Liamterra 7

Liamterra

Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: none

Keywords: M/Sk K/O SLASH WIP

Disclaimer: The X-Files characters are the property Chris Carter,
1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. No money is being made
from their use.

Summary: AU. Mulder is abducted and carried through a gateway to
another dimension, where magic is real and mythical creatures
exist. Skinner follows, and the two men must make a new life for
themselves while they search for a way back home.

Authors Notes: This is a sequel to my story North Woods.

Special thanks to my beta-readers Nicole and Lyrical Soul for an
incredible job of fixing all of my mistakes.

Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are
appreciated.

WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two
men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.

Okay to Archive: MTA, DitB, Slashing Mulder, all others please
ask first.

Web site: http://www.slashingmulder.com/JoB/

***

Chapter 7 Storm By Jo B



The air sizzled with the smell of ozone and saltwater as the ship
pitched and bobbed on the turbulent sea with thunder booming
loudly overhead. Mulder crouched on the rough hardwood floor
facing the wall in the corner of their tiny cabin. Their infant
daughter was cradled protectively in his arms, while the heavy
press of Skinner's broad chest against his back shielded them.
The ship crashed down as another wave crested and broke.
Skinner's body kept them from being thrown across the cabin as
the larger man's fingers clenched, white knuckled, in the grooves
of the wood planking for purchase. The ship's timbers creaked
ominously, followed by a loud snap. Seconds later, something
heavy hit overhead, causing wood splinters and dirt to fall on
them. Skinner choked on the dust that invaded his throat and
stung his eyes, but still didn't move from his protective crouch.

"Walter, do something! The ship can't withstand much more!"
Mulder shouted above the roar of both storms--the one outside,
and the one in his arms.

Fear for his family's safety encompassed Skinner's whole being as
the ship bounced violently on the swelling waves. His eyes became
distant, and he unconsciously started chanting a spell beneath
his breath. A spell that came from deep within his soul. One that
even the realm's mightiest mages had no power to perform --for
doing so would bring them sure death. Within seconds, the ship
stopped pitching, and all became unnaturally still.

Mulder was breathing heavily as he pushed back against Skinner's
heavy body, trying to turn around. "Walter? What did you do? What
happened to the storm? Walter?"

Skinner toppled off him, landing in a heap on the floor.

"Walter! JAHR, GET IN HERE!" he shouted, cradling the crying baby
in one arm and turning his unconscious lover with the other.
Mulder gasped at how ashen and still Walter's face appeared as he
felt desperately for a pulse.

Jahr came into the room on shaky legs. He had a gash above his
eyebrow that was seeping green, caustic blood.

"STOP! Stay there, Jahr!" Mulder ordered, forgetting Skinner for
a second. "Your blood might harm the baby."

Prince Kedar pushed past Jahr. He had a streak of mud across his
pale, smooth cheek, and his garments were dirty and disheveled.
He immediately went to take the infant from his friend. "Go help
your mate, Fox."

"Kedar, Walter did something that stopped the storm...do you have
any idea what?" Mulder cradled his lover's body against his. To
his relief, he felt the strong beating of Walter's heart. He
wiped the sweat and dirt away from Walter's brow with his sleeve.

"Fox, he didn't stop the storm. No mage has the power to control
storms. He did something equally impressive, though." Kedar
rocked the crying infant until she started to quiet. He smiled at
her, feeling a longing in his life to start a family.

"What did he do?" Mulder asked. Something was nagging at him
about the stillness that was all around them -- even the air
didn't smell right.

Kedar looked down at Mulder. "He teleported the entire ship away
from the storm to safety." The Prince went back to staring at the
infant, the top of her forehead. "You're such a pretty little
thing, aren't you?" he cooed.

"Kedar, is Walter going to be all right? How come he's
unconscious?" Mulder held Skinner protectively in his arms.

"It requires a lot of energy to perform the type of magic your
mate just performed. It would have killed any other mage."

"Killed them? How?"

"It would have drained off their life force, leaving them without
enough energy to keep their hearts beating. Walter's life force
is the strongest that I've ever seen. He is destined to be one of
the realm's most powerful mages. That is, if he lives long enough
to gain control over his powers." Kedar pulled a cloth diaper
from among the debris strewn across the cabin's floor. "Fox, your
daughter needs her diaper changed," he said, shaking out the dirt
and wood splinters, then looking around for a place to change
her.

Mulder sighed. "I washed all of her diapers before the storm. It
looks like I'm going to be cleaning them again." His attention
refocused on their squire swaying in the doorway. "Jahr, how are
you feeling? I didn't mean to ignore you. If you can give me a
second to get Walter comfortable, I'll attend to your wounds."

"Lord Fox, don't worry about me. I'm fine. We trolls are fast
healers." Jahr glanced around the cabin. "I'm going to find some
fresh water. I'll be back."

Mulder looked down as Walter groaned and his eyes flickered open.
"Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Fox, did you get the license plate number of the truck that hit
me?"

Mulder grinned and leaned down, kissing Skinner sweetly on the
lips. "I love you. I wish I could make you feel better."

Skinner smiled softly. "Just your being here makes me feel a
hundred percent better. Did the storm stop?"

Mulder's eyes widened with surprise. "Walter, don't you remember
what you did?"

"No. What did I do?"

"Kedar said you teleported the ship and us to safety."

"That's ridiculous, Fox. Let me up," Skinner growled, pulling
away from Mulder and climbing shakily to his feet. He felt
disoriented. He didn't want to believe that he had blanked out
again.

Mulder stood quickly, ready to catch Skinner if he fell. "It's
not ridiculous. You were chanting then everything became still."

Skinner looked at him uncertainly. "I'm going up on deck to check
our current position," he said, staggering for the door.

"Wait, I'll come with you," Mulder shouted, running after him.

He nearly slammed into Skinner's back as his lover stopped
suddenly. The sky above them was bright cerulean blue and
cloudless. It took Mulder only a second to figure out what had
Skinner frozen in place. "Shit!" he exclaimed. Looking around, he
frowned at the unfamiliar surroundings. He strode past the
stunned goblin sailors to the railing. There was no sign of water
in any direction. The ship was resting in a middle of an open
field surrounded by woods.

"Fox, tell me I didn't do this," Skinner said in a strained
voice.

"Walter, you saved our lives."

"I don't remember! Why I don't remember?"

Mulder was quickly at Skinner's side, embracing his distressed
lover. "You saved our lives. That's what matters most. We'll
figure out why you're unable to remember." His finger's caressed
Skinner's bald scalp where it rested on Mulder's shoulder.

Skinner raised his head and looked sadly into Mulder's eyes. "I
don't like not being in control of my own actions. What if I were
to hurt you or Storm? I wouldn't be able to go on living if I
were to ever harm you, Fox."

"You're not going to hurt either of us. Walter, your subconscious
seems more bent on protecting than harming. C'mon, we need to
gather our things together and see about getting off this ship,"
Mulder said.

Skinner sighed, and with a final look around, followed Mulder
back to their cabin. Prince Kedar had finished changing Storm's
diaper and was sitting with her on the bed. "Where do you want
the soiled diaper?" he asked.

Mulder looked around at their possessions strewn across the
cabin. "Just leave it on the bed. I'll take care of it as soon as
I can locate the dirty diaper bag. Kedar, we're going to gather
our things together and leave the ship. We seem to be in the
middle of a forest."

"We're in Frye," Kedar informed them.

"How can you be so sure?" Mulder asked.

"Queen Charmaine has contacted me telepathically. She's sending
her soldiers to meet and escort us to Orla Glen. Thanks to
Walter, we're not too far from her palace." Kedar placed the
infant in Skinner's arms.

Eachann stood in the doorway. "That's good news for the sake of
your daughter, Mage Skinner. Both your goats died during the
storm. The horses faired better, but one has a broken leg and
will have to be put down."

"Shit," Mulder sighed. "Kedar, can you ask Queen Charmaine to
send some fresh milk with her soldiers for Stor..." He stopped
talking as a bottle of milk appeared in his hand.

Mulder and Skinner gasped.

Kedar smirked, getting slight satisfaction from his friends'
stunned expressions. "The Renny Queen is a powerful sorceress,
and she's very fond of children."

Skinner smiled. "I'm looking forward to meeting Queen Charmaine."

"Walter, give your daughter to Fox and help me get our horses off
the ship," Kedar said.

Skinner gently placed the infant in Mulder's arms and rushed to
help Kedar with the horses. They were going to have to use their
magic to float the horses from the ship's hold to the ground
below. "We'll need to cover their eyes, so they aren't spooked,"
Skinner said.

Mulder watched as they left, cradling Storm in the crook of his
arm. He looked down at her small sleeping face. "Let's see if I
can find your basket among this mess." He set the bottle down and
looked around until he found her basket. It was overturned, but
the blankets were still inside. He inspected them closely to make
sure that nothing harmful had gotten inside, then he placed her
in the basket and set it on the bed. Then he gathered their
possessions and packed them in their bag. By the time he
finished, Storm was awake, crying to be fed.

"Okay, Storm, I have your bottle right here," he said, picking up
the bottle. He tasted the milk to make sure it was drinkable
before he placed the nipple against her pink lips.

Skinner and Jahr strolled into the cabin a few minutes later.
Jahr went to gather up their bags.

"We have the horses off the ship," Skinner said, sitting on the
bed next to Mulder. "Fox, I'm sorry, but Eachann had to put down
your horse. She's the one that had the broken leg."

Mulder looked at him sadly. King Pyralis had given him that horse
when Mulder started going on hunts with him. "Couldn't we have
put a cast on it?"

"Sorry, Fox, it was too badly mangled...ending her suffering was
more humane." Skinner rubbed his back soothingly.

"If we were back in our world something could have been done.
Walter, I want to go home," Mulder murmured, not looking up from
feeding their daughter.

"I do, too. Finish feeding Storm so we can get off this ship."

***

Frye

The gravel and twigs crunched beneath the five weary travelers'
boots as they made their way along a winding path. The high-
pitched screeches of flying lizards and sweet musical calls of
exotic birds echoed over their heads in the branches of tall
trees on either side of the path. A sweet floral fragrance
floated on the breeze, from beds of flowers growing in the
surrounding woods. One young man swore as another small pebble
made its way into a hole in the sole of his boot.

Krycek sat on the nearest log and pulled off his boot, shaking
out the pebble. The others paused and waited for him. They tried
not to stare as he masterfully pulled back on the boot with one
hand and fastened its bindings.

Quth sat on his pony, staring at his human companions. They
looked tired and worn. Their clothes were in need of mending
again. "Do not lose heart, my friends. We will be in Orla Glen in
three days."

"Thank God," Scully said. Nearly two weeks on foot was wearing on
her nerves. She'd kill for a hot bubble bath and a soft mattress.
Hopefully, Orla Glen would have accommodations for humans.

"Which God are you thanking?" Quth asked as they continued down
the path.

Scully looked up at him. "Quth, there is only one true God; he
encompasses all."

"What a strange notion—only one god. You humans do have strange
religious beliefs."

"What do you mean?" Byers asked.

"They used to build temples to the gods of Love, War, Wisdom,
Fertility, and Health. Their temples now lay in ruins. The humans
now spend their time building temples and worshiping a god who
has no name or function, only a promise that he will free them
and enrich their pockets or some such thing." Quth shook his head
at such a notion.

"What started such a belief?" Scully asked.

"Grand Mage Zendl had a vision many centuries ago about this
deity coming in human form to free his people. It is a prophecy
all humans blindly follow."

"They dropped all their old beliefs because some old man had a
vision?" Frohike asked, walking quickly to keep up. He didn't
have the same endurance as his friends.

"He isn't just any old man. Zendl is the realm's most powerful
sorcerer. He's had other visions that have come true, but this
prophecy of his has strained relations with the other races of
the realm for generations."

"How so?" Krycek asked.

"Most humans believe that this god of theirs will destroy and
enslave the other races, making them the only dominant race left
in the realm. I don't believe it, but some of my people do. It
causes a great deal of stress for them."

"They shouldn't let it bother them. It is clearly an old man's
fantasy," Scully said.

"Maybe so, Dana. But what if it isn't?" Quth said.

***

Mulder stared up in amazement at the goblin warship. It was
wedged between two large boulders, which held it upright,
preventing it from toppling over. It was clear by the damage to
its structure that it had been mere moments away from breaking
apart. If it hadn't been for Walter, they'd all be dead.

He looked around at the lush greenery surrounding them. This was
a beautiful tropical land. He walked over and sank on the ground
next to his lover, who had their daughter on a soft cloth and was
changing her diaper again. Mulder smiled. Walter looked so
magnificent. His skin had taken on a dark honey color, and his
muscles swelled against the tight confines of his leather
breeches and tunic.

Skinner glanced up and met his eyes. "What, Fox?"

"I want to lick every hot, sweaty inch of your body." Looking
down, Mulder's eyes sparkled with delight at the reaction his
words had on his lover.

Skinner felt his penis stir and his pulse increase. "Damn. Only
you could get a rise out of me in the middle of changing a poopy
diaper."

Mulder licked his lips as his gaze traveled over Walter's body.
"Just looking at you makes me hotter than hell. Walter, I truly
never loved anyone before you. My heart, body, and soul belong to
you."

A lump rose in Skinner's throat and a tear formed in his eye.
"Fuck. Fox, when we get home I plan on spending the first week
making love to you."

"Good. I intend to hold you to that promise." Mulder settled down
on his side of the blanket to wait. His hand caressed their
daughter lovingly.

The Queen's soldiers showed up two hours before sunset. Mulder
looked in wonder at the tiny Renny men. Quth was the only Renny
he had ever met, and to be faced with twenty similar-sized men
garbed in leather and armor, riding ponies was amazing. By their
stance, Mulder knew that although these men were under four feet
in height, they were warriors and quite capable of defending
their kingdom.

They all stared in awe at the enormous ship, stranded miles from
the nearest body of water.

A formable looking Renny stepped forward. "Prince Kedar, I am
Captain Cletus. My Queen has commanded me to escort you and your
party back to the palace. She has special rooms set aside for
your use, and clean clothes and diapers for the infant." The
captain looked over at Skinner who had Storm strapped in a pouch
against his chest.

"Thank you, Captain. Walter, Fox, let's depart."

Skinner swung up on his horse, his hand protectively on the
baby's back. He waited for Mulder to mount behind him.

"I hope this means we'll have some help washing her diapers,"
Mulder muttered as he settled on the horse behind Skinner. His
arms wrapped around his lover's waist, when he touched their
daughter, he quickly moved his hands back to Walter's hips. He
didn't want to chance harming her during their journey by
accidentally holding too tightly to her instead of Walter.

"Fox, it's hasn't been that bad. Besides, I've changed and fed
her more times than you have."

"Maybe so, but I've gotten stuck washing her diapers almost ten
to one and milking the goats three to one."

"What did you expect? She's an infant. My sisters' kids all
pooped, peed, and fed a lot in the first two months. It will get
better as she gets older," Skinner said, following behind the
Queen's soldiers. He loved the feel of Fox pressed firmly up
against his back and Fox’s thighs touching his.

Mulder kissed the back of Skinner's neck and rested his chin on
the larger man’s shoulder. "I love you, Walter, and I'll learn to
love Storm. Just give me a little time to adjust."

"I'm sorry for placing you in this situation. If it's any
consolation, I would have given her up if you insisted."

"I would never have asked such a thing. She needs our protection.
Walter, one of the reasons I fell in love with you was for your
sense of honor and compassion. I just need time to adjust to
being a...ah...Dad."

Skinner grinned as Mulder stumbled over those word. He reached
down and patted Mulder's leg. "I've seen you around kids, Fox,
you'll be an excellent Dad. Thanks for agreeing to raise her with
me. It really means a lot to me."

They rode the next hour in silence, with Mulder occasionally
pointing out some unusual creature in the woods or trees. It soon
became too dark to see anything in the dense foliage. They
stopped once when Storm started crying to be changed. Afterward,
she was happy and content in the warm sling against Skinner's
chest. It was two hours later that the party rode into Orla Glen.
The city spanned for miles. In its center was a large, fairytale
palace, with high towers reaching up toward the dual full moons.

Mulder marveled at the shops, homes, and taverns. Most had
doorways too low for a normal-sized human to walk through. He
noted a few establishments that appeared to be meant to
accommodate the realm's taller races. Gas torches were lit the
length of the main street, illuminating the building, while
casting the side streets and alleys in shadows. Mulder was
looking forward to exploring this city in the daylight. His whole
body was tingling with anticipation of the sights that awaited
him.

Mulder took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of meals being
cooked, and smoke from fireplaces and stoves. "God, Walter. Have
you ever imagined anyplace like this?"

"It's different," Skinner said tiredly. He was still exhausted
from exerting so much energy teleporting the ship and crew. He
guided his horse through the high-arched gate of the palace,
where they were met instantly by Renny grooms. They took the
horses and ponies. The goblin sailors were lead away to the
servants quarters.

Prince Kedar strolled over to Mulder and Skinner. "Walter, you
look awful," he observed.

"Nothing that a good night's rest won't cure," Skinner murmured
as a yawn escaped his lips.

"In a real bed," Mulder added, taking Storm from his tired lover.
She was whimpering hungrily. He knew it was only a matter of time
before the whimpers turned into loud cries.

They followed the Renny soldiers into the palace. Mulder noted
that the palace was designed to accommodate the taller races, in
addition to the Renny. It was late enough in the evening that
only a handful of servants were still about. The Renny Captain
escorted them through wide hallways to a suite of rooms set aside
for foreign dignitaries. It was a nice suite, consisting of a
large central room, with chairs and a sofa, then broke off into
six smaller bedrooms. While they weren't as opulent as the guest
quarters at Pyralis' palace, they were still quite splendid.

"I hope you'll be comfortable here. You can choose one of the six
bedrooms. Queen Charmaine expects you to dine with her in the
morning," the Captain said, turning to leave.

Mulder stopped the Renny captain before he had a chance to get
through the doorway. Storm's whimpers had turned to hungry wails.
"Captain Cletus, my daughter could use a fresh bottle of milk."

"So she could, young man," said a soft female voice from the open
doorway.

"Your Majesty!" Captain Cletus gasped, bowing deeply.

Mulder turned toward the lilting voice. A middle-aged Renny
female in a gold satin dressing gown strolled across the
threshold and over to his side. The Queen waved her petite
jeweled hand and a small rocking chair appeared. She sat, and
instantly, a baby bottle appeared.

"Don't just stand there with your mouth hanging open, young man,
hand me the baby," the tiny Queen ordered.

Mulder closed his mouth and placed the baby in the Queen's arms.

"Oh, she is such a beauty." The Queen smiled at the baby and
started rocking as she fed her. She then looked Mulder over
closely. "You and Mage Skinner's reputations have proceeded you,
Lord Fox. It's not every day that one meets a human whose beauty
has bewitched the mighty King Kiros, charmed King Pyralis, and
enchanted Queen Zoe."

Mulder blushed. "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty,"
he said, bowing nervously.

The Queen smiled and continued rocking as she fed the baby. "I'm
sorry that I won't be able to return you both to your world."

Skinner was quietly listening along with Prince Kedar. He was
stunned that this tiny creature was the powerful Queen Charmaine.
"Your Majesty, you knew the reason we came to see you?"

"Isn't it obvious? You wanted my help in returning through the
gateway to your world. Sadly, I have no power over the gateways,
Mage Skinner. Only the Goblin Kings and Necromancer Adrian are
able to open them."

"Ah, where can we find Necromancer Adrian?" Skinner asked.

"You can't. He rules the realm of the dead, and it is not a place
for the living to go traipsing about," she said.

"We need to find a way back to our own world, Your Majesty,"
Skinner said anxiously. "Fox's life is in danger here!"

Kedar placed a comforting hand on Skinner's forearm. "Walter,
I'll try to talk my father into sending you home. But first, you
must assist me in meeting the human nobility. I need to find a
mate."

Skinner sighed, "Okay, Kedar. It looks like Fox and I have no
choice."

The Queen looked at the two males. Such a contrast in appearance.
The goblin prince had white hair and sapphire eyes. The large
human was bald, with unusual rich, brown eyes. Something about
Mage Skinner's appearance was important, but she just couldn't
put her finger on it.

Charmaine finished feeding Storm, and turned her over on her
stomach rubbing her back gently. "There are clean diapers in your
bedroom, along with a bassinet for your daughter. The baths are
located in the subterranean part of the palace. Captain Cletus
will show you to the private bathing area set aside for foreign
dignitaries. You're welcome to stay here as long as you want. I
will enjoy hearing about this world of yours." Queen Charmaine
passed the baby back to Mulder. "Your daughter has an interesting
birthmark over her heart. It will be of great importance down the
road. Guard her well, Lord Fox and Mage Skinner."

Mulder knew the mark she was referring to. It was in the shape of
serpent. "Thank you for welcoming us into your Kingdom, Your
Majesty."

She smiled at him. "We will talk more at breakfast, Lord Fox.
"Have a good night's rest." She left the room, and the tiny
rocking chair disappeared.

Mulder looked over at Skinner, who was swaying tiredly on his
feet. "I guess our room is the one with the bassinet," he said,
entering each bedroom until he found the one with the bassinet.
"Jahr, please set our bags in this room, then you may retire for
the night." He grabbed a diaper from the changing table next to
the bassinet and deftly changed Storm's diaper as Walter shrugged
out of his clothes.

Jahr laid out their robes and hung up their fine garments in the
armoire. He left quietly, closing the bedroom door.

"God, Fox, I can barely keep my eyes open," Skinner sighed,
sitting naked on the bed.

"Get under the blankets. I'll join you in a minute." Mulder
placed Storm in the bassinet and covered her with a blanket.

"She'll be hungry again in a few hours," Skinner mumbled, pulling
down the bedcovers and sliding into the incredible cool softness.

"I'll take care of her tonight. You just sleep..." Mulder stopped
talking as Skinner's gentle snores reached his ears. "Well,
Storm, it's just the two of us tonight." Mulder looked down at
the tiny face and kissed the top of her forehead. "Sleep well."

Mulder stripped off the dusty clothing and used the chamber pot.
He washed up in the basin before climbing into bed next to
Walter. Mulder cuddled close to his lover's warm body, and spent
the next half hour thinking about all that had happened to them
today, before finally drifting off to sleep.

***

Quth returned to the table where his human friends waited. He
signaled for the barkeep to bring them each a tankard of ale. He
had chosen a tavern in town that catered to both Renny and the
realm's larger races.

Scully and the Gunmen stared wide-eyed at three centaurs who were
standing at the bar drinking.

Frohike's eyes followed their tails that swished back and fourth
as they spoke with each other. "Wow, I thought I'd seen
everything."

Besides them, all the other bar patrons were both Rennys and
elves. Other than the centaurs, Krycek, Langly, and Byers were
the tallest beings in the tavern.

Quth pulled his pipe from his pocket as he climbed up on the high
stool. "I sent a message to Queen Charmaine through one of her
guards, who happens to be my cousin. It will probably be a few
days before she'll be able to meet with us."

Scully pulled her eyes off the centaurs and focused on the Renny.
"Quth, is there a possibility we can find beds for the night and
a place to bathe?" she asked. She was feeling tired and grimy,
and didn't even want to think how badly she smelled.

"I'm sorry, Dana. I just don't have the funds to pay for rooms,
but I can scrape up enough so you and the others can use the
communal baths." Quth was saddened that he was unable to provide
more help for his human friends.

Byers noted the sadness in the Quth's eyes. "Hey, Quth, don't
worry about it. You've been a tremendous help."

"Yeah, man, we couldn't have made it this far without you,"
Langly added.

"Hopefully, your Queen will help us find Mulder," Krycek said,
wishing his tracking device was still working. He'd be able to
tell if Mulder was within a hundred miles of them.

A mere two hundred feet away, Mulder carried Storm as he and
Walter explored the Renny city. They had been in Orla Glen for
four days, and were well-rested from their disastrous sea voyage.
The description Mulder had for the city was quaint and whimsical.
The streets were cobblestone, and the buildings were stone and
brick, with brightly painted gingerbread molding. Most of the
doorways were only five feet high, making shopping at some of
these places impossible. However, they did find plenty of
establishments catering to the realm's larger races, and the
outside merchant carts held their interest for most of the
afternoon.

Mulder was dressed in a fine forest green tunic, which was a nice
blend of brocade and velvet. His forest green breeches matched
perfectly, as did his hose and suede ankle boots. A floor length
cape was tied around his neck, fastened with an expensive diamond
broach -- a gift from Queen Charmaine. His silky chestnut hair
was tied back with a silver clip, while his bangs hung freely
over his high brow. Walter was dressed similarly, but in midnight
blue, and he wore a floppy hat, covering his bald head.
Passerby's heads turned to admire the two dashing humans. Skinner
had a pouch containing money strapped to his belt, along with his
sword. King Pyralis had given them gold and silver coins as
payment for being his son's protectors. So, they spent the
afternoon at the merchant carts that lined the main street,
purchasing items for their daughter and themselves.

Jahr followed behind them with Eachann, carrying their purchases.

"Fox, Walter!" Prince Kedar shouted, waving and striding down the
road toward them. He looked magnificent, dressed in burgundy
satin and silver. Jewels sparked from his ears and hair. Three
young goblins from the local embassy followed behind him like
love-struck puppies.

Rennies stopped on the street to watch the unusual group. It
wasn't often in the realm that one would see humans and goblins
together, let alone in the company of a troll and a centaur.

Mulder smiled at the four goblins. "Kedar, Walter and I were just
talking about stopping for an ale. Would you care to join us?" he
said, pausing in front of a tavern.

Prince Kedar smiled brightly. "Fox, my friend, are you still
trying to get me to rub elbows with the lower class?"

Mulder shifted the infant into a more comfortable position in his
arms and shook his head. "No. I'm hot and my feet are killing me.
An ale in a dark pub would be a welcomed rest."

Kedar looked at the noisy, smoke-filled tavern. "It's not a very
healthy place to take a baby into."

"Don't worry, I'll use my magic to keep the smoke away from her,"
Skinner said confidently, strolling toward the door. He entered
ahead of Fox and Kedar, scanning the dimly lit interior for a
table, and any threat to his family. His eyes passed over a
ragged looking group of mostly humans sitting in the far corner.
The table next to theirs was empty.

Krycek looked up to see why the pub had suddenly gone quiet. His
eyes widened as he saw the two richly dressed humans in the
doorway. It took his mind a moment to realize he was staring at
Skinner and Mulder. "Shit," he said as they strolled in the
direction of his table.

Scully turned to see what had Krycek suddenly tongue-tied.
"MULDER!" she shrieked, jumping to her feet.

Mulder spun toward the sound of Scully's voice, and was
confronted by his partner and three friends rushing toward him.
"Scully! Guys! How the hell did you get here?"

"Man, it's so fucking good to see you again, Mulder!" Frohike
said. "Who's the babe?"

Mulder glanced down at Storm, who he was holding protectively.
"This is Storm, Walter's and my daughter. Now answer my question.
How did you get here?"

"Yeah, how?" Skinner asked, moving closer to Mulder and wrapping
his arm around his lover's waist.

Scully looked questioningly at the baby in Mulder's arms, then up
at Skinner. "Chuck Burk found a way to create a gateway in his
laboratory. Now that we found you, we can go back together."

"Mulder," Krycek said softly.

Mulder's eyes flashed with anger, noticing his long time enemy
for the first time. "What's he doing here?"

Byers stepped in front of Krycek. "Mulder, we would all be dead
if Alex hadn't been along to help us."

Scully gasped, pulling Mulder's attention away from Krycek.
"Mulder, there's a troll and a centaur behind you."

Mulder glanced at his partner, then behind him. "Oh, this is
Jahr. He's our squire. The centaur is Eachann, he lives in a
village south of here." Mulder figured he might as well get the
introductions out of the way. "Scully, I'd also like you to meet
Prince Kedar of the royal house of Kallen," he said, turning back
to look at the goblin Prince. But Kedar wasn't paying attention.
He was staring, awestruck, at Krycek.

Kedar moved closer to Mulder. "Fox, who's the green-eyed beauty?"
he whispered in Mulder's ear.

"Kedar, he's a murderous thief and assassin," Mulder hissed under
his breath.

"Fox, introduce me to him," Kedar hissed back.

"No!"

"Yes!"

"Kedar, he's bad news!"

"Fox, I command you!"

Mulder sighed. "Alex Krycek, I'd like to introduce you to Prince
Kedar."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alex," Kedar said, holding out his
hand as Walter had instructed him on how humans from his world
greeted on another.

"Yeah, whatever," Krycek muttered, ignoring the offered hand, and
moving closer to Mulder. "Mulder, we have some unfinished
business to discuss," he said, shooting an angry look at Skinner.

"Unfinished business? Krycek, you're full of it! We have nothing
to discuss!"

"C'mon, Mulder, I really need to talk to you in private." Krycek
thought he'd be able to sway Mulder if he got him alone. He'd
always been able to get Mulder to go along with him in the past.
No matter how much the agent protested, he was always able to get
beneath Mulder's skin.

"There is nothing you need to say to me that can't be said in
front of Walter."

Krycek moved closer and whispered in Mulder's ear. "I can give
you positive proof that aliens do exist. Proof you can take to
the press. No one would doubt you." His lips brushed against
Mulder's ear. "No one."

Mulder stepped back as if burned. "Tell me another tale, Krycek!
How gullible do you think I am? You killed my father!"

"I saved your life, Mulder. Ask Byers."

Prince Kedar listened intently to their conversation, his eyes
taking in the empty left sleeve on Krycek's coat. He thought he
should be repulsed by the human's missing limb, but every time he
glanced at Krycek's face, and those sweet pink, bowed lips, his
heart melted. The human was mysterious and deadly.

"Look, Krycek. Mulder doesn't want anything from you! Stay away
from him!" Skinner growled.

Krycek hand rested on the grip of his carbine. "How about your
life, Skinner? Those nanocytes still infect your blood..."

"ENOUGH!" Scully shouted.

Everyone turned and stared at Scully.

"Let's just give it a rest! We'll have plenty of time to fight
and argue as we travel back to the gateway. Mulder,
unfortunately, we do owe Krycek our lives. So, let's try to get
along for now," she said. Her eyes kept wandering from the
diamond fox-shaped earring Mulder was wearing to the baby in his
arms. She noticed that both Mulder and Skinner had changed
considerably in the months they'd been missing. They appeared to
be in top physical shape. The garments they were wearing must
have cost a small fortune. They each wore swords strapped around
their slim waists.

"Sorry, Scully," Mulder said, swaying with the baby, who had
begun to fuss. "How far is this gateway?"

"Over a month's journey from here. It's located in the Great
Feronia Swamp," Scully replied. Her eyes traveled back to the
baby.

"You traveled through the Great Feronia Swamp and lived?" Kedar
asked, amazed.

"Thanks to, Alex," Byers said.

Prince Kedar looked long and hard at Krycek. He knew his
instincts about this human were correct. The man might be missing
an arm, but he was a warrior through and through. He might make a
perfect mate. "Alex, I'd like to hear all about your travels
through the swamp."

Krycek looked the pretty, pointy-eared goblin over. He wondered
if he could use this creature to get on Mulder's good side.
Mulder and... it seemed close. "Sure, Prince Kedar, anything
you'd like..."

"Just Kedar, Alex."

Krycek noticed the looks of envy and anger in the eyes of the
other goblins. He wondered what that was about.

Storm started crying, and everyone looked at Mulder, who looked
back at Jahr. "Jahr, pass me Storm's bag."

Jahr set the packages he was carrying on the table, then removed
the pouch he had slung over his shoulder.

"What's wrong with her?" Scully asked.

"She needs her diaper changed." Mulder lifted Storm away from his
body and showed Scully the wet spot on his velvet tunic.
"Unfortunately, they only have leaky cloth diapers in this
universe."

"Fox, I'll change her," Skinner offered, taking the baby tenderly
from Mulder.

Scully watched as Skinner deftly removed his cloak, while
cradling the crying infant in the crook of his arm. He spread the
cloak on the table and laid the infant on top of it. Then, he
skillfully went about changing her diaper. Jahr had retrieved a
wet dishrag from the barkeep, which Skinner used to clean her
before powdering her bottom and putting on a clean diaper. Scully
couldn't help but admire Skinner's pronounced muscles on his bare
arms. She then went back to staring longingly at the infant with
the fine red hair. "Can I hold her?" she asked wistfully, as
Skinner wrapped Storm in the soft blanket.

Skinner's eyes met Scully's. He took in her filthy clothes and
unwashed hair. "Scully, why don't we see about getting you and
the guys back to the palace first, so you can all bathe and put
on some clean clothes. Then you can hold Storm all you want.
Okay?"

Scully blushed, looking down at her outfit. She smiled self-
consciously. "I'm a mess, aren't I? A bath and a clean outfit
would be wonderful."

Eachann watched the redheaded female with more than a passing
interest. She appeared to be a sturdy female who might be able to
endure giving birth to many centaurs and human infants in the
years to come. He had finally found his mate. Of course, Mage
Skinner would never allow him to lay claim to the human female,
so he'd have to steal her away the first chance he got.

***

Zaltaria

King Kiros paced back and forth in his throne room. He had lost
contact with the Faerie Cy'Wnila five days ago. She had been his
eyes and ears in keeping watch over Fox. Now he was left
wondering if Fox was still alive. He had intended for the ship
that was carrying his future mate to be met by several Dendroids
when it docked. They were to snatch the pretty human, and carry
him across Frye to one of Kiros' own warships on the opposite
coast.

He now had an army of mercenaries-- both goblin and the realm's
other races-- looking for any sign of Fox on sea and throughout
the realm.

"My King, I have good news about your future mate's whereabouts,"
Chamberlain Baltasar said breathlessly, running into the throne
room.

"Out with it, Baltasar!"

"He's alive and well, and staying at Queen Charmaine's palace. It
seems that Mage Skinner teleported the Kallen warship and its
crew to dry land thirty-five miles outside of Orla Glen, just
seconds before the ship would have broken up in the storm."

Kiros smiled. The fear and worry from the past five days rolling
off him like water on a duck. "I'll contact Cy'Scylla and have
her go and keep an eye on him," Kiros said. Cy'Scylla was one of
the faeries living in Frye who was loyal to him. He would use the
reflection pool to make contact with her. "Baltasar, have the
warships standing by on the coast of Frye. I will have Fox
brought to them as soon as possible. Warn them, Baltasar. Fox is
to be treated with respect and tenderness. If he is harmed, heads
will roll!"

***

Frye

The bath had revitalized Scully. She sniffed the back of her
hand, smelling the pleasant, perfumed scent of the floral
fragrance soap she bathed with. One of the Queen's handmaidens
retrieved some clothing from the city for her. Scully pulled on
the tights and the short blue silk dress. It barely covered her
ass, and the front was low cut. She looked over at the tiny Renny
handmaiden who was assisting her. "Pia, is this what human
females are wearing here?"

Pia giggled. "No. Human females usually wear long dresses that
cover even their ankles. The garment you have on is what female
elves wear. I was unable to find any human garments in the city.
I did pick up a some elfin travel clothes that are in your room.
They are less revealing, but not nearly as fun."

Scully looked down at herself and smiled. Maybe Mulder would
notice her for once. She shook her head. Who was she kidding? She
had started wearing tighter and sexier outfits at work, and he
never even raised an eyebrow. Face it, he's in love with Walter
Skinner. She frowned, thinking about the infant. How could two
men expect to raise a little girl? What were they thinking?

"Is something wrong, Lady Dana?" Pia asked.

"No. Yes. Pia, I'm unable to have children, and seeing Mulder and
Skinner with an infant is really hard. I'm not sure how I can
describe how it makes me feel."

"I'm so sorry, Lady Dana. It must be an awful feeling to be
barren."

Scully looked sadly at her. "Pia, you couldn't begin to imagine
how awful." She pulled herself together, thinking about the soft
bed that awaited her upstairs. "I'm tired. Can we head back to
the guest quarters? "

"Of course, Lady."

***

Zaltaria

Sighing happily, King Kiros gazed into the reflection pool,
pleased at the image of his Fox.. It had been nearly a week since
he last gazed upon that beautiful face. He watched in amazement
as Mulder tenderly bathed the human infant. Then, a short
redheaded female entered the room and walked over to Fox...

"Mulder, do you need any help?" Scully asked. She had tried to
lay down to take a nap, but she was too wound up.

Mulder looked up at her and chuckled. "Wow, Scully, that's a new
look for you. You'll give Frohike a heart attack dressing like
that."

Scully rolled her eyes. "You're a fine one to talk about new
looks. If those breeches were any tighter, they'd be painted on.
And what's with the earring and ponytail? Are you going for the
rogue pirate look?"

Mulder grinned. "Not exactly. Grab that towel. You can dry her
while I explain the look."

Scully picked up the towel and he placed the baby in it. Storm
kicked her legs and cooed. Scully pressed a kiss on her forehead
and carried her over to the bed and sat. "You're such a pretty
little thing."

Mulder watched her. He hoped that Walter would allow her to have
Storm once they got back home. He couldn't find the nerve to ask
Walter yet. "Scully, goblins have a thing about cutting their
hair. If you noticed Prince Kedar's hair, it hangs to his waist
when it's unbraided. They only cut their bangs. This earring was
a gift from Queen Zoe of Feronia. It would be considered an
insult to her and her people if I was to remove it."

"Okay, I can understand the earring. But, you're not a goblin.
Why would they care if you cut your hair?" Scully asked, cuddling
the baby against her breast.

"Walter and I were living at King Pyralis' palace for several
months. We tried to follow their customs out of respect," Mulder
said, taking a diaper off the shelf. "Do you want to diaper her?"

"Sure. You're not living there now. Why don't you get it cut?"

Mulder blushed. "Walter kind of likes it long. Don't worry, once
we get home I'll get it cut."

"What happened to your face?" Scully asked suddenly, placing the
baby on the bed then unfolding the towel.

"What do you mean?"

"You look younger, and that scar you on your forehead is gone."

"Oh. I almost forgot about that. I suffered from a serious virus
that nearly killed me. Instead of killing me, it healed all of my
scars and removed my wrinkles..." Mulder said hesitantly.

"Mulder, you're keeping something from me. What?"

"This virus affects various races differently. Male elves who
contracted the virus eventually changed into hermaphrodites. Male
trolls grew breasts. No one is sure how the virus will affect a
human male, since all humans that ever contracted it died..."

"This virus is still affecting your health?" Scully's voice was
laced with concern.

"We don't know for sure. That's one of the reasons we're anxious
to get back to our universe. I need to have tests done to find
out."

"What's the other reason?" Scully asked, fastening the diaper on
Storm.

"Pampers."

"Mulder!" Scully arched a dainty eyebrow.

Mulder chuckled, then grew serious. " I'm being pursued by a
Goblin King, who, for some reason, wants me to be his mate. At
least that's what King Pyralis told Walter and me."

"You're serious? Have you seen this goblin? How much of a threat
is he?"

"I haven't seen him, and I seriously don't think he's after me
any longer. Besides, why would he want me when he surrounded by
beautiful goblins? Walter is more concerned about it than I
am..."

Kiros smiled at his Fox's image, running a long fingernail over
the water lovingly. "My Fox, can you really be that naïve about
your beauty and appeal? When you are finally here with me, only
the sweetest of wines shall ever pass those full pink lips. Only
the finest foods shall you eat. Only the most expensive jewels
and clothing will adorn your body. I will give you everything
beyond your wildest dreams, my love."

Scully looked relieved. "That's good. It's going to be a hard
enough journey getting to the gateway without having to worry
about being pursued by an army of goblins." Scully gazed down at
the baby. "Are you and Skinner really thinking about keeping
her?"

"Yes, Agent Scully," Skinner voice sounded from the doorway.
"When we get back, Fox and I are going to get married, then we
will legally adopt Storm." He walked over, wrapped his arms
around Mulder's waist from behind and kissed his cheek. "We love
each other."

Mulder sighed and leaned back into Skinner's embrace, turning his
head to capture Skinner's lips with his. Scully watched,
transfixed as the kiss deepened. She watched the way Skinner's
arms tightened and his hips moved in unconscious thrusting
motions against her partner's ass. She blushed, but couldn't look
away. When their lips finally parted, she saw the look of pure
love and devotion in their eyes.

"Love you," Mulder whispered, barely loud enough for Scully to
hear.

Skinner's arms tightened even more, and he buried his face in
Mulder's hair, breathing in deeply. "I love you more."

Scully cleared her throat, "If you'd like some time alone, I'd be
happy to take Storm to my room for an hour or two."

Both men looked at her, stunned. In their passion, they had
forgotten she was in the room. "Ah, sure, Scully, if you don't
mind?" Mulder blushed, hoping that his erection wasn't too
obvious.

Scully lifted Storm off the bed and carried her toward the door.
She paused in the doorway, an amused smile gracing her lips as
she looked back at them. "Mulder, you really should get a pair of
looser fitting pants. Those must really be
uncomfortable—considering." Scully let her eyes roam lower, then
wander back up to Mulder's beet red face. She giggled and walked
out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Mulder closed his eyes. "Shit. She's never going to let me live
this down." He relaxed into Skinner's arms and relished the heat
and strength of the hard body pressed against his from behind. He
felt Walter's erection pressing into the crease between his
buttocks. Walter's large fingers stroked over his nipples and
squeezed them through the soft velvet until they were hard nubs.
Mulder moaned, chewing on his lower lip, his head laid back on
his lover's shoulder. Walter unfastened the binding on his tunic
while gently nipping along Mulder's throat.

Walter stepped back, pulling the soft tunic off Mulder's
shoulders, letting it drop to the floor, revealing the hard-toned
muscles. He embraced Mulder again from behind, running his
fingers over Mulder's chest and lightly brushing over the sparse
smattering of hair. He toyed with the nipple ring. Mulder arched
his neck, reaching back with his arms over his shoulders to grasp
the back of Walter's head.

Walter chucked as Mulder's hands slipped off his bald scalp. "Not
much of a purchase is there, babe?"

"I love your head--every slippery, lumpy, bumpy bit of it,"
Mulder quipped.

"Are you saying that I have a lumpy head?" Skinner stroked down
Mulder's bare sides tickling him as he went. Mulder let out a
bark of laughter and tried unsuccessfully to squirm away. Skinner
tickled him more intensely.

"HA-HAA-HHA! Please, S-STOP! Y-your head's p-perfect! N-no lumps!
No bumps!" Mulder cried out between fits of laughter.

Skinner stopped tickling him and pushed him down on the bed. He
straddled his thighs, looking down at that delicious flushed face
as he reached between his lover's parted thighs and squeezed the
hard erection through his breeches. "Scully's right, your pants
are too tight," he growled, unlacing the ties and reaching in to
free Mulder's penis.

"Look who's talking," Mulder said breathlessly, loving the feel
of the soft, down-filled mattress beneath his back and his
lover's hard body above him.

"I want you to fuck me," Skinner said, stroking Mulder's penis
while lovingly gazing into his eyes.

Mulder reached up and undid the ties on Skinner's pants. "Get
naked then."

"You first," Skinner growled, climbing off Mulder and yanking off
his lover's boots, hose, breeches, and finally the skimpy
underwear. He held them up to his nose and sniffed his lover's
musky scent. "I'm no fashion expert, but I think we could make
some serious money if we marketed these when we get back."

Mulder looked at the garment Skinner held in his hands. "You
might be right. They are comfortable, and I can see the appeal
for both men and women. But, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing
them in the FBI gym locker room or on a field assignment,
considering how often I end up in the hospital."

"I like them better than your boxers or my briefs." Skinner
chuckled, dropping the underwear on the pile of clothes on the
floor. Then, he started shrugging off his clothes; never taking
his eyes off Mulder, beautifully spread out on the bed.

When he dropped the last article of clothing on the floor, his
lover's voice whispered breathlessly.

When Walter dropped the last item of clothing on the floor,
Mulder's husky, "Don't move," sent a shiver down his spine.

Mulder slid off the bed and walked over to Skinner. The marble
floor was cool beneath his bare soles, raising goosebumps across
his flesh. He stopped when he was standing nose to nose with
Skinner, gazing deeply into the larger man's eyes.

Skinner stayed perfectly still as Mulder's hands caressed his
chest, combing through his thick chest hairs. He could feel the
heat from Mulder's body, as those long fingers teased his
nipples, and tugged gently on the nipple ring. The fingers then
smoothed over his shoulders, locking behind his neck to pull
their bodies tightly together. Hot. He was hard as granite at
this point. Mulder leered at him hungrily, which only made his
cock ache and throb even more.

Mulder tilted his head to capture Skinner's lips in a slow, deep,
impassioned kiss. Skinner's arms automatically wrapped around
Mulder's back, holding him in a steel embrace as he opened his
mouth to accept Mulder's probing tongue. He sucked on it greedily
as their lips pressed roughly together. Skinner felt a dampness
against his hip from his lover's cock, and a lazy trail of precum
was painted across his flesh as Mulder humped against him,
deepening the kiss. They were breathless when the kiss finally
ended.

Skinner pressed his groin against Mulder and husked, "In me now."

"On your back, lover," Mulder said, pushing Skinner back to the
bed.

Mulder grabbed the small crock of grease from the table as
Skinner positioned his body on the center of the bed. His cock
was a steel rod standing upright and purple against his belly. He
didn't dare touch it at this point. To do so would cause it to
erupt. Skinner breathed in sharply as Mulder settled between his
parted thighs and place a pillow beneath his hips.

"You know how much I love you...don't you, Walter?" Mulder said
as he spread the lubricant in the crease between Skinner's
buttocks, slowly inserting a finger Skinner's voice was gentle as
he gazed lovingly at Mulder's face. He still had a hard time
believing after all the years of lusting after the beautiful
agent that Mulder actually loved him.

"Oh yeah, but I love hearing you say the words, Fox." He
positioned his calves on Mulder's shoulders.

"I love you from the very depth of my soul, Walter," Mulder
replied softly, turning his head and kissing his lover's hairy
leg. He positioned his cock and pushed into his lover's tight
heat. He usually preferred being on the bottom with Walter. He
loved giving himself up completely to Walter's control and
dominance. Just being able to allow someone else to take the
reins and love him for a change was a blessing that he couldn't
get enough of. Since Samantha disappeared he'd been mostly on his
own. His parents were too wrapped up in their own grief to give a
damn about his needs. With Walter, he was finally able to allow
someone else to take care of him. However, that didn't mean that
he didn't enjoy being on top with Walter on occasion. He was sure
that as soon as the novelty of being cherished and loved wore
off, their sex life would become more fifty-fifty. He watched
Walter's face for any sign of discomfort as he thrust into him.

Skinner hips pushed back in time with his thrusts. His hands
clenched tightly at the bedcovers as the force of the thrusts
filled him and made his whole body tingle with pleasure. He
wanted more. He wanted to feel this long after they parted.
"Harder, Fox!"

Mulder's eyes burned with a undeniable passion as he increase the
length and force of his thrusts. The bed bounced under the
intensity of their coupling, and sweat dripped off Mulder's
forehead. "God, you feel so fucking good!" he purred. His thrusts
started to become erratic as he felt himself close to coming. He
reached for Walter's erection and started to stroke it in time
with his thrusts. "Come for me, stud!"

Skinner cried out as milky come spurted from his cock and his
muscles contracted on the hard rod up his rectum. He floated on
an endorphin high as he gazed up into two glistening pools of
hazel. He watched his lover's face contort into pleasure as he
poured out his release. Skinner opened his arms to Mulder just as
the he collapsed into them, and buried his face into the crock of
Skinner's neck. They lay there in the warmth of each other's
arms.

***

Krycek lifted his face up to the flow of water pouring over his
head. He held his breath and closed his eyes as the cool water
flowed over him. This was the closest he'd come to a shower in
over a month. He'd still kill for a hot shower, but just having
the rush of water cascading over him was enough for now.

He grabbed the bar of soap, his thoughts turning to Mulder. He
soaped his chest, trailing his hand lower, running it under his
balls. With a groan, he dropped the soap in the water so he could
free his hand to jerk off to the image of pouty lips, expressive
eyes, and a lanky toned body. He recalled everything about Mulder
as his hand caressed his swollen flesh. One of his favorite
memories was the way Mulder smelled. Considering all of the
changes he had seen in Mulder, his scent remained the same.
Krycek's hand moved faster over his shaft as his mind recreated
Mulder's scent. He could never get enough of that delicious
aroma. It seemed so real, he erupted into the warm water. After
he got his breathing under control he stepped away from the
waterfall, which was located in a distant corner of the
subterranean bathing area. The temperature of the pool varied
from warm on one side to pleasantly hot on the other.

On the far side of the pool, sitting on the bench where Krycek
had left his clothes, was Prince Kedar. Krycek met the prince's
bright blue eyes and frowned. He had purposely waited until the
Gunmen were done bathing before stripping and stepping into the
pool himself. They all had to wait for Scully to use the chamber
first. He didn't like displaying his deformity in front of others
if he could help it.

Kedar smiled. "Alex, please excuse my intrusion upon your bathing
time. I will leave if my presence makes you uncomfortable. I just
stopped down to drop off some clean garments for you to wear."
The Prince didn't want to leave. Although by nature, Goblins were
modest about bathing in front of anyone except their mates. He
was hoping that as a human, Alex would share Fox's and Walter's
lack of modesty.

Krycek noted that his clothes were missing. "Where are my
things?" he asked, strolling self-consciously up the hand-carved
stone steps and out of the pool. He held his head high, not
wanting to show this strange creature that he was nervous.

"They were beyond filthy and beyond mending. I had the servants
dispose of them," Kedar said.

"You had no right to make that decision for me!"

Kedar just smiled softly and held up a towel for Krycek. "Would
you like me to dry you?" He couldn't stop his eyes from traveling
over every curve and line on Krycek's body, stopping on the
stump.

Krycek reddened under the goblin's intense scrutiny and he turned
slightly, hiding his deformity. "I'm capable of drying myself,"
he growled, grabbing the towel.

"I didn't mean to offend you, Alex. I just assumed it would be
easier and quicker for me to dry you than..."

"I don't need any help! I'm not an invalid!" Krycek turned his
back on the Prince as he struggled to dry himself with one hand.
It was so much easier with his mechanical prosthesis. He couldn't
wait to get back home so he could have a new one fitted.

"I wouldn't be interested in you, Alex, if I thought you were an
invalid."

Krycek looked over his shoulder at pretty goblin. "What do you
mean by interested?"

"I find you to be extremely beautiful, courageous, and
mysterious. I would like to get to know you better."

Krycek frowned, then tossed him the towel. "If you wouldn't mind,
I could use some help drying my back." He was still determined to
use this creature to get to Mulder. So, he decided to play along
and try to get on Kedar's good side. "Maybe we could help each
other get what we want," he said.

Kedar blushed as he started drying Krycek's long back and curved
buttocks. He was getting highly aroused standing this close to
the human. He couldn't remember anyone ever affecting him this
way. "Tell me what it is that you want, Alex?"

"Fox Mulder."

"Fox? What do you mean?" Kedar felt his heart sink and his ire
rise.

"I've wanted him for years. If you help me seduce him away from
Skinner, I'll owe you a large favor in return," Krycek replied,
walking over to the pile of clothing.

Kedar couldn't contain his outrage. "No! How could you ask such a
thing! Fox's heart belongs to Walter! They are mates!"

"Fox doesn't belong to baldy!"

"Alex, no one, not even the most powerful mages could ever turn
Fox's heart away from Walter!" The Prince could see that Alex
needed to be taught some manners and respect.

"Fine, then I don't believe we have anything further to discuss!"
Krycek snapped, picking up the skimpy pair of underpants from the
top of the pile. He frowned as he turned them around trying to
figure out how they were to be worn.

"Wrong, Alex, we have plenty to discuss! Just not how to destroy
Fox's and Walter's love for each other!" Kedar wasn't one to be
put off once he made up his mind to have something, and he had
made up his mind about Alex Krycek.

Krycek pulled on the underwear and adjusted himself inside the
tight pouch. "Are all goblins as bossy as you?"

"I'm a royal prince. It is my birthright to be shown respect,
especially from those in lesser stations."

"Like myself?" Krycek asked. He had succeeded in pulling on the
breeches but was unable to lace them shut. "Damn!" He looked
contritely over at Kedar. "Can you?"

"It would be my pleasure." Kedar fingers trembled slightly as he
grasped the bindings and laced them shut. His fingers were unable
to avoid touching the swell of Alex's sex. "Something tells me
there are few people, even in your own world, who you show
respect for."

Krycek snorted. "You told me you'd leave if your presence made me
uncomfortable. It does, so scram!"

"No. You're lying, Alex. You didn't appear uncomfortable when you
were buck-naked in front of me a little while ago, so I think I
will stay and continue talking to you." Kedar sat on the bench
and watched as Krycek angrily pulled on the doeskin tunic.

"How did you lose your arm?" Kedar asked.

Krycek continued dressing ignoring the question.

"You're behaving pretty childishly, Alex."

"Fuck off!"

"Are you always so well-mannered?"

Krycek glared at him as he pulled on the ankle boots. Then, he
stormed for the exit, only to have the iron doors slam shut
before he could leave.

"You're not leaving until you talk to me. I asked you a question.
How did you lose your arm?"

Krycek tugged at the door then spun around surprised. "Did you
make the doors close?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"I'm a first level mage."

"Could I learn?"

"Sorry, I don't sense any power coming from you. But then, I'm
not an expert," Kedar said, standing and walking over to Krycek.
"Why don't you want to tell me how you lost your arm?" he asked
softly.

Krycek sighed. "I don't like thinking about it. The whole
situation was because of my own stupidity and lack of judgment."

"Why don't we go upstairs to the sitting room and share a glass
of spiced wine. Then you can tell me all about your stupidity,"
Kedar murmured, touching the side of Alex's freshly shaved cheek.
"You're so beautiful, Alex. It makes my heart ache to see you so
sad."

Looking into Kedar's bright sapphire eyes and breathing in his
scent was making Krycek incredibly horny. He swallowed nervously
as he felt a stirring in his groin. The creature was beautiful,
Krycek admitted that much. "Okay, fine, whatever. I could use a
drink. Do you have anything stronger than wine?" It was apparent
to Krycek that he wasn't going to be able to shake Kedar unless
he decked him, and somehow he didn't think punching out a royal
prince would be advisable.

"We can have the servants bring us a bottle of grog," the Prince
said, smiling softly as the doors opened, then he placed his hand
on Krycek's lower back to steer him through it.

"Don't touch me!" Krycek shrugged Kedar's hand off as they
climbed the winding stone staircase up to the main level of the
palace.

Kedar only smiled. "Alex, you're lovely when you're angry. Your
eyes turn the deepest shade of green and your face flushes so
prettily. I'd never seen green eyes before I met Fox, but his
eyes don't always stay green, unlike yours. I think you would
look beautiful with emeralds decorating your ears and braided
through your hair." The Prince reached out and touched Krycek's
short hair. "Why do humans cut their hair so short?" he sighed,
shaking his head. "We'll just have to allow it to grow out."

'We'll have to allow it to grow?' Krycek mouthed, rolling his
eyes. "I like my hair short."

"Alex, you need to learn to give a little in a relationship,"
Kedar said, flagging down a servant.

"What relationship?" Krycek shouted indignantly, startling the
servant.

Kedar ignored Krycek and addressed the servant. "We'd like a
bottle of your finest grog brought to our sitting room." After
the servant rushed off, Kedar turned back to Krycek. "Our
relationship, Alex. I've already decided that I want you for my
mate."

"WHAT?"

"I will abide by the proper amount of time to court you and
present you with tokens of my love. But, when the leaves change
on the trees in Kallen, we shall be joined as one in the bonding
ceremony, and be declared mates for life." Kedar smiled. "Come
along, my love, we shall discuss our future together and your
past in the sitting room."

"I'm not marrying you!" Krycek followed Kedar, glaring daggers
into his back. He wasn't about to have anyone dictate his future
and order him around! He had enough of that with CGB Spender.
They arrived back at their guest quarters before Krycek realized
he had been following meekly behind Kedar. So he stormed into the
room ahead of the Prince.

"Hey, Alex, nice threads!" Frohike chuckled. He was sitting on a
chair in front of the only window in the room, wearing green
garments that reminded Krycek of Robin Hood.

"At least I don't look like a green toad," Krycek quipped.

Kedar smiled charmingly at Frohike. "Sir Melvin isn't it? If
you'd be so kind as to find someplace else to be. Alex and I
would like some time alone to develop our relationship."

Frohike eyes widened, then he smirked at Krycek as he stood and
strolled for the bedroom he was to share with Langly. "No
problemo, Prince. I'll be happy to leave you two lovebirds
alone."

Krycek spun around to confront the Prince. "Kedar, get one thing
through your thick skull! We are not having a relationship! I am
not going to be your mate! I do not want you to court me!"

"Please be seated, Alex," Kedar said calmly as he sat on a
loveseat. He patted the seat next to him.

"You don't get it!" Krycek growled.

"No, Alex, I get everything that I want."

Krycek stormed over to the window and looked out. He needed to
get his temper under control. He couldn't allow the creature to
get under his skin. He watched Scully wander through the gardens
with the centaur Eachann following and talking to her. Scully
didn't appear happy.

Krycek started talking slowly as he watched the scene outside.
"I'm my own man, Kedar. I will be leaving here shortly with my
frie...acquaintances. So, I suggest you find someone else to
pursue."

"I don't want anyone else. You are what I've been searching for
all my life, Alex."

Krycek's eyes widened and he spun away from the window. "Fuck!"
He ran over to Mulder's and Skinner's bedroom. "Get out here
now!" he shouted as he pounded on the door.

"What is it, Krycek!" Mulder growled, opening the door. The baby
started crying in the room behind him.

"That centaur friend of yours just grabbed Scully! Come on! We
might be able to catch him!"

"Oh, shit!" Mulder looked over at Frohike and Langly, who had
rushed out of their room when Krycek started shouting. "Guys,
watch Storm for me!" he said, grabbing his sword and running out
the door after Krycek and Kedar. Walter was downstairs speaking
with Queen Charmaine about her knowledge of sorcery, and
unfortunately, there was no time for Mulder to get him.

They made it out of the palace to the gardens, but Scully and
Eachann were no where in sight.

"This way," Krycek shouted, looking at the hoof prints in the
soft soil. They headed toward the surrounding city.

As Kedar followed Mulder and Krycek into the city, he used
telepathy to alert the Queen of the problem. They ran through the
city streets with Krycek skillfully tracking Eachann's hoof
prints even on the cobblestone road. The centaur was headed for
the woods on the south side of the city. The trail disappeared on
the outskirts of town, and they spent the next hour searching the
woods around Orla Glen before picking up Eachann's trail again.
Skinner and several of the palace soldiers showed up to help with
the search. They followed the trail for the next two hours. When
it disappeared suddenly, they broke into two teams. Skinner led
the Queen's soldiers in one direction, while Mulder, Kedar, and
Krycek headed off in the opposite direction.

Mulder paused suddenly near a brook. The hairs on the back of his
neck were standing on end. He scanned the woods around him for
any threat to himself or his companions.

"What's wrong, Fox?" Kedar asked, stopping with Krycek to look
back at Mulder.

"There's something watching us."

"Eachann?"

"No." Mulder shook his head, and before he could say more, the
tree he was standing beside reached down and snatched him up with
its limbs. To Krycek and Kedar's horror, it fled through the
woods at an incredible speed, faster than the fastest stallion in
Kedar's father's stables. Too quickly for human or goblin to give
chase on foot.

"Skinner! You'd better get your ass over here!" Krycek shouted.

Skinner was searching the woods several hundred feet to their
left. He came running with the Renny soldiers. "What is it,
Krycek?" He stopped and looked around. "Where's Fox?"

Krycek shook his head -- dazed. "I don't know. A fucking tree
grabbed him and took off."

"What?"

"Walter, it was a dendroid," Kedar said.

"What's a dendroid?"

"A dendriod is a sentient being in the form of a tree. They are
hundreds of years old, few in number, and very seldom seen. Most
people believe them to be only myth."

"What would it want with Fox? These Dendroids aren't carnivorous,
are they?" Skinner asked anxiously, forcing himself to breathe as
his heart raced.

"No. My guess is that it was sent to abduct Fox. Dendriod usually
avoid contact with anyone outside of their race," Kedar said.

"Who would have sent it?" Skinner felt his world crumbling around
him.

"My guess would be King Kiros. He has many servants throughout
the realm, even among the Dendroids."

Skinner swallowed. "I'm going back to the palace and get a horse
to track this Dendroid."

"I'll go with you!" Krycek said.

"No! Krycek, you and Kedar need to rescue Scully!"

Kedar nodded his head in agreement. "Make haste, Walter, the
Dendroid is most likely headed for the sea! You need to catch it
before it turns Fox over to King Kiros' forces!" he shouted as
Skinner turned and sprinted through the woods. "Kedar, you take
the Renny soldiers and rescue Scully. I'm going after Fox, too,"
Krycek said. He turned to follow Skinner, but Kedar grabbed his
arm.

"No, he doesn't need your interference. It is best that you come
with me to rescue the Lady Dana first. Afterwards, we'll go
together to rescue Fox, if Walter doesn't have him back by then."

"Get you fucking hands off me!" Krycek growled.

"No."

"Let go, or I won't be the only one with one arm!"

"We're wasting time, Alex. You're coming with me, if I have to
use a binding spell on you."

Krycek kicked out at Kedar, but he wasn't prepared for the speed
and grace with which the Prince moved. Before he knew it, Kedar
had him on his belly on the ground, with his arm twisted behind
his back. Krycek continued to struggle even with his arm painful
restrained. Kedar whispered a few words that Krycek barely heard.
He suddenly felt strange, and no longer had the desire to
continue fighting Kedar.

Prince Kedar helped Krycek to his feet, his long elegant white
fingers brushing the dirt off Krycek's cheek as he murmured
lovingly, "Now, my beauty, I think we'll go together and rescue
the Lady Dana. You will follow me and do as I command. When you
come to your senses and start behaving civilly, I will remove the
binding spell. Until then, you are mine to control." Kedar hated
using his mage powers this way. He didn't want to control this
man in such a manner. However, Alex left him no choice. He wasn't
about to let Alex out of his sight, not when he had finally found
him.

Krycek loathed the way he felt. The last time he was violated in
such a manner was by the black oil. Although this wasn't nearly
as bad as when it claimed possession of his body, he was still
powerless. He followed several feet behind Kedar --
subserviently. He knew the Prince was purposely trying to put him
in his place.

Kedar sighed, looking back. He wanted an equal relationship with
Alex, like Walter had with Fox. He held his hand out, beckoning.
"Come, Alex, walk beside me."

Captain Cletus stopped in the path. "He appears to be heading in
the direction of his village on the other side of Frye. We're
going to have to go back and get our ponies. We'll never catch
him at this rate."

"Fine, Captain, we'll go back and get our mounts. Come along, my
love," Kedar said, taking Alex's hand in his, leading him back in
the direction of the city.

***

Skinner's whole being was in turmoil. He couldn't believe that
Fox had been taken from him. He'd made a point of being
protectively near to his lover since the harpy virus nearly
killed him. This afternoon as they tracked Eachann was the first
time he hadn't used his mage powers to keep a watchful eye on
Fox. It was his fault Fox was taken -- he let his guard down. No
way could he go on living without him. Not after experiencing
what true bliss was like with him. Skinner had never experienced
a deeper love in his life. Without Fox by his side, a gaping
chasm now existed where his heart was. Jahr and the gunmen rode
beside him as they made their way back to where the Dendroid had
snatched Fox. They attempted to follow its trail. Queen Charmaine
had taken charge of Storm. She promised to raise Storm as her own
if anything were to happen to Skinner and Mulder.

"Don't worry, Walter, we will get him back," Frohike said softly.

"Melvin, there is no other option for me. Maybe you and the guys
should consider carefully before following me. I won't be coming
back without Fox," Skinner said, his eyes distant and pained as
if a part of him was missing.

"Man, we came this far to find you and Mulder. We're not about to
go back without you guys," Langly said.

Byers placed his hand on Skinner's forearm. "Mulder's our friend.
He's been our biggest supporter through the years. We will do
whatever it takes to help you get him back."

"Even if it means death?" Skinner questioned.

"Yes! We're not afraid to die!" Frohike answered with bravado,
and the other two men nodded in agreement.

Skinner nodded, he was too upset to speak. He turned and guided
his horse along the trail that the dendroid had taken.

***

Mulder wasn't able to move a muscle. Vines were wrapped around
his body, binding him face down from a enormous limb high up on
the tree. He kept his eyes tightly closed since he had gotten
dizzy looking down at the ground rushing beneath the hundred foot
tall tree at an unbelievable speed. "What do you want with me?"
he asked.

A whispering voice sounded with the tone of a thousand rustling
leaves. "We bring you to the Goblin King."

Mulder was surprised to receive an answer to his question. He
didn't know where on the tree the voice originated. "What are
you?"

"We are Dendroid."

"Why are you bringing me to the Goblin King?"

"He commands us and we obey."

"Please, let me go! I do not wish to be taken anywhere!"

"We obey the Goblin King."

Mulder fingertips brushed the top of the hilt of his sword. If he
could get it unsheathed, he just might be able to cut through the
vines. He tried for over an hour before finally giving up,
exhausted. His muscles ached from the effort. At each try to free
himself, the vines tightened to hold him more securely. He would
just have to wait for the Dendroid to reach its destination, then
attempt escape once it let him down.

***



End of Chapter 7 - Storm

Coming soon -Chapter 8 - The Search