Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith

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Chapter 9
Homeward Bound

by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net

***

Secret Consortium Base
Monday, March 21
5:00 a.m.

Alex Krycek stood dazed staring into the charred black crater where the underground building used to be. The acid smell of smoke wafted over the predawn landscape, burning embers could still be seen in the lifeless crater. Tears trailed down the young man's sooty face as he wrapped his arms around his chest shaking uncontrollably.

The ruins were still too hot to send in a search team, Colonel Granville had taken charge of the operation since the A.D. was too traumatized to continue his leadership. Over half of the colonel's own men from the U.S. Elite Forces had been in the building when it exploded.

"He can't be dead . . . he's not supposed to die," Krycek's hushed tone could barely be heard by the grief-stricken man standing next to him.

"No one could have lived through that," Skinner whispered sadly to his brother.

"It's my fault . . . I should never have left without him." Krycek wiped the tears and soot from his face with the bottom of the soiled, white tank top he was wearing.

"Alex, it wasn't your fault . . . you never could have gotten him out in time. If you had tried, then you and your daughter would have been killed, too." Skinner put a comforting hand on Krycek's shoulder.

"I might have made it if I didn't stop to retrieve Faith first. It was my own selfishness that got Fox killed." The younger man shrugged off his brother's hand, he didn't want comforting -- he didn't deserve it. He turned his back on Skinner as uncontrollable sobs racked his body.

"Alex, there is nothing selfish in wanting to protect your child. If it had been Hope in that lab . . . I wouldn't have hesitated to save her first." Skinner walked over and took Krycek's sobbing body into his arms, holding the younger man as he cried against his broad shoulder.

Special Agent Trevor Sinclair walked quietly up to the two men. He was carrying a bundle of clothing for Agent Krycek. Sinclair waited patiently, until Skinner noticed him. Letting his brother go, he retrieved the clothing. "Thank you, Agent Sinclair."

"Sir, the flight is ready to take Mr. Greene and the embryos back to D.C. Do you or Agent Krycek wish to speak with the agents in charge of their security?"

"Yes, I would, Agent Sinclair. Alex, come with me, we need to work out the disposition of your daughter and the other female embryos." Skinner stoically pulled himself together -- he'd grieve later.

Krycek hesitantly left the crater -- it felt like he was leaving Mulder . . . forever. It was physically painful to walk away from that gaping hole in the ground. Skinner handed him the bundle of clothes, which he accepted unconsciously.

They stopped at a large helicopter; there was a four-member FBI security team waiting for them.

"Agent Heinz, I'll be notifying Doctor Sam Harris at the D.C. Procreation Center to expect the embryos. Agents Sullivan and Boutotte will meet your flight. They are familiar with Doctor Harris and the center and will take charge of the embryos."

"Yes, sir."

Cory Greene stepped forward, holding out his hand to Skinner. "Sir, I'm sorry for yours and Alex's loss. I knew Mulder from Oxford. We became very close friends here -- the world suffered a great loss this evening."

"Thank you, Mr. Greene," Skinner murmured.

Greene walked over to Krycek, hugging him, then kissing him on the cheek. "Take care, Alex. I'll see you when you get back to D.C."

Krycek stared blankly at Greene he was still clutching the clothing to his chest. Skinner noticed how unresponsive Krycek was, he realized his brother was going into shock.

"Agent Sinclair, I'm taking Agent Krycek to see Captain Zamora. If anything comes up, you can find me there." Skinner led Krycek away from the helicopter and over to the mobile medical unit.

Skinner guided him into the mobile unit. The military doctor was treating and stabilizing the last victim for evacuation by helicopter back to Corpus Christi. The doctor indicated by nodding his head toward an empty gurney that Skinner was to put Krycek there. Skinner sat his brother on the bed. Sitting down next to him, he pried the clothing from Krycek hands and set them at the end of the bed, waiting for the doctor to finish.

After the corpsmen carried the stretcher with the wounded man out of the unit, the doctor walked over to them, taking in the younger man's silently-staring eyes and trembling body. He knew immediately what was wrong. "How long has he been in shock?" he asked. Kneeling, he lifted the sodden tank top and placed his stethoscope against Krycek's smooth chest.

"Only for a few minutes, we were communicating just fine . . . then he suddenly became unresponsive." The older man held his young brother's hand, feeling how cold and clammy it was.

The doctor checked the young man's eyes with his penlight, then took his blood pressure. "Sir, we still have time to get him on the evac-flight to Corpus Christi," Zamora stated, signaling for a corpsman.

"No . . . Agent Krycek will remain here with me . . . I'm his only living relative. He doesn't need to be with a bunch of strangers right now." Skinner was not about to let Krycek out of his sight, knowing first hand the mind-shattering grief he was going through.

"A.D. Skinner, it's advisable that he be admitted to a hospital, he needs around-the-clock care." The doctor took out a syringe, filling it from a small bottle.

"Doctor, I'll take care of him myself . . . he needs me."

"Very well. This sedative will help him sleep," the doctor replied, swabbing the young man's arm and giving him the shot.

"Thank you, Doctor. Do you know how long he's going to be like this?" Skinner stood and stripped the soiled tank top off Krycek then eased his body into a comfortable sleeping position on the gurney.

"It's really up to Agent Krycek . . . he could be this way for hours, days, or longer." Zamora stared at the soot-covered face and body. "I'll get you some soap and water, he really should be cleaned up."

Skinner looked down at his brother, maintaining his stoic demeanor. His brother needed him so he couldn't give into the grief he was feeling.

***

Moscow
Monday, March 21
7:00 a.m.

Nikolai Slava sat behind his desk in his large office for the first time in over two months. He'd been healed, but he wasn't happy about it. He no longer had the ability to contact his lover through astral projection. He leafed through the large stack of papers that had accumulated in his absence. He was going to have to reassert his control; his timetable for taking over the government had been thrown off by his injury.

Captain Mikhin stepped into the office. "Moi Tsar, I have received some bad news . . . " Before he could finish, Slava read his thoughts.

"NO! That's not possible! I would know if Fox were dead!" Slava yelled, looking menacingly at his head of security.

"I'm sorry, moi Tsar, the report stated that no one could have survived the incineration of the building."

"HE'S NOT DEAD! I'm taking a team to Mexico, if his body is in the ruins, I will know it! Captain, have my private jet ready within the hour!"

After Mikhin left, Slava picked up the framed photograph from his desk it hadn't been there when he was last in the office. It was of Fox and himself, he remembered when this photograph was taken -- it was at the auction. They were posed in front of red satin drapes. Fox looked extremely gorgeous in his black tuxedo and green cummerbund. He had his arm wrapped tightly around his lover's slim waist they made a stunning couple. No, he refused to believe that Fox could be dead.

He walked out of his office, heading up to his apartment.

***

18 Hours Earlier

Doctor Ruben Byrd entered the cell located just around the corner from where Agent Mulder was being held. The cell contained Stuart Holt. Byrd needed the sorcerer's help in freeing the immortals.

"Doctor Byrd, what's happening?" Holt looked at him worriedly as he heard the gunfire many levels up.

"We're being raided, we have to get the immortals out of here. Mulder's down the hallway; after we retrieve him, I'll need your help in freeing Shinji and Cory." The doctor removed the power-dampening cuff from the man's ankle. Standing, he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

Holt paused a moment, scanning the building. Now that the cuff had been removed, he had his powers back. "Cory's not in the building, Doctor, he's safely outside with Alex Krycek and the FBI. Shinji is with Agent Mulder and another sorcerer, they're just around the corner from us."

They raced out of the cell and around the corner, running into Rory MacIver, who had the agent's body slung over his shoulders in a fireman's carry. MacIver was about to strike out at the perceived threat, when the doctor spoke up. "We're here to help! Quickly follow me. We can get out of the building through a tunnel on this level. It's too dangerous to make it out the front entrance."

They quickly followed behind the doctor as small explosions sounded from above. He opened a large metal door at the end of a long hallway that opened into an underground cavern there was a long steep flight of stone steps leading downward. Two kerosene lanterns hung by the door, the doctor pulled them down handing one to Takeda and one to Holt. He was searching his pockets for a match when the lanterns lit on their own.

"Thanks," Doctor Byrd said to Holt.

They quickly made their way down the staircase and started across the vast cavern to the tunnel on the opposite side. Halfway across, a massive explosion shook the ground, knocking them off their feet.

Holt and MacIver erected an energy shield around their bodies as rocks started raining down on them. As they got back on their feet, Holt handed the shorter sorcerer the lantern. Then he bent down and scooped up Agent Mulder. They raced toward the tunnel, reaching it just as the ceiling in the cavern caved in.

They ran down the narrow tunnels as more explosions rocked the earth beneath their feet. The group kept moving and didn't stop until they had put a substantial distance between themselves and the first cavern.

The tunnel opened into another smaller cavern. MacIver estimated that they had covered at least five miles through the underground tunnels.

"Is everyone okay?" the doctor asked breathlessly, cradling his injured arm against his chest.

"I'm all right, just of few bumps and bruises," MacIver answered. "Can you check Fox, I think he was injured when we fell in the cavern."

Shinji Takeda held his lantern up so the doctor could get a good look at Mulder. Byrd was unable to move his arm.

"Doctor, did you injure your arm?" Takeda asked.

"I broke it back in the cavern, Shin," he answered smoothing Mulder's hair out of his eyes. Mulder had blood covering the back of his head and running down his neck. The doctor saw several large bruises covering his scantily-clad body.

"He's pretty banged up, but that doesn't explain why he's unconscious. By the way, I'm Doctor Ruben Byrd and he is Stuart Holt," he introduced them as he was wiping some of the blood off Mulder's head.

Holt shifted Mulder's body into a more comfortable position. Staring menacingly at the other sorcerer, he was unable to read the man's intentions.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor. I'm Rory MacIver. It was lucky for you that I sensed you were a good man, unlike those other ruffians that called themselves doctors. Otherwise, I would have killed you on the spot. Mr. Holt, I've heard all about you, the doctors have been talking about you, after you refused to allow another sorcerer have sex with their immortals. It's indeed a pleasure to meet a man who stuck up for his morals."

"I don't have the advantage of reading you, MacIver. What are your intentions?" Holt asked distrustfully. He had been concerned when he ran into the other sorcerer, but he wanted to get Shinji out of the building.

"I won't lie to you. I wanted to protect Mulder and get him away from the consortium," MacIver stated. "But, I also expect to have sex with him, Fox chose me for his new lover."

They studied the good-looking Scotsman he had a rakish swagger about him. He was in his early forties, with long, black hair pulled back in a ponytail, and his soft, brown eyes were open and honest. The man was only a few inches taller than Shinji who was 5'6" and both men were slim. MacIver's ears were pierced; he had several pairs of silver earrings in each. Holt thought the man resembled a pirate, with his knee-high boots and tight black pants.

MacIver appraised both men, starting with the doctor who was in his mid-fifties. The Scotsman thought the doctor resembled that black American actor from the Lethal Weapons movies he had a full-beard that was peppered with gray hair. Byrd was wearing jeans, a heavy jacket, and combat boots, he had a large backpack, and it was obvious that the man had been prepared in advanced.

The Scotsman turned his appraisal on the other sorcerer. Holt was tall and skinny, he stood at least eight inches taller than MacIver. The man had a very big nose and a protruding Adam's apple. He wasn't ugly, but he was far from handsome.

MacIver turned back to face the doctor. "Doctor, you were prepared for the attack this evening?"

"No, I don't know who those men were that attacked us tonight. Mr. Foxx had arranged for a strike force to raid the facility and rescue his son and the other immortals after midnight. That's why I was dressed and ready. I was suppose to have all the immortals into the tunnels when the raid came. There was a separate tunnel that led up to the surface, but it was buried under rocks and boulders from the cave in."

Byrd turned to Takeda. "Shinji, can you assist me? I have some bandages in my backpack, can you get them, the cotton swabs, and bottle of antiseptic out for me?" The doctor looked at the young Japanese man, he was staring wide-eyed at the cavern they were in and kept sneaking peeks at Rory MacIver.

"Yes, Doctor." Takeda pulled his eyes away from the handsome sorcerer. The young man had never met another man that had aroused him sexually before, he felt an instant attraction to this roguish man. He pulled the swabs, antiseptic, and bandages from the doctor's pack.

Holt was still holding Mulder slung over his shoulders. There was no place in the cavern to set the agent down; the whole floor was covered with jagged rocks and boulders.

"Doctor, allow me, I know some first-aid." MacIver took the cotton and antiseptic from Takeda and started cleaning Mulder's cuts; finally he bandaged the agent's head wound. He put the items back into the doctor's backpack.

"Doc, I think we would move faster if I carried the backpack, we can look at your arm as soon as we find a good area to camp for the night." MacIver helped the doctor remove the pack and slung it around his own shoulders.

"Thank you, Mr. MacIver," he sighed in appreciation. It felt good to get rid of that heavy backpack.

They started to make their way down another tunnel. "Do you have any idea where we're going?" MacIver asked, he was totally lost. He estimated his powers could only penetrate a mile. The mineral laden rocks were preventing him from penetrating them any further.

"Yeah, the consortium had these caves explored and charted. We'll be traveling deeper underground for the next twenty miles then it's all up hill for another thirty or so miles before we exit the cave. There's a deserted farmhouse ten miles from the exit where we could hold up for a day," the doctor answered picking up the pace. With luck, they would be there within three and a half days.

***

Present Time
Secret Consortium Base
Monday, March 21
6:00 p.m.

Skinner walked into the medical unit to check on his brother who was still sedated. The rescue teams had been searching the crater, but as he suspected, they weren't able to find anyone still alive. The sound of a Lear jet caught his attention. He rushed out of the unit, staring at the large jet that was landing at the airstrip, half a mile from the destroyed base. The jet had Russian markings.

A jeep went to meet the plane. Skinner frowned in anger as he felt the presence of Nikolai Slava on the plane. He watched as the jeep came back with the large Cossack and several large n'thrals. Slava climbed out of the jeep. Ignoring Skinner, he walked up to the large crater. He stared into the burnt out ruins and felt nothing.

"Slava, what do you want here?" Skinner growled.

"My business is personal, A.D. Skinner. I have accomplished what I came to do and will be leaving now," the Cossack replied arrogantly, he knew Mulder wasn't dead -- he would have felt it if he were. He couldn't detect his lover anywhere in the area, so it was pointless for him to remain.

"What have you accomplished by staring into the crater?" Skinner hissed, placing himself in front of the Cossack.

"If you must know . . . I came to pay my last respects to Fox," Slava lied. He concealed the happiness he felt at finding out Mulder was alive. The Russian brushed past the angry American, getting back into the jeep.

Skinner watched as they drove back to their plane and took off again. Something in the Cossack's attitude had him suspicious, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Krycek moaned in his sleep and broke out into a cold sweat. He dreamt he was back at the base -- it was the first day when they had arrived. He was being led down a dimly lit hallway into an examination room. The triple agent struggled against the mental grip on his mind as he was forced to remove his clothing. The obese doctor ordered the sorcerer to make him get up on the examination table and put his feet in the stirrups. He had absolutely no control over his body.

Krycek's twisted on the gurney as his nightmare continued. He watched the large doctor pull on rubber gloves and move to stand between his parted legs. Malone picked up a bottle of lube, greasing his fingers. Krycek felt a thick finger pushed into his body, stretching him, then a second, and third finger were inserted. When the doctor was satisfied he was properly prepared; he greased up the large dildo. Krycek cried out in pain as the hard object was eased into his body. The doctor was careful not to force it in too quickly, he waited for the young man's anal muscles to relax before pushing it in deeper until he had it fully embedded into Krycek's body.

When the doctor turned on the dildo vibrator, Krycek shrieked as the object rubbed against his prostate. He passed out. He was awakened by a gentle slapping on his face. He stared up into his half-brother's concerned brown eyes.

"Alex, you were having a nightmare. Are you all right?" Skinner asked, holding Krycek's trembling body against his broad chest.

"I'll be fine in a few minutes . . . I dreamt I was back inside the base," he whimpered, starting to feel safe within his brother's strong arms. He had never had anyone to lean on before, or someone who to care for him and protected him. "Walter, thanks," he sighed as relaxed and fell back to sleep.

"Any time, Alex," the older man murmured. Kissing the top of his brother's head, he eased the sleeping body back down on the mattress.

***

Caves
Monday, March 21
7:00 p.m.

They had traveled nonstop for the past twenty-five hours. It had been tough going because they had to climb over unstable boulders that blocked parts of the tunnel. They stopped only once to take care of the doctor's broken arm. MacIver and Holt had to fight off some ghouls that were using the cave as a home; the anti-ghoul virus hadn't been used outside of the U.S., yet. After the attacking ghouls went up in flames, other ghouls in the area steered clear of the small group.

They made camp in an underground cavern that had a small waterfall, stream, and pond. The sides of the pond had phosphorescent weeds growing in it. The ceiling and walls of the cavern were covered in crystallite and the floor was smooth stone and sand.

"Holt, lay Mulder down over here," the doctor ordered, smoothing a sandy area free of rocks and pebbles.

MacIver removed the doctor's backpack and leaned it up against a wall. He then sat next to Mulder, taking the agent's head in his lap he brushed the long bangs out of the agent's eyes. It had grown long over the weeks Mulder was held at the base. The doctors would not allow the immortals to cut their hair; it was another one of their perverse quirks. Mulder's silky, chestnut hair had grown a couple of inches. Shinji Takeda's thick, black hair was layered, it halloed his face and went past his shoulders.

"Doctor, do you have any idea what's wrong him?" MacIver asked.

Byrd was concerned that the agent hadn't regained consciousness. "No. I can find nothing physically wrong with him . . . it might be a psychological problem. He has been extremely mistreated over the past couple of days."

"Holt, there's a kettle at the bottom of my pack and some dehydrated soup mixes. Fill the kettle with water from the waterfall, heat it with your powers until it boils to kill the bacteria, then pour in the soup mix." The doctor smiled, traveling with a sorcerer had a lot of advantages.

Holt did as instructed and filled the kettle, he placed it on a rock and concentrated until the water was boiling. After a few minutes, he poured the soup mix in and the pleasant aroma of vegetable soup filled the air. There were two tin cups and spoons at the bottom of the pack, he filled each with soup, handing one to Shinji and the other to the doctor.

The doctor finished his portion of soup, handing the cup back to the sorcerer, who filled it for himself, he was not planning on offering the Scotsman anything.

Doctor Byrd heard a soft moan and glanced over at Mulder just as he opened his hazel eyes. Mulder met the doctor's concerned look, he realized his head was resting in someone's lap, and he looked up into MacIver's smiling face. He glanced around the dimly-lit cavern, realizing he wasn't at the base any longer. "Where?" he managed to ask with a weak voice.

"You're safe. We had to leave the base in a hurry, you were unconscious so we carried you," Byrd's soothing voice calmed the anxiety that was racing through Mulder's thoughts.

"How long have I been out?" the agent asked.

"A little over twenty-four hours. Mulder, do you know what caused you to be unconscious for that length of time?" The doctor checked his pulse and took his temperature as he waited for the American immortal's answer.

Mulder thought back, it all seemed so dreamlike now. He remembered standing at the bedside of Nikolai Slava's and healing him. Then being pulled back to his own body. "Yeah, it tends to happen after I heal someone. It requires a lot of my energy and I fall asleep immediately afterwards. The more severe the injury, the longer I sleep." Mulder tried to sit up but the doctor held him down.

"Mulder, I think you should rest a few minutes more. This ability to heal, do you know if it's part of your mutation? And would you mind telling me who you could have been healing down in that prison cell?" The whole thing sounded ludicrous to the doctor.

"You don't believe me? If I weren't still exhausted, I'd prove it to you by healing your arm. It's a minor wound so I'd probably only require a couple of hours of sleep," Mulder sighed, seeing Takeda for the first time, he smiled weakly at the young man as an idea came to him. He assumed his ability to heal came from his mutation and Shinji had the same type. "Maybe Shinji can heal you, I'll show him how it's done."

MacIver helped Mulder to sit up; the agent gave him a questioning look. "Shin, touch the doctor's arm with your hands," Mulder instructed the Japanese immortal.

When Takeda was holding the doctor's broken arm, he instinctively knew what to do next. He concentrated on healing the arm and watched as a golden glow came from his hands, mending Ruben Byrd's broken arm.

Holt caught Takeda as he slumped exhaustedly. Mulder stood up with the help of MacIver so Stuart Holt could lay the young immortal on soft sand.

Doctor Byrd stared in amazement at his healed arm, flexing his fingers then he started unwinding the bandages. "This is unbelievable . . . how long have you known about this ability? What was the first injury you healed? What's the most severe injury you can heal?"

Mulder blushed at the doctor's questions, he vividly recalled the first time he used his powers. He was straddling Alex's naked body, after he had accidentally injured his soon-to-be lover -- he used his powers to heal him. The agent met MacIver's eyes as the sorcerer stared at him with amusement, reading his thoughts that he had forgotten to shield.

"Doctor, I'd rather not talk about my first time . . . I mean . . . shit!" Mulder stomped off to the other side of the cavern, looking around. MacIver followed him, catching his hand, and holding it tenderly as he looked into the agent's angry eyes.

"Mulder, why did you pick me for your lover?" MacIver murmured huskily. Bringing the agent's hand to his lips, he started sucking on each of his fingers.

Mulder was briefly stunned by the Scottish sorcerer's behavior, he quickly yanked his hand away. "You seemed to be less of a scumbag than the other men, but that doesn't mean I want you for my lover!" he hissed.

"It doesn't matter, you are going to need me. I know all about the withdrawal symptoms you suffer from, in less than twenty-four hours you will come crawling to me," MacIver said with smug confidence.

"Ha! Maybe I'll ask Holt instead!" Mulder did not like the fact that the smaller man was right -- he couldn't take the withdrawal pains.

Doctor Byrd came over to them, listening to their conversation. He picked up his backpack and pulled out a small container. "Agent Mulder, I was able to reproduce the anti-pheromone drug for you and Shinji. You know its limitations, but it should offer you relief for several more days. Hopefully, we will be rescued before it wears off." The doctor pulled out a syringe and filled it. Mulder came anxiously over to him, holding out his arm.

"Doctor, just whose side are you on!" MacIver huffed.

"Currently my own. Rory, why don't you get Mulder and yourself some soup," Byrd ordered, watching the Scotsman stomp over to the small kettle and fill the two tin cups.

"Mulder, I don't know precisely how long the shot will be good for, it depends on when you last had sex. MacIver told me that when he found you in the cell it looked like you had just had anal intercourse. Shinji hasn't had sex for two days so the drug won't last as long for him. I don't think we'll have you both back home before it wears off," the doctor told him sympathetically.

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Doctor, you don't suppose we could find me something less revealing to wear in the meantime?" Mulder pulled the bloodstained tank top away from his body, looking at it with disgust.

"We'll be passing close to Mexico City in a few days, I'll go into town with Holt and pick you up something to wear when I get us food for the rest of the journey."

"Doctor, what happened at the base?" Mulder sat on a boulder he was feeling weak, and gratefully accepted the cup of soup from MacIver who sat next to him.

Holt heard Mulder's question and spoke up. "The FBI and US Military raided it, Mulder. We don't know who won, there was a large explosion."

"Then we must head back! I need to find Alex, he might be injured or worried about me!"

"Mulder, we can't, the only tunnel that led up to the surface anywhere the base is blocked by a cave-in. The only way out is through this tunnel and it will take us over fifty miles from the base. It's safer for us to head for the U.S. border than to chance going back to the base, once we're above ground again."

"I'm heading back!" Mulder shouted.

"No! It's too risky, we don't even know who won." The doctor wasn't about to take the chance.

"Doctor, you can go to the U.S., I'm not stopping you, but I'm heading back to the base!"

"Mulder, no, you're not, it is too dangerous. For your own good you will be traveling with us, when we get to the U.S. you can call your family. Besides, it will take us two more days to get out of these caves, if you were to make it back to the base there wouldn't be anyone there any longer."

Mulder sighed, feeling frustrated. "Doctor, let's make a deal. When we're above ground, if I can make telepathic contact with either of my lovers, we head back to the base. If I can't, I'll go with you willingly."

"Mulder, we'll be over fifty miles from the base, that's an awfully long distance for telepathic communication."

"My lovers and I have been practicing together, we're able to make telepathic contact with each other up to seventy-five miles."

The doctor smiled at him, for once, a reasonable solution. "Mulder, you have yourself a deal, and I pray that you are successful in contacting your lovers," he replied with sincerity.

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, March 23
11:30 a.m.

Yori carried the food-laden tray up to Krycek's room; the two brothers had arrived back home late last night. They hadn't been able to find a trace of Mulder's body in the ruins, which wasn't surprising considering the intensity of the fire. Most of the bodies had been reduce to nothing but ash. Yori knocked on the door before entering. Krycek sat in a chair in front of the French doors that led to a private veranda, he stared out sightlessly.

"Alexei, I have made you lunch," Yori said, setting the tray on the small breakfast table that was in front of a large bay window next to the fireplace.

"I'm not hungry," he replied sadly.

"Alexei, you can't starve yourself . . . there are too many people who love and care about you . . . think of your daughter, she's going to need you."

"Yori, if it weren't for her, Fox would still be alive."

"You don't mean that . . . I know from your mind that it was Mulder's decision that you rescue Faith first. You have nothing to feel guilty about! Now, get your skinny butt over here and eat!" Yori spoke sternly for the first time in his life, he had already lost one close friend, and he didn't want to lose another.

Krycek rose reluctantly and sat at the table, some of what Yori said got through to him, but he still couldn't stop blaming himself for Mulder's death. At least the large Russian made him something he could eat without guilt. It could almost be construed as punishment, Yori's dreaded stuffed cabbage rolls and fish-head soup.

Yori smiled at him knowingly. There was a slight chill in the room, so before sitting across from Krycek, he took time to light the fireplace. He watched his charge eat, making sure he finished every bite. "Alexei, do you want me to run a bath for you? Or, perhaps a massage?"

"No thanks, Yori," Krycek murmured.

There was another knock on his door and Walter Skinner strolled in wearing his coat and carrying Krycek's coat. "Alex, I'm heading down to the Procreation Center, I thought you might want to come along."

"No, I don't think . . . I'm . . . just not up to it, yet," he sighed sadly.

"Alex, you need to see your daughter. Besides, I would like you with me when I see her for the first time -- she is my niece and our last physical reminder of Fox." Skinner's voice was close to pleading. Krycek sat still for a few moments, then stood and walked over to his older brother, taking his coat.

"Okay, Walter, I would like to introduce you to Faith." Krycek pulled on his coat as they walked out of the room and down the curved staircase.

***

Mexico
Wednesday, March 23
8:30 a.m.

They had exited the cave at seven o'clock in the morning, and Mulder tried for over an hour to make contact with his lovers. He gave up reluctantly; he was deeply worried because his lovers should have been at the base or in the surrounding area looking for him. He knew he would never have left the area this soon if one of them were missing, unless something prevented him from continuing.

"Mulder, I'm sure they're all right. Don't start thinking the worse. They might be looking for you out of your telepathic range, the sooner we get moving and back to the U.S., the better." MacIver tried to ease the younger man's worried mind.

Mulder wanted to head back to the base, but he had given his word. Sighing, he allowed MacIver to take his arm and lead him in the other direction. He had to swat the Scotsman's hand away when it started to explore his body.

"Can't blame a man for trying." MacIver smirked at him.

They made it to the deserted farmhouse at noon. Tumbleweeds blew across the sandy ground and a broken shutter banged against the side of the weatherworn house.

"Be careful, check for snakes and scorpions," the doctor advised as they stepped cautiously into the house. Doctor Byrd walked into the small bedroom off the kitchen. He checked the room carefully and pulled the dusty blanket off the bed. Taking it out onto the porch, he shook it out, sending dust flying. They needed blankets, food, and water if they were going to make it back to the U.S. quickly.

MacIver walked up with Takeda; the young Japanese man had been staying very close to the Scottish sorcerer. Holt glared at MacIver; he didn't like him standing that close to his lover.

Holt walked over to the beautiful immortal and wrapped his arm around Takeda's shoulders. He stared lovingly down at the smaller man. Takeda tried to move away from the larger man whom he wasn't attracted to at all. However, Stuart Holt held him tighter, oblivious to the young man's discomfort.

Mulder had reached down to check out the cupboards when a small stiletto knife buried itself in the floor next to his sandaled foot. He looked angrily over his shoulder at MacIver who stood in the doorway across the room with another throwing knife in his hand. The smaller man shrugged his shoulders, sheathing the knife in his boot. He walked over and pulled the knife from the floor, holding it so Mulder could see the small scorpion impaled on the tip.

"I know you can't be killed by it, but its sting will still hurt like a bitch."

"Thanks. Rory, where did you learn to throw a knife like that?" Mulder judged the distance from the front door through the living room and into the kitchen to be at least thirty feet.

"I used to practice with my brothers back in Scotland, we also played darts. My brother Duncan could hit a fly on the wall with a dart at twenty feet. It became a game with us to out throw each other," MacIver grinned sadly, remembering his three brothers. He turned away from Mulder, not wanting him to see the tears in his eyes.

"Rory, tell me more about your brothers and family," Mulder asked, wanting to learn more about this man.

"There's not much to tell . . . Duncan was killed during the alien attack. My other brothers were infected with the ghoul mutation. I had to kill them myself. Thankfully, my mother and father had died many years ago and weren't subjected to seeing their sons suffer."

Mulder didn't know what to say, he knew firsthand what it felt like to lose a love one, but to have to kill your own brothers . . . "I'm sorry for your loss, Rory," he replied softly.

Mulder was more careful gathering supplies from the farmhouse; they were well stocked by the time they left. They had discovered a root cellar under the house with beets, potatoes, and mason jars of preserves, chutneys, and chili peppers. They made bags out of the blankets to put the supplies in, and the sorcerers used their powers to make the heavy bundles weightless.

***

Procreation Center
Wednesday, March 23
2:00 p.m.

Krycek was appalled by all of the press vans parked around the center; he wasn't up to dealing with reporters. The news was out that there were now six female fetuses at the center. Krycek noted the extra security around the facility; he also noticed the diplomatic license plates.

Skinner pulled around back, parking in front of the back exit. The FBI security team surrounded their vehicle as the A.D. and Krycek exited. They were rushed through the back doorway.

"Sir, we have a situation that needs your attention." Agent Sullivan informed Skinner.

"What situation, Agent Sullivan?" Skinner huffed.

"The Japanese and British Governments have sent their own agents to protect Cory Greene's and Shinji Takeda's offspring. They are flying their doctors over and want to transfer the embryos back to their countries as soon as possible."

Skinner sighed, "And?"

"The American Government has put a stop to the transfer, since the babies alleged sorcerer fathers are American."

"Great, so we have an escalating diplomatic crisis on our hands," Skinner growled, he slowed upon seeing the foreign security team outside of Hope's room. One of the men made a step to stop him from entering. The man was immediately thrown up against the wall and hung suspended in air his feet not touching the ground.

"Let's get one thing straight . . . no one interferes with me seeing my daughter!" The A.D. barked. Glaring angrily at the men, who suddenly realized their mistake.

"Sorry, A.D. Skinner, Conner didn't recognize you," the elder British agent muttered.

Doctor Sam Harris came out of the lab, after hearing the commotion. "Walter, please come in . . . how are you doing?"

Skinner turned around, guiding Krycek through the door ahead of him into the lab. The younger man had been hanging back, not particularly anxious to see his daughter.

"Sam, I still can't accept that Fox is dead . . . maybe after the funeral. It all seems so unreal, I keep expecting him to walk through the front door," Skinner sighed, walking over to the cylinder that contained Hope. She was almost three months old, but she was the size of a six-month-old fetus.

Skinner looked over at Krycek who stood unmoving by the door, he walked back and took his hand. "C'mon, Alex, show me your daughter," he murmured soothingly, understanding his younger brother's reluctance.

Krycek sigh and walked over to the cylinder next to Hope, he stared sorrowfully in at the small fetus -- his daughter. Skinner walked up behind him, resting a hand on Krycek's shoulder. He was surprised how that the fetus slightly resembled Mulder. Hope looked like neither of them. Actually, if he had to say who she resembled the most he would say Krycek, at least it proved that he and his brother did share some of the same genes.

"She's definitely going to be a heartbreaker . . ." Skinner paused when he felt Krycek tense. "Alex, she's beautiful, don't close your heart to her, she's going to need you."

"I . . . Walter, she frightens me. All I can see when I look at her is Fox -- he died because of her." Krycek felt a couple of tears run down his cheek, his brother wrapped his arms around his body hugging him close.

"It will be painful at first . . . but don't let your grief interfere with being a father to her. It wasn't her fault or yours, the blame lies with those bastards that abducted you and Fox."

Krycek leaned back against him. "Walter, thanks for being here for me."

***

Mexico
Friday, March 23
1:00 p.m.

Mulder sat next to Shinji in their makeshift camp just outside of Mexico City. Doctor Byrd and Rory MacIver had gone into the city for supplies. Stuart Holt stood guard, he was several feet away from them standing at attention, scanning the surrounding area.

"Mulder, can I ask you a question?" Takeda whispered, looking over at Holt. The man was too preoccupied to read his thoughts or listen to their conversation.

"What, Shin?" Mulder leaned back his skin had a healthy tan after two days in the sun. He had discarded his soil tank top yesterday.

"How do you know you're in love?" the young man asked the agent nervously.

"What do you mean, Shin?"

"I . . . I'm attracted to Rory . . . " Takeda looked nervously around then leaned over and whispered in Mulder's ear, "I get excited when I'm near him."

Mulder stifled a chuckle. "That may not be love . . . it might only be lust. Shinji, I don't think Holt would approve. It's a good thing I've taught you how to conceal your thoughts. Otherwise, we might have Holt and MacIver trying to kill each other."

"Yes, I'm aware of that . . . I just wish that he'd stop touching me. Holt wants sex all of the time . . . he makes me feel so dirty."

"Shin, when we get back to the U.S. my friends will protect you. No one will be allowed to touch you that you don't want." It saddened Mulder that he had no power to stop the sorcerer from touching his young friend. Maybe he could ask MacIver to intervene.

"Mulder, tell me more about your home and family. What is it like living with two handsome men that you love?" Takeda was fascinated by the description of Mulder's large home, and he wanted to meet the handsome bald lover that Mulder had spoken of.

Mulder smiled brightly. "I've never been more happy in my life." His smile faded as he felt the first pains of withdrawal hitting his system.

Takeda had suffered from withdrawal last night and Holt had serviced him. He knew in only eight hours, he'd be desperate for relief from the pain. It frightened him that he'd have to allow another man to have sex with him. The pain and humiliation the doctors had inflicted on him was too close to the surface.

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Friday, March 23
3:00 p.m.

Dana Scully accompanied by her brother Bill and nephew pulled up outside of the large estate. Dana's eyes were still red from crying she hadn't stopped since the news of Mulder's death reached her on Wednesday.

Bill buzzed the house and Yori answered, the Russian opened the gate so they could drive up to the house. He met them at the door. "Dana, Bill, it is good to see you again," Yori exclaimed, showing them into the living room. He had informed Skinner of their arrival telepathically.

Scully was stunned at the size of the mansion. The living room was gorgeous, she loved the twenty-foot ceiling and windows that spanned the whole wall looking out onto the large property. Bill was holding Matthew so the little boy wouldn't get into any mischief.

"Scully, what do you want?" Skinner asked from the entrance.

"Sir, I'd like to help with Mulder's funeral arrangements." Scully held her head up, not allowing the older man to intimidate her.

"Why?"

"He was my partner for six years, helping with the arrangements will help me deal with his death."

"So, you basically want to ease your own pain. Do you care how his death is affecting Alex or me!"

"I do care . . . but I don't want to interfere with your lives . . . I'm here for Mulder, like I've always been. Damnit, I loved him too! Why can't you understand that?"

Skinner sighed; he didn't want to deal with this now. "Okay, Scully, for Fox I'll overlook my disdain over your motives. Kimberly is putting together a list of speakers for his service and arranging for flowers, you can work with her. She lives in the cottage on the estate."

"Thank you, sir." The Scullys headed for the front door and walked over to the cottage.

Kimberly answered the door, dressed in jeans and a soft knit top. "Dana, it's so good to see you again," she replied, surprised to see the ex-agent.

"Hi Kim, it's good to see you, too." They shared a brief hug.

"Kim, this is my brother Bill and his son Matthew."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bill." Kim showed them into the house.

Scully looked around the cottage it was warm and homey inside. There was a fire going in the fireplace, the views from the windows were breathtaking. "Kim, this place is beautiful!" She exclaimed as Kimberly showed them into the living room, they sat on the large sofa.

"Thank you, Dana. Would you care for some tea? I was just making myself a cup when you came."

"Yes, please, that would be nice." Scully watched as Kimberly left. She returned a few minutes later with a serving tray, with three teacups a teapot and biscuits. There was a cup of milk for Matthew and some cookies.

"Thanks," Scully replied accepting the cup of tea.

"Skinner said I could help you with Mulder's funeral arrangements, if that is okay with you," Scully asked nervously.

"Dana, that would be great . . . I could use the help. The whole situation has me so depressed -- poor Walter and Alex. This should have been such a happy time for them; Hope's scheduled to be born in a month and Faith's due five weeks later. Alex is having a really hard time coming to terms with Mulder's death and their daughter's upcoming birth." Kim sighed sipping her tea.

"Alex and Mulder have a daughter?" Scully was flabbergasted.

"Yes, I'm sorry, I thought you knew. Faith was conceived while the Consortium held them. Alex was able to rescue her and four female embryos by two other immortals, but he wasn't able to reach Mulder in time. He's been blaming himself for Mulder's death."

Scully looked away and stared out the far window, she squelched the feeling of jealousy that flared up inside of her. This wasn't the time for her to be thinking about herself; she was here for Mulder.

"No, I didn't know. I'll give Alex my personal condolences next time I see him."

They spent the remainder of the evening discussing the FBI and made plans to get together the next day to organize Mulder's funeral service.

***

Mexico
Friday, March 23
5:00 p.m.

Doctor Byrd and Rory MacIver made it back to camp three hours before dusk. They were worried about the large ghoul population that usually infested areas this close to the large city. They wanted to travel two more hours before securing a new campsite for the evening.

MacIver handed Mulder a large bag. "Here you go, love, I picked it out myself," he grinned mischievously at the immortal.

Mulder hesitantly opened the bag. He was still dressed in skimpy white shorts and sandals -- anything would be better. He frowned as he took out a tight pair of leather pants, and knee-high, black, leather boots. There was also a leather vest and a long, black duster.

"C'mon, Mulder, dress quickly, we have to get moving," the doctor requested, snickering to himself at the look of displeasure on the agent's beautiful face.

Mulder rolled his eyes skyward, pleading with whatever deity there was to end his life now. He stepped out of his shorts not bothering to cover himself, there was no underwear in the bag and he hadn't been wearing any under his shorts. He wiggled into the skin-tight leather pants -- they left nothing to the imagination. Sighing, he pulled on a pair of socks, then the knee-high boots they were similar to the pair MacIver was wearing. The leather vest thankfully was stud-free. Finally, he pulled on the lightweight, floor-length duster, it was the only article of clothing he didn't find offensive.

"MacIver, I take it you couldn't find a studded leather dog collar?" Mulder groused.

MacIver chuckled and kissed Mulder on the cheek, catching the agent's hand when he tried to hit him. "For you, love, I was thinking we'd stop and get matching nipple rings."

"Only in your dreams, MacIver," Mulder step away from the man, picking up one of the bundles to help carry to the next campsite. He didn't notice the look of envy that flashed across Takeda's face.

"Hey, Shin, I almost -- forgot here, catch," MacIver exclaimed, tossing the young man a smaller bag. It contained a pair of expensive sneakers, blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a bag of sunflower seeds. Takeda's face lit up; he had mentioned to the Scotsman his craving for sunflower seeds that MacIver remembered pleased him.

He quickly pulled on the clothes then put on the comfortable sneakers. Holt stood by the whole time, he wasn't too happy with MacIver giving his lover presents. The American helped Takeda back to his feet, and they headed off toward the United States.

***

Mexico
Friday, March 23
8:00 p.m.

They found a small cave to set up camp for the night. MacIver helped Mulder inside; the agent had started going through withdrawal pains several hours ago, now he could barely stand on his own.

"Rory, we'll wait outside so you can attend to Mulder's needs," Doctor Byrd said, looking sympathetically at the American immortal.

"Thanks, Doctor," the Scotsman said as he made a comfortable place for Mulder to lie down.

After the others had left, MacIver walked up to Mulder, tenderly removing his clothing. "Mulder, I promise that I won't hurt you. I wish I could make love to you under different circumstances."

"Rory . . . just . . . shut up . . . and fuck me," Mulder moaned leaning against him.

He helped Mulder down on the blanket, then made short work of removing his own clothing. His hand shook as he removed a tube of lubricant and a condom from his pocket.

MacIver knelt down beside Mulder, running a gentle hand soothingly over his body. Mulder looked at him, frowning when he saw the condom.

"Rory, it's really nice that you're concerned about safe sex, but the whole point of this exercise is to get your semen into my body, not to keep it out," Mulder sighed. He was managing to control the pain better now that he was lying down.

"Sorry, I forgot," he replied sheepishly.

"Have you ever done this before?" Mulder asked as he noticed the Scotsman hesitating and his hands shaking. It seemed surreal that the man was more frightened than he was, and he was scared out of his mind.

"Yeah, of course, but you're so delicate that I don't want to hurt you," MacIver sighed.

Mulder closed his eyes briefly as burning pain coursed through his body, clenching his teeth until it passed. He needed to get the Scotsman past his shyness.

"You're not going to hurt me, Rory, bend down." When he did Mulder reached up and pulled his head down kissing him passionately, exploring the Scotsman's mouth with his tongue.

That seemed to do the trick, MacIver draped his wiry body over Mulder's longer lanky one and took over the lovemaking. He sucked on the agent's tongue, before doing some exploring of his own. Mulder tasted wonderful to the smaller man, he moaned into the younger man's mouth, running his hands over the smooth, flawless body.

He traveled down the immortal's body with his mouth, licking and nipping the agent's nipples. He murmured against Mulder's skin, "Fox, can I ask you a question?"

"What?" Mulder kept a tight hold on his thoughts, it wouldn't do for MacIver to know that he found his lovemaking repugnant.

MacIver pushed the agent's legs apart grabbing the lube. "If all that is required is for your body to get an injection of semen from a sorcerer, why don't you just ingest it or have it shot into your system?" He pushed a finger into Mulder's incredibly tight anus, the Scotsman couldn't believe that this wasn't Mulder's first time.

"We've tried it, but it didn't work. The doctors don't know why, but it has to be through the physical act of sex." Mulder arched his back as three fingers worked their way into his body.

MacIver eased his fingers out and replaced them with the head of his cock; he eased the agent's legs over his shoulders. Then he pushed slowly into the beautiful body. When he was fully seated, he waited for Mulder's body to adjust before starting to slowly fuck him.

Mulder was desperate to get this over with he wasn't even getting an erection. He concentrated on clenching his rectal muscles around the object impaling him. MacIver moaned in appreciation and pushed in harder and faster, soon losing control and spurting endlessly into the agent's body. When he pulled out, the Scotsman realized Mulder was crying. He crawled up to him, taking the quivering body into his arms.

"Ssh, Fox, what's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

It took Mulder awhile to regain control over his emotions; he finally stopped crying enough to explain. "Rory, it's not you. I feel so dirty being sexually dependent on another man that I don't love."

"They really mistreated you at the base, didn't they?" MacIver gently rocked Mulder's body in his arms. "I wish I could remove your pain, Mulder."

"You already have," Mulder sighed. He didn't feel the withdrawal pains any longer.

"No, the emotional pain in your heart and soul," MacIver murmured softly, rubbing the agent's back and kissing his forehead.

Mulder allowed the physical comfort the other man was providing and snuggled closer. He closed his eyes and listened to the gentle beating of the other man's heart, it was the last sound he heard before falling asleep.

***

Argentina
Saturday, March 26
10:00 a.m.

Mr. Foxx looked out of the window in his high-rise apartment, sipping a bourbon. After receiving news of Mulder's death, he went on a three-day bender. Three days later, he was still drinking to soothe the ache in his heart. He walked over to the sofa. Sitting down, he picked up the photo album the only possession that he had cherished over the years. It had a history of his son's life, Mulder's first haircut the soft chestnut locks were inside an envelope next to the boy's photo at nine months of age.

He had every one of his son's school photos along with copies of his report cards. Birthday and holiday photos, awards and newspaper clippings. It was the arrangement he made with Teena Mulder that he wouldn't interfere in Fox's life as long as she sent him photos and information on his son.

Looking longingly at the smiling young face, his heart broke and he cried his grief into his drink. He had other children, but Fox had always been his favorite.

The front door to his apartment opened. "Father, are you all right?" Jeffery Spender asked, walking quietly over to the old man. He had just arrived back in town from Madrid.

"Your brother is dead," the smoker murmured.

"Brother? I don't have a brother," Spender sighed, smelling the alcohol permeating the apartment. Obviously the old man was drunk. He never should have gotten involved with him -- look where it had gotten him, a refugee from his own country.

"Fox was . . . yur . . . your half-brother," the smoker muttered, staring down lovingly at the photos of his son.

Spender was taken aback, he looked down at the album that rested on the old man's lap. He reached for it, taking it over to the dining room table he laid it down and leafed quickly through it. "Fox Mulder! Father, are you telling me that . . . that arrogant son-of-a-bitch is my brother!" Spender shrieked. Mulder was part of the reason he currently found himself in exile.

"Don't talk . . . talk that way about your brother. You could have learned a lot from him," the old man sniffled.

Spender snorted, "Yeah, right." He paused on the last two pages of the photo album it showed Mulder as he appeared after his mutation. The very last picture showed him dressed in a white tank top and shorts -- he had a very sad expression on his beautiful face.

"Father, what happened to him?" Spender had heard rumors about Mulder's mutation, but he had never actually seen a photo of him.

"He died when the building he was being held prisoner in exploded. His last days of life had been extremely painful and humiliating for him," the cigarette smoking man sighed.

Somehow hearing about Mulder's death didn't make Spender feel any better.

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, March 27
10:00 a.m.

"Alex, you have to at least approve the wording," Skinner pleaded.

"Walter, I'm not approving anything, if I did I would be giving up on Fox," Krycek sighed, pulling his eyes away from the depiction of Mulder's memorial plaque.

"Fox is dead, you're going to have to accept it and get on with your life!" Skinner growled. He was stuck doing most of the planning, he was even beginning to appreciate Dana Scully's help. He had to even okay the press coverage of the memorial service.

"You don't understand! I can't live without him . . . how can you!" Krycek stormed out of the room heading up to his bedroom.

Skinner ran after him. He burst through the younger man's bedroom door. "Alex, I'm sorry, please . . . I won't push you . . . its just that I need you here with me. I'm hurting, too," Skinner sobbed pulling his brother in his arms, he cried for the first time since Fox died.

Krycek hugged him tight and broke down; they comforted each other as best they could.

***

Mexico
Monday, March 27
Noon

Six days of hiking across Mexico was draining on the men, they had to travel off the main roads. Because of the Mexican gas crisis, walking was the only form of transportation, besides of the railroad, which wasn't an option. No vehicles other than the military were allowed on the road. They couldn't risk stealing a military vehicle -- the last thing they needed was to have the whole Mexican army after them and alerted to their presence. They weren't able to make a phone call either -- all the phone lines were down and Mexico didn't have the manpower to repair them -- over half the population had fled to the United States.

Mulder stumbled on a rock; MacIver quickly grabbed his waist preventing him from falling. The agent smiled gratefully at the roguish Scotsman; there was a certain charm to the man. Beneath all of his bravado, Rory proved to be kind and compassionate.

When his withdrawal symptoms started Friday, MacIver was considerate about his feelings and made gentle love to him. The Scot didn't pester him for sex the next night. The smaller man was completely different from Holt. The American forced himself on Shinji every night only their intervention prevented the young man from being raped. MacIver had proved to be the more powerful sorcerer and he had placed Takeda under his protection -- but the Scot was blind to the younger man's feelings for him.

It had angered Holt to no end. Being in love with Shinji, he didn't like MacIver's interference. If he hadn't been allowed to have sex with Shinji when the younger man suffered from his withdrawal symptoms, he would have killed the Scot. As long as MacIver kept his hands off Shinji, he would respect his young lover's wishes not to have sex with him.

The group was taking a break from hiking, the sun was too hot so they made camp underneath some tall trees next to a small lake. Mulder was soaking wet from sweating; black leather was not the type of outfit to wear in the hot sun. Why couldn't MacIver have had a fetish for cotton?

Mulder pealed off the offending outfit, he was going to take a swim to cool off. He put his foot in the water testing the temperature -- cold.

MacIver walked over to him admiring his body and started to remove his own clothes. "I'll join you . . . nothing's better than going skinny dipping on a hot day."

Mulder dived into the cool, blue water. He laughed at MacIver as the smaller man tested the water and found it too cold. "What's-a-matter, MacIver, afraid of a little cold water? I thought you were made of tougher stuff."

"No, lad, just worried that I'll freeze my nuts off and I wouldn't be able to service that gorgeous body of yours," MacIver quipped. Getting his courage up, he dived under the water, coming up next to Mulder, sputtering and shivering.

"Oh, so it's my welfare you're concerned about?" Mulder smirked.

"Fox, your welfare has been my only concern since I first laid eyes on you," MacIver murmured, wrapping his arms around the agent's body kissing him.

Mulder reluctantly pulled away. "Rory, I'm sorry, I already have two lovers, they would not approve if I brought home a third."

"Lucky men. How about I get an apartment in DC, and you can sneak away during your lunch hours." MacIver smoothed his hands down Mulder's back, resting them on his buttocks.

"Wouldn't work . . . I have at least two FBI bodyguards at all times and they're all into blackmailing me at the slightest infraction. Walter would begin to wonder why I'm spending half my week cooking dinner for his agents," Mulder quipped.

"Maybe I should just take you back to Scotland with me," he replied, licking the side of the agent's throat.

"It wouldn't work . . . Rory, in all seriousness, I won't be seeing you again after we get back to the states. Have you given any thought to Shinji?"

"Mm, what about Shinji?"

"He happens to have a crush on you . . . you can't say you haven't noticed." Mulder pulled out of the other man's arms.

"He's just a kid, an extremely beautiful kid, but still a kid. I'd feel like I was robbing the cradle!" MacIver exclaimed indignantly.

"Shinji only looks young to you, he happens to be twenty-one."

"Twenty-one? I thought he was sixteen." MacIver looked over to where Shinji was taking a nap. He did find the young lad extremely desirable. "Holt is going to be pissed if I pursue Shin's affections."

"Shin isn't interested in Holt, he finds you attractive . . . why, I haven't a clue." Mulder ducked as MacIver splashed water at him.

They spent a half-hour swimming and bathing in the lake, they even took the opportunity to shave. Mulder walked out of the lake and laid down in the thick grass, sunbathing nude. After another half-hour Doctor Byrd walked up to him admiring his beautiful nude body. "Mulder, we have to get moving again."

Mulder peered up at him. "Can't we stay here a little bit longer? I really don't want to put that leather sauna back on," he moaned.

"Sorry, Mulder." The doctor held out his hand, pulling the agent to his feet. Mulder walked over and pulled back on the hated leather outfit.

Shinji walked over to him when he finished dressing and offered him some sunflower seeds. He took a handful and slipped them into the large pocket on the duster. "Thanks, Shin. Do we have any beef-jerky left?"

"Uh . . . sorry, Mulder, I ate the last of it." He had meant to save the agent the last piece, but it was just too good. They had found they shared a lot of the same likes and dislikes in food and they both had photographic memories and were red green colorblind before the virus.

Doctor Byrd had been fascinated by all of their similarities and started writing them down in his journal. The doctor didn't believe it was a coincidence. He wished that Cory Greene were here so he could find out if the Englishman shared any of Mulder's and Takeda's traits.

***

Mexico
Monday, March 27
7:00 p.m.

Holt was on second guard duty, so he went right to bed when they made camp. It provided MacIver with the perfect opportunity to get closer to Takeda. He led the younger man away from the camp and over to a flat boulder next to the stream, the moon was full, and provided plenty of light to see each other.

"Shin, tell me about yourself," MacIver asked. Holding the young man's hand, he scooted closer.

"What do you want to know?" Takeda leaned up against the Scotsman's body.

"Where you grew up, about your family, everything," MacIver pulled the beautiful Japanese immortal against him and kissed him softly.

Takeda sighed into his mouth. "Hokkaido," he murmured returning the kissed.

"Hokkaido?" MacIver ran his hands down the younger man's back.

"It's where I grew up, it's a northern island in Japan." Much to the roguish Scotsman's surprise, Takeda straddled his lap and pushed him forcibly back until his was lying on his back across the flat boulder. Takeda then proceeded to devour MacIver's mouth claiming a passionate kiss, all thoughts flew out of both men's minds.

Mulder sat in front of the campfire, looking at the two sleeping men. Doctor Byrd was lying a few feet away from Holt's sleeping body. Mulder watched Holt's body-stiffen then he saw the silent tears slip through the closed eyelids and make their way down the man's face.

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, April 1
9:30 a.m.

Walter Skinner, wearing his most expensive black suit and tie stood looking at his image in the mirror. His eyes were red from crying last night; he had finally given in to his grief and accepted that Mulder was dead. It had been ten days since the base exploded. Today was his lover's funeral. There was no body to bury -- they would be placing a monument in his memory at Arlington.

After the service, they were having the mourners over to the mansion. Skinner would have preferred just to retire and grieve in private. However, the party was in Mulder's memory, he would just have to get through it. His cousins were going to cater it for him.

He left his bedroom heading for the foyer. Krycek, Yori, Kimberly, and Tony were waiting for him, all dress similarly in black. Krycek was wearing a pair of dark sunglasses -- the service was going to be held outside in the sunlight. Skinner checked his pockets for his prescription sunglasses.

"Shall we go?" He headed for the front door as the others followed quietly behind -- no one was in the mood to talk. They walked out the door to Skinner's Toyota Land Cruiser. Yori climbed into the front passenger seat next to Skinner. Krycek, Kim, and Tony sat in the backseat, the service started in an hour and a half.

***

Texas
Thursday, April 1
2:30 p.m.

After ten long days, they finally snuck across the Mexican border into Texas and safety. "We'll find the nearest U.S. border patrol station then you can call your family, Mulder." Doctor Byrd smiled at the look of relief and joy on Mulder's face.

"Thanks, I'll do that. They must be worried sick about me by now." It concerned Mulder that he hadn't seen any search helicopters over the last ten days. He assumed his lovers would have been searching for him, unless they were physically unable to do so. He prayed nothing had happened to either of them in the raid.

They trudged over rough terrain for three more miles before coming across the station. The five men that entered their station startled the two guards. One recognized Mulder instantly. "You're Special Agent Fox Mulder! Shit . . . I just watched your memorial service on television a few hours ago. Damn! You're alive!"

"My . . . memorial service?" Mulder stammered, shocked that it hadn't occurred to him that his lovers might consider him dead. He had been too worried about whether Walter and Alex were okay.

"Yeah, you had quite the turnout -- even the President was there."

"Where's your telephone . . . I need to make a call."

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, April 1
4:00 p.m.

Frohike sat on his preferred counter stool drowning his sorrows in Scotch; Yori sat next to him downing his second glass of vodka. The mansion was packed with guests even the Scullys were present. Most of the FBI agents had their sons with them the little boys rushed up and down the curved staircase. Their fathers had to firmly admonish them several times about the noise they were making. Walter Skinner moved from person-to-person accepting their condolences and thanking them for attending the service.

Krycek sat alone in the corner of the large family room sipping vodka, trying to numb the pain caused by Mulder's memorial service. The finality of it struck him so hard that he did not notice his brother keeping a close eye on him. He distantly heard the telephone ringing and Skinner answering it in that gruff voice of his. Krycek telepathically heard the voice on the other end and leaped out of his chair, spilling his drink in his lap. People near him gave him sympathetic looks.

"Walter, please tell me you haven't given all of my clothes to the Salvation Army, yet," Mulder quipped as soon as he heard Skinner's voice.

Skinner was too stunned to reply he wasn't sure if in his grief he was hearing things.

"Walter? Are you still there?" Mulder asked, concerned over the silence.

Krycek had rushed into the kitchen, grabbing the telephone away from the stunned man. "FOX! You're alive! Where are you?" Krycek shouted into the telephone.

Many of the guests heard Krycek's shout and started gathering in the kitchen. Skinner had to sit down, he was shaking too much to stand -- Krycek looked over at him and smiled.

"Texas, we're at a small border patrol station. We just crossed the border a couple of hours ago."

"Fox, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Alex, only in desperate need of a change of clothes," Mulder smiled, looking down at his outfit, he looked like a porn star.

"Who's with you?"

"Shinji, Doctor Byrd, Stuart Holt, and Rory MacIver."

Krycek knew all of the other men except for MacIver. Before he could ask anymore questions, Skinner recovered enough to claim the telephone from him.

"Fox . . . what happened? The base exploded . . . there was nothing left . . . and I couldn't contact you telepathically," Skinner murmured, he was close to tears and couldn't keep a sob from escaping his lips.

"I was unconscious . . . I'm not quite sure what happened. Rory told me we left through a tunnel on the lowest level. Walter, I'm sorry to have put you through so much grief, if I could have contacted you sooner, I would have," he replied after hearing the sob in his lover's voice.

"Fox, can you tell me exactly where you are? I want to get the nearest team of FBI agents to your location immediately . . . Alex and I will be flying down."

"I'm not exactly sure, I'll let you talk to the border guard." Mulder handed the telephone over to the nearest guard and listened as the man gave their location. Doctor Byrd motioned him to the door; he walked out of the station with the doctor and two sorcerers.

"Mulder, you and Shinji are in goods hands, now. Holt and I have to get going, we can't risk being here when the police arrive. We're both in too deeply with the consortium . . . and I'm not particularly looking forward to spending the rest of my life in jail," the doctor told him, holding out his hand, they shook.

"Thank you for everything, Doctor. I'll put in a good word for you, maybe you and Holt will be given amnesty."

"I wish . . . I'd give anything to be able to live freely in the United States again," the doctor replied.

"Agent Mulder, take care of Shinji for me. I know he doesn't like me, but I do love him and I only want what's best for him," Holt sighed sadly, heading back toward Mexico with the doctor.

Mulder turned and looked at Rory MacIver, waiting for him to depart, too.

"Hey, I'm not going anywhere . . . I never officially worked for those bastards. I'm strictly a freelancer," MacIver quipped.

Takeda came out of the building watching them. MacIver smiled, he went over and hugged the younger man possessively. They had sneaked away from camp over the last few days, spending time alone getting to know one another. They were now deeply in love with each other. Mulder knew that Holt had been aware of their secret meetings. It was to Holt's credit that he didn't interfere.

"So, what are you two going to do?" Mulder asked curious.

"Well, lad, I thought we'd go back to D.C. and mooch off you for a while. If that's okay with you?" MacIver smirked.

Mulder laughed at the boldness of the smaller man. "Sure, I don't see why not as long as you keep out of Walter's way. He tends to be extremely jealous, but as long as you keep your hands on Shinji, and off me, we'll have no problem."

They wandered back into the building. One of the guards came over and offered them each a cup of coffee. Mulder was extremely grateful; he hadn't had coffee in over a month.

Mulder had buttoned up the long duster he wore -- thankful it covered the tight leather pants. He was extremely self-conscious of how he was dressed. Both guards sat staring at him and Shinji, one came over and refilled his coffee cup.

"Is there anything else you want, Agent Mulder?" the younger guard asked timidly.

"Yeah, there wouldn't happen to be any restaurants nearby that would deliver here?" He was extremely hungry and from the grateful look Takeda threw him, he knew he was, too.

"Yep, we have several restaurants, including one of the best Chinese restaurants in Southeast Texas," the young man smiled.

"Chinese sounds good to me, what about you, Shin, Rory?" Mulder asked.

"I love Chinese food, get me an order of Moo Shu Pork, fried rice, egg rolls, wonton soup, ginger chicken wings, dim sum, and shrimp toast." Rory replied smacking his lips.

"I'll have the same as Rory, but add Kung Bo Chicken," Shinji Takeda replied.

The young guard was quickly scribbling down the order, looking up from his notepad at Mulder, waiting for his order.

"Get me the same as the others, add sesame chicken to the order and have them throw in extra sauces. By the way, Officer Johnson, the FBI will reimburse you when they get here." Mulder grinned hoping the arriving agents had their American Express card handy.

Johnson went to the telephone and called in their order, adding some items for himself and Officer Payne.

***

Krycek fled the kitchen racing past stunned mourners and up the stairs to his bedroom. He grabbed his carry-on from the walk-in closet, along with clothes for Mulder. Tossing everything on the bed, he packed the suitcase. He walked back into the closet and shrugged out of his dark suit, hanging it up, he dressed quickly in jeans, a T-shirt, and his leather jacket.

He grabbed the suitcase and rushed back downstairs listening to the happy chatter of their guests. The party turned quickly into a celebration, Dana Scully walked up to him. "Alex, I'm so happy for you," she murmured, hugging him.

"Thanks, Dana," Krycek replied, returning the hug. He turned, seeing Yori with tears of joy running down his bearded face.

"Yori, breakout some bottles of champagne for our guests and put some music on," Krycek said, smiling as he headed outside to put his carry-on in Skinner's truck.

*Hurry up, Walter!* he shouted telepathically.

*Alex, give me a few minutes. I had to arrange our flight and Mulder's protection.* Skinner came out the front door a few minutes later, as promised. Krycek heard loud rock music coming from inside, they would probably spend the next week cleaning up after this party.

Skinner climbed in the driver's side, turning to Krycek he smiled reaching over he hugged his half-brother. "I've arranged a military flight to take us to Corpus Christi from there a helicopter will fly us out to Brownsville."

***

The food arrived minutes ahead of the FBI agents from nearest field office. They squealed their car to a halt out front and raced into the small building. "Agent Mulder, I'm Special Agent Peter Lockrem, these are Agents Jose Rodriguez and Claude Beaumont," the young bald agent stated, holding out his hand. Mulder put his chopsticks down and shook Lockrem's hand.

Mulder picked up his chopsticks and used them to point out each man as he introduced them. "Shinji Takeda, Rory MacIver, and over there are Officers Johnson and Payne." He then continued eating.

"You'll have to excuse our manners, lad, this is the first real meal we've eaten in eleven days," MacIver groused, dipping a dim sum in sauce then popping it in his mouth.

"No problem, sir. A.D. Skinner briefly filled us in on your situation, he mentioned that there were two other men with you. Are they nearby?" Lockrem asked.

"No, they had a pressing engagement elsewhere," Mulder answered, stealing some of Shinji's Kung Bo chicken. Shinji reached over with his chopsticks and snatched some of Mulder's sesame chicken.

"We'll need a statement from you, Agent Mulder, as soon as you're done eating." Lockrem watched the two immortals, sitting side-by-side playfully stealing each other's food.

"It might be awhile," Mulder replied, opening another cartoon, he pulled out an egg roll and opened a small condiment container of hot mustard sauce. He passed the cartoon to Shinji, who removed an egg roll and past it down to MacIver.

"That's okay, we have all night together. Rodriguez, Beaumont, go stand guard out front." Lockrem took a seat across from the trio, settling in to wait.

***

4 Hours Later.

The sound of a large helicopter landing filled the nighttime air. Mulder rose quickly from the desk where he sat with Agent Lockrem giving his statement of the events that had happened to him since his kidnaping. He left out several embarrassing and humiliating incidences at the base that he couldn't bring himself to talk about.

He rushed to the door, feeling the presence of both his lovers aboard the helicopter. Mulder waited anxiously, watching the lights from the helicopter illuminate the surrounding area as it gently set down. Skinner and Krycek climbed out, the younger man rushed over throwing himself into Mulder's arms, hugging him tightly.

Skinner held back and allowed his younger brother some time with Mulder first. Krycek was sobbing uncontrollably, holding onto him for dear life. *Fox, I thought I'd lost you forever . . . can you ever forgive me?* He telepathically communicated, the noise from the helicopter made talking nearly impossible.

*Alex, I don't understand . . . there's nothing to forgive. Did you get our daughter out safely?* Mulder gently held Krycek's head and kissed away his tears.

Krycek rested his hands on Mulder's hips, realizing that his lover didn't understand how he had failed him. *Fox, I wasn't able to protect you! I let those bastards kidnap you . . . I couldn't stop Nathan from taking you away from me . . . I put Faith ahead of you.*

*Alex, Walter couldn't have protected me under those circumstances either, and you better put our daughter first -- I'd be pissed if you didn't. God, I've missed you.* Mulder kissed him deeply. Krycek felt his guilt lift, he was happy for the first time in over six weeks.

*Okay, Alex, quit hogging Fox,* Skinner complained, pulling Mulder into his arms and kissing him passionately. The agent moaned into the kiss, sucking hungrily on Skinner's tongue, he felt lightheaded when the kiss finally ended. Mulder was thankful for the long duster he wore over his tight leather pants, there was no way he would have been able to conceal the hard-on he was sporting.

"So, Mulder, are you going to introduce us? Not that we aren't all enjoying watching you kiss," MacIver shouted over the noise from the helicopter, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Uh . . . Walter, I'd like you to meet Rory MacIver and Shinji Takeda," Mulder said loudly, wrapping his arm possessively around Skinner's waist then reaching out for Krycek's hand. Skinner glared at the good-looking Scotsman, he knew immediately that the smaller man was a sorcerer. The A.D. had been worried about Mulder's withdrawal symptoms, he had been curious why the agent sounded well on the telephone, when he should have been in great pain. He quickly put two-and-two together. He would talk to his lover in length after he got him safely back to D.C.

Takeda smiled briefly at Skinner then hugged Krycek. "Alex, it's good to see you are well! Mulder was extremely worried about you," the young man exclaimed.

"Shin, I'm glad to see that you are alive and well, too." Krycek returned the hug, looking lovingly over Takeda's shoulder at Mulder.

Skinner walked over to the FBI agents standing outside the border patrol station. He motioned the men inside where they could speak without having to shout over the noise from the helicopter.

"Agent Lockrem, did you get Agent Mulder's statement?" The A.D. asked the smaller man.

"Yes, sir, we were just finishing up when your helicopter landed." Lockrem retrieved the statement from the desk and put it inside a large manila envelope handing it to the Assistant Director.

"Thank you, Agent Lockrem. I'm taking Agent Mulder and Shinji Takeda back to D.C. immediately," Skinner stated as he rolled up the manila envelope. Putting it in the inside pocket of his suit coat, he left the office.

Skinner walked back over to his lover and brother, looking at the young Japanese man appreciatively. "Mr. Takeda, your government is anxious for you to be returned to them. We will escort you back to D.C. and see you safely to the Japanese embassy." Skinner saw the sadness in the young man's eyes.

"Walter, Shin will be returning to Foxfire Glenn Estate with us, he and Rory are going to be our guests for the time being," Mulder informed him.

Skinner knew by the tone of Mulder's voice not to challenge him, sometimes his lover could be extremely stubborn. "Fox, I'm not up to arguing with you right now. Your friends can stay at our home if that is what you want, but Mr. Takeda is going to have to talk to his ambassador tomorrow. Shall we leave?"

Mulder smiled when Skinner took his hand and led him toward the waiting helicopter. The other three men followed close behind. Krycek was in a deep conversation with MacIver, it turned out they had a lot in common.

"Really? Leather pants? Hmm, maybe I won't give Fox the clothes I brought for him," Krycek stated, staring at Mulder's back. He could see the black boots under the long duster the agent was wearing, but he was dying to see the leather outfit underneath.

They climbed on board the large helicopter and it lifted off heading for Corpus Christi where a military plane was waiting to fly them back to D.C. Krycek turned to Mulder. "If we're lucky the party will still be going on when we get back."

"God I hope not! All I want to do is go right to bed . . . I could sleep for a week!" Mulder exclaimed. Yawning, he cuddled up next to Skinner, resting his head on the larger man's broad shoulder.

"Don't worry, Fox. I'll take you right to bed when we get back, even if the party is still in full swing," Skinner murmured, kissing the top of his head.

"Mm, thanks, Walter," he sighed. Wrapping his arms around the older man's warm body, he fell asleep.

***

Continued in Chapter 10