Life from the Ashes Book 4 - Yours, Mine, & Ours
by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.netRating: NC-17
Keywords: M/Sk/K SLASH
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 fourth book in my AU series "Life from the Ashes - Yours, Mine, and Ours." You might want to read the prequel and the first three books of the series to understand this one.
I would like to thank my beta-readers Nicole, Laurie, Tarlan, Dawn, Cerulean Blue, Kiyoko, Michael, Bee Lan, Susan, and Helen 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 7
White Mountain
Crystal Palace
Monday, December 25
5:20 p.m.The wall ripped open as the large griffin burst out of the bedroom. Alex and Ari started, then ducked, shielding the toddlers from the flying debris. As the statue turned and focused its glowing red eyes on Alex, he passed Hope and her kitten back to Ari. Ari shifted Faith and the other kitten so he could handle all four.
"Save them, Ari!" Alex shouted.
"What about you?" Ari asked.
"Never mind me! Save the girls!"
The smoker watched through the eyes of his creation. How fortuitous that both Alex and Ari would be together with his granddaughters. It made it all that much easier to abduct them all at once. He directed the fairy statue out of Faith's bedroom, at the same time directing the griffin to snatch Ari and his two granddaughters. He was shocked when the griffin's claws snatched only air as the Australian immortal vanished with the toddlers.
As the fairy statue came at him, Alex blasted it into a thousand pieces. However, his powers were nearly depleted in doing so. He had to run for his life as the griffin directed its attention to him.
Everyone in the entertainment room scrambled to protect the children as the winged horse came to life. Then the outer wall burst open, throwing debris throughout the room as the immense dragon entered. Skinner handed Angélique to Mulder, then turned to do battle with the statue that was heading for the bassinets with their babies inside. As Skinner held the dragon at bay, Mulder raced to save his children. He clutched Angélique to his chest as he scooped up Sasha in his other arm. Four babies, two arms! He panicked. Where was River?
"Mulder, I'll get Kaylie!" Shinji shouted. Holding Ayako protectively, he grabbed the handle of the bassinet with Walter and Mulder's daughter inside and vanished with both children. Shinji moved quickly out of the way. Being invisible also made him no longer solid, allowing any object to pass right through him and what he was holding. Shinji was still solicitous of the babies as he glanced across the room at his two lovers. Rory held Duncan protectively as he and Kazuo attempted to destroy the horse. Shinji wanted to collect his son from Rory, but he couldn't handle three babies at once and Mulder needed him. He trusted Rory and knew that his husband wouldn't allow anything to happen to their son. He followed several of his immortal friends with their children in hand, out the doorway and away from the fighting.
The smoker focused on crushing Skinner so he could reach his son and grandchildren. He'd never seen such a look of fear on Mulder's pretty face as his son stood holding two of his infants while looking down at a third.
Mulder hadn't vanished. He couldn't leave Sergei unprotected and he couldn't save him while holding both Angélique and Hunter. If he had been thinking clearly, he would have placed Hunter in the bassinet with Sergei and lifted them both to safety. But he wasn't. As debris flew around them, he stood frozen in front of Sergei's bassinet. His son was awake and shrieking his distress at the loud noises going on around him.
"Daddy, Daddy!" River shouted as he dashed across the room and clung fearfully onto Mulder's leg.
"Oh God, River." Mulder glanced down frantically.
Duffy saw Mulder's dilemma and handed Ari's daughter to Hans, who was in the process of making his way to Frohike. Frohike had sought shelter with their daughter Marsha under a heavy oak table. Duffy rushed to Mulder and his children's rescue. The giant gently took Hunter from Mulder's arm and placed him in the bassinet with Sergei, then he handed the bassinet to Mulder. "Mulder, save your children. Vanish!"
Mulder smiled with relief at Duffy. "River, hold on tight to me," he shouted. Then he disappeared just as a large piece of masonry crashed through the space where he had been standing. It crushed the table that the bassinets had been on under its weight. Mulder and River both started as the heavy concrete passed through their ethereal bodies.
CGB Spender was outraged when his son and grandchildren vanished into thin air. His plans for a nurturing and loving family by his side were evaporating by the minute as all the children disappeared with their immortal protectors. He raged harder against Skinner as his anger grew.
"I'm frightened, Daddy!" River wept.
"Shh, you're safe with me. Just don't let go!" Mulder soothed, as they slowly made their way toward the door. His only goal was to get his family as far away from the fighting as possible. Mulder ran into Hans who was also invisible, standing in the doorway holding Kat. Frohike was fearfully grasping Hans' arm while holding Marsha. One of the strange things they discovered about being invisible was they could also see anyone else who was invisible. Mulder watched as the Scullys dashed out of the room with their children, running straight through Hans' and Frohike's bodies without even realizing they were there.
"Guys, why are you just standing there? We need to find a safe place," Mulder said.
"Sorry, Mulder. I just wanted to make sure Gabriel was okay. I hate leaving him..." Hans said sadly, looking one final time at his lover who was standing side-by-side with Skinner, battling the immense dragon.
Frohike tugged at Hans' arm as the floor beneath their feet shook. "He'll be fine. Let's go!" he said, pulling his lover from the room.
Mulder followed them down the hallway as the walls rocked and glass shattered. "Let's go to the kitchen. It's in the center of the apartment and should be safe," he said, taking the lead.
They entered the relative safety of the kitchen and crossed the room to take a seat on the floor in the corner. Hans turned to Mulder. "There is something you should know."
"What, Hans?"
"I'm pregnant with Gabriel's child..."
Mulder gaped at his friend. He then looked at Frohike and Hans' daughter Marsha who was less than six months old, then at Frohike. Frohike shrugged his shoulders. The little man had been surprised at first when Hans had told him that he was pregnant again so soon after having their daughter. However, Frohike knew and accepted his lover's desire to have a large family.
Mulder got over his initial surprise and asked with dread, "Why? You weren't having compulsions again so soon, were you?" As far as he knew none of the immortals were having compulsions yet. It was Mulder and his friends' biggest fear that the compulsions would start up again, compelling them to become pregnant again and again in an unending cycle.
Hans laughed at the fear he saw in Mulder's eyes as they sat on the floor, huddled together. He took the bassinet with Sergei and Hunter inside from Mulder as River climbed onto Mulder's lap next to Angélique. The little boy was trembling as loud explosions sounded around them. He buried his face against his daddy's shoulder.
Mulder kissed the top of River's head. "You're safe, River. I won't let anything happen to you."
Hans shifted Ari's daughter into a more comfortable position as he kept a hand on the bassinet, keeping it invisible. "Don't worry, Mulder. I wasn't having compulsions. I wanted to have another baby," Hans assured him.
Mulder sighed with relief. "How far along are you?"
"Six weeks."
Mulder held River and Angélique protectively as the little boy started crying. "River, we're going to be fine. Daddy Walter and Daddy Alex won't let anything happen to us." He kept one arm around the boy holding him reassuringly as River hugged him tightly.
River sniffled. "I want Daddy Alex."
"I want him, too," Mulder murmured softly, praying that Alex and their daughters were safe. Because of the discharge of energy going off around them, he was unable to make telepathic contact with Alex.
***
Alex's side ached as he ran down another long corridor with the griffin still on his tail. He looked back as he rounded the next corner and smashed headlong into an immovable object. Alex landed on his ass, looking up. He tried to back peddle as the garishly painted face of the Batman statue loomed over him. The statue of Spender bent and snatched him up in its arms. Alex twisted and fought madly, but it was like hitting a brick wall. The statue held its prize securely as it ran toward a window and crashed through glass. It took flight and soared out over the ocean.
Alex's face was cut by glass that also ripped through his clothing. A large, sharp shard embedded in his side. He groaned and turned his face toward the cold stone of the statue, away from the bitter cold that was lashing at his exposed flesh and freezing his blood.
The smoker cursed himself for his carelessness with handling Alex. However, with Alex firmly in his grasp and on his way to the mountain fortress, he could now focus his attention on the remaining people at the palace. His son was gone and so were all the other immortals. He wasn't about to go home empty handed. Not when he still had his creations fighting.
Skinner succeeded in shattering the dragon's leg and then blew its head apart. The griffin and elf statues entered the fight.
MacIver quickly turned to flee the room with his son. He had been foolish to stay and help the others destroy the winged-horse and fight the dragon. However, now that all of the children and their friends had safely fled the entertainment room, he could take his son to safety, too.
MacIver made it three steps out of the room when he was hit from behind. He fell to his knees. He was careful of the small life he held lovingly in his arms as he fought to stay consciousness, but darkness was descending upon him. Duncan was suddenly snatched from his arms. MacIver caught a brief glimpse of the beautiful angel statue before he blacked out.
The Batman was more cautious with the baby than he had been with Alex. He had the statue shield the baby protectively as it flew out the window.
Major Kazuo Sawada came storming out of the entertainment room. He skidded to a halt in front of the shattered window. "Damn!" he swore, as he hopelessly watched the statue fly away with their son. He then knelt next to MacIver. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and tried to stem the bleeding from the back of his friend's head. "Hang on, Rory."
Gabriel and Skinner had just finished destroying the elf and griffin when the palace's security forces stormed onto the scene. The whole battle had taken less than ten minutes.
***
Mulder huddled on the floor in the kitchen, protecting his children. He remained invisible until he heard Walter's voice telling him telepathically that it was safe.
*Fox, where are you?* Walter's voice rang in his head.
*The kitchen! Can you send someone to help me with the children?*
*I'll send Nurse Olson, Vicky, and a couple of the royal guard.*
Mulder sighed with relief. He tried to contact Alex telepathically but still couldn't reach him. His stomach lurched uneasily. *WALTER!*
*What, Fox?*
*I can't reach Alex! He has our girls with him!*
Nurse Olson ran into the kitchen followed by Vicky and two palace guards. While Mulder waited for an answer from Walter, Olson took the bassinet with Sergei and Hunter from Hans.
River didn't want to let go of Mulder as Vicky knelt down next to him. "C'mon, River, everything is going to be all right. Your Daddy Walter destroyed all of those nasty statues." She succeeded in coaxing the little boy into her arms.
*Hope and Faith are with Ari...* Walter paused, and said softly, *Alex is gone. He's not on the island.*
"NO!" Mulder cried as he hugged his seraph daughter against his chest. Everyone turned to look down at him. "No, please...please no..." Tears welled up in his eyes at the prospect that he might have lost his lover.
"What's wrong?" Olson asked.
"Please, take Angélique...I have to go and find Alex," Mulder said, passing the infant over to the nurse. He ignored her frantic cries as he fled the kitchen, heading first toward his daughters' bedrooms. He refused to believe that Alex was gone.
Skinner shared Mulder's heart wrenching grief and headed out of the entertainment room determined to console him.
Mulder came upon the shattered remains of the fairy statue. A glimmer of glass caught his eye, and he knelt to examine it. At the realization of just what the object was in his hand, his face blazed red with pure rage. "I'll kill him!" Mulder growled and sprinted off toward the elevator with the object tightly clenched in his fist.
"FOX! WAIT!" Skinner screamed, as he raced after his lover just as the elevator doors closed.
Mulder seemed not to hear him or was ignoring him. The elevator started its descent before Skinner could reach him. He used his powers to stop the elevator, but was surprised when it continued its descent. "Arty! Bring him back up! NOW!"
Arty's voice was a weak whisper. "Sorry, Your Majesty. No can do."
"What! Are you disobeying a direct order?"
"Right now he scares me more than you do. You want him? Then you're just going to have to teleport yourself onboard," Arty advised.
Skinner was exhausted from his recent battle and wasn't physically up to teleporting himself anywhere. "Have the southwest elevator waiting for me, Arty! I want to know exactly where Fox heads once he gets off the elevator!" He spun around and sprinted down the long corridor toward the other elevator. Skinner didn't know what had gotten into Fox. Instead of running out of their apartment in a blind rage, Fox should have been working with him to protect their family and restore order to their household. He stepped onboard the waiting elevator and waited impatiently as it descended.
"He's heading for the front entrance, Your Majesty," Arty said.
"Good! Order the guards to hold him until I get down!"
Mulder strolled purposely toward the front gate with his mind focused on revenge. He was determined to get to the village and confront the bastard responsible for terrorizing his children and abducting his lover.
The guards at the gate came to attention as he approached.
"Prince Fox, the King has ordered us to detain you until he gets here..." the guard's voice trailed off as Mulder vanished.
Skinner came barreling across the foyer a couple of minutes later. "Where is he?"
"Ah...he just disappeared into thin air. One minute he was standing there...and the next poof!" the befuddled guard tried to explain.
Skinner focused his powers on pinpointing his lover's location. It wasn't easy. Being invisible made it nearly impossible for Skinner to sense his lover's essence or make contact with his mind. If Skinner hadn't been intimately familiar with every inch of Fox's body and mind, he never would have been able to find him. "He's heading for the village!" he growled and stormed out the front gate.
Several of the palace guards followed him over the frozen, snow-covered ground toward the village. Skinner, for the life of him, couldn't figure out where in the village Mulder could be heading or why. Most of their friends were at the palace.
***
Special Agent Andy Nelson was enjoying a beer in the village pub with several agents from the FBI and a few of the palace guards who didn't have family to spend Christmas with. They had been invited personally by the King to Christmas dinner in the palace's main dining hall, but not upstairs to the private family gathering afterwards. Nelson was more than glad that he and his friends were excluded. He couldn't stand to see Skinner with Mulder and Krycek. They were too selfish and self-centered to give Skinner the love and loyalty he deserved. Nelson knew that only he could give Skinner that type of devotion. He would see to it, after Mulder and Krycek were gone.
Before everyone's stunned eyes, Nelson was suddenly yanked out of his seat and violently shaken. They watched in disbelief as Mulder suddenly appeared, his face mere inches from Nelson's.
"You spineless little weasel!" Mulder growled, shaking Nelson again. "How fucking dare you harm my family and friends!"
"I didn't do anything..."
Mulder angrily backhanded Nelson, sending the smaller man to the floor. "Liar!"
The acrid smell of urine filled the air as a wet stain appeared on Nelson's crotch. The smaller man never imagined he'd be caught. "I didn't do it! Honest!"
Skinner and the palace guards burst through the door of the pub. "Fox! What the hell is going on?" Skinner bellowed! His face was red with anger.
Mulder unclenched his hand and tossed the object he had been holding to Skinner. "Here's what's going on!"
Skinner looked at the object, baffled. It was a round camera lens. "Do you care to explain just what I'm looking at?"
"That was inside one of the statues. One of the statues that he checked!"
Skinner's eyes narrowed as what Mulder was saying sunk in. His mind quickly pulled together the missing pieces of a puzzle that had been bothering him for almost a year. The bomb blast that had killed Mulder -- if only for a brief period of time -- but killed him nonetheless. He now saw clearly that Nelson was the one responsible. Skinner couldn't believe the young man's innocent boyish looks had fooled him -- there had to be more to it. "How fucking blind could I have been?" Skinner stared Nelson in the eyes and probed the younger man's mind. "You're a clairvoyant?" he said, more a statement of fact than a question. Now it was becoming clearer how he had been so easily duped.
Skinner turned to his guards. "I want Agent Nelson placed under arrest! Then send for our top clairvoyants! I want everything he knows drained out of him!"
"Please, I did it for you...," Nelson begged as he was dragged out of the pub. "I LOVE YOU!"
Mulder stopped at Skinner's side, watching Nelson being dragged away. "Can't say that I care much for your secret admirers, Walter," he said tiredly.
Skinner looped an arm possessively around Mulder's waist. "Fox, come on. Let's go back home."
Mulder allowed Skinner to lead him out of the pub.
"Fox, how did you know where to find Nelson?"
"Hmm, oh, I heard some of the agents mention that they were coming here after Christmas dinner. I assumed Nelson would be here, too," Mulder answered absently. His mind was on other things. Halfway back to the palace he broke down in tears, turning to bury his face against Walter's broad shoulder. "Oh God, Walter...don't let anything happen to Alex. It's my fault. Alex wanted to toss those statues into the ocean...I should have let him. Dammit! Why did I have to be so pigheaded?"
"Fox. Shh... You didn't know."
"I should have!"
"Beating yourself up over this isn't going to help Alex!" Skinner pushed Mulder away. Holding his shoulders, he shook him a little. "I need you focused on helping me to rescue Alex! Can you do that?"
"Yes...," Mulder replied weakly. "I want him back more than anything."
"Good. C'mon, we need to get back. The sooner we organize a rescue party, the quicker we'll have him and Duncan back."
"Duncan?"
"He was taken, too."
"Why? What would that madman want with Shinji and Rory's son?"
"You want my guess, Fox? I think he mainly wanted you and our children, but you and all the other immortals had vanished with the children. Duncan was with Rory and he saw him as an easy target." Skinner took Mulder's hand. "Fox, you're not responsible. Let's go back."
"Shinji saved our daughter's life when he could have rescued his son. He saved Kaylie instead." Mulder didn't think he'd ever get over the deep guilt he felt over causing his friends so much pain. If anything happened to Duncan, he didn't think Shinji or Rory would ever be able to forgive him.
The two men walked the remaining steps to the palace quickly. When they got back to their floor, the clean up crews were already repairing the damage. They found their family and friends in the kitchen. Skinner quickly took Angélique from Nurse Olson. The baby had been shrieking her displeasure since Mulder left. She quieted as Skinner rocked her against his chest.
Ian was comforting River as River's dog Rex sat on his haunches at the boy's side. The little boy saw Mulder and ran to him. "Did you find Daddy Alex?"
Mulder knelt next to River. "River, Daddy Alex was taken from us. It might be a while before we see him again."
River's lower lip quivered as tears welled up in his eyes. He threw his arms around Mulder's neck and broke down, bawling.
Mulder picked him up and hugged him. "Shh, we'll get him back. I promise." As he comforted River, Mulder looked around the kitchen. Hope and Faith were being held in Duffy's powerful arms. Neither toddler appeared in the least bit upset as they played with their kittens that were perched on Duffy's massive shoulders. Jeffrey was holding Kaylie. "Where's Shinji?" Mulder asked.
"They went back to their apartment. Rory was injured when Duncan was taken and Shinji healed him, then needed to rest afterwards," Jeffrey explained. He and Ian had been down in their apartment making love when the statues had attacked. Jeff had rushed upstairs to help as soon as the first noises reached them, but the fighting was over by then.
Guilt gnawed at Mulder's heart. He was desperate to get the rescue mission underway. "Walter, you know they're being taken to White Mountain. If we hurry, we might be able head them off! Those statues can't possibly fly fast!"
Skinner frowned sadly. Fox had not been involved in any of the long talks he had with Jeffrey about their father's powers. "Fox, they're more than likely already through the barrier surrounding White Mountain. CGB Spender has the ability to bend space and time."
"Then I'm going there to get them!" Mulder snapped.
Skinner cradled their daughter in one arm and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fox, you're not going anywhere!" Then he sighed loudly, "And neither am I. You need to be here for our children -- and I need to be here for you." It was an impossible situation that Skinner hated, but with Mulder off the anti-pheromone medication, his withdrawal symptoms started after forty-eight hours. No way could Skinner leave him.
"Walter, you can't stop me! I'll exchange myself for Alex and Duncan. I'm positive that bastard of a father of mine will agree to it! Then..."
"NO!!! DAMMIT, FOX! Didn't you hear a word I just said?"
Angélique and River started crying again, which caused Hope and Faith to start crying. The kittens were forgotten. Soon all the infants were crying.
"Don't leave, Daddy!" River cried, hugging Mulder tightly around the neck.
Mulder hugged River back and looked around the room in distress. He was trapped. He couldn't leave no matter how much he wanted to. "Shh, River. I'm not leaving you." He looked with sadness at Skinner. "Walter, I need to do something. I just can't sit here and do nothing."
Skinner rocked Angélique, trying to quiet her. "Fox, you can help me negotiate for their release. I'm also going to organize a rescue team. We'll get them back."
"Walter, please go with the rescue team. Alex needs you."
"I can't, Fox. You and our children need me here."
"I'll be fine."
"No, you won't. You won't be able to feed our babies, if withdrawal pains incapacitate you. Our children come first! Fox, I'll select our best sorcerers for the rescue team."
"Why don't you go and do that now. Tom, Vicky, and Sean will help me put the children to bed, then I'll join you," Mulder said softly, resolutely.
Skinner hated to leave Fox, but Alex needed him more and he'd wasted enough time. He kissed Mulder then placed his hand soothingly on River's back and the boy turned his face to look up at Skinner. "River, I need you to be brave for your sisters and brothers. Can you do that?"
River lifted his head off Mulder's shoulder and nodded. "Y-yes, Daddy."
"Good. I promise that I'll do everything I can to see that Alex is returned to us. You have my word on that, son." Skinner brushed the hair out of the little boy's sapphire eyes. "Will you let Tom hold you? Daddy Fox needs to take your sister from me."
"I don't need to be carried. I'll be brave."
Mulder smiled softly and set him on his feet, then took Angélique from Skinner. "I'll be down as soon as I can."
"I'm counting on that, Fox," Skinner said as he hurried out the door. He telepathically contacted his staff to meet him in the throne room.
***
White Mountain
Monday, December 25
7:20 p.m."Gently you fool!" the smoker growled, as the statue carelessly dropped Alex's unconscious body on the bed. Alex's clothing was covered with blood from the still bleeding wound in his side. When he hit the soft surface, he stirred briefly.
"Look what your carelessness has done!" Spender bellowed. He bent and pulled a long shard of glass from Alex's side. Then he used the housecoat off the statue to stem the bleeding by holding the cloth firmly pressed against the wound. "You're just lucky he's an immortal! That wound would have killed a lesser man by now!" He watched Alex's face for any sign of awakening as he held the cloth against the sable-haired beauty's side.
A few minutes later, the angel statue flew through the window carrying Duncan, who was crying unhappily.
"Give the baby to Fyodorov!" he ordered.
Marat Fyodorov had been standing out of the way watching the whole situation. He quickly stepped forward and took the baby from the statue. The baby's skin was cold. Fyodorov opened his shirt and placed the baby underneath against his warm skin. Duncan continued to cry. "Master, what should I do with the baby?"
Before the smoker could answer, Alex moaned and opened his eyes. It was a moment before recognition appeared behind his emerald eyes. CGB Spender watch hungrily as the thickly-lashed lids closed briefly, fanning out over the creamy skin before reopening and the emerald eyes focused their owner's rage and hatred on him.
"I'll kill you! You old, disgusting, perverted, cancer-ridden, winged monstrosity!" Krycek snarled. He tried to use his powers, but discovered they were gone. So instead, Krycek kicked out with his foot, hoping to crush the smoker's larynx as he struck him full force in the throat. An audible sound of a bone snapping could be heard. "Ugh!" Krycek curled up in pain and held his injured foot. "Fuck! Dammit! Son of a bitch!"
Spender smiled down at him. "Would you like me to kiss it all better?"
"Shut the fuck up!" Krycek hissed through clenched teeth. The rush of adrenaline he had upon seeing the smoker had evaporated and all the aches and pains came forcefully back. A soft whimper escaped his lips as his broken foot throbbed painfully.
"Stop being such a baby, Alex. Most of your wounds are nearly healed."
"Fuck off, Bat-brain!" Krycek tried to climb off the bed regardless of his foot, but the smoker grabbed him and forcefully pushed him back down.
Holding Krycek's shoulders pressed firmly to the mattress Spender looked him in the eyes and growled, "You belong to me now, Alex! I suggest you learn some respect for your new Master!"
Krycek's eyes narrowed as he attempted to twist out of the cold steel hands holding him. He found it impossible to move even an inch. He tried to avoid looking at Spender's face. The creature was even more hideous than the statue and yet he was still clearly recognizable as CGB Spender. Krycek felt dwarfed by the sheer size of Spender.
Spender's gaze traveled lovingly over the bloodstained angry face. The source of the blood had long since healed over. He smiled with the knowledge that no matter how rough he was with Alex, the young man would be able to survive, unlike the men he kept in his kennels, whose numbers had dwindled to only two. "You need a bath, my dear. Since you broke your foot I shall have to carry you."
Alex struggled as the Batman scoop him easily off the bed. "Put me down, freak!" He was distracted from his struggles by the sound of a baby crying. "What's that?" he asked looking around and noticing Fyodorov for the first time. "What's that traitor doing here? Whose baby is that?" Alex couldn't get a good look at the baby bundled against the smaller man's chest. He could tell that the baby was too large for one of his, Walter, and Fox's infants.
The smoker held Alex effortlessly as he headed for the door. "He belongs to your pretty Japanese immortal friend Shinji and that Scottish rogue you have for a business partner." Spender smirked at the outraged expression gracing Alex's face. "I consider little Duncan a consolation prize because unfortunately I underestimated my son again. He vanished with my grandchildren before I could claim any of them. I intend to use Duncan as a bartering chip." Spender stopped in the doorway and turned back to the small Russian. "Fyodorov, can't you keep that child quiet?"
"I'm trying, Master. I think he's hungry..."
"Well feed it already!"
"With what?"
"Fyodorov, he's six months old! At that age he should be able to eat mushy foods and there are several cases of formula in the pantry." Spender had been stockpiling supplies with the hope he'd have all of his grandchildren here eventually.
Krycek was stunned that the smoker knew so much about his friends. "You're not going to get away with this! Walter and Rory will string you up by the balls!"
"They may try. But, Alex my sweet, I'm no longer the weak old man that I once was." The smoker smirked as he carried Alex down a dark corridor.
Krycek frowned, looking away from the hideous leering face. He studied his surroundings instead. The fortress walls and floors were stone and lacked any warmth whatsoever. They were as hard and cold as the arms holding him. He chewed his lip and recalled what Jeffrey and Ari had said about this place, and how nearly impossible it was to escape. Walter's force had tried several times to penetrate the barrier and failed each attempt. Krycek knew he was in deep shit. The realization that he was on his own, and that he shouldn't - no couldn't rely on anyone to get him and Duncan out of this situation felt like a lead weight in his belly.
He forced himself to concentrate on every detail as the smoker carried him down the corridor, then down a dimly lit staircase. They seemed to go down forever. Krycek counted each step. The air was becoming humid and condensation clung to the stone walls. By the time they reached the bottom and stepped out into a large cavern, the reason for the heat and humidity became instantly clear as his eyes fell upon a heated underground pond. The walls in the cavern were phosphorescent and thick vapors rose off the surface of the water, giving the cavern an eerie atmosphere. Alex jumped when his clothes vanished from his body and he renewed his effort to escape.
The Batman carried him struggling into the naturally heated water until they were chest deep. Then he dunked Alex under the water. Pulling a sputtering Alex back up he dunked him under again. This time when he brought Alex back up, the smoker placed him back on his feet.
Alex coughed and spit up water. He kept most of his weight on his uninjured foot, although the pain from his broken foot was now only a minor irritation. He focused all of his hatred on his enemy. Spender towered over him by more than a foot.
"I was not trying to drown you, Alex -- at least not this time. I only wanted to get your hair wet so I can wash it," he said, holding up a bottle of shampoo.
"I can wash my own hair!"
"You will do only what I allow you to do," Spender said calmly, squirting some shampoo in Alex's damp locks. The bottle vanished as he brought his hands up and started washing the young man's hair.
Krycek took one step backward and swatted his hand away. "Keep your *fucking* paws off me, asshole!" Suddenly he was unable to move or talk.
"Open your mouth, my dear," the smoker said softly.
Not being able to resist the command, Krycek opened his mouth and gagged as Spender inserted a large bar of soap. Tears of rage streamed down his cheeks but he was unable to spit out that awful tasting object.
"I hope your memory is good. Anytime you swear in the future will be met with the same punishment." The smoker continued to shampoo the young man's hair.
In the past, Krycek had been able to separate himself from hellish situations by fantasizing about Mulder, but it didn't work for him this time. His mind was controlled and wasn't cooperating. Instead, he shivered with dread as the Batman's hard erection pushed against his body just above his stomach, making him realize just how vulnerable he was. His eyes widened when he realized that there were hard bristles running the length of the creature's enormous cock. The bristles seemed to move of their own accord.
The look of fear in Alex's eyes pleased Spender. He had forgotten how dangerous his former subordinate was and it satisfied him immensely that Alex feared him. He chuckled. His former self would have been afraid of the pretty spitfire, but he had nothing to fear. Not now. He was the one to be feared! Alex belonged to him. Soon, he would train the beauty to satisfy his every desire -- attend to his every need. The smoker was looking forward to the training. He marveled at the silken thickness of Alex's sable hair. The sheer beauty of the immortal was almost painful to behold. He removed the bar of soap from Alex's lovely mouth, then held Alex tenderly and lowered him back under the water to rinse out the shampoo.
Krycek didn't have the will to even close his eyes. The nearly hot water stung his eyeballs as he stared up through the water at the Batman. Suddenly the spell was lifted and his freewill returned. He came up sputtering, spitting out the awful taste of the soap from his mouth. The desire to tell the Batman to fuck off was strong and it took all of his willpower to keep quiet. He had learned long ago that sometimes it was better to play the role of the obedient subordinate, while waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He was glad it was he who was in this position and not Fox. Fox had never learned to be subservient to anyone. Even if it were in Fox's own best interest, his smart mouth would always get the better of him. So Alex controlled his desire to lash out. He would bide his time for now.
"You're a fast learner, my dear," Spender purred, as he ran a soapy washcloth over Alex's shoulders and chest, marveling at the flawless ivory flesh. He traced a finger from his other hand down the long scar in Alex's side. Soon the flesh would be smooth and flawless again. He stopped when the washcloth passed over Krycek's navel. Pulling it away, he pressed the tip of his finger against the navel and pushed. Alex hissed and stepped back. However, the smoker held him in place as he continued to probe the younger man's bellybutton, unable to penetrate it. He had had the claws from his fingers clipped so he wouldn't cut his lover by accident. Spender caressed Alex's stomach, rubbing small circles over the tender flesh as he talked. "I intend to check your navel daily. The moment you complete your transformation into a hermaphrodite, I intend to fuck you there. I will fuck you continually throughout your first cycle, until your belly is swollen with my offspring."
Alex's face paled. He felt physically ill. The possibility that his old enemy could impregnate him had not even occurred to him until that moment. His blood ran cold in his veins as he looked up at the abomination that had once been human. He didn't want to become pregnant, and he most assuredly didn't want to have anything growing inside him that would resemble the Batman.
The smoker had been delighting in the sensation of his organ getting thicker and harder while he was washing Alex. The anticipation that he'd soon fuck that gorgeous body was almost as much of a thrill as the act itself would be. The look of horror on Alex's beautiful face had Spender's cock twitching and leaking its seed into the water. His balls had swollen to the size of grapefruits. They felt like they'd burst if he didn't find release quickly. He spun Alex around so his back was to him. Then held his lithe body tightly pressed against his chest as he worked a bar of soap up and down between the beauty's firm buttocks. Then the smoker slipped a soap-slicked finger inside the tight hole working it around in circles as he tried to quickly loosen the young man. He ignored Alex's pain-filled protests as he sank another finger inside him.
"Stop! It hurts!"
The smoker chuckled. Alex would soon discover true pain when he filled his perfect ass with his cock. After long minutes he pulled his fingers out. "You're so wonderfully tight, Alex. I'm going to really enjoy the feel of your body constricting around my cock." He placed the large cockhead against the tiny opening.
Krycek's eyes widened. He never felt anything that large between his buttocks. Even Slava's cock didn't compare to what was straining against his anus, trying to penetrate him. "Please! No! Don't! You're too big..."
"Nonsense, my dear. You'll get use to my size in time. I find that my new body is a hundred times more virile than my old one. I need to fuck at least five to six times a day." The smoker used his foot to spread Alex's legs further apart as his arm held the young man securely around the waist, bending him until Alex's face was just inches from the surface of the water. "Just think of all the human lives you'll be saving."
Alex closed his eyes against the discomfort as the smoker pushed harder against his opening. The blinding blaze of pain flared up as the cockhead suddenly forced its way past his anal muscles and opened his body. Alex had never experienced such pain! Spender continued to push his large organ further inside him. The hard bristles scraped along his rectum. It felt like his whole ass was on fire. He couldn't help screaming. The pain was too intense to remain stoically silent.
Spender moaned with pleasure. The strong grip on his cock was incredible. Alex was tighter than any of the humans he had fucked. Even those who had claimed to be virgins weren't this tight. Their asses didn't grip his cock so firmly. Only Spender's other immortal lovers had come close. He was only a third of the way in and having trouble going deeper. He rocked his hips pulling out a little then pushing back harder. Spender was determined to get all the way inside.
"Oh God! Stop! PLEASE!" Krycek felt consciousness waiver and he prayed that he'd blacked out as Spender violently shoved the rest of his cock up his ass. "AAAUUUHHH!"
Spender threw his head back and howled. His wings fanned out behind him. He tightened his arms around Alex's trembling body and pulled him back against his chest.
Alex struggled weakly. When the smoker straightened to his full height, Alex's feet no longer rested on the pond's sandy bottom. He was held impaled on the smoker's cock. A faint moan escaped his lips as the bristles stroked painfully up and down his rectum.
Spender glanced around the cavern. It was a given that he'd never be able to find enough leverage to fuck the young man in the center of the pond without drowning him. He started walking them toward a large boulder sticking out of the water.
Havock watched from the shadows inside a tunnel. He had become hard at Alex's cries of pain. Inflicting pain on others had always been a sexual turn on for him. The sorcerer was glad that Krycek was here to meet the Batman's sexual needs. With only two humans left alive, Havock had been worried that Spender would soon turn to him to fulfill his sexual appetite. He watched as the Batman laid Alex over a boulder.
The rock was smooth against Alex's chest and belly. He folded his arms across its surface and buried his face in his arms as he tried to ignore the throbbing pain coming from his ass. He closed his eyes tightly as the smoker started to thrust relentlessly in and out of his body. The pain became distant as his body became numb as shock set in. Alex never imagined he'd be in such a situation again. After being raped by Havock and King Gullbrand, he swore that no one would ever touch him against his will again. Fox and Walter never knew how badly being raped had affected him. He never allowed them to see his shame. He made it a point of talking tough in front of them. Pretending that everything was fine. That nothing had changed. It had changed though. Soon after he had become an immortal...an object of other men's lust. He never allowed his lovers or anyone to see how much he had hated it. He pretended that it didn't matter -- that he still was the same. Damn! Now his only two sons were immortals, too. How would he be able to protect them when he couldn't even protect himself? Silent tears slid out from under tightly-closed, thick-lashed lids.
Spender was in heaven as he rammed his cock into the deliciously hot body of his -- mate. Yes, his mate. He'd make their union legal and hire a minister to marry them properly. His hands pulled back on Alex's hips as he thrust into him. Each hard thrust sent water splashing over the rock. He was going to come soon. He felt the first signs of his impending orgasm. The bristles on his cock started to harden, fanning out. He thrust one final time into his mate! The bristles locked him deeply imbedded inside the young man's body. He could no longer move as his orgasm pumped out of him, filling his lover with his milky come.
Krycek bit into his arm to keep from crying out. The only satisfaction he had as he felt Spender's release filling his bowels was that he had remained flaccid throughout his rape. As long as he didn't get aroused, he was still his own man. The larger man's weight settled across his back.
Grabbing Alex's hair Spender pulled his head back so he could kiss those sweet bowed lips. He devoured Alex's mouth as he waited for his bristles to loosen their hold so he could slide out.
Alex's lips remained slack and unresponsive as Spender's pointed tongue raped his mouth. He was helpless to fight off the more powerful being. His mind finally found refuge in memories of his lovers and children. They were safe. He would survive this for them. The slide of the smoker's cock as it pulled out of his body bought Alex back to the present. He didn't know how much time had passed.
"I am hungry, my dear. Let's retire to the dining room," Spender said, lifting him off the rock. He allowed Alex to walk of his own accord as they left the pond.
Alex moved very slowly. His ass hurt. He held his side, doubling over as painful cramps tore through his belly. Waste fluids mixed with blood and semen flowed out of his body and into the water, and were washed away by the pond's gentle undercurrent.
"I have clothes for you to wear up in our bed chamber," the smoker said, drying himself. He then started pulling on his clothes as Krycek made it the rest of the way out of the water and stood quietly watching, plotting. A slow stream of blood snaked down his long, lean legs and sinking into the sand at his feet.
Spender's new body appeared indestructible. Krycek forced himself to focus on his enemy's body, despite the pain he was in. He tried to find any weakness, as his eyes roamed over its length. He avoided looking at the creature's powerful sex organ.
"Do you like what you see, Alex?" Spender purred, his hand smoothing over his stone hard chest and down to flat stomach.
Krycek clamped his lips tightly together and looked away.
"I'll take that as a yes." The smoker's eyes traveled appreciatively over Alex's naked body. "I certainly like what I see. Do you still have to work out or are those muscles naturally part of being an immortal?"
Krycek continued to ignore him.
"Azure and Aton weren't built like you are, Alex. They were lean and had beautiful firm bodies but not the muscles that you have. I will assume that you need to work out to achieve such a splendid result." Spender took Alex's hand and led him back up the stairs. "I shall see that a weight room is set up for you. Is there anything else you require?"
"Besides being set free?"
Spender chuckled. "You have developed a delightful sense of humor."
"I would like to take care of Duncan."
"No."
"I want to know that he is safe."
"He's safe enough in Fyodorov's care. I don't want the baby getting in the way of our relationship." Spender rested a hand on Alex's round buttock as they walked side-by-side up the steps. Alex flinched as Spender squeezed it affectionately. "Besides, Alex, you'll have plenty of babies to take care of soon enough."
The air became colder the higher they climbed and Krycek shivered as goosebumps graced his flesh. He was not going to have the smoker's demon child. He had to escape before his first cycle. However he had no idea when the final change would happen. Ian had only recently changed. "Whatever...," he muttered heartlessly.
***
Fyodorov sat humming softly as he fed the baby some runny mashed potatoes and gravy. The little one seemed to like it. The Russian smiled gently down at the little face. The baby was absolutely adorable. His oval-shaped face and small nose definitely came from Shinji. He saw Rory in the baby's eyes and ears. Fyodorov didn't have much experience with children, much less babies. However, he found himself warming up to this little innocent life. To be honest, he was lonely. Living these many months with the Batman had been horrible. The creature was clearly crazy and unpredictable. Most of the time he was afraid for his life. He had felt somewhat safer since Havock had come into their lives. He and the Australian sorcerer were making plans to escape. He only hoped his friend would be agreeable to taking the baby with them when they left. "Moi precious little one. Would you like some milk?" Fyodorov purred, kissing the top of the baby's head.
Duncan looked up at him confused, then grinned toothlessly. The man looked like Uncle Melvin. "Ba-ba-ba-ba..." he cooed.
***
Crystal Palace
Tuesday, December 26
2:20 a.m.The discussion around the round conference table had gotten heated when MacIver joined the group. He wanted all of their forces to storm the fortress without further delay.
"Rory, we still need to break through the barrier. I promise you that as soon as we find a way through I'll launch a full scale attack," Skinner said tiredly. He wanted to stop arguing and get his men into position around White Mountain.
MacIver wasn't about to be put off. "I'm going to try on my own! I can't wait for our scientists to figure out a way through. Kazuo and I were successful..."
"No! We weren't, Rory. The only reason we got as close as we did was because Ari poisoned the Batman. The barrier was only weakened, we would never have gotten through on foot," Major Sawada said.
MacIver wasn't to be put off. "If anyone can disable the Batman it would be Alex! We need to be prepared to attack when the barrier is weakened again!" he growled.
Skinner was getting a headache. They had gone over this already. "Rory, I intend to station several units around the barrier in the event that we get the opportunity to break through."
"I want to be in charge of one of those units!" MacIver's eyes blazed, daring Skinner to turn down his request.
"I had planned to ask either you or Kazuo to head up one of the units," Skinner conceded. "As much as I would like to, I cannot leave the palace to command our army. So, I am relying on you, Hunter, and General Kline to spearhead our forces."
"Good!" MacIver looked across the table at Major Sawada. "Kazuo, you take good care of Shinji until I return with our son."
"I will, Rory."
Skinner was glad that was decided. He wanted to get this operation underway. "Helicopters are standing by to fly you and our troops into Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The commander at the base has been informed to expect you. Are there any further questions?"
"Your Majesty, do we have time to say goodbye to our families?" Hunter asked.
"Of course, Gabriel. Take the time you need." Skinner rose. "If you'll excuse me, I would like to attend to my family." He was worried about Fox. His lover had been down earlier but had had to rush back up to their apartment.
Skinner was bone-tired as he exited the elevator on their floor and made his way to their bedroom. Fox was in bed with River cradled in his arms. They were both soundly asleep. Rex was lying on the rug at the foot of the bed. The dog looked up at him and Skinner knelt and scratched behind his ear. "Good boy," he whispered. He was quiet as he stripped out of his clothes and pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms. The mattress sank as he climbed under the covers and scooted close to Fox, wrapping his arms around him and their son.
Mulder stirred and look over his shoulder at Walter. He hadn't realized that he'd fallen asleep...he hadn't meant to. "Sorry. I-I wanted to go back down to the meeting, but I couldn't leave River alone again."
"Fox, don't apologize. Our children come first." Skinner kissed his shoulder.
"Have they left?" Mulder asked.
"No. Gabriel wanted to say goodbye to Hans first."
"He's pregnant again, you know?"
"Hans?"
"Yes."
Skinner stiffened behind him and it was a moment before he answered. "I didn't know. D-did his compulsions come back?"
Mulder smiled sadly at the nervousness in Walter's voice. "No. He wanted another baby. You know what having a large family means to Hans." Mulder felt Walter's hot breath against his neck as his lover let out a relieved sigh.
"That is a relief!" Skinner caressed Mulder's hip. "I love our kids, Fox, but I'd like to go a few more years before having any more children."
"Me, too. But we may not have a few years, unless Shinji is successful in finding a drug to control our compulsions." Mulder's arms tightened around River who was snoring softly and drooling against his chest. "Don't forget that Alex will probably have a baby within the next year or so. Walter, we have to get him back before he changes..."
"We will, Fox. We just need to figure out Spender's weaknesses."
"Maybe Andy Nelson might know something."
"Maybe. Let's get some sleep. We can discuss this in the morning."
"Okay." Mulder closed his eyes as Walter spooned closer behind him. Walter's large body wrapped around his comforted Mulder greatly. He peered through half-closed lids at River's head. The little boy felt hot in his arms -- his pajama top clung to his sweat-dampened chest. River had cried himself to sleep. Mulder's mind turned back to Alex. He knew deep down that that creature of a father of his had already raped his lover. Mulder could feel Alex's pain and distress deep down in his soul. He prayed that Alex would be able to remain strong.
***
Winter Palace
St. Petersburg
Tuesday, December 26
6:20 a.m.The Tsar was enraged. He ordered his elite forces together. They were going to White Mountain, Alaska within the hour. Slava hurled his glass into the fireplace. "No one touches Alexei and lives! This monstrosity is going to pay! I'm going to peel the flesh from his bones!" he hissed angrily, then turned to face one of his aides. "Did you contact him yet?"
"Yes, Moi Tsar. I have King Walter on the phone for you," Major Dynkin said nervously, holding out the receiver.
Slava grabbed the phone out of the smaller man's hand. "Skinner! How dare you allow Alexei to be kidnapped right out from under your nose! If he is harmed, I'm holding you personally responsible! You should have allowed him to be with me in the first place! If you had, he never would be in this current situation!"
"Slava, I did not allow Alex to be abducted! And for your information, his place is here with Fox and me! Not with you! Our conversation is over!" Skinner growled. He started to disconnect when Slava's voice stopped him.
"You need my help, Skinner! You cannot leave Fox to rescue Alexei. You need me..."
"I don't need anything from you! My men are working toward rescuing Alex."
"Ha! Without you to lead them, your men are useless! I'm going to free Alexei myself, then take him back to Russia with me where he belongs!" Slava growled.
"I forbid you to interfere!" Skinner barked.
"Don't get in my way, Skinner!" Slava said, slamming the phone back in its cradle. He turned back to his aide. "Get me Lord Oda on the phone!" Slava knew that with Shinji's son Duncan being kidnapped along with Alexei, he'd be able to count on Oda's help in freeing Alexei and Duncan. The Japanese Shogun would do anything to win Shinji's heart.
***
Crystal Palace
Tuesday, December 26
6:30 a.m."Walter, let Slava help," Mulder said softly.
"NO!" Skinner growled, pacing. "I don't want him anywhere near Alex! Not after what he did to you!"
Mulder switched Sergei to his other nipple. "It doesn't matter what he did to me. If he can rescue Alex and Duncan for us then we should let him."
"He wants to keep Alex for himself."
"Alex won't stay with him. He'll come back to us."
"Fox, you forget he's bonded to Slava!"
"Physically, yes. However, our bond is deeper than merely physical with Alex. Slava could never hope to hold Alex. He'll come back to us in time."
Skinner stopped pacing and sat next to Mulder and his son on the loveseat. He watched as his son suckled. "So you're willing to trust Slava to allow Alex to come back to us?"
"No. But I'd rather have Alex with him than that smoking son of a bitch! Wouldn't you?"
Skinner sighed. He caressed his son's cheek with his finger. "Yes. I'm hoping that we'll get to him first, but I won't stop Slava from rescuing Alex if he can."
"DADDY!"
River's cry of fear had Walter leaping to his feet and racing to the bed. "Shh, River. I'm here. You have nothing to be afraid of. Daddy Fox and I will always be here to protect you." He pulled the little boy into his arms.
"I want Daddy Alex, too!"
Skinner sighed. "Son, we're trying to bring Daddy Alex back home."
"I don't want him to have wings!" River cried.
"What?" Skinner looked over at Mulder.
"Don't worry, River. Daddy Alex is an immortal. The Batman can't give him wings like he did Uncle Jeff," Mulder said, shrugging his shoulders at Walter.
"Is that really true?" River looked at Skinner for confirmation.
"Yes. Your Daddy Alex can't be killed or changed."
"I want to kill the Batman!"
Skinner looked thoughtfully at the little five-year-old. "Come on, son, let's get you dressed. Then we can discuss just what it means to kill." He scooped the boy up in his arms and carried him next door to his bedroom, where he set him on the floor and removed his sweat-dampened pajamas. "I think you need a bath. Would you like me to help you?"
"Yes, please. Daddy Alex always fills the bathtub and washes my hair."
"Well then, until Daddy Alex is back home with us, do you mind if I wash your hair?"
"No. Daddy Alex always reads to me and plays with me."
Skinner started the bathtub filling. "River, I'll try to do as much with you as Daddy Alex did, but I know I won't be able to take his place."
"Daddy?"
"What, River?"
"I love you."
Skinner smiled and hugged the little boy. "I love you too, son. Now get in the bathtub."
As Skinner knelt beside the bathtub washing River's hair, he questioned the little boy. "Tell me what you think it means to kill someone?"
"It means to make them dead," River said.
"What does it mean to be dead?"
"My Mommy and real Daddy are dead. It means that I can never see them again."
"River, to kill someone cannot be taken lightly. The only time I've ever killed anyone was in self-defense or to protect innocent lives."
"So I shouldn't kill the Batman?"
"At your age you shouldn't kill anyone." Skinner rinsed the shampoo out of the boy's hair.
"But I want the Batman dead!" River pouted.
"So do I, River. But whether he lives or dies will depend on the circumstances involved when we try to arrest him for abducting Daddy Alex and baby Duncan."
"Oh. Do you think Daddy Alex misses me?"
"Yes. I'm sure he misses you a whole lot."
***
White Mountain
Sunday, January 7th
10:20 a.m.Krycek stood looking out the barred window at the snow. All the windows were barred since he had jumped out of one to his death four days ago. It afforded him only two days of rest. While his broken bones healed, the smoker couldn't touch him. He'd been locked inside this fortress for nearly two weeks now, with no sign of a rescue or of a way for him to escape in sight. He pulled the floor-length sable fur coat tightly around his nude body. He was continually in agony from being used for Spender's sexual pleasure. Krycek thought he'd become accustomed to the smoker's size, but no such luck. To make matters worse, he was constantly humiliated each evening by being made to stand naked in front of the fireplace while Spender probed his bellybutton.
His blood had turned to ice the first time he had seen Havock standing in the doorway grinning at him. Spender knew about Havock and Gullbrand raping him. However, Spender assured him that Havock was not allowed to touch him. That Havock was being saved for Fox.
Krycek was determined to kill Havock before he was allowed to lay a hand on Fox. No way would he allow this man to go on living. Krycek jumped as hands pulled him back against a hard chest.
"Come back to bed, Alex. You know that I hate the day and I expect you to keep me company throughout the night," the smoker purred, pulling Krycek back across the room to their four-poster bed.
***
End of chapter 7 - White Mountain