TITLE: Haunted

AUTHOR: Foxhunt2blue

SUMMARY: Some things don't die

RATING: R to NC-17 Language, Violence, & Sexual Situations Definite Mulder Torture above & beyond the call of duty Scully Torture, Torture for Everyone!!!!

SPOILERS: Maybe some blink and miss ones for first two seasons. This takes place a month after the events of my story "WHERE ANGELS BURN..."
to understand it completely I suggest you read "WHERE ANGELS BURN..."

DISCLAIMER: Again with much grief I must say, ...sob,... I don't own them never have,...Never will. CC is god to all things X!! The title is borrowed from the song of the same name written & recorded by POE.

DEDICATION: To VB,...someone who shares my obsession ;D

"Come here...
Pretty please?
Can you tell me where I am?
You,...want to say something....
I need to get my bearings....
I am lost and the shadows keep on changing...
And I am Haunted......,"
"HAUNTED"  written & recorded by POE

PART I

It always began the same.

He lay on his back the rich scent of moist earth filling his nostrils and the taste of blood in the back of his throat. Above him the sky curved over the bare field, where he lay, in shades of grey and blue. Colors that spoke of a storm, yet to come.

He couldn't move, his limbs spread and pinned to the ground as if he were being crucified. At his feet a raven perched it's glossy wings spread in a canopy of ebony feathers, it's eyes glittering emerald in the dim light of his nightmare. Somewhere deep inside he felt a powerful pull towards the bird and it's all to human eyes.

As he watched in horror, unable to speak or move, the raven's body began to melt and reform.

Before his eyes the raven changed to a woman.

Winter pale skin, ebony hair that flowed down smooth shoulders, and emerald eyes that danced with delight at his fear.

He struggled against his invisible restraints as she settled between his outspread thighs. It was then he realized he was completely nude causing a flush to creep along his throat up to his cheeks.

She crept closer still and now he noticed the wings.

Gigantic wings spread up and out from the womans shoulder blades, then curved down to form a canopy over his shivering form. Leaning over him she smiled as their lips met in a raw kiss.

Forever

The single word sent shivers along his spine, a cold sweat breaking out along his upper lip.

How could any of this be real?

No, this is not real!

Mulder woke screaming.

From deep in her sleep addled brain Dana Scully heard the sound of a wounded animal echoing through the silent darkness. Rolling over she peered from beneath the comforter to see the soft glow of the clock.

Two in the morning?

What the hell had woke her?

Sliding from the beneath the comforter she lifted her gun from the nightstand and headed for the hallway. Nothing seemed out of place as she moved from room to room, but then appearances could be deceiving.

Since Mulder had been released from the hospital she had been overly cautious about everything. Almost losing him had changed her in many ways...some better than others.

She had in the midst of a violent spiritual revelation realized how much she needed...no...how much she loved him. The thought of never seeing him again had set her on a journey to discover a part of herself she had kept hidden for to many years.

She pulled herself from her thoughts as she finally decided it was just another nightmare that had woke her. There had been more than she cared for over the last two months. Many of them after Mulder had insisted he was..fine..and chose to stay alone at his place. She had hated the idea more than she allowed him to know. Her dark memories were interupted suddenly by keening cry outside her front door.

Silently she peered through the peep hole, but nothing was visible. Drawing back the chain she popped the dead bolt and opened the door. To her horror she saw what she had hoped never to see again.

Mulder sat, knees drawn up, face buried against them rocking violently back and forth. She noted that despite the chill outside he wore only a thin tee-shirt and a pair of worn sweatpants. As she knelt beside him she saw his feet were bare and caked with mud.

"Mulder?" she whispered her fingers stroking his hair.

When he looked up she saw once more his eyes held the look they had when he had woke up in the ICU. They were filled with emotions she had only seen in the eyes of those who had survived war and all it's horrors. Only one word had came to mind when she saw that look for the first time.

Haunted.

He woke with a start not knowing where he was or how he had gotten there.

Tears, which had never come that easily, sprang to his eyes as he struggled to free himself from the suffocating blackness that had swallowed him.

"Sssccuuullly!!!!!"

"Hush...I'm here Mulder."

Suddenly there was warm golden light and blessed air filling his lungs. He was in a bed...her bed and he was safe. It had just been a nightmare...nothing more.

Scully held him as he choked back terrified sobs. Nightmares were common with Mulder they had been their entire time together as partners, but not sleepwalking. The thought of him making his way to her in the icy darkness alone and terrified caused her throat to constrict.

"Scully?"

"Yes, Mulder."

"How did I get here?" His voice quavered in fear.

Again she thought of a moment mere months after they had become partners and how he had spoke those same words.

Ellens Airforce Base in Idaho.

Those faceless men had in their own way done to him the same thing Lilith had done.

Don't think about that woman.

"Scc..cully?"

She turned towards him torn from the dark memories by his tone. Wide shock darkened hazel focused on a point across the room were the lamp light didn't quite reach the shadows. The terror she witnessed in his eyes made her turn to follow his line of sight.

"What is it? Mulder?" She reached out to stroke his trembling fingers that clutched at the bedspread. Her fingers barely touched his when he flipped out.

"NNNOOOOO!!!"

Backpeddling through the tangle of bedclothes he clenched at the headboard with white knuckled fingers. When she tried to calm him with soft whispers he began rocking back on his heels, banging his head against the wall until the pictures jumped that hung there.

"Nononononononoooo.......I didn't..I didn't," he was sobbing now his voice thick with tears.

"MULDER!" Scully grabbed his arms and began to shake him.

Suddenly he sat up his eyes clearing and she realized he hadn't been awake.

What the hell kind of nightmares was he having?

Hiccupping he tried to wipe the tears away with the tail of his tee shirt.

"I'm sorr...sorry Scully...," he whispered as he slid from the bed.

"Where exactly do you think your going Fox William Mulder?!"

She darted across the room blocking the door, her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"I...I shouldn't ..I shouldn't have come here," he let his head drop, eyes averted to the carpet beneath his bare feet.

"Why did you come?"

"I was scared...I..I..she..," he mumbled.

"Who is she?"

Now she stepped forward lifting his face with the tips of her fingers. His lower lip was caught firmly between his teeth and tears floated at the edge of his lashes threatening to fall.

"Th..the..raven..the angel.. with black wings."

"The angel?"

A sudden flash of Lilith passed over her eyes. She had never called Mulder by his name she had only called him angel. Drop it Scully, she thought, Lilith is dead and Mulder doesn't remember what happened to him. Why dredge up ghosts from the past that had no bearing on the present?

"It was just a nightmare Mulder. Come back to bed I'll stay with you...okay?"

Like a small boy reassured by his mother Mulder shuffled back to the bed.

Even as he stretched out beneath the covers his eyes never left her. Soon they were both buried deep in the covers, Mulder's head resting on her collarbone. Snuggling her nose deep into his sweat dampened hair she wrapped her arms around him.

"Don't let her get me..," he whimpered softly.

"No one is going to get you Mulder I promise."

Bacon.

Definately bacon, Mulder thought, as his head popped from beneath the thick comforter that encircled him. Until he had smelled the bacon, he had been determined to stay here in bed until nature's call got the best of him.

At the sound of his stomach growling he threw back the covers, determined to not show any embarassment for last night.

When he had made it half way to the kitchen he heard someone singing softly.

Scully?

Dana Scully was singing a Meatloaf song?

What was the name of that song?

Paradise by the Dashboard Light.

"Are you hungry Mulder?"

Shaking his head in wonder he smiled.

"Yeah...I didn't know you liked Meatloaf?" Settling down in a chair he ran stiff fingers through his hair. A plate settled down in front of him filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, and buttered toast.

"There are..my dear Agent Mulder..quite a few things you don't know about me," a mischievious grin broke across her lips. Grabbing two cups she filled them with freshly brewed hazelnut coffee and handed one to Mulder.

"Scully..about last night," he began.

"Yes...," she glanced up at the sound of his voice.

"Nothing."

"Look Mulder all I want to know is how long?"

"How long what?" he mumbled around a mouthful of eggs.

"How long have you been sleepwalking?" Scully raised one slender brow in annoyance.

"Sleepwalking?"

Mulder grasp the coffee mug in two hands as his fingers began to tremble.

God, why couldn't she just let it go? Bringing the cup to his lips he watched her over the rim with hooded eyes.

How could he tell her about the nightmares?

How could explain how he went to bed in sweats only to wake at dawn naked? Naked with what appeared to be bruises and scratches from violent sex. Oh, he knew sex was involved there was evidence of his own orgasm splattered across his sheets. And the smell of sweat, of body fluids filled the air.

These dreams had began right after he had returned from the hospital...after he had been told what had happened to him.

Kristen.

Scully and Skinner, had told him she had been stalking him. Then one night she had slipped into his apartment and drugged him. Vague references were made to blood letting and rape, but he couldn't remember what had happened.

Supposedly she had kept him captive for two weeks in a secluded area just outside Baltimore drinking his blood and repeatedly raping him.

Mulder couldn't remember any of it.

Until the dreams began.

"Scully I wasn't sleepwalking..I swear. I just had a really bad dream and freaked out."

"Bad dream?"

"Yes, Scully a bad dream..a nightmare. You do remember what those are?" He met her eyes head-on knowing that if he didn't she would never believe him.

"Just a bad dream..do you promise me?" Her eyes darkened with worry.

"Yes, I promise," he whispered softly.

He hated lying to her, but he didn't want her to know.

"I can't move at all."

"Why not?"

"I don't know..it's like I'm pinned to the ground, but there's no restraints."

"Then what?"

"She's there on top of me...her hands moving over me..I..I can't move."

Hot tears streaked Mulder's face as he stood up struggling to hold back the screams that threatened to tear from his lungs. He hated this, but they wouldn't let him return to work without the counciling. A wave of chills enveloped him as he rocked back on his heels eyes focused out on a distant point beyond the office window.

"This is fucking stupid! Why won't you people just leave me alone?" The last word tore from his throat with a choked sob.

"Fox..if you want to continue your life you have to come to terms with the ordeal you went through." Dr. Evelyn Manners leaned back in her chair studying her patient.

"Why? I can't even remember it..her..I don't understand why I can't just go back to work."

"Fox..,"

"And that's another fucking thing...CALL ME MULDER!!" He roared turning on the silent doctor.

"Mulder....I'm sorry if I've upset you, but you have to relax."

"Relax?" Mulder began giggling hysterically. "I'm so damned terrified I can't relax..I don't think anyone is telling me the truth..not even Scully. I feel like their trying to hide something from me."

"Why? Is it the dreams?"

Mulder slumped into the chair, face cradled in his palms. As Evelyn Manners silently watched, his shoulders began to shake with repressed sobs. His body beginning to rock with all that pain she had first saw in his eyes.

"I think she's doing...doing something to me..me."

"Listen to me Mulder...Kristen Kilar is dead. Dana Scully shot her when she tried to kill you after they discovered her hiding place. She is dead."

He shook his head as she spoke.

No....that wasn't how it had been.

A flash of metal.

Cool metal in his palm.

"No..no I killed her," he whispered.

"Mulder you couldn't have killed her. When your partner found you...well you were barely alive. Do I have to remind you of the extent of your injuries?"

"Massive head trauma, broken ribs, punctured lung, third degree burns on my arms and wrists, contusions, multiple lacerations....do I have to say more?" Mulder choked out.

"All rape victims want to ultimately feel in control. They want to be the one who gets revenge on their assailants...but you have to accept that Agent Scully killed her. You have to accept that she's dead or the wounds inside will never heal."

Cold wind whipped across the street as Scully made her way to the last place she had to look for her partner. She had tried his apartment, her apartment, the Lone Gunman's place, then she remembered this place.

Even as she crossed the street she knew the slumped figure setting next to the reflecting pool was who she sought.

His chin rested in his palms, elbows on knees. Eyes glistening and swollen with crying focused on the empty pool, his tears now shimmering ice on his flushed cheeks. Scully's throat constricted as he reached up to brush more tears from his eyes.

Would he never find peace?

"Mulder?"

Without looking up he scrubbed at his face with a damp sleeve.

"Why are you lying to me Scully?"

"What?!" Her eyes widened as she settled next to him on the bench.

"Who the hell is Lilith?" He still refused to look at her.

"Lilith? I have no idea..why Mulder?"

"Godammit Scully!" He cried standing up, "Don't lie to me..I..I'm not glass..I won't fucking shatter if just one damn person tells me the fucking truth!!"

She shuddered unsure if it was the cold or the anger she saw in his tear swollen eyes.

How the hell had he heard that name?

Or had he began to remember?

"Mulder..please listen to me I don't...,"

"Jesus Scully...don't even! Just tell me who is she?!" Tears were pouring down his face as he paced back and forth arms wrapped around his ribs.

"I just want some..someone to tell...tell me what really happened to me..,"

his body collapsed to the pavement at those words.

Scully rushed to him unable to watch his pain for one moment more. Gathering him in her arms she knelt there, rocking him like a child. How the hell could she tell him what had happened when she couldn't bring herself to believe it?

"Yes, sir. He's resting now..no I called Dr. Manners..yes she prescribed a mild sedative. No you don't have to come over we'll be fine."

Mulder lay stretched out on the bed facing the window. He could hear the worry in Scully's voice as she spoke with Skinner, but it didn't matter. They were lying about what happened..all of them..even the guys. Jesus why did he even bother, he thought, when all the people he thought he could trust were now betraying him.

"Mulder?" Her voice was a soft whisper.

"Yeah...,"

"How you feeling g-man?"

He shrugged his shoulders. What did it matter how he felt?

"Mulder..please..just understand for once. I would never do anything to hurt you."

Turning over he met her eyes, soft and damp with tears. Reaching out she opened her hand to reveal two tiny blue pills.

"Sure...why not? Is that the answer? Everytime the psycho loses it drug him into oblivion." Grabbing the pills he slipped them onto his tongue accepting the glass of water from Scully. He swallowed hard, turning away when he noticed the tears trailing down her face.

"Mulder?"

"I'm tierd Scully...I just want to sleep."

Turning away she walked from the room the sound of her sobs in his ears.

Angel

Mulder's eyes flew open at the sound of her voice.

Who's voice?

Oh, god...please not again.

This time he lay on cold stone, his wrists bound above his head.

An altar...a church?

Her wings stretched out filling his field of vision as he struggled to free himself.

"No..no..god please...no..," he whimpered.

Her lips cold...burning against his bare skin...teeth nipping at his flesh.

He was naked..vulnerable...she was going to touch him...rape him.

"Scully..scu...scully...," he whimpered eyes darting all around the room.

Angel I promised

"Nonononononno..........,"

Her cool fingers..stroking..teasing.

He tried to fight, but his body obeyed her...only her...hips lifting up in time with her icy touch.

"Sccuuuuullllyyy!!!!!!"

The sound of Mulder's scream brought Scully straight from deep sleep to wide awakefulness as she panted in shock. Standing on weak legs she ran towards his bedroom the sound of his strangled screams echoing in her ears.

Suddenly she was knocked of her feet as if she had run into a wall.

With a quick bounce she was back on her feet only to meet with resistance once more. Unable to pass through the door she watched in horror as Mulder convulsed on the bed.

This wasn't possible, she thought, as she watched the material of his tee-shirt rip open from collar to waist and the weight of something unseen descend to the mattress on either side of his hips.

"Mulder!"

Another cry tore the air as she pounded on the wall between them.

An invisible wall.

Slowly his arms were forced above his head, wrists together as if they were bound. Now his hips were jerking up from the mattress as each button popped open loudly. Tiny bruises began to blossom across his throat and collarbone, then scratches appeared, standing out vivid and raw on his pale skin. Head thrashing from side to side he cried out desperately for her as this phantom assailant abused his body.

"Goddammit! Leave him alone Lilith!" she screamed.

Lilith?, she thought, Where the hell had that thought come from?

No.

She was dead.

Lilith was dead.

Cold laughter rippled through the room stinging Scully's skin.

"NOOOOOOO!"

She slammed her body against the wall seperating her from her partner. Suddenly she was falling through onto the floor, scrapping her knees. Stuggling across the floor she heard him scream one last time then everything went still.

Fingers clutching at the mattress she pulled herself up.

Across his chest bloody slashs formed letters, the letters of one word.

MINE.

"Oh, god Mulder not again..not again..," she whispered pulling him into her arms.

End Part I


PART II

"Agent Scully!"

Dana stopped pacing long enough to glance up with tear filled eyes at the approaching figure of A.D. Skinner. Just his presence here reassured her mind of what she couldn't have seen. She wasn't a weak woman, but she found herself drawing comfort from his strong embrace.

"How is he Dana?"

Pulling from his arms she smiled weakly as she fought the tears that threatened. With a soft sob she wiped at her eyes furious with her own reactions.

"I..I don't know. The doctor is in there with him now."

"Can you tell me what happened?" Skinner had hidden the man only to put on the A.D. skin he wore so well.

Scully needed a friend, but she needed a boss right now.

Shaking her head she frowned. "She was there."

Three simple words that spoke volumns.

"Dana she's dead. He killed her almost at the cost of his own life."

"No sir he killed her vessel. Lilith is a demon..a spirit. How could we have thought oh god sir she was there in his bedroom. As crazy as it sounds she was there!"

"Are you having second thoughts?" Skinner pulled her into his arms.

"We lied to him, sir. We lied about what happened to the authorities," she whispered.

"Scully...Dana do you think they would have believed the truth? Hell if we had told them we would have been locked up quicker than we could have said FBI."

Her soft crying suddenly changed to laughter as she pulled back. Skinner lifted one huge hand cupping her face his thumb gently wiping away her tears. This woman, he thought, had been through so much and still she stood strong. A rock against the storm that threatened everything her life had represented.

"Dana Scully?"

They both turned to meet a middle aged woman in a navy suit. Her whole posture screamed educated upper class money. Scully stepped forward a hand extended in greeting.

"Yes I'm Dana Scully what can I do for you?"

"I'm Evelyn Manners."

"Dr. Evelyn Manners? Your Mulder's psychitrist. It's nice to meet you finally. This is Assistant Director Walter Skinner our supervisor."

"It's wonderful to meet you both, but I'm sorry it had to be under such circumstances.

I've heard quite a bit about the two of you over the last month. Any friend of Fox's is a friend of mine."

Sleep was all he wanted to do, but the nightmares had become more than he could handle. Mulder lay staring at the ceiling of the hospital room wondering how he had arrived here with no memory of the trip. The last thing he clearly remembered was taking the sleeping pills from Scully and then...what? Something must have happened because here he was the rough gauze around his wrists irritating his skin and the same brush of gauze against his chest.

Slipping from the bed he crept on wobbly legs to the bathroom holding to the wall for support with one hand the other behind him holding the hospital gown closed. He hated these damn gowns they seemed to be made to embarrass.

Once he had made it to the bathroom he leaned heavily against the wall panting for a decent breath.

Why was he so weak?

Lifting his eyes he tried not to gasp at the face that stared back at him. Dark smudges hollowed out his eyes giving him a haunted look.

Why was this happening to him?

Suddenly the surface of the mirror began to cloud and shift. Mulder stood mesmerized by the undulating colors as a face formed in the mist.

Angel

His whole body began to shiver at the sound of her voice.

My Angel let me see you

Slowly he tugged at the tie at his neck. Shifting his shoulders the gown fell down his shoulders to pool on the floor around his feet.

Beautiful

Mulder threw his head back as she caressed him with her eyes.

Give me what I need Angel

Slamming his fist into the mirror he grabbed a shard of glass, gently caressing his arm with the razor edge then increasing the pressure. Warm blood welled up dripping down his arm as he continued to lay his flesh open.

"Mulder! Oh, my God what are you doing?!"

Turning towards her voice he smiled.

"She's calling me Scully."

Then his eyes rolled back into his head as he collapsed to the floor.

The last the thing that Scully had expected to find was Mulder slicing open his arm when she entered the bathroom.

At his words she backed out of the room running for the call button, then grabbing a blanket she returned to cover him.

Behind her in the outer room the sound of at least five people scrambling to answer the call reached her ears.

"In here!" she screamed as she tried to stop the flow of blood that was now pooling on the cold tile floor.

"Hurry...please..he's slit his wrists. Oh...god there's so much blood."

Scully was yanked to her feet by strong arms as the nurses and doctor lifted Mulder's limp form on the count of three.

She struggled against the arms that held her as they settled him on the bed hands busily stopping the flow of blood, injecting pain killers, sealing wounds inflicted by his own hand. Sobbing she fell into those same strong arms as she watched them clean Mulder up and dress his wounds.

"Why? Why would he do this?"

"He didn't...she did."

Looking up from Skinner's embrace she rested her eyes on the woman that stood in the doorway with shock.

"Hawthorne?" she whispered.

"She's still here."

Emerald eyes called to him as he struggled against the tide of darkness. Flashes of memory crossed his eyelids in a strob effect.

Kneeling on cold stone a sheet wrapped loosely around him.

Touching himself as the woman watched with those eyes.

Eyes the color of polished gemstones reflecting back an unnatural light.

Her kisses like firey embers scalding his flesh.

Lips, teeth, and tongue teasing...nipping at puckered flesh...shivering in fear?

Desire?

Fingers long and cold.

Sliding between his legs...grasping..stroking.

Oh, God...No..no...don't want this..don't..please don't.

Mulder sat up choking on the screams that echoed off the walls of his room.

"Calm down Mulder!"

He blinked against the image of those eyes as Skinner's voice penatrated his terror.

"Sir?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Scully?"

"She's resting in the nurses lounge."

He finally gave into the exaustion and fell back against the pillows tears in his eyes.

There was a darkness at the edge of his vision, a darkness he could not deny no matter the reason. Scully had hidden the truth from him and now he knew that the only way to this truth was through this darkness. His fingers played along the bandages that covered his forearms.

"Are you okay Mulder?"

Glancing up into Skinner's dark eyes he smiled weakly.

"I'm just tierd," he whispered as he closed his eyes.

When Mulder hadn't been in the hospital bed she had thought he might have fallen in the bathroom. What she saw had shocked her to no end. Mulder had stood in front of the sink the bathroom mirror shattered. His gown had been pooled around his ankles and he held a jagged piece of glass. Jagged slices decorated pale flesh, blood pouring down his arm, pooling in the floor.

Now she was sitting here facing the only hope she had of saving him.

Hawthorne.

Her pale violet eyes seemed to bore into Scully's brain, but then that wasn't suprising considering what Hawthorne was.

What she had hidden from them all until the end of the battle when Mulder lay dying in Scully's arms.

An angel.

She walked the earth, but she had been born of heaven.

Hawthorne had healed Mulder and with her healing touch had destroyed the horror of his memories...or so they had thought.

"How?" she whispered meeting those ancient eyes.

"She is a demon..a spirit. I had hoped that Kristen's death would destroy her grip on Fox, but it seems we just removed one of many roots."

"He overcame her though....he was the one who destroyed her human body. You claim that God created her...why can't he destroy her? Why?"

"A balance must be kept between light and darkness...as long as God exists so should Lilith. She is a part of him...as is all darkness."

Scully stood pacing the room her fingers worrying at the tiny crucifix that hung at her neck. She felt as though the world was breaking apart one sliver at a time.

If not for this she would have almost convinced herself that Lilith and Kristen had been one human, two personalities. A female serial killer that Mulder had allowed to escape only to face her twisted mind again years later.

That wasn't what had happened.

"You believe as a Catholic that Mary ascended to the throne of heaven as it's queen. In that same line of thought Lilith joined with Lucifer to become the queen of a darker place...Hell."

Night had draped it's arms across the city hours ago, but still she waited. There was no hurry that had been her mistake before. She had allowed the human soul she had drawn her power from a freedom which had cost her the only thing she desired.

Fox Mulder.

He was the one.

Long ago he had been promised to her, but the woman Kristen had seen to it he saw the light. Even now she hoped that Kristen's soul was burning with the fire she so deeply deserved.

Her essence drifted on the silent air, through dimly lit halls to the one person she searched for. Mulder lay sleeping his body relaxed for the first time in days, but the drugs could only make Lilith's job easier.

With ethereal hands she caressed his face causing him to whimper, his breath clouding with the chill that engulfed him.

He was in the cemetary again.

Beneath his bare feet the frozen surface of the snow cracked and shifted. He didn't want to be here...he didn't want to remember. At least not the truth.

My Angel

Her voice was a sweet icy caress against his trembling mind.

"Who are you?"

Do you not remember...my sweet?

Mulder shifted to follow the flow of her lithe body. She was a ghost...a spirit..some faint memory ready to explode from his aching skull. Shivers ran along his skin as her cold fingers teased the ridge of his spine.

"Kristen?"

At the sound of that hated name Lilith wrapped her fingers around his throat squeezing. Eyes bulging he tried to fight for one breath, but her fingers flexed tightening even further.

How dare you speak her name?

The voice tore at his brain shredding the oxygen deprived tissue as she lifted him until only his toes brushed the frozen ground. Tears stung his eyes, his lungs burning...screaming for one breath of blessed air. Explosions of stars shimmered across his vision as the voice tore into the very depths of his soul. If there had been any air left in his convulsing lungs he would have screamed.

FOREVER

At the sound of horrified screams Walter Skinner practically knocked the chair over he had been sleeping in. Wide awake he stared in horror at Mulder's thrashing limbs a mere second before he was slamming the call button hard enough to leave it's imprint on his palm.

"Mulder!" he grasped the other man's shoulders trying to shake him awake at the rasp of tortured breathing filled his ears.

"Wake up Mulder!"

Suddenly Mulder's eyes flew open wide and terrified, all pupil leaving them completely black with shock. His lips were turning blue from lack of oxygen as he clawed at his throat with desperate fingers.

That was when Skinner saw it.

Deep depressions in the pale skin of his throat.

Invisible fingers bruising and choking the air from his lungs.

A shiver tore through Skinner as he tried to pry away hands that did not exist. Anger filling his every breath as he watched Mulder's eyes roll back into his head the whites flaring with a silent promise of death.

"In the name of God let him go..," he hissed between clenched teeth. He had no idea why those words came, but the result was instantaneous.

NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The shriek threatened to burst his eardrums as Mulder fell limp as a rag against the twisted sheets. The temperature dropped until he could see his breath expelling in a frosted cloud. Pulling Mulder into his arms he watched as a million tiny flickering lights swirled through the room spinning closer and closer until the began to form a misty image.

Lilith stood fingers flexing in anger as he looked on in horror at her swirling form.

DAMN YOU...HE IS MINE

"No..," he met her emerald eyes with determination. "I won't allow you to have him."

Your God can not save him

"Maybe...maybe not. But I sure in the hell will!"

With a hiss of disgust her form exploded into nothingness, leaving a chill in the room as Mulder sucked in a gasping breath. His body shook with the effort as Skinner stroked his back gently.

"It's okay...breath Mulder...she's gone," he whispered as the on call trauma team threw open the door.

By the time Scully had been roused by the on call nurse everything had calmed down. She stood over Mulder one hand intertwined with his the other gently caressing the dark bruises that marred the the pale skin of his throat.

"She was here? You saw her?" She had to swallow to keep the fear down.

"Yes she was...and yes I did. I'm sorry Scully I couldn't stop her from hurting him." Skinner laid one large hand on her trembling shoulder.

"He's alive that's all that matters. She could have killed him...what stopped her, sir?" She turned to meet his dark eyes.

"I told her to leave him alone...in god's name..," he lowered his eyes to Mulder's pale face. "I don't know how, but I knew that it was her."

Both their eyes settled on Mulder as he moaned softly his eyes flickering as he fought his way back to conciousness.

"Hey...," Scully leaned forward brushing back a strand of sweat soaked hair from his forehead. "How you feeling?"

Mulder blinked his eyes trying to swallow.

"Wa..water..pleas," his voice was a raw rasp.

Pouring a cup she held it to his lips as he sipped tears trickling down his cheeks. Finally he waved it away and lay back taking a harsh breath.

"Where..,"

"Georgetown Northeast....you don't remember?"

"Remember..cold...a graveyard..a woman...," he trailed off as his eyes met Scully's worried expression.

"What day is it Mulder?"

"Day?" his brow furrowed. "January 10....why?"

"Mulder I...I don't know how to tell you this, but it's February 27...you don't remember anything?"

He shook his head eyes widening.

"Nothing Agent Mulder?" Skinner leaned forward.

"I was cold...pain in my back...then I remember a..a lake."

"A lake?" Scully raised an eyebrow. "You weren't anywhere near a lake Mulder."

"I remember a lake...a boat and you were talking to Skinner. I was in the boat...he was telling you to...," he paused with a gasp rubbing his temple.

"It's okay Mulder...just try to get some rest..okay?"

"Bastard!" Lilith hissed to herself as she roamed the dark corners of the city. "I need power...my lord can you hear your queen?"

A deep groan emanated from the shadows as she drifted closer into the darkness.

Lilllllittthh....my queen...she is near

"Who my lord?"

Thhee...oonneee...who guides them...,

"Hawthorne...heaven's whore. Tell me my lord what must I do to get the man...to draw him near."

"Tttaaakkkeee...the one he looovvvvvesss...*

A smile spread across Lilith's face as emerald fire flickered in her eyes. She knew the one. Who more perfect than she to bring him to her. One weak human was all she was.

Scully tossed and turned trying to find a comfortable position, but there seemed to be none. A fearful fist had clutched her heart. So many things that she had held sacred had been shattered over the last six weeks.

Flopping onto her back she let out a exasperated breath. When Skinner had insisted she go home she had fought him tooth and nail, but he was having nothing of it.

She was yanked from her thoughts by a soft hiss of wind. Forcing her body from the bed she began to check the windows for a crack, when she found it the window chose not to cooperate. As she struggled to close the window she happened to glance up and to her horror saw Mulder standing outside.

Forcing the window open she leaned out.

"MULDER! Mulder what are you doing here?"

Without a thought she turned grabbing her robe and hurried downstairs.

When she reached the front door there was no sign of Mulder as she searched the empty street. Was she imagining things now? Maybe Skinner was right she needed her rest. For her nothing mattered, but Mulder's safety, at this moment he was all she could think of.

As she turned to go she saw movement from the corner of her eye. Turning to the left she saw Mulder move across the street into the alley. Dammit how had he gotten away from Skinner. Darting across the street she followed him into the shadows.

"Mulder?" Her voice trembled as she approached him.

He stood silent his back to her as she reached out. Pulling him around to face her she realized the mistake she had made. This wasn't Mulder, she thought, as a flicker of emerald light passed over his hazel eyes.

"Who..," she choked out before he took her face in his hands. All it would take was a quick twist and he could snap her neck.

Before her eyes his body shimmered and flowed reforming into a woman.

"You have stood in my way long enough child."

Scully shook her head in denial her eyes widening.

"Yes...child. Now you shall help me."

"No..no..," her whispered words were weakened by the words of Lilith.

"Noooowww...," Lilith hissed.

A burst of emerald fire encircled them, tendrils winding around and through their bodies. Scully's mouth widened in a silent scream as she felt Lilith enter her body, her mind. Twisting against the dark agony that raced up and down her limbs she reached out to the God she thought she had faith in.

You do not truly believe

Lilith's words stung her causing tears to well in her eyes as she tried to cry out. Mulder forgive me was her last thought as the darkness swallowed her soul.

As sudden as it had began the fire disappated on the night wind. Scully's body lay crumpled on the filth encrusted ground trembling with the after-shocks of her ordeal. Pushing against the ground she rose to her knees, her hair a tangle around her face. Slender fingers slid through silken hair as she lifted her face to the night sky, laughter bubbling from deep within her chest as her eyes opened.

"Thank you Master! Now he is mine!! MINE!!"

A soft emerald glow flared in her eyes as her laughter rose into the night sky.

END PART II


PART III

"Mulder what's the last thing you remember?"

Refusing to turn from the window he studied the intricate spider web that glistened with morning dew. A tiny fly squirmed in it's gossamer strands struggling to release itself from the death that skittered towards it in the form of the webs occupant. He felt like that fly right now trapped in a cocoon of silken lies...and broken memories.

"Fox? Look at me."

"I told you not to call me that...," he whispered.

Evelyn Manners knew the game he was playing.

Doctors made the worst patients and she knew that Fox Mulder was a trained psychologist, Oxford trained as well. He knew all the tricks to side swiping his own doctors as a matter of fact she believed a lesser doctor would have given up already.

"Then answer me."

Dark furious eyes focused on her and she smiled softly.

"I don't!"

"You don't what?" Manners ask never breaking the cold stare they shared.

"I don't fucking remember! Is that good enough for you? You brain picking hag!!" Struggling to stand up from the wheel chair, they insisted he use, he felt as if the entire world was crumbling.

He hated her!

He hated this!

Picking his brain when apparently there was nothing left to pick.

"I told you the last thing I really remember is watching a movie on my sofa!" Stumbling he clung to the wall thankful Skinner had brought him some sweats to wear and he didn't have to worry about flashing his ass.

"MULDER!?"

Glancing up he met Scully's vivid blue eyes and a sheepish grin twitched at the corners of his mouth. Across the room, before he could even say hello, she grasp his arm in her tiny hands drawing him to the bed.

"What the hell do you think you were doing?!"

"Reaffirming my independence to that..," he pointed across the room, "Quack!"

"Dr. Manners how could you let him get up?

You of all people should know how weak he is!"

Her eyes flashed and for a moment her voice reminded Mulder of someone else.

A shiver trailed up Evelyn Manners' spine at the look on Scully's face. She was infuriated, but why? Mulder had to learn to get up and fight. She would have thought Scully would have been encouraging, yet it seemed she was treating him as though he were made of glass.

"Scully...hey it's okay...don't worr..,"

"I most certainly will worry Fox!" turning she retrieved the wheelchair and urged him into it. "Skinner is waiting downstairs the doctor has released you into my care. Dr.

Manners you can contact me at this number to let me know what his therapy schedule is until then good-bye." With a spin of her heel she pushed a protesting Mulder out the door.

Evelyn stood at the door watching as they retreated down the hall her fingers running over the smooth surface of the business card Scully had handed her. There was something strange going on she thought. It was as if she had just spoken to a complete stranger who just happened to look like Agent Dana Scully.

Shifting to get comfortable on the sofa Mulder let his mind wander back to the car ride to Scully's apartment. She had been unusually quite considering the lecture he had expected after being caught by her.

When he had tried to broach the subject she had just smiled telling him that she hadn't slept very well the night before.

"Mulder...I brought you some tea and toast. How are you feeling?"

He glanced up at the look of concern on her face. "Okay I guess considering I'm missing a month and I appear to be suicidal." He lifted his bandaged arms out to her.

"Don't be silly Fox...it was an accident. You were walking in your sleep and broke the mirror in your room." She sat the tray on the coffee table, handing him a mug of hot tea.

"Chamomile..," he sniffed the tea, bringing it to his lips.

"Yes, it will help you sleep. If your to get well you must sleep."

Smiling she watched as he drank down half the tea, then ask for a piece of toast. Nibbling at the toast he raised an eyebrow at the way Scully seemed to hover over him. She was acting like a mother hen.

"I'm kinda tierd Scully can we talk later?"

Strange he hadn't been this tierd five minutes ago. Swallowing the last of the tea he handed her the cup noticing how his fingers were trembling with it's weight.

"Sleep okay...talk later..," she lifted up the afghan spreading it over his body.

"Rest and you will be stronger...my angel."

Mulder whimpered at those words.

Had he really heard them or was he just imagining things, he thought, as the veil of sleep covered him.

Cool silken hands caressed his face,...down along his throat,...to the hollow just above his collar bone. Moist lips teased at the hollow, teeth nipping, sucking gently.

"Who,...stop,...don't,...," Mulder shifted trying to pull away.

"Fox,...let me love you,...please,...,"

Opening his eyes he saw Scully her hair a tangled mass of scarlet, her eyes were the bluest he had ever seen them. That wasn't what choked the breath from him though.

She was naked!

Every inch of her creamy skin was bared and he found himself trying to breath through a constricted throat.

"Scully,...I,...what are you,...doing?"

"Want you,...angel,...don't you want me?" Her ruby lips pouted out as she leaned into his quivering body. Her soft breasts pressed against him as she kissed his brow.

"Just a dream,...just a dream,...," he whispered squeezing his eyes shut.

Tiny fingers tugged at his shirt pushing it up over his abdomen as he squirmed beneath her.

"Stop Scully,...what are you trying to do? Let my shirt go,...," shit this was crazy any other time an erotic dream of Scully would have him creaming his pants. Somehow this didn't feel right though.

"Lay still Fox,...let me pleasure you."

Looking into her eyes he was mesmerized. A rat trapped by a snake.

A flicker of emerald passed over her eyes and suddenly he couldn't move. She stripped him of his shirt quickly and her lips were dancing over his flesh with delicate butterfly kisses.

God this wasn't right, he thought, as ruby lips found their way to his nipple,...sucking gently, teeth scrapping.

"Aaahhh,...shit,...Scully,...please,...," His back arched into her wet kiss.

It was so real.

Too real.

Her lips and teeth continued to worry at his nipple as her hands moved down pushing at his sweats. Hands cold as ice caressed him, stroking him until he thought he would burst. Moaning he tried to push her away,...not right,...not right,...

"Yes...want you..need you..,"

She lifted her hips gripping him in her hand, guiding him to the warmth between her thighs.

This was not right,...not Scully,...he thought as she lowered her body down to join with his.

Deep in his throat he whimpered as she began to ride him, her lips lowering to his chest again. Her teeth sharp, tearing at the hard nub of his flesh drawing blood.

"NNNNNNNOOOOOOOO!!!" he screamed

back bowing with the force of his denial.

"Yes, my love,...my angel,...," her voice ebbed and changed.

Looking up he met emerald eyes,...

"No,...please...," a soft whimper.

"Yes."

As he reached his climax she bit into his neck. The warmth of his blood throbbing against her lips as she drank.

Screaming Mulder tumbled off the sofa his legs tangled in the afghan. His shoulder connected with the coffee table causing a brilliant burst of color beneath his eyelids and a sharp throb to rip through his arm.

He lay panting for a moment then struggled to set up his back against the sofa.

A nightmare was that what it had been?

Rubbing his shoulder his eyes moved to a sheet of paper on the coffee table.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fox,

Skinner called while you were sleeping. Had to go into the office. Hope your in the mood for Chinese when I get back.

Your pain pills are in the bathroom if you need them and a fresh pitcher of ice tea is in the refrigarator.

Dana

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since when had Scully started calling him Fox?

Suddenly the idea of waiting for her to come home terrified him.

"Fox? Sweetheart?" Lilith strolled into Scully's apartment. Pausing at the mirror in the hall she flipped back a strand of auburn hair, her brow raised in amusement.

There was no way anyone would suspect.

get out of my body bitch

She laughed at the faint whine of this body's true occupant. The bitch had been a fool to try and defy Lilith a second time.

"I do believe red is a good color for me."

Smiling at the reflection she headed for the living room.

To her chagrin there was no sign of Fox, he was gone. The afghan was folded neatly at the end of the sofa, his jacket and boots gone.

"Son-of-a-BITCH!" she screamed.

He had run, she had given him to much and now he was on the run.

Oh, she could fool the others into helping her, but she just wanted to rip his ass up right now. Her pale face flushed scarlet as she tried to get a grip on the fury that blossomed in her skull. The little bastard was not going to get away, not this time, not ever.

Mulder drew a deep ragged breath as he entered the alley catching himself against the grime streaked brick wall. His ribs ached with a ferocity as his legs finally gave in, collapsing beneath him sending him crumbling to the ground.

"...not scully,...not scully," he whimpered to himself.

Without a doubt that thing was not his partner.

Sure it looked like her, sounded like her, hell it even smelled like her, but that was not Dana Scully.

Clutching his ribs he struggled back to his feet mumbling beneath his breath as he moved down the darkened alley. At the end of the alley he reached out pushing at the buzzer hoping beyond hope that Frohike or one of the guys would be here.

"Who is it?" Frohike's gruff voice came over the speaker hidden somewhere in the shadows.

"Fro,..open," he choked out leaning into the steel door.

"Shit! Mulder is that you?"

"Pleeaa,...Fro," he felt himself sliding to the ground.

Right before he hit the door popped open causing him to tumble forward into Frohike's arms. His vision was blurring as he glanced up into the little man's gruff contenance with a weak smile.

"Mulder man, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Help,...me," he panted as Frohike struggled to get him to his feet.

Once he had him on his feet the short trip inside almost did Mulder in. He was so fucking weak. What's happening to me, he wondered.

"Hey, Mulder maybe I should call Scully. You just got out of,...,"

"No,...oh, god no,...don't,...please," Mulder's eyes widened as he struggled to set up.

"But, Mulder your sick,...you just got out of the hospi,..speaking of," Frohike's brow shot up. "What exactly are you doing out here?"

"I need a place to crash," Mulder whispered rubbing his palms along his jean clad legs.

"Why? I thought you were staying with Dana.

Did you guys have a fight?"

"...no, please just don't call her."

Mulder lifted his face up to Frohike's curious glance. The terror he saw in Mulder's eyes sent a chill up his spine.

"Okay, no problem Mulder."

"If she calls,...don't let her know I'm here.

Please?"

"Sure, Mulder. Now get some rest buddy you look like you need it."

Pushing him back against the cushions Frohike drapped a faded army blanket over Mulder's trembling body. If that's what his friend wanted that's exactly what he would do. There was just one thing, he thought, why was Mulder so terrified.

Least of all of Scully.

Skinner stood staring out the tinted window of his office, hands clasp behind his back, listening to Dana Katherine Scully going off the deep end.

She sat, one foot tucked beneath her, sapphire eyes wide and glistening.

"Why would he do this? Oh, Walter he's so sick!"

Slipping his glasses from his face he rubbed the bridge of his nose. After everything this was not how he expected one of his most professional agents to act. This was completely nothing like Scully, not to mention the fact she was calling him Walter.

When the hell had she started calling him Walter?!

"Look,...," he cleared his throat. "Whatever is going on with Mulder doesn't matter, it's you I'm worried about."

Scully stopped mid-sob.

"Me?" she squeaked out.

"Yes, your acting completely out of character.

Let me take care of Mulder. You take the day off okay? Take a long weekend,...and that's an order Agent Scully."

As she turned to go Skinner could have sworn he saw a flash of annoyance in her eyes.

"Why did he come here?"

"Feels safe here I suppose."

"Why would he run from Scully?"

"He wouldn't."

Mulder shook his head trying to clear away the fog that had seemed to follow him for the last few days. Pushing up from the sofa he took a deep breath trying to swallow back the lingering taste of bile, of blood?

"I see your awake."

Frohike stepped into the room, a cup of steaming broth in hand.

"Yeah, awake," he mumbled one hand reaching for the mug, the other running through his hair.

"So,...Mulder you ready to talk or what?"

Glancing down at the broth suddenly his stomach began to flip. Standing up he ran for the bathroom on unsteady legs, the mug shattering on the floor at Frohike's feet.

"Is he okay?" Byers' dark head popped around the corner, brows knitted in worry.

"No,...no he's not and I'm scared Byers."

They both stood silently listening to the sounds of choking and vomiting beyond the door.

"Frohike?"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember what happened?"

"Happened?"

"Yes. Out there when, well when,...you know."

Frohike seemed to contemplate Byers' words then he moved towards the bathroom. When he reached the door he glanced over his shoulder with a frown.

"Yeah, I do. That's what worries me."

"Don't jerk me around," Skinner hissed through clenched teeth. "I know you bozos either know where he is or you have him in there."

"Let him in,"

Skinner's brow furrowed at the faint words behind the static. Was that Mulder? He sounded so weak, so tierd, as if he were on the edge.

But the edge of what?

When the door opened he wasted no time in pushing back the shocked occupants, making his way to his wayward agent. He wanted answers and he damn well wanted them now. What he saw beyond the clutter of computer equipment and shelving stopped him in his tracks.

Mulder sat on a ragged sofa against the far wall his knees drawn up, a worn quilt wrapped around his hunched shoulders. His skin was a pinched pasty color, dark smudges beneath his eyes, his lips chapped and cracked.

"Hey," he whispered.

"What the hell is going on Mulder? You look like death warmed over."

"She sent you looking for me,...didn't she?"

"If you mean your partner, then the answer is yes,...and no. What exactly happened to cause you to run out on Scully like that? She is worried sick over you disappearing."

Tugging off his coat he layed it across the back of the sofa, then settled down next Mulder.

"She was,...she isn't," Mulder moaned as he tugged the quilt tighter, his body shivering. Turning his eyes upward he met Skinner's worried gaze. "Something isn't right,...I have this memory,...from before. There's something wrong with her."

Skinner slipped off his glasses, tucking them into his pocket with a sigh. He had known this moment would come sooner or later after all Mulder's memory was as spooky as his reputation at the bureau.

"What do you remember Mulder?"

Mulder shook his head, his eyes averted to the floor. There really wasn't much,...just a feeling of anguish, a hunger, then eyes. Eyes filled with an emerald fire that burned brighter than the sun, that called out to his very soul. His head began to throb as he tried to grasp anything, but vague images.

"Mulder can you hear me?"

Jerking he tried to pull away from Skinner's grip.

"No,...oh god,...please let me go," he whimpered as the image of someone, no something else flickered over Skinner.

Mine

"NO!" Mulder screamed his body convulsing.

"GUYS! Hurry up!" Skinner forced his body down against the sofa. It was as if something had taken over the frail form beneath him, something so powerful even he couldn't stop it.

Frohike was suddenly by his side helping him pin Mulder to the sofa. Beneath him the strength seemed to ebb from the shivering man.

"...uuhhh,...nnooo,...lea,..eeevee me alone," a soft whimper.

"It's okay Mulder. Can you hear me? Do you understand me?"

He caught himself stroking the sweat soaked hair from Mulder's eyes. Dammit why did he have to suffer like this? Hadn't Lilith hurt him enough?

"Shhh,...it's okay Mulder."

A soft whimper, then a sigh of defeat.

"...sir,...,"

Pulling back he looked into those wide wet hazel eyes. Such pain and such sorrow, drowning in the past with no hope for the future.

"Mulder?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Tears streaked his pale face as he struggled to escape from both his captors.

"Tell you what Mulder?" ask Frohike as Byers and Langley came closer.

"Lilith,...," he hissed.

"Where did you hear that name?" Skinner drew back, shock glazing his dark eyes.

"She took me,...she raped me," his body began shivering.

"You remember?" Byers knelt next to the sofa.

"Not all,...but I know she took me from Scully,...she,...," his eyes widened, his head shaking in denial. "She made me into something else,...something dark."

"Yes, she did Mulder, but you killed her. She's gone."

"No,...I killed her human body Byers," he turned to the others.

"She's still here isn't she sir? You both knew,...you and Scully."

He knawed on his lower lip more tears falling.

"Scully didn't want you to know,...she had hoped it wasn't true."

Skinner moved across the room rubbing his face wondering if this was right. Hell, when had his life took a turn for the bizarre? Nothing was right anymore, nothing had been when Scully had called him to Mulder's apartment that night two months ago.

"She's closer than you think," Mulder whimpered.

"Closer?" Frohike raised one brow.

"She has Scully," came his soft whisper.

"Scully is safe I just saw her an hour ago. She was scared for you, she was,...," he paused as it finally sank in. "She wasn't acting like herself."

"I know," Mulder glanced up. "She'll do anything to get me,"

"...including take Scully. That's why you ran isn't it?"

"She has Scully trapped. She's using her to get to me."

"I guess it's time for you to meet Hawthorne," Skinner pulled Mulder to his feet. "She saved you maybe she can save Scully."

END PART III


PART IV

It had taken a few short hours for Langly to track down Hawthorn. After she had revealed her true self she had sought out new accommodations.

Wouldn't do to have a being sent to watch over humans to be in danger herself.

Skinner sat next to Mulder his service weapon gripped in his hand tightly watching as he slept.

Mulder had been so hysterical after their discussion Skinner had called a friend swearing him to secrecy as to the reason he needed one of the agents under his charge sedated up to the gills. Since then he had sat watching Mulder sleep surprised by the way he lost so many years from his face. He could almost see that twelve year old boy who had lost his sister all those years ago.

"Mr. Skinner?"

Jumping he turned his gun aiming directly for the sound of the voice in the shadowed doorway. A sigh of relief escaped him as a very pale Byers stepped into the pale light of the lamp.

"Langly has located Hawthorne, but she doesn't want to come here. She insists that you bring him to her."

"Me? I don't even know her why would she want me too?" He stood moving away from the bed.

"She believes that there were things you experienced in your past that will be of use, sir."

"What things?"

"I'm not sure, but I would believe her if I were you."

Byers stepped forward pressing a folded sheet of paper into Skinner's hand.

"Take him to her Mr. Skinner,...please. Mulder has been a friend to us,...to me for a long time and we don't want to see him hurt. We don't want to see Scully hurt either, but he's so scared of her I think it might be to late."

Turning he walked from the room leaving Skinner to contemplate his words. He prayed that Byers was wrong that it wasn't to late for either of his agents.

Scully was lost.

She had never really believed in the stories they had told her as a child about demons and angels walking the earth. It was just after everything that had happened that she had believed those stories.

Now she had become one.

Possessed by an evil that had existed since the beginnings of time. Since God had created humankind.

She was walking along the deck of a sailboat clothed only in a sheer gown of pale blue gossamer. The deck was smooth beneath her bare feet, slick with salty moisture from the waves that rolled over the deck.

This place was familiar.

"Starbuck."

Turning she smiled in joy.

"AHAB!"

Her father stood on the deck just as she remembered he had all those years ago. Clothed in his full dress whites he looked like an angel himself as he lifted his arms out in welcome.

"Daddy,...why are you here? Where is here?"

"This is who you are Starbuck," he gathered her into his arms, his lips grazing the top of her head.

His words were soft, filled with a love that filled her heart and tears that filled her eyes.

"Your dead though," she whispered.

"I'm always with you."

She glanced up into her father's eyes hoping to find the answers she so desperately wanted.

"You can fight her Dana."

"She's strong dad,...she's really strong."

"Believe Dana. Believe and have faith."

Slowly her surroundings faded, her father becoming nothing but a faint shadow.

"Don't leave me dad,...please," her vision blurred with tears.

"I will always be with you Starbuck, but you must walk this path alone. If not for yourself, for him."

"Him?"

"I know he means the world to you. I wish I had lived long enough to meet this man who stole my baby girl's heart."

Slowly the darkness closed in leaving her shaking with the cold of the demon who had trapped her here.

In her own mind.

"Wake up Mulder we're here."

Struggling to the real world Mulder moaned softly as Skinner shook him. With a blink he sat up, swallowing the thickness in his throat back.

"Where are we?" Rubbing his eyes he glanced out the car window.

Thick trees surrounded them on three sides, but in front of them a lake spread out, shimmering glass beneath the fading twilight. At the edge of the lake was a small dock house with a boat tied to the pilings.

"Diamond Back Lake."

Skinner stepped from the car, his breath a soft cloud of cotton in the air. Grasping the handle with a trembling fingers he opened the door stepping out into the freezing air.

"Why are we here?" He rubbed his hands together blowing softly into them trying to warm his skin.

"Do you remember Hawthorne?"

"The woman you said helped save me."

"She's here,...actually out there," Skinner lifted one hand to point to a small island in the distance.

Walking around the car he wrapped an arm around Mulder's shoulders guiding him down the path to the dock house. He could feel the younger man trembling beneath his arm as he supported him more with each step.

"What's wrong Mulder? Are you sick do you need to stop?"

Shaking his head Mulder glanced up into Skinner's concerned face. Tears quivered at the edges of his lashes causing Skinner to draw him nearer.

"What is it Mulder? For God's sake tell me," he whispered.

"I,...I'm,...scared, sir. I can't do this,...I don't know why, but I just have this feeling if I,"

"If you what?"

"If I go out there I'm going to die."

Lilith sat staring into the dressing table mirror as she brushed the scarlet silk of her hair. She had always chosen dark haired vessels, but this was an interesting change. The color of her eyes coupled with her hair was seductive in it's own way. A completion of everything that was a woman.

Fire and ice.

A flicker of pain danced at her temple for a split second.

The human bitch was awake and wandering inside her own mind, but she still didn't get it. Lilith could only remain if she allowed it. Somewhere deep inside Dana Scully wished Lilith would take Fox Mulder away.

"Don't worry little one I will do exactly that. I will take him far from here,...from you. I shall take him into a world where he truly belongs."

Standing she tugged her hair back into a pony tail, then with one last glance in the mirror she pulled on her jacket. An evil smile graced her lips as she headed for the door.

"Yes, soon my angel will be in my arms again."

Mulder sat wrapped in a rough woolen blanket at the rear of the boat silently gnawing his lower lip as Skinner guided the boat across the lake. He hadn't wanted to go into the boat, but Skinner had assured him he would be safe.

He wanted to believe.

He trusted Skinner.

"How are you doing Mulder?"

Looking up from the rippled green blue surface he smiled weakly at Skinner.

"Okay,...I think, but I need to ask you something."

"Anything Mulder," Skinner dipped the oar into the water, breaking the surface.

"I was on a lake,...right? When you and Scully found me I was near a lake."

Skinner's brow furrowed.

"No, Mulder you weren't anywhere near a lake. That's the second time you mentioned a lake. Is there a reason why?"

Mulder shook his head as if to losen a memory caught in a web of shadows.

"I remem,..mber,...water. There was a boat,...like this."

"Maybe it was a dream?"

His eyes wandered down to the lakes surface again following the ripples across it's surface.

"Maybe. I just keep getting these flashes in my head."

"Well, maybe Hawthorne can help you discover the answer to that."

The bow of the boat bumped into the dock drawing Mulder's attention back to Skinner. He watched silently as he tied the boat down, then followed cautiously as they slowly made their way up the ladder.

Skinner had just pulled him up when his eyes settled on the vision before him. A vision that caused his head to swim, his heart to pound.

"You?" he whispered.

Hawthorne stood her pale violet eyes locked with Mulder's wide hazel ones. Dressed in a long tunic and loose slacks the material softly swirling around her she stepped forward. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever saw.

"Do you remember Fox?" her voice was the sound of chimes.

Mulder nodded weakly as a flash of her face came to mind, a flash of soft, yet brilliant light. He had been,..., "I was dead," he choked out.

Yes

The faint tickle of her voice in his skull.

"You led me back across the water,...to her,"

Yes

Skinner stepped forward just as his legs gave out beneath him catching him in strong arms. Lowering him to the ground he looked into Hawthorne's pale face. She didn't even seem to notice him as she stroked Mulder's hair from his eyes, whispering soft indistinguishable words.

"What's wrong with him?" Skinner finally spoke up.

"Everything and nothing Mr. Skinner. He remembers things no one should remember."

End Part IV


HAUNTED V- FINAL CHAPTER

"Here Mr. Skinner,...we must make him as comfortable as possible."

Skinner looked around the cabin the simplicity of it quite beautiful to his tired eyes. It consisted of what appeared to be one large room and a smaller one that he assumed was the bathroom.

A huge rough hewn bed was positioned beneath a picture window with a view of the mist shrouded lake. It was here that Hawthorne was pulling back the heavy coverlets.

Shifting the unconscious man in his arms he moved to the side of the bed laying Mulder gently onto the mattress. With the silent woman's help they stripped Mulder down to his boxers, then she pulled the quilt up over his trembling body with a soft whisper.

"John Byers told me that you wanted me to bring him.

Why? I only met you briefly before."

Hawthorne turned to face him violet eyes flashing with a light he feared, yet it awed him.

"You've been there," her words were soft, precise.

"Where?"

She smiled at the way he stepped back subconsciously from what he already knew. Stripping off his coat he folded it over the back of one of the over stuffed chairs, then his suit jacket followed.

"I believe you already know that Walter. A jungle thousands of miles away,...lost to this world, watching your friends die and wondering why you were clinging to this life."

Turning on her, his face flushed, he let out a roar or denial.

"How could you know that!! How could you FUCKING

KNOW THAT!!!!"

"Because I am what I say. You know that to be true,"

she moved to where he stood eyes squeezed shut. Trying to forget the truth he had shared with the man lying on the bed.

"I know I experienced something, something that touched me in a way I can't explain. I have these vague images, but what has that got to do with Mulder?"

"Fox remembers everything."

"What are you telling me? That he remembers what he saw on the other side?"

"Yes,...but he was never meant too. When humans touch the divine, even for a split second, their minds aren't equipped to deal with the entirety of that experience."

Hawthorne guided him to the chair, then sat in the other facing him. Her features softened as she reached out to him, her eyes glowing with such colors. A prism filled with warm sunlight.

"You want me to help him forget?"

"Yes and no. He needs your strength not only to save himself, but to save her as well."

"What the hell do you mean about her? Are you talking about Scully?"

"She has been possessed by what sought to take him.

A dark spirit that you knew as Lilith, as Kristen and by names to endless to count."

Suddenly everything made sense.

The way she had been acting in his office the day before yesterday.

Why Mulder had ran from her even when he was so weak he could barely stand.

"He destroyed her earthly body, but her spirit lingers on in this world. She wants him back doesn't she?"

Hawthorne nodded her head.

Mulder sat silently staring out across the soft flow of blue green water. In the distance he could see the dock from which his journey had began, fading away as he drifted further from reality.

He didn't find it strange, this place, but fascinating.

"Fox?"

Turning he looked into eyes as familiar as his own.

"Dana,...is this a dream? It can only be a dream,...right?"

"Maybe? I remember this place from a time when I had to make a choice,...a choice to stay or to go."

As she turned her head the soft light made her hair glow, exploding into a halo of fire. Mulder's eyes widened as he realized she wasn't as she was in their life outside this place.

"What is it Fox?"

"Your so different here," he smiled at the way the wind lifted the soft waves of her hair.

Here she was everything his dreams were made of. So perfect and beautiful beyond any words he could use to describe her.

"She has me trapped inside, lost in this place. Are you lost to?" She leaned close her breath soft on his face. "I want to come home Fox please,...please give her what she wants."

"No, I can't," he choked backing away from her.

The boat began to rock with the motion of his panicked movements. Her hands moved to cup his face, her lips claiming him as he tried to push away.

"NO!" he pushed her backwards, standing on weak legs wondering what was happening.

The boat rocked harder now as she grabbed his ankle fighting to pull him back down. Water splashed out washing over the edge as he lost his balance, the edge of the boat biting into his calf as he fell backwards.

It was as if everything had slowed to a faint pulse.

Water closing over his head, filling his lungs.

His body ceased to move.

Milky darkness surrounding him, pulling him under.

Lilith sat up with a start.

She was shocked that he would chose death over her touch, that he would rather fall into the depths of despair. What had she offered him, but immortality. An end to his pain in this world.

Brushing back a strand of hair she swung her legs over the edge of the mattress. She had been hoping for a little more cooperation, but then she was talking about Fox. His very determination had enamoured her of him, yet it sought to keep them apart as well.

"Go ahead my angel,...fight me. You are not strong enough to destroy me, to deny me this time. If you destroy me, then you destroy this mortal bitch."

Standing she snapped the faint connection that still echoed in her head. Let him go and he would return to her for his partners sake. Besides Hawthorne would save him from drowning in this dark dream.

Wouldn't she?

Skinner had fallen asleep in the chair before the roaring fire that Hawthorne had built. She had spoke of something she had to take care of, leaving him to watch over Mulder.

Now he was awakened by the wet gurgle of his charges breath.

"Shit! HAWTHORNE!!!"

He hoped to God that she was in hearing distance. Mulder was thrashing, his long legs tangled in the quilts, his back arching up off the mattress.

"I'm here!" Hawthorne was suddenly on the other side of the bed, helping him to force Mulder down on the bed.

Slowly the thrashing ceased, his breathing becoming more labored. Skinner found himself trying to control a fear he rarely felt, a fear that he remembered from his days as a young Marine.

"What's happening to him?!"

"He's fighting something."

"Something? Don't you mean her?"

Hawthorne glanced up just as Mulder stopped breathing, his body going limp.

"Goddamit how are we suppose to fight something that we can't see."

"You aren't! He is!" Hawthorne hissed a glow of energy welling up around her. "There's only one way for him to come back and that is by his own will."

"Bullshit!"

Skinner glared at Hawthorne his teeth clenched as he pushed her back. Without another thought to spare he began administering CPR, praying he wasn't to late.

He cursed everything that had happened as he forced air into Mulder's lungs. There was no way in hell he was going to sit there and watch Mulder die. Not after what they had went through to save him.

"Breath God dammit! Breath!"

With his final compression Mulder choked, water spurting from his mouth.

Water?

Skinner turned him onto his side rubbing his back has he coughed more water up. Gagging, whimpering as he clutched the sheets between white knuckled fingers.

"Shhh,...it's okay Mulder. It's me,...it's Skinner can you understand me?"

"...s,..sir?"

Turning over onto his back Mulder blinked back more of the salty tears that already stained his face. His breathing raw, ragged began to slow as he focused on Skinner's face.

"...whe,...where am I?"

"Diamond Back Lake. Do you remember?"

"...ye,...yes. I'm cold, sir."

Another soft whimper escaped him as the older man pulled the quilt up over his trembling body. Brushing the back of his hand across Mulder's sweat soaked brow Skinner was horrified to feel how cold his skin was.

"It's going to be okay Mulder," he pushed back the damp tendrils of hair from the other man's forehead.

Looking up he realized that Hawthorne was gone.

"So the angel has run," Lilith stared into the mirror, a soft blue glow ebbing through it's silvered surface.

The image wavered as if below the surface of a lake. An image that told her that she would have her hands full once she reached the lake.

"Did you really think you could stop me Walter? I can see inside you,...inside those deep secrets," she raised one brow, "I see one of my sisters visited you once." Her laughter rose as the image faded.

Skinner had no idea what he was going to do.

He had been drawn here by Hawthorne and now she was gone because of him. Moving from the fireplace he turned to where Mulder lay, his skin ghostly in the dim light, eyes closed tightly.

"Mulder?"

A soft moan rose from the bed as his body trembled beneath the heavy quilt. Slowly his eyes flickered open, unfocused.

"Mulder?"

He whimpered eyes shifting through the room.

"Hawthorne? Where is she,...where is she??"

He felt horrible at the sound of desperation in the other man's voice. How was he going to tell Mulder she was gone? That she had turned from them because of him. He was sure that it was because of his own denial that she had left.

"...hawthorne,...hawthorne," Mulder whimpered as Skinner sat down next to him.

"She's left Mulder,...she's gone,...I don't know if she will,...,"

"Nnnnnnooooo!"

Mulder howled in agony. Clawing at his face his neck screaming over and over as Skinner pinned him to the bed with his body. As he got closer he could hear Mulder's words caught between his cries of denial.

"...light,...don' wanna go,...cold,...nnooooooo!"

Skinner wrapped his arms tighter around the quivering body beneath him. Soon the strength seemed to eb from Mulder, his covulsive movements now weak struggles.

"It's okay son,...shhh,...it's going to be okay."

Gravel crunched beneath the heels of her boots as she stepped from the car. How appropriate, she thought, that they would chose a lake.

Sometimes her creator, she cringed at the word, had one twisted sense of humor. She remembered when she had fled from the garden, when the warriors had cornered her, their fiery swords in hand.

"Do you think you can stop me father?" She raised her face to the night sky. "I think not! He gives me the power you refused me,...the power to control these men who think they are your perfect children. He will be mine and I will have a son."

Dropping the cigarette to the ground Dana Scully ground the glowing butt out in the dirt.

"The Trinity shall come to pass,...Father," she spit out, heading for the dock house.

Mulder swallowed back the bile that rose in his throat, terrified of the reaction he was having to what he knew to be perhaps the devil himself. Or should he say herself?

Even now deep in sleep he could feel the betrayel of his body.

She had held him close, used his body, taken her pleasures, then she had killed him. He had begged her to take him away from the pain and she had.

Waking with a start he could still feel her icy grip on his skin, his body, his soul. He struggled up eyes trying to focus on the dimly lit room. The fire had burned down to a pool of glowing embers.

Their light glinted off the lenses of Skinner's glasses where they had slid to the tip of his nose.

They also glinted off something else.

Henna fire.

Emerald eyes.

"Scul,...cully?" he whimpered.

He knew the answer before she ever spoke.

Before her cold hands touched his fevered skin.

"I have come for you angel,...as you knew I would."

Mulder moved back until his spine hit the rough wood of the headboard. His throat had gone dry, his breath coming in ragged pants as he shock his head in denial.

"Yes."

"..nnn,...nnoo,...pp,...please,"

"Tis your choice, but tis also your destiny to become the father. I made the mistake of choosing a willing host the last time. This time there was no mistake. To think that your partner, whom you've trusted with your life so many times, has a hidden desire to see you dead is quite amusing."

Lilith moved closer her eyes glittering with a wild insanity, an evil that Mulder now remembered. Faintly, yet still sharp in their bitter feel against his skin.

A rose.

Blood red.

A night wind caressing his skin.

She had taken him, feed him her poison.

Infected him with the fire that scorched his inside. Causing a hunger that could only be filled with blood. The taste of a sweet danger, a taste of immortality.

His eyes widen as he tried to escape that piercing stare. As he called out to Skinner who slept the sleep of the dead.

"One more drop and he would be."

Mulder was off the bed, his feet skidding across the bare floor. Falling to his knees at Skinner's feet he reached out grasping the other man's arm.

"Sir! Sir! Please answer me!"

Skinner fell sideways, his head thumping against the chair arm. At the pulse point of his throat two puncture wounds stood out in dark relief against milky skin. His hands fluttered desperately at Skinner's throat searching for a pulse as hot tears burned his eyes.

"You have nothing to fear my angel. He lives yet just as you shall if only you give me what I want." She moved across the room, almost gliding as she reached out.

Her movement were sharp and quick, her fingers tangling in his sweat soaked hair, yanking him backwards. He grunted as she leaned over taking his mouth with a force that terrified him. Her teeth nipping at his bottom lip, drawing blood, her tongue demanding entrance.

When he refused, twisting beneath her, she tightened her grip until he cried out. Then she thrust into his mouth, tasting him, raping his mouth as she had once raped his body.

Mulder struggled against her, his face flushing as she reached down stroking him through his boxers.

"You are mine angel," she pulled back smiling at his shocked eyes. "She wants you to accept."

"No,...no Scully! Fight her Scully!" Mulder screamed. "You have to fight her,...you hhaaaaaggggg!" He choked as her fingers tightened around his throat.

Her image flickered as she pulled him to his feet, forcing him back. The mattress hit him against the back of his calves, sending him slamming into the bed. Just as his vision began to darken, her fingers loosened, moving down to tease at his waist.

"...nnn,...no,...oh, god please don't," his eyes widened as he felt her tugging at the single piece of armor he still had.

"Shhh,...hush angel,"

His heart thundered against his chest as he felt himself letting go, as his body ceased to fight and began to respond. Her breath was frigid as she left a trail of cold kisses along his chest, her teeth nipping at his nipples. First one then other.

Beneath her he shivered and began to harden, tears on his cheeks.

She could see him.

Hear his cries of denial, his begging as she took his lips.

Fear in his wide hazel eyes.

He was so beautiful she had always thought he was, but he had stolen so much from her.

No.

He hadn't.

He has.

Remember Dana,...your sister,...your health.

No,...I chose to stay.

Was it your choice? Was Emily your choice?

A burning anger tore at her. The part of her she had hidden deep, a voice that sounded like Melissa, like Emily, like the child she would never have.

He has to pay. I will rid you of him forever, make him pay for your sister, your daughter, for your cancer. For all the pain he has caused your family.

Skinner blinked.

A throbbing in his throat drew his fingers to his pulse. When he drew them back drying blood stained them.

What the hell?

Then it came back to him.

Scully had been here, but then it was Sharon.

"Shit," he whispered as he struggled to his feet.

Leaning into the chair he turned to see Scully a straddle of Mulder on the bed. Soft whimpering animal noises came from Mulder as he tried to move.

"LILITH!!!" Skinner roared as he moved across the room in three quick strides. "GET THE FUCK OFF HIM!!!"

Scully turned eyes flashing emerald green as he grabbed her collar tearing her from Mulder, tossing her across the room. She hit the floor with a roar as she fought for balance.

"How dare you! You have no idea what you are messing with!"

"I know exactly what I'm dealing with Lilith! Your nothing, but the devil's whore!"

Her eyes began glowing with energy that tore at the room. A wind rose swirling through the air, the windows shattering with a force that sent jagged splinters of glass hurtling to the otherside of the room. It's passing left scarlet tears in Skinner's back as he threw himself over Mulder.

"I will show you a WHORE! This is a whore! God's whore!"

Suddenly Scully's body began to convulse, then she fell to her knees choking and gagging. She rose to her feet a vomitous mass of thick blackness spewing from her lips. As she continued gagging the blackness began to swell, to undulate until a form began to appear.

"Son of a bitch!" Skinner was on his feet again, pulling Mulder from the bed.

Mulder looked up into a pair of eyes blacker than anything he had ever know. Her hair swirled in a stormy mass around her bone white face, wings of the same color unfolding from her shoulders, spreading out until they filled the room.

"YOU ARE MINE!"

Her words ripped through him, a dagger of darkness. There was nothing any of them could do, he did belong to her. He wouldn't allow his friends to be killed, but he was terrified.

"She will die if you chose to fight me angel!" Lilith's hand curled into Scully's hair, tearing her head back, baring her throat.

"...mu,...mulder," Scully's eyes widened as she saw him.

"Please,...Lilith I can't," he shook his head staring into his partner's sapphire eyes. "I can't do what you want."

Lilith tightened her grip a tiny trickle of blood running down Scully's forehead. Her eyes shimmered with tears of pain and she knew that she was the one who had led them to this. A part of her she had hidden away from everyone including herself.

"Mulder,...don't do anything she asks of you. I wanted her to take you I,...I'm so ashamed of what I refused to accept."

He shook his head tears rolling down his face.

"Sc,...cully," he tried to move towards her, but Skinner yanked him back.

"Don't do this,...please Mulder. Let her have me. I've always blamed you,...for everything. For Missy's death, for my abduction, the cancer," she swallowed hard as Lilith's grip tightened.

"SILENCE WHORE!!!"

"NO! I can't I won't allow him to sacrifice himself for me. I don't deserve his sacrifice!"

The wind began to rise again swirling around the occupants of room.

"I hated you Mulder for everything!"

Mulder let out a choked sob as Skinner pulled him closer.

"I hated you the most for Emily!"

At the mention of her daughter's name Mulder collapsed against Skinner, sobbing until he couldn't breath. He was to blame for all of it and he deserved whatever evil he had spawned.

You know what you must do

The soft echo of Hawthorne's voice sent him searching the room with tear filled eyes. A soft glow by the doorway caught his attention Hawthorne watching from the shadows.

"I know," he whispered.

"What was that Mulder?" Skinner pulled him closer, trying to comfort the weeping man.

"Tell my mother I loved her, sir. Tell Scully I'm sorry."

Skinner's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of Mulder's words. Then it suddenly became clear.

"Dammit Mulder! Don't you dare do this! There is another way!" he screamed over the wind.

"No,...no, sir there isn't! There never was!"

Pulling away Mulder dropped the sheet he had been clutching to his body. There had only been one choice all along.

Stepping forward he smiled at Scully, a vision of his grandmother in his minds eye. He knew her words of wisdom would come into play one day. There had been no need to tell Scully of his Jewish heritage, it wasn't like he had ever been a practicing one, but his grandmother had told him the myths and legends. She had disproved of her daughter Teena dropping away from her roots.

"LILITH!"

The demoness turned to face that which she had desired and fought for.

"No MULDER!!!" Scully screamed as she was tossed across the room, Skinner diving through the room to retrieve her.

"Take me Lilith! Take what you want!"

Mulder's arms stretched out in welcome.

Lilith's laughter filled the room, tearing at Scully's heart as she stepped forward, her wings engulfing Mulder's trembling body.

"My Angel!" She reared back her mouth opening wide, a thousand glittering jagged teeth extending.

Mulder turned his head, meeting Scully's glittering eyes, baring his throat to the demon. His lips moved as the demons teeth pierced his throat.

I love you.

Scully buried her face into Walter Skinners chest with a sob, a few seconds later he himself began to weep.

Lilith had never tasted anything sweeter than Fox Mulder's blood as it filled her mouth, pouring down her throat. He moaned with a mixture of pain and pleasure as she drained his life for the second time in two months, but this time he would be hers.

That was when she heard his words soft, weak, but powerful in their meaning.

"...Senoy,...Sansenory,...Semangeloph,...,"

Her eyes widened at the words, a burning filling her mouth where his blood had flowed mere moments before.

"DAMN YOU!" she screeched. "You dare speak the names of your God's lapdogs!"

"I,...do," he whispered as the last of his life began to ebb away.

Three names.

The names of the angels sent to bring her back to Eden. To fall by her own promise was almost more than she could bare. She had made that promise to show her creator that she was not without compassion for those who were his children.

"You can,...can not destroy that,...which bears their names,"

tears streaked Mulder's face. Tears mixing with the blood that ran down his ravaged throat. "You must leave me to his,...his touch now Lilith,...made my choice."

"Yes, child you have."

She dropped his limp body to the ground, turning on the terrified visages of Dana Scully and Walter Skinner. A wicked smile touched her bloodied lips.

"He has made his choice, now he is yours."

Wrapping her wings tightly around her body she shot up through the roof. Shattered shingles and dust filled the room blinding the two shocked witnesses to what could never be explained.

When the dust settled Scully swallowed hard at the sight that greeted her and Skinner. Mulder lay still on what was left of the floor of the cabin. His skin bone white, a pool of blood spreading across the wood beneath him.

"Dana,...don't," Skinner grabbed her arm as she moved towards Mulder.

"He might be alive,...he could still be saved."

"He is being called," Hawthorne stepped into view.

"Called!? Where the hell were you when we needed you!" Skinner turned on the woman who claimed to be an angel.

"He had to face this on his own, there was no other way."

"Heal him!" Scully cried, "Heal him like you did before!"

Before she could answer a rainbow of glowing light filled the room, blinding them as another figure appeared.

A young woman.

Her skin a warm mahogany, a wave of dark silk flowing down her back. To Scully she appeared hispanic, her dark eyes glittering with a warm compassion as she knelt at Mulder's side.

The folds of her gown shimmered and shifted as she lifted his still form into her lap.

"Who,...," Skinner was silenced by the look that crossed Hawthorne's face. A look of such profound saddness it caused his heart to break.

"Her name is Danessi, she is an angel of ,...death," she whispered.

"Nnnoooo!" Scully tore across the room her vision blinded by tears.

Danessi glanced up her lips parting in a soft smile.

The most beautiful music filled the air,...no words just music.

"You can't have him! I'll die without him!"

The angel shifted her eyes down, humming softly as she stroked Mulder's blood and tear stained face. She smiled at him, then glanced back up at Scully. Scully knew somewhere deep inside that he was gone, but those dark eyes told her he could come back if she said the words. Just as Hawthorne had two months ago this angel could give her a chance,...a chance she didn't deserve.

Swallowing she stepped forward taking the hand Danessi offered to her.

Her skin was smooth, liquid almost beneath Scully's trembling fingers. Their eyes met over Mulder's lifeless body, no words spoken, but the message clear. This would be her last chance to do what she should have long ago.

From her back, wings began to extend and spread. Feathers of ivory glittering in the halo of soft light that surrounded them.

"Please," Scully whispered.

Lowering her face to Mulder's the angel smiled, their lips meeting.

The glow became brighter, shining and flickering as Danessi released his soul back into his mortal body. Drawing back she smiled once more, then stood taking Hawthorne's hand and they faded away.

"...scu,..cully?"

Choking on a sob she looked down into a pair of clear hazel eyes. Her heart burst with relief, hope and the most important emotion.

"Mulder,...oh, my god," the tears began pouring down her face.

"I'm not dead?" a confused expression crossed his face as she pulled him into her arms.

Skinner held out a blanket to Scully a look of relief on his face.

He hadn't prayed much in his life, but tonight his prayers had been answered. They had suffered enough these two souls and he knew they belonged together.

Wrapping the blanket around Mulder she thanked Skinner with a teary smile. A quick nod he turned away to give them some privacy. As he moved out to the lake he could hear their soft voices.

"Mulder I need to tell you something."

"What is it Scully? Please don't cry."

"I'm crying in happiness silly."

There was soft laughter and Skinner smiled imagining her expression.

"What is it?" a hint of confusion.

"I love you Mulder. I always have."

Skinner raised his face top the full moon glowing in the night sky. His smile widened.

"About damn time Agent Scully," he whispered heading down the beach.

THE END (Finally!)