MULDER THE VAMPIRE SLAYER 3

Mulder slowly turned Skinner over. His body violently shook, and sweat glistened on his forehead, as if he were fighting something neither he nor Alex could see.

//*Don't say a word to them*// Keiron's silky voice echoed in Walter's mind. //*Get up and leave now! You cannot resist me! Come!*//

Alex stood, frozen, concentrating. In his own mind he could hear the call of a vampire summoning Walter Skinner. The lure was so powerful, so inticing. He remembered the affect it once had on his victims, and knew it wouldn't be long before...

With a roar of unrestrained rage, Walter pushed Mulder aside. Thanks to his Slayer agility, Mulder fell back on his haunches. But Alex was completely taken unawares as the muscular A.D. pushed past him and raced out of the apartment.

Mulder sprang into action, but Alex prevented the pursuit with a restraining hand. "Wait!" he hissed.

"Wait?" Mulder blinked. "Hello, we've gotta go after him." Mulder was puzzled as Alex held a finger to his lips. "Listen," he whispered.

With a frustrated sigh, Mulder closed his eyes and listened. The whirring of a ceiling fan high above became drowned out by an eerie siren's song. A chill floated down Mulder's spine, giving him the wiggins. A vampire! A vampire was calling out to his Watcher!

Mulder's bright hazel eyes flicked open. "Fuck!" he cried. "They're after Skinner!"

"I think they've already got him," Alex mysteriously replied.

Mulder stood with hands on hips. "Clue me in."

"The only way he would react to a vampire's summons is if he'd been made into a Renfield," Alex explained, a shadow over his eyes.

Growing increasingly impatient, Mulder smartly retorted, "I think I speak for those in our studio audience when I say, 'huh?'"

Alex moved toward a window and stared out into the night. Damnit, Keiron! I hear you.

"A Renfield is a vampire's victim," he quickly explained. "Didn't your other Watcher teach you anything?"

"That's what you're buddy Keiron wanted to make me," Mulder said, slowly. Then the horror of it sank in. Skinner's odd beaviour earlier... and he hadn't noticed. He came up behind Alex. "Is that what they're trying to do? Get to me through my Watcher?"

"I don't know," the gorgeous vampire honestly answered. "But he's had enough time to get down the block. Now we can follow without scaring Keiron off. Come on."

Mulder already held a stake tightly in his hand. "Where do you think he's going?"

"I have a pretty good idea," Alex said, leading the way downstairs.

*****

As if pulled by an invisible string, Walter followed the darkened District streets. The call was magnetic, irresitible. It sapped him of his will, turning him into a puppet for the waiting vampire.

Just a block away, Alex pulled the impulsive Slayer into hiding just as Skinner turned a corner.

"Not that I don't enjoy your body pressed up against mine," Mulder commented, "but he's getting away."

Alex kept his eyes focused on the street. "No, he's not. We don't want to scare Keiron off."

"Oh, I'm going to do more than just scare him off," Mulder replied, with a determined glint in his eye.

"Hey, you've gotta take it easy. Keiron's a very dangerous vampire," warned Alex.

"He's going to be one very dusted vamp when I get through with him."

Peering down the lamplit street, Alex nodded. "Come on, we'd better move."

*****

They followed Skinner until he vanished inside of a surprising structure. Mulder couldn't believe it. The vampire was summoning his Watcher from the Hoover building! Fox held out an arm and gripped Alex's leather sleeve. "Just a minute, I don't get it. Why would the vampire bring Skinner here?"

"Keiron always liked to play dangerously," a cryptic Alex replied.

Mulder frowned. He didn't like the sound of that one bit, nor did he like the fact that Alex shared an intimate past with this vampire.

"Well, fine then," Mulder pouted. "If this is where Keiron is..." He started forward, but Alex held him back.

"You're jealous, aren't you?"

"I am not jealous! Besides, my Watcher is in there somewhere and--" He blew out his breath. "Never mind, come on!"

Alex watched Mulder's back with a hidden smile.

*****

The room was pitch black, but Walter did not need a light to find his way. The voice inside his mind directed him through the maze-like shelves and filing cabinets, covered in sheets of dust from years of disuse.

He paused at the very back of the room, once more trying desperately to fight Keiron's call. A fresh sheen of sweat broke out on the Watcher's forehead, slowly slithering down his neck and back.

Keiron simply laughed.

Reaching out, Skinner heaved a cabinet away from the far wall. His arm brushed up against what felt like an iron grate.

//*That's right. You're almost there.*//

With an agonizing groan, Walter opened the gate and descended a wide flight of steps. Struggling against Keiron's control, the veins on Walter's neck stood out and his breathing became ragged. He thought that his heart would burst at any moment.

From somewhere up ahead, he could make out the beginnings of a flickering light. He knew that Keiron was very close. The pull was so powerful it was as if he were no longer controlling his legs.

"There you are, my beauty," Keiron exhaled.

His voice called out from across the vaulted chamber. At the bottom of the stairs, Walter cast his eyes about. He had no idea this place existed, and guessed that few living souls did either.

Keiron slinked toward him, licking his lips. "Just look at you. Why do you continue to fight me, Watcher? You know it's futile."

"Just get it over with," Walter snarled through gritted teeth. If only he could get his hands on a stake, he'd ram it into the vampire's chest himself. But as Keiron tauntingly put it, Walter Skinner could not resist the vampiric lure.

Running a hand along the surly man's shoulders, Keiron smiled. "You had to walk all that way, I bet the blood's just pumping. You got it all hot for me." Rolling up the right sleeve of Skinner's dress shirt, Keiron exposed the first wound. He knelt down, and when he looked up at the A.D. again, Keiron's face morphed into its true vampire features. "Just a little taste before we get down to business."

Walter cried out as a pair of razor sharp fangs bit into the soft flesh of his forearm. It was soon followed by sucking sounds as the vampire drank his precious life giving fluid. Walter rocked back on his heels; a wave of dizziness taking hold.

Then he felt something different, a tantalyzing warmth spreading through his body and -- damnit! -- straight down to his crotch. He shut his eyes, willing himself to stay in control... but it was no use. His body betrayed him as a large bulge swelled in front of his trousers.

Keiron's bright, yellow eyes lit up at the mouth watering sight. He took one last lick, being careful not to drink too much, then slid a hand up the inside of Skinner's leg. Suddenly, the vampire's face changed back to his normal countenance. "Oh, Watcher, my mouth can do wonders with that."

Walter would not suffer humilation at the hands of this fiend again. He desperately tried to shake him off, but found himself frozen in place; the vampire's presence loomed large in his mind. Before he knew what was happening, Keiron had removed his leather belt, and was slowly unfastening and unzipping Walter's pants. The white briefs strained against the hardening cock, a circle of wetness crying out with sexual hunger.

Keiron could barely contain himself. The only thing he craved worse than warm blood was a nice, thick prick. With one swift movement, he pulled down the tight briefs and Walter's full, hard cock bounced into view. Instantly, Keiron licked his way along every inch of the shaft, pausing only to savor the delicacy awaiting him at the crown. Soon, he wrapped his wet lips around the dripping head and began to suck earnestly.

With a sharp intake of air, Walter found it hard to stay on his feet. Sweat trickled in new streams down the side of his face. He screwed his lips up until they resembled a fine, white line. He refused to let himself come. His mind urgently thought of other things, anything to deter it from the delicious sensations pulsating through his cock. Fuck! Why did it have to feel so good?

He focused on the shame he felt at betraying the Watcher's Council, and Mulder. For some reason the thought of his arrogant Slayer seemed to only heighten his arousal.

Keiron swept his hands along Skinner's inner thighs. Reading the proud Watcher's mind, he delighted in the struggle the man was putting up. //*Oh, you're going to come for me and you're going to enjoy it*//

He stuck out two fingers and ran them beneath Skinner's tightening ball sac. In response, the man above him let out a weak little yelp. Keiron knew that he was on the brink, so he wrapped one hand around Skinner's firm ass and gave a quick squeeze.

Walter inadvertently thrust deeper inside the vampire's mouth, which only served to milk his swollen cock further. Keiron moaned against it, and slipped his tongue up and over. Skinner could not hold back any longer. He threw his head back, bellowing loudly as he spilled his molten seed down the vampire's eager throat. Keiron lapped it up, not missing a single drop.

Control momentarily slipping, Walter's knees collapsed out from under him and he fell backwards to the cold floor. Keiron stood imperiously over his Renfield, massaging his own hard bulge.

"I'm not done with you yet," he told him. "Do you know how beautiful you are, Renfield? You tempt me to bring you over now."

Walter's exhausted eyes widened in terror. His heart beat shot up a notch.

Keiron fell upon him, inching his way toward the Watcher's face. "No, not yet. The Brotherhood still has a use for you in your Watcher capacity. You're needed to distract that delectable little Slayer." He ran a finger down Walter's nose and over his lips. "Just thinking about him gets me so worked up, how about you?"

"I won't let you hurt him, you sick bastard," Walter growled.

Keiron laughed, stuck out his tongue and licked the salty water from Skinner's bald head. "Now it's my turn for some fun!"

*****

Amazingly, Mulder and Alex found one of the side doors unlocked. It was concealed from prying eyes, and the perfect place to slip in unnoticed. The pair carried on, Mulder in a half-crouch just ready to spring into action. He was angry and terrified for Sinner. Plus, he was furious was Alex.

How could he think he was jealous of that vampire? Sure lovemaking with Alex had been great -- ok, incredibly amazing (Mulder, you're still mad!) -- but he was absolutely, 100% not jealous!

Alex pointed down one shadowy, deserted corridor. "This way."

Mulder eyed him curiously. Alex seemed to know exactly where to go. The vampire's call had ceased some time ago, which frightened him more. However, he was the Chosen One and his Slayer instincts could still sense the danger close by.

Step by the step, they caustiously took a flight of stairs leading deeper into the building. Only a few lights illuminated their way. Mulder involuntarily shivered.

"This place gives me the wiggins," he confessed. It reminded him of the bureau back in Houston, just before a horde of vampires attacked.

"Yeah," Alex agreed, which surprised Mulder. "Have you noticed there's no security?"

"Hey!" Mulder exclaimed, then lowered his husky voice. "That's right!"

They rounded a corner a came face to face with a Hoover Building Security guard!

The first thing that struck Mulder as odd was what the hell was this dude doing in the bowels of the building...

"Halt, right there!" The guard shouted, flashing a torch in their faces, causing Alex to wince. Mulder hastily hid the stake behind his back, then fished for his FBI badge.

"Special Agent Fox Mulder," he announced, producing the identification. "I'm here investigating a case." Which was halfway true.

But the security guard was not impressed. "No one's allowed in this part of the building."

...The second thing was the stench of evil radiating off the man. Alex must of sensed it, too, because he lashed out and sent the guard sprawling backward. With an unnatural switfness, he leapt back up, displaying his snarling, vampire features.

Alex pounced as the vicious guard lunged at Mulder, who jumped over their heads to land neatly on his feet. He whirled round, stake in hand.

Gaining the upperhand, the vampire guard twisted Alex's arm and sent him reeling over the steps. He landed heavily at Mulder's feet.

"Hey, ugly!" Mulder called, drawing his attention. The guard turned with a growl, spittle dripping from his fangs. "Didn't your mother teach you it's not nice to hit people?"

Mulder struck out with his right leg, hitting the vampire neatly in the stomach. He tumbled back against the wall. The guard shook his head, and looked up to find the Slayer looming over him.

"Say you're sorry," Mulder told him. The vampire just gaped at him. "No?" With that, Mulder plunged the sharp wodden stake into vampire's chest. Within seconds, the guard disinitegrated into a pile of ash, still wearing a surprised expression.

Mulder shrugged his shoulders. "No one has good manners these days." Hearing a groan nearby, he hurried to the slightly dazed Alex's side and helped him up.

"Nice moves," Alex commented, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Thanks," Mulder grinned, glad to see that his lover was all right. "So, what do you think pretty boy was guarding?"

Alex pointed to a door tucked away in a corner of the darkened hall. "That," he suggested.

"Just a minute!" Mulder snapped his fingers. "We're close to the room where that young intern was murdered."

"You noticed that, huh?" Alex cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Don't be cute," Mulder chastised. "Come on, Alex, this is me you're talking to. What aren't you telling me?"

But Krycek decided to remain broodingly quiet. What is he hiding, Mulder wondered, following close behind.

A few feet ahead, Alex tried the door and found it locked. Mulder folded his arms and watched him twisting the knob back and forth. "Here, let me," offered Mulder. Twisting the handle, it fiercely came away in his hand, bring part of the door with it.

"Oops!" He shrugged and dropped the doorknob.

Alex shook his head and couldn't help but smile. Mulder obviously still didn't know his own strength. Once more, the reluctant vampire took the lead.

The room was so dark that when Mulder moved forward he bumped into Alex's back. "There's nothing in here," he hissed.

"Yes, there is," Alex replied, in his own enigmatic way. Taking hold of Mulder's hand, Alex brought toward a far wall. Along the way, he ran his thumb over Mulder's fingers.

Peering over Alex's shoulders, Mulder's eyes grew accustomed to the gloom and he could just make out an entrance. "Well, you're just full of surprises, aren't you?" he asked.

"I'm a surprising guy," Alex told him, dead serious.

Mulder tensed. Another vampire's presence was close by. "Well, if you're old boyfriend is down here," he said, marching toward the old gate, "then that's where we're going."

Alex placed a restraining hand on the wrought iron. "Mulder, it may be more than you can handle." He fixed his pericing green eyes on him. "These tunnels are a rabbit's warren for vampire's beneath the district."

"Yeah? Well, it could the New York subway for all I care. That's my Watcher, and a potential friend down there." Mulder whirled around and kicked the gate open. "Case closed." The Slayer started down the steps, turning with a determined glint in his eye. "Are you coming?"

Alex held his hands up in defeat. They'd come this far, and there was obviously no stopping Mulder. Alex just hoped that Keiron was the only threat awaiting them. He'd deliberately neglected to tell Mulder exactly where the tunnels led.

The steps round several corners, almost like a lighthouse in structure. They continued to descend deeper until a low moaning, gasping sound floated up to their ears.

"What's that?" whispered Mulder, instinctively reaching out to Alex.

Another groan came up to meet them. Alex knew that sound anywhere. "It's Keiron," he replied, in a hushed voice.

Mulder listened to the animal-like grunts, and was once more overcome by a hot pulse of jealousy. Then, the realization took over. Keiron was fucking someone... and that someone was...

"Oh, great!" he exclaimed, impulsively hurrying ahead.

"No, Mulder, wait!" Alex hissed, but it was too late.

Mulder bounded off the last step and emerged into a torchlit brick chamber, with several tunnels leading off beneath the city. A musty smell of damp straw permeated the air. Boxes were strewn about, and the deep sounds of sex came from just beyond a nearby stack.

Venturing forward, Mulder's eyes widened at the sight of his Watcher being mounted by the vampire Keiron. Skinner's legs were in the air, while Keiron relentlessly plowed deep inside of his ass. There was a look of total anguish on Walter's face. For a moment, Mulder could not move. Then, hearing Alex moving up behind him, Mulder stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Sorry to interrupt your little party."

Keiron looked up, his face instantly changing to his harsh vampire features. He'd let his defences down while fucking the Watcher. His still hard cock slipped out as Keiron stood, snarling. "The party's just getting started, Slayer!"

Mulder blinked. Somehow Alex had appeared behind Keiron, and was slowly creeping up on him.

"Caught with your pants down, Keiron?" Alex taunted. Keiron spun around to face his Sire. "That's really not a good look for you."

Growling savagely, Keiron lashed out. Alex jumped back just in time to miss the swipe. A voice from behind distracted the enraged vampire.

"Hey! That's my Watcher you were screwing!"

Keiron turned, and Mulder's first sent him flying through the air. The half-naked body impacted with a pile of boxes, reducing them to splinters.

Alex quickly glanced down at Skinner, who seemed to be in a dazed state. "Mulder, get Skinner out of here. I'll take care of Keiron."

"But--" Mulder protested.

"Do it, now!"

With a wounded look, Mulder knelt beside his Watcher while Alex stalked toward Keiron, who was slowly regaining his senses.

"Skinner, hey, it's me. Can you hear me?" Gently, Mulder lifted him into a sitting position. He could see the livid red puncture wounds on the A.D.'s muscular arm. Mulder helped him to his feet. Skinner swayed a bit, then swiftly pulled up and fastened his slacks. A look of shame filled his face.

"Mulder, I'm so sorry," he began, his strong voice trembling. "I failed in my duty to protect you. I should have been more careful. I..."

"Skinner, it's all right. Everything's going to be okay now." Mulder turned just in time to see Alex land a solid punch in Keiron's chin.

Walter lunged forward, anger blazing in his eyes. Mulder held him back. "Whoa, big guy, calm down."

Holding a hand to his aching head, Walter realized Mulder was right.

Across the room, the lust-filled undead figure skittered against a wall. Alex was gaining the upperhand. "You make me sick!" Keiron spat. "You could have joined me, and we could have taken them both!" Keiron's yellow eyes appealed to him. "You can't tell me that tender morsel hasn't tempted you. To taste the blood of a Slayer!"

Mulder wrapped one of Skinner's arms over his shoulder and lead him toward the staircase. At Keiron's last sentence, Mulder turned. Alex gave the vampire an uppercut which sent Keiron fleeing down one of the side tunnels. Mulder choked on a gasp. Alex's face had transformed into that of a vampire, which brought reality crashing down around him again.

"Get Skinner out of here!" Alex growled, then took off after Keiron, leaving his silent lover behind.

*****

Some time later, Mulder had made it back to Skinner's apartment with the exhausted A.D. Walter had not talked much during the journey back, and Mulder could only think of lame things to try and comfort him. He himself felt an enormous sense of guilt for not recognizing the signs sooner. Skinner's attitude that morning, the way he fiddled with his shirt sleeve. Way to go, Slayer!

Emerging from the kitchen with a hot mug of tea, Mulder found Skinner exactly where he'd left him; sitting on the sofa with a blanket wrapped round his shoulders.

"Here you go," he said with a little smile.

Walter thanked him, took a few sips, and winced.

"Uh-oh, not enough sugar?" asked Mulder, sheepishly.

"No, no, it's fine," Walter told him, sitting the cup on the coffee table beside his wirerims.

Mulder awkwardly moved closer and sat down opposite his Watcher. "So, how are you feeling?"

"A little better."

"Are you going to stop beating yourself up? Skinner, you didn't do anything wrong."

"Is Keiron, is he--" Skinner fought to find the words.

"Dusted?" Mulder opined. "I'm not sure. Alex went after him as we were leaving."

The subject of Alex gave Walter an excellent change of conversation. Anything to stop thinking about the vampire who'd ravaged him.

"Alex is t-the vampire who helped you?"

"Yeah," Mulder nodded. "Actually, he's what I wanted to talk to you about earlier."

"Oh?"

"If you feel up to it, that is." Mulder hoped he was. Not only because he was anxious to learn more about Alex, but also he would do Skinner good to talk.

Walter saw the concern gleaming in the Slayer's eyes. He didn't feel fit to be Mulder's Watcher anymore. To be taken over by a vampire so easily. He exhaled deeply. "Tell me all about him."

He listened carefully as Mulder related all he knew. Walter had to admit he found it fascinating.

"And you say he no longer feeds on humans?" Skinner said, curiously.

"Never heard that one before?" Mulder wondered.

"No, I must say he's a rare beast." A sudden thought hit Skinner. He put on his glasses, stood up, and hurried over to one of the many bookselves lining his living room. Mulder thought that the Watcher's apartment resembled a library than a home. Walter found a well-worn book and began flicking through the yellowed pages.

"Yes," he mmbled, half to himself.

Mulder got to his feet and hurried over. "Found something?"

Walter pointed to the text before him. "There's reports in here of an infamous vampire named Alexei, the one with an angel's face."

"That's him," Mulder said.

Walter continued to read. "It seems that Alexei became a vampire in the late eighteenth-century. He rampaged through most of Europe for the next hundred years..."

'Rampaged?' Mulder didn't like the sound of that. Alex was a gentle lover, and the torment in his eyes meant there was a lot more to the story. He was right.

"...then suddenly."

"Suddenly, what?" Mulder broke in.

Walter gave him a reproving look. Good, the Watcher was feeling better. "Alexei came to America, and there's no record of him attacking humans. Indeed, it appears that he went into hiding and was actually shunned by other vampires."

"An outcast vamp, huh?" Mulder was still curious. What happened to change him from the vicious Alexei to the Alex he knew?

Walter discarded the book and peered hard at Mulder. "How exactly did you meet Alex?"

Mulder blushed. "He introduced himself after I knocked him flat on his back -- which is entirely a different story." He shrugged, realizing he was rambling. "Look, Alex gave me the same spiel you did, that something big was coming." Mulder waved his hands and produced his stake, making up and down motions with it. "You know, the big bad Brotherhood."

Walter's face filled with alarm. "The Brotherhood. Mulder, this is serious. Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

"I tried, too," he said, suddenly feeling like a little boy in trouble.

Striding over to a set of windows, Skinner looked through the blinds at the gloomy D.C. streets. "As soon as your friend Alex makes contact again, we must find out all we can about the Brotherhood."

Mulder sighed. He was more worried about Alex fighting Keiron than the Brotherhood at the moment...

*****
The boy was running for his life. He had seen the beautiful man at the inn not too far from town and thought he was friendly. But then the man had leered at him and he, frightened, took off into the woods that was just behind the small inn. He heard the stomps of the man following him and he chanced a quick look over his shoulder before jumping over some brush that had fallen onto the small sandy track leading further into the woods.

The boy was familiar with this route, having come many times to town to search for a job. He knew to dress conservatively in the town, otherwise the townsmen would sneer at him in his usual colorful gypsy outfit. But the man seemed faster and just as familiar with the route.

His worn shoes stumbled over a rock that he hadn't seen and he fell flat on his face. The man fell upon him. He gasped when the man lifted and turned him around with ease. His eyes were wide when he saw the man's beautiful face change. He cried out as the horrible features came toward him, the sharp teeth could be seen easily even in the shadowy wood. The creature bit him savagely on the neck. He screamed as loud as he could but no one came to rescue him.

*****

Alex hated these visions of earlier times that came to him when he was on the chase. It had been a quite a long time since he had given chase and purposefully so. He always tried to rid himself of those memories of brutality that he lived those many years ago. Rarely with much success.

He saw a flash of Keiron ahead of him and continued his pursuit, trying to keep the memories at bay...

*****

An old gypsy woman cursed and chanted at him while he watched, sneering. His eyes began to glow and he crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

He could sense another figure standing over him. The gypsy tells him that he has been cursed with carrying the soul he tormented. As long as he walked the earth, he will carry the soul, haunted by the torment he had caused his victim. Alex wanted to lash out at the figure, but the pain was unbearable and he could do nothing but listen.

*****

Alex cornered Keiron, he bared his teeth, snarling. He knew he was the reason Keiron was a vampire, but that was no excuse. He had been shown a different path, so could Keiron.

Keiron, though, was in no mood to be shown anything. He sneered at Alex and challenged him. Alex pondered for just a moment then rushed his troubled Childe and pressed his body full against Keiron's. The younger vampire's features changed back to normal and he sighed in pleasure.

"Is this what you want, Alex? It has been a long time...Sire," he breathed.

Alex growled at his Childe. Keiron always did love the incestuous implications that went with those titles. He usually played them to the hilt.

Alex calmed his features and, once again, his beautiful face appeared. He bent toward his Childe, like he used to when they had been together. They seemed to sniff each other, taking in their powerful odors and presence. Their bodies softly caressed together for a bit. Alex nibbled on Keiron's ear, bent away for a bit and then, while Keiron was unaware, he changed back to his horrible monster vamp face and bit the smooth skin of his Childe's neck roughly.

Keiron screamed, "No!"

Alex continued to bite, taking as much as he could, not holding back. Keiron bucked under him but slowly began to lose strength and power as Alex drained him. This was the only way he could think of to weaken his Childe so he would not have the ability to control the Watcher any longer. At least until he regained his powers back. Alex rolled his eyes back into his head, feeling a fever run through his body as so much blood coursed through him. Not in a long time had he feasted so much and he was almost sick by the power of it. When he pushed the now weak body away, he was sick from it all. If he could have done it any other way he would have.

*****

Walter was pouring through several large tomes trying to find any mention of the Brotherhood. Slight twinges in his ass made him remember the humiliation of being fucked by Keiron and in front of Mulder, his Slayer and subordinate. He glanced over at Mulder who seemed to be musing about something, his eyes clearly not following the page he had opened. He saw the inherant beauty of the man and wondered briefly if love between men were possible. The role of bottom had its rewards, even forced into it as he had been.

Mulder was thinking about Alex, he was worried if he would survive the inevitable confrontation he would have with his Childe. Mulder still didn't know what to think about that. Alex and Keiron clearly had a sexual relationship. There was no doubt in Mulder's mind. But how could Alex defeat the other vampire. It was nearly impossible without using his own vamp abilities. Thoughts, unbidden, came to him of Walter being fucked by Keiron and he blushed, thinking of such a thing when the man stood right there with him.

"Mulder, I was thinking that I may get better results if I contacted the Watcher's Council in England. They would be able to help us learn more about this Brotherhood."

Mulder didn't notice the way Skinner was moving closer to him as he talked. His hands strayed to his subordinate's shoulder and arm. Mulder suddenly realized something wasn't right when the Watcher's hand cupped his crotch.

"Oops, sir, what is that?"

Skinner knowledgeably rubbed the stirring cock in Mulder's jeans.

"I didn't think this was part of a Slayer's training..."

Walter pressed his lips against Mulder's to shut his verbal Slayer up. Mulder pulled away and shook his head.

"Sir, I think this is ..." A big finger covered his lips then traced the soft curves of first his upper then his bottom lip.

Mulder didn't know what was with his Watcher but then he didn't know what was with his own body's reactions. He wanted those big hands on his body and now.

He let his Watcher slowly pull off his shirt, then gasped when the big man bent and nibbled his neck and chest. Those hard hands ran over his skin, sending tingles all over his body. Something wasn't right but he wasn't able to resist.

Walter's tongue lapped down Mulder's belly, licking into the belly button, making his Slayer's cock jump in his pants. He began to open Mulder's jeans, wanting to nuzzle at the burgeoning erection bulging there.

The slayer's hands ran over the sleek bald pate, loving the sensual erotic feel. He grasped the ears just as his watcher grasped his cock.

"Oh god... Alex," moaned Mulder as his watcher took the twitching cock into his mouth. He instantly pulled away.

"I-I am sorry, Slayer. I don't know what came over me..."

Mulder blinked up at the perturbed man.

"Don't think, suck!" growled the thoroughly frustrated Slayer.

Walter looked at the beautiful face and saw the frustrated yearning. How could he say no to his Slayer? He bent and began to engulf the now fully erect cock in his mouth.

Mulder's back arched up, wanting to buck up into that hot wet mouth. When he felt his Watcher's tongue play along the underside of his cock, he moaned. The slayer had never been intimate with his Watcher before, but for some reason, it didn't bother him. He encouraged the older man by caressing with his hands and directing with his hips and soon he was shooting down the throat of his Watcher.

Mulder rested for a moment before looking at the large bulge in the watcher's pants. "I can take care of that for you."

The watcher sighed in relief when those long nimble fingers opened his slacks.

Mulder smirked at the tighty whiteys but his eyes nearly bugged out at what popped out. He hadn't seen the Watcher's cock before when Keiron was fucking him. Now he wondered how he missed it. With an experimental flick of his tongue over the large mushroom shaped head, he swallowed as much as he could, doing his best to make it good for the big man.

Walter groaned looking at those beautiful lips stretched wide over his cock. He didn't know how he could last very long. The sight alone was sending him near the edge. He couldn't help it. When Mulder began to wickedly hum, he cried out, "I'm gonna cum."

Thrusting into that tight hole that suddenly opened up for him, letting him free to thrust, Walter grunted then came down his subordinate's throat.

*****

Scully was upset. She could just tell that Mulder was off on a case and she wasn't apart of it. Well she wouldn't stand for it for much longer. She would give that Slayer a piece of her mind. Well, damn it, she would not sit in her apartment and mope. She dressed provocatively and went down to Jessie's apartment and knocked.

The door was opened and a large woman wearing leather answered the door. "Hi, I am here for Jessie's party?"

Just then the pretty blonde girl peeked around one of the leather girl's shoulders and smiled. "Dana, I am so glad you could come."

The leather girl moved away from the door, giving Dana room to enter. When the door closed behind her, Jessie stopped and introduced her to the leather girl.

"Dana, this is Mona. Mona, this is Dana. She lives just down from me, Mona."

Mona smiled, making her look not so gruff as she did at first. "Nice to meet you, Dana."

Dana smiled back. "Nice to meet you too, Mona."

Dana looked around and saw that the guests were all female. She didn't know how to take that at first but Jessie interrupted her thoughts and introduced her to the room. All the women turned their eyes to her; she was surprised at their interest in her. One shorthaired girl, looking quite butch in torn jeans and t-shirt, was glaring challengingly at her. Dana wanted to go over and pat her on the hand and tell her everything was going to be all right. She almost giggled aloud. Butch girls always seemed to need petting to soothe their bruised egos.

It had been awhile since she had been to an all girl party. Her roommate in college had been a lesbian and had introduced her to an alternative lifestyle she had never known before. When her roommate left school to be 'owned' by one of her butch lovers, Dana lost contact with her.

Jessie kept her busy introducing her to her friends but Dana was kind of bored after a bit. Her eyes did take in the candles that were placed everywhere of different shapes and sizes. She moved over to the book shelf and saw books on Wiccan. Well, if Jessie was a lipstick lesbian, she sure had interesting habits. Her eye noticed the pentagram necklace around Jessie's neck. All she needed in her life was a replica of her flighty sister, Melissa.

She never would have thought she would be attracted to the lipstick lesbian but that is what most assumed she was. Most of Jessie's friends were exactly that, career oriented lesbians. Except for Ms. Butch, who sneered at her for most of the evening. Dana did her best to ignore her, and learned later the girl's name was Bo.

Everything was going fine, though she felt she was at an FBI party instead of in a room full of lesbians. She went to the small kitchen area and was cornered by Bo, who had her up against the wall and was sneering into her ear, "Who do you think you are, Miss Priss."

Dana couldn't believe how her body reacted to her. Could she help it if she had been attracted to butch girls while in college? The girl's small breasts were pressed against her own and she wanted to rub herself against them. She knew how to play this girl's game though.

"I think I am just me, Bo. Who do you think you are?" she breathed, making sure to look the girl in the eyes. She was astounded that the girl's dark eyes were hypnotic and she wanted to see them full of passion than just anger.

"Jessie is mine!" Bo growled.

"That isn't what she told me. She says she has been single for 3 months now."

"Well, she broke it off with me, and I don't want anyone touching her."

Dana smiled at Bo. "What if I told you she's not my type but you are?"

Bo sneered at her for a moment as if she doubted her but then she bent and licked Dana's lips. Dana opened her mouth to let the questing tongue in. When she pulled away, her heart was about to beat out of her ribcage and she took a second before breathing, "Come by my apartment after the party."

Bo licked Dana's kiss swollen lips one more time before nodding. "You bet."

Bo moved away and back into the living room while Dana composed herself and took the beer out of the fridge she wanted in the first place. She put the cold can against her forehead, trying to lower the temperature emanating from her.

When she walked back into the room, all eyes turned to her. She looked down at herself, making sure nothing was undone. Nothing was. Jessie pulled her into a corner of the room and whispered, "Did Bo threaten you, Dana?"

"Oh, I am fine, thanks, Jessie. Bo and I have an understanding."

"Oh. Well, good. I was worried she would try to tell you to stay away from me. She can be so possessive sometimes."

Dana just smiled and nodded. They moved back to the group and she could tell Bo was following her with her eyes.

By the time the party ended, Dana was ready to be with Bo. The angry sneer had turned her on before but the knowledge she would be with her afterwards was making her hot. She had wanted to run her hands over her breasts but kept from doing that by sheer force of will.

She hugged and kissed Jessie good night, thanking her for being invited. Then she went to her apartment and waiting anxiously for a knock.

The knock came about 15 minutes later. She was a little miffed but glad that Bo was there looking sorry. Bo was about to explain when Dana pressed against her and kissed those pouting lips shut. Bo quickly took control and ran her hands down Dana's back. Dana let her, though she knew she could easily take control back from the girl.

Bo was about the same height and was very lean, leaner than Dana herself. It did make her strong though and she pressed Dana hard against her and ran her hands under Dana's leather skirt and cupped her ass in her palms as her tongue was playing with the agent's unmercilessly.

The agent wasn't about to let the girl control it all. She found those enticing breasts with her palm and caressed over them gently. The girl moaned in her mouth. She moved away to pull the shirt up and over the girl's head then kissed her once more. Then the girl grabbed Dana's silk blouse and was about to do the same when Dana grabbed her hands and opened the blouse carefully and set it aside.

Bo just looked at her for a moment, then seemed to notice Dana standing there in nothing but a black bra, showing of the soft swell of her breasts and her alabaster skin. She licked her lips then reached for the other woman.

Dana smiled as the woman unhooked her bra expertly while she nuzzled her neck. She was reminded of her first boyfriend doing the very same thing when she was 17. Clearly the technique didn't change over the years or with genders. When the girl's tongue and teeth licked and nibbled on her ear, though, her pulse began to race. She knew she had to gain the upper hand or be swept away too soon. Her hands sought out the button and fly and began to peel the tight pants down from the soft skin. She grabbed two handfuls of soft curving ass and pressed her body close to Bo's. Their breasts caressed tantalizingly together and Dana's breath hitched. She pulled the girl's head up and kissed her passionately, carressing her body against the surprising softness of the other woman.

Bo seemed rough in demeanor, but clearly, once stripped of her outer garb, she was smooth and soft as silk. Her hands, though, were quite rough and calloused and Dana's skin became quite sensitized as they stroked up and down her back lazily.

Dana pulled the younger woman with her to the bed. She lay back and let Bo take control, running those small rough hands run all over her body. She arched up into the touch when Bo lightly pinched her nipples. Her breath became rapid when the girl bent and took one into her mouth. The agent felt a hand move down to her thighs, playing with the sensitive flesh of her pelvis before a finger stroked down between her legs. Dana moaned when those fingers caressed just inside her labia and just below her clit. 'Damn, that girl has some experience with this' thought Dana before a flick against her clit sent that thought dancing away.

Dana shifted, letting Bo know it was her time to play. She rolled them over so she was above the girl splayed out for her. She bent and kissed that pouty mouth as her own finger's snaked down to play between the girl's legs. The girl arched up when Dana's finger's entered her vagina, Dana's tongue was thrusting into the girl's mouth in the same rhythm as her fingers did below. When the agent's tongue licked down to the girl's neck, Bo moaned, "Yeah, fuck me."

Dana's tongue sucked in a pert nipple just as her thumb came up to swipe the girl's clit. The girl's inner thighs began to quiver and Dana knew she was close. Under a pillow she pulled out her favorite dildo and slowly teased it along the girl's labia and clit until she was writhing beneath her.

"Fuck me...do it," groaned the girl and Dana did. Thrusting the dildo in slowly then faster and faster as the girl stretched taut. Dana bent down and sucked on the girl's tongue just as the girl shuddered in orgasm. She pulled away to let the girl breath and softly pulled the dildo from the spasming vagina.

Her hands were about to reach down and take care of herself, when the girl pushed her down and straddled her, she thrust her sex slicked flesh against Dana's. The older woman grabbed slats in the head board as the girl's body shivered atop hers. The girl thrust her hips just so until Dana was sighing in pleasure. The girl became frustrated, so she scrambled off Dana then thrust her tongue between her open thighs, tasting then nibbling the older woman until she was gasping her orgasm.

The girl pulled away from the sensitive flesh to cover them with the blanket and cuddle against her body.

The sudden explosion of pain made Mulder pass out for a period of time. When he opened his eyes again, Alex's grim face greeted him.

"Shit…," Mulder stopped. He realized that he didn't know what to say.

"Get up," Krycek said quietly.

Slowly Mulder got up. His head throbbed painfully and his heart raced madly like wanting to burst out from his chest. He glanced sideways and gasped. Skinner was kneeling on the floor, his head pressed to the ground. He couldn't see his face with his large arms covering them. He was shaking. Hard.

Mulder saw his superior's naked legs, folded pitifully under his body, and shockingly saw the glistening thin film covering them. Sweat… and… and…

He choked.

The overwhelming feeling of … disgust made him stagger. His back connected to the wall, desperately looking for something to lean on. Disturbingly desperate, Mulder stared at Krycek. What the hell had happened?

"Alex…," he whispered.

There was an unfamiliar gleam in the dark green eyes. He looked unreadable and his face was completely devoid of any expression. "Come on," he said again in a quiet but, surprisingly, gentle tone. "We need to get out of here as fast as we can."

Mulder swallowed. His knees wobbled and his body swayed dangerously. "Skinner?"

"I'll take him. Take a deep breath, and you'll feel better." The vampire efficiently pulled him to his balance, then roughly lifted Skinner.

Mulder took a very deep breath and realized that it did feel better. He watched in dismay how Alex quickly and neatly zipping Skinner's pants back. He was even more dismayed to see Skinner's head hung down as if broken.

"Walt… Sir?" He took a step toward the two men.

Skinner recoiled. His head turned harshly, avoiding Mulder.

"Leave it, Fox," Alex said a bit hard. "He still has it in his system. It's no good to be near you unless he's out of Keiron's range. And I only temporarily paralyzed Keiron. He'll regain his power back soon."

Mulder felt his cheeks redden. He supposed that there was nothing else to say. He meekly followed Krycek out. When he brushed the back of his head, he felt a huge lump on it.

"You knocked me out, you bastard."

Krycek glanced at him and gave him his first smile. "I think you deserve it."

**********************

It was a relief that whatever strange state Skinner had been in a moment before disappeared by the time they were confined in a motel room just outside Virginia. However, following the return of conscience and balance, came the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment. Not only had the Watcher refused to look at Mulder, he also tried as hard as possible to keep a certain length of distance between the two. Expectedly, this had irritated Mulder.

"It wasn't as if either one of us initiated it," Mulder snapped involuntarily. "I mean… not in a technical sense… Alex had explained it. But… Hell, Sir. Will you stop that?"

Skinner sighed, "Look, Mulder, no offense… okay? It's just…"

He finally managed to see Mulder's eyes, and again, those sad, despairing eyes turned Mulder mute. Mulder swallowed sadly, "Maybe I can help you, you know?"

"Of what?" Skinner's eyes turned wary.

"I have a degree in psychology…"

Skinner's eyes widened. "Shit, Mulder."

Mulder sighed loudly. "I *did* help several rape victims. It might not be idealistic and all, but… Look, I know that you will try anything to ensure nobody else knew about this. I respect that. But you've been showing all kinds of rape victim symptoms. Denial. Inconsistencies. Anger." Mulder paused, then continued gently, "Self- hatred."

Skinner closed his eyes.

"You're doing okay," Mulder said. "I mean, you're still focused, as if this thing didn't disturb you that much… But I know, Skinner."

"What about you?" Skinner asked harshly. "Aren't you a victim yourself?"

Mulder flinched and quickly looked at Krycek, who stood quietly watching the two of them with a frozen face. "Alex and I did it consensually."

Skinner barked a perfect `ha´. "Not him. Me."

"Skinner. You. Didn't. Rape. Me."

"Sure as hell felt like it."

Mulder tried to step nearer and gave up when Skinner quickly drew back. "No," Mulder said firmly. "And I have no reason for lying. It's not traumatic at all to me. I had anonymous rough sex before…" Mulder was aware that Krycek's expression changed a little. "And I am *gay*. You, Sir. Might be not."

Skinner gritted his teeth. "You bet I'm not." He took a deep breath and defiantly looked at Mulder. "Very well. I'm okay that you're willing to help me."

Mulder smiled. "I'm glad, Sir. By the time you think you're ready, I'll escort you in seeking a professional help, okay?"

Skinner nodded. "Let's get back to business."

The two men turned their heads simultaneously toward Krycek, silently informing that there was a temporary understanding between the two and willing to continue.

Krycek moved toward Mulder, invading his personal space and perched himself closely to the agent. To anyone's eyes, it looked as if he was draping himself over the man. Skinner studied him thoughtfully, knowing perfectly well that the vampire was claiming his territory. His disturbing bond with Keiron made him extremely wary about the Slayer's strange "relationship" with this vampire. He wondered what he should do about this. Mulder was an extraordinary Slayer whom only appeared once in a wide span of time. This kind of `conflict of interests' was the last thing they all needed.

"Let's start with Keiron." Mulder turned his head and watched Krycek's face. With a sinking feeling, Skinner saw the gentleness in his Slayer's eyes. He suddenly realized that Mulder's bond with Krycek might be tighter than he had guessed…. And different from him and Keiron.

"Why my Watcher?" Mulder quietly asked. "And why now?"

Ignoring Mulder's inquisitive eyes, Alex slowly took something out from his jacket's pocket. He threw it on the table.

A book.

Skinner gasped.

"Where did you get this, Skinner?" Krycek asked the Watcher. "This has been missing for so long."

Mulder watched the two men exchange meaningful glances and slowly leaned forward to take the book. "What is this?" he asked softly.

Skinner swallowed. "It has been a possession of Watcher David Grimm. When he passed away, he gave it to me for no reason at all."

"You're lucky that Keiron was too stupid to know the real value of this book, otherwise this would have gone straight into the hands of the Brotherhood," Alex chided gently.

Skinner's face reddened. "I was grateful myself."

Mulder already had the book opened, and he was dismayed to see unreadable scrawls and symbols on the old pages. "Is this some kind of a secret spell? Book of the Dead?" He glanced quickly to his vampire lover and smiled sheepishly. "Key to the Secret Treasure?"

"It's a Journal."

"A journal." Mulder nodded, expecting Krycek to continue. When none came he raised his eyebrows. "The devil's journal? A saint's journal? A prophet's?"

"No." Skinner gave him his first smile. "It's just an ordinary journal of a Druid priest."

Mulder stared at the book disappointingly. "Oh."

"A *really* old Druid priest," Skinner said. "In fact, it is much, much older than you can imagine. It's not some four centuries Druid priest."

"Who…?"

"I believe he was called Odin."

"Odin?" Mulder stared incredulously. "Oh you must be kidding me! Odin is just a myth! An ancient God who certainly didn't know to write, and never encountered papers."

"This is just a copy. Odin's real journal was of course written in some other kinds of media, whatever it was. His writings were copied several times across the millenia, in several ancient language. This one might be the only one left."

"What's so special about it?"

Skinner shrugged. "The Watcher's Council didn't know of its importance. We kept it out of sentimentality, and curiosity."

"Curiosity? Why?"

Skinner stared at Krycek. "Perhaps he can answer. After all, for the past hundreds of years, the only party interested in acquiring this Journal were all vampires."

Krycek's hand slowly rubbed on Mulder's back. "I'm afraid I haven't gotten enough information regarding its content. Neither managed to read it. However, I know its value. The Brotherhood have been eyeing this for a long time because, if I'm not mistaken, this one was actually written by a vampire."

"I suppose you know this because you used to be one of the Brotherhood," Mulder frowned.

"You can say that. I knew this because I used to be the one in charge of searching for this book. Not many vampires were aware of this. See Keiron for example. He didn't know that his Boss was actually obsessing over the book."

Skinner bit his lip. "Then it all comes down to the crazy beast heading the Brotherhood."

"Yes," Krycek nodded. "Spender."

Skinner stared at him, speechless, than finally mumbled, "Fuck."

Both he and Skinner were too wrapped up in their thoughts to notice the sudden paleness of Mulder's face.

"I don't trust you," Skinner said to Krycek.

The vampire smiled slightly. "Understandable. The only thing I can assure you is that I would never hurt your Slayer."

Skinner looked at him for a very long time. Krycek turned his head slowly and softly kissed Mulder's hair.

"That's only good enough for now." Skinner nodded. "A vampire in love with a slayer... Rather ironic, wouldn't you say?"

Mulder tried to smile, but his mind was already turning into chaos. He felt warm with Krycek's strange declaration of affection toward him, and comfortable with the impasse between the vampire and his Watcher. But it sadly felt fleeting compared to the rush of confusion, fear, and sudden understanding.

"Spender," he whispered.

//"Maybe he was looking for an heir…"//

He was the vampire with the cold, grey eyes. He was the one who watched him with a strange affection and longing.

//"…maybe the heir was his one and only true bride…"//.

It meant… *him*?

He shivered.

"Fox?" Krycek's arms enveloped him. "Are you okay?"

Mulder blinked and realized that Skinner and Krycek were watching him with a hint of worry. He felt the soft kisses on his hair and felt himself melting. He squinted his eyes playfully to Krycek. "Nah. Just tired a little."

"Go to sleep," Krycek urged him. He glanced toward Skinner. "You too. Take that bedroom."

Skinner nodded. There was never any doubt in his mind that Krycek would be sleeping with Mulder. He leaned forward, reaching for Odin's journal, when suddenly Mulder jumped. "No!"

Skinner stopped.

"I--," Mulder quickly swallowed. "Let me see this for the night, okay?"

Skinner glanced toward Krycek. "As long as you won't give it to him."

Krycek laughed, "I already had it, you fool. I have no need for it."

"Just one night, Mulder. I must deliver this to the Watcher's Council in the morning."

Mulder nodded.

************************

It felt incredible, sleeping inside a pair of strong arms again. And this one felt… Gentle. More gentle than anyone he had ever been. Mulder sadly realized that he wished he could have some kind of a relationship with Krycek.

//If only he were just a simple human being//, he sadly thought. //I might have fallen in love with him already…//

His breath caught, not liking this train of thought in the least, and quickly put his mind to other pressing matters.

"What should we do about Skinner?" he asked Krycek. "Can you cut his bond with Keiron?"

It took some time for Krycek to answer. "I'm afraid I can't."

Mulder sighed. "He was too vulnerable. If Keiron gets a hold on him again… he might endanger himself. Probably all of us as well."

He felt Krycek kiss his shoulder. "Alex?" he asked impatiently. "What do you think?"

"What I think is probably not good for you to know."

Understanding dawned on him. It made Mulder tremble with sudden anxiety. "Don't tell me that you want to get rid of Skinner."

"It's a good strategy. He will be a liability for us."

Mulder gritted his teeth and extricate himself from Krycek's clutch. None too gently. He quickly sat up.

"Let me get this straight with you," he said to Krycek. "Don't touch Skinner. You got that? He's *my* limit. Once you cross that limit, we're back to ground zero, which is me, Slayer, you, vampire, okay?"

Krycek watched him calmly.

"Despite the fact that I'm… *fond* of you, I still have my own rules and my own ways. Not even you can take advantage from our… our… togetherness. I'll find Keiron myself and dust him! That'll end his hold over Skinner once and for all!"

Krycek pulled him easily, and before Mulder could protest, the vampire kissed him passionately and all thoughts fled from the Slayer's mind.

It was hours later when both men stopped making love.

"You're a damn manipulator," Mulder said grudgingly.

"And you're a damn teaser." Krycek kissed him impulsively. "I've watched you. For a long time. It annoyed me that you really turned me on. I'm not supposed to interact with you, but you just…"

"About Skinner…"

"Fox? Can we just not talk about it?"

Mulder restrained himself, and smiled gently. "I can't help trying to be straight with you. It's because I don't like to think that I can't trust you."

"Neither am I," Krycek grinned. "Does it mean I can be your one and only German Shepherd?"

Mulder swallowed. He wondered whether the vampire was actually proposing to him. It sounded like one, despite the lightness of it.

"We'll see," he whispered. "After I know you better... and you put some proper closure with that Keiron."

Krycek laughed. "You *are* jealous."

"Am not."

Krycek couldn't stop grinning. It was the same stupid grin he wore the first time he asked Mulder to let him stay with him; loose, relaxed, honest, warm. He was truly beautiful with his ethereal paleness, and smooth, porcelain-like skin. A classic face that managed to defy time. How lucky he was to be immortalized in his prime beauty.

He'd be beautiful forever.

"Did you enchant me? Bound me against my will?" Mulder asked. "Like what Keiron did to Skinner?"

Krycek's eyes were still gentle and soft, but they clouded a little. "What do you think?"

Mulder didn't answer.

***************************

Despite the fact that Krycek was technically no longer a `normal´ vampire, the thin line of night and dawn was still his most vulnerable time. He couldn't fully fight the heavy pressure of drowsiness, life wanting to slip away, a nature for most vampires. Therefore, he always fell asleep. It only took one or two hours at the most, before he woke up again, regaining his balance, but it was enough for Mulder.

He sat quietly in the motel's study, facing the window, and opened the journal.

He studied the drawings, marching like a neat achievement of a three year-old learning to draw properly for the first time. Marvelling at the rawness of them, and the impossibility to understand.

"What are you saying, Odin?" he murmured. "Describing the birth of Europe?"

To Mulder, it seemed plausible. The symbols had resembled some of nature's things. Mountains. Water. Birds. Sun.

"Why does Spender obsess over this?" Mulder bit his lip. "A recipe? Magic spells? If such a thing was true, wouldn't the Watchers at least know what it was?"

He didn't think Spender was old enough to be somebody living in a same era with this Druid priest, and the idea of him able to read it was rather bizarre as well. For some reason, Mulder was sure that Spender didn't fit the profile of a scholar.

Then, what?

He turned pages over pages, and became more frustrated. Even only from taking a thorough skim, he somehow knew that the journal didn't hide something extraordinary.

He flipped the book around, and turned the last page. He stopped his movement.

"What's this?"

Drawings. But… He looked closer.

It wasn't Odin's, or whoever wrote this journal. He recognized the blotted blueness of ink, knowing that this drawings were obviously much more recent. Even he could see that this one was doing a different art. The lines were much more delicate, seemingly disarrayed but actually being placed carefully and thoughtfully.

Mulder pulled his head, and a strange gleam appeared on his eyes. He put the book in a standing position, pushed a glass behind it and the motel's pen stand in front of it. Then he took several steps backward.

And looked.

Those lines… grew.

"Oh, God," Mulder whispered. Was it his eyes? Was it the light?

The lines were amazingly subtle, but they were dense, full, crowded. Hundreds? No… thousands of fine, subtle lines… and, oh, how they crossed, blended, twisting the bold into the thin, making ribbons, arcs, like glyphs came to life, like the language the body spoke to itself.

What kind of a drawing was this? It was so… *artless* but at the same time so pure in reflecting the intrinsic, seemingly larger than life images.

"What kind of a mind lies behind eyes that can see like this?" Mulder murmured. "Who… who made them?"

And, oh, how disappointed he was when he showed it to Skinner and Krycek later on.

"Abstract?" Skinner shrugged. "Looks like a madman drawing. No end, no beginning, no concept."

Krycek was polite enough not to deflate Mulder's high spirit. "Do you think that this drawing might be the one that attract Spender?"

Mulder sighed. "I can't explain these ancient writings, and judging from Skinner's story that linguists also couldn't find any methods in reading this, I'm *sure* that Spender can't either. So, forget about Odin's romantic odyssey."

Skinner looked amused. "You're so sure, Mulder."

Mulder stared at both men exasperatedly. "Can't you see it?"

"See what, Mulder?"

"These! Look! I saw them from different angles, and… and… Can't you see how these glyphs look like eyes? They seem to be moving and staring into all directions!"

Krycek stepped near him and said seriously, "No, Fox. I'm afraid I can't see them the way you see."

Mulder fell silent.

"You're trained in seeing madmen's drawings, aren't you?" Skinner quietly asked.

"Yes."

"Then what did you see, Mulder?"

The dancing glyphs? The strange gradual change in density that made the streams of lines looked like a moving waterfall when you tilted them in the right angle? The swirling circles that looked like lenses scooping on deep inside, revealing the chaos buried beneath the vulnerable dots, ready to explode?

"This isn't a madman's work," Mulder whispered. "Nor an artist."

Skinner raised his eyebrows. "Then what?"

"This… this person was a… *seer*."

The sudden silence felt overwhelming. Both Krycek and Skinner froze on their own places, and strangely hesitated to make a move and disturb the eerie scene.

Mulder turned toward Krycek. "It's not the drawing," he said. "It's the person who made it."

He nervously wiped his face. "I've met Spender," he continued, ignoring the startled looks on his friends. "I just knew that these were the ones important for him."

Krycek gritted his jaw, "Maybe this wasn't drawn by a human."

Mulder sighed. "Who then?"

"If I knew, I'd tell you."

Mulder again looked at the undulating, chaotic swirl of lines. He shuddered. "Scenes... of nature, of wildlife... eyes watching. I can't make it out. If I'm right, if it's created by a seer, it must be a prediction of some kind, a forecast. Or a documentation of the past. I just don't know."

Krycek ran a hand down the side of Mulder's face. "If we return it to the Watcher's Council, we'll never know."

"Maybe I can convince Skinner to hold onto it for a little while longer."

Maybe." Krycek suddenly seemed edgy. "Fox, if Spender or even Keiron knows that I came across this without handing it over to the Brotherhood, there's no turning back for me."

Mulder reached out and pulled Krycek into his arms. "Does that bother you, Alex?"

"Er... no, no, it doesn't." Krycek responded hesitantly, closing his eyes. His mind was racing, racing back to the most undesirable and vicious part of his history. The shaded past that he had resolutely kept from his Slayer sprang vividly to mind.

Nearly a century ago, he'd been in a dark alleyway in Paris, sinking his teeth into a sweet Romany boy who'd aroused his bloodlust. He'd drunk too much and killed the lad, no more than a child. Surprised, he'd felt the young body crumple in his arms. Placing the boy gently upon the cobblestones, he'd turned to go, only to encounter the boy's enraged uncle.

"Spawn of Satan! Murderer! You killed my little Tobar as if he were nothing more than a rat beneath the wheels of your carriage! I curse you... you will never know peace committing such evil acts. You will never be content with what you are. You are doomed, vampire... doomed to spend all of eternity cursed with... with a human soul!"

Krycek shuddered, remembering the drunken gypsy's crazed look... crazed with seething hatred towards himself, and the chill that ran through his body at the gypsy's words.

Afterwards, nothing in his vampire life was ever the same. The joy in killing, the hunt, the lust to possess a human both body and soul... it had all been tempered with sadness for the victim, disgust with own uncontrollable needs, weariness with the havoc and tragedy that ensued in his wake, desire to create some good in his life. If he hadn't killed that particular boy, he'd still be content with being a vampire and its gift of immortality, content to join the Brotherhood and looking forward to subjugating all of mankind.

He glanced over at Fox, who was eyeing him pensively. As his old self, Krycek would think nothing of taking the delectable Slayer as his renfield, forcing Mulder into a sexual enslavement that would make Skinner's pale in comparison.

He sighed to himself. Things would be so much simpler. It wasn't easy having a human conscience.

"Alex, what's wrong?"

Krycek ignored him. "You know, Fox, there is one way I can ensure that Skinner won't be a liability."

Mulder looked blank for only a moment. Then his handsome features contorted in anger. "NO! No, Alex, you won't do that!"

"Fox, if he's my renfield, Keiron won't be able to use him. As it is, Keiron and hence the Brotherhood will soon have an open line into whatever we're planning, any defenses or strategies we might—"

"I said NO! Goddamn you, Alex, is that all you think about? Hasn't the poor man been through enough already? He said he wasn't gay—"

Krycek snorted derisively. "He doesn't have to be gay, just as he long as he comes when I call!"

"Fuck you!" Mulder reached into his pocket to pull out his stake, but Krycek grabbed his wrist.

Fearing the worst, he looked up into the vampire's eyes, only to find Krycek looking sheepish. "Okay, okay, have it your way. Are you sure you aren't just jealous, Fox? Sorry, sorry! Look, baby..."

Mulder pulled his wrist away. "Don't baby me! I don't care what we have to do, Alex, you're not making Skinner your renfield. I'll kill Keiron before it comes to that."

Krycek felt slightly annoyed, even though he knew he'd been out of line. "Easier said than done, Slayer! Fox, what do you think happens when vampires fight like Keiron and I did? If you vanquish another vampire, his slaves become yours by right. It's the unspoken vampire code of behavior."

Mulder gritted his teeth to keep from losing his temper. "Well, there's only one vampire here right now, and he's going to be playing by the human code of behavior. Okay?"

Krycek gave him a winning smile. "Okay. But it's your own fault, you know. I mean, if you and Skinner hadn't gotten it on, I probably wouldn't even have thought of it."

"I think you're the jealous one, Alex," Mulder retorted, returning to the book.

Krycek shrugged. "It was just a suggestion. Maybe you'll come up with another, more brilliant plan to keep Keiron from summoning your Watcher once that vampire brat's recovered from what I did to him. If you would let me make him my renfield while Keiron's still weak, then that would take care of that slight problem."

Before Mulder could exclaim in outrage, Krycek cut him off with a smug smile. "Anyway, what do you think we should do with this book in which you see all sorts of mysterious happenings?"

Mulder abruptly turned his attention back to the page,happy for the distraction. "I think I need to show it to some good friends of mine, maybe they can make something of it. God, Alex, if you could only see it the way I do! Even now, it's changing..changing shapes, lines, scenes of nature. And all the while those eyes are peering out at me, like some god overseeing the planet. It's almost as if it's a living, breathing document. But as to what it's describing, I still can't tell."

Krycek peered down at the drawings. Nothing had changed as far as he could see. However, what Mulder said made him nervous. "Jesus, Mulder, if it's changing constantly then it can't be a documentation of the past! It must be of the future."

"Meaning that every breath we take could potentially change the course of the future that it's describing," Mulder agreed, pensively chewing his lower lip.

"Fox, you're scaring the shit out of me." What did Mulder see? The end of the world for everyone? Alex couldn't imagine.

Looking over at Krycek with an impish grin, Mulder fondly tousled the vampire's hair. "Relax. Now and then I have a flair for the dramatic. You'll get used to it. Now let's go plead our case for keeping this book to Skinner."

***

Spender entered his darkened study and angrily threw his car keys onto his desk. A chuckle greeted him from a corner of his room, and he spun around to face Xanax.

"Things not going well, Charles?" the Deign greeted him.

Not bothering to turn on the light, Spender settled into an armchair. His vampire night vision allowed him to see his demon friend as clear as day.

"Keiron's temporarily lost control of Skinner," he told his friend peevishly. "Francois informed me after the fool hobbled over to his apartment. Apparently he was a little too greedy and more than a bit hasty, summoning the Watcher right after a run-in with his Sire."

"I see," Xanax responded thoughtfully, coming forward. "Well, we knew that there was a risk involved when Krycek took Mulder under his wing. After all, he made Keiron."

"I'm not interested in the particulars of their relationship, Xanax," Spender responded neutrally, careful not to offend his friend. "Keiron offered to do a job for us before Krycek was even a gleam in Mulder's eye. As far as I can tell, the only difference in the result was that Krycek didn't destroy Keiron, which he might have done if it had been any other vampire."

"Maybe," Xanax replied. "But don't you see, Charles, how this can work to our advantage? Krycek's reluctance to kill Keiron?"

Spender was silent for only a moment. "If Keiron becomes too much of a nuisance, he'll overcome any sentimentality about the lad soon enough. He drained Keiron to near death as it was. If the boy hadn't been as old a vampire as he is, he would be comatose for days."

"My heart bleeds," Xanax chuckled, "no pun intended. Did Keiron report any reaction to his message to Krycek to cease in his protection of the Slayer?"

"No," Spender responded, with a surly expression, "other than that Krycek threatened to kill him!"

Xanax started to laugh uproariously.

"What's so funny?" Spender asked, barely restraining his temper.

"Your Slayer is aptly named, old friend, for the way he slays hearts!"

"I fail to see the humor in this situation that you do."

"Oh, Charles," Xanax sighed, going over to stand by the vampire. He put his arm around Spender's shoulders to reassure him. "You'll get him eventually, don't worry. Didn't I swear an oath to you that you would have your heir and lover by your side before this year is out? Do not worry about this Krycek. What match is he against me? Against the entire Brotherhood?"

The Deign then picked up a couple of cigarettes, passing one to Spender. Reaching forward, his forefinger burst into flame as he placidly lit his friend's cigarette and then his own.

"My advice to you, my friend, is to try and enjoy the ride!" the demon chuckled as he smoked.

***

Manus reached out and turned off the jets to his Jacuzzi. Enough soaking in the tub, he was starting to shrivel like a prune. These modern inventions were getting more and more seductive, he sighed to himself as he reluctantly got up from the steaming bath. He could lie in this tub with its pulsating jets for a century.

Suddenly his front buzzer sounded. "Damn! Who can that be at this hour?" he grumbled.

Wrapping his robe around him quickly, he left the bathroom, mist wafting around him as he swung open the door.

"Coming!" he shouted as the buzzer sounded impatiently again.

He opened to the door to admit his visitor. "Finn! It's so good to see you!"

"You too, Manus," a young man with dyed black hair and earrings stepped into the apartment. "Did I interrupt anything?"

"Not at all! Not at all!" Manus responded jovially. "You're always welcome in my abode."

"That's very generous of you, Manus," the boy responded, amused. "It wasn't always the case."

"It's always been the case," Manus said firmly. "It's your own problem if you don't believe it."

Finn walked into the lush apartment and looked around with satisfaction. "I see you've done well for yourself!"

"So have you. I saw your rock video on television the other night."

"You're watching television now, Manus?" the boy said in disbelief.

"Finn, I'm not some old fogey, contrary to your expectations," Manus responded exuberantly, "I've just been in the Jacuzzi to prove it!"

"Wonders will never cease," Finn retorted, going over to the bar and pouring himself a drink.

There was a pause as Manus watched his young friend admiringly. "Care to join me in it?"

The boy flashed him a brilliant smile. "Of course! But I think we need to discuss what's going on first."

Manus frowned, his mood darkening immediately. "You mean, with the Brotherhood?"

"Of course, with the Brotherhood. You remember the blood oath we swore, so many centuries ago. What good is this immortality if we cannot protect our charges?"

Manus sighed. "I knew it. It's always business mixed with pleasure. Just once I'd like you to visit me when—"

"Manus! For goodness sake! Mankind's future is at stake and all you can think about is a bloody roll in the hay! You're a Druid priest, man! We didn't take the blood oath so many centuries ago, sacrifice our souls to gain this precious immortality just to loll about when the fate of humankind will be either sustenance for the vampires or sex slaves. We must do something!"

"For your information, I already have," Manus responded, tightlipped. Even after all these centuries the boy never failed to get under his skin, in more ways than one. "I have seen to it that the Watcher has my text."

Finn stared at him. He whistled. "I apologize, Manus, you move faster than I give you credit for."

"Surely you jest," Manus said sarcastically. He went over to the bar and poured himself some cognac. Sitting down on his couch, he took a sip. "I told David to give it to him. The journal, which describes in great detail the future that awaits mankind if evil triumphs."

"How did David react?"

Manus shrugged. "He knew enough not to question my intentions. Sadly, he is no longer with us, my love. But he agreed that the time is near, Finn. The time when the chosen one will be called upon to triumph against the greatest of odds."

Finn was quiet. He went over to the black leather couch and settled down on it. "Manus, far be it for me to ever question your impressive capabilities, but are you sure? I thought the showdown wouldn't occur for another millenia at least."

Manus snorted. "Your optimism is misguided. No, Finn dear, it will be soon... much sooner than you think. I just hope he will be strong enough when the time comes."

He walked over to an enormous globe that stood on wood bureau. "See this work of art that I created? When I turn the globe, you see the ebb and flow of black liquid against white. Now when I turn it back again, the white overtakes the black, overwhelming it. Around again and the black is the greater mass. Such is the fate of the world, in many countries, at many points in history... evil triumphs but almost always recedes to the good, then when good reigns for the greater part, it is overtaken by evil. We have had many dark periods in the history of our fair planet, but frequently good conquers over evil, and humankind carries on. The struggle is constant and everchanging, but if we are too complacent, too smug in our security, well..."

"Evil will triumph once and for all!"

"Exactly," Manus sighed, spinning the globe. The black liquid spread out to create a completely shining, black sphere, spinning on its axis. "There are no guarantees he will be successful."

"But you can see the future, Manus! Can't you tell what will happen?"

"All I know is that the Chosen One will face many tests, of his bravery, his strength and skill... many temptations as well. I know that the Brotherhood wants him. He will be sorely tried."

Finn thought for a minute. "So far the Brotherhood has been unaware of our existence. We can't call attention to ourselves."

Manus nodded. "If they learn of our existence, they will destroy us, immortality or no."

"How can we help the Chosen One, then?"

"We can still try. My first step has been sending him our journal. Only he will be able to read it. He has the genetic capability. He will use it in his mission to overthrow the Brotherhood once and for all."

Finn stood up and walked over to the older Druid priest. He smiled and put his arms around him. "I see you have been busy."

Manus snorted as he pulled the younger man close to his chest in a fierce embrace. "Did you ever doubt it, my love?"

"Not really."

"I'm bowled over by your enthusiasm," Manus said sarcastically. "Come, my love. I haven't seen you in far too long. Let us retire to my bedroom. I want to see if you picked up any new tricks along the way, especially given your newfound status as a singing rock idol."

Finn's response was to hold Manus' head still as he pressed his mouth firmly against his Druid lover's lush lips. Manus was right, he reflected as the priest guided him towards the bedroom, it had been far too long. It had always been his philosophy that too much work and no play made Finn a dull boy indeed.

Chapter 4