Tantric (Episode 3, Part 10 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com ~~~~~~ I can't ever remember hurting this much - not when I lost Samantha, and not when my mother died. Watching Scully turn her back on me and take off for that damned hut was the worst. I could have gotten past all the harsh words and the fury; the disbelief and mistrust on both our sides - but something about the set of her shoulders in that drenched robe... the stiff lock of them, and the hunch of defeat I can't help but see - this shreds me from deep inside. I stand in the driving rain with my now-wet shirt clinging to me like an icy second skin and my jeans growing heavy with rain - and the cold of the storm isn(tm)t even close to the frost I carry within. My eyes lock on her small figure as she rounds the corner of the main hut and disappears through the door - and even with the wind howling around my ears I swear I can hear his voice, the Guru-bastard's voice, oozing over her, telling her more lies - I can hear it in my head, in a place where I can't erase it. And the strength which had kept my body upright through that last awful confrontation with Scully - that strength ebbs right out of my legs and I go down, down into the wet sand, on my knees. Cold and in despair, there on an island somewhere in the fathomless ocean, which should have been our own slice of paradise... but has instead become our personal Hell. I can't - I WON'T - think of her leaving me, quitting - I won't. The drugs are talking, not Scully. Guru Anti-Christ is talking through her mouth - not Scully. Somehow I am going to prove it to her, and break the insidious hold he has, over her - I will. Slowly I get to my feet; shaky fingers brush the clumps of sand from my knees. I decide to go back to our shelter and wait out the storm. I pray that by morning Madhu will have shown up, and I can ease my guilty conscience about putting her at risk by asking for her help with this case. After tossing and turning all alone for half the night, worried sick about Scully and deeply concerned for Madhu's safety, the storm finally lets up enough that there are breaks in the clouds and the moon and stars are offering some light to search the island by, and I'm gone. It's the perfect chance to snoop around, with everyone asleep. I head to the lagoon again to see if I can find Madhu. I'm hoping she was only hiding from her rotten husband. Or maybe he was holding her in the back room of the main hut, the only place I really couldn't search. Manu just told me that she wasn't there... she wasn't anywhere around that camp, that's for damn sure. I hope to God I can find her before it's too late, too late for her... too late for Scully. I need whatever proof Madhu promised me, to make Scully see the truth about that phony ass deviant she is so taken in by. I pray that nothing has happened to Madhu; that this awful sinking feeling is something other than blind panic. I have to find her, she's the only hope I have left. The lagoon is bloated with rainwater when I get there, the tall spiky reeds and grasses surrounding it bent over almost double with the weight of the drops. The wind has died down quite a bit, and I am not as cold, as I look all around for Madhu. It(tm)s fairly open here, but I know Madhu will prefer to stay out of sight - so I circle the lagoon carefully, looking into underbrush and eyeing the palmettos and giant ferns scattered over the uneven mossy ground. Anything could have happened to her. They could be detaining her: those goon assistants of her idiot husband, not to mention Idiot himself. I'm not so stupid or nave to think he's not suspicious of me. I only hope he's not suspicious of Scully as well, or she will be in even more danger than she is at the moment - hell, I can't think of that right now! Find Madhu first, I tell myself - find her, and then worry about the rest. It's getting darker again, the broken moonlight having been completely obscured by a patch of heavy clouds; I skirt back around the lagoon, in the opposite direction from the huts; this path will take me by the altar, but I have to make sure. I'm trying not going to let that damned sinking feeling overtake me - everything feels so very wrong - even worse than it felt before. Suddenly I'm in a panic to get to the altar, knowing by some odd quirk of intuition that Madhu is there, maybe in some serious trouble. The rain has stopped, but the night is black - and I find myself running, slipping on the wet slimy moss, fighting to keep my feet. I reach the tiki rock; it looms in the night, barely distinguishable through the now-foggy gloom. I have to feel my way as a cloud passes over the small smattering of stars in the sky and I suddenly cannot see a thing. I feel the sharp edge of the altar pedestal; my feet knock over a bowl and it rolls down the side of the platform and clanks against a tree. I continue to feel my way, along the smoother altar slab; along the wetness of rain-drenched stone... Into the sticky wetness of something thicker than water - I bring my fingers up to my face and squint into the gloom, trying to see what I ran my hand through... Oh Christ. Blood. My fingers are black with it; thick and slightly gelled blood. I utter a startled grunt and wipe my hand on my jeans, brushing over the tiny flashlight I had forgotten I have always carried in the coin pocket of my jeans. It isn(tm)t much, but I reach in and grab it, flick it on - And it isn't much, just a tiny penlight but it's enough to illuminate the source of that gelled blood, there upon the altar in front of a huge tiki in the middle of an island where I suddenly find myself uttering more than a strangled grunt... Madhu. I found her. I found what's left of her. I can't, Jesus save me... I can't believe what I'm seeing. Nothing - in seven years of hunting every sort of demon, mutant, dredge of society and/or crime-ridden criminal, could have prepared me for what I'm seeing, there in the tiny watery beam of my flashlight. My legs give out from underneath me and I hit the stone platform hard - I don(tm)t even feel the pain. My body has gone way beyond pain. Way beyond sanity. She's spread on the altar, arms and legs pinned down in four directions, held in place by steel spikes which has been driven clear though her delicate palms and dainty ankles. Driven through the flesh and down into the stone, God... how? I don(tm)t want to know how; can(tm)t even begin to wonder. Her lovely body is criss-crossed with slashes from what appears to be the serrated blade of a very big knife or dagger; ragged, gaping slashes. Her breasts, oh hell... they are gone. Just - gone. My brain is screaming at me to turn away and stop this, stop looking for fuck's sake just STOP... but I can't. I can't - I have to know, have to see what I am up against; have to know exactly the sort of monster I face. The term 'monster' doesn't even begin to cover it... for I have found her face - and it(tm)s not where it should be. Her beautiful face... I look up toward her head first, praying with every ounce of me that her eyes would be closed; that there would be some indication of her being unconscious of this agony - but although I see her head - there is no face. Her face... has been... oh, dear God... sliced off. Like a mask, it has been carefully removed... And placed between her spread legs. Placed nose-down, into her wet curls, an obscene parody of perversity. Oh, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, please please... tell me I'm not seeing this. What little breath I have, gasping through my open mouth... it dissipates and I am gagging with the force of my shock and terror, gagging on my own bile, my own utter pain and despair. I back away from this desecration; away from the sight of the innocent, sweet woman she was, reduced to some hideous sacrifice, all in the name of... what? There isn't anything to reconcile it, nothing to hold back my sudden unbridled fury and madness as I look once more upon this grisly sight... And as I turn to stumble away, desperate to find Scully, got to find her save her from something like this happening to her to my beloved baby - the back of my head explodes from the blow of someone's hand, fist, perhaps a large stone... I don't know. I see stars, pain envelopes me, and I crumple to the ground. ~~~~~~ (End of Episode 3 part 10 of 18) From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 11 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com CHAPTER 21 In my sleep I reach out for him - he's not there, and that's what wakes me from my dream. Though my mind is so hazed from inhaling Tagara smoke all night, I'm not sure I would actually categorize myself as being awake. He's not beside me, but I knew that. I chose to sleep in the fire room of the main hut last night, rather than return to our shelter and listen to any more of Mulder's rantings against Master Yidah. That nonsense last night about Madhu being in danger... With Mulder the sky is always falling. Let him go search for his proof. He won't have any luck. He's only continuing with this ridiculous pursuit to validate his territorial behavior. This IS Mulder's life after all, my needs and desires are of little consequence to him. Hopefully, he'll tire of this game soon and offer a sincere apology to Guru Yidah for his disrespect. Just as I sit up, the Master enters for his predawn meditations. He smiles when he sees me, and takes a moment to nod in my direction. It is his ritual not to speak before he's had his morning reflections, and is served the first cup of tea. Today he breaks with tradition, however, and comes first to sit by me on the floor. Speaking in a gentle voice, he catches my eyes with his, and locks me in his spell. I can feel his power over me, but I'm not afraid. I know he only means to teach me, to guide rather than to rule. Mulder sees him as some sort of Svengali, but I have never felt him asserting his will over mine... merely leading me in the direction of the truth. "Dana, I hate to start your day with disquieting news, but I'm afraid we have had to detain Mr. Mulder. I know that you assured me that your investigation of our church had concluded upon your arrival here on Mohona, but it would seem your partner has other ideas. And while we have nothing to fear or hide, his activities are most disruptive to the harmony of our island. The other students are being disturbed by his behavior. I asked him to leave... I hope you will understand why I had to do this... and why I had to have him forcibly restrain until the boat arrives from Abaco with our weekly supplies." "He was looking for Madhu." "I know. But he will not find her. She has gone to the far end of the island, for a period of solitary meditation... and I'm afraid, to avoid Mr. Mulder's continued harassment. My wife feels dishonored by his forwardness and his aggressive sexual overtures." "I understand. I would like to see Mulder before he leaves, would that be all right?" "Of course. But I warn you, he will say anything to get you to release him. You mustn't trust his words, his heart is filled with jealousy and other evil. You may comfort him, try to reassure him, but under no condition should you set him free... I fear for Madhu's safety, as well as my own... and yours, Dana." "Mulder would never hurt me." But even as I say it I am recalling his angry words and rough treatment of me after he found me with Master Yidah, and when we fought about him staying on the island... he warned me then with a threat of violence towards me. "Of course, you know him better than I. But I ask you, can a man whose actions are motivated by negative energy, by jealousy and suspicion, can this man be trusted?" Seeing the troubled look I am wearing, the Master puts a comforting hand on my cheek. His touch is calming, it gives me peace to see the wisdom of what he's saying to me. "It will be all right, Dana. The journey to discover the true self is not always an easy one, but, as you will soon see, the rewards of attaining Awakening are well worth the trouble to get there." "Thank you, Master Yidah." "You will know the truth soon. I shall make a special effort where you are concerned. I must admit to favoring you over my other students. In so many ways you remind me of my dear Madhu. Your beauty... the strength of your spirit... and your timidity when it comes to sharing the feelings held closest to your heart. I have often teased my wife that if she were a man they would refer to her as the strong, silent type. But as a woman, she is often mistaken for being closed off, lacking emotion, detached. As I understand her, I feel I understand you, Dana. This will be a great help as I help you to attain Samadhi." "I appreciate your special guidance." "We will talk more this afternoon, and tomorrow you will be tasked with tending the Naked Fire. This is a duty of honor. I would ask that you prepare yourself for service, meditating today upon the giving of yourself to others. It is through such acts of selflessness and benevolence that the inner being is brought to light." He smiles. Lesson over. "Now, let us both turn our thoughts inwardly. There is already much to reflect upon at the start of this new day." ~~~~~~ When I finally come to, and try sitting up, I realize several things simultaneously: I am in a very dark place, small and cramped and smelling of stale, dry grass; my hands and feet are bound tightly and I am gagged. Lying on my side; feels like one of those damn lumpy mats. The air in here is damp and chilly, I still have on all my clothes but since they are damp from the rain, I am uncomfortable way beyond the restraints. I am thirsty as well. As my eyes adjust to the darkness I can see a few small gaps of light between the uneven slats of the door. I think I am in the storage hut; I remember seeing it behind the main hut; a tiny thing, hardly big enough for a man to stand in. My head touches one wall and my feet almost touch the other; the width of the room just a little wider than my shoulders. I lie very still and try not to panic; try not to think; to visualize. Jesus... Madhu. I am so sorry I couldn't help you, save you. I try so hard to forget what I saw, there at the tiki rock, but like a bad movie that I can't avoid, the images come back to scream against the gray matter in my aching brain. Mutilated... desecrated... destroyed. In such a horrible way my mind still can't get around it. I am so afraid Scully may be next. I have to find a way to get her away from that insane bastard; have to see her somehow. I know she's closeted in with him and his little bag of mixed nuts, there in the main hut. All I can do is hope and pray she'll come to see me, for whatever reason; come in here, alone - and I can try again to talk to her, try again to convince her of Yidah's monstrous intentions - and the unspeakable agony he has already caused. Before it's too late... before I become his next victim - his next casualty. His next sacrifice. ~~~~~~ (End of Episode 3, part 11 of 18) From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 12 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com CHAPTER 22 In the afternoon, I finally feel that I am ready to face Mulder. Manu takes me to where he's being held, one of the storage huts, the furthest from the center of camp. As the door is opened I see him bound and gagged, laying upon the wood plank floor. It's difficult to see him like this, but I understand why Master Yidah felt it necessary. When I enter the shed alone, Mulder's face is a mixture of hope and relief. "You never know when to quit, do you, Mulder?" I say with a sigh. He mumbles something, I think something about the gag in his mouth, but before I unmuzzle him, I decide to take full advantage of his forced silence. "You had to keep up this ridiculous investigation, disrupting the lives of these harmless people, insulting Master Yidah, harassing Madhu..." At the mention of the Guru's wife, Mulder's eyes widen and he starts emphatically trying to talk around the gag again. "Well, now you've outstayed your welcome. And I can't say as I blame Master Yidah for incarcerating you in this manner. For godsake, Mulder, you're terrorizing these people... and for what? Because the numbers don't match up? Maybe not everyone is cut out for this life... you're certainly not. Maybe one or two of the followers decided to pursue their studies in another place, with another teacher. There's nothing sinister here. These people are as harmless as a bunch of children. Evidenced by the way your hostile behavior has intimidated them." He's banging his head in frustration against the support pole that he's tied to, leaving me no choice but to remove the binding around his mouth before he hurts himself. The words explode out of him even before the strip of cloth is fully removed. "Scully! You've got to untie me! We've got to get to the radio and call for help!" "You'll be able to leave as soon as the supply boat arrives tomorrow. Until then you're safest here, out of trouble." "She's dead, Scully! That bastard murdered Madhu! I found her body last night at the altar, the one I told you about! The sick pervert mutilated her... It looked like some sort of ritualistic sacrifice had been performed." "Mulder, stop this!" I'm furious with him for making such outrageous accusations. "NO, Scully! Damn it! Will you listen to me?" "Master Yidah said Madhu went to the far end of the island. She's avoiding your continued and unwelcome sexual advances. Unlike you, Mulder, she chooses to remain faithful to her mate." "What are you talking about? What lies has that devil been telling you?" "Not lies, Mulder, the truth... the truth I saw with my own eyes." "Scully, you have to untie me. We're in danger. We have to get away from this place as fast as we can." "I'm in no danger. And you will get to leave in the morning." He laughs. "I don't think so, baby. Your Guru has no intention of letting me go. Not with what I know of this place... not after what I saw last night." "Of course he does. There's nothing so horrible here as your own paranoid imagination." "Is it my imagination that I was hit over the head, tied up, and taken prisoner? Are these ropes imaginary? Huh, Scully?" "They're afraid of you. And honestly, Mulder, I think I am too. You've been out of control almost since the moment we set foot on this island. It's no wonder to me that this is what's become of you." "Scully, please! Please, I'm begging you! I know this bastard has done a number on you... I know your head is so clouded with drugs you can't think straight... but trust me, believe me! Madhu is dead! She was viciously murdered. And we're in danger. YOU'RE in danger. This man is not what you think he is. He's been after you from the start. And if you don't get me out of here, I'm going to end up as dead as the other men whose women this bogus Bhagwan took a liking to." "I'm not going to listen to any more of your jealous lies! Master Yidah warned me that you would say anything to get me to release you. I'm not falling for it. The things you're saying can't be true. Master Yidah is a brilliant and gentle man." "He's a vicious, sadistic murdering bastard, Scully. And he's manipulated you against me. He's brilliant, I'll give you that much. It's taken him less than a week to break one of the strongest persons I've ever known, to destroy your faith in me, to con you out of your life's savings, and distort your view of reality to the point where you see his beguiling lies as the gospel truth. Scully... Dana... If you don't help me, I swear to you you're going to regret it." "Lies... lies, nothing but lies! And now you're trying to frighten me. You're the manipulator, Mulder. You used and deceived me. You led me to believe that we had a future together... that you loved me..." "Scully, I do!" "Shut up! I'm not listening to it anymore! You broke my heart, goddamn you! I believed your self-serving insincerity! And I'm never going to believe you again!" ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3, part 12 of 18 From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 13 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com ~~~~~~ After tossing for several hours on the lumpy mat, sore and exhausted - I finally manage to doze off a bit - in what has become my personal prison. I stayed awake for the longest time, praying that Scully would come back - but after she delivered that last, painfully-cutting condemnation, and ran out of the hut... when minutes stretched into hours - I knew she'd left me; really left me. In my utter despair and heartbreak I lay staring up at the thatched roof of the tiny storage hut - now a prison - and thought I'd just wait for death to take me. I am not a stupid man. I know Yidah has no intention of letting me live. Why should he - I am the only thing which stands between him and the object of is desire: Scully. And, after our last, awful confrontation... I don't even know if she'd hold back anything because of me. Somehow, I doubt it. God, I was so happy to see her - I tried to tell her how sorry I was, how desperately I loved her, needed her. Once she'd pulled the gag off, I burst forth with the news of Madhu's horrible death. Scully wouldn't believe me. She'd been so tanked up on the Tagara and tea, she'd probably never have believed me. And that bastard keeps her stoked. She's so addicted now that she doesn't even wait to have the shit brought to her - she goes looking for it. When she stood in front of me just hours ago, the smell of it was in her pores; actually coming out through her skin. The knowledge of this addiction just kills me - that Scully could be manipulated like this - that I know it's all my fault. I could have refused this case. Skinner would have given me a hard time about refusing it - But I could have refused. I should have refused. Now it's too late. I'm abruptly awakened from my fitful doze by several pairs of rough hands. My eyes, crusty with sleep, have trouble adjusting to the sudden torchlight shone in my face, as I am hauled to my feet. I force my eyes wide open, and look around - at Yidah's goon-boys. Four of them, surrounding me. My hands are bound tighter, as are the cords around my ankles. Two of them hold me up on my shaky legs while a third blindfolds me and the fourth keeps a gun poking into my cheek. A gun... Wait a minute. I'd bet anything it's my gun. Those bastards are holding me with my own gun, I'd lay money. I'd laugh at the irony of it, if I could force out anything from behind the tight gag around my mouth. Bound hand and foot, and now blindfolded, and gagged again too; that prick sent one of his thugs to check on me after Scully left - Doomed. For I can still smell - and I smell Death coming for me, in the form of one Master Baet-mi Yidah Guru Par Excellence. Right up into my face; the smell of Tagara and tea clinging to him like a foul blanket. Don't ask me why, but I'd also bet money the son-of-a-bitch is smiling. I hang between a couple of his goon's meaty fists, and wait for him to say something profound. I figure a Guru would have something profound to say right about now... Well, I am wrong - for Master Baet-mi Yidah monster woman-mutilator pats me on my cheek with one soft-palmed hand and inquires with much geniality, "YO, Mulder - how's it hanging?" Huh? Where are the cultured, dulcet tones of the Guru - the thoughtful, intelligent accent - the gentle, mesmerizing voice? Judging by the voice I hear, this is not a Guru... this is Sonny Coreleone from "The Godfather", in a turban and a diaper... My face, what can still be seen of it, I suppose - must be a priceless sight of shock to see, for Guru Coreleone snaps out a nasally-sharp bark of laughter, and elaborates, for my benefit. "Yeah, this is the real 'Me', Asshole - sometimes I get tired of that gentle-soul-transcendental-self-righteous-Yin-Yang shit - and I just gotta be me." He suddenly reaches out a hand and tugs off the gag and blindfold. I blink at him, noting the incongruity of the outward holy man speaking with the voice of the common city street rat. Yidah grins at the look of confusion he must be seeing on my face. "Vinnie Pasco, at your service, Mr. Mulder - born and raised by Nina and Vincent Pasco, in the worst neighborhood of Shit Central, Ohio. Pulled myself outta that hellhole and became someone to be reckoned with - but I guess you can never take the bad outta the boy, you know what I'm sayin'..." Big grin again; he leans in close, confidentially - a buddy of sorts, giving away secrets. "Y'know, meant to tell you - that broad of yours... nice hot piece of ass. I'm gonna love taking her sweet hole down a shot or so - yessir. She's one mean babe - and I got her right where I want her. Loose and full of shit - wide open for me to just slide right in, 'cause the water's sooo fine..." I can feel the blaze of fury come up in my eyes, and his answering cocky grin refutes what he can see in my face. I strain against my restraints; against the punishing grip of the men who hold me; never in my life have I wanted to kill another creature as much as I want to kill this animal standing in front of me. Something in the hot murder of my unblinking stare must finally get through to him though - because he backs up a step or two and his grin slips just a little. I manage to get enough traction against the muscle holding me back, and lean into his space just enough to make him take a small third step back. "You had better not miss when you kill me, 'Vinnie' - because I swear to you right now that I will find a way to get you. Leave an ounce of life in me, and I'll turn it into immortality, for the express reason of tracking you down and slicing you into so many pieces you'll have to be buried in margarine bowls. I'd do it just for what you've done to Scully - for making her into the worst kind of addict. But for what you did to Madhu... for what you did to that innocent woman... you deserve to be buried alive, in acid. I can't even come up with the kind of punishment you deserve - but give me a moment of creative thinking, you son-of-a-bitch - and I promise you I will." That's the last thing I get to say, as Vinnie jerks his head at the nearest goon, who crams the gag back on my face. After it's in place, Vinnie the Guru from Hades leans in close again, and smiles at me hugely. "Well, Mr. Mulder... it's time. Time for you to meet your destiny, here on the lovely island of Mohona - time to appease the gods of Tantra and of the Samadhi. Time to spill a whole lotta blood all over my nifty tiki altar - and while my assistants prepare you for your most noble sacrifice... I do believe I may try out your woman - see if she's as tasty on the inside as she is on the outside. Break in a new bottle of oil..." My muffled screeches of horror, fear and fury are lost on the early-evening air, as he strolls unhurriedly out of the hut. ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3, Part 13 of 18 From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 14 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com WARNING: Some readers may find the content of this section objectionable. Please see end notes for spoilers. CHAPTER 23 "Manu said you wanted to see me." "Come in, Dana." I'm a little apprehensive about entering his private quarters this time. Damn Mulder! This is all his fault! I remind myself that this man has shown me nothing but kindness since my arrival. There's no reason I should be afraid. And so, pushing my fears aside, I walk into the candlelit room and approach Master Yidah who is standing by a teak side table just inside the door. There's an elegant silver tea service and two china cups... decidedly out of place in this primitive hut. He sees me eyeing the luxury, and comments. "A farewell gift from Swami Radda when I left the consulate in India." "It's lovely." "Will you join me?" He offers a cup which I gladly accept. "Thank you." Even before the first sip, the aroma gives away the knowledge that this isn't the usual island brew. I cautiously taste the steaming liquid. Distinctively herbal... grassy, slightly bitter but not unpleasant. I watch as he pours himself a cup now too. And then he takes a seat on the floor and invites me to do likewise. "How did your visit go with Agent Mulder this afternoon?" "Not well." I sigh. He nods as if he expected as much. "It's time to move on, Dana. He is in your past. You must let him go." "It's difficult." "Yes." The way he's watching me tonight makes me feel uncomfortable. Maybe it's my imagination, but he seems to be staring at me as a hungry wolf looks upon a newborn lamb. "I think that this is a good time for you to experience Awakening. It will bring clarity and focus as you struggle through this painful transition." I've only had a few sips of this tea, but it's abruptly apparent that there's something powerful working it's way into my system. I feel decidedly light headed, and a bit euphoric. It's only after I try to speak, that I realize I have forgotten how... Trouble. My mind tells me I'm in trouble, but my body won't respond. Guru Yidah is standing over me now... the cup is gone from my hand... Mulder's words come to mind as a flood of anxiety washes over me - 'He raped you of your right to choose whether or not you really wanted that level of his rotten little lessons... he took away your right to say 'no'.' Try as I might, I am unable to utter a single word. THE word. He has taken from me the ability to refuse his attentions. Mulder was right. Oh... God... Oh, please, no. But my head is swimming, and it's impossible to do anything but sit with my jaw hung loose and feel my body slipping deeper and deeper into catatonia. Master Yidah's hands are on me now; he checks my pulse... looks into my eyes as if he's a doctor giving an exam. I'm staring, no longer retaining even the power to blink... starting to worry just how far under this drug will take me. Yidah is undressing me now... he removes my robe and then walks away; unnerving, because I can't turn my head to see what he's doing. When he returns he's got a hypodermic... Oh, Jesus, no more drugs, please. "Relax, now, Dana. This will take you places you've never been before." As he plunges the needle into my arm, I'm helpless to resist. Inside my head I'm screaming for him to stop, but I manage to vocalize only a few weak moans of protest. He's completely unconcerned, continuing about his business, leaving my sight again briefly, presumably to rid himself of the sharp needle. When he returns to my field of vision, I see that he's also rid himself of his clothing. He kneels in front of me and pushes me back onto the pillows... ... and I'm falling... down... down... sinking into the soft cushions and beyond... far beyond... When I come to I hurt. I hurt all over. My first thought is that I've been beaten up, but that's not what happened. The sticky feeling between my legs tells me all I need to know... more than I want to know. I've been raped. That scheming bastard did just what Mulder said he would do. He drugged me into submission and took what he wanted, what he's wanted all along. Mulder was right. And if he was right about this... OH GOD! Then maybe it's all true! MULDER! I have to get away. I have to get to Mulder and set him free before it's too late! Cautiously, I open my eyes and survey... I'm alone. Thank God! Acting as quickly as my aching body will let me, I struggle to sit up... fighting back tears, I grab up my robe and slip it on. Then quietly I find my way out of the hut, sneaking past the sleeping bodies in the fire room. The Guru is not amongst his harem, making my need to get to Mulder all the more urgent. Please, God, don't let me be too late. But when I get to the shed he's gone. A surging tide of panic rising up within me, I grab a nearby torchlight to examine the darkened room... Mulder's clothes are in a rumpled heap, and there's something else... I lean closer, bringing the flame down to light the floor, seeing his rumpled tee shirt and the stains upon it... Blood! And I'm running, running through the night as fast as my damnably short legs will carry me, chased by my own worst fears. I have to find him. I know, with a sickening sense of dread, exactly where I have to go... to the altar... the place Mulder described as permeated with the stench of death. The altar is the logical place... if they took him to kill him. If what Mulder said about Madhu is true... which I'm now certain it is, these are some very dangerous people, and we're in a hell of a lot of trouble. My heart's ready to explode from my chest, each breath I take comes as a painful gasp, but I can't slow down. Mulder needs me and I have to find that altar. So I push myself beyond all limits, ignoring the bruising rocks under my bare feet, and the stinging cuts I get as I race through the thick vegetation. There's an eerie glow in the trees up ahead, and I have to force myself to slow down, to approach cautiously. It won't do a hell of a lot of good if we're both prisoners of that monster. I hear voices... Mulder's - thank God! ... and someone else, someone I don't recognize, someone with a thick street-wise accent. Crouching low to the ground I crawl forward until I can see into the clearing. I've found the altar, and Mulder is tied down to it, stark naked and raging mad. The Guru is there, as are two of his assistants... and Manu too. And that horrible stone tiki, just as Mulder described, presiding over the setting like an evil God. The whole scene looks surreal in the wicked luminescence of the torchlights. But the reality of it comes crashing to the forefront as I hear my partner's angry voice yelling at the Guru. "You goddamn bastard! If you hurt her..." "What? What will you do, limp dick? Don't worry about your little FBI bitch, I took care of her. She knows what a real man's cock feels like now. I did her good and hard, and she just opened up those fine little legs of hers and let Vinnie boy put it right in. Yessir, right in... all the way to the hilt... over and over and over." What the hell? It's Master Yidah's body but the voice... "I'll tell you, Fed, that is one sweet piece of pussy. Gonna be a damn shame when I hafta waste her." Mulder lets out a scream of rage and frustration, struggling against his restraints, but Yidah only laughs in his face. "My only regret here, Mulder, is that you ain't gonna be around to watch when I fuck her to death. That's how she's gonna meet it, you know... and she ain't gonna be drugged out of her pretty little mind when I do her. She's gonna be wide awake and beggin' for mercy." "You sick prick, leave her alone!" "I'm gonna take my time with her, not like Madhu. That little cunt had it easy. She didn't last more than a couple hours. I plan on seeing to it that Dana gets the full treatment. Hours, days of torture maybe, before I let her die. I wanna hear her scream until she ain't got no more left in her." "Please don't... please don't do that to her, Vinnie. She's fallen for your act completely. There's no reason to hurt her. She believes you. She's no threat to you at all." Mulder sounds utterly defeated as he begs that sadistic monster to spare my life. Vinnie pats Mulder's cheek and gives him a patient smile. "Mulder, Mulder, Mulder... you just don't get it, do you, my man? She may be the finest slice of prime pussy on the planet but she's still goddamned FBI. Oh, I'm gonna have a lot of fun with her before I sacrifice her, Agent - better believe it. Gonna dig myself a place deep inside of her and plant a tree, my own mighty oak way down deep in that pretty cunt - then when she can't take any more of me I'm gonna tell her all about how I made your last minutes on earth a living hell, as I fuck her to death - literally. Every last detail, baby... she gets it whispered into her little ear. By the time I get through with her she'll be beggin' for the knife..." "The hell I will," I mutter to myself as Vinnie goes on antagonizing Mulder. I force myself to ignore the rest of the conversation. If I'm going to help Mulder, I have to come up with a plan. Damn, what I wouldn't give to have my Sig right now... and then I see it, a ceremonial chalice. This twisted maniac is actually going to perform a ritual sacrifice. And now I know a way I might be able to stop him... ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3, part 14 of 18 End Notes: SPOILER WARNING!!! If you're here, you want to know what happens. A drugged unconscious Scully wakes up to discover she has been raped by Guru Yidah. There is no graphic portrayal of this encounter and Scully does not recall what's happened to her. However, later in the story, Yidah will recount some of this to Mulder in an antagonistic way. From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 15 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com CHAPTER 24 I come to slowly - too slowly. Hurt - all over. First thing I become aware of is the cold stone beneath my bare back. Bare... The back of my head is throbbing again. Same place as before - these goons have no imagination. Try to raise a hand to rub at the ache - and discover my arms are strapped down. I test the leather; it holds firm. Likewise the restraints on my legs. The words swim up out of my cracked lips before I can stop them. "Leather, ooh, baby - you guys are so kinky..." The crack of a callused hand against the side of my head causes the stars to splinter behind my aching eyes, and I pass out. I don't know how long I was out that time. When I'm able to force my eyes open again, Manu is swimming in my line of vision, pouring water in my open mouth. I sputter and choke on it and he slows the gush to a trickle, allowing me to gulp it down. When I finish swallowing, I regard Manu with suspicious eyes. "You wanna tell me why you felt it necessary to keep my throat un-parched? Want to make sure I can deliver those full-bodied screams when Vinnie comes at me with the knife?" Manu returns my gaze with solemn eyes, and looks about quickly; for the moment we appear to be by ourselves. The other goons must be off gathering nuts and berries for when they hibernate in their caves, I suppose... Manu must be satisfied we are alone, for he leans over and speaks into my ear, so low I have to strain to hear it. "Madhu and I... we were... Saiid Mulder, I will help you. When the time comes - I will help..." That's about all he has time to say, before we hear the palmettos ringing the tiki rustle, indicating someone is coming. I absorb Manu's words in silent shock, wondering when they would have had time to sneak off and be together - and hoping against hope that he did not see her in her final, tortuous agony. I steal another peek at Manu, just as he raises his head and looks straight at me - and the raw despairing pain in his eyes tells me that if he didn't see her in death, he most certainly suspected what her death would have had to entail. And I feel sorry for him, I really do - but for now I have other problems. I can see the man of the hour, sauntering over to the altar, a big genial smile on his face. Yeah, you just keep on smiling, Vinnie-boy - your minutes are numbered... I promise you. The next half hour or so pass in a sort of blur - since I mouthed off to Vinnie, calling him "Junior" - and earning me a ringing punch to my right cheek. Guess I blacked out a bit, not as long as before. Maybe I am developing a tolerance to being hit in the head. As I come around again, I realize two things - the other goons are back, and the chanting has begun, with Vinnie pacing around and around the altar and my restrained body, chanting softly and occasionally throwing some sort of dried herbs on me as he passes my groin area. Don't know how many times he's made the trip, but my wang has a nice little buildup of stinky brown herbs - and I am beginning to worry just a little. Although the herbs are dry, they exude a tingling warmth over the places they touch, on me - a tingling that is slowly escalating into pain. The warmth of them is causing me to become erect - and the erection is slowly becoming pain. I squirm around a little, trying to dislodge the stuff, but I can't move enough to shake it off. Vinnie sees me wiggling around and stops chanting long enough to 'visit' with me. "Hey, Fed - whatcha think? Cool feeling, huh? These are Mahomng leaves - grown here locally. Harmless when green and fresh... but dried, they pack a punch, dontcha think? The warmer they feel, the harder your dick gets. The harder you get, the more pain you'll feel - mahomng acts on the male pheromones you can't help but release at a time like this. Pretty cool huh? My own invention - discovered by accident. You like?" He's grinning down on me as if we're buddies out on the town, trolling for babes. At that moment, if I didn't already know the bastard was insane to the max, I sure do now. Completely, endlessly insane. Nuttier than a twenty-pound fruitcake - and he's got Scully under his thumb. I could go insane myself just at the thought of it - but I've got to hold it together. I've got to hope that Scully will figure it out - and come looking for me. Got to hope that Manu has enough of a death-wish for Vinnie, to help me. A few minutes later, my hope is just about gone, along with a great deal of my sanity. While the other goons and Manu have been continuing the chanting ritual, Vinnie has been leaning in with that same squirrely smile on his shit-face, telling me all about his latest 'session' with Scully... and I am breaking into pieces inside, at the thought of what he has done to her - and praying, for the first time, that she was too stoned to feel a thing. His next words confirm this, and I can feel myself sag in relief as he brags about it, all the street rat accent back in his voice. "...that's how she's gonna meet it, you know... and she ain't gonna be drugged out of her pretty little mind when I do her. She's gonna be wide awake and beggin' for mercy." Oh, thank God, thank God, she never felt it - hopefully, she won't remember it - I'll never tell her, never - I feel the fury inside me smothering me and I can't hold it in - "You sick prick, leave her alone!" "I'm gonna take my time with her, not like Madhu. That little cunt had it easy. She didn't last more than a couple hours. I plan on seeing to it that Dana gets the full treatment. Hours, days of torture maybe, before I let her die. I wanna hear her scream until she ain't got no more left in her." Oh Jesus - he's baiting me, I know he is - wanting me to react, to explode so he's got a reason to pound me again, or worse - but I gotta hang onto it, can't let him get to me, I know what he wants - wants me to beg, to break down and blubber like a pussy. Fine, I can do that - I'll do it all goddamn night if I have to - if it'll keep him so occupied in taunting and torturing me that he doesn't notice that Manu has unsheathed his dagger... he sends the tiniest nod my way and I understand what to do - keep the sick bastard talking as long as possible, and pray that somehow Scully finds us. Pray that Scully comes out of the drugged haze in which that asshole must have left her... Mostly, just pray. Scully... where are you? Twenty minutes go by, along with more chanting; Jesus doesn't the guy ever get tired of throwing those damn brown crap leaves on me and mumbling all this weird shit? I'm hoarse with pleading; my dick is killing me, and I've drawn on all my waning strength, and swallowed as much natural repugnance as possible; hate acting like such a wimp-ass but, that's what the bastard wants to see. His ego is so overblown now that, I swear, a bomb could drop on his head and he wouldn't feel it. I close my eyes in exhaustion, almost to the point of giving up, expecting to feel the knife any second now - Then, some sixth sense forces my eyes open again, and I squint very hard and focus them beyond the immediate vicinity of where I lay bound upon the altar; did I hear something? Oh, hell yeah... out of the corner of my eye, I see the sweetest sight in the world: My Scully, creeping on her hands and knees toward the lower side of the altar, a drawstring bag in her teeth. Scully, hair tangled in her eyes, wearing my bloodstained tee shirt; her burning eyes holding mine as she comes closer, and closer - reaching the ceremonial chalice, which has been placed on the ground a distance from the altar; I had caught just the edge of it with my peripheral vision, when I had first awoken. Scully, now squatting down in front of the chalice, dumping the contents of the bag into the cup and mixing it quickly with a stick - Scully, my love, my savior - my life. Smiling for me, just for me; the strength of that smile infusing me with boundless energy and pulsing life, as I continue to outwardly cower under VinnieRat's increasingly burgeoning ego. I can bear anything now - I'd lick the bastard's big toes right about now, if I knew it would keep him talking. Scully's here and I am suddenly very, very happy. I can grovel now; I can plead and beg and act like the world's falling in around my head; and so I do - I put on quite a performance: "Vinnie, listen to me - you have control right now, and I don't care what you do to me, really I don't. But please, don't hurt Dana - please. I talked her into coming on this case; she's a true innocent in all of this, please - you gotta believe that I was the one responsible for it all! Please, Please..." God, what a pussy I am! Shit, I don't care - Scully has retreated to the darkness of the palmettos and gives me the 'high sign' as I whimper and blubber a bit more. Vinnie is eating it up, the bastard. Not responding to me in words; he's too busy chanting. But I know he's listening and that's all that matters. And Manu, having seen what Scully did to the chalice, has continued to chant with him, eyes slitted just enough to track the action about to go down. I know what's next; I read the damn books. Vinnie reaches for the chalice, holding it high above him as he chants to the cloudy moon. "GURUS SHAKSHAT PARAMBRAHMAN, TASMI SHRI GURUVE NAMAH!" He lowers the chalice and brings it to his mouth, drinking deep. He passes it to Manu, who gives an impressive performance as he pretends to drink; he passed it to Goon number One, who takes a healthy chug. By the time the cup has made it to Goon Number Two, and been downed greedily... Vinnie the Guru Master-Baet-Mi from Shit Central, Ohio... has collapsed in a paralyzed heap next to the altar, followed by the goon twins. All three of them staring into space like zombies... and Scully is bending over me and kissing every inch of my face and neck that she can reach and Manu is cutting the leather straps. The second my hands are free, I've got my arms tightly around my baby and we are both crying all over each other, wordless oaths of love pouring out of us, crying harder as we re-affirm our commitment. I'm gentle with her; I know what she's been through but I won't say anything to her - not now. Later, maybe - we will get this all out into the open and then we'll put it behind it and never need to think of it again. But for now - Scully kisses me one more time, a deep, purifying ScullyKiss which shoots straight to my soul and heals me from the inside out - then she squirms out of my arms and faces Manu and asks in a raw voice, "How long, Manu? I used Huang root - how long do we have before they come out of it?" Manu thinks a bit, then smiles at her as he reaches behind a rock and produces several lengths of rope. "Doesn't matter how long, Missy - I will restrain them for you. They are awake and can feel, and can hear - but they cannot react. They are helpless, for at least another twenty minutes or more." So saying, he quickly ties the trio up, binds them hand and foot, then props them against the stone altar. Scully directs him to put Vinnie in front; Manu props him up against the other two, using them to make a sort of Goon chair for the great man himself. Then, as Scully moves to stand in front of Vinnie, she holds out one small hand to Manu - and with great ceremony he places the serrated-edged dagger into her hand. Her small, delicate hand. Her suddenly-vengeful hand... Uh-oh. "Um... Scully? What are you doing...?" The smile she flashes my way is pure Scully - warm and strong and full of love. Then, her eyes return to Vinnie, there on the hard altar, propped against his goons - and those gorgeous blue orbs grow dark with hate, and revengeful promise... and her whispered words do nothing to reassure me - but everything to arouse me: "Oh, don't you worry your handsome head about it, baby... I've got a 'date' with Master Vinnie, here - and I want to make sure I get the good stuff outta the way, before he really wakes up. I want him to see it, and feel it... and go insane with it..." And she takes the dagger firmly in her hand and cuts Vinnie's ceremonial robe open right down the front. Either by accident or on purpose, the tip of the wickedly-sharp blade paints a thin line of red along the path of his chest, dead-on center from the base of his neck to the beginning of his groin hair. He stares ahead, just the tiniest moan slipping from his throat - And from Scully, a softly-spoken, "Oops..." ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3, part 15 of 18 From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 16 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com ~~~~~~ Hunching down in front of this cretin, I am suddenly filled with the desire to make him pay, for what he did to me, to those other women in his harem who are prisoners of his drugs and victims of his sexual abuse, and for Madhu... for that poor gentle woman who suffered and died at the hands of this sadistic animal she had the misfortune of being married to. I lean in close and have a little fun with him first. "Yo, Vinnie. Guess what? Dana's onto your little game." He makes a whining sound but continues to stare straight ahead. I know where he is; I know that awful helpless feeling. "What's the matter, Vinnie? The knife making you nervous? Relax. I'm a trained doctor. Would you like me to show you just how skilled I am with one of these babies? ...I'll take your non-answer to mean you consent. Now this could smart a bit. Be sure and tell me if you want me to stop!" My hand is trembling as I lower the knife to his genitals. There's a limit to what I can get away with here; I have to keep myself in check. As much as I'd like to make dear Vinnie the first Guru eunuch from Ohio, or whack off his most prized toy and toss it into his Tagara pit - I don't want to see this man making the talk show circuit getting rich because his lawyers had a field day with an FBI agent out of control. Of course, how can I really be held responsible for my actions in the drugged state this phony has kept me in for the last week? Mulder, on the other hand, shouldn't be witness to what's about to go down here. "Agent Mulder," I call over my shoulder, "why don't you and Manu go radio for backup. I'll keep these boys entertained while you're gone." "Scully..." It's said as a warning. Mulder has seen too much of my dark side lately, he probably has no idea what to expect from me anymore. "Go, Mulder! I'm fine." And to be sure he understands, I let him see my eyes, sharing a moment of silent intercommunication that we've developed over the years - a skill so finely honed, it borders on telepathy. The shining I get in return is his complicity, but nothing he could ever be held accountable for, except by me. I wait until Mulder and Manu are well on their way, and Vinnie's had plenty of time to sweat it, before I begin to really take my revenge. "Now then, where was I? No wait! Don't tell me, I remember now. I was about to give you your first lesson in surgical techniques." I lay the flat of the blade against his testicles. "Steady hands are very important. It's a damn shame mine are a bit shaky at the moment from all chemicals that you've been using to dominate me with. I'll try not to slip; there's some vital nerves down in this region that I wouldn't want to sever... wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun you're going to have with the other boys on the cell block. Well, you wouldn't miss out on ALL the fun... but I'm sure you'd rather give than receive." I slowly drag the blade down until the sharp point is pressing into his tender flesh, just enough to break the surface skin and cause a tiny bit of blood to flow. Beads of sweat are beginning to form on his forehead, trickling down the sides of his temples. "Yeah, you'll be the belle of the ball in prison once the other inmates find out you're a sex guru. Especially with a name like Master Baetmi. Maybe you'll get lucky and one of the better looking ones will make you a part of his personal harem... one of his prize bitches, think how special you'll feel..." I move the knife a little and give him an extra jab. "Oh, but I've wandered off the subject, haven't I? My head's so foggy these days it's hard to concentrate. You wanted a demonstration, didn't you? Let's see... Hmm... ya know, this would be a lot easier if you had an erection. Where's that stuff... Mahomng, was that what you called it?" Looking around, I spy the bowl containing the dried leaves that he was using to torture Mulder with, and hurry over to gather a handful, which I ceremoniously sprinkle on Vinnie's genitals. When it starts to work its magic, I make a few delicate cuts with the knife... not enough to injure him seriously, just a few scratches really, but I'm sure that Mahomng is making it feel like so much more. He's moaning, sweating like crazy now, and I feel a whole hell of a lot better. "How's that for an Awakening, MASTER Yidah?" ~~~~~~ CHAPTER 25 Asleep, at last, curled up next to me in the First Class cabin. The flight attendants have, for the most part, left us alone. They caught on very quickly - about five minutes after we settled into our seats, and the first very pretty, very chirpy attendant bounced down the aisle toward us and tried to give us something alcoholic. I swear, Scully actually growled at her. The poor girl beat a hasty retreat. Scully caught the look in my amused eyes about two seconds before she pressed her tired head into the hollow of my shoulder; a muttered, "Shut up, Mulder" into my grinning mouth was all she said, before she plopped her head down and promptly fell asleep, before the plane even took off. I let my head fall back on the padded headrest, and snuggle Scully closer, winding my arm tightly about her little body; feeling a damp "Mmmm" murmured into my neck. I press a kiss into her sweet-smelling hair - hair that is finally free of the smell of Tagara - and look out the window at the inky black night outside the plane. Going home; to an overall unsure future, I think. Well, unsure of our jobs, Scully's present way of life in general, the immediate state of my poor fish - but very, very sure of the love we share, the commitment we have made and the sure knowledge that we have survived the worst. Of course, we have yet to face AD Skinner. But at least we can give him the bad guy - alive. Bruised, but alive. Maimed a bit... but alive. Okay, he's more than maimed. He seems to have, ah... how to put this delicately - lost the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. I blame the trauma of the loss of his way of life, there on Mohona. That will be stated very clearly in my report. He is being held in containment in another section of the plane, under the best and most dedicated of guards - Manu. A handful of local authorities, four in all, picked up from the Grand Bahamas, assist Manu in his somber duty. Our Vinnie made the mistake of trying to talk to us, perhaps thinking to reason with us, once... just once. In the holding cell at the airport, five minutes before boarding; Scully had wanted to say good-bye to Manu, since they would embark through a different hatchway when the plane landed and she was afraid she would miss him. She gave him a huge hug - which he returned, very gently - and kissed his cheek while I shook his hand. Manu will make a wonderful cop - he will be going to the Academy of Officers of the Peace on Grand Bahama as soon as his escort duty is fulfilled. So we said good-bye - and Vinnie, in chains and held between the bulk of two beefy police, just had to open his mouth and say, "Agents Scully and Mulder... so nice to see you wearing... clothes..." This is a very stupid man. I could not believe he would even look in Scully's direction, much less speak actual words to her. Scully never flinched. She walked over to him and smiled pleasantly into his face... Right before she kneed him in his extremely sore and painful groin. Guess I forgot to mention Scully left that Mahomng herb on his tender wang just an hour or so too long. Well, upon contact of her knee and his wounded jewels... Vinnie made a noise that sounded like a cross between a boil being lanced, and an overripe casaba being stomped on with cleats - and fainted dead away. The two officers holding his limp body gaped at her; she put a shocked hand to her mouth, and murmured, "Oh, dear - my trick knee must have slipped..." I bit back the laughter long enough to grab her arm and drag her out of there and onto the plane before she got us in serious trouble. The memory of it, created just a few hours ago, makes me smile again, as I cuddle Scully and close my eyes, hoping to catch a few Zs myself. My baby... my Scully. My precious girl - and I came so close to losing her; too close. I came too close to seeing her forever bogged down in addiction - she will have a tough time ahead, with the conquering of that little demon. The doctor who examined us at Abaco, our first stop after leaving Mohona - that doctor had shaken his head when I explained the possibly-lethal combination of drugs introduced in her system. "It is a wonder she was coherent at all, Mr. Mulder - she was very lucky. Tagara is actually quite poisonous when taken in large doses - and the tea is actually comprised of Mahomng as well as bitterroot, mint and a bit of chamomile. Very intoxicating - very addictive. She will not have an easy time of it." Well, he was right - it's been tough on her. We had a few days to relax on Abaco, while the Church of the Seven Chakras was disbanded, the members and students packed on planes and flown back to the states for processing. Swami Saraswati had unfortunately flown the coop before we could manage to arrest him. Scully slept a lot, twitched a bit and sweat profusely. She downed a ton of water to help flush her out, and I spent no small amount of time holding her shoulders while she hurled into the john every few hours. But she's doing a lot better now. She'll feel even better when I get my hands on her in several hundred different ways - as soon as we get home. I've been patient - I've been understanding. I've been goddamned horny, that's what I have been. Tired, sore, exhausted, probably too whipped to do anything more than cop a feel or two - but still, my body wanted the option. Soon - very soon. We need to talk about what happened to us - to both of us - and we will talk about it. But not now - not here. In my apartment, in the candlelight and after several glasses of mellow wine. Then, we'll talk. And then, I'll show her - and tell her - all the things I've been storing up, just for her. I smile again, against her hair. She stirs a little, and her heavy-lidded eyes open and peer up at me in the gloom of the darkened cabin. "What are you grinning about, G-Man?" "You... 'Kick-Ass Scully' - it was all I could do not to reach out and beat the blood right outta that bastard - and you just walk up to him, cool as can be - and pop him a wiener-crunch. Jeez, Scully - it's a wonder we didn't get arrested right there for police brutality!" I really love what she did - but I'm not telling her that. She has to understand the possible ramifications of her actions... "Bullshit, Mulder - I saw your face. You were proud of me, admit it. If I hadn't done it, you would have. I had to do it, Mulder - you do understand, right? I had to..." That's all she will say, and I nod and draw her closer, finding her mouth in the gloom and kissing her, very deeply and very slowly. When I let her go she is rosy pink and trying to stem the sudden tears in her crystalline eyes. I wipe at the drops tenderly and she shudders out a shaky breath and mumbles, "Sorry - don't know what's wrong with me lately - I am such a wuss..." I kiss her once more and press her closer, whispering to her as the plane floats through the black clouds deep in the night. "Scully, you are the least wussy person I know - and you know it. You saved me and you saved yourself. You got the bad guy and you made a definite difference in the life of a possible Guru-groupie; Manu has turned his entire life around because of you. You are well on the way of getting that shit out of your system and on top of all that, you know how to swallow my entire package - by the way... just how did you learn how to do that, anyway? Scully? Baby?" I can feel her tiny body shaking with repressed laughter. Good, if nothing else, at least she's not crying anymore. "Remember that case back in '95, down in Gibsontown, Florida?" she begins. "The sideshow freaks... Lenny and his detachable Siamese twin. The Figi Mermaid that wasn't." How could I forget? That's the case where my dear partner shocked the hell out of me by eating that damn cricket. Okay, she didn't REALLY eat it, but the pretense was enough to give me a serious case of the willies the rest of the day. "That's the one." "You learned how to do THAT then?" This ought to be interesting. "Indirectly. You know magic holds a fascination for me. While we were conducting interviews with some of the residents of the trailer park, I had an interesting and quite informative conversation with the sword swallower, the Stupendous Gargola. He explained to me the techniques he employed when accomplishing his wondrous feats. It's all a matter of relaxing the muscles in the throat, once you get around the gag reflex, there's nothing to it." Scully pushes the armrest that stands between us up and out of the way. Then she nestles in beside me and in no time at all, she's soundly asleep - softly snoring the rest of the way home. Nothing to it, she says. It's only one of the most unfuckingbelievable sexual experiences I've ever had in my life. God, I love this woman! ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3, part 16 of 18 From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 17 of 18) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com ~~~~~~ Getting ON a plane, not off one, is usually what gives me butterflies in my stomach. But when we arrive in DC, the realization hits me - I have no place to go, no home. Never have I been so lost as I am right now. I don't know what I'm going to do, where I'm going to go, if I'm even going to have a job left when Skinner takes a look at our case report tomorrow morning. After we claim our luggage, we head outside into the rainy and cold spring night. Mulder has our bags stowed away in the trunk of a cab and is ushering me inside before I even have time to think. He gives the driver his address and then wraps his arm around my shoulders and encourages me to rest my head against him. "Mulder, I still have my credit cards, I can get a motel..." "Not an option, Scully. You're exhausted, as am I; we have an early morning tomorrow, and I'd sleep better tonight if I had you beside me." "Thanks." I brush a quick kiss over his jaw, wrapping my arms around him and snuggling in close. "Tomorrow, I'll make arrangements for a place to stay... not with Mom. She's never going to understand any of this. I'll get a motel, and when I get paid I'll see about finding a furnished apartment somewhere." "Scully, don't worry about that right now. You'll stay with me. Let's just take this one step at a time. First, we have to get you feeling better. Okay?" I nod, but can't help thinking, as the cabbie speeds and weaves through the early evening DC traffic, how AM I going to put my life back together? Everything's gone. Shit, I don't even have a car to drive to work in. The only clothes I have are the things I took on the case with me, not exactly the makings of a professional wardrobe. One suit, I have one goddamn suit... ~~~~~~ CHAPTER 26 Sometimes I used to dread coming home to this apartment. It's dark, and small - and it never had much warmth. Hell, no warmth - let's get real here. I would come home after a day of basking in the brightness of Dana Scully; home to a place which seemed drab no matter how many lamps I snapped on; or how colorful my throw pillows were against the dark of my leather sofa. The bright spots in this place of mine centered around the areas where in my mind, I could recall Scully's presence - curled up on the floor in front of the coffee table, a slice of pizza in her hand and a glint in her eyes, as she refutes yet another of my theories. Snooping in my fridge, bemoaning the lack of nourishing food - my kitchen and my living room had a splash of Scully. And now, so does my bedroom. Scully stands in the center of my bedroom, suitcase in hand and such a lost look upon her face that it rips at me. I drop my bags next to the bed and move to stand in front of her; lift up her chin with my hand so I can see into those cloudy blue eyes. Tearing up as I gaze into them... Ah, Scully. "Scully... talk to me..." Overflowing eyes, the wetness on her cheeks and falling on the thumb I rub against her mouth. She sucks in a shudder-breath, and her lips purse softly in a kiss on my skin. She leans into me and lets me slip my arms around her, cradling her close to me. Her hands rest passively at my waist; her forehead pressed into the hollow of my throat as I run my hands over her back in a comforting gesture. She whispers to me, "I feel... displaced, I guess would be the best word. I tell myself that I have to move forward somehow, Mulder - but I don(tm)t know if I can. Every time I close my eyes I still feel the tea working in my system; I can still smell the Tagara smoke. When I open them I expect to see his face in front of me; compelling me - pushing me down - and I feel so helpless, Mulder." Her voice breaks and she sobs quietly in the circle of my arms. I feel helpless as well, to offer her the sort of comfort she needs, even if she doesn't yet understand just what that might be - so I choose to remain silent... to let her talk it all out. But she remains silent, still pressing into me, but silent. It may be a long time before she'll tell me all of it - but I feel she'll confide in me, when she's ready. But in the meantime... I can give her some measure of peace - and a promise for the future. "Scully... baby? Look at me." Slowly her eyes lift and she blinks up at me with wet spiky lashes, like a little girl. My little girl. "Everything I have is yours, Scully - you know that, don't you? I can take care of you - I want to. Please, just let me do this - I love you so, Scully - I love you..." Fresh tears spill from her lovely eyes as she nods, and her arms wind around my neck and hold on tightly as I lift her and carry her the half-dozen steps to my bed; sinking upon it with her still in my arms. I help her to slip out of her jeans and blouse, and as she removes her bra I tug my tee shirt over my head and drop it over hers. The warmth of me envelopes her and I hear her sigh into the pillows as I flick off the light and pull her close to me. We need sleep - lots of sleep. It's only seven o'clock in the evening, but we sleep - covered with warm blankets and each other's skin. The in-depth conversation can wait, I think. We have plenty of time. All the time in the world. ~~~~~~ I never thought I'd be back here again. But it's 7:00 AM and Skinner is expecting us in his office at 7:15 sharp. Mulder and I haven't even been down to the basement yet. We had planned to be here an hour ago, take some time to get caught up with the memos and mail that, no doubt, have been piling up in our absence, but I was feeling sick and couldn't fight my way out of the bathroom for a good hour after I woke up. Nausea, shakiness, headache - classic signs of substance withdrawal. I feel like hell, but this meeting with Skinner is important... and I didn't want Mulder to have to make excuses for me. I owe him so much for what I've put him through this past week. He's been so sweet to me considering everything that's happened... letting me move in with him... it's just until I can get back on my feet again financially, that's what I promised myself. He says he wants to take care of me. Normally, I would have resented him thinking I needed to be taken care of. I'm a grown woman, after all, not a child. But I'm not feeling all that secure right now, so I'm ashamed to say that I was all too willing to let Mulder shoulder the responsibilities for a while... to just put myself in his loving hands and trust that he will make things right again. I am so grateful that I have him to get me through this. So much of our time on Mohona is hazy to me, some is completely lost. But I do have enough recollection to know that I was out of control, that I abandoned my partner and my duty as a Federal Agent, and worse, I betrayed Mulder and nearly cost him his life. I'd like to blame it all on the drugs... I'd like to, but I can't. Like the alcoholic who sips from the forbidden bottle and sets off on a week long drunk... as soon as I tasted spontaneity, I was off like the wind... the wind... God! I made such an ass of myself. It's a wonder Mulder wants anything to do with me at all. Well, that woman, whoever she was, is gone forever... Agent Scully has once again donned her oh so proper G-Woman suit and, with her partner's guiding hand at the small of her back, she's making her way down the corridor of FBI central, all the usual looks and stares falling right into place as the Spookys pass by. Mulder seems especially happy this morning. He's back in his element, I suppose; looking so fine in his navy, double breasted Armani, crisp white dress shirt, Sig Sauer strapped at his hip. The usual unreadable expression, however, is this morning a bright and cheery smile... a smile he greeted me with when I woke to find I was encased in my very own Mulder-cocoon, arms and legs protectively possessing me, a whispered 'good morning, Sunshine' tickling my ear. If I hadn't needed to get up to puke my guts out, it would have been perfection. We've almost made it to Skinner's office when we're stopped by Agents Roberts and Jaffries; they're always giving Mulder shit. Jaffries is the big mouth of the two; I can feel Mulder cringe as he approaches, his faithful side kick in tow. "Hey, Spooky!" He nods at me politely. "Mrs. Spooky." One of the few employees of this agency that has the balls to call me that to my face. "The two of you are looking wonderfully tan. Rough assignment. So tell me, how was the orgy?" Roberts chokes back a laugh at his partner's audacious attempt at humor. I have to hand it to Mulder, he remains remarkably cool, considering how sensitive the subject matter is for both of us. He laughs patiently and tries to usher me past the comedic duo. Jaffries isn't finished though. He grabs onto Mulder's sleeve, refusing to let us escape. "Come on, Spook, give details..." He pulls Mulder aside conspiratorially whispering, just loud enough for a few other nosy, gossipy, Bureau employees - suddenly and suspiciously standing nearby - to overhear. "It was undercover, right? What did you and the Mrs. have to, you know, do? I've heard that Tantric shit is really out there..." He laughs at his little joke, and checks with Roberts who is, at this point, snickering in the background. "Word is, you two went so deep undercover, even Skinner didn't know where you were for a time. It must have been something else, all those kinky cult love-fests. What kind of weird sexy stuff did you and the Mrs. have to participate in? Shit! Two weeks..." he shakes his head, "you must be exhausted, man. Hey, hey... tell me, are you going to list condoms on your expense report?" Uh oh... The growing audience gathered in our general vicinity erupts into full-fledged laughter at that last comment. Mulder is far from amused. In fact, if I don't get him out of here I think he's going to take a swing at the moron... not that I wouldn't love to see it, but the last thing my partner needs is more trouble with the OPC. Just as Mulder opens his mouth to say something which I'm sure will be inflammatory, I call out to him. "Come on, Big Guy, boss is waiting." Mulder's head snaps around at my chosen pet name - he questions me silently about my willingness to reveal that kind of familiarity to our colleagues. What the hell, I'm tired of all the speculation and the rumors, let's give them something to really talk about. "Sorry, Agents, Mulder doesn't have time to regale you with wild tales of our sexual exploits... you'll have to put your name on the list for a copy of the video." Then I take my partner by the hand and we leave in our wake the stunned faces of Jaffries and Roberts, and several others, who I'm sure can't wait to go spread the news. Skinner is actually waiting for us, even though we're ten minutes early for a change. He's standing by his secretary's desk checking his watch as we round the corner hand in hand. "Agents." There's no mistaking the fact that he immediately makes note of our interlaced fingers. A flicker of surprise registers on his face, but he makes no mention of our unusual behavior. "Good to see you both. Come on inside, and we'll get started." Once we're behind the closed door of his office, Skinner directs us to take a seat on the sofa. Apparently we're going informal today. I can see Mulder thinking the same thing, wondering, as I am, why it's not business as usual. The preliminary case report we sent ahead is open on the coffee table. As Skinner makes himself comfortable in a chair opposite us, he flips through a couple of pages before making any comment. Then he clears his throat nervously and directs his first words at me. "Agent Scully..." God, here it comes. I'm actually holding my breath. "... I think it's commendable that you're here today considering all you've been through." Huh? "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine, sir." He looks to Mulder for confirmation. Out of the corner of my eye I see my partner nod his reply to our boss and Skinner seems to relax a little. He adjusts his glasses and picks up one of the summary pages. "Vincent Pasco, Jr. is being held on six counts of murder, also charged with assault on a Federal Agent, and two counts of sexual assault on a Federal Agent. There is still some question as to whether he legally obtained the signatures from the cult members granting the Church of the Seven Chakras access to their possessions... Agent Scully, am I reading this correctly? Is it your assertion that you signed these documents of your own free will?" "Yes, sir." Skinner struggles with it. "Why?" And thankfully, Mulder comes to my rescue, because I still have no idea why I did something so incredibly stupid. "Agent Scully was in a weakened state from her nearly constant exposure to drugs. And Vincent Pasco is one hell of a persuasive con-man. But I disagree with Agent Scully as far as her actions being of her own free will. It's my contention that she was not of sound mind when she signed those documents, evidenced by her erratic and irresponsible behavior." "Thanks," I mumble under my breath, "I think." Our AD sighs. "Christ, I don't know. We'll have to have Legal go over this one. The Bureau will do everything it can to rectify this situation, Agent Scully, I assure you." "Thank you, sir." God, this is embarrassing. "I do have some good news... as of this morning all of the bodies have been recovered. Mr. Manu was very helpful in leading authorities to the unmarked grave sites. We have a good solid case against Mr. Pasco. And we took Dr. Jonas Mitchell into custody last night, though all we're holding him on at this point is impeding a Federal investigation. Another excellent job, Agents. Well done." He closes up the file and looks at us a moment bemused, only the hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Now... were you two planning on returning those, or is there something I should know?" Mulder and I exchange puzzled looks. "Sir?" I ask for both of us. "The rings, Agents, you're still wearing the wedding bands from your cover." I can feel the heat on my cheeks. I hadn't even thought about it and I'm sure Mulder didn't either. It's apparent Skinner is thoroughly enjoying our discomfort as we slip the gold bands off our fingers and drop them sheepishly onto the table next to the report. Funny, I was so reluctant to play the role of Mulder's wife when we started this case, now I'm surprised to find myself melancholy as I look at the rings lying abandoned upon the wood veneer. When Skinner gets up to answer an incoming call, I reach out absently and toy with the shiny circlet of gold, trying to reconcile my feelings of loss over something that never was really mine to begin with. That's when Mulder leans over and whispers in my ear, "We can afford better." ~~~~~~ End of Episode 3 part 17 of From: TBishop27@aol.com Tantric (Episode 3, Part 18 of 18 & Epilogue ) By Char Chaffin and T Bishop Category: MSR, X-File Rated: NC-17 Disclaimer: as stated in Part 1 Feedback: We'd love it! Char Char@chaffin.com Teresa TBishop27@mindspring.com ~~~~~~ The utter confusion on her face is adorable. She gapes, and her mouth opens and shuts a few times; I can't resist teasing her. "Y'know, I got an angelfish in my tank that does that cute little mouth thing, too - usually I just dump some flakes on the water and it shuts right up. Wonder if that would work for you?" An indignant squawk is building in Scully's lungs; I can actually feel the vibrations. Before Skinner can turn around and face us again, and before she can explode, I cut in with, "Nah... I got a sure-fire cure for gape-mouth -" and I pull her head close and drink in her open mouth, along with several teeth and all of her tongue. Three seconds - new record for deep-throat kissing. I release her just as Skinner hangs up the phone and moves over to the sofa; she falls back against the cushions in a limp heap, eyes glazed, as I settle into the sofa and act as if I have just satisfied a particularly vital itch. Which is exactly what I have done, in effect. Skinner resumes his seat and taking note of Scully's 'condition,' addresses her in a concerned voice. "Agent, are you able to continue this session, or would you rather postpone and take the rest of the day off... Agent Scully?" She finally swings her head around a little, her eyes focus on Skinner's worried face, and she clears her throat twice before muttering her standard, "I'm fine, sir." Skinner catches me shaking my head, and frowns as he reaches out a hand and lays the palm on her forehead. "Clammy... overly warm. Go home, Agent, and take it easy for the rest of the week. I think you're attempting to come back way too soon. I think you both need a break - and there's nothing on the horizon except the upcoming Pasco trial. And I know it's going to be tough on both of you - so go home, and stay there. Another week, at least - go on, take off. If I need you I'll call." Skinner stands and walks to the door, his usual 'We're done - get the hell out' stance. Scully starts to protest, "But, sir, really, I'm f-," before I gag her with one hand and push her out the door with the other. A heartfelt "Thank you, sir" floating over my shoulder as I hurry past Skinner's gaping secretary and out the reception door. As we walk down the corridor, Skinner calls my name; I glance back, to see him standing in the doorway, his secretary peeping around his wide shoulders. His words bounce down the corridor at me, not to mention about ten other agents who have been unabashedly eavesdropping. "Agent Mulder... call me when she answers in the affirmative, would you please? A boss likes to know these things..." A tiny moan slips out of Scully's mouth as I nod and keep us walking, too much in shock to do anything more. I think my inner shock must mirror the outer shock I'm seeing on the faces of every agent who just minutes ago stood laughing their asses off. Jesus, is there anything that bastard doesn't overhear, or spot outta the corner of his eye? Gotta love somebody that focused... yessir. My own face breaks into the shit-eating grin of all time, as I escort my dumbfounded partner through the Hoover building, and out the double doors into the watery sunshine. And I throw back my head, and laugh aloud, as I grab Scully in a huge suffocating hug, and swing her around, ignoring her breathless commands to let her go. ~~~~~~ EPILOGUE Snuggled in the warmth of Mulder's thick terry bathrobe, surrounded by his familiar soothing scent, I sit curled up on the sofa and watch my husband stoke the fire that brings light and heat to our little mountain cabin. Mulder's wedding gift to me, a perfect getaway retreat in the lovely Cascades of the Pacific Northwest. At first, I thought he was crazy, such an extravagance on a G-Man's wages - even our combined wages don't invite something as frivolous as a vacation home; I held my tongue though, not wanting to hurt his feelings or be the one to start our first fight as a married couple. But when he mentioned how much land came with this little purchase, I couldn't help myself, I had to ask him how in the hell he expected us to afford this place. That's when he showed me the letter from his late mother's attorney. I've been sitting in stunned silence ever since, trying to comprehend what this kind of wealth actually means. It's frightening, really. To suddenly have the resources to retire and live out the rest of our lives doing as we please, to have houses and cars and jewelry and a huge portfolio of stocks, and more; more than I can bring myself to think about. I suppose I should be ecstatic, I mean, who wouldn't be? ...But I'm not. As Mulder finishes tending the fire, he turns to find me in tears. A moment later he's on the sofa next to me, taking me in his arms, wiping the wetness from my face and shaking his head at my emotional display. "This changes nothing, Scully," he reassures me, somehow knowing exactly what's at the root of my unhappiness. How well this man knows me, understands and predicts my thoughts even before I can think them. Still, I try to share with him what's in my heart for I know that's what Mulder values most. "When I lost myself on Mohona it wasn't just because of the drugs, I'd abandoned the focus of my life - the thing that keeps everything else in perspective. Our life's work, Mulder... our quest for the Truth. Without it, I have no direction, nothing to guide me." He kisses me, slow and deep, promising physically, and then with words, that I have nothing to fear. "I'm not planning on giving up the fight. I want the same things you do, Scully. We've come too far, sacrificed too much... it will all have been in vain, if we walk away now." And with that vow, he puts an end to any further discussion, gently laying me back upon the overstuffed cushions and covering my body with his. And by the light of the flickering fire, we make a silent and passionate pact... to remain partners for life... and to never stop searching for the Truth. ~THE END~ AUTHORS' END NOTES: Teresa Bishop - I would like to thank Char, my friend, writing partner and co-conspirator - Mulder to my Scully. You've made this a fun and challenging experience, and helped me grow tremendously as a writer. A novel length work seems such a daunting task, but it's been nothing but joy from start to finish collaborating on this project with you. Thanks for all your hard work and patience, and for sharing your amazing talent with me. Love ya, hon. ~Life is too short to drink bad wine~ Char Chaffin - When Teresa first mentioned this idea to me, I thought it was so unique and different I just begged to help her (I really did, I begged). It takes a lot of imagination to come up with something this wild, even if the Tantric discipline is factual. Teresa knew exactly where she wanted this story to go, and I was so amazed by her plot processing I just let her take me there. What a ride! She did all of the research and made it very easy for me to just slide Mulder right into the story. She has been a blast to work with (as always) and her writing talent once more amazes me - not to mention her understanding of Scully. Guess we're an established team - and I can't wait to begin the next 'adventure'. Hope you're ready, T! Right back atcha with de love... Feedback is of course as vital as a finely-woven tale; please email us! char@chaffin.com TBishop27@mindspring.com