Life from the Ashes Book 3 - SBS
by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.netNC-17
Disclaimer: The X-Files characters Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, Alex Krycek, Walter Skinner, Jeffrey Spender, CSM, the Lone Gunmen, Kimberly Cook, Senator Matheson, Bill Scully, the morph etc. are the property Chris Carter, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. All other characters in the series are mine.
Summary: This is an Alternative Universe Story. It takes place after an alien virus has killed off most of the world's females and caused mutations in forty-five percent of the remaining males.
Authors Notes: This is the third book in my AU series "Life from the Ashes - SBS." You might want to read the prequel and the first two books of the series to understand this one.
I would like to thank my beta-readers Laurie, Cerulean Blue, Kiyoko, Nicole, and Susan for all their hard work and patience in editing this story and plot suggestions.
Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are appreciated.
WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two or more men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.
Okay to Archive: please ask first.
***
Chapter 16
Healed
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, April 20
3:30 a.m.Mulder opened his eyes and peered up at the glass and steel inches from his face. Where was he? He reached out in a panic and pushed against the lid opening the cylinder. He sat up and as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, he realized that he was inside a bedroom in the mansion. How he had gotten there was a mystery to him. Mulder forced himself to relax as he swung his long legs over the side and leapt out. The last thing he remembered was being in his office kissing Walter. He was totally clueless as to what happened afterwards.
There was just enough moonlight coming in through the windows that he could make out two shapes sleeping in the bed. Mulder walked over and flipped on the bedside lamp. He squinted and looked at the two men, then let out a gasp when he realized what his eyes were seeing. Mulder stood stunned looking at the thick, sable hair fanning out over the pillow, he studied Alex's face in stunned amazement, the gentle sweep of a brow to his lashes, thicker and longer than before, if that were possible. Alex's skin was smooth and flawless. His features appeared more chiseled, as if molded out of the finest porcelain. Mulder had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life. If this is how Alex looked sleeping, Mulder couldn't wait to see him awake. "Alex?"
His voice pulled Skinner from his restless sleep. The large man shot up and met Mulder's stunned hazel eyes. Walter quickly scrambled over Krycek's sleeping form and pulled Mulder into his arms. "Fox, you're back. Thank God!" he sobbed happily, kissing and hugging him tightly.
"Back from where, Walter? What happened to me? What happened to Alex? What the hell is going on?" he asked in flurry, looking appealingly at Walter for answers. Then his eyes wandered back to Alex's surreally beautiful face, and he felt incredible desire for his young lover. All Mulder wanted to do was crawl under the covers with Alex and hold him in his arms and taste his sweet lips.
"C'mon, Fox, let's put something on first, then I'll fix you a cup of coffee. We can talk in the kitchen," Skinner said softly, not wanting to let that pleasantly, warm, *alive* body out of his arms.
Mulder pulled away. "Walter, what's wrong with Alex? Why isn't he waking up?" he asked, reluctantly taking the robe that had magically appeared in Skinner's hand and pulling it on over his naked body.
Skinner pulled on his own robe and stepped into a pair of slippers. "Alex healed you, babe. He's sleeping off the effects." He drew Mulder back into his arms, embracing him with sheer joy. "God, Fox, you wouldn't believe the hell I've been through over the past two weeks. I thought I had lost you for good."
"Two weeks? My God, Walter, what is going on around here? Where are my babies?" Mulder asked anxiously.
Skinner pulled him out of the room and toward the back staircase. "Hope and Faith are with Dana and Jonathan, they've been looking after them for us until you were healed."
Mulder sighed with relief, "Thank God. Then Alex and Rory were successful in rescuing Jonathan." It didn't matter what had happened to him as long as his friends and family were safe.
"Not exactly, Fox," he said.
"Not exactly what?" Mulder interrupted Walter before he could answer him, "No answer that later, I want to see my babies first," he said, heading in the direction of the room Scully usually stayed in when she visited .
Mulder knocked softly on the door. He heard some mumbling and finally Scully opened the door. "Mulder, you're back," she said, hugging him.
"Sorry to wake you, Scully, but I want to see my munchkins," Mulder whispered, slipping into the room. He nodded to Jonathan who stared at him tiredly before burrowing back under the covers.
"They've missed you, Mulder," Scully whispered, coming to stand next to the cribs with him.
Mulder brushed the thick curls way from Hope's sleeping face. "She needs a hair cut," he said softly. He then went over to look in on Faith, like her sister, she was out to the world. "Thanks for watching them, Scully."
"Anytime, partner," Scully said, walking with him to the bedroom door. She greeted Skinner who was waiting in the hallway for Mulder.
"Walter is going to fill me in on all the fun I've missed over coffee. Talk to you in the morning, Scully," Mulder said, looping an arm around Skinner's waist.
They made their way downstairs to the kitchen and Mulder took a seat at the counter as he watched his lover prepare a pot of coffee. "Walter, tell me what you meant that Alex and Rory didn't rescue Jonathan."
"Fox, Alex and Rory were captured by King Gullbrand," Skinner said, turning on the coffee maker then walked back over to Mulder. "Let me start from the beginning," Skinner said as he sat next to Mulder and took his hand in both of his, smiling. "It feels so good to be able to touch you again, Fox. Until a few days ago you didn't even have a hand to hold."
"What happened to me, Walter?"
"Someone tried to kill you. The bastard planted a bomb in your office. You were …" Skinner swallowed and gripped Mulder's hand tighter. "… burnt beyond recognition. God, Fox, I thought you were dead! It's been over two weeks! Thank God, Alex came home when he did or you'd still be up in that glass coffin."
"You should have known by now, Walter, that you cannot get rid of me that easy," Mulder quipped. "Now tell me about Alex. How was it possible for him to change into an immortal? Did it have to do with him losing his powers? Are there other immortals now?"
"No, he's the only one. From what Alex has told me it sounds like it was a freak accident, he was struck by lightening while trying to escape from Slava, and when he woke up he was an immortal," Skinner replied.
Mulder's body tensed and anger passed over his features. "What does Slava have to do with this? I thought you said Gullbrand had Alex?"
"Gullbrand turned Alex over to Slava. I'm pretty sure Slava was going to use Alex to get you back. Only it didn't work out quite like he had planned." Skinner didn't want to tell Fox about Alex and Slava yet, but he knew Fox would be even more upset if he kept the information from him. "Fox, Alex and Slava are genetically bonded … Alex plans on going back to Slava after you are healed," Skinner told him gently.
Mulder paled visibly as he shook his head. "No. No, I don't believe you. Alex would never leave us for Slava."
"He says he can't help himself, that he loves Slava and wants to be with him."
"How can Alex love that man? After what Slava has done to me! Oh God, Walter, I don't want him to leave me," Mulder's voice shook and he slid into Walter's arms sobbing.
"Ssh, Fox, he's not going to leave either of us. I won't let him."
"How can you stop him if he wants to go? You can't keep him here against his will."
"I can and I will. I think if Alex were away from Slava long enough he'd come to his senses. I've even asked Shinji to help, but he was doubtful that he could find a way of severing the genetic bond."
"How did Alex get here? I can't see Slava letting him go."
"Slava brought him to this country so Alex could heal you."
Mulder sat stunned, that was not like Slava at all, unless? "Alex must really have convinced Slava that he loved him," he said, his heart breaking. "Walter, let me deal with Alex, please. I don't want you to hold him here against his will, that would be no better than the way Slava treated me," Mulder said.
"Sorry, Fox, but I won't let Slava have him again. It will be all right once enough time passes without Slava and Alex having any contact with each other. Alex will come to his senses."
"Shit, Walter, I can't see how you could prevent Alex from seeing Slava. This country is not about to ban Slava from coming over here, no matter what you or I have to say. All Alex would have to do is sneak out and go to the Russian embassy." Mulder noticed the way Walter was fidgeting. His lover never fidgeted, so something must be really wrong. "Okay, out with it. What else has happened?"
"Fox, promise me that you won't get angry."
"I can't see how I can get any angrier than I already am, but I'll try to control myself."
"I ah … sort of … ah … overthrew our government and declared myself King," Skinner mumbled, not looking at Fox.
Mulder started laughing. "Jeez, Walter, you had me going there for a moment. I'm glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Even though your timing is a bit warped."
"I'm serious, Fox."
Mulder studied his face for a moment. "No! No, say you didn't! Oh God, Walter, how could you do something so. . .so. . .stupid?"
"Fox, it wasn't stupid. I thought about this very thoroughly beforehand. Don't you see, babe, I needed to expand my base of power and influence. If I didn't, then I chanced having you, Alex, and our daughters taken away from me by someone stronger. That won't happen now. You, Alex, and the girls will be protected by my army of sorcerers."
Mulder looked at him sternly. He knew that since the invasion his lover had garnered a lot of support from sorcerers and humans all over the country. "Walter, just how many people were involved in this coup d'état?"
"Directly about twenty thousand, mostly sorcerers."
"WHAT? That many people want to have you for their King?" Mulder gasped, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
"Fox, it might come as a surprise to you, but a lot of people respect me and think that I would make a fair and strong leader," Skinner grumbled, annoyed.
"I respect you too, but that doesn't mean I want you for my King. I've always loved our little old American democracy."
"Fox, it was that same democracy that almost imprisoned you, Justin, and Joe for the purpose of procreating a whole new race of Americans. That will never happen again! Not while I'm in charge! No one is going to touch you, Alex, or any other member of our family!" Skinner's voiced rose higher and higher in volume.
Mulder bit his lip to prevent himself from saying anything he'd regret. It was obvious that his lover wanted his support and was upset and stressed that he was challenging him. Mulder sighed, this decision must have been very hard for Walter to make. Walter needed him to stand behind his decision, besides he did it for their daughter and friends, it was very noble. "Walter, I'm sorry. You know that I will support you even if I don't agree with you," Mulder said, resting a soothing hand on the side of his lover's face. "I love you, Walter, we will approach this together as a family."
MacIver and Takeda staggered into the kitchen. MacIver went straight to the coffee pot, while Shinji went over to hug and greet Mulder.
"Hey, Walter. If you bellow a little bit louder I'm sure you could wake Tony and Kim, too," MacIver quipped tiredly.
"Ignore him, Walter, he's just jealous," Shinji said, looking Mulder over closely. "Mulder, it's good to have you back. I really missed our afternoon conversations and games. Hey, now that Alex is an immortal he can join our club, too."
"Club? What club, Shin?" MacIver asked, handing him a mug of coffee.
"Sorry, Rory, that information is for members only," Shinji teased, winking at Mulder and sipping the coffee.
"Yeah, Rory, we wouldn't want to discuss what happens behind the closed doors of my office," Mulder quipped, casually wrapping his arm around Shinji's waist as his young friend leaned into him.
Skinner rolled his eyes and went to get himself and Mulder a mug of coffee.
"So, lads, what's the price of membership to this club?" MacIver asked, sideling up behind the two men and laying his arms across their shoulders.
Shinji smiled. "It doesn't cost a thing, lover, the only requirement is that you be an immortal."
"Hasn't anyone ever taught either of you how wrong it is to discriminate?"
"Rory, if we let you in then all the sorcerers and clairvoyants will want in, and frankly I would not feel comfortable discussing certain biological changes in front of Melvin," Shinji stated.
MacIver made a sour face. "Oh, you guys talk about your pregnancies and such. I think I'll pass. However, love, if you ever have a sleepover I expect an invite."
"Rory, how did I know that would be your response?" Takeda smirked.
Skinner set the mug of coffee in front of Mulder and affectionately touched his arm, then looked over at Takeda. "Shin, I wouldn't mind hearing about the changes your body is going through during your pregnancy. I plan on being one hundred percent involved in Fox's. It would be nice to know what to expect when he is pregnant with our son," Walter said, wrapping his arms around Mulder, kissing the top of the young man's head.
Mulder shuddered. Being two weeks away from his next cycle he wasn't feeling a strong compulsion to become pregnant yet. He knew that would change in about a week.
Takeda smiled at them. "Walter, I would be happy to tell you everything that my body is experiencing. Rory and Kazuo don't like talking about it."
MacIver rolled his eyes. "Shin, it's not that we don't like talking about *it.* It's that you go into too many details and use all sorts of medical mumbo jumbo that bores the hell out of us."
"Rory, I'm only trying to expand your horizons," Takeda complained.
Skinner looked at MacIver who was shifting around uncomfortably. "Rory, you are going to be with Shinji when he has the baby, aren't you?"
"Well, I was thinking that Doctor Pendrell would want to handle everything himself since the process is so new and we really don't know what to expect. Besides, I'd probably just be in the way."
Skinner grinned at MacIver's discomfort. "Nonsense, Rory. I've had long discussions with Kyle, and from the latest tests he's running, he believes that the actual birth won't be too much different than that of a woman."
"Oh great," Mulder sighed.
"You'll be fine, Fox," Skinner said.
"Walter, there was a reason why God gave women the ability to have babies and not men. Women are a lot tougher and they are able to handle pain better," Mulder grumbled.
"We'll talk to Doctor Pendrell about painkillers when it is your time to deliver, Fox."
"No."
"Why not?"
"I prefer not to take the chance that the painkillers may harm the baby. I'll bear it as long as you are by my side, Walter."
"Always, Fox," Skinner said, kissing the side of his face. He remembered that he still wore Fox's rings around his neck. Skinner unclipped the chain and removed the rings, then slipped them back on Fox's finger. "Love you, babe."
"Hm, me too, Walter."
MacIver frowned, feeling guilty. "Shin, don't worry, I'll be there for you, too."
"You would have been anyway, love. Kazuo and Gabriel were going to force you to be with me one way or another. This is your son as much as mine and if I have to be in the delivery room then you do, too," Takeda said, taking a bottle of formula from the refrigerator for his five-month old daughter.
"Shin, has Gou set a date for his visit yet?" Mulder asked. Knowing that Kazuo's father delayed his Spring trip, wanting to be with his son and Shinji when the young immortal had the baby.
"Yes, the last week of July. He'll be staying until after I have the baby to help out. Masataka is still out west to visiting his friends in San Francisco, he'll be back in July, too."
***
Northern China
Thursday, April 20
1:30 p.m.Ari Summers shifted in his saddle so he could look back at his n'thral slave who had been walking quietly beside his horse for the past seven hours. He was feeling guilty. "How are your feet, slave?" he inquired, trying to sound matter of fact, and not overly concerned. The giant's size prevented him from riding on horseback and the terrain was such that it wasn't suitable for wagons or trucks.
"My feet are fine, master," Duffy replied softly. He could walk for days without sleeping. N'thrals were far heartier than any of the other mutants. Duffy could not take his eyes off the immortal, he was dying for just a glimpse of what the young man looked like under his layers of clothing. It had been four days since he joined them and the young immortal took great pains to keep his face hidden. Duffy reasoned that eventually Ari would have to take off the scarf that concealed his features to wash, but he wanted to see him now. He prayed for a strong gust of wind to strip the scarf from the immortal's head.
"I want to watch you masturbate," Ari said suddenly, twisting his body to look over at his friends. "Simon, give my slave some lubricant." Ari had been fighting the growing arousal of having the giant so near for the past four days and could no longer control his lust.
"Ah sure, Ari. Are we going to stop for a rest?" Simon asked, opening his saddlebag, he shuffled around the contents until his hand pulled out large, well-used tube of KY. All the men with the exception of Ari had paired off; even Paul had chosen a lover within the gang. Although, he was the father of Ari's unborn child and in love with his childhood friend, he knew in his heart that Ari would never return his feelings.
"No, I want to reach the lake before dusk. Duffy can jerk off while he walks. Isn't that right, slave?" Ari asked as Simon handed him the tube of lubricant.
Duffy frowned, he didn't mind jerking off for Ari. In fact the whole situation was quite humorous and arousing that an immortal was interested in him sexually. However, he did not appreciate the other eight pairs of eyes that were watching him.
Ari licked his lips behind his scarf. "Go ahead, slave. I would like to have a good look at what I purchased," he said huskily, turning to sit sideways in his saddle with one leg looped over the horn for balance.
Duffy forced himself to concentrate only on the immortal and the arousing scent coming off him, sufficiently blocking out the other eight men. He unfastened the bindings holding the front of his pants closed, leaving the robe belt still fastened. It wouldn't do to have his pants around his ankles. He reached in and pulled out his cock which was already growing hard with excitement. Duffy opened the tube of lube and squirted a generous amount into the palm of his hand and without even looking at Simon, Duffy tossed the tube back to him.
He slicked up his cock and started stroking it until it was fully erect; he ignored the whistles and expletives coming from those around him as he focused solely on Ari.
Ari watched Duffy hungrily. His own cock was straining against its leather confines. He ignored it, while he watched the giant stroke his beautiful cock. The thing must be at least eighteen inches, he thought. Ari wanted to find out for sure, and he really wanted to touch that magnificent rod. "Stop stroking yourself and come here, slave," he ordered. Stopping his horse he reached into his saddlebag and came out with a small sewing kit from which he removed a cloth measuring tape.
A hiss of pleasure issued from Duffy's lips as Ari's long, tapered fingers touched his cock. Ari didn't have to bend to measure Duffy's shaft, the n'thral's hips were the same height as the top of his horse.
"How big is he, Ari?" Heath asked, standing up in his saddle for a better look.
"Sixteen inches and he has a four an a half inch girth. Pretty impressive, n'thral," Ari said as he stroked Duffy's cock, enjoying the warmth and velvet hardness, his long fingertips didn't even come close to touching around the fat organ. He watched the affect his touch was having on the giant as the large balls crept up and the tip of the cock dripped streams of pre-cum. "Don't come yet, slave," he ordered. With his free hand Ari unwound the black scarf away from his face giving Duffy the first glimpse of his full, coral lips and a straight, perfect nose. Duffy almost lost it when he caught sight of Ari's flaming red hair peeking out from underneath the remaining scarf. Then those lips latched onto the tip of his cock and Duffy did lose it, coming instantly.
Ari tried but he couldn't keep up with the flow of the semen, and it ran out of the sides of his mouth and down his chin dripping on the grass beneath Duffy's feet. The young immortal felt lightheaded from the pleasure and excitement of the moment, and the knowledge that a mere touch by him could unravel the stoic giant. He smiled up at Duffy. "You have my permission to kiss me, slave," he commanded throatily.
Duffy's knees shook as he bent down and he licked the semen from the young man's chin before capturing those pretty lips with his. He felt himself become hard again as the blood drained from his head straight to his cock.
Ari pushed lightly against his chest and Duffy pulled away, looking at him questioningly. "Will you do anything I ask of you, slave?" he said, removing his sunglasses.
Duffy looked into the most incredible turquoise eyes, and sadly he answered the beauty. "No, not anything. I won't kill for you unless it's to protect you. I won't steal for you unless it's to feed you. However, I will give my life for you," he answered honestly.
Ari pursed his lips thoughtfully, he had hoped for blind obedience, but this n'thral had a mind of its own along with a conscious. "You are a puzzle, Duffy. It is not everyday that one meets a honest n'thral." It was clear to Ari that the giant would never fit in with his gang of mercenaries, and he probably should cut him loose, but he intended to explore his feelings of desire for Duffy thoroughly first. "You may tuck yourself in, slave, we are wasting time." He turned back around in his saddle and covered up his features once more.
Ari's gang exchanged nervous glances, they didn't approve of their leader having sexual contact with a n'thral, but they knew better than to make their objections known to Ari. He had a fiery temper when it came to anyone telling him what to do or being over protect of him.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, April 20
10:30 a.m.Alex felt a gentle hand combing through his hair. Then he smelled Fox's unique scent. He opened his eyes and smiled up at his lover. "Fox, you're better."
"Thanks to you, I hear." Mulder softly kissed his lips.
"Yeah, cool isn't it?" Krycek stretched and pulled Mulder down to lay beside him.
Mulder turned so he could caress Alex's beautiful face. "Alex, are you handling being an immortal okay?"
Krycek rolled over on Mulder, straddling his hips and looking deeply into Mulder's beautiful hazel eyes. "I'm handling it okay, so far. Besides, men have always found me attractive. In fact, I've used it to my advantage when I worked for the UN as a spy. So it doesn't feel like that big of a change. I'm sorry, Fox, for the way I treated you before I left. Forgive me?" he asked, while his thumb stroked the side of his lover's face then over his full lips.
"Alex, I love you, of course I'll forgive you." Mulder reached up and pulled Alex down on top of him and into a long, deep kiss, his arms wrapping around his lover's neck. "You do love me too, don't you, Alex?"
"I love you more than life, Fox," he said, sighing as Mulder licked and kissed behind his ear.
Alex felt incredibly aroused by having Fox this close. //So immortals aren't immune to each other's pheromones,// he mused.
"Do you love me more than you love Slava?" Mulder asked softly into his lover's ear, and felt Alex go dead still above him.
Alex wasn't prepared to discuss his feelings for Slava with Fox. He wanted their time together to be filled with love and not arguments. "Fox, I don't want to talk about my relationship with Slava, yet."
Mulder ignored him. "You say you love me, and yet you're leaving me for the man who raped and stole from me. Why, Alex? Walter said you'll be going back to him now that I'm healed. I wish you had left me the way I was. It would have been far less painful." He pushed at the younger man who was straddling his body. "Get off me, Alex."
Krycek didn't budge. "Fox, I'm not leaving you. I'll be here for as long as you need me, until we work out our differences. I'm only going to be spending part of my time with Nikolai, the rest I'll be spending with you and Walter. Fox, he's not as bad as you think. He's treated me with only love and kindness. You should see how he is with your daughters … "
Mulder was outraged that Alex would even bring his daughters into their discussion. "MY DAUGHTERS! He stole my sperm, so he could have children by me! And what the *hell* do I have? I'll tell you, Alex, a gapping hole in my heart where my daughters belong," he spat.
"You can see them, Fox. I will bring them for visits. I'm sure Nikolai would allow it," Krycek pleaded.
"Bullshit, Alex! Slava will never allow you to bring the babies to visit me. He'll want to use them to get me to go back to him. How can you believe or trust him? He's done nothing but lie and deceive me!"
Krycek decided to take another tack. "Fox, please try to see things from my point of view! Remember how difficult it was for you to choose between Walter and I? You couldn't do it, Fox! And neither can I."
"You cannot compare Slava to my feelings for you and Walter," Mulder argued, trying to wiggle out from under Alex.
Krycek firmly held Mulder down to the bed. "There is not that much difference, Fox. Walter and I hated each other back then, but you forced us to accept sharing you. I'm asking you for the same understanding in regards to Nikolai and I."
"The two situations are nothing alike, Alex! Walter didn't rape you, like Slava raped me!" Mulder growled.
Krycek sighed and rolled off Mulder. "I can't make excuses for what Slava did to you, Fox. I wish it never happened. Part of me still hates him for it, but I am in love with him. I can't explain to you what it is like being genetically bonded to someone. Maybe someday you'll experience it for yourself … a day that I'm not looking forward to." Krycek climbed out of bed and stared down at Mulder. "Can we call a temporary truce?" he asked, holding out his hand.
Mulder gazed into his sad forest green eyes. Recalling what Shinji had told him about genetic bond mates and how impossible it was for them not to be together once they had physical contact. It wasn't Alex's fault. "Okay, Alex, if you promise to work with Shinji on trying to eliminate the genetic bond between you and Slava," he said, reaching for his lover's hand and allowing him to help him off the bed.
"I'll do whatever makes you happy, Fox." Alex hugged Fox, resting his chin on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of Fox's clothed body against his bare flesh.
Mulder breathed in deeply memorizing Alex's new scent, he stroked down his lover's smooth back and cupped his firm buttocks.
Alex was growing harder and extremely hot. "Take a shower with me," he murmured lustfully.
"I can't, Alex, I need to think about this situation. I can't think when I'm holding and touching you," Mulder said sadly, pulling away. Tears of remorse ran freely down his cheeks as he touched the side of Alex's face lovingly. "I can't."
Tears filled Alex's eyes over his lover's sadness, hurting Fox was the last thing he had ever wanted to do, and yet he was still unable to let Nikolai go. "I'm sorry, Fox."
"It's not your fault, Alex. You didn't plan for this to happen. I just need time to come to terms with your need to be with Slava. I'm sure that I will never be able to accept it. Just give me time to decide what I need," Mulder said.
"What you need, Fox? Does everything always have to depend on your needs? What about mine?" Krycek asked softly.
"I … ," Mulder shook his head and fled the bedroom.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Friday, April 21
1:30 p.m.Alex took aim at the target and rapidly filled the center with bullet holes. He removed the protective headgear covering his ears and smiled at MacIver and Blaise. "Try to beat that, guys."
"You've gotten better, if that's possible, lad," MacIver said, looking at the neat cluster of bullet holes.
Krycek grinned wider. "It's being an immortal that helps. I can see better and my reflexes have improved."
MacIver was surprised that Krycek didn't seem to feel any remorse over his change. "Don't you miss being a sorcerer, Alex?" He finally had to ask.
"Yes, of course I do, but there's no point in crying over spilt milk, there is nothing I can do about it." Krycek did not want to be reminded of his loss of powers, so he changed the subject. "I still cannot believe that Walter overthrew our government. That seems like something you or I would have pulled, Rory. Not by-the-book Walter Skinner," Krycek quipped.
"That's King Walter," Blaise smirked, leaning against a tree.
"Doesn't it bother you, Justin?" Krycek asked the Texan.
"No. Not really. We could have had a worse leader. At least with Walter I won't have to worry about my freedom or my future daughter's freedom."
MacIver packed up his guns in the steel box, securing the locks over the triggers. "That's why Walter did it. He didn't go into it for personal power or wealth; he did it to protect his family. I for one feel a lot more at ease now than ever before. I don't have to worry about Shinji's safety as much. I wonder if I could convince Walter to give me a dukedom."
Krycek snickered. "And where would the Duke want his dukedom?"
"New York City would be agreeable with me. King Walter will need his loyal nobles in key positions of power."
"You're serious?" Krycek stated surprised.
"Of course I'm serious. One does not joke about this kingdom's nobility, of which I am part. I'm family after all. I will have to change my dukedom's name, New York just won't do," MacIver mused, picking up the gun case and heading back toward the mansion.
"Oh great, I hope Walter knows what he is gotten himself into," Krycek muttered. He'd worry about that later, Nikolai was getting into town tomorrow and he intended to meet him at the Russian embassy.
"Alex, can I ask you something personal?" Blaise asked before he could follow MacIver back to the house.
"What, Justin?"
"Slava. How can you do that to Walter and Mulder? Especially after everything that man did to Mulder?" Blaise said.
"It's none of your business, Justin," Krycek snarled. He had to take this from Walter and Fox, but he didn't have to listen to it from anyone else.
"Alex, I know what it's like to be genetically bonded to someone. How their life becomes more important to you than your own, the need, the emptiness that is there whenever you're apart. What I want to know is, if it came to a choice, who would you pick Slava or Walter and Mulder? Or haven't you thought that far ahead?" Blaise stood there blocking the path. "Alex, I love you, Walter, and Mulder like my own flesh and blood, and I need to know where you stand with them."
Out of all the men on the estate the former Texas Ranger matched Alex closest when it came to fighting ability. Alex knew they'd both end up bloodied and batter if he tried to pass Blaise without answering his question. Besides no way was he going to hit a pregnant immortal. So, he had no other option than to answer the question.
"If it came to a choice I'd choose Walter and Fox, no matter how painful that choice is for me to make. Now get the hell out of my way, Justin," Krycek growled, pushing past him, shaking slightly. He didn't want to choose, he couldn't live without Nikolai. Oh God, what if they forced him to choose?
***
Northern China
Friday, April 21
11:30 p.m.Ari tossed uncomfortably in his sleep as the pain in his belly grew stronger. His moans woke Duffy who instantly moved to his side and watched as pain etched across the immortal's beautiful face. He watched how the young man's hands clenched at his belly. His intuition immediately told him what was wrong.
"Damn!" he growled, crawled over to where Paul Danforth slept, and shook him awake. "Get up! Dammit!"
Paul stared at menacing face of the n'thral fearfully, not comprehending what was going on.
Duffy filled him in at once. "It's Ari, I think there is something wrong with the baby."
"Oh shit!" Paul shot out of his bedroll and was over to Ari's side instantly. "Ari, wake up. What's wrong with him?" Paul asked, when his friend continued to twist and moan in pain. He looked pleadingly at Duffy.
"I think it might be from riding horseback for five days. His body in its present condition most likely wasn't meant to endure that type of abuse," Duffy said.
"Is he going to lose the baby?" Paul asked weakly, as the other members of the gang roused from their sleep and gathered around.
Duffy shook his head. "I don't know, but it is important to keep him still and comfortable. Put some more blankets under him," the giant order and gently picked up Ari's lean body as the men rushed to prepare a comfortable bed for him.
Paul stood back after they were done and waited while Duffy gently placed Ari on the soft pillows and blankets. "What now?" Danforth asked, watching as Duffy removed Ari's pants that were stretched uncomfortably tight over the swell of his belly.
Duffy frowned angrily. "He shouldn't be wearing clothing this restricting." He gently laid his hand over the immortal's swollen belly, and felt the baby's frantic movements under his fingers. "How far along is he?"
"Almost six months," Paul replied, nervously ringing his hands together. "What do we do now?" he repeated.
"We wait and hope for the best," Duffy said, looking into Ari's terrified eyes as the young immortal regained consciousness. "Ssh, little one, it is going to be all right." He was surprised when Ari grabbed his hand and held on tightly.
"It hurts. Don't leave me, Duffy," Ari whimpered softly, a fine layer of sweat covered his face.
"I'm not going anywhere. Try to relax, Ari, and use your healing powers to calm your baby. Talk to her," Duffy said gently caressing the young man's belly. He started to feel the frantic movements slow down as Ari murmured softly to his unborn baby. His hands joined Duffy's on his belly and the pain slowly started to abate.
"I don't want to lose my baby, Duffy," he murmured, a silent tear ran down his cheek. "It's my fault for pushing us to ride fourteen hours a day. I should have known better."
"How could you? Ari, it is clear that you will not be traveling by horseback anytime soon. Don't worry, I will build a travois to carry you once you are able to travel again." Duffy told him, glancing up at the worried faces of the gang members gathered around. Duffy took charge of the situation. "Go back to bed. There is nothing more you can do. I'll watch over him."
They drifted away relieved that the giant was handling the situation. They felt helpless, not knowing how to help Ari, and deep down they were all afraid of the day when the baby would be born.
"How are you feeling?" Duffy asked as the others settled on the bare ground around the fire.
"Better. Thanks, Duffy, your advice seemed to have worked, she's calming down," Ari murmured quietly.
"Good. We'll rest here for a couple of days to be sure." Duffy tucked the blankets around the young man's body and sat back to watch over him.
Ari chewed on his bottom lip as he stared into Duffy's gentle brown eyes. "Duffy, can you lay beside me and hold me?"
Duffy smiled softly, and positioned his large frame beside Ari's and wrapped his arms around him.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, April 22
9:30 a.m."Fuck you, Walter!" Krycek shouted.
"My decision is final!" Skinner growled.
"Who died and made you King? Scrap that!" Krycek yelled frustrated. "You may be King, but you don't rule me!"
"I'm the head of this family and what I say goes!" Skinner said, getting into Krycek's personal space.
Krycek reached behind him and picked up the table lamp and whipped it angrily across the room. "You have no right, keeping him away from me!"
"You are my lover, Alex, and that gives me every right in the world!"
"Fuck off!"
Mulder was in the nursery trying to calm the two babies who were crying as loud as the angry voices in the next room. He gave up and scooped both babies into his arms and headed out of the room.
The loud shouting and crashes could be heard coming all the way into the kitchen, where most of the family was gathered. Hans met Hunter's worried eyes over the kitchen counter as he silently prepared breakfast for his lovers and friends.
The sounds of babies crying grew louder, and Mulder stepped tiredly into the kitchen holding Hope and Faith balanced on each hip. Spender jumped off the stool and took Faith from Mulder, and she nuzzled her damp face into his shirt smearing tears and snot onto the soft cotton. Spender only sighed, and held her closer, he was used to disgusting baby messes by now.
"What's going on, Mulder?" Spender asked, nodding in the direction of Mulder's bedroom as the shouting continued.
"Walter has banned all travel into and out of the country until after his coronation, and that includes Slava. Let's just say Alex isn't exactly too happy." Mulder was gently swaying with Hope, trying to quiet her crying.
Takeda placed a large platter of bacon and sausages on the lazy-Susan on the center of the breakfast table. "Mulder, Alex's desire for Slava isn't going to lessen by keeping them apart."
"Shin, what do you want us to do? Let Alex go to that bastard?" Mulder grumbled keeping his voice low not wanting to disturb Hope who had finally calmed down.
"Mulder, you don't know what it's like to be genetically bonded to someone. The heartache of being separated is unbearable. It might be preferable to allow Alex to see Slava. It's not like you're losing him. Alex said he'd divide his time equally between you and Slava," Shinji said, piling toast onto a plate and carrying that over to the table as well, just as Hans put down a large skillet of scrambled eggs mixed with green peppers, ham, onions, and cheese.
Mulder walked over and sat at the table next to Pyetr. "That's not good enough, there is Walter, too. If he has to see Slava I want Alex to spend more time with us than with him."
Kazuo finished filling his plate, looking across the table at Mulder who was preparing his own plate. "Talk to him, Mulder. I'm sure Alex would be agreeable to that arrangement."
Mulder spooned up a little of the scrambled eggs and cheese and offered it to Hope who ate it with enthusiasm. He had thought long and hard since Thursday about what Alex had said to him. Mulder hated the idea of sharing his lover, but he realized that he was being selfish and thinking only of himself. Alex couldn't help his feelings for Slava and it was unfair for him to deny his lover seeing the man. No matter how painful it was to him. "Okay, I'll talk to Alex. I don't know how I'm going to convince Walter to go along with it," Mulder sighed.
"Damn, that feels weird," Blaise gasped suddenly, dropping his fork onto his plate and reaching under the table to feel his belly.
"What's wrong?" Pyetr asked, concerned.
"I can feel the baby moving," Blaise said with a look of awe on his face. Hawk reached under the table and laid a hand over his lover's belly.
Mulder looked up from feeding Hope. "Does it hurt?"
"No, not at all. It just feels weird. God, it's cool knowing that there is a small life growing inside me. Mulder, you should try it sometime," Blaise said smirking over at him.
An idea came to Mulder as he alternated between a fork full of food for himself, then one smaller one for his daughter. He admitted to himself that he was deeply worried that someday Alex would decide to stay permanently with Slava. After all, everyone he had ever loved eventually left him. Why should his luck have changed? However, would Alex be able to leave him if he was pregnant with Alex's baby? It was a despicable thing to do, getting pregnant just to keep his lover with him a little while longer, but Mulder was scared out of his mind of losing Alex. He didn't look forward to being pregnant with both Walter's and Alex's babies at the same time, but he couldn't see any other way around it. He knew when he finally gave Alex his permission to see Slava, it was as good as telling his lover goodbye. "I'm going to try it during my next cycle," he said quietly, kissing the top of his daughter's head.
"That is good news, Mulder," Shinji said, placing a mug of coffee in front of him.
Alex came storming into the kitchen followed closely by Walter, neither men said a word as they went about helping themselves to breakfast, soundly avoiding physical contact with each other.
Faith sat in her highchair eating her yogurt with tiny pieces of fresh fruit and granola mixed in. She kept one eye on her father and uncle. Pyetr got up and gave his chair at the breakfast table to Alex. He then went to start cleaning up the dirty pots and pans. He didn't bother with the dishwasher, instead he used his powers to remove the greasy mess off them and with a wink of an eye all the dirty cookware was clean, dry, and hanging from the overhead rack.
Walter sat with Jeff, Shinji, Rory, and Hans at the counter. The silence in the kitchen was palpable. Finally Ayako crying from her bassinet in the family room broke the silence. Kazuo and Shinji both left to attend to their child. The other men used the moment to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere. Mulder turned to watch Alex shovel food into his mouth, he was sure Alex didn't even taste it.
Mulder turned his attention to Walter sitting alone at the kitchen counter. Both he and Alex had hurt Walter with their selfishness at wanting to take on other lovers. He more so than Alex. Alex really didn't have a choice, but he could have left Alex in Russia and gone home alone with Walter. No matter how much he loved Alex his love wasn't due to an uncontrollable bond like Alex's love was for Slava. He could have left Alex back then, it would have made Walter happy, even if it broke his own heart. That would have been the unselfish thing to do, but then of course Alex would more than likely be dead now and they would never have had Faith.
Now here he sat in the middle between his two angry lovers. Both with right on their sides. Hope squirmed on his lap wanting to get down. Mulder placed her on the floor and watched as she toddled over to Faith's highchair. A mischievous look appeared on Faith's face and before Mulder could respond she dumped the rest of her yogurt over the side of the highchair and onto her sister's head. Hope started crying as the cold mess dripped onto her face. Faith thought that was funny and started laughing and clapping her hands.
"Fox, can't you watch them closer?" Skinner grumbled.
Mulder ignored him and picked up Hope, removing the plastic cereal bowl from her head then turning to his other daughter. "Cutie, that was not nice and it certainly isn't funny," he scolded.
Alex was chucking, "Lighten up, Fox, it was too funny. The mouse looks cute with peaches and vanilla yogurt decorating her head."
Hope had stopped crying as her daddy held her protectively.
"Since you find it so amusing, Alex, you can give mouse a bath," Mulder said, setting the messy baby on Alex's lap and smiling with satisfaction as yogurt got on his lover's black T-shirt.
"Fox!" Krycek whined.
Skinner chuckled, "Serves you right."
"Alex, you can give Faith a bath at the same time, and make sure she doesn't try to drown her sister. I want to have a talk with Walter," Mulder said.
"Why? Are you going to coordinate your strategies to keep me prisoner here?" Krycek grumbled.
Mulder walked over to the young man and painfully yanked his head back by his thick hair so their faces were mere inches apart, then he hissed angrily, "Alex, don't start with me! I've had enough! I want peace in our family and if it requires a sacrifice then I am willing to make it! Now bathe the babies!" He let go of Alex's hair and stepped away. "Walter, your office now!" Mulder said, storming out of the kitchen.
Skinner entered his office to find Mulder staring out his window with tears running down his face. "Fox, what's wrong?" He had thought Mulder was taking the situation with Alex better than he was, but he guessed that wasn't so.
"I'm sorry, Walter. I never intended to hurt you back then or now," he murmured, his arms wrapped around his middle hugging himself.
"What are you talking about, Fox? You've never hurt me," Skinner said, hugging Mulder from behind he kissed the side of his lover's neck.
"I did when I asked you to share me with Alex. It was selfish of me to force that choice on you."
"Fox, it is a good thing that you did. I love Alex now as much as I love you," Skinner said. "Now what's this about hurting me now?"
"I'm asking you to let Alex go to Slava. We can't force him to stay with us against his will, it will only bring misery to all of us." Mulder hadn't expected Walter to spin him around and shove him up against the wall, pinning his body under Walter's.
"How can you ask that of me? I don't want Alex sharing that man's bed! Don't you love Alex? Or are you jealous of him being an immortal, too? Is he too much competition for you, Fox?" Skinner spit out angrily.
Mulder pushed against him. "Get your hands off me, Walter. I will no longer tolerate you or Alex touching me in anger." He waited until Skinner released him. "I love Alex more than you do or so it would appear. I'm willing to let him go instead of selfishly holding onto him. Walter, he's not our property. He has a free will … "
"FREE WILL! He is genetically bonded to Slava! Alex has no free will in that situation!" Skinner growled.
"It doesn't matter, Walter! Alex is his own person, free to make his own decisions. Let him go, Walter, for Alex, for me, for our family. Don't hold him here against his will," Mulder pleaded.
Skinner turned away from him and stormed over to look out the window. He couldn't let Alex go, not to Slava. However, Fox was right, they would never have peace in their family if he forced Alex to stay, but could he trust Slava to allow him to come back to them? Or would Alex want to come back? Would he want Alex back after he shared that man's bed willingly? Fox seemed to out of guilt, but should that mean he should, too?
Mulder came up behind him and snaked his arms around Skinner's waist and rested his chin on the older man's broad shoulder. "Walter, during my next cycle I plan on getting pregnant with both yours and Alex's babies. I don't want us to be fighting during my pregnancy, I'm going to have enough to deal with mentally without that added misery."
"Why did you change your mind about having Alex's child at the same time as mine?" Skinner asked softly.
"Call me selfish, but I want Alex to have a reason to come back to me. I won't kid myself into believing that he won't be tempted to stay permanently with Slava, but at least if he does I'll have another reminder of him besides Faith," Mulder said sadly.
"Fox, you're that willing to let him go and that desperate to keep him with us?" Skinner asked bitterly, wanting to shake some sense into his lover, but hesitant because of the pain and worry in Fox's eyes.
"Yes and no, I can't force him to stay, but I can entice him to come back to us," Mulder replied sadly, knowing it was an irrational plan on his part.
"Okay, Fox, for you and our children. I won't stop Alex if he wants to see that Cossack bastard. I'll go and talk to him now," Skinner said. He didn't like to see Fox hurting and miserable. Especially after almost losing him, so in the end it was his love for Fox that made his decision more bearable.
"No let me, Walter. I want to see if I can get him to agree to some conditions."
"What conditions, Fox?"
"That he spends more time with us than Slava."
"Okay, Fox, but I still hate it, I'm only agreeing to this for you. If I had my way I'd tell Alex that if he left not to bother coming back! I'll be sleeping in the guest bedroom. I refuse to have sex with him if he goes to Slava," Skinner growled.
"Walter, don't. We need to convince Alex how much we love him, how much better it is with us than with Slava," Mulder argued.
"Fox, he should already know that!"
"Humor me on this. Please, Walter."
"Fox … damn … don't look at me like that … you know I can't refuse you anything when you give me that … look. Okay, I'll make mad passionate love to Alex for your sake. Happy?" Skinner sighed.
"Yes. And, Walter, there is a positive side … well at least to me there is," Mulder said warmly, running his hands under Walter's shirt feeling his muscular body. His fingers stroked his lover's nipples, until they were hard nubs.
"What's that?" Skinner asked huskily, his body responding to his lover's gentle touch.
"I get you all to myself for at least two weeks at a time, it might not be a suitable compensation for you, but it is for me," Mulder said, kissing him passionately.
Skinner smiled against his lips. "Fox, that is more than suitable compensation for me. I can never get enough of you as it is, and the thought of having you for two weeks all to myself, will definitely lessen the pain over losing Alex those two weeks. Thanks for reminding me, babe."
Mulder's face lit up, feeling Walter's desire for him pressed against his hip. "We'll get through this together, Walter. I better go talk to Alex," he said, pulling away reluctantly .
Mulder found Alex in the bedroom dressing both babies. Mulder picked up Faith and breathed in her clean scent. He sat with her on the bed as Alex finished dressing Hope. "Alex, Walter has agreed to allow you to go to Slava, but I would like some promises from you first."
Krycek sat next to him holding Hope. "You're okay with sharing me with Slava?"
"No. No, I'll never be okay with that. But … but … I won't try to prevent you from seeing him," Mulder said tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Fox," Krycek said, placing a hand on Mulder's shoulder.
"Daddee, cry," Faith said, touching his face sadly.
"Daddy's okay, Cutie," Mulder said, sniffing, taking a deep breath he forced himself to be calm before he continued, letting go was harder than he had expected it would be. "I expect the time you spend with us to be double the time you spend with Slava. In addition, I would like you to stay with me until after my next cycle. Alex, I would like to have your baby," Mulder said blushing.
A wide smile split Krycek's face. "Fox, are you sure? What about Walter? I thought you were having his baby first?"
"I still am. When I heard that Cory Greene was pregnant with both of his lover's babies at the same time, I had thought about having yours and Walter's babies together. How much worse can it be having two babies over having only one baby?" Mulder said, he didn't want Alex to know that he had decided against having both their babies together, and only now was selfishly doing it to bind Alex closer to him.
"Are you really sure, Fox?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Alex, do you agree to spend more time with us than Slava?"
"You know I do, Fox. I'm just so happy that you are being so understanding. Do you think Walter will allow Nikolai into the country?" Krycek asked, putting Hope on the floor, she crawled over to her toy box.
"Alex, don't push Walter on this. He loves you so much that this is really killing him. Right now, he needs our support. His becoming King will be a difficult adjustment for all of us, but for Walter it will be a hundred times worse. Can you image someone as private as Walter being thrust into such a public position of power? He's doing it all for us, you know," Mulder shook his head sadly, hugging Faith who was standing on his lap, then he set her on the floor and lightly swatted her butt. "Down you go, munchkin, go play *nicely* with your sister."
Krycek frowned sadly. "I know that I'm being such a selfish jerk. I wish I could eliminate the need and love I have for Nikolai, but I can't, Fox, and Shinji doesn't really think that there will be anything he can do medically. I promise that I won't mention Nikolai again around Walter until it is time for me to go Russia. I do need to contact him though, do you mind if I use the computer in your office?"
Yes, he thought, but said, "No. Go ahead."
"Thanks, Fox," Alex said, kissing him then quickly dashing excitedly up the secret staircase.
"You don't have to enjoy it so much, Alex," Mulder muttered under his breath too softly for his lover to hear as he stomped up the stairs. A smacking noise and then a baby crying pulled his attention instantly over to his two little girls. Faith sat on the floor crying and Hope stood over her holding a plastic rattle. "Hope Mulder-Skinner, you do not, I repeat, you do not hit your sister," he scolded taking the rattle away as he kneeled next to Faith and pulled her into his lap. "Cutie, where's does it hurt?" he asked, feeling her head and sending out healing energies.
Hope's crying joined Faith's as she wailed over her daddy's scolding her. Mulder sighed and gathered her into his arms, too. "Does one even discipline babies?" he wondered. "Ssh, it's okay, daddy loves you both."
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Sunday, April 23
5:30 a.m.Alex climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom, stretching tiredly. He felt wonderful. Both of his lovers spent hours pleasuring him last night, it was like the confrontation yesterday morning between him and Walter never happened. Alex stepped into the shower. He was glad they had overcome their differences because he had been prepared to sneak out of the country to get back to Slava if he had to. Alex finished his shower and got dressed then wandered into the nursery to look at his daughter and niece. He still wanted to take Faith with him on his visits to Slava, but he decided not to push Fox just yet. He'd let Fox get comfortable with the routine of him visiting Slava first.
"Alex, why are you up so early?" Skinner asked, sitting up, careful not to disturb Fox.
"I thought I'd make you and Fox breakfast in bed this morning."
"Mm, sounds good," Skinner said, sliding back under the covers.
Alex smiled and headed toward the kitchen. He found Frohike working at the kitchen counter drinking coffee. It looked like the little man hadn't slept in days.
"Hey, Frohike, where have you been?" Krycek asked.
"Trying to get a lead on my Russian double and that creature Rory and Kazuo spotted," he replied.
"Any luck?" Krycek asked, pulling the fixings together for eggs benedict, he worked while Frohike talked.
"Kinda. A creature matching its description was spotted flying near the White Mountains in Alaska. In addition, there is a major construction project going on in the area. My source and his friends were hired to hunt caribou and other game to feed thousands of n'thral slaves who were being used on the project. My source said his employer appeared to be human, but he was almost positive that he was only hired help," Frohike said.
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"Langly suggested that maybe we should go up there with a couple of sorcerers and scope the place out. If that creature is in the area I might be able to sense it or at least Fyodorov if he is still alive," Frohike replied.
"Is it very likely that he'd still be alive? If that creature is an offshoot of the ghouls like has been suggested in the newspapers, then it's more likely that Fyodorov's bones are scattered around its lair." Krycek prepared two trays.
"I don't think that creature is connected to the ghouls at all. I think it might even be intelligent," Frohike said. "Do you need any help?"
"Yeah, if you don't mind can you fix a couple of bowls of cream of rice for the babies," Krycek said, placing a poached egg on top of the slice of Canadian bacon resting on top an English muffin on both plates, he then poured the sauce over them. "What sorcerers were you planning on taking with you?"
"I thought I'd ask Walter if I could take Special Agents Lars Johnson and Dakota Jones. I don't want to take Gabriel or anyone from here, not with their lovers being pregnant," Frohike said, adding the bowls of cereal to the trays.
Alex finished by adding bacon, toast, and glasses of orange juice. "Do you mind helping me carry these back to the bedroom?"
"No problemo," Frohike said.
"Life was so much easier when I was a sorcerer," Krycek sighed.
Both his lovers were sitting up in bed with their robes on and the babies playing happily between them. "Hey, Frohike," Mulder smiled.
"Morning, Mulder. It's nice to see you in one piece again," the little man said, placing the tray over his lap.
"Thanks to Alex," Mulder replied, smiling over at Alex who, after placing the tray over Walter's lap, climbed onto the bed.
"I know, I was here when Walter returned with Alex. I need to talk to you later, Walter, if you have the time?" Frohike said, moving toward the door.
"Sure, Melvin, how about I meet you in my office at nine o'clock?"
"Thanks, Walter," Frohike replied, leaving the room.
"Frohike seemed rather subdued, is there something wrong?" Mulder asked.
"While you were dead an unidentifiable winged creature snatched Marat Fyodorov and flew off with him. Frohike has been trying to track that creature," Krycek said, taking one of the bowls of cereal off the tray, he scooped up Hope and started feeding her. Mulder was already alternating between feeding himself and feeding Faith.
"Juju, daddee," Faith ordered.
"That's juice *please,* Mulder corrected, holding the glass for her to sip from. "A winged creature? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner that something has happened to Marat?"
"Fox, we had a lot of other problems more important than some blasted mutant or that damn traitor," Skinner grumbled.
"What do you mean traitor?" Mulder asked.
"Fyodorov used his powers to prevent Melvin and Jeff from finding out that Alex and Rory had been captured by Gullbrand. The little weasel was in contact with Slava the whole time," Skinner said.
"Oh." Mulder chewed thoughtfully on a slice of bacon. If there was a new type of mutant on the loose, he was going to hunt for it. No matter what Walter or Alex said.
***
The Nation's Old Capital
Thursday, April 27
2:30 p.m.The coronation ceremony went off without incident. It seemed that the Generals weren't the only ones worried about the decay of their country's government. Most citizens wanted security for themselves and their families, even if that meant living under a monarchy with a sorcerer for their king.
The protesters that had appeared were kept well away from the ceremony.
Mulder and Krycek stood holding Hope and Faith at Skinner's side as the symbolic crown was placed on his head. The reporters had a field day snapping their photos of the new king along with all of the other immortals from Foxfire Glenn who were in the seats reserved for family.
After the ceremony was over several of the King's generals and advisors gathered around him and his family. General Clayton Kline stepped forward. "Your majesty, we have a present for your coronation."
Skinner raised his eyebrows. "What, Clay?"
"We started work on your palace a week ago and would like to show it to you and your family. We have several helicopters standing by to take us there," the General said.
"It's only been a week, Clay. How much could there be to show us?" Skinner questioned.
Krycek and Mulder exchanged puzzled looks, this was the first time they had heard anything about a palace or moving from their home.
"You'd be amazed how much can be done when you have twenty-thousand sorcerers working together. Ten of the sorcerers are top architects. They've collaborated on the design and included everything that you requested and more, then they coordinated the construction process. We're still about a week away from completion, but I think you will be quite pleased when you see it."
"Walter, we're moving?" Mulder asked bitterly. He loved their home and didn't like the idea of moving, especially into a cold, impersonal palace.
"Why?" Krycek asked, sharing Mulder's feelings.
Skinner looked at his two pouting beauties, sensing their bitterness at the prospect of leaving the estate. "Fox, Alex, we couldn't continue to live at the mansion, we needed a more secure home for our growing family. You're both going to love it. You'll have a lot more freedom than you did at Foxfire Glenn, in fact you'll have the whole island to roam around including going into town by yourselves."
"Island? Where exactly is this *home* that we're going to love so much?" Mulder asked.
"Martha's Vineyard."
"Walter, Martha's Vineyard is not a small island, there are a lot of people who live there. How can we possibly move around safely with that many people?" Mulder asked, he did love Martha's Vineyard and was warming to the idea of living there.
General Kline spoke up addressing Mulder and Krycek. "Your Highnesses, we seized all properties on the island and compensated the former owners, before moving them to the mainland. The island is under total control of the crown, and only servants and the royal guard will be permitted to live there. The kingdom's subjects will be allowed only on the island on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays when the King holds court. There will be some restrictions to your movements on those days only for safety reasons, but the other four days you are free to move around the island unfettered." The General neglected to mention that a lot of the residents did not want to move and didn't find the compensation adequate.
"You're certain the island will be secure on those days, General Kline?" Krycek questioned, not that he was concerned about his own safety, but he wanted to make sure Fox was safe when he wasn't there to protect him.
"We have an around the clock force of clairvoyants whose only job is to see that no one gets on the island who isn't suppose to be there. Not to mention a five hundred man sorcerer force whose duty is to guard the royal family and the other nobles at the palace," the General replied as he led them to the waiting helicopters.
"Nobles? What nobles?" Mulder asked baffled.
General Kline looked from Mulder over to Skinner. "Ah, your Majesty …"
"I'll handle it, Clay," Skinner said. "Fox, I've given all of our family at Foxfire Glenn titles. They are now part of this kingdom's nobility."
"Oh, I thought there'd be more to it than that," Mulder mumbled. He still couldn't get over the fact that his Walter was King, and the United States no longer existed, except in the history books. It all seemed so surreal to him. He looked over at his friends who were all talking excitedly as they boarded separate helicopters. "Walter, everyone knew about this but Alex and I, didn't they?"
"Yes, but I asked them not to mention it until after the coronation ceremony. I wanted it to be a surprise," Skinner said, taking Hope from Mulder as he climbed aboard the helicopter.
Mulder paused in the doorway of the helicopter to look back over the Capital grounds. Maybe they would turn this place into a big museum someday, he mused.
***