Dangerous Undercurrents

Title: Dangerous Undercurrents
Author: Chad Moore
Email: Chad_Skywalker@webtv.net
Feedback: Please
Archive: Yes
Rating: NC-17 (explicit m/m)
Status: WIP
Fandom: The X-Files
Spoilers: None, this is pre-XF
Huge Beta Thanks: Bertina
Disclaimers: Fox Mulder belongs to CC and 1013. Azathoth and the Great Old
Ones are creations of H.P. Lovecraft and are now the property of Arkham House.

Chapter Seven: Embrace The Darkness
By Chad Moore

Sneaking between the shadows Mulder held Jamie's hand tightly. It was well
into the evening and the setting sun created strategic hiding places over
Oxford University. Both of them were determined to see Professor Douglas
"Weird" Wickham and question him about his family's involvement with the
mysterious deaths in the cemetery. It was Mulder's first solid clue to learning
if there was a connection to Jamie.

Unfortunately, seeking out Weird Wickham would have to wait until tomorrow.
With Vice-Chancellor Blair's new curfew in effect, no one was allowed out after
dusk. He'd gone through an entire bag of sunflower seeds on the walk back from
the cemetery, leaving a Hansel-like trail.

Flitting closer to the Halls of Residence, Mulder quickly ducked and pressed
his body against Jamie's. A campus security guard walked dangerously close to
the hiding pair. Mulder didn't dare breathe; instinctfully covering Jamie's
mouth with his hand. When the guard finally passed on by, Mulder exhaled and
smiled at Jamie. This was turning out out to be pretty exciting. Would his
future consist of hiding in shadows to chase after mysteries?

Jamie had a slightly disappointed look on his face from the break in body
contact. Taking his hand once more, Mulder lead him round a corner, not
noticing how his eyes flashed an electric green. Ducking inside the Halls,
Mulder peered out of the nearest window to make sure they hadn't been spotted.
"Whew! I think we made it," he said, turning back to Jamie. "Jamie?"

He found that Jamie was already ascending the staircase, gesturing silently
with his finger for Mulder to follow him. Walking inside the open door of their
flat, Mulder stood within the empty room. "Jamie, where did you go? I know
you're disappointed that we couldn't see the professor tonight but,..."

Mulder jumped as the door slammed closed and was quickly locked. Moving out
from behind it, Jamie concentrated his gaze on Mulder. The animal-like lust
radiating from those bright green eyes caused Mulder's cock to twitch into
life. He swallowed hard. Jamie pressed a finger to his mouth and whispered,
"Shhh."

Yanking up Mulder's bulky white sweater over his head, Jamie tossed it to the
floor. With a gentle push, Mulder toppled backwards onto the bed. He looked up
in surprise as Jamie peeled off his jacket, shirt and pants, then used his
teeth to remove his gloves. The growing bulge throbbed in the confines of
Mulder's pants. Seeing Jamie taking charge like this filled him with an aching
need.

Jamie's hands massaged their way up Mulder's thighs with the gentle touch he
longed for. In a few seconds, Jamie had them unfastened and climbed onto the
bed with catlike grace. He knelt down and softly kissed Mulder's belly, his
tongue touching the sweet surface and making its way up Mulder's chest. Jamie
attacked one of his firm pecs with hungry lips, the sensation causing Mulder to
suck in a deep breath. Moaning lightly, Mulder closed his eyes and laid his
head back. Gripping Mulder's hands, Jamie held them above his head. Continuing
its journey upwards, Jamie's mouth fastened onto Mulder's neck with vampiric
enthusiasm.

Leaning forward, his lips covered Mulder's, inviting his tongue inside. Jamie
licked and sucked on it greedily. Breaking contact for a moment, he kissed
Mulder's left ear. "Do you have any idea how much I need you?" he whispered
huskily.

Positioning his body, Jamie writhed atop Mulder's crotch. Suddenly, Mulder's
face broke into a wicked, knowing grin. He held onto Jamie's behind and rubbed
the growing bulge into him. Unable to wait any longer, Mulder reached beneath
him and pulled his jeans and underwear completely off. He then took both of
their hard cocks in hand and slowly started to stroke.

Jamie squeaked in surprise when Mulder slipped him over onto his back. Mulder
grinned, lowering his head between Jamie's legs. Before Jamie could react,
Mulder's mouth swallowed his dick halfway down his throat. Overwhelmed by the
heat of Mulder's magnificent oral muscles, Jamie moaned softly.

Taking hold of Mulder's long, thick shaft Jamie inhaled it all the way down to
the base. They both rolled around passionately on the bed, locked in a perfect
sixty-nine. Jamie's silky mouth moved happily along Mulder's cock, making him
tremble uncontrollably. Closing his eyes, Mulder's forehead broke out into a
sweat as a heavy, masculine scent filled the room.

With a burst of energy, Jamie rolled on top and Mulder enjoyed being under
him. Jamie managed to tear himself away from Mulder's mouth-watering cock long
enough to suck in his balls. In response, Mulder bucked wildly. With his
slender fingers, Jamie spread Mulder's ass cheeks wide to play with the tight,
moist hole. Wrapping his lips back around the throbbing shaft, Jamie took one
of his long, index fingers and slowly inserted it.

Writhing below, Mulder moaned from the incredible sensation. The way Jamie
lovingly sucked on his dick and fingered his hole made his mind reel. He
thought he would come at any moment. Arching his body, he knew he was at the
point of no return when Jamie slid in another finger. When Jamie spit out his
saliva coated cock, Mulder panted, "Jamie, I've got... to have you... now!"

At this, Jamie released him and Mulder grabbed a fluffy pillow and plumped it
under his head, anxious and excited by the new role Jamie had taken on. As
Jamie positioned himself, Mulder moved his hips so that his ass was up and
ready. He grabbed a fistful of the bedspread when Jamie dived down and slipped
his tongue all along Mulder's spread crack. Then, he rubbed his hard cock
against it.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

Mulder's eyes crackled fiercely. "You better believe it!"

Having lubed him well, Jamie took his time and entered Mulder slow and easy.
He forced himself to breathe as the incredible feeling took his breath away.
Mulder held his gaze, aching for him to continue. He reached around and firmly
gripped Jamie's ass, forcing him deeper inside. All the way in, Jamie folded
Mulder's legs down. Mulder moaned from the heat Jamie was creating as he began
to pump up and down.

Mulder's eyes rolled back; he was in pure heaven. His head pressed into the
pillow and Mulder screamed out in mind-blowing pleasure when Jamie's pistoning
cock touched his prostate. Keeping one hand on Mulder's shoulder, Jamie quickly
reached down with the other, wrapping it around Mulder's twitching prick, which
was slick with precome. The combined action sent hot jolts through Mulder's
glistening body.

Jamie shuddered as Mulder's exquisite hole tightened around his dick. He
gasped for air as he fired a molten load deep inside Mulder. With Jamie filling
him, Mulder also came, crying out with shocked pleasure and surprise.

"Wow!" Mulder exhaled deeply. Smiling, he pulled Jamie down and held onto him
possessively. Gazing into his sparkling green eyes, Mulder gave him a full,
deep throat kiss of passion. In a short while, Mulder drifted off to sleep,
holding Jamie beside him.

~oo0oo~

The next morning, Mulder and Jamie stood outside of an ivy covered brick
building. Professor Wickham lived within one of the rooms and, according to
local tales, was rarely seen. Mulder's body still tingled from the exotic night
of lovemaking. He was pleased that Jamie was so gung-ho about seeking the
truth. It was a dream come true to find someone so willing to accept the
unexplained. But why did it all have to revolve around Jamie? Hopefully, they
were about to find out.

Finding a blue door with several notices tacked on, Mulder rapped on it
sharply. "Come in," a voice called from the other side.

Venturing within, they found a sitting room that wouldn't look out of place in
a museum. Artefacts from all over the world, most notably Tibet and India,
littered a room already brimming with more books than you could possibly shake
a stick at. The aroma of valerian hung heavy in the air.

Turning in a complete circle, they both looked for the source of the voice.
Mulder paused and pointed up to a golden figurine above the door. "Ganasha, the
elephant god," he said.

Jamie peered at the little elephant sitting crosslegged like a Buddha. "The
remover of all obstacles," he smiled, mythology being his best subject.

"The Ganasha can help you surmount any barriers," a voice said from behind.

Mulder and Jamie whirled around to find a short, old man with white hair
wearing a tweed suit and glasses pushed down to the end of his nose. For all
intents and purposes, he was the very picture of an Oxford don.

"Professor Wickham?" asked Mulder uncertainly.

"What can I do for you? I don't get many visitors, you know."

Jamie suddenly felt very guilty for barging into the man's home. "I'm sorry,
Professor. This is Mulder and I'm Jamie."

Mulder cut in. "Basically, we're here about a lot of strange occurrences. I
think that you might be able to help us."

The little man cleared away a stack of papers from a nearby chaise lounge.
"Yes, yes, have a seat, dear boys. Would you like some tea?"

Impatient, Mulder was about to protest but Jamie squeezed his arm. "Yes,
please," he nodded at the professor.

~oo0oo~

Knocking firmly on flat 34-B, Sebastian waited outside for a few moments then
tried the doorknob. Finding it unlocked, he ventured inside the room. Looking
around the quarters, the only thing he detected was the fresh smell of sex
clinging to the walls. He slammed his hand down on a desk in frustration. He
had to find Jamie and quickly!

~oo0oo~

Setting down a tray of tea before the two young men, Professor Wickham took a
seat across from them. "Now, why don't you tell me about why you're here," he
said, offering Mulder a cup.

"You've heard about the two murders?" Mulder prompted.

Wickham gave them a faraway look. "Murders? When did they happen?"

"The first one took place several nights ago, and the second was just the
other day."

"My memory's getting really touchy these days," replied Wickham scratching his
head. "But it does seem like I remember reading something about them."

"You see, professor, we encountered something strange near the woods," Mulder
explained. "It started with a whispering."

"What whispering?" Wicked asked, alarmed.

Mulder felt like he was getting somewhere at last. "When we were on our way
home, there was a strange sound and it had an odd effect on..." He bit his lip.

"On who?"

"It was like a whispering, wasn't it Jamie?" Mulder carefully continued.

"Yes," he nodded. "Very quietly... screaming."

The professor sat up, suddenly very serious. "You do know that there are...
things out there in the night that are best left alone?"

"That's why we're here," Mulder told him, protectively holding Jamie's hand.
"Professor Wickham, we've learned that something happens in Oxford every fifty
years."

Jamie, whose initial excitement was rapidly turning into fear, stood up and
began to pace around the room. Wickham smiled after him. "A delightful boy."
Then, the old man leaned forward conspiratorially in his chair. "What do you
seek?" he asked Mulder pointedly.

Mulder, slightly taken aback, didn't know how to answer. "The truth."

Wickham nodded sagely as if this was all he needed to hear. Keeping one eye on
Jamie as he wandered through the room, the professor poured a variety of charts
before Mulder. Spreading the largest out on the cluttered coffee table, Mulder
helped him weight it down with a jeweled box. It was a rough drawing of the
moon and stars, erratic lines converging between them. Mulder's eyes danced
over the ink stained schematics written in many hands.

"It all began in the twelfth century," Wickham explained while Mulder's keen
eyes continued their examination. "As far back as anyone in Oxford can remember
there have been tales of witchcraft."

Mulder nodded, glancing across at Jamie. "Yes, I'm well aware of the legends."

"Hardly legends, young man," the professor scoffed. "We take the Old Ways very
seriously around here."

"How long has your family been here?" Mulder asked, desperate to learn why the
Wickhams had been secretly burying bodies every fifty years.

"Oh, ever since the university was founded, about the time Henry II banned
students from attending school in Paris."

"What can you tell me about the graves?" Mulder pressed.

Fear shone in the old man's eyes. "What do you know, hmm?"

"I know that Wickhams have commissioned graves for young men as far back as
the eleven-hundreds," Mulder told him without batting an eye. "It's very
important that I know why, professor."

The professor pointed down to the star charts. "This is why, my boy. For
centuries a coven has been trying to return their ancient cult to supremacy."

Jamie stopped examining an astrolabe. He'd been listening the entire time, and
the conversation sent a chill up his spine. "A real coven, with real witches?"
he said, turning toward them. "There's been murders in Oxford for over 800
years and no-one's noticed? That's nonsense!"

"Hardly nonsense when you consider that the deaths were caused by something
more horrible than you could possibly imagine," Wickham said.

"Apparently their plans were thwarted?" asked Mulder.

"Yes, due in part to my family... the first Wickham learned of the cult much
to his detriment. You see, his companion, a young Scot, was chosen as a
sacrifice to Azathoth."

Mulder felt his heart pound in excitement as he processed the information.
"Azathoth, but isn't that supposed to be one of the Great Old Ones?" Mulder
recognized the name from the many legends he read as a child.

"Yes, an ancient, evil incomprehensible being," Wickham answered grimly.
"Every fifty years a Chosen One is born. Fortunately the members of my family
have been intrusted with the task of tracking them down before the cult can.
This time things are different."

"How so?" asked Mulder quickly.

Wickham slapped his hands together in defeat. "I haven't been able to find the
new one. You see my boy, according to my calculations," he pointed to one of
the charts, "there will be a lunar eclipse in three days. At exactly midnight
the cult will sacrifice their Chosen One who will then deliver Azathoth into
the world."

"How will they know the Chosen One?" Mulder asked in a hushed voice.

"Each boy is born with the mark of the naga."

"The naga?"

"Yes, a representation of the Old One swallowing the world. The cult sends out
a spirit familiar in the shape of an Elder Thing, it can sense the Chosen and
attacks anyone who comes into contact until it can find him."

Mulder nodded, full of dread as his suspicions were confirmed. "But the
graves, what will you do to stop this?"

The professor ignored his question, instead focusing at the task in hand.
"This is more important. If they're not stopped, the Great Old Ones will
dominate and conquer by astral influence. If they gain control, man will become
mindless slaves."

Mulder held up his hands. "Okay, I'm convinced."

Looking up, Wickham saw Jamie entering a curtained off alcove. "Here," he
said, handing Mulder a worn book. "There are the notes my ancestors have
collected."

Mulder immediately poured over the old, fragile papers. He was so close to
finding an answer that he didn't notice the professor moving away.

Jamie stood looking down at a leather bound book on the podium. Emblazoned on
its cover was the exact same snake symbol marking his back and the stones at
the graveyard. Taking a deep breath he seemed oddly drawn to it. He wanted to
call out for Mulder but his voice caught in his throat. Without warning, the
book flipped open of its own accord, the pages turning rapidly.

"Woah," Jamie whispered.

The book halted its ghostly page turning on the exact center. A little
hesitantly at first Jamie stepped closer to stare down at the images. It was a
fresco of thirteen cowled figures forming a semi-circle around a stone. Jamie's
heart skipped in fear, the representation a living playback of his haunting
nightmares. What shocked him even worse was the illustration of a figure
levitating a few feet from the stone; a thick black mist surrounding him.

Sensing a presence, Jamie whirled around. Professor Wickham glared at him
accusingly. "I knew there was a reason for you to visit Weird Wickham! He is
the Chosen One!" He lashed out and gripped Jamie's arms roughly. "You will
bring nothing but evil into this world!"

Jamie backed away and stumbled against the podium. "Me, how?!"

"You were born for one purpose and one purpose only! Azathoth must not live
through you!"

Mulder, alerted by the shouting, grabbed the professor's arms and pulled him
away. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

"The boy must be stopped for the survival of us all!" Wickham's eyes flashed
feverishly back to a terrified Jamie. "Boy, do you want more deaths laid at
your feet?" He turned and gestured frantically at Mulder. "Do you really want
to see him die? DO YOU?!"

Hot tears rolling free, Jamie pushed his way past the two struggling men. "No!
I've got to get out of here!" he cried and raced outside.

"Look what you've done!" Mulder shouted vehemently, anger overwhelming him.

The professor clutched at his arm. "You're aiding in the destruction of
mankind! No matter what you feel for that boy, he will become a vessel for
evil!"

"All those graves! Your family has been killing innocents for all these years
when you should've been doing something to stop the cult!" Mulder spat, his
heart pounding in his ears. "I won't let you hurt Jamie!"

Tearing himself free, Mulder dashed out of the open doorway.

~oo0oo~

Mulder ran through a series of marbled archways searching desperately for
Jamie. Learning of his predestined fate had filled Mulder with a fear he hadn't
known in years. He didn't care what he had to do, or how far he had to go, but
he would not lose someone else he loved again.

There, across the campus he saw Jamie's frightened figure running aimlessly.
Mulder took off in pursuit, his long legs carrying him closer and closer.

"Jamie! Jamie, stop!" he shouted. Reaching out, Mulder took hold of his arm
and twisted him around. Jamie's face was a mask of tears.

"No, Mulder! I have to get away from here! You have to stay away from me!"

"No, you can't leave me! You can't!"

Jamie tried to wrench his arm free, but it was no use. "Mulder, you'll die if
I stay here!" How could he make him understand? Jamie loved Mulder with all his
heart and he'd rather lay down his own life than let anything happen to him.

"We'll go away, somewhere safe. We can put Oxford behind us, Jamie," he began,
tears forming in his eyes.

Mulder's willingness to give up everything just for him caused Jamie to fight
him even more. "No, Mulder, you can't do that," Jamie said softly. "You have to
stay and complete your education. Please Mulder, I know how important finding
your sister is to you. You're the strongest, most loving man I've ever known. I
will always love you, but you've got to let me go!"

Taking Jamie by the arms, Mulder forcibly lifted him off his feet, and Jamie
cried out in surprise. Face to face, Mulder stared deep into his eyes. "Listen
to me, Jamie! You and I are going to fight this together. You've brought more
light and happiness into my life than I ever thought possible. I won't let a
prophecy keep us apart!"

"Alright, whatever you say!" Jamie exclaimed, unable to fight any longer.

Setting Jamie back down, Mulder immediately wrapped his arms around him. "I
don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."

Jamie sobbed into his shoulder and froze, remembering the devastated vision of
Mulder in his nightmare. He stepped back and gripped Mulder's hands. "No, don't
say that! You have to promise me that if something happens that you won't give
up your quest."

"Jamie, nothing's going to happen," Mulder tried to reassure him.

"Promise me!"

"I promise," he said quietly.

Taking him by the shoulder Mulder lead Jamie over to a nearby bench. "Just
look at you," he said, gently wiping his face.

Jamie pressed a hand against Mulder's own tears. With a crooked grin, Mulder
pressed their forehead's together.

"What are we going to do?" asked Jamie in a quiet voice. "There's a cult and a
mad professor after me, and some slithering horror in the night ready to kill
anyone who's been near me."

Mulder kissed his forehead and held up Jamie's chin. "I don't want you to
worry about anything, you hear me? I'm going to find someplace safe to keep you
until the eclipse is over."

Holding onto Mulder for dear life, Jamie's heart raced in fear. 'Please watch
over him,' he silently prayed.

~oo0oo~

As the afternoon sun cast an orange glow over the ancient Oxford buildings,
Mulder was hurrying toward the gymnasium to find Ryan. He needed help and he
needed it fast. He had to find a way to convince Ryan of the danger surrounding
Jamie. Thinking about him quickened Mulder's pace. When they'd arrived back at
their flat, Jamie was suffering from a headache and Mulder had given him a
couple of sedatives he kept to help him through restless nights. Then, Mulder
locked the door and found Carolyn, asking her to keep an eye on things.

Swinging open the gym doors, Mulder headed for the weight room. Scanning the
large area he found Ryan in a corner lifting a barbell above his head. "Ryan!"
he called, rushing over.

Setting down the weights, Ryan exhaled and gave Mulder an odd look. "It's been
a while since you were last here. Animal, you really surprise me."

"What are you talking about?"

"You and your little boyfriend," Ryan said. "Everyone's talking about you two."

Mulder sniffed impatiently, not in the mood to hear ignorant gossip. "Listen,
I don't have time for this. Something terrible is going to happen to Jamie and
I need your help. Can I count on you?"

~oo0oo~

Jamie lay half awake and half in dreams on his bed. He was feeling better for
the time being. Carolyn had just left to get a Dr. Pepper from downstairs. He
was glad that she was here instead of outside in the growing darkness. He began
wondering how long it would be before this was all over. He wondered how much
longer he had to live... The after image of those gravestones bearing the naga
symbol haunted his memory.

Sinking deeper into the bed, Jamie fell into a half sleep. When he opened his
eyes again, he gasped in surprise. Instead of Carolyn, Sebastian Beal was
staring down at him.

"S-Sebastian," he stammered. "H-how did you get in here?"

"The door was open," he explained, gesturing behind him and Jamie saw that it
was now closed. "I've been worried about you."

"About me, why?"

"Now come on, Jamie," he smiled, "let's not play games. I want you to tell me
about your dream."

"No," he said firmly, not wanting to remember again. Sebastian was acting very
shifty, and why were his hands clasped behind his back?

"Please, it's very important." His voice turned smooth and silky. "You must
tell me."

~oo0oo~

"Mulder, you've got to be kidding," Ryan laughed at the wild story he'd just
been told.

"I'm deadly serious," Mulder said through gritted teeth. "I need help
protecting Jamie."

"From a cult and a whacko? C'mon, pull the other one! What has that kid been
filling your head with?"

"How about the two murders, Ryan? Do you think that's funny? And it's just the
start of hundreds unless we can stop it!"

~oo0oo~

Back at the flat, a defeated Jamie was giving Sebastian a rather sanitized
version of his recurring dreams. Sebastian stared past him, deep in thought.

"What shape was the creature in your dreams? Was it a snake?" he probbed.

"Look, whose dream is this anyway?" Jamie kept one eye on the door, hoping
that Carolyn would come back soon.

"Was it?" he asked.

"Well, yes, but how did you know?" Jamie felt a familiar chill as Sebastian
smiled.

Staring at him in horror, Jamie opened his mouth to scream. As he drew breath,
Sebastian clamped a white handkerchief soaked in a noxious fluid over his nose
and mouth. Jamie struggled wildly for a moment and then went limp. Without
hesitation, Sebastian lifted his body in his arms and moved away...

[Next Episode: Swallow The Moon]