After the darkness By Stormy Heart Stormy226@hotmail.com RATING: G CATEGORY: S, A, MS friendship KEYWORDS: Scully/Mulder Friendship SPOILERS: None, at least not in this part SUMMARY: Mulder and Scully have found proof, but they get sidetracked with a big problem DISCLAIMER: (at the end) *********************************************************** Here's my latest fanfic, I've started it on the 26th of April and it is, as of yet, unfinished. There are some author's notes at the end, because I hate ruining the surprise. Read and write back! *********************************************************** After the darkness... Standing in front of Assistant Director Skinnner is never a pleasant experience, no matter the occassion. True, the plush wood chairs set out in front of the Assistant Director's own desk were comfortable and since the cigarette smoke which formerly infested the room had mysteriously vanished, it seemed at times almost friendly. But no matter what the circumstance, Mulder always felt like he was reporting to his high school principal, a scary old man with no sense of humor. However this time was different and all three present knew it. Scully broke the silence and attempted to state what they had come to say, officially, although the fact was well-known by known and had been circulating the bureau already. Willing her bright blue eyes to focus, she handed the two sheets of typed up statements, which she had been clutching onto so tightly that wrinkles were creasing the previously crisp sheets, to her boss. Brushing back the strands of red-gold hair from her milky white skin, she tried to form the words. She carefully ran a tongue over her lips, attempting to gather the energy to say what needed to be said. Then, her voice reappeared and she spoke, tentatively at first and then more determined, "We are here to hand in our resignations." * * * It wasn't hard at all to recall the day when it all began. Not "all began" as in, when Scully was assigned to Mulder, but rather, when things started going downhill for the pair. It was a pleasant spring morning, late April, with the colorful flowers blooming and everything around them a cheerful green. Scully had arrived at work to find Mulder waiting for her in their basement office, the rich aroma of coffee bringing a pleasant sigh to her lips. Mulder was seated in the gray armchair, leaning back as if willing himself to topple over, his legs, covered by black pants, balancing himself on the table in front, which was stacked with forms waiting to be filled out. The matching black jacked rested on the back of the chair and his black and white polka dot tie, hypnotic to say the least, was thrown back casually over his left shoulder. He raised an arm to ruffle his short golden-brown hair and his hazel eyes brightened at the sight of his partner. Mulder leapt up from the chair, which rocked back at forth after he departed, and a rare grin appeared, causing Scully to grin back. Mulder waited until Scully, with her own black matching suit and jacket, hiding a simple white shirt underneath, settled into the chair Mulder had abandoned. As soon as she was ready, her head leaning on her hand, her blue eyes focused on her partner, Mulder blurted out the secret he had been so patiently guarding: "Scully, I have it. Proof. Of extraterrestial life!" At that Scully snorted softly, then brought one delicate hand up to cover a snicker, "Where is it Mulder?" "Well I don't *have* it, have it; I know where to get it. We have no more than 24 hours to get to the Lone Star State, where our proof is waiting. You ready and willin'?" Scully couldn't help but grin at Mulder's eager expression. She was excited also, she had to admit, to being away from the dreaded paper work and back into the field. Finally, if everything went according to plan, the evidence they had been searching for would finally be theirs, after so many years. And then Scully felt it, just a twinge at the back of her head, a dull throbbing, that progressively got worse and more painful as the seconds passed. Pressing her hands against the sides of her head, she let out a yelp, causing Mulder to scramble over to her side and ask what was wrong. "Migraine," she managed to cry out softly, before another bout of fresh pain engulfed her. Mulder couldn't believe his eyes. At first he had thought Scully had been playing a prank, kidding around in anticipation of their latest adventure. But it became obvious that Scully was in agony as she let out a yelp in pain, followed by a whisper of a diagnosis. Grabbing a mug, he poured out the coffee on the floor and ran upstairs, not worrying about the stain he had produced, shoving asides some workers. When he reached the water fountain he filled it with the cool liquid and ran back to the office. Pulling out a bottle of pain relievers out from a drawer, he handed some pills to Scully, watching in satisfaction as she accepted them. *When will this stop?!* Scully couldn't understand what was taking so long and she glanced over at Mulder, who said 15 minutes had passed, in a voice three times as loud as normal. This was much more painful than any migraine she had ever received and she begged out loud for relief from the pain. Suddenly her vision became blurry and she blinked rapidly, hoping to clear the image. She was Mulder's face grow more concerned, his eyebrows knitted together in concern for her, his arms outstretched. She closed her eyes and welcomed the darkness as she fell, unconscious, into Mulder's arms, grateful for the relief from the agony that had suffocated her. * * * The constant murmur of voices brought Scully back to a type of consciousness, where she was relieved to find the headache mysteriously gone. She could hear the humming of the electric lights overhead and she could feel the cold, paper-like gown, covered with the also chilly sheet. Stretching her arms over her head as if waking from a deep sleep, Scully opened her eyes slowly, prepared to close them, in protection from the harsh lights. But nothing but darkness greeted her. Calmly reassuring herself that a bandage might be covering her eyes, she reached up, to encounter he eyelids and the soft brushing of her eyelashes as she blinked rapidly, searching for any light. She drew in a sharp breathe of air and bolted upright in the bed, feeling the tugging of the IV at her arm and of the prongs giving her oxygen through her nose. Scully heard a rustling and she stopped moving, listenig for the culprit. A low voice called her name quietly and she recognized it as Mulder. "Mulder? Where are you?" "I'm right here, Scully," came the reply and there was more rustling, fabric against fabric, and she assumed that Mulder was standing up. He brushed back a piece of her hair, causing her to shiver at the unexpected touch. He immediatly became concerned and asked what was wrong. Scully started to shake uncontrollably, knowing the answer to the next question but feeling the need to ask it anyway. "Why can't I see you?" A sharp intake of air followed and Scully realized Mulder hadn't known anything. she felt a rush of air as he lurched to the wall and pressed the bright red button, which would beckon the nurse. While they waited, Scully heard Mulder whisper rapidly as he pressed her close to his side. "I'm sure it's nothing, Scully, we'll find out, it's okay, it'll be okay, everything will be okay..." She wondered who he was comforting, knowing that both of them wanted, no, *needed* to believe. *********************************************************** END PART ONE *********************************************************** Disclaimer: They aren't mine and will never be. I haven't made any money, nor will I, and I will give them back when I'm finished borrowing them Author's note: I love that, I'm an author. Hehehe. I haven't gotten that much feedback so I'm encouraging you to please write me a response! I have more written out, just enough to tell you more about what's going on, but I won't post it until I know that you don't think it is a waste of time. Some of you may recognize the major theme (blindness) from Nicole Perry's "Goin Nowhere". But there are differences, trust me. Oh, and I recommend you read her story, it is a wonderful fanfic. E-mail me if you want it! Anyway, write back! FYI: The stars between passages represent different things: either a change of viewpoint between characters or a time difference. It makes sense when reading the passage, but just in case you hadn't figured it out...there ya go. :0), Stormy *********************************************************** PART TWO *********************************************************** Mulder was mentally kicking himself for not noticing what had happened, for not preventing it. Had Scully ever mentioned any headaches before? Had she ever been in any pain? *Well, except for that emotional rollercoaster you gave her a lifetime pass for.* In frustration Mulder slapped the wall in front of him, grateful for the stinging prick that helped him focus on something other than the turmoil he was going through by watching his partner, his best friend, suffer. When Scully had fallen into his arms he hadn't been sure what to do. But the decision had been made as soon as she started shaking, her arms and legs flaying in all direction, creating the bluish black bruises that lined Mulder's arms. He remembered laying her on the cold floor as gently as possible, leaning over her, trying to stop the tremors that ran through her body. When her body finally went limp Mulder picked her up easily, marveling, as always, at how light she seemed, and ran with her to the parking lost, ignoring the stares of his fellow colleagues. With a bit of juggling he opened the door to his silver Ford Taurus, laid her outstretched on the back seat and, after taking one longing look at her serene expression, he jumped into the driver's seat and drove like the wind to the nearest hospital. While navigating carefully between cars and pedestrians, he pulled out his black cell phone, pulling up the antenna with his teeth. He found the number on his speed dial and waiting for someone on the other end to pick up. He barked at the secretary who picked up, ordering her to put him through to Skinner without delay, and she complied, cowering at the passion that Mulder displayed. When Skinner's gruff voice came through the line, Mulder sighed in relief. "Sir, I'm on my way to the hospital with Scully. She was suffering from a severe migraine and then she passed out. She had a type of seizure, I think," at that Mulder's voice cracked slightly and he uttered a small prayer to anyone who was listening to keep Scully safe. "I'll be there shortly. Drive carefully, Mulder. Take care of her," Skinner instantly became concerned and reassured the worried agent. After hanging up, Mulder tucked the phone in the pocket on the inside of his jacket. He sneaked a glance at the rearview mirror, and, satisfied that Scully was no worse for the time, concentrated on making his way to the hospital. Shortly after, Mulder pulled up into the emergency bay of St. Katherine's Hospital. He threw the car into park and flung open the driver's seat door. After carefully gathering Scully in his arms, he carried her into the hospital, where she was whisked out of his sight. He occupied himself with the clipboard of paperwork they had placed in his lap and waited for Scully to come back to him. * * * A nurse in the middle of doing some research hurried into the room where a buzzer had gone off. It was her job to answer the calls of the patients and she did it with pride. Nothing frightened her and nothing shocked her. She entered the room of a patient, a Dana K. Scully, where the buzzer had gone off and found the patient sitting straight in the bed, with a companion holding her close. She took in the man's horrified stare and the patient and then the patient's eyes, bright and blue and yet unfocused on anything. She saw how they clutched their hands together, holding on tightly. Then she noticed the man's expression change. It became more menacing, a type of "I will find out who did this to you and make them pay". The young nurse ran back out without saying a word and grabbed the phone from the nurse's station, dialing the doctor's number she had memorized by heart. * * * "Now what seems to be the problem..." The doctor's voice trailed off as he took in the situation. The nurse had called him frantically, panicking, and he took everything seriously, considering that this nurse was not one to be easily frightened. He noticed the patients' eyes staring straight ahead, without looking at anything and he noticed her friend holding her close, his face displaying panic mixed with anger. He looked at her chart and began scanning his brain, trying to find out what had made this lady lose her eyesight. * * * Scully hated the dark. So, she had gotten used to it, after years of chasing the monsters that lived in the dark with Mulder, but she had never been able to shake off that feeling of terror that engulfed her when the blanket of night draped over the city. At home she always let the moonlight shine through the curtains, which reassured her slightly. But now Scully was unable to allow even the slightest gleam of light reassure her. She could not see a thing, and with that thought she gripped tighter onto Mulder, letting him reassure them both with his chant. She could hear the creak of the door and the click of a pair of shoes against the tile floor as someone entered and the clicks came closer together and fainter as that person exited in a hurry. When Scully heard the lady draw in a sharp breath she realized she must look differently and her mind conjured up the textbook images of blind people. She shuddered and felt Mulder gather her closer in. She heard the cheerful voice of the doctor trail off as he gathered in the scene he had walked into. She felt Mulder reluctantly pull away when asked to by the doctor, but not until he placed a tender, reassuring kiss on her forehead. She felt the cold again when she was alone with the doctor and she hoped, not for the first time, that this loss of sight would not be permanent. The doctor was explaining something to her but she had no desire to listen. She paid attention to the sounds she could hear, as someone else came into the room and introduced herself as a nurse. She pulled away instinctively at the gentle touch, which she associated with the nurse trying to help her up, and then she silently agreed to be helped. She was eased into a cold metal seat, a wheelchair, and they traveled for quite a while, on their way to explain what had happened, if it were possible. *********************************************************** PART THREE *********************************************************** Mulder sat staring at the phone, wishing the phone call he was about to make either unnecessary or not his call to have to make. But everytime he decided not to, he saw Scully's face, imploring him, her eyes dulled slightly but still the bright blue of the sky on a cloudless day. He remembered her reluctance to let go of Mulder when the doctor had invaded their moment, and how the innocent kiss Mulder had given seemed to boost her morale, just enough. With that he had been banished from the room, awaiting news. He saw the nurse push Scully in a wheelchair, the way she gripped the arms of the chair tightly, her ears listening for clues to where she was, the way her face betrayed the fact that she wished she could walk to her destination. He walked up to her and he saw her turn her face to be able to hear him better. "Mulder, call my mom?" she asked and he was amazed at how she knew it was him. Then he focused on her question, her request, and he began to panic. "What shall I tell her?" "The truth," came the answer, pure and simple. "I called Skinner to tell him where we were," he confessed to her, awaiting her reaction. At that her body tensed and it was obvious that she had forgotten about work. "Don't tell him," she managed to say, breathing heavily, "he can't know yet, please don't tell him, Mulder, please..." "Shhhh. Okay. I won't tell him. Now, they're going to take you to have some test. I am expecting all A's, Ms. Scully, nothing but the best. Anything lower and you're grounded." Mulder chuckled softly, hoping to reassure and relax her. Scully chuckled. "Nothing but the best, only for you. Don't forget- my mother," her voice trailed off as the nurse took her away. "I won't forget," Mulder replied, wishing he could forgetting, regretting his agreement to his best friend and dreading the phone call. * * * Mulder continued to stare at the phone. He couldn't bring himself to make the call, and yet he knew he had to. He heard the whoosh of air as the automatic doors parted and he heard the heavy footsteps as someone walking in. With his eyes closed, he could almost sympathized with Scully, experience what she was experiencing. Except that Mulder knew that whenver he wanted to, all he had to do was to open his eyes. He saw Skinner standing in front of him and Mulder immediatly wished he could close his eyes again. The Assistant Director looked worried and for a minute Mulder felt like blurting out everything. But he remembered Scully's need for secracy and he simply said, "They're doing more tests on her now, Sir." Skinner thought about that for a moment, and then spoke, "But what about you, how are you holding up Agent Mulder?" Skinner was genuinely concerned about all of his agents' problems all the time and he hoped Mulder would believe him. At that Mulder wanted nothing better than to spill the beans, to throw himself on the floor or to hit anything and everything he came in contact with. However, Mulder knew he needed to maintain control and he did so by merely answering, "I'm fine," in such a way, Scully would've been proud. Scully. The thought of Scully choked him up and he excused himself quickly, making his way to get some air. Once outside, Mulder pulled out his phone again and decided, on impulse, to dial. Finding the number on speed dial, Mulder let the phone ring and was caught surprised when the phone was answered immediately. "What is it? What's happened to her? Where is she?" Mrs. Scully's frantic voice gripped Mulder's heart and he hated himself for not calling sooner. "Mrs. Scully?" he asked. "Oh, Fox, tell me where she is." "St. Katharine's Hospital," was his automatic reply and before he could say another word the phone was disconnected. Mulder felt a tugging and he ran back to the hospital, looking for Scully. * * * It brought Scully to tears when realized she was already getting used to being blind. She sat, dazed, through the tests, doing what was required of her, wishing her knight in shining armor would come bring some light already. Why, now, she would settle for Mulder coming to rescue her! Mulder. He also brought back tears as she remembered the last thing she ever saw was his expression of concern for her evident on his faith. She had his smell, his breathing pattern, and even his touch memorized and she could tell when he was near her. But now he wasn't. Silently, she called for him as she was helped into the wheelchair, back to her room, as she was told by the nurse. Upon entering the room, she felt, sensed, smelled the essence of Mulder, "Mulder, I don't think I got all A's. I'm sorry. Am I grounded?" She heard Mulder gasp, then chuckle softly. "That's okay, Scully. You'll have a retake and ace them all!" Then she heard him clear his throat, which made Scully suspicious. She listened carefully and heard another breathing pattern. Inhaling deeply, she recognized the sweet aroma of perfume which she had given to her mother for Christmas. "Mom?" she asked, tentatively. "Oh, Dana, honey, oh look at you..." The unmistakeable warm voice of Mrs. Scully filled the room and Scully tried to detect her mother's location by ear. She felt a pair of arms, strong and comforting, surround her and she held on tightly to her mother's warm embrace. When the two parted, Scully turned to where she thought Mulder was located and said, "Thank you for calling her." Mulder nodded in response, then realized his mistake and spoke outloud, "I called her but she already knew..." His voice trailed off, still in amazement. Maggie Scully's voice interrupted, " I had a dream," she sighed, "Actually a nightmare. Aching from sitting so long in the wheelchair, Scully cautiously stood up, holding onto the chair for support. Within seconds she felt Mulder take her arm and guide it to the bed, letting her do the rest along, but silently reassuring her that he was ready to help. "What about Skinner?" Scully recalled, after a long conversation, during which time all three took turn catching up on personal life. "I was lucky. I had just managed to convince him to go back to the office to await word from me about you when I saw your 'chariot' start coming through the doors. He didn't see a thing," Mulder chuckled. "It was a close call, to say the least." "I'll call him later, see if I can get some vacation time. I'm thinkinng this thing is only temporarily," Scully said, more to herself than anyone else in the room. The three were silent for a while and then they all started reminiscing, both outloud and inside, remembering happier times. *********************************************************** PART FOUR *********************************************************** Scully, refusing to succumb herself to being a complete invalid, perched herself on the firm hospital bed, rather than lying in it, her auburn hair hastily pulled into a ponytail and wearing a white terrycloth robe to conceal her flimsy hospital gown. Mrs. Scully sat on one side of the bed, in a chair, her eyes clearly revealing how much she hated hospitals and yet how much time she had spent in them. She, two, looked as weary as the rest of the occupants of the hospital room. Mulder, standing close to Scully, one hand at the small of her back, had done a complete 180 from the morning: his hair was disheveled, his tie and jacket were bunched up in the crook of his arm and his shirt was untucked--he was the picture of a faithful friend. Doctor Kate Treeton, a young lady with an old face, one which has seen a lot in her lifetime, brushed back her fire-red hair back into the bun at the top of her head and pushed her wire-frame glasses up her nose, which managed to magnify her emerald eyes. Frowning at the chart she hesitated. "Ms. Scully--" "*Doctor* Scully," came the sharp interruption, the speaker obviously wanted the other doctor to know that she was as familiar with medical terms as another and at the same time wanting some control. "*Doctor* Scully, as you know we have just concluded some extensive tests in order to obtain the knowledge to discover what has caused this blindness and how we can reverse it. However, I am afraid that we can find no medical reason why you are experiencing this recent lack of vision. The tests reveal no cause, only the effect, which you are familiar with at the moment." "Doctor Treeton, how long will Dana be like this?" asked Maggie Scully, afraid of the answer. "Once again, we are unable to determine this. For now, all I have to offer you is my consolation and my prayers. It takes time, hopefully the condition will reverse itself shortly." "I refuse to believe that. Your *consolation* isn't good enough--" Scully interrupted quietly, "Mulder." "I want you to perform all tests that you have available--" Firmer this time, "Mulder." "You have to do everything in your power--" "MULDER!" "WHAT?" "Mulder, I want to go home," Scully's voice betrayed her cool exterior, showing how tired she really was. "But you need to know--" "No, Mulder, what I need is to live my life right now as best as I can and just hope that this is only temporary." With that the discussion about finding the reason for the blindness was finished and a new topic was opened up: Who would assist Scully? As much as she hated to admit it, Scully knew she need help. Simple things, such as cooking, driving, even picking out clothes, could no longer be accomplished by herself. Mulder was the first to volunteer. "Scully, let me. After all, my place is a wreck, *you* would be doing *me* a favor." Of course, Mrs. Scully volunteered but Scully refused her help when she remembered the trip her mother had been planning, to help Bill with his new baby, for weeks. "Mom, I can't let you miss your vacation, besides, Bill probably needs your help more than I do. I have Mulder here, and I *would* be doing him a favor." At that Scully grinned at Mulder, who pretended to be wounded, shooting her puppy dog eyes. So it was decided. Scully was handed a change of clothing and the others slipped outside to give Scully some privacy. When she had managed to get all articles of clothing on fairly well, she was wheeled downstairs to the parking lot. Mrs. Scully drove off, after placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead, and made her way to her own home to bring some things she felt Dana might find useful. Mulder helped Scully into the car, then hopping into the driver's seat, he started the engine and drove them home. *I never did like the way Mulder drove.* That ran through Scully's head over and over as she clutched tightly to the door and cringed at every honk that she heard, most likely directed at them. Of course she remembered now, Mulder always found the fastest way to get to a place and would drive as fast as he could to get there. The less time he spent in the car, the better. Without her vision, Scully was unable to warn Mulder for things she knew he didn't see until the last minute, nor was she able to prepare herself for bumps in the road or sharp turns. She felt herself lurch forward as Mulder screeched to a halt, then she heard him cheerfully announce their arrival. Scully, determined to get out alone, unfastened her seatbelt, opened the door, and promptly tripped over the sidewalk. Bracing herself for the hard concrete, she was grateful and pleasantly surprised when she landed in Mulder's arms. "Scully, please--let me help you," his voice was pure desperation--he did not want to have to take her back to the hospital after only being discharged less than an hour ago. Resigning herself to his assistance, Scully felt him let go of her arms briefly, heard the slam of the car doors being shut, and then the return of his arm back at the crook of her elbow. While trying to maintain his speed, she counted how many steps she was taking, memorizing them for next time, and at the same time hoping there wouldn't be a next time. *********************************************************** PART FIVE *********************************************************** Mulder helped Scully into her apartment and then, with Doctor Treeton's orders fresh in the heads, she was sent to make what she could of her new life. For starters, she collapsed on the plush sofa and relaxed for a while. Meanwhile, Mulder set about cleaning up anything that could cause Scully to trip and fall. With Scully's help he found the sheets and made up the bed in the guestroom, then brought her the phone to call Skinner. Having the number already memorized, Scully tried her hardest to call by herself and was proud when she got the numbers dialed right on the first try. "Assistant Director Skinner's office," came the cheerful answer from Kimberley, Skinner's secretary. "Hey Kimberley, it's Dana Scully. Is he in?" "Sure, let me put you through to him." After a small delay the gruff voice of the boss answered, "Skinner." "Sir, this is Agent Scully--" "Yes, Agent Mulder informed me that you were feeling unwell. How are you feeling?" As always, Skinner was concerned about the welfare of his agent's and he seemed to have a soft spot for Mulder and Scully. Scully was going to use this to her advantage, as much as she hated it. "Sir, I'm feeling better but I would like to take 2 weeks off." "I see. May I ask what the reason behind this is?" "If you'll excuse my saying so; it is personal." "I understand. Is Agent Mulder with you?" With that Scully answered in the affirmative, handing over the phone. "Mulder." "Agent Mulder, are you aware of Agent's Scully's request to take off 2 weeks?" "Yes, sir. I would like to take off a couple of days myself, it that is acceptable." "I believe it is. Be sure to report back Monday morning. Take care of Agent Scully." "Will do Sir. Thank you." With that the phone call was disconnected and Mulder pumped his arms up in happiness. Then realizing his mistake, he laughed softly and gave Scully a hug. Then Scully decided she wanted to have a shower so, with a few adjustments, she was able to *without* Mulder's assistance, which he so *generously* offered. * * * Scully was lying on the sofa, wearing jeans and the t-shirt that Mulder had told her was black, but which she teased him about, wondering about his fashion taste. Her hair was messily pulled up in a ponytail and she was listening to the books-on-tape that her mother had brought over. At the moment she was in the middle of a murder mystery tape and every time Mulder would tap her on the shoulder to ask her a question she would leap into the air, then laugh at herself. *Ding Dong* Mulder went over to the door to answer it after warning her that there was a visitor, chuckling to himself as she jumped. His smile turned into a frown as he noticed some people standing outside, whom he didn't recognize. "Scully, there's some people outside." "Who? What do they look like?" "One is a bit younger than you, with short brown hair and blue eyes. She's kinda tall. With her is a little girl with long brown hair and blue eyes and, either I'm seeing double, or her identical twin is next to her." "You're not seeing double, those are my friends. Umm...I promised her a while back I would help her. I guess there's no way out. Let them in for me will ya?" Scully reluctantly asked, realizing she would have to face someone without being able to see them. She had been hoping that the next time she would have to be with other people, her eyesight would have returned, but there was no choice, she couldn't break a promise. She waited until she heard the door click shut and the unmistakable gasp before she greeted them as cheerfully as she could. "Oh, Day, what happened to you?" The lady was in pure shock and she gave her friend a hug. "I dunno Keav, it just happened. If it's okay, I'd rather not talk about it. I'd like to introduce you to my servant." At that Mulder cleared his throat quite loudly and Scully laughed, then corrected her previous statement. "Ok, he's my best friend, Mulder. He works with me and he's helping me out. Mulder, this is my friend Keavy Mahoney." Keavy and Mulder shook hands and then Keavy introduced them to the two kids. "These are my daughters, Willow and Fern." She tapped on the head as she announced their names and smiled as Mulder leaned over and shook their hands. "Mulder, Keavy is studying to become a doctor and I'm helping her out. In my room there are some kids videos. Will you take the girls and let them pick one out, then get them settled in front of the TV? Thanks." With that Mulder chased the two girls out of the room, both squealing gleefully. "Day, you've got him trained really well." "Ya, I know. It's taken a lot of work though, lemme tell ya." The two set off to work, with Scully reciting everything she remembered about her years as being an intern and Keavy dutifully taking notes. Mulder stayed behind to watch the cartoon with the girls and Keavy and Scully were only interrupted when Willow got scared and ran to her mother. After a while Scully was getting tired and Mulder noticed. Soon after, the tape was over, with a bit of help on Mulder's part as he made the girls close their eyes as he fast-forwarded the tape. The girls ran to their mother, tired and ready to go home. "All right, Day, I'm leaving now. Take care, and if you need anything at all, you know where to find me right? You can just send out your manservant." Mulder protested loudly and they all laughed. "I got it Keav, thanks a lot." "Hey same here. Day after tomorrow, same time, same place?" "You got it. Hey, Willow, Fern, come give your Aunt Dana a kiss goodbye?" The girls did as they were told, Willow whisper-asking if the movie could not be scary next time. Scully agreed and Fern protested, wanting another scary movie. Keavy dragged them away before a fight got underhand and with that Scully collapsed on the sofa, getting out her book-on-tape. But before she put the headphones over her auburn tresses, she had one last thing to say. "Hey, servant, come rub my feet!" Boy was she surprised when her servant agreed, laughing aloud. *********************************************************** PART SIX *********************************************************** Mulder was staring at Scully. No, he wasn't *staring*, he was merely looking in her general direction without taking in anything but *her*. It was nearing the end of Scully's sick leave and her eyesight was still no where to be found. Mulder had gone back to work a while back and he found the days to be quite lonely without anyone to bicker with. It seemed Scully occupied herself by listening to tapes, helping her friends Keavy, Willow and Fern and moping around the apartment. She was still unwilling to venture outside, lest someone find out before Scully was prepared to tell them. Mulder made sure that she followed Doctor Treeton's instructions to the 'T', but it was hard when the patient was as stubborn as ever. Sometimes Mulder could hear Scully call her mother on the phone and Mrs. Scully's affectionate voice carried throughout the apartment, soothing both Scully and Mulder. Mulder was sitting on the couch, looking at Scully's peaceful expression as she listened to "Moby Dick". He looked at the way her eyebrows were wrinkled in concentration, her cerulean blue eyes unfocused. The way her pert nose was held high in the air, causing him to remember the way blind people generally walked, with their head bowed, ashamed of their handicap. The way she lay stretched out on the comforter, decorated with assorted flowers so life-like he could almost smell their delicious aroma. She was the picture of relaxation for the moment, in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, with her red-gold hair pulled up in a ponytail. She looked younger, more like a teenager, with her face clear, not hidden by makeup. He wished he could figure out what had happened to her but until Scully returned to work, Skinner, still being kept in the dark (pardon the pun) about Scully's blindness, had officially reassigned him to wire tapping duty--days spent muching on sunflower seeds and torturing himself with the knowledge that he could not help his best friend. Scully snuggled more into the fluffy pillow that she clutched to and Mulder looked away, pretending to focus his attention on the blaring television, as if worried that Scully could sense his gaze upon her. * * * "Scully," Mulder whispered in her ear, trying to rouse her from her sleep. He hated waking her when she looked so peaceful, the past, rare, evening having been without a nightmare disturbing her beauty sleep. *Not that she needs beauty sleep.* Mulder thought to himself. *Can it, man, you're getting corny.* With that Mulder slapped his head with his hand, quieting both voices, and concentrated on waking the red-headed angel sleeping. "Scully," he tried, a bit louder this time. He watched as she yawned, stretched and snuggled with the comforter, muttering a drowsy "Go 'way." before drifting back to sleep. "C'mon, Scully, it's our first day back to work. You have to look awake if we want Skinner to take us seriously." At that her eyelashes parted and Mulder watched her expression sadly. She tentatively opened her eyelids, searching for any light, and, when none was forthcoming, she closed them again and rolled over. Mulder groaned in frustration. "C'mon, Scully, rise and shine." With that he tugged back the comforter from her grip, revealing Scully's red silk two-piece pajamas that she wore so well. Trying to forget the detail, he grasped her delicate arms with his rough hands and pulled her into a sitting position. Then he placed the mug full of hot coffee, made just the way she liked it, into her hands and brought it to her nose. She sniffed, squished up her face and the odor and then drank the liquid. By the time she was halfway finished she was more awake. She disappeared into the bathroom to get ready. * * * "Mulder, are you sure it looks good?" She asked again, sighing in response to his sigh, which had been an answer to her question. "I can't believe you don't trust me," he said, in awe. "With my life? Sure. My makeup? No way." Running a finger along her teeth to wipe away any lipstick that might remain, she thought. She needed Mulder's help to look decent; she hoped that decent to him wasn't trashy to her. Scully shook out of her daze and concentrated on diggin her fingernails into the car's cushion, out of worry about the impending meeting with her boss and out of fear of her partner's driving. She felt the rumbling of the engine die and the click of the seatbelts. The car felt sprang up and felt lighter as Mulder stepped out the car, then she heard him open her door and help her out of hte car. Gripping the crook of his arm in one hand, she started to walk, slowly, memorizing the steps, as it had become a habit. * * * Mulder hated this. Hated it. All of it. Scully was still wearing her sunglasses in an effort to hide her problem and somewhat blend in but she merely stuck out like a sore thumb, a problem he knew all too well. Mulder returned every stare the two attracted with as much hatred in his expression that he could muster up, not difficult at the moment, considering. He directed Scully to Skinner's office as quickly as he could without causing her to stumble. While Kimberley called to announce their arrival, Mulder did his best to reassure her. "Sculy, it'll be okay. We'll figure out soemthing, and... "Mulder, I know," she interuppted, courageously. "We'll be fine." Mulder helped Scully to her feeet when Kimberley told them to and he stalled. He fixed his polka dot tie, checking their ID's, fussing over their hair. He would've kept at it until he felt her hands fumbling around, looking for something. Her soft hands warmed his cold ones and it surprised him that *he* was more worried than she was. *Well, if Scully, who doesn't believe in anything paranormal, including miracles, believes that everything will work out, then so will I.* He was not ready to give up the fight and together they could do it. Still holding hands, they made their way to the door of Skinner's office and slowly opened it. *********************************************************** PART 7 *********************************************************** Scully heard the knocking on the door and Skinner's gruff voice beckoning them. She felt nauseous all of a sudden, afraid of what will happen. She froze, the darkness shielding her from the hope she needed to see in Mulder's eyes. She couldn't focus on anything but the darkness. It pulled her in, consuming her and she gave it to it, feelig weak. But then she felt something at her hand, the lightest of touches, like the wings of a butterfly. She recognized the cold and roughness of Mulder's hand, squeezing her's, reassuring her. His voice, husky and low next to her ear, giving her confidence. With that Scully pulled back her shoulders and held her head up high. Following Mulder's lead, she walked into the office and she listened for the sounds that came when people realized what had happened. The gasp, cut off by a hand over a mouth. The dropping of a solid object on the desk, most likely a pencil or pen. The clearing of a throat. She waited a bit, feeling the tension in the air mount, and then she started talking. "Sir, I'm sure you are waiting for an explanation..." At the same time Skinner spoke, "Agents, do you have an explanation..." The three laughed uncomfortably and then Scully started speaking again. "Sir, honestly, we were just as... surprised... as you were when we discovered... this. Approximatly two weeks ago I experienced a severe headache and a seizure, for which I was rushed to the hopsital." her voice had taken a business-like, monotone qualitiy, helping her get through her prepared speech. "Less than a couple of hours after being taken to the hospital, I awoke, lacking vision. The doctors have performed numerous exams but the conclusion remains the same: I am 100% blind and the reason why still remains unclear." Choking up at the end of the sentence, Scully finished, leaning back slightly and fiddling with her ID. Once again silence filled the room, an uncomfotrable silence, and Scully wished she had something more to say. Remembering that there was, she cleared her throat, only to have Mulder jump in first. "Sir, I know it is difficult to fathom us remaining partners but we believe it possible. We would resort to consulting on cases, examing evidence. I don't think it would be wise to let Scully go, she helps me think." With that declaration, Scully choked up again. Mulder's hand was near hers and she longed to hold it, to reassure him and, at the same time, herself. But she knew Skinner would not approve. She could feel his stare on her face. She waited, hoping someone would say something to break the silence. Her head turned to the side when she hear a scraping. Ever paraniod, she listened intently, trying to figure out what was going on. She heard someone clear his throat, then sigh loudly. She felt the rush of air and she instinctively help up her harm, blocking something. Skinner and Mulder whistled softly and Scully resisted the urge to demand an explanation. "Still had those great reflexes." Scully heard Skinner say, with Mulder murmuring in agreement. "Sir?" Scully asked, curious as to what was going on. "Agents, I need to think this over and discuss it with my superiors. If you would wait in your office until I reach a conclusion, it would be greatly appreciated." It wasn't a request, it was a demand and the two recognized it as such. Leaving quietly, Mulder helped Scully to their office. * * * As soon as they were in the confines of their basement and Scully safely in the chair, Mulder started thinking aloud. "I didn't like that at all. His voice, it sounded... preoccupied... as if he were worried abot something." "Mulder, of course he was worried. I mean, this is a big shock to *anyone*." "No, it was more than that. I could see his eyes darting around nervously." Scully took that in for a while. "You know, Mulder, I think you may be onto something. There was a certain... tension in the air that was more than worry." Scully sighed. "I don't know. I just hope we can find out what's going on soon. I'm getting impatient." "It's been... all of... five minutes." Mulder sighed. "How long will it take til we find out?" "Too long." * * * Skinner watched as the door closed behind the two agents. *This couldn't be happening. No way. It wasn't supposed to happen to them, they'd been through so much all ready.* His resolve made up, Skinner stood up and walked through the back entrance of his office. Taking the elevator up several floors, he knocked on the door, then entered, bracing himself for the inevitable. Sure enough, the acrid stench of cigarettes filled his lungs and stung his eyes. Disgusted and slightly terrified, he found the man he was looking for, the one with the deep, rasping voice and ever-present cigaretted. Skinner strode over to where the man was standing and, getting into his face, proceeded to yell. "What the *fuck*? What the *hell* are you trying to pull here?" "I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about." His smooth, calm tone irked Skinner, provoking him. "I'm sure you do. What have you done to Scully? We made a *deal*. You said youwould cure her cancer and leave her alone. I don't think making her *blind* consitutes as 'leaving her alone'!". "I think I will forgive you for barging in so rudely in here when you were specifically told not to." He said, escorting Skinner firmly to the door. "Why have you done this?" Skinner demanded, losing control. "What did I do?" "You broke your part of the deal. And now they will have to pay." With that the door clicked shut quietly and Skinner, out of frustration, slammed his hand against the wall. He had screwed up big time. Now what was going to happen? *********************************************************** PART EIGHT *********************************************************** The duo remained in the basement for quite sometime. An hour later Skinner joined them in a very solemn state. Scully, still seated, listened to Skinner's decision. "Agents, I have come to the conclusion that, in light of your... disadvantage, it would more to our benefit to have you remain on the x-files." Mulder and Scully breathed a sigh of relief and then they started rummaging through the cabinets for a new case. * * * Mulder sat on the sofa, staring at his laptop and the hypnotic blinking of the cursor. He couldn't concentrate, not with the sweet aroma of fruit wafting in his direction. Scully was taking a shower, he knew, and it distracted him. Not just the issue of taking a shower, but it was almost as if the second she was out of his reach, all of his mental processes had called it quit. This was proof that Scully helped him think, something he thought she would laugh at if he told her. She was his partner, his best friend and now his brain. This was way too much. Of course, he was her eyes, a job he gratefully offered and never regretted. Trying to get his mind back to the job he stared some more. He gave up, shutting down the computer and turning to the television, letting the blaring music numb his brain. * * * Scully felt around the corner of the tub for the conditioner. Locating the smooth bottle, she unscrewed the cap and cautiously sniffed. Rememberign the scent as that of conditioner, she put a glob of the creamy substance on her hands, rubbed them together and worked it in her hair. She easily remembered her first day back after discovering her blindness. All she had wanted was a shower. Mulder made her sit down with him and memorize the scents and feel of each liquid in each boittle. The strawberry of her conditioner, the almost medicinal scent of her shampoo, the grapefruit body wash and even the passion fruit face wash made her feel like a walking fruit stand. Standing under the warm spray, Scully rinsed her hair, then rubbed her aching shoulders. Working her way towards her neck, her hand brushed the scar of her implant. Or course! The implant! She had forgotten about the work of that lovely friend of theirs. How could she have been so blind--wrong choice of words. Scully turned off the stream of water, which had been growing cold, and quickly rubbed the harsh fabric of the towl over herself. She wrapped another towel around her head, turban-style, then she pulled on the white, terrycloth robe. Cinching the robe tight, she stepped into the matching slipped and pulled the door open, letting out the steam and filling her apartment with the scent of fruit. "Mulder!" She called out desperatly, stumbling around in her hurry. "Mulder!" A strong set of hands grasped her arms, steadying her. "Scully what is it? What's wrong?" "Mulder, its the *chip*. It has to be. *They* did this to me." Recognition suddenly flooded over him as he understood what the woman in front of her was saying. Guiding her trembling body into the bedroom, he pulled out some clothes for her and let her get dressed. Pulling out his mobile phone, he paced around the living toom, tapping the antenna against his jeans. He deliberated calling his boss, figuring he had to be in on it, then he decided that a surprise would be more satisfactory. * * * Scully was gripping Mulder's arm so hard she was sure he would have the bruises tomorrow to prove it. She struggled to catch up with him, to keep him from doing anything too rash. She breathed a sigh of relief when they came to a stop in front of the door. Brushing away Kimberley's question, they opened the door to his office. "You did this to her." Mulder blurted out before a word could be said from anyone else. "Wha... wh... who...?" came the reply. Scully gasped. Skinner *never* stuttered. Not even under the most extreme of conditions; he had always maintained his professionality. "It's you! You and... and... him!" Mulder was losing his edge, frantically grabbing the glass ashtray from Skinner's organized desk. He threw it at the wall behind his boss, causing all three to leap from their places." "But... it... I... no...!" Skinner's pleading voice did nothing to help reassure the two agents standing in front o fhim. "Can't you defend yourself? I expected you to try to save face, *Skinner*." Mulder spat out every word loaded with venom. He could feel Scully's trembling hand still on his arm, but he ignored it. Skinner regained his composure. "Now listen here, Agent Mulder, who do you think you are..." "Cut the crap, Skinner." Mulder and Skinner gasped at Scully's harshly phrased expression. Her face was turning as red as her hair and she was trembling, her knuckles turning white with her grip on the chair in front of her, supporting her. Mulder stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders to calm her. Her breathing slowed and she spoke again, more controlled. "Sir, I don't have to see you to know you are hiding something. Now what is going on?" Mulder looked as Skinner grapped a scrap of paper and pen and scribbled somethign down. "I'm afraid you must have me confused with someone else. Now I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Mulder placed his hand over Scully's mouth, already starting to protest. He whispered in her ear, then, after taking the note, they exited the room. Once they were out of the building, Scully asked Mulder to read the note. 'Meet me at 11:21 PM at the corner of 10th and 13th street-- I'll explain.' *********************************************************** NOTE: There are spoilers in here dealing with Scully's cancer, the chip and her abduction. As much as I hate to say this: do not read if you don't want to hear about the previously mentioned. *********************************************************** PART NINE *********************************************************** It was awfully chilly for such a night in the spring so Mulder, ever the gentleman, offered his jacket to Scully, who accepted graciously. They had been waiting quite a while for Skinner to show as the hour was approaching midnight. The dimly lit corner gave Mulder a whole new sense of paranoia and he kept Scully within his eyesight at all times. When he heard the heavy footfalls approaching, he pulled out his gun and trained it in the direction he felt they were coming from. At Skinner's shocked expression, he put his gun away, noticing Scully did the same. "And I thought you had stood us up. You could've called, ya know? We've been so worried," Mulder's voice, part sarcastic and almost "nagging mother" -ly shattered the silence. "I had to double back; I thought someone was following me." "And I thought *I* was paranoid! You're getting to be like me." "Hey--it's not paranoia if they're really out to get you. Okay, I presume you both are curious as to why you are out here. I have a bit of a story to tell you. Please--don't interrupt. Just wait, until the end," When the two agents agreed, Skinner began. "Scully, when your cancer became known to us all, I went and made a deal with, well, for lack of a name, the smoking man- -" "But..." Mulder protested. "I know, I told you not to. My reason being that I can accept being 'imprisoned' by someone, to play my part. I felt the need to and I haven't regretted it for one minute. Until now. "The deal was that both of you would be left reasonably alone *if* I kept you away from any major findings. His end of the deal included curing your cancer in the long run, and, basically, blending into the woodwork. "The day Agent Sully lost her eyesigh you both were discussing a file I had found in Texas. I had thought it was pointless and didn't give it another thought, merely handing it over to you to investigate. "Obviously I was wrong. "I've tried to contact him but I've been basically ignored. I haven't got a clue what to do or how to stop him. "Agent Scully, I need you to understand. I couldn't let him do this to you. I've seen his power and his effects on other agents. He thrives from this and I can't let this happen any longer. I can't. When I took my job I vowed to 'supervise' the agents under me, but it's become more of a vow of 'protection'. "I know what you both have been through. This whole--thing-- had been orchastrated from the day Agent Mulder was conceived." "What??" Mulder and Scully gasped. Skinner sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm afraid it's true. Haven't you figured it out yet? "From the day you were created, the decision had been made. You would be sacrificed, along with a number of others. On a monthly basis your mother was examined to make sure you were suitable." "But then Samantha came along..." Mulder, understanding what Skinner was getting at, interuppted. "Right. You've got it. Excellent." Skinner nodded his approval. "But wait. What did they need her for? I mean, what was the *purpose* of all of this?" The ever-sensible Scully asked. "Well, it somewhat complicated. See, the reason why is because--" Skinner was unable to finish his sentence at the crack of the gunshot shattered the conversation. A lone body crumbled to the floor. * * * "Is it done?" Came a raspy voice over a secure phone line. A puff of smoke wafted up, filling the room. *********************************************************** PART TEN *********************************************************** The thick liquid coated everything it touched, staining it permanently. Seeping out slowly from the wound, it drained the life from the person lying on the cold cement. That very person verbally expressed their agony, draining the color from the faces of the survivors. The wounded waited for help to come, hoping it wouldn't come too late. And the two remaining survivors watched, frantically doing their best to save the fallen. They waited for help to come, hoping it wouldn't come too late. * * * * * And in the quant bedroom with flowers decorating it, a small woman sprang from her bed. These days there were several people whose pain she could feel. Everytime someone she knew closely was injured, she experienced it. Grabbing the phone from her bedside table, she frantically dialed the number of the cellular phone of the person she thought was injured. She just hoped she wasn't too late. * * * * * He tore his shirt to shreds, his favorite t-shirt. But it didn't matter to him. He made a makeshift bandage, pressing down hard on the wound, ignoring the protests of the wounded. A cell phone rang and he ignored it at first, concentrating on the victim. However when the caller persisted, he found the phone in the jacket of the fallen. "Yes?" "Am I too late? Please tell me I'm not too late?" A frantic female voice asked. "What? Mrs. Scully?" "Just tell me!" "I don't know! I don't know anything. I think I hear sirens. We're going to St. Katharine's Hospital, meet us there," Hanging up on the caller, he felt bad. But the sirens sounded like music to his ears and when the victim moaned once again, he sighed. "Scully, it'll be okay. Just concentrate on living, on breathing. Don't give up." He continued to whisper promises in her ear, hoping he wouldn't have to break them. "Mulder?" Her voice was hoarse, weak, as she struggled to say some finals words. "No. Don't say anything. Just concentrate on surviving. You're stronger than this, Scully." * * * * * Gathered around Scully's bedside, Mulder and Mrs. Scully waited for her to regain consciousness after her operation. Skinner had left, afraid that more bad news might come out of people realizing that he was talking to Mulder and Scully. A doctor stopped by, the surgeon, to check on his patient. "When will she wake up? She will wake up, won't she?" Mulder couldn't bear the sight of his best friend lying in that bed, again. Doctor Wilkens sighed. "I believe that she is a fighter. And she won't give up. I can only tell you to hope that she *is* a fighter. Keep talking to her." With that he left the room, hoping he was right. Mulder walked over to Scully's side, sitting on the chair. He leaned over to her ear and started whispering. Scully's mother, realizing Mulder probably preferred privacy, excused herself to the cafeteria. "Scully. C'mon, don't make me do this again. You can't. I mean, how many times do I have to see you in the hospital. I don't even think they were aiming at you. I think they were aiming at Skinner. I mean, we didn't do anything wrong this time, did we? "Listen, Scully. I've been researching stuff on the internet. There are many places we can go to see if they can repair your eyesight. I know you want to see again. There's a doctor, a Doctor Bailey Parker. I've talked a couple of times to him and he's seen your tests. He thinks there's a chance, Scully. We need to go to London. C'mon Scully." Mulder sighed, frustrated. He had heard a song on the radio the other day and he hummed it. He whispered the words softly in her ear. "'Cause when the world is cold and I need a friend to hold you give me love... you give me love. And when my hope is gone, and it feels I can't go on, you pick me up, you give me love." "Who sings that song, Scully? It's in my head. I think I heard it when I was with you. C'mon Scully, you need to wake up." "Faith Hill," a raspy voice answered, so softly he didn't realize he had heard her. "Scully?" "'You give me love'." "Okay, Scully, get over the song. Are you really awake or am I hallucinating?" "I think you are hallucinating. How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up a couple of fingers. "Aren't I supposed to be asking you that question? It's good to have you back, Scully." Leaning over, he gave her a hug, thanking the world that she was back. But his joy slowly diminished when he noticed her vacant stare, signifying that her eyesight was stilll a no-show. He leaned back to give her space. When he saw her arm wave around in the air, searching for him, his heart broke. Gripping Scully's hand, he made a silent promise--he would get Scully's eyesight back. *********************************************************** PART ELEVEN *********************************************************** Soon they were back at Scully's apartment. Scully needed more help than ever, what with her limping around and being unable to direct herself. But that was Mulder's job, a task he took on willingly. * * * "Scully, what do you think about London?" It was a gorgeous day outside and the two were sitting in Scully's apartment, Scully seated with her posture straight in a rocking chair she had gotten as a present. Slowly swaying back and forth, her constant rocking calmed her. Mulder, on the other hand, paced around the house and after the question popped out of his mouth, he stopped moving, gauging Scully's reaction. "It's a gorgeous place. Why? Who's going?" "Well, I was doing some research on the internet. There's a doctor over in London, a Doctor Bailey Parker. He has the technique that he has found useful for restoring eyesight. I believe he can restore yours." "But Mulder." "Just let me explain, please? I mean, it sounds complicated but it's roughly a type of laser surgery. You know how well me and specifics get along, eh?" "I don't know." "What's to know? He can perform this surgery on you so you can see again." "I just... don't think so." "What do you mean?" "I mean, I'm not sure I want to go through with this." "Why not? Look, we'll fly out to London soon and have this surgery and come home." "There's too much that can go wrong. I've never heard of this surgery before; it must be experimental. I don't think I want to try this, that's all." "Dammit Scully, I'm tired of this," Mulder visibly expressed his anger with Scully's reaction as he slammed his fist against the wall. Ever calm, Scully refused to anger him even more and chose to play naive. "Of what?" "This game we play. It's always the same roles. I'm the believer and you're the skeptic. But this isn't about aliens of conspiracys, Scully; this is about you. I want you to be able to see sunsets, the stars, hell, even the stairs. Why can't you trust me?" An uncomfortable silence followed and Mulder flung himself into the armchair. Fiddling with the fabric, he watched emotions scurry across Scully's face. Then, as soft and quiet as a kitten's cry, Scully uttered two simple letters, "Ok." Her shoulders were slumped in resignation and her eyebrows were furrowed, as if still thinking. But her crystal blue eyes still had that vacant stare that would continue to haunt Mulder. The days that followed flew by as Mulder struggled with many tasks. After obtaining an appointment with the doctor, he had to get some more time off for the two of them, pack and continue to research the surgery--Scully's one condition for her agreement. However it didn't take long until the two were finally occupying two coach seats on a plane destined for London, England. * * * "Mmm, Mulder, breathe in that fresh air," Scully, grateful to be be on firm ground and exhausted from such a long flight cooped up in such a small place, stood outside the airport, one hand firmly gripping her best friend's elbow, the other holding onto her carry-on. Her face was tilted towards teh sky as the sunlight danced on her face, making her eyes sparkle. She took big gulps of the air, urging Mulder to do the same. Mulder sighed and took in a breathe, coughing as a breeze appeared and filled his lungs. He had lived in England before but that was when he was younger and more naive. Then he had had his heart broken by a tall brunette who liked to play with fire. This time he was here for Scully alone and no one would get in their way. "Ah, well, what do we have here?" A familiar British accent interrupted the thoughts of the two agents. Mulder turned his head slowly to find his ex-flame, Phoebe Green, leaning against the wall, eyeing him up and down. He felt Scully's hand grip his arm more tightly and he tried to reassure her by taking his arm and wrapping it around her, somewhat posseively. "Phoee, what a *pleasure* to see you again," Mulder sapat out, sarcasm dripping like honey from his worrds. "I *know*," gushed the detective, oblivious to he fury building up in the man standing before her. "And Agent Scully, what a treat it is to see you again." "I wish I could say the same," Scully remarked, flinging a double bitted sword at the woman she detested so much. "Well," started the brunette, obviously intent on beginning a conversation. "All right, Scully, here's out taxi," guiding Scully into the awaiting vehicle, Mulder too, stepped in and without another word or glance, the two drove away, leaving a stuttering Phoebe Green on the curb. <<>> * * * "Oooh, I like this song. Can you turn up the radio please?" Scully asked the taxi driver, who obliged. "It's not right, but it's ok. I'm going to make it anyway." Whitney Houston's crystal voice came through the radio speakers. Mulder squeezed Scully's hand. "Listen to her Scully, she know's what she's talking about." "All right, here we go," The driver turned down the music, much to their dismay, and slowed the car to a stop. "Are you sure this is it?" Mulder asked the taxi driver. "Yes, sir, according to the address ya gave me," came the reply. "Mulder? What's the matter? Are we here?" Scully asked. "Yea, we're here," paying the driver, Mulder helped Scully out of the car. "It's just not what I expected." "Describe it for me." "It's the ideal cottage, white picket fence and white shutters. There are roses of all colors. t's..." "Quaint," Scully breathed, her mind at ease for the time. The pair just stood there for a bit, thinking and reflecting on everything they had been through together. Both were silently worried but each reassured the other with the squeeze of a hand. "Well, are you just going to stay outside all day long?" A gruff but friendly-sounding voice startled them out of their trance-like behavior. "I'm Doctor Parker, you must be...Mulder?" Accepting the outstretched hand, Mulder answered in the affirmative. "And you must be Dana. C'mon, then, let's get you inside," Taking Scully's free arm by the elbow, he helped Mulder lead Scully into the house, where some equipment and a reclining chair occupided the room. Scully was helped in the reclining chair, never letting go of Mulder's hand. "All right, now I imagine that the two of you have researched this procedure. I explained the basics to Mulder. Overall, the procedure will last 3 days, with your eyesight slowly improving. I will be using this laser here for an hour each day. Now, you have some place to stay?" "Yes, we are staying at a bed and breakfast a couple of blocks over," Mulder reached into his briefcase and pulled out the brochure, eyeing the stack of information of Doctor Parker that he had found on the internet. "Wonderful. Dana will most likely be tired and a touch ill after her treatment, a side affect of the anesthesia she will be under, and having your room nearby will be beneficial. Now, are there any questions?" There were none and so the doctor excused himself to wash up. "Scully, will you be okay?" "Mulder, don't leave me alone. Please. Even if he asks you to leave, make sure you don't. I trust him, but still..." Scully trailed off, remembering all too well the people she shouldn't have trusted but who she had. "Don't worry. I'll be holding your hand the entire time." "Pinkie swear?" "Pinkie swear." The two linked pinkies, then Mulder took Scully's hand and held it, vowing not to let go. *********************************************************** PART TWELVE *********************************************************** Mulder was regretting his decision to come out to Doctor Parker. He had truly believed that this man had a cure for Scully's blindness, but so far he had been continously disappointed. The first day of Scully's treatment had resulted in Scully spending the first 10 minutes after the 'operation' in front of the toilet, releasing her lunch. Then she had collapsed, too weak to hold herself up, causing Mulder to carry her and call a cab for them both to their bed and breakfast. When Scully had woken up, Mulder had expected her eyesight to have improved, and it had, but all she could make out was blobs, nothing specific, and that had ended up with her begging to take the whole bottle of Tylenol (R) in order to relieve the headache that left her huddled up under the covers, in pain, reminiscient of her days as a cancer patient. The next day she had woken up much better, but her eyesight was on the other end of the spectrum and she saw nothing, minus a few flashes that caused Mulder alarm. He was reluctant to allow this procedure to continue but the doctor insisted it was for the benefit of his best friend, leading to a major guilt trip and tickling the bit of hope that still resided within him. But when the same results came up after the treatment, Mulder was ready to prove to that man how accurate a shot he was. "Once more," was what the doctor ordered, including the fact that his research had indicated that "one more day of pain and suffering would lead to happiness that would last a lifetime". As usual, Mulder resisted, although his heart ached when he remembered what Scully would have to go through. The procedure over with, Mulder paid the man, who asked that the two take it easy for the next week and then return for a check-up. Mulder, believing with every bit of his being that Scully would sbe miraciously cured, agreed and shook the doctor's hand eagerly, thanking him and his lucky stars. After all, this time Scully was standing up, not lying weakly on the ground, and she had kept her previous meal down where it belonged. She had said that she was "fine", which Mulder took to be gospel truth. He "knew" that Scully would be back to normal by tomorrow and within a week that they would be back fighting for the truth. But he was unable to know that Scully was not in pain because she had received extra medication, contrary to the previous times, the doctor's plan to get his money's worth. So, Mulder truly did not expect to wake up and discover his partner still form in the bed next to him early in the morning. Of course, it was early in the morning. But when he came to the realization that her hands were cold because she was not breathing, he understood that something was seriously wrong. * * * "Sir, you will have to stay here. I cannot allow you to go in there." "But I need to see her. Please, just let me be with her," the need in his voice was unmistakable but the orderly refused to let Mulder in the emergency room where Scully lay on a gurney, unresponsive, as doctors furiously worked to help her breathe. "Sir, if you do not go and sit down in the waiting room I will be forced to call security." Resigned, Mulder drew away from the man's grip on his shoulder. He backed into the waiting room area, but his eyes never left Scully. He waved away the required paperwork that was shoved in his hands and did not talk to anyone. He simply chanted to himself, a constant prayer, *********************************************************** PART THIRTEEN *********************************************************** He was on his way home. Home. He was going back to D.C. and, contrary to his fears of a couple of days ago, he wouldn't be going home alone. She sat on the plane seat next to him, her face being warmed by the sunshine from the window. He squeezed her hand quickly and she returned the gesture, smiling slightly. He remembered his worry that he would never see that smile again and his heart lifted. Only three days ago Scully had been released from the hospital. The doctors had ended up inserting a tube down her throat to force her to breathe and eventually she responded, breathing furiously. Mulder wondered about the meaning of that, whether she had unconsciously refused to breathe, preferring to end her life right there. But she had changed her mind and returned to him, for that he was eternally grateful. * * * 3 DAYS AGO "Sir? She's asking for you," the kind eyes of a nurse rested gently on the man that had spent the night in a waiting room chair, tossing and turning and calling out the name of the patient in room 226. She had passed the room of the patient with the fiery-red hair and saw the first signs of her stirring. After checking her vitals, she felt her heart break as her voice came out timidely, asking for the name of the man she was presently standing in front. Without a word Mulder leapt out of the chair, bones cracking in protest as he did so. He started off in the direction of the room, then stopped and as an afterthought ran back to the nurse. Seeking out her eyes with his own he thanked her in a soft voice and, hearing her words of acceptance, he sprinted off in search of the woman who had invaded his dreams all night long. His breath came in short gasps when he reached the room he was looking for and his heart fell to the floor when he saw the bruises that ran up and down her creamy white arms. The IV that was presently in her arm must have been difficult to get in, he surmised. He gave her a once over, grateful to discover that the only other thing that was holding her to her bed was the fresh oxygen delivered to her by 2 prongs inserted in her nose, easily removable. He crossed the short distance between them and gently tucked back a strand of her hair that had fallen into her face. "Scully?" He asked hopefully, curiously. Her face turned towards him at the sound of his voice and a slight smile graced her face. "Mulder?" His heart dropped even more as she fumbled around with her free arm, finding his face and feeling the features she knew so well. Her hand made its course from his face down his arm, making its way to his hand and clutching it. She blinked several times, a feeble attempt at trying to clear whatever haze was preventing her from seeing him. Mulder kept watching her as her breathing became more frantic, her mind disturbed by the fact that she had not been healed. He soothed her, murmering in her ear, brushing back her hair and quieting her down. He watched as her breathing slowed down and then became deep, signaling her return to slumber. With that he reached down and pressed a kiss on her forehead, then left the room. Once outside the hospital he became a madman, furious at the man who had given them empty promises and swatted them away like flies. He hailed a taxi and directed, in a no-nonsense tone, the driver to the location he was seeking and as the scenery passed by he became more and more restless. Sitting on the edge of his seat, his hands on the door, ready to jump out and find the so-called doctor and teach him a thing or two... Breathe Mulder. Breathing is good. He could hear Scully's voice warning him. She would want him to stay calm and so he did so, trying to relax. But when the taxi came to a stop in front of the building Mulder recognized from only yesterday, he flung the dollar bills in the front and jumped out of the car, not given the driver a second glance. Pounding on the door with his fist resulted in the door snapping open, much to Mulder's surprise. He entered cautiously, drawing out his gun and aiming it in front of him. He checked the rooms and found them all empty. Everything that would have indicated a recent tenant had disappeared and it was that information that broke the camel's back. Mulder held out his arms in helplessness and took another look around. Sinking into the floor, he held his head in his hands, trying to think of what to do. * * * The logical solution had been to head back to D.C. So once Scully had been discharged they had found a flight out to D.C. The flight was longer than ever, perhaps because the hope that they had held so deeply within themselves had been snatched from them. The two had kept their voices to themselves throughout the flight, an occasional brush of the shoulder or squeeze of the hand signalling their existence. Once they had landed at the familiar airport and picked up Mulder's car, Mulder was less of a wreck. He had so many ideas that he could research on the internet, to try to find a cure. There had to be another person that could help them, that could do what the other doctor could not. He drove calmly and when they reached his apartment he had switched gears, behaving as gentlemen do. However everything changed as Mulder escorted Scully to the room she had been calling her own. Her eyes deceptively looking his direction she sighed and then said "I can't do this anymore," before closing the door quietly. *********************************************************** PART FOURTEEN *********************************************************** She let him think about it for a while. She had thought about it the entire journey home, come to think of it, she had been contemplating it since she had awoken in the hospital and found herself as she had for many previous weeks-- sightless. She knew it would be hard for him to hear and to accept. She knew she should be grateful and the truth was, she had never been more grateful in her life. She was thankful that he had taken her in, even though she was only a burden. She was thankful that he was so nonchalant about the changes he had needed to make in his life, to rearrange everything for her. He had done everything short of cutting up her food for her. Of course, she knew it was fitting. The two were stuck to each other like glue and were as compatable as any two people could be. She had never felt the urge to buy a cane; Mulder's eyes were good enough for her. His instructions of the location of everything ranging from food to walls was as informative as could possibly be. Yet she knew she had placed a heavy burden on his shoulders when she had asked him to take her in. Mulder was only Mulder when he was obsessive and worrysome, the two things he did best. He had made it his life to take care of her and she did not want that. He had been forgetting the important things: the quest for Samantha, the quest for the truth. And while she knew she did not have the time to thank her lucky stars, she also knew Mulder didn't have the time to live like this, not with so many other things looming within their reach. Once she had made up her mind and had spoken the words she knew he would understand, she had nothing left to worry about. She slipped into the shower and tried to rid herself of the smell that she had come to associate with hospitals. Once she had convinced herself that she smelled as sweet as roses, she changed and slithered between the sheets, trying to convince her heart that she knew what she was doing. However she hated sleeping. Loathed it with a passion. The day went by quickly with Mulder near, he didn't need to say a thing nor make a noise yet she knew he was within reach and she knew he would come running. During the night she knew it too but something was different. Perhaps it was the daylight that calmed her, the feel of the sun warming her face that rested her mind. When she slept she knew she would dream and her dreams were rarely pleasant. Tonight she wasn't allowed to sleep. Mulder was restless and that meant pacing. She knew he was an insomniac but she also knew that when he was worried he became even more of one, if that were possible. She shouldn't have burdened him but they both needed time to think of what they wanted to do. Sighing, she crawled out of the covers and, placing the slippers on her feet and wrapping the robe around herself, she made her way over to where she knew Mulder would be. "I'm sorry," were the first words out of his mouth. He was lying down on the coach and she heard him move over and make space for her. He took her hand and she sat down next to him. He wrapped his arm around her and she leaned against him, smelling his scent. "Why are you sorry? I'm the one that's giving up. Aren't I supposed to be begging for forgiveness?" As content as she felt where she was that moment, she knew she would end up moving because she had placed herself on attack mode, thereby insuring Mulder's response would be defensive. Of course, there were times when she was wrong. "Shh," he murmered soothingly, brushing her hair from her face, "we're both sorry and we both forgive each other, ok? I know you want to give up and therefore you must know that I can't accept it. But I understand that you don't want to spend the rest of your life searching, like I have, for something that might not be there. And so I forgive you. But at the same time I'm sorry because I have to be like you, be with you. I can't fight for the truth without you by my side. I don't have it in me and I know I wouldn't survive. So if you quit, then so do I." That was something she was not expecting. *********************************************************** PART FIFTEEN *********************************************************** "Mulder I know what you're thinking. I mean, you feel responsible for some reason and you have to understand, it's not your fault. Knowing you, you could probably twist it into being your fault but it's not. So you don't have to make sacrifices you aren't willing to live with." "But I am willing to live with them. Because they aren't sacrifices anymore. They don't matter if you aren't with me." "But if we quit now... they win. Didn't you tell me that?" Scully let Mulder think about that for a moment, that he retaliated. "They won't see it coming. I mean, they might but not completely. And we still will have our ways, our sources, to keep us searching. With us gone they might relax and that'll make it easier for us to find them." The two pondered that for a bit and then, with their arms wrapped around each other fighting the other's demons, drifted off to sleep, wondering what to do and deciding that the morning would decide for them. THE NEXT MORNING Standing in front of Assistant Director Skinnner is never a pleasant experience, no matter the occasion. True, the plush wood chairs set out in front of the Assistant Director's own desk were comfortable and since the cigarette smoke which formerly infested the room had mysteriously vanished, it seemed at times almost friendly. But no matter what the circumstance, Mulder always felt like he was reporting to his high school principal, a scary old man with no sense of humor. However this time was different and all three present knew it. Scully broke the silence and attempted to state what they had come to say, officially, although the fact was well known by known and had been circulating the bureau already. Willing her bright blue eyes to focus, she handed the two sheets of typed up statements, which she had been clutching onto so tightly that wrinkles were creasing the previously crisp sheets, to her boss. Brushing back the strands of red-gold hair from her milky white skin, she tried to form the words. She carefully ran a tongue over her lips, attempting to gather the energy to say what needed to be said. Then, her voice reappeared and she spoke, tentatively at first and then more determined, "We are here to hand in our resignations." "Excuse me?" "Exactly what Scully said, sir, we are here to hand in our resignations. Effectively immediatly, we will no longer be working with the Bureau." "I understood that part, Agent Mulder, and am quite familiar with the reason why Agent Scully might feel the need to leave. However I am having a difficult time understanding the reason for your departure." "How 'bout we say personal issues, and leave it at that?" Mulder knew he was pushing it but he did not want to spend the rest of the day arguing with his boss, make that *former* boss, about why he wanted to quit. Skinner sighed, taking off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. He had seen this coming, he thought to himself. However he thought Mulder would have stayed a while longer, dedicated himself more to his quest. "Sir, I understand your concern and I assure you, we have thought this through completely and we feel that this is the only way." Skinner looked wearily and the two agents standing in front of him. He saw, rather than the cold-hearted agent everyone portrayed her as, a woman with a too-pale complexion and an obvious weight-loss, not to mention her eyes, once a startling blue and now a cloudy gray, due to whatever had caused her to loose her eyesight. Next to her was a man, not a spooky agent, but a man filled with so much pain inside of him, asking for a way out so that he could spend some time finding the affection he deserved. He knew they were entitled to this and he knew they insist on it. * * * He stared at the pieces of paper, incrediously. "You must be joking." "I assure you, this is not a joke." "I did not see this coming, you understand." "Surely you must have. After all, how long do you suppose they could have remained quietly waiting for her eyesight to return." "I saw this," waving a paper bearing the signature of a Dana K. Scully in the air, "coming, but not this," waving the other paper, bearing the signature of a Fox W. Mulder. "I didn't think he had the nerve to do so. Of course, he doesn't have the nerve to stay, does he?" "To play your sick games? No one has the will nor the energy to do so." He ignored that last statement and took another drag on his cigarette. "What do you plan to do?" "Approve them." "I beg your pardon?" "You heard me. I find no reason for them to remain under my supervision and plan on approving their resignations," With that Skinner finally had the last word and left the cigarette smoke-infested room. * * * "It's only been 2 days. It took them that long to decide to accept?" Mulder couldn't believe that he found himself standing in front of Skinner's desk only a few days after turning in the papers declaring their resignations. "I'm afraid so." "Aw, you're gonna miss us, aren't you? Come on, admit it." Skinner ignored that last comment and cleared his throat. "I'm going to have to ask you to hand over your badges and weapons, of course." The two did so, looking longingly at the items left in a pile on the desk, unable to process what was happening. After all the years of fighting the bad guys, searching for the truth and protecting each other, they were no longer partners and they had given up. In a way. "Mr. Mulder, Ms. Scully," the two looked up in disbelief at their 'new' names, finding themselves already missing their previous titles, "I wish you well." "Thank you sir. Perhaps we shall meet up in passing?" Scully's voice came out timid, her attitude had changed from cold to quiet with the change of a name. "I look forward to it. That shall be all," The two turned to leave, Mulder's one hand at Scully's elbow, guiding her and the other at the small of her back. Skinner watched as Scully placed herself in Mulder's capable hands, letting him see for her and trusting him completely. He was going to miss them, no matter what anyone else thought and no matter what corners they managed to paint themselves into. He saw them stop, simulatinously, give a small wave and smile, then continue to make their way out of the building. *********************************************************** CHAPTER SIXTEEN *********************************************************** It was dark. He couldn't see his hand in front of his face. He was only 11, not even a teenager, and his dad had been showing him how to develop the film. He had to roll the film to be developed on a spool--in complete darkness. He remembered his father warning about how he would be unable to see a thing, how he might be scared, and he remembered his reaction--laughter. Until the older man left the room and turned off the lights. He had never been scared of the dark before, but this had frightened him to no end. He struggled to put the film onto the spool, afraid of how vulnerable he was. The cold tiling made the room seem eerie and he rushed, trying to get out of the corner he had been huddled in, film all around him and no familiar face to reassure him. Of course, then he had made everything worse by dropping the spool, hearing the crack of the plastic hit the tiles and listening to it unravel the film, scattering into the depths of the darkness. He had been demoted to crawling on his hands and knees, bumping into tables and cabinets, looking for his beloved film. "C'mon, boy, what's taking you so long?" He could hear his father urging him to hurry up but time seemed to go slower, as he accumulated bruises. "I can't find it, need to find it, can't find it, can't find it, too dark, too dark, TOO DARK!" With the Mulder sat up straight in his bed, shaking off the last of his nightmares. He fumbled around and found the lightswitch, breathing in deeply as the light flooded the room, killing the rest of his fears. He hadn't thought of that day so long ago in such a long time. It had been before Samantha was... taken; he had spent the day taking photos of everything around him. His father was so proud of him, one of the last times he had been proud. At least until his father had walked in to find his son huddled in the corner, sobbing, with the light on, ruining his exposures. At that thought, he rolled off his bed and made his way to Scully's room, where he found her sleeping, the covers twisted and half of the bed. He straightened them out and tucked her in, then made his way into the kitchen to get a glass of water. He remembered all to clearly that day, how he had been so frightened, having to crawl around, listening to things tip over and crash all around him as he searched for the light. And he remembered his relief when his fingertips finally grazed over the plastic, as he lifted the switch and let the light bathe the room, illuminating his path. Making his way to Scully's room, he leaned over and looked at her. That moment had lasted a total of 10 minutes, perhaps less. How must she feel, having been unable to see, for months? His guilt increased, as he remembered his silent promise of weeks ago to take care of her, to cure her. So why, then, was she still the same? * * * "Lone Gunmen." "Turn it off, Frohike." "Couldn't sleep with the blessed one within your presence, huh? I'd gladly switch places with ya. Doubt I'd be sleeping a whole lot either." "Down, Frohike." His voice turned quiet, solemn, and inquiring. "How is she?" Mulder sighed. "She's the same, which is why I'm calling. Have you heard anything more?" "Nope, everything's quiet on the ol' smokey front. I'm surprised, man, it's been, what? 3 weeks?" "Close enough. So, no answers?" "Sorry, haven't heard a thing. You know we've been trying, though, right buddy?" "Ya, I know. Keep trying and let me know if you hear anything?" "You know it. Hey, Mulder?" "Yea?" "Take care of her? Give her a hug or something?" "Sure." Mulder felt like slamming the phone down in fury, but, remembering the sleeping redhead in the next room over, resigned himself to punching a pillow instead. He had gotten nowhere and was no closer to helping Scully. He had no other choice. He picked up the phone again and dialed the 7 digits. When the other line picked up, with the speaker still half asleep, he rushed into his plan: "What does he want?" * * * *Knock, knock, knock* *Knock, knock--* "Shhh! She's asleep, finally. Thanks for coming over so soon, by the way." "Yea, well, you know. Look, are you sure you know what you're doing? I mean, you've come to me like this before." "I'm sure. Really." "Does she know." Pause. "You haven't told her?" "No, which is why I need you to stay with her while I go." "You're leaving now? Mulder, are you sure--" "We've been through this before. I'm leaving. Take care of her." "I will." * * * *Knock, knock, knock* "Ah, I've been expecting you." "What do you mean? How did you know?" "I have my ways. Are you willing to cooperate." "Depends. What do I have to do?" "Whatever I tell you." "Now listen--" "No, I won't. It's your call. Do you want to save her?" "Yes, but..." "Then it's settled." "I don't think so." He whipped out his gun and aimed it, shooting off the bullet before the man in front of him even realized what was going on. *********************************************************** PART SEVENTEEN *********************************************************** She could feel the warmth on her face, refreshing her and at the same time urging her to wake up. She felt refreshed, something she hadn't felt in a long time. She must have slept for a long time, but she had no idea what it was. She wanted to open her eyes, to see if she had regained her eyesight but she knew she would only be disappointed if she did so. She kept her eyes closed, imagining what she would see if they were open and working properly. And then she felt it. She didn't know what it was but she knew something was wrong. Instead of feeling safe because Mulder was near, she felt vulnerable, as if someone was watching her. She froze, feigning sleep, trying to see if she was imagining things, but then she heard another unfamiliar breathing pattern and her heart raced in panic. She could feel someone's eyes on her, watching her, and she knew that she had no choice but to give up. She cleared her throat, then made her presence known, "What are you going to do to me?" The intruder let out a startled gasp, obviously having thought that she had been asleep. "Nothing." She let out a gasp in return, relieved because that voice was familar. "Skinner?" She opened her eyes, struggling to see him. And she was rewarded. Instead of the black nothing that she had seen for the past couple of months, she saw colors. Blurry colors, she was still unable to decipher anything, but it gave her hope. "Oh, my..." "Scully? Are you okay? I mean, should I get a doctor or someone?" "Where are you? Wave your hand or something." She waited as he did so, looking around and then she finally saw it, a beige blob moving in front of her eyes. "I can see it. I can." "What?" "I mean, not in focus, but I can see more than I've seen in a long time. Oh... Get Mulder. I need to tell him. I think my eyesight is coming back. Where is he?" At that Skinner muttered a string of curses, causing Scully to withdraw and panic. "Where is he? What happened to him?" Skinner sighed. "He's gone. He went to find him, to see if he could make a deal." "Him?" "*Him*" "And you let Mulder go?" "You know I couldn't stop him. I'm sorry." "So that's it then? You let him go. And what for? Now that everything is finally going our way, Mulder's going to sell his soul to the devil himself... for nothing. Jesus. He's going to lose his life and he's not going to know what's happened. That we've finally won. We have to go find him." "What?" Skinner was confused and watched in awe as Scully easily walked over to the end of her bed, picked up the clothing that had been placed there the night before, and made her way to the bathroom to shower and change. "Figure out where he is. Give me a half hour to get ready and then we'll find him." With that, she closed the door in her former-boss' face. * * * "How are you feeling Dana?" She shivered at that, the unfamiliarity of her first name nerving her to no end. "Just fine and dandy, and you?" "Look, we'll find him, okay?" "Well, we've been on our way to 'finding him' for several hours now. He's not at any of the places you thought he would be and it appears to me we're at a dead end. So, what's your plan?" "To go home." "What? You're giving up? Just like that?" "Well, this is Mulder we're talking about. I don't think he'd just ditch you and leave it at that, right?" She snickered, then gasped. She pulled out the sleek phone and pressed in the numbers she knew so well. She hoped she had hit the right buttons and breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the answer on the other end, "Lone Gunmen." "Byers, it's me. Turn it off." "Scully, how are you feeling?" "Better all the time. Things are *looking* up and much more clearer." "Really?" "Yes. So, anyway, have you heard from Mulder?" "He rang late last night and spoke to Frohike but other than that..." "Did Frohike say what he spoke of?" "He just wanted to know if we had found out anything else." "And?" "Sorry, nothing. But we'll keep looking." "Listen up Byers, I think Mulder's been tricked. He went to pay a visit to Ole Smokey last night and we haven't heard from him since. I think he went to make a deal but now a deal isn't necessary." "Thank God." "Yea. Byers, if you hear anything..." "We'll keep you up-to-date. Don't worry." "Thanks Byers." With that she disconnected the call, all the more worried that something might be going wrong and how helpless she was to fix it. *********************************************************** PART EIGHTEEN *********************************************************** She sat there, helpless, waiting, hearing his agony. She wanted to comfort him, to run to him and put her arms around him, to never let go. But she couldn't do that, she could only listen and wait. "Scully. I know you're out there. I know you can hear us. Come out and then Mulder can go free." She couldn't say anything, not wanting to reveal her hiding place, and instead choked back a sob as the torture continued. The whip of the madman cracked and made contact with flesh, eliciting a painful sob from the man suffering, tied up, pulling at the restraints to no avail. "You wanted the cure. It was all about you. He risked everything and now he'll die. And you'll live with the guilt, because it was all your fault. It. Was. Your. Fault." "Scully! I need your help. Scully!" She could hear him, his words amplified, resounding in her brain and torturing her mind. Mulder, she thought, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. "That's it, Scully. I've had it. Say goodbye to him. Say goodbye." "Scully?" His voice was little more than a whisper, weakened by the torture he had endured, all for her. He sounded like a child, no longer sure that she would save him. That she could save him. "Mulder! I'm here! I'll save you! Leave him alone, you bastard!" Her voice betrayed her location and she screamed at the top of her lungs, praying that the man would back off. "Mulder!" And then she heard the unmistakable crack of a gunshot, listened to it pass through the body of her best friend and hit the concrete wall behind him. She heard his sharp gasp, his scream of agony and then silence, as his body crumbled and hit the floor. "Mulder!!!! No!" She curled up into a ball, rocking back and forth. I'm so sorry Mulder. I'm so sorry. I tried. It was too late. I'm so sorry Mulder. I'm so sorry. "Scully?" The familiar voice broke through her mantra, pulling her back. She would recognize that voice anywhere, as would she recognize that hand that was brushing back her strands of hair dampened by sweat from her forehead. "Mulder?" She asked timidly, struggling to decipher reality from nightmare. "Is it you?" "Shhh. It's me. I'm here." "You left me," she stuggled to free herself from her nightmare and tried to focus on his soothing voice. "I know. I'm so sorry. I came back, though," she felt his warm lips place a tender kiss on her forehead and she opened her eyes. He came into focus. All of him, in all his glory. Everything from his thick brown hair, to his hazel eyes and his tender smile at the sight of her. She gasped and threw her arms around him, delighting in her ability to finally see him. "Mulder." That one word was filled with everything, including her complete contentment. Pulling back slightly, she glanced at him, trying to memorize everything that had grown fuzzy with time. Frowning, she noticed something. "You have a black eye." "What? No I don't," Mulder, obviously unaware of Scully's returned eyesight, struggled to hide the truth from her. Scully leaned forward, reaching her hand out, brushing back a strand of his hair and then lightly touching the area above his eyebrow that had turned a purple color. "Don't lie to me." It was at the point when Mulder realized what had happened. "Scully?" She nodded, the smile stretching across her face, making her look all the more beautiful to the man in front of her. "Really?" When she nodded again, Mulder's smile appeared, growing to match her own and he leaned forward and crushed her to himself, squeezing her tightly. They held each other like that for a while, just being. Knowing that they would survive, that they had beat the odds and would live. * * * Scully thought back to her first night of blindness, plagued with nightmares that Mulder had needed to conquer. He eventually had ended up in her bed, hugging her tightly to his chest. "Mulder, what happens after?" She had asked, the worry in her face obvious to the man she clung so tightly to. "After what?" He frowned, afraid for the petite redhead he embraced, and wondering what else could be worrying her. "After the darkness." "Life." "Life?" "Yes. After the darkness comes life," Mulder had placed a kiss on her forehead with that statement and held her tightly, fighting off her demons. That night Scully had slept comfortably, hoping that Mulder would be right. And now she knew he had been correct. Because no matter what happened in the future, nothing would harm them because they were both at peace. They would live their life to the fullest, now that they had the opportunity. And that was all that mattered. *********************************************************** PART NINETEEN--EPILOGUE *********************************************************** Scully sat in the plastic seat of the wheelchair again, but this time she held the hand of her best friend rather than gripping the arm of the chair. She had just undergone a series of tests, at Mulder's insistence, to figure out what had happened and if what she was experiencing what permanent or temporary. The nurse positioned the chair in front of the hospital bed and Mulder helped Scully stand up and transfer herself over so she sat on top. Then he too sat on the bed, shielding her from harm, more out of habit than of actual protection. A couple of taps followed by the creaking of the hinges signaled the entrance of... everyone. The Lone Gunmen slipped in, high five-ing Mulder and nodding to Scully. Mrs. Scully, joined with Scully's friend Keavy and her daughters made their entrance, hugging and kissing the 'patient'. Skinner even made an appearance, standing in front of his former agents and smiling. "Care to explain what happened?" "I was counting on it," Mulder thought back to the night before... * * * It wasn't hard to think back to that night, even considering the fact that it had happened less than 48 hours ago. However, the memory was imprinted on his mind and he could not forget it. He had entered the apartment and had been greeted by the foul stench of cigarette smoke. He struggled to ignore it and instead made his way around the apartment quietly, managing to sneak up on the occupant. However he had been waiting and had been unwilling to deal. So Mulder had no choice. He pulled out his spare gun and, cocking it rapidly, fired a shot into the ceiling. "Why, I'm impressed. Usually you never get furthur than aiming before you retreat." "Shut up. I'm in control here. Can you cure her?" "Perhaps." At that, the elder man snapped his fingers and, to his complete surprise, Mulder was surrounded by two men who put up quite a fight. By the time the two were under his control, their smoking man had escaped, with Mulder's mode of transportation. Therefore Mulder had spent the rest of the time searching the apartment for clues and when he came up with none, he had hitchiked home, which is where the story ended. * * * "Mulder, you've heard of a phone though, haven't you? I mean, usually you have one attached to you. Are you telling me he didn't have a phone in his apartment?" "Yes, I am. He must have lived off his cellular phone. And you thought I was dependant on my wireless..." He ended with a chuckle. "And mine was in my jacket, which was in the car. I'm sorry--" "No, it's okay. It's done with. Let's just get past it." Scully's voice trailed off as the doctor walked in with his metal chart filled with her notes. She flipped through them, cleared her throat, then looked around the room, noting the number of occupants. "It seems I have an audience today. Well, Miss Scully, it appears to us that you have regained full use of your eyesight, as you have noticed. The reason has yet to be determine, as has the expected duration of it. However, I wish you well and, once again, recommend prayer." With that, the doctor left the room and all those remaining let out a sigh of relief. Quiet engulfed the room for a fraction of a second, before the chatter started up again. Scully looked around the room. She was surrounded by her friends and family, something she was grateful for. She knew Mulder was right; they would live. They could take whatever life would dish out and they would survive. Because they had come after the darkness, to find life. *********************************************************** END AFTER THE DARKNESS *********************************************************** AUTHOR'S NOTE: I do have some things to note, for which I apologize for. I realize now that Scully would still be Doctor Scully once she lost the Agent, but I have several reasons that may justify my usuage of her being called "Miss Scully". Not only was she rarely called Doctor Scully, especially by Skinner, but also the fact that she could not see might seriously affect her ability to remain a practicing doctor. Not to mention the fact that it had more of a dramatic effect. I also apologize for the fact that it took me nearly 5 months to finish. I was going for a long piece, not for it to take a long time, and I am sorry. I repeat: None of the characters, except Doctors Kate Treeton and Bailey Parker, Keavy Mahoney, Willow Mahoney, and Fern Mahoney, belong to me. They belong to their creater and I meant them no harm, really! I encourage, no I *beg* everyone who is reading this to send me some e-mail, as I have been lacking feedback and missing it like crazy. It makes me happy. And that'll make you happy. So, isn't that a good incentive. E-mail me at Stormy226@hotmail.com And finally I leave you with this: I was listening to my Notting Hill Soundtrack (I just bought it) while I was typing and as I finished the last paragraph, this song (Ronan Keating's "When You Say Nothing At All) came on, and I think it says it all: "It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart. Without saying a word, you can light up the dark. Try as I may I can never explain What I hear when you don't say a thing. The smile on your face let's me know that you need me. There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me. The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all." *********************************************************** =============================================================================== "After The Darkness" by Stormy Heart This story was downloaded from the Gossamer Project on 4 April 2011. Do not archive stories elsewhere without permission from the author(s). See the Gossamer policies for more information: http://tooms.gossamer.org/local/policies.html ===============================================================================