the Mulder had moved on and was standing by the projector, With a *click* the image of a freckle faced boy appeared. "Cute kid, Mulder," Scully said without turning to him. His dark eyes were smiling at her in the shadows and he She dropped her briefcase in her chair and moved to join him, "This... *kids* name is - was - Henry Baxter," he said, his "Dead, at the bottom of a small lake in Hayle," Scully "Because his death is our newest case - and our most high- Scully thought about that for a moment, a frown marring the "Which is in England, Scully," he grinned. "Right. And at any rate it looks like an accidental drowning. Mulder pulled a black and white photograph off his desk and Scully put the photo of the Senator aside and sighed, He shook his head, looking a little disappointed and gently She waited. "And?" "And this is the fifth drowning in as many months of children She looked at him. He looked tired and drawn, she wondered He handed her the file again. "Scotland Yard has been "But it's not an X-File." "No. I went to school with Taffy," he grinned. "Inspector Scully raised her eyebrows doubtfully. "Taffy? Should I ask?" He patted her arm reassuringly. "It's a running joke." "Oh." Another click and Henry Baxter's face was replaced with "The first - I hesitate to use the phrase victim, but for the "Bodies generally surface after two to three days," supplied "Thankyou Scully," he said wryly. "So where did she spend the rest of the week? And why "There *was* a search, Scully," said Mulder quite gently. "But how can you-" "I know these places. If Bethany Ashcroft had been near they She sighed, "Okay. So if it was suspected kidnapping why "Extraneous evidence," muttered Mulder. Scully looked hard at him. "*How* extraneous?" "Bethany Ashcroft's mother filed for divorce and left the Scully closed her eyes for a moment. "But you believe He looked sharply at her. "She turned up dead, Scully." She looked away from his penetrating gaze. "But at least she He didn't reply and after a moment she glanced up again and He kept his eyes on her for a moment longer then turned back Scully frowned, concerned. "Mulder?" He turned on her. "They're just children, Scully. Five *kids*. She met his gaze and felt his pain. Gently she said, "Mulder He shook his arm out of her grasp and seemed about to argue, "Am I being dismissed?" she asked him. "Go home and have an early night. I'll swing by and pick you She agreed with a shrug and went to pick up her jacket. "I'll "I'll be waiting with bated breath," he responded. "Just make At the door she paused and looked back at him, but he was *** "Faeries" by The Pen and the Brain: Part 3 of many. For disclaimer see part 1. Scully was sitting at the kitchen table with her back to him in "Um, Dana?" said the guy, motioning to Mulder. Scully turned, her eyes widening slightly when she saw He held out the paper bag. "Pastries," he said rather weakly, "You're early," she said. "I let myself in." She looked at him for a moment with an expression that he Bryan stood up to shake Mulder's hand and Mulder studied "So there *is* a Mulder," said Bryan to Scully as he took his Mulder sat in a chair next to Scully and shuffled it closer, Scully frowned at him as he began to spread crumbs over her "So, Bryan, what do you do?" The other man grinned disarmingly, exposing perfect white Mulder raised an eyebrow. "Judging by your appearance I'd Scully shot Mulder a warning glance, but Bryan just laughed "I'm the youngest partner in the Walker, Banks and Grey Oh *good*, thought Mulder. "But what about you, Mulder - may I call you Mulder? - From Was there a barely veiled insult in that comment? wondered The coffee was so hot that it burnt his tongue and he looked "I live two doors down from Dana," Bryan was saying. "I Mulder suppressed a yawn by taking another bite from his "I guess you and Dana get to travel a lot," said Bryan. "The case is in Hayle, but we'll spend the first night in Bryan sighed wistfully, "I love London." He looked with Mulder watched him narrowly. "You've been to England?" "I graduated from Cambridge." "With honours," Scully supplied. They shared a smile. Mulder decided that he disliked this man intensely. He leaned Scully's fierce eyes did battle with the passive smile on her "Yes I have, Mulder," she replied in a carefully structured Uh, oh. Mulder knew that he was in trouble. Apparently Bryan knew it too. He gave an unsure chuckle and "Let me see you out," she replied with a final look at Mulder. Mulder followed them out of the kitchen. "Tell your mother that I said hello," Scully was saying. "Oh absolutely," enthused Bryan. "Look, Dana, when you get Dana laughed, recognising his reference to a childhood Alarm bells went off inside Mulder's head and he stepped Bryan glanced from the suddenly breathless Dana up to her "Agent Mulder," said Bryan brusquely, holding out his hand - Mulder looked up and shook the proffered hand briefly, The look Mulder was giving him was intense and specifically *Hell,* he told himself, *All's fair in love and war. Besides, a He leant forward and in one fluid motion kissed Dana She nodded, smiled and shut the door on his face. "I don't like him," announced Mulder. Scully sighed and turned around, putting her back to the "Mulder, what is there not to like? I mean he's polite, "Handsome, single, not to mention very well off if his shoes Scully laughed. "Mulder, I stopped doing things expressly to Mulder hiked himself up onto her bench and started playing She paused in her activity of cleaning up and looked at him Mulder swung down from the bench and crossed the kitchen "Testosteronal," observed Scully. "Good word, one of your "He wants your body, Scully." She wanted to laugh and found that she couldn't. "You're a He stepped close to her, backing her up against the table. "I "Ha!" "I don't want you to get hurt." She sighed softly. "Mulder, Bryan is part of my personal life. He nodded reluctantly. Personal feelings have no place in a professional relationship. *** "Faeries" by The Pen and the Brain: Part 4 of many. For disclaimer see part 1 Christina Reeves stepped out of the school doors into the Christina looked for her father's red mini with little hope. Daddy always seemed to be late home from work these days. Christina felt a slim, ungloved hand fall on her shoulder and Rosemary Lomas looked down at Christina with eyes that Christina felt the warmth of Mrs Lomas' hand as it lay "No thankyou, Mrs Lomas," she said politely, without Rosemary paused for a moment, wondering if she should "Mum, I want to go home." Rosemary nodded, squeezed Christina's shoulder briefly and As Christina walked home she enjoyed the woods that skirted Generally people steered away from Kate Winslow, but As she picked her way carefully along the unpaved path that "Mrs Winslow?" she called hopefully. The only reply was the Then Christina stepped off the path and into the shadows of The bird stopped singing and a heavy blanket of silence fell "Mrs Winslow?" Even her voice seemed distant, like someone Christina took another step into the forest. The brisk whirring sound that flashed past Christina's right *Faerie*, thought Christina and grinned. What would *I could catch one*, thought Christina and pulled the lunch When she straightened, her head spun and darkness clouded She fell, but didn't hit the ground. *** "I hate long flights," sighed Scully. She turned in her seat Mulder touched her hand, "Three hours are up-" Mulder squeezed her fingers for a moment, then let go and "Mulder, we've already been through the file twice since we "One o'clock, A.M. Their time," replied Mulder absently into "Oh, good," murmured Scully. She paused and looked down He didn't reply, but after a moment more of distracted cursing She stared at him, "A book? One of yours?" He shook his head. "No, for you. I saw some on your She held his gaze for a moment longer, before lowering it to "It's the most recent one," he said casually. Scully smiled. "It's very well thumbed through," she said He grinned lopsidedly. "I found it intriguing. Maybe you can "He's very damaged, psychologically speaking," said Scully. "So are we all," responded Mulder without a smile, Scully patted his arm and opened the book, settling down to *** Digging his hand through tousled blond curls, Alec Stephens "Another one? Are you sure?" he directed his voice towards "Yes, sir," came the reply. "Christina Reeves. We dredged the "Damn," muttered Stephens. "I beg your pardon, sir?" "Nothing. Look, I'm heading off to London to meet an old "I can try..." the reply was doubtful and Stephens cursed "Angus, look, it's the best that I can do at this point. All An eleven hour flight from Washington to Heathrow with the Stephens could only hope that his partner was more tolerant. *** "Faeries" By the Pen and the Brain. Part 5 of many. For disclaimer see part one. Waking from a monotony induced nap, Mulder found the Gently working his arm around her shoulders he retrieved the He surreptitiously glanced around to see if anyone was The flight attendant who was approaching was at loath to Mulder jumped when she spoke and turned his face towards "Would you like to wake your wife, sir? We're about to serve "I'm awake," came a muffled face from his shoulder. Mulder froze. The flight attendant leaned a little further over him. "Ma'am, Scully lifted her head from Mulder's shoulder. 'Dinner?" She "It's eight o'clock P.M. in London," the flight attendant Scully groaned and struggled with her watch for a moment He caught her hand and brought it down from his face, "What's for dinner?" he asked the flight attendant. "Roast beef," replied the flight attendant. "Sandwiches?" he repeated, more clearly. "Roast beef," the flight attendant said adamantly. "Roast beef sandwiches?" "Roast beef." She relented a little, "And three kinds of Scully saw his deflated look and gave a little chuckle as she "I'm just going to freshen up," she said. Mulder watched her. Was she flustered? "Sure," he said carefully. She started to move past him, brushing by his knees at a She froze at the contact and risked a glance down at him. He Scully found her breath. "Move," she said briskly. "I can't get He grinned and stepped into the narrow aisle, but his way was Scully glared half-heartedly at him as he stood there. Then, Muttering impolite and no doubt anatomically unsound Mulder caught the comment about aisles matching IQ's and Scully began to squeeze past him in the narrow space and his He saw the slight shadows marring the creamy skin under her "Mulder?" "Don't be long." He felt like a fool as he released her. She stared at him for a moment, then gathered her wits and "Oh God," muttered Mulder, he fell back into this seat and "Oh God," he muttered again. It was going to be a long five hours. *** "Faeries" - By the Pen and the Brain. Disclaimer: Didn't I promise you more? Well here I go again. Real Disclaimer: Dana Scully, Fox Mulder, and anyone else And now, on with the show. Faeries- Part 6 *** The Heathrow Airport was practically deserted when the Mulder sat in one of the multitude of vinyl chairs with his He looked up to see Scully approaching and he gave her a "Any sign of Inspector Stephens?" she asked him doubtfully. He shook his head. "He'll be here, Scully. He's probably just "At one-thirty in the morning," said Scully with a raised He sighed. "Did you bring sustenance?" She produced two "Sustenance." "Where's the chocolate?" She smiled. "Sold out. I bought you a carob bar instead - He groaned, "Healthy alternative to chocolate? You trying to "You trying to thank me?" she shot back. He smiled crookedly at her. "Thankyou." She nodded and flopped over, propping her head wearily on The warm skin under Mulder's fingertips was smooth and he Looking up he saw Alec approaching with a wide, lascivious Mulder let his hand linger on Scully's neck as Alec came up "Since when did the FBI subsidise trips for significant others, Mulder winced, feeling Scully stiffen and straighten. But "So, where's your partner. You ditch him?" He stopped Scully stood up abruptly. "Excuse me." As she left Mulder "Pretty," said Alec. "Where's your partner?" "That *was* my partner," said Mulder, rising. "Agent Dana Alec's eyes widened. "You never told me she was a woman!" "It never occured to me you'd think otherwise," responded "God, I'm sorry. Will she be alright?" Stephens looked "Yeah, she just needs some time to cool off." Stephens looked to the door through which Scully had exited. Mulder groaned, "Alec..." "Are you sleeping with her yet?" "Jesus, Alec!" Mulder bent down and thrust his suitcase at his "Roadworks" he replied disdainfully. Mulder nodded in understanding and they began to walk to Scully was sitting in one of the chairs and she stood when "Agent Scully," Stephens was all business now. Scully raised an eyebrow, but was too tired to be properly "I'd like to apologise for my earlier behaviour," he said. 'I "Chauvanistic," supplied Scully. Mulder grinned. Stephens extended his hand with a charming smile. "How do Scully managed to hide her smile. "Well, that wasn't too difficult," murmured Stephens to Mulder looked at him with mild disgust, "Another "You seem familiar with her routine, Fox. 'Fess up, Old Mulder watched Scully walking some distance before them. Scully turned to them, immediately alert to her partner's tone "This is it," said Alec abruptly as they reached a dark blue Mulder looked down at his partner. She looked pale and She looked up at him. "I'm fine, Mulder," she replied quietly He reached for her quickly, but she grasped the car door and "I'm fine. Just a little wobbly." Mulder opened the car door for her and helped her in. "Do She shook her head carefully, "I'm just going to lie down." He removed his coat and wrapped ti around her. Alec gave him a questioning look when he fastened his Mulder glanced back on her, "She's okay, she just needs to "How are you doing?" "I'm too tired to think," replied Mulder with a slight smile. "You should probably sleep in the car, we'll be in Hayle by "We'll want to speak to Christina Reeves' father." "He works in London, so you won't be able to reach him until "The *teacher*, Alec?" asked Mulder. "No one knows *all* of the children better," Stephens "Not exactly proper procedure though, is it, Alec?" Stephens flashed Mulder a brief grin. "I don't seem to recall *** Faeries- Part 7 by The Pen and The Brain. *** When they reached Andover Alec stopped at a Little Chef Mulder looked at his wristwatch, 5:05 am. "Just in time for "Go ahead and wake her up," said Alec, hopping out of the She was curled up in the spacious backseat, snuggled warmly He touched her shoulder and then her face. "Scully?" She shifted. A slight frown passing over her forehead. He let his hand linger on her cheek as he leant closer, "Possibly," came the murmured reply. She didn't open her Mulder found himself inches from her lips and a wave of pure Her eyes suddenly opened, startling him, he jumped back, Still lying down, Scully looked at him. "Where are we?" Mulder looked momentarily confused, prompting her to say, "Andover," he said. "Not Corwall." "Not quite. Kent." She sat up, slowly, holding her head carefully. "Why are we Mulder grinned at her, and held out a hand to help her out of She looked warily at the Little Chef. "Does it have coffee?" "I'm sure it has coffee," he said smiling, I'll bring you out "No. No," she shook her head and immediatley regretted it. He reached for her hesitantly, still reeling from his desire a She grasped his arm as she left the stability of the car. "I will She said it so fiercly that Mulder grinned, murmuring. "Or She smiled sarcastically at him and let go, taking one shaky Mulder lunged for her and caught her about the waist as she Reluctantly he let go. "Can't blame a guy for trying," he said She returned the smile and he felt his breath catch again. She smoothed her hands hastily over her hair, "Quiet, and He waited. "Please." Alec was waiting for them indoors, sitting at a chequered "So," said Alec, breaking the silence. Scully looked at him, "So." "Are you feeling allright?" his voice was hesitant. "I'm feling better." "Look, Agent Scully. I'm really terribly sorry-" She dismissed the apology with a smile. "It's either Scully, or "Dana." His grinned disarmingly, running a hand through his She shrugged, her gaze moving back to Mulder. "So how long have you been working with him??" Alec said, "Several years, now," said Scully. "That long?" said Alec. "My God, how do you put up with Scully choked back a laugh, "Because?" "'The sky is falling, the sky is falling!'" grinned Alec. "That, Scully shook her head. "That's okay. I've seen his attraction Alec raised his eyebrows, "Really?" maybe he *hadn't* been "Early into a our partnership Phoebe Green paid us a visit," "Oh, yes," said Alec with a knowing smile. "Phenomenal "What got burnt?" Aked Mulder, coming up to the table, two She sniffed his mug and wrinkled her nose. "What on earth He grinned. "Lapsang Souchong." Scully rolled her eyes, "Did you decide that you liked He gave her an enigmatic look and instead of replying, took a "Speaking from experience, of course," said Scully, pushing He took a sip and thanked her with his eyes over the rim of "You'd be suprised what initiation rituals bored English Mulder blanched, "Not over breakfast, Taffy." Scully laughed, "Can't stomache it Foxy Loxy?" Mulder glared at his friend. "Thankyou, Alec." Scully yawned, then reached into her pockets and pulled out a Mulder's eyes fastened on the pale length of her neck, his "Are you feeling better?" Mulder's question was directed to "I'm feeling considerably better, but you don't look so well," "How long will you be in England?" queried Alec. Mulder gave hima warning look. "No sight-seeing, Alec." "Not even Gretna Green? Dana shouldn't miss that." As uncharacteristic as it was, Mulder coloured, the blood Alec burst out laughing at Mulder's expression and annoyed, "What's in Gretna Green?" "Shut up, Alec," Mulder managed to growl. Alec was still chuckling when they returned to the car. Scully pushed Mulder into the back and ordered him to lie He realised that he must have been more tired than he had Scully turned in her sea6t and sighed with relief, "He's Alec looked suprised. "He is?" He glanced in the rear-view "He doesn't sleep at home. Much." The look on her face interested Alec. "Nevertheless, you're She closed her eyes and rested her head against the seat. "I "Tell me about the two of you." Scully narrowed her eyes and ganced back at Mulder. "I have "What do you want to know?" "Are there any links between the victims?" "No. All but Henry Baxter went to the local school, that's the "The lake," said Scully. "Is there any significane in the lake? "Local folklore?" repeated Stephens. "Oh yes, I can tell that "Mulder has nothing to do with it," said Scully a little "All right," Alec cut in with a smile. "You win. I'll look into "What about cause of death?" asked Scully. "Drowning. No doubt about it," Alec said. "No drugs or Scully frowned. "What makes you say that?" "Even if you could get a boat through the woods, it would "Peter Briggs was seven years old," Scully reminded him. Stephens shook his head. "Not Peter Briggs. He wouldn't go *** Mulder woke up with a start when Alec shook his shoulder, Moving forward, Svully took his arm. "Alec and I have Mulder's head snapped towards her. "A double suite?" he "Sure," she said. "Two bedrooms, a main room and a "No!" he was quick to say. "I just thought: 'double suite'..." "You should be so lucky." He turned aroung groggily. "Where's Alec." "Downstairs." "No," he shook his head. "His room." She pointed to a door across the landing. "There. We're over He nodded without taking it in and started to fall into a seat. Scully pulled him up and nudged him towards the bedrooms. He nodded and stumbled through the other door. *** Faeries - By The Pen and The Brain. Part 8. For disclaimer, see part 1. *** Scully looked up at him fondly. "You look like you have a "Me?" he grinned, but she was already opening the door into About thirty-five children waiting for them inside, sitting She looked up when they entered and and smiled, exposing Thirty-five curious pairs of eyes swiveled and fastened on Mulder shifted uncomfortably. "Hi." Thirty-five mouths dropped open. "You talk strange," said one boy, clambering up and standing It was apparently an unspoken cue of some kind, because "Mister, are you a policeman?" asked one. "Kind of," said Mulder. "Where are you from?" "Washington," said Mulder. "Where's that?" "America." "D'you have a gun?" "Yes." "Can I see it." "Sorry. No." Scully smiled at him and patted his arm. "I'll talk to the He stared at her, appalled. "Don't leave me alone with them," She nodded encouragingly and went to greet the school "Do you think you should leave your partner alone with "He'll be fine," said Scully. "He has a way with kids. A Mulder managed to make it to one of the miniscule chairs, "America's a long, long way away, isn't it?" a small boy "Yes, it is," replied Mulder. "Why're you here?" Mulder swallowed. "Well, a lot of people in your class have "What's your name?" This from a curly haired girl squatting "Agent Mulder," said Mulder. The girl laughed. "That's funny. What's your *real* name?" "That is my real name." "No. What's your *real* name? Mine's Lucy." "My first name is Fox," said Mulder a little stiffly. "Foxy Loxy!" The delighted cries reached Scully and she "Four of my students," Leslie was murmuring bewilderedly. Scully shook her head mutely. "I keep thinking was there something I could have done to "I'm sorry," said Scully. Somehow it didn't feel enough. "So am I. So is everyone, but it's not stopping whatever sick "Have you seen anyone hanging around the school?" "No." "Is there any link you can think of between these children?" "I'm sorry. No." "Is that your girlfriend?" Mulder turned to see where the "No. That's my partner." A girl with pigtails wrinkled her nose. "My mum says that's "She's pretty. What's her name?" "Agent Scully," said Mulder promptly. There was a world weary sigh, "No. What's her *real* *Of course* "Dana." Across the room Scully looked up and gave him a questioning *I'm fine* he mouthed. "I have parents who have asked to stay with their children Scully reached into her handbag a produced a tissue. "I'm sorry," said Leslie. Scully touched her arm, concern clouding her eyes. "Don't Mulder wanted to go to Scully, but the kids were pulling him "That's Mine." "Mine!" "I did that one!" A forest of excited He turned back to the wall and stopped as a picture caught his Painted in dark hues of purple, green, blue and balck, the Was that a half face hidden in the depths of the picture? "Did your teacher do this one?" "No. Hannah did," came the reply. Mulder looked down at them all. "Who's Hannah?" They looked at each other. "She's not allowed to come to "Says who?" asked Mulder. "Says her mum," said Lucy. "She's weird." "Hannah?" "Her mum." "Mulder?" He heard Scully come up beside him and stand by Across the room Leslie clapped her hands, attracting the "All right. Break time." He wathed them leave, excitedly tumbling towrads the door "Excuse me sir. Are you going to stay here a while?" Mulder's brow furrowed. The boy looked familiar. "Sure, "Good." The boy's tone of voice was fierce. "What is your name?" Scully asked him as he began to leave. The boy looked back over his shoulder. "Andrew Lomas," "Joshua Lomas' brother," said Mulder tiredly. He looked "You're very good with kids," said Scully. "You're going to He looked up at her with a faint smile. "You offering, She almsot laughed, but something in his eyes stopped her. He did laugh for a moment before putting a hand on her back, "There's an Italian Resturauant in the Town," said Leslie, Scully looked interested. "*Good* Italian?" Mulder groaned. "For *lunch* Scully?" Leslie smiled. "Good enough - maybe I can treat you to Scully narrowed her eyes at the woman and waited for his "Uh," he glanced towards Scully as if for support. She just "Oh," Leslie glanced at Scully ans stepped back, opening the Scully's lips formed what Mulder had learnt to recognise as Mulder gave a little chuckle as he belted himself in. Scully cocked her head and looked at him."What?" "You treated Leslie Mackensie the way I treated Bryan. Look She narrowed her eyes and glowered at him, disliking the "You want to risk the Italian Resturaunt?" She raised her eyebrows, mocking him. "For *lunch*, "There's a cafe on the main street," he smiled. "You ever had *** End of part 8. Faeries: Part 9 What has happened previously... Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully, yadda, yadda, yadda. If you don't know *** She was tucked into one of the corners of the bookshop, Scully grinned and stayed where she was, hidden by the tall 'Are you looking for anything in particular?', the Scully heard him laugh. 'Do you have anything small, pale and redheaded?', 'Dana Scully,' said the woman,'from Washington D.C. 'I see you've already debriefed her,' said Mulder. 'Excuse me?' asked the woman. 'Nothing,' he hastily said. 'Umm...' 'She's down one of the aisles,' the woman pointed 'Hey.' She felt him touch her shoulder and then he leant around her 'Hmmm,' he said, reading the cover, '"Medieval She yanked it from his hand and shoved it back into the 'Ah ha.' He plucked it off the shelf. 'Is that what She flashed him a smile. 'Deny everything,' she quipped. He laughed and handed the book back to her, then began Scully paged through the book until she found the chapter 'A legend or a myth, Scully?' he asked distractedly, 'A myth,' she answered stiffly. '"There was once a 'Oh good, a man,' Mulder cut in drily. 'The man's name was Willem, and he fell in love with 'Racial injustice and thwarted love,' cut in She shot him a look, but continued. 'They would meet by 'Eureka!' muttered Mulder, pulling a small leather Scully looked up from the pages of the book. 'Mulder, 'Yeah I am,' he said, his fingers struggling with 'One of the stars, having grown jealous of Willem's 'Victory.' Mulder finally opened the bag. 'Mulder...' 'I'm listening,' he insisted. 'Hold still.' She sighed and turned to the story again. 'Felouen's father 'Which she never did,' said Mulder softly. 'Which she never did,' echoed Scully with a sigh. 'I like it,' he said. 'So do I,' she said, fingering the metallic charm. 'Protection,' he grinned. She chuckled. 'I'm Catholic, I don't believe in He met her gaze and managed to move closer. 'Just because She felt his lapels brush her. The only thing separating 'From Piskies,' he said in an intense stage 'Pixies,' she corrected absently, concentrating on 'Piskies,' he said again. She watched his lips form the word and frowned a little. He suddenly stepped away and his voice was harsh when he 'Apparently not,' murmured Scully. The woman at the counter told Scully he'd left the shop as She found him sitting in the car, his head resting in his 'Hey.' She slid into the seat beside him and touched He nodded, his eyes thankful, and put the car into gear. *** 'I can't believe she's gone,' mumbled John Reeves into his Mulder was watching Reeves with a look wavering between pity Reeves' head snapped up and he glared at the younger man. Mulder knew he shouldn't respond. That the man was hurting She was giving him a look that eloquently said, *What the 'I've heard about you two,' Reeves snarled. 'Sir,' Scully cut in, desperate to calm the man, 'I 'Agent Scully, are you a mother?' She stopped, the question catching her off guard. 'I beg 'Are you a parent? No? Then how could you possibly His words stabbed at Mulder's heart, and he responded 'Mulder-' Scully protested, her voice just above a 'The only difference was that I was there when my 'Don't,' she pleaded with him. 'You weren't 'I am.' The words were spoken in tandem by the two Once outside he took deep gasping breaths of air, feeling "It's my fault," John Reeves had said. "I wasn't How many times had those words echoed painfully through his He'd seen something in John Reeves that was familiar, The child's guilt had faded to a dim half-memory. But now, He wanted to cry. He heard the door behind him swing open and Scully join him 'Come on. It's time to go.' She didn't ask him if he was alright, but as she came up she At the edge of the woods a blue-green light throbbed, Their eyes were set wide apart and colored an intense green, They crept up to the window of the house and peered in. The children frowned. The bells would be a problem. 'Kate...,' one of the children crooned. The woman 'Kate...come play with us...' The woman left the room. The children didn't notice her 'Kate, me miss you...your mother misses you, come The girl began to twist restlessly in her bed, causing the And she woke. Sitting up on her bed the girl looked at the window The children shrank back from the window. The old woman! Eilian darted across the room, her white flannel nightgown 'Grandma,' said the girl, 'they were here again.' Faeries, part 10. By The Pen and The Brain. WARNING: Okay, the end of this gets a little steamy... sorry. *** It took three hours of Mulder's evasive, non-committal She did so over dinner, abruptly putting down her knife and 'About what?' 'John Reeves, Peter Briggs, Bethany Ashcroft, He merely looked at her. 'I'm fine.' 'I'm not falling for it.' He gave her a crooked smile and tried to look away, but she 'Mulder,' she said insistently, 'what happened this He dropped the act. 'Nothing. I don't want to talk about 'What's happening to you?' He shook his head and stood up. 'Scully, it's been 'NO!' She stood up and pursued him out of the dining He didn't stop or turn around, but continued through the bar 'I'm *not* telling you not to feel anything,' she He rounded on her, glaring down on her from the stairs. 'Learn!,' she cried. 'For God's sake, Mulder!' He snarled something unintelligible and spun away on his 'I've lost so much,' he said quietly. She stood hesitantly in the doorway, teetering between anger He looked up. 'I haven't forgotten.' She sighed shakily, trying to control the treacherous His eyes grew hard. "I guess you just don't feel, then.' Biting her lip to keep back the retort, Scully turned away 'Scully-' She shook her head mutely, feeling her throat clench. Dana woke with a start at the sound of someone entering her The single window in her room was small and heavily The person hesitated in the doorway when they heard her 'Mulder?' The quiet footsteps resumed as he approached her, moving She frowned, concerned and began to reach for the bedside 'What is it?,' she asked quietly. Silence. 'Talk to me,
From: "TAKE A BATH" <TakeA_Bath@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Pen and The Brain
Date: 8 Mar 2003
Newsgroups: alt.support.depression.manic
From: ThePen@hotmail.com
Subject: Submitting "Faeries"
Author: The Pen and The Brain
Category: XR
Rating:PG-NC17
Summary: Mulder and Scully pursue a peculiar case in Cornwall and
discover things within each other at the same time.
absolutely massive story that I am working on getting from an
excercise book into the computer. Despite the title this story is
firmly rooted in the real world (Well, as real as the X-Files
world gets :-).) It has romance, sorry to all non-
relationshippers out there. It is rated PG at the moment, it
might get... raunchier later:-) We'll let you know. Bear with
part one, it's all plot, setting the scene etc, the characters will
show soon!
are not. The belong to Fox, and CC and 1013 and so on and so
forth. Sigh.
ThePen@hotmail.com
***
Eilian George from her restless sleep. An oppressive, thick
silence that hung over the house, stifling sound with it's
lethargic weight. She was jarred awake by a sudden shock of
fear that had her trembling so hard that her teeth chattered in
the muffled quiet of the bedroom. She shivered under the
heavy musty smelling quilt and realised that the bed was as
cold as the surrounding air.
the dark lump beside her in the bed. She found a cool
shoulder and shook it gently, but her husband didn't move.
She felt fear start to coil deep in her stomach. "Walter?"
More insistently this time, her voice growing stronger and at
the same time, more alarmed. Her vision slowly adjusted to
the dimness of the room and she saw his chest rising and
falling under the blanket. A monotonous, regular rhythm.
back into the pillows. Suddenly a shrill scream broke the
extreme silence of the house. Eilian shot upright, flinging off
the covers and leaping down from the high old bed, a sharp
cry of pain catching in her throat as her ankle twisted under
her. The floor was freezing, numbing her toes, but Eilian
didn't notice as she ran for the door. Another scream
shattered the air, cutting through her rasping gasps. *Dear
God! not the baby.* The door was stuck. The handle wouldn't
turn, the frame itself shuddering under Eilian's wrenching
onslaught.
more hoarse and exhausted by the moment. Eilian turned
back to the bed, expecting to see Walter rising like a giant
from the rumpled bedclothes. Nothing.
weak, the breath catching in her throat. Her eyes darted
around the room until they lit upon a branch of rowan,
languishing in a jar of water beside the bed. Earlier that day
she had picked them in the woods near the house to add
colour to the room in lieu of flowers. But now the bright
foliage and scarlet berries shone in the dark like a safety
beacon and with a sob Eilian snatched them from the water,
the glass clattered to the floor and spun of the wooden boards
without breaking.
it open, stumbling down the hall, the long night-gown
tangling in her legs and hampering every step.
were still terrified and they tore at Eilian's heart. *Please, not
the baby-* With a triumphant shout she forced the nursery
door open, slamming it against the wall. But what she saw
froze her tongue and the rowan fell from numbed fingers.
room, casting an eerie blue-green hue on the walls and
causing a whirring breeze to whisper through the open
curtains. In the midst of this luminous chaos was Kate,
twisting and writhing on a pallet of light, her pale little face
contorted into a grimace of angry fear. Her dark eyes reflected
the intense green of the Faerie lights, her fine hair matted to
her forehead in a damp spiderweb of chestnut curls.
froze in the biting air.
forward, arms outstretched to the now silent baby, but just as
her fingers reached for Kate the room erupted into furious
whirring once more. A blinding flash of iridescent blue shot
past her nose and she reeled back, her eyes closed, the intense
light burning on her retinas.
presence in the room was the leg-kicking, gurgling baby in
the crib.
from the infant, and she snatched her up from the blankets,
sinking to the floor with a sob. "My Kate," she murmured,
lifting the baby's head to face her.
waving hands and the scent of warm milk and baby powder
were all painfully familiar. But the vacant look in the bright
emerald eyes didn't belong to Kate. And they stared,
unrecognising into Eilian's face with all of the emotion of a
marble statue.
J Edgar Hoover Building
12:45pm.
Agent Dana Scully opened the door.
"Mulder?"
reaching automatically for her gun, the other for the light-
switch.
slightly.
she shrugged out of her overcoat. His hand on her arm
steadied her.
the suspicion out of her voice. She heard him chuckle in
response, then there was a click, and the familiar white-light
of the overhead projector filled the room.
room, the screen blank. "Oh goodie."
watching her, waiting with a sardonic smile. The light lit his
chiselled features, making him seem gaunt and haunted.
Scully judged him to be about five or six. He had a gappy
smile and dark unruly hair that spilled onto the collar of his
cubs uniform.
"Your secret love child?"
motioned for her to come stand beside him.
picking her way precariously through the heaped paperwork
on his side of the office. He wordlessly handed her a case file
and she opened it and began to skim read as he gestured with
a pen to the screen.
voice carefully emotionless. "He vanished from a camping
trip his Cub Troupe was holding. He was found two days
later-"
finished for him. "Why are you telling me this?"
priority one," replied Mulder with just a hint of a smile in his
voice.
pale cream of her brow. "But, it's considerably out of federal
jurisdiction, Mulder. Hayle is in Cornwall-"
Even Scotland Yard doesn't get involved with that. So since
when did they bring in the FBI?"
gave it to her. "Henry Baxter is Senator James Baxter's only
son. He lived in Cornwall with his mother, Peta Waterhouse,
who remarried after the divorce, but he saw his father
regularly. Senator Baxter was understandably distraught at
his sons death."
frustrated with his cryptic answers. "Naturally. But that
doesn't answer my question." She held the file out towards
him, "What are *we* doing with this case?"
took the file from her. "James Baxter is a powerful man."
in Hayle between the ages of four and eight. All with
matching M.O's. Separately they all look like accidental
drownings. But five Scully?" He shook his head and
shrugged, "Five looks like exhausting the odds."
how he had struggled with this case when it first landed on
his desk. It was close, uncomfortably close, to his heart. "But
even if it *is* the work of a serial killer, it's *England*
Mulder. Why isn't Scotland Yard investigating?"
involved since the third drowning. They haven't been able to
pull anything up. The official request for our help was put in
by Detective Inspector Alec Stephens."
Stephens."
another child. This time a tousle-haired blonde girl.
want of a better phrase it will have to do. The first victim was
Janet Quinlan. She died, or rather, was found June the eighth.
That was treated as an accident and her parents buried her
without an investigation. Same with the second-" Mulder
changed the slides again. "Bethany Ashcroft, age eight. The
eldest victim yet. She was found July sixteenth, but had
disappeared a week earlier. They didn't find her until she,
um-" he grimaced, a shadow of old pain passing over his
face. "Until she floated."
Scully.
wasn't there a search? I mean, Hayle is a small town-"
An extensive one. They didn't turn anything up. Bethany
Ashcroft wasn't in Hayle that week."
would have found her," Mulder said insistently.
didn't they report it? Why wasn't there an investigation?"
house a day before Bethany disappeared. Everyone assumed
she came back and took the daughter."
otherwise." It wasn't a question.
turned up, right?"
found him staring intently at her. "After Bethany Ashcroft
was Joshua Lomas," she said, trying to break the tense
atmosphere.
to the projector, processing the slides forward. "He
disappeared and was found on the same day, August twenty-
third. The locals were beginning to get suspicious about the
lake, so they contacted the Yard. Three days after Alec
arrived, little Peter Briggs went missing. His body showed up
on the second of September. After that was Henry Baxter."
The emotionless tone had fallen from his voice and she saw
the raw emotion in his eyes.
How could someone kill them?"
we don't have enough details yet to know for certain that it
*was* murder. I need you to remain impartial on this one.
Please."
but catching her expression his anger faded. "Look, Scully.
The plane leaves at ten tomorrow morning. How about I
give you the file and send you home to pack?" He tried a
crooked smile and she smiled back.
up tomorrow," he instructed her. "Okay?"
see you in the morning then."
sure you're dressed."
oblivious, lost in his own painful world as he sat by the
projector staring at the young face of four-year-old Peter
Briggs.
***
Mulder arrived at Scully's apartment at a quarter to eight the
following morning. Bakery bag in hand he fumbled for his
keys and unlocked the door, then froze when he heard the
deep timbre of a man's voice. Hearing the light tone of
Scully's coveted laughter follow didn't improve matters any.
He opened the door quietly, straining to hear what they were
saying. Then he roughly chastised himself for being a fool
and quickly strode into the kitchen.
her terrycloth robe with her hair drying in tumbled curls,
Opposite her a dark haired man was sitting holding a coffee
cup. He tensed when Mulder entered and for one bizarre
moment Mulder thought that the other man was going to
literally leap to Scully's protection and throw him out of the
house. He almost wanted to see him try.
Mulder.
putting it down on the table. "I thought that we could have
breakfast." He saw her exchange a look with the dark man
opposite her and forced down a wave of jealousy.
knew well, then she turned to the other man. "Bryan, this is
Fox Mulder."
him carefully. He was as tall, if not taller than Mulder, with
the same long limbed physique and sculpted features. His eyes
were a light blue, a striking contrast to his dark, perfectly
styled hair. He was smiling. Uneasily Mulder tried to mirror
his expression.
seat again. "And here I was, thinking that he was just an excuse
not to have dinner with me, Dana."
picking miserably at the pastry bag.
table and standing up moved past him to find a plate. "Would
you like some coffee, Mulder?" she said, sliding a plate across
the table towards him. He nodded and turned his attention
back to Bryan.
teeth. "I'm a lawyer."
say you were a successful one."
easily.
firm," he said with an affable smirk.
what Dana has said, you're a pretty extraordinary man
yourself."
Mulder. Catching Scully's eye he decided not to pursue it.
balefully at Scully, who hid a small smile behind her scroll.
don't spend much time in my apartment though. What with
the work-load increasing at the rate that it is."
croissant and brushing the crumbs off his tie - the floating
amoeba one today - with the back of his hand.
"Where are you off to today? Cornwall?"
London," Scully said.
wistful eyes at the woman on the other side of the table.
nonchalantly back in his seat, just far enough to let his jacket
slip open to reveal his gun. Bryan eyed it, nervously and
Mulder grinned inwardly. "Have you packed yet, Sc- Dana?"
he asked, turning his body slightly to exclude the handsome
lawyer.
lips. She was no fool, she could read his aggressive body
language quite well thankyou very much and she silently
chastised him for his rudeness.
tone of voice. "My bag is in the living room by the front door.
You probably tripped over it when you let yourself in."
stood up, self consciously brushing off the fronts of his
gabardine trousers. "I should probably let you get dressed," he
said to Scully.
back from England drop by my place and I'll cook you
dinner," he chuckled, "*not* spaghetti - I promise."
anecdote she had shared with him.
closer up behind her, until she could feel the warmth
radiating off his body. The laughter caught in her throat.
partner, looming over her, watching her.
a mere courtesy. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
muttering something that may have passed as "Likewise".
Then, looking into the other man's gaze, Bryan nearly took a
step backward.
designed to strike fear into Bryan's heart. It all too clearly
said: *Back off. She's mine.* Bryan wondered on how many
other men it had been executed successfully.
guy wearing a tie like that doesn't deserve to be taken
seriously.*
goodbye. A soft brush of lips that lingered just a modicum of
time too long. "Be seeing you," he said.
door. Mulder took another step forward and glared at her. She
stepped neatly around him and headed for the kitchen.
educated, interesting to talk to-"
are anything to go by. Just the kind of man every father wants
his daughter to marry," Mulder supplied miserably, trailing
after her into the kitchen.
please my parents quite a long time ago. That's why I'm not
living in suburbia, with two point three children and married
to the boy next door." She caught his eye. "*Or* the man two
doors down."
with the toaster. "What did he want, anyhow?"
with raised eyebrows. "This morning? Coffee. Other times
milk, sugar, a baby-sitter for his niece." She tilted her head, a
little baffled, "Once he wanted to borrow my bonsai."
to her. "He doesn't want your *bonsai*, Scully. Anyone could
see that. He wants what every red-blooded, testosteronal man
wants from a pretty woman-"
own?"
red-blooded man, Mulder," she said instead. "What do you
want?" Damn, was that a tremor in her voice?
want you for your mind."
*You* are part of my professional one. The two are separate
and never the twain shall meet. Understand?"
It was a nice theory. Now if only she could convince her
heart.
***
Hayle, Cornwall.
chilly autumn air. Swept along by the throng of school
children she was nudged towards the car park where a crowd
of anxious parents waited to whisk their sons and daughters
to home and safety.
*Chrissie, Daddy may be a little late home from work tonight,
but I want you to head straight home, no dilly dallying in the
woods, do you hear me? I'll bring something special home for
tea.*
she looked up into the pale face of Rosemary Lomas. Since
the death of her younger son Joshua, Mrs Lomas hadn't let
the elder out of her sight - Andrew Lomas stood behind his
mother, his sad, pinched little face hidden in the folds of her
woollen overcoat.
always looked like they were on the verge of tears. "Sweetie,
is Dad coming to pick you up?" she asked gently. "Do you
need a ride home?"
against her blue blazer. It was white and long fingered, like
that hand of a porcelain doll.
offering an excuse.
press the child to let her drive her home. Then Andrew
tugged on her coat.
left, acutely aware of the pitying glances she received from
the other parents as she moved past them. It was the same
look she had given Margaret Quinlan when Janet turned up
dead.
the edge of town. Before the tragedies that had racked the
town, she had played in the dappled shadows with Hannah
Winslow and Janet Quinlan. Janet was dead now, and
Hannah's father wouldn't let her out of the house, even for
school. But Christina sometimes saw Hannah's mother, Kate
wandering through the woods, seemingly apart from the rest
of the world in that queer way of hers. She was nearly always
barefoot, with he shoes swinging loosely from her fingertips.
Christina thought that she was wonderful and mysterious. She
rarely spoke, but when she did it was in a musical, breathy
voice that Christina had once tried to emulate. When Kate
Winslow spoke in her husky voice, people listened. When
Christina tried it all she received was a visit to Doctor
Edward and a serious talk about Hyper - Hyper... Hyper
something. Pretending she was sick when she wasn't.
ran alongside the woods Christina thought that she saw a
flash of blue between the trees. She stopped.
caw of a solitary bird, high in the boughs of a tree.
the trees.
over the woods, stilling the wind in the trees and dimming
the rustle of damp leaves under Christina's feet.
else was calling from further into the woods.
ear startled her and she spun around catching the flash of blue
out of the corner of her eye.
Bethany have said? *Christina, don't be such a baby - there's
no such thing as faeries.*
box out of her satchel.
the edge of her vision. The whirring sound grew until it was
deafening and Christina clapped her hands over her ears.
When she opened her eyes the blue light hurt and she stepped
back and tripped over a fallen log.
and peered out of the window at the blanket of clouds beneath
the plane.
"There's only eight to go," continued Scully. "And I'm too
wound up to nap yet." She turned to face him, a shadow
of a smile on her lips.
leaning over his lumpy carry-on bag started rustling around
in it.
boarded. I doubt that we'll be able to make head nor tail of it
until we meet Inspector Stephens." She dropped her head
back against the headrest and sighed again. "When does our
flight come in, anyway?"
his bag.
at her partner. "Mulder, what are you looking for?"
he let out a muffled cry of triumph and sat up, a paperback
novel in his hand. He handed it to her, "I brought you this to
read."
bookshelves."
the book in her hands. It was an Elizabeth George murder
mystery. The newest one. She hadn't even been aware it had
been released yet. Her eyebrows shot up and she looked up
into Mulder's eyes.
pointedly, fingering the crinkled spine.
fill me in on Lynley's persona, later."
"psychologically speaking."
read.
glanced out the window of his car at the green countryside
rolling past.
the car phone and heard the hollow emotionless tone to it.
lake this morning and her father identified her body. The
town is up in arms about it."
friend, Fox Mulder from the FBI in America. I'll bring him
and his partner straight back here, if you can keep everyone
calm until then..."
under his breath.
right?" Stephens rang off without waiting for the response
and glanced at his watch.
time differences and the Jet Lag to deal with was enough.
Being forced to drive all the way back to Hayle in the same
day without even a night to recuperate was *not* going to
make Fox a happy man.
***
comfortable weight of Scully's head resting against his
shoulder. At first he thought that she was leaning over,
perhaps looking for something, but after a moment he
realised that she was asleep, the book hanging loosely from
limp fingers.
book and marked her page before setting it aside. Then he
wrapped his discarded jacket around her. Not because it was
particularly cold, but because it was one of those inane,
intimate gestures he wasn't allowed to display when she was
awake.
watching them and wondered what they would see if they
were. FBI agents on assignment? Probably not. Friends?
Maybe. Lovers? The thought caused a curious feeling in the
pit of his stomach. Did they look like lovers? Her small form
wrapped in his jacket, red head resting against him in total
submission and total trust. Him watching her silently, with an
expression that he realised was probably part protectiveness
as he tightened his arm around her and brought her closer. He
realised that they probably *did* look like lovers, but the
thought didn't amuse him nearly as much as it usually would.
disturb them, but she had a job to do. She plastered the
customary smile on her face and touched the dark man's
shoulder.
her.
dinner."
we're about to serve dinner."
titled her head towards him. "How long have I been asleep?
What's the time?" She tugged on her sleeve and glanced at
her wristwatch. "It's three P.M."
briskly announced with a bright smile.
before leaning once more against Mulder and flinging out her
arm. "Fix my clock," she murmured past a yawn.
randomly pressing buttons until the numbers on the display
began to change.
"Sandwiches?" he suggested hopefully.
potatoes." She gave him a bright smile and left.
ran her fingers through her hair, trying to restore order to the
coppery locks.
precarious angle, and his hands went automatically to her hips
to steady her.
met her gaze with eyes deep enough to drown in and for a
moment his fingers tightened around her waist.
out without falling into your lap."
blocked by the meals trolley so instead of stepping away he
had to press himself awkwardly against the opposite row of
chairs and hope that she wouldn't brush too close to him.
with a resigned sigh she stepped into the aisle and debated on
the best exit route. She sucked in a breath and lifted her arms
a little in an unconscious, unsuccessful attempt to make herself
flatter.
suggestions concerning aircraft designers and jumbo jets she
favoured Mulder with another black look before decorously
dropping her eyes to the floor.
began to laugh. A few startled passengers glanced up at him,
but he didn't notice.
breath caught in his throat. Standing that close, he couldn't
help but notice the light fragrance of her hair, the softness of
her body pressed against his. His hand moved to her waist,
halting her progress and she looked up, her arms falling to
her sides, trapping his hand.
endless blue eyes, felt the rise and fall of her breaths against
his chest, heard her breath catch as he tightened his grasp on
her waist and pulled her impossibly closer. Or did he just
imagine that? Her lips parted slightly around a silent question
and she lifted an eyebrow quizzically.
moved away.
closed his eyes. When he opened them again he realised that
several pairs of eyes were fastened on him. Curious, amused
and knowledgeable eyes.
Part 6.
Faeries is a story that takes place mainly in Hayle, Cornwall.
England. Modern day, not Fantasy World. At the moment it's
a pretty safe PG, though I wouldn't be giving it to anyone
under twelve. It will get heavier in the rating department, but
we will give you due warning. It has romance. We are
'shippers and proud of it.
that sounds remotely familiar do not belong to us. They
belong to CC and FOX and 1013. Alec is ours. Bryan is ours.
Christina and Hannah and The Winslow family are ours. You
can use them if you want... but please give us notice, they're a
bit shy.
By The Pen and The Brain. ===>, {*}
ThePen@Hotmail.com
flight from Washington came in.
head in his hands and his suitcase on the floor under his feet.
tired grin.
stuck in traffic."
eyebrow..
museli bars and he stared at them incredulously. "What the
hell are those?"
Healthy alternative." She tossed it into his lap and fell into
the seat beside him.
kill me?"
her hands and closing her eyes. She felt the touch of his
fingers on the back of her neck and barely supressed a shiver.
let his caress trail gently across her hairline. Tracing his
intials lazily on the nape of her neck.
grin on his face. When he saw them he gave Mulder a pointed
look and raised his eyebrows suggestively at Scully's limp
figure.
to them.
Fox?" asked Stephens by way of greeting.
Stephens continued.
suddenly when he met Scully's icy blue gaze, momentarily
taken aback by the intensity. "Wow."
observed the tautness in her small frame. He grimaced.
Scully."
he protested.
Mulder.
honestly contrite, his pale blue eyes more than a little
concerned.
"What a stunning little red-head though, however did you
land her?"
friend, grabbing Scully's himself. "Why are you so late,
anyway?"
the foyer.
they went up to her, taking her suitcase from Mulder when he
reluctantly relenquished it.
disdainful.
made a monumental error in judgement, I was presumptous,
unproffessional-"
you do? I'm Detective Inspector Alec Stephens and I'm very
pleased to meet you, Agent Scully."
Mulder as they made their way to the car.
assumption, Taffy. She hasn't forgiven you yet. She has you
on probabtion."
Chum, are you two hot and heavy?"
"Is this in any way relevant to the case, Alec?"
of voice. "Mulder?"
car. He took his keys from his pocket and unlocked the boot,
swinging Mulder's suitcase inside.
washed out, she swaying slightly on her feet. He bent down a
little. "Are you okay?" he asked her gently.
and tried to take a small step away from him. "Oh!"
waved him off.
you want me to sit with you?" he asked her, already sliding in
next to her.
seatbelt.
get over Jet Lag."
half-past seven and I suppose you'll want to get straight to
work."
evening," said Alec. "I've set up an interview with Leslie
Mackensie. She's the school teacher."
defended himself.
that you were ever conventional, Fox. Don't start now."
For disclaimer see part 1 and 6.
where warm light was spilling through the windows into the
practically deserted carpark.
fresh pastries," he said. "Scully's gonna love this."
car. "I'll go in and order us some breakfast."
with his jacket pulled up under her chin. Mulder thought that
she looked like a chils when he leant over her. All flushed
cheeks and tousled curls.
"Dana?"
eyes, but she did turn her face towards his voice.
desire washed over him, almost drowning him, pulling him
inexorably closer until he could feel her warm breath on his
cheek.
only just managing not to catch his head on the car roof.
"You *do* know where we are?"
in Kent?"
the car. "Kent has pastries. We're stopping for breakfast."
she asked him. "I'm not getting out unless it has coffee."
some."
"I'm coming in." She stood up carefully, her eyes fastened on
the ground with a sort of glazed fascination as she attempted
to get her balance.
moment ago. "Are you okay?"
be."
suffer the consequences," momentarily amused out of his
discomforture.
step. He reached for her again and she waved him away with
a "Back off". Another few steps and her legs began to fold.
went down. Her eyes closed and she sagged against his chest,
her face blanched white. He startde to slide his arm under her
knees, but she opened her eyes and focused them on his face.
"I can walk, Mulder."
with a soft laugh.
Lifting a hand he tugged on one titian curl, "This is very
cute," he said.
help me inside."
table by the wall. Mulder hot Scully seated and went to order
for the both of them.
Dana," she said.
pale blond hair, "God, I felt like such a fool when Fox told
me that you, well-"
following her line of sight.
him? He had a nickname at the University. Foxy Loxy."
and his prowess with 'chicks'." he chicked then stopped
abruptly. "Jesus, I'm sorry. I just get less and less tactful,
don't I?"
in full-force."
mistaken when he had first seen them. Fox's caresses hadn't
*looked* like the touches of a friend and partner.
she said, quickly changing the subject to safer ground. "Do
you know her?"
Phoebe. He fell for her in a big way, poor man. We *did*
warn him - Phoebe was notorious - Anyway, you know what
Mulder's like, once her sets his eye on something, nothing
will stop in the way of him getting what he wants. Well, he
got Phoebe, for a wjile. And then he got burnt."
mugs in hand. He sat down beside Scully and pushed a mug
into her hands. "Coffee."
have you got?"
Lapsang before or after you read my book?"
sip. With a grimace and a splutter, he set the mug aside.
"Helen was right," he told Scully, "It *does* taste like dirty
socks."
her mug towards him.
the cup. "Of course."
Schoolboys can come up with," supplied Alec. "Did Fox tell
you how I got *my* nickname?"
clip, twisting her thick hair into a french roll she pinned it in
place and sighed. "I'm never going to get my body clock back
to normal."
fingers and lips tingling to - with a frown he forced the
thought back into the depths of his subconcious and turned
his gaze on Alec. Alec's eyes were on Scully.
his partner and she turned to him.
she said. She reached her hand out and touched his brow.
"You need some sleep." She took her mug back from him.
"No more coffee, I need you to be able to function later
today."
rushing to his face as Scully stared, astonished, at him.
Scully turned on him.
down, which he did.
thought when his eyes closed the moment his head hit his
makeshift pillow. He heard Scully say something to Alec, but
was too tired to concentrate on what it was. It didn't take long
for him to fall asleep, lulled by the quiet conversation and the
movement of the car.
alseep."
mirror. "So he is. You must be a good influence on him,
Dana. He never used to sleep at school."
good for him. He's healing." He waited a tactful moment
before continuing. "What exactly is the status of your
relationship with him? Obviously you're close. But how
close?"
trust him with my life. He's my closest friend."
a better idea. Tell me about this case."
only link that we have, aside from the manner of death and
where they were found."
Local folklore?"
you've been working with Mulder."
annoyed. "People in small towns are often superstitious, a
local legend would be a perfect set up for-"
the Local Folklore when we get get in. If Mulder doesn't beat
me to it."
anything. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say they left their
houses, walked barfoot through the woods to the lake and
kept going until they drowned."
have left a trace. We found none. Peter Briggs was found in
the middle of the lake."
"He could've swam out that far, and was too tired to make the
return journey."
near water," seeing her frustrated look he relented. "You'll
understand when you meet his parents."
he rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking to Scully who was
sitting on a stone step nearby. "Are we here yet?" he asked
stupidly, getting out of the car.
already checked in and picked up the keys. Now there's a
warm room and a soft bed for you upstairs." She bagan to
coax him towards the large wooden double doors. "Your bags
are upstairs too. We have a double suite."
repeated incredulously.
bathroom.I figured it would be more convenient than two
singles." She paused. "Is that a problem?"
He left the rest up to her imagination and she laughed as they
started up the stairs.
here." She tugged him towards another door and produced
two keys. "Here." She handed him one and opened the door
into a room decorated in comfortable warm tones. Scully
pointed to the four doors. "Cupboard, your room, bathroom,
my room."
He swerved to the right hand door and she said: "My room."
He didn't feel particularly revived when she woke him, three
hours later, but at least the ground was behaving itself again
and the light outside wasn't unbearable once he got his
sunglasses on.
hangover," she told him, outside the doors of the school.
"Lose the glasses. You'll scare the kids."
the classroom.
around the feet of pale waif-like woman in a grey skirt and
blouse.
small white teeth. Standing up she extended a thin,
transparent hand. "Children, we have some visitors. Agents
Mulder and Scully."
them.
next to Mulder.
once the first child rose the others converged on them as well,
touching and prodding. Looking up at him with wide eyes
and asking questions with chirpy voices.
teacher, if you want to keep them occupied," she murmured.
he pleaded.
teacher.
them?" Asked Leslie Mackensie a little worridly.
certain charm."
and there he commited the first cardinal mistake in the book
of entertaining young children. He folded his lanky body into
it. Immediately there were five and an optomistic half
children in his lap and sitting on his feet. They were suddenly
silent and Mulder heard Leslie lead Scully to the other side of
the room. A quiet conversation began.
asked Mulder.
been going missing, and we're here to stop whoever it is from
taking any of you."
by his left knee.
looked up from her notepad and smiled at him, before turning
her attention back to Leslie Mackensie.
"Janet, Joshua, Peter and now Christina. Agent Scully, can
you even imagine what I'm going through?"
prevent this? Driven them home? Urged them to be more
careful? Who will be next? I'm scared for my pupils, Agent
Scully."
person is doing this."
stubby finger was pointing.
the same thing."
name?"
look.
during classes, they drive them here, pick them up in the
afternoons from my doors. These people only live five
minutes walk away. The parents... My God, Agent Scully.
You look into their eyes... there's this emptiness..." Her voice
choked as her face crumpled with grief.
be, it's all right. Take as much time as you need."
towards what appeared to be a wet area on the other side of
the room. His shoes squeaked on the linoneum as they pulled
him to a display wall of juvenile artwork. The usual stuff.
Blue skies, yellow sun, disproportionate stick characters in
bright crayon colours.
fingers, round faces turned upwards, half moon smiles.
Mulder felt suddenly woozy and turned for Scully, but she
wasn't watching him.
eye.
picture was difficult to distinguish, the colours shifting in the
harsh fluroescent light.
wondered Mulder. Wide, luminescent eyes, half parted lips,
face framed by masses of inky hair. Or was it a forest scene?
A shadowy, veiled figure flitting between the trees.
school any more."
his elbow.
children's attention.
and there was a tug on his suit jacket. He looked down at the
small pinched face of a boy about five years old.
Agent Scully and I will be in Hayle for a little while."
and he was gone.
down at his feet and founght back the dpression that
threatened to engulf him.
make a great dad."
Scully?"
Instead she shrugged, feigning mild amusement. "You
asking?"
steering her towards the door. "Feed me and I might."
meeting them at the door.
dinner tonight, Agent Mulder."
reply.
looked at him, eyebrows slightly raised. "I'll probably just be
falling into bed tonight," he said ruefully.
door for them. "Well, maybe some other time."
her dangerous smile. "We won't be in Hayle for long. But I'm
sure we can make the time." She took his arm and steered
him towards the car.
how well I'm taking it."
comparison. "Shut up and drive," she told him.
Mulder?"
cornish pasties in Corwall, Scully?"
By the Pen and the Brain.
PG - for now.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. This latter
place is where Faeries is taking place. Earth. England. Cornwall. Hayle.
If you're wondering why, then possibly you should go to part one. If
you *know* why - Welcome back!
who these characters belong to, you probably don't watch the show.
And if you don't watch the show this story's not going to make
all that much sense to you.
Alec belongs to us. Hannah belongs to us. Hayle exists in the real
world, but this version belongs to us. You're welcome to them all,
but let us know, they're a little shy.
And now. On with the show.
With Mulder browsing through the newsagent next door, Scully
took a moment to relax in a charming second-hand bookshop.
Everything was so...*quaint*. She felt like she had been
thrust back in time. The little place in which they had had
lunch had sparkling windows, gingham curtains and
table-cloths, the hotel was old and delightfully traditional
and the bookshop was everything a bookshop should be. Dark,
silent, private, smelling the special smell of old books.
Scully felt completely at home.
reading a book entitled "Myths and Legends of Cornwall,"
when Mulder entered. He greeted the boisterous woman at the
counter, and she immediately struck up a conversation.
shelves, enjoying the sound of his voice next the broad
Cornish accent.
woman asked after a moment of conversation.
he asked her, humour evident in his voice. Scully could
imagine his grin. 'I'm looking for my partner.'
You're Fox Mulder, her *partner*...'
him towards the back of the shop and Scully heard him
approach. She slipped the book she had been reading back
into the shelf and picked another at random.
and pulled the book from her fingers.
Husbandry". Stimulating reading?'
shelf, unfortunately directing his attention the where
'Myths and Legends of Cornwall' was still half sticking
out.
had you so engrossed that you wouldn't respond when I came
in?'
fishing around in his trenchcoat pockets for something.
she had been reading when when he came in. 'Hey Mulder,
listen to this-'
turning his trouser pockets inside out.
man-"'
one of the Daina Sidhe. Her name was Felouen and she was a
princess in the high court of Elfenhame. Her father forbade
her to meet with Willem because he was human-'
Mulder. 'This story just keeps getting better and better.'
"the lake of children" at night under the lady moon and her
children, the stars shone on the still water-"'
pouch from from his jacket pocket.
you're not paying attention,' she said resentfully.
the stiff leather thong. 'Keep going.'
love for Felouen, fell to the ground at Elfenhame and told
her father of the secret rendezvous.'
went to the Lake of the children and burst in on the
lovers,' She felt Mulder take another step closer and reach
around her neck. Something silver flashed before her eyes.
'In a rage he flung Felouen into the lake, sending the stars
spinning out of control. When Willem went to save her,
Felouen's father cast a spell on him and changed him into a
fox, meaning to kill him. But the fox was fast and sly, and
hid in the bushes until Felouen's father grew tired and
left. The Willem haunted the lake of children, evermore
waiting for Felouen to rise from the depths and rejoin him.'
She put the book down and looked up at Mulder. He was
looking down at her chest, fascinated by her breathing. She
felt a slight weight around her neck and looking down she
saw a small pewter talisman on a dark blue ribbon. She
looked sharply up at him, and saw that he watching her
hopefully.
'What is it?'
protection.'
you don't acknowledge it's existence, doesn't mean it's
non-existent.'
their bodies was her fist, clutching the necklace. She
tried to take a step away and backed into the shelves.
'Protection from what?,' she challenged breathlessly.
whisper.
his dark eyes.
'This is some sort of cute childhood name, right?'
answered her. 'What do you think?' He walked off.
she counted out the change for the book. Scully nodded and
thanked her, taking her brown-papered parcel and stepping
back into the street. The late afternoon sun struggled
through a heavy cover of cloud. A cold breeze was beginning
to pick up and it ruffled Scully's hair as she looked around
for Mulder.
hands, his shoulders slumped.
his shoulder. 'You want to go back to the hotel for a
while?,' she asked him, concerned.
hands. 'I keep expecting her to open the door and come
running in. I see all these children in the streets or on
their way home and I'm still looking for her. Waiting for
her.' His voice broke into a stifled sob. Scully shifted
awkwardly beside her partner and glanced quickly at him as
if for support.
and horror. 'It always takes a while for the shock to
pass,' he said quietly.
'What the hell do you know? You come here with your pretty
little partner and it's a company paid honeymoon to
England. For you there is no real case.'
and didn't realize what he was saying. But his cutting
remark had stung. 'I don't know,' he said, 'six kids dead.
Sounds like a case to me. Scully?'
hell do you think you're doing, Mulder?*
'Everyone knows about you. Inspector Stephens called you
"paranormal investigators" and you expect me to believe
you're in England to find the monster that butchered my
child-'
understand that-'
your pardon?,' she asked politely.
understand? How could either of you understand?'
quietly. 'I understand the hopelessness...the guilt...'
whisper.
sister was stolen from me.' He spoke more to Scully than to
Reeves.
responsible.'
men. Mulder shot John Reeves a startled look and stood up.
'Excuse me,' he said to Scully, and then left.
the claustrophobic atmosphere fall from him, leaving him
open. Vunerable.
there for her. I can't believe she's gone."
head? How many times had he felt the same paralysing
hopelessness? Even as he stood silently there, he felt the
emotions and memories shift within his mind.
something he'd seen in the mirror a hundred thousand times
before. A haunted, pained look. But the guilt that had
driven him had been fading of late. Seeping through his
pores, as the memory of Sammantha grew dim. He hated
himself for it. Hated the way he could laugh, could *feel*,
could go for hours, even *days* without thinking of her.
with the recognition of John Reeves, it was replaced by the
far stronger guilt of a man. It sank down on Mulder,
stifling him, a heavy brick wall of oppressive pain, guilt
and grief.
on the verandah. Even without looking around he knew it was
her. He felt the pull of her gaze as she watched his back.
Finally she cleared her throat.
linked her arm through his and hugged it briefly. That
moment of tight pressure was more comforting than words
could ever be. He wanted to savour it, but a bitter part of
him made him slip his arm from her grasp and move away.
***
throwing a very faint shine on the walls of a nearby house.
Out of the group came a group of children. Lithe, long
limbed children with translucent skin that glowed an
unearthly hue with the reflection of the inconstant.
slanted like cats eyes, with the same oval pupil. They had
prominent cheekbones and pointed noses set above wide,
unsmiling mouths. If they had pointed ears, you couldn't
tell. Their heads were covered with masses of burnished
copper hair, threaded through with leaves, small twigs and
scraps of the same cobwebby material as their tunics. As
they left the glow of the womb of the light they moved like
insects. Uncommonly fast, in a succession of exaggerated
jerky movements, like they were unaccustomed to being on the
ground.
Three figures were in the dimly lit room. A woman, dark
haired and green-eyed moved gracefully through the room
humming to herself. The children ignored her; she was of no
consequence, as was the man who sat, slumped over in a seat
beside the bed, apparently asleep. They were more
interested in the in the bed. Her head on the pillow was
turned towards the window and she had the same sharply
defined features as they, her hair the same shade of red,
but carefully combed and shining in a curtain on the
pillow. Around her neck on a ribbon was a string of small
bells. They jingled faintly as she breathed.
looked up sharply and glanced to the window, but the
children did not worry. She couldn't see them, nor could
she hear them.
abscence. Their attention was riveted on the young girl on
the bed. They couldn't fail this time, the queen got
angrier every time they brought a wrong child back.
play with us."
bells to sound. The shimmering non-melody disturbed the
man, and he shifted in his chair, heavy head rising from its
resting place. The children knew they would have to be
quick, and they put their little heads up against the
glass. 'Kate,' they said, their voices more insistent.
curiously. 'Da?' She turned to shake the man awake, the
bells jangling. But before she could touch him the door
swung open and a white figure catapaulted in.
The one who knew! They slinked back into the shadows. They
wouldn't fetch their bounty tonight.
flapping around her skinny, bony ankles. Sinking down on to
the bed she caught the girl in her arms and held her
tightly. 'Hannah,' she said into the cascade of red curls.
***
End of part 9 - Continued in part 10
I'd give it an NC17 rating, my glasses steamed when I was writing
it, but it comparison to some things I've read it's still fairly tame.
Nevertheless, if you're easily shocked, stop when you stop feeling
comfortable.
comments and replies before Scully finally snapped.
fork and moving the plate to the side so that she could lean
across the table. 'Mulder.' She waited until he looked up,
then caught and held his gaze. 'Talk to me.'
Christina,' she said. 'How this case is affecting you. How
you are feeling.' *There* she thought, *I can't get more
blatant than that*.
wouldn't let him.
afternoon?'
it.'
a long day. Can we discuss this later?'
room. 'Mulder, *talk* to me."
area to the dim foyer. 'I know you told me to remain
impartial, Scully. But, Jesus, these are kids! You can't
expect me not to feel anything.'
protested after him as he ascended the stairs. 'I'm telling
you not to associate yourself with it!'
'How could I not associate myself with it, Scully? I can't
just shut myself off-'
heel, across the landing and into the suite. When she had
caught up with him, he was sitting on his bed with his head
in his hands.
and pity. 'We both have,' she reminded him. 'You seem to
forget that.'
emotions within her. '*I'm* coping with this case.'
from him.
Fighting to keep the tears back she walked to her room and
closed the door.
***
room.
curtained so no light penetrated, the result being that she
couldn't see a thing. She blinked once, twice to ensure her
eyes were open, then sat up in bed.
shift beneath the bedclothes. Dana heard the tremulous,
unsteady breaths and knew instantly who it was.
past furniture with some kind of unerring night vision.
Dana said his name again as he sat down on the edge of the
bed by her side, the mattress dipping slightly under his
weight. He didn't respond.
light, needing to see his face, his eyes, to read his so
frequently hidden emotions. The soft, muffled sob stopped
her and she stayed her hand, her eyes widening in the
darkness, a shock of pain, more mental than physical,
coursing through her.