"Mulder, this is getting ridiculous." Scully stopped about twenty paces behind Mulder, hands on her hips, weight shifting between her feet. Frustrated that her exclamation seemed to go unnoticed by her partner, Scully raised her voice. "Mulder, are you even listening?" That's when he finally turned around to look at her.
"I heard you Scully, but you need to keep those little legs moving if you want to get anywhere." Their car had broken down in the middle of swampy nowhere with no service, forcing them to try and find help on their feet. They had been walking for three hours. He knew that she was exhausted, he was too, but they had to keep moving. There was nothing around them except trees and endless deserted road. The directions that they received were obviously wrong and got the agents in more trouble than they bargained for. All Mulder wanted to do was investigate the claims that a dragon was terrorizing a small community, but that was apparently too much to ask for on this trip.
"Mulder," Scully whined, rubbing her shoulder. "We have been out here for hours. There hasn't been a single car or house. Hell, I haven't even seen a bird in the sky! My feet are killing me, and it's getting dark." She was listing all her complaints knowing that there was nothing he could do, yet saying it was making her feel better.
"I know, Scully." He walked back to her. A smirk grew on his face as he got closer. "Maybe it's an X-file." She rolled her eyes and reached her hand out to grab his arm. Using him as a support, she lifted one leg behind her to remove her heel then repeated the action. Sighing in relief, Scully let her hand rest on Mulder for a moment longer before pulling it away. "Better?" he asked as he watched her sit on the hard road. The image was more endearing than Mulder expected. With her legs straight out in front her, and her feet bare she looked child-like. "You have no idea." She answered as she reached to massage her feet.
The sun was fading quickly, making Mulder nervous about what they would do in the blinding night. "Scully," Now she was the unresponsive one. "Scully," he repeated more urgently. Her head rolled back lazily to look up at him. "We should keep moving." She groaned and laid on her back.
"I give up, Mulder. I can't walk anymore." She threw her arms over face blocking her view to the dismal world they were stuck in. "Scully," he tried to get her attention. She let out a frustrated sigh. "I know, Mulder. Can you just give me a few minutes to rest? My feet hurt and I'm tired." He whispered her name this time, a tinge of nervousness coloring his tone. Scully immediately noticed the change in his voice. She sat up and looked at him asking, "Mulder, what's wrong?" He pointed towards the thick trees that were beginning to be consumed by night. Her eyes roamed over the cloaked swamp, just as she was going to question him, she saw it. A small light moved in the distance. They watched in silence as the light traveled through the trees.
"What is it?" Scully whispered. Mulder shook his head, "I don't know, but I don't think we should stay here." He helped her up, finding himself enjoying the brief feel of her hands in his. Scully carried her shoes in her left hand as they continued their tedious journey. Mulder kept an eye on the odd light. Even though they were on the move, it seemed like the light was following them, and getting closer. Scully had seemed to forget about the phenomena, keeping her gaze ahead and only mentioning small complaints or observations. After she wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the cold, she was surprised to feel his blazer being placed on her shoulders. It was a small gesture, but it was greatly appreciated. She smiled up at him, happy to see his half smile waiting for her.
"Thank you." A flirtatious reply sat on the tip of his tongue, ready to seize the moment, but Scully distracted him. "Mulder, am I going crazy or is that light getting closer to us." They both watched as the light grew larger and more focused. "Is that a lantern?" Scully asked, squinting her eyes trying to narrow her vision. It was. The warm light coming from the lantern grew, casting menacing shadows on the trees. The agents were frozen, drawn to the light like bugs, unaware of any potential danger. Scully grabbed Mulder's hand as a child emerged from the tall vegetation. It was a girl of about eight, with long black braids and pale skin. She was wearing a black dress with a white collar and buttons lined all the way down the front. Her legs were covered in black tights and her feet donned mud covered black boots.
"Are you lost?" Her voice sounded surprisingly monotone for a child. Mulder and Scully shared a curious glance before Mulder answered. "Yes, our car broke down. Are your parents around?" The little girl nodded, "They are in the house." Scully was confused, "Are you out here by yourself?" Once again, the little girl nodded. Mulder introduced Scully and himself then asked the girl her name. "Wednesday" was her simple reply. After they asked if she could take them to a phone, Wednesday nodded and turned to re-enter the swamp. The agents followed, Scully's hand still seeking support in Mulder's.