Title: Sanctuary – Beneath The Dark

Summary: Doctor Helen Magnus and her team discover more than an Abnormal and things that go bump in the night when on the hunt in Seattle. A/U.

Pairings: H. Magnus & OFC, A. Magnus & W. Zimmerman.

Rating: M for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: No profit or copyright infringement intended during the writing of this story. All characters other than original remain the property of creator Damian Kindler, Sanctuary 1 Productions and Stage 3 Media. Please note that this tale features a relationship between two women and if that is not your cup of tea, then go make a coffee elsewhere.

A/N: Cheers to my splendid proof reader Wendy Woo and please remember this all takes place in an alternative universe, so I do not follow the story line of the actual series to the letter. It's called creative licence and I use it to bring back to life characters who may have fallen to the wayside on television. Now if I could only use it to inject a bucket load of cash to SyFy so the fifth season of Sanctuary could actually see the light of day!

Chapter 10

After introductions to the pilot and other members of the team, Madison followed Helen into the converted cargo hull of the Boeing 747-400 Freighter and five minutes later, Ashley and Will boarded the plane carrying two kits each.

"Hey mom, Madison," greeted the younger blonde while passing them a bag each.

"Hello Ashley," replied Helen. "Has there been any more news?"

"Yes, we have the exact location of the last sighting."

"Excellent and hello Will, Ashley let's go speak with Walter."

The two women left for the cockpit and Will said, "Nice to see you again Madison and welcome aboard."

"Thanks Will and it's good to see you too. So what's the go?"

"You'll find a vest, combat leg holster, radio, earpiece, bullet magazines and weapon inside the kit." He opened his own and put on his bulletproof vest. Pulling out a modified Glock 17 with dual magazine capacity, he added, "See this blue switch?"

Madison leaned in for a closer look, "Yup."

"Flick it up and the gun fires tranquillisers, flick it back down and you have live ammo."

"Got it and I gather the aim of this mission is to bring the creature in alive?"

"Precisely, Magnus wants to find an antidote so this man can be saved and converted back to his original human form. With your attack, Magnus configured a serum to reverse the contaminate that was transferred to your wounds, but requires more research to formulate a cure so as to restore a fully converted creature after prolonged exposure.

"Understood Will, I think I'm quickly getting the hang of all this."

Will chuckled, "I think you have good aptitude for the science behind it Madison and I'm glad to see your leg has mended."

"I still have a slight limp, but I can move freely."

"So, did you and Magnus work things out?"

"Yes we did thanks."

"I'm happy to hear that, she's an amazing woman."

The words were out of Madison's mouth before she realised it, "She's better than amazing."

Will's dark blond brows arched, "Oh, so you really did work it out?"

"A lady doesn't tell Will."

"I'll take that as a yes, and congratulations."

"Thanks and speaking of budding relationships, have you asked Ashley out yet?"

"Yes and she slapped me."

"Oh I'm sorry."

Will chuckled, "It's okay, she kissed me afterwards."

Madison grinned at the news, "I'm afraid you have your work cut out for you there."

"I think so, did Magnus explain everything?"

"Yes she did, but I'd already guessed you had feelings for Ashley. Will, I'm sorry about what happened to your mother."

"Thanks and I owe Magnus my life."

"We have that in common."

The conversation ended when Helen and Ashley rejoined them.

"Buckle up everyone," announced Helen. "Take off is in five minutes." She disappeared behind a partitioned area in the rear of the plane and returned three minutes later dressed in black trousers, black combat boots, vest and short black leather jacket.

Her weapon holster was strapped to the outside of her right thigh and Madison swore she was the hottest woman she had ever laid eyes on. Her attempts at holding back her devilish smirk failed.

Helen took the seat next to her and leaned in to whisper, "Stop making eyes at me or I'll be forced to kiss you."

Madison winked, "We can't have that now, can we?"

Helen pecked her on the neck, "No we can't."

"Understood ma'am and you're the boss."

Both women settled in their seats and Helen reached over and locked her fingers with Madison's. Both were certain they could hear Ashley and Will tittering away like two school kids in the seats next to them, but neither of them made eye contact.

-o-

Once the plane took off then levelled to cruising altitude, Helen let go of Madison's hand and commenced the briefing. Leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees, she said, "Okay, our target has been sighted three times in the outskirts of Monterrey. Once we land, Tony I want you to make contact with our two witnesses. Ascertain whether we are chasing an Abnormal or some sort of stray animal. We will standby until we have confirmation or otherwise. Rene, you and Steve will join me, Ashley, Will and Madison on the ground. Trent, you and Warwick will man the cage and be our backup if needed. Everyone remember your night vision and stay in radio contact. We were lucky that no one was killed last time with this type of creature and I do not have to remind you how important it is to bring this one in alive. All right everyone rest until touchdown."

Reclining in her seat, Madison admired Helen's leadership qualities and silently praised her lover.

Ashley sat to her left checking her ammo and giving Will a sly smile every now and then. Will returned the glimpse with a boyish grin and Madison laughed out loud.

They both stared at her and she quipped, "What? Honestly guys, how could I not miss it?"

Ashley leaned over towards Madison, "About as much as we can't see the hickey on your collarbone."

Madison automatically leaned forward and placed fingers to her neck.

"Don't sweat it Madison, it looks cute. Does that mean you and my mother are now a couple?"

"Yes it does so no more cheek from you or I'll have your mother ground you."

Ashley laughed raucously then winked, "I like you Sergeant Cross."

"And I like you Ashley Magnus."

"By the way, you don't have a hickey that is visible, there may be others, but not on your neck."

"Nice trick Miss Magnus."

"Listen, all kidding aside, when we start this pursuit, stay close to mom. She is one mean mother with a gun and will keep you safe."

"Thanks for the heads up."

"Welcome."

Helen was writing in her journal during the conversation with Ashley, so Madison leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. She opened them again when she felt Helen's hand on her right thigh. Turning her head, she smiled at the brunette.

"We're ten minutes out from the airfield. If we obtain a confirmed sighting we will attempt to herd the beast towards Trent and Warwick's location. If you have it in sight, shoot with the tranquilliser, but if you or anyone else in the team is at risk, shoot with live rounds. My people are top priority not the Abnormal."

Madison was in full cop mode as she listened to the experienced instructions, "Understood."

Helen unbuckled her belt, stood and went to the cockpit.

Madison watched the long graceful stride and grinned madly.

Five minutes later, the plane began its final descent and Helen returned to her seat.

-o-

After landing smoothly, the team sprang into action and Madison stayed out of their way. She observed as the others exited to the tarmac and the steel cage was loaded onto the back of a truck.

Trent and Warwick entered the vehicle while the other members piled into two black Jeep Wranglers. Ashley drove one car while Tony took the wheel of the remaining one.

Twenty minutes of fast driving by the younger Magnus was interrupted with news from Tony substantiating the identity of the Abnormal. Tony and the others rendezvoused with Ashley's four-wheel drive and six minutes later the team arrived at the last confirmed location.

Alighting from the vehicles, the seven people spread out searching for tracks. Will was the first to locate large feline padded footprints in the dirt. Following the paw impressions for over two hours, the group stopped when they heard a distinctive low growl emitting from a wooded area to their right.

The fine blonde hairs on the back of Madison's neck stood up and she swallowed back the lump in her throat. The last time she had heard that sound, it was followed by pain and a near death experience. She listened carefully as she held her pistol straight out in front and scanned the area with her night vision goggles.

The others remained in a semi-circle formation as Madison's adrenalin kicked in when she heard the soft sound of a twig breaking behind Helen's position. Stepping back, she caught the glimmer of yellow cat eyes poke out from behind a tree. Madison aimed her weapon and quietly said to Tony, "I have a visual." Her target's eyelids blinked and she fired. She watched intently as the creature fell to the ground. "Target is down," she announced clearly over the radio.

Six other weapons covered her as she inched towards the fallen feline-human hybrid. Shining the torch on the end of her gun downwards, she shivered as she looked at the Abnormal that resembled the one that nearly ended her life. In a strong voice she confirmed the creature's identity to the others. Stepping back, she moved away from the prone body and allowed the experts to take over.

Helen walked past her and remarked, "Well done." She moved to the Abnormal and crouched down to inspect it. "Come along people; let's get him to the cage." Radioing Trent, Helen asked him to meet them two miles from their current location.

Tony produced a portable stretcher and after several minutes of lifting and repositioning, the Abnormal was fully secured and ready for transportation.

Madison remained quietly in the background and focused on ridding herself of the anger she felt towards the people responsible for the creature's existence. She was also dealing with the fact it was only weeks since her battle with a similar being.

-o-

The team was exhausted by the time the truck came into view. The Abnormal was heavy and everyone had rotated in taking turns at carrying the litter. Once the hybrid was safe in the cage, it was loaded onto the truck and covered by a large tarpaulin. The group dispersed to the Jeeps and headed back to the airfield.

Helen and Will stayed close to the Abnormal after it had been placed inside the plane and continued to discuss plans for an antidote once they took to the sky. Both were confident the creature could be eventually returned to humanity with proper treatment.

Madison continued with her silence and avoided looking at the creature.

Ashley handed her a mug of hot tea ten minutes into the return journey "There you go that will warm you up."

"Thanks Ashley."

"Outstanding job Sarge," praised the younger blonde as she took a seat beside Madison.

Madison smiled at Ashley's use of her work nickname, "Thanks, it certainly gets the old adrenalin pumping."

"Sure does and I see mom and Will are excited to have a live specimen."

"I guess we won't see too much of them for the next few days."

"That's a given in this type of situation."

-o-

It was a little after seven in the morning when Helen, Will, Ashley and Madison had the heavily sedated Abnormal sheltered in an observation cell. The Big Guy made breakfast shortly afterwards and to Madison's delight, Helen asked her to bed.

Ashley looked at Will and smiled as Helen took hold of Madison's hand and they walked out of the kitchen.

"Don't look so surprised darling," said Helen as they entered the lift.

"I didn't expect to see you again for a few days."

"The Abnormal will be asleep for at least another eight hours and I already have a blood sample, so I'd like to spend time with my crack shot girlfriend."

"Ah to the victor the spoils," retorted Madison theatrically.

"Oh yes indeed," replied Helen as they entered the hall.

Madison giggled, "Thank you for inviting me along."

"You were certainly an added asset and if you ever want a career change, you are more than welcome to join us."

"I'm not too sure about that, I'm getting too old to go running through the woods at night chasing goodness knows what."

Helen squeezed her lover's hand, "Darling, you are thirty five, that is not old."

"Well, I feel old at the moment."

"Don't forget it's the first physical thing you have done in weeks."

The couple stepped into Helen's bedroom and Madison closed the door, "I don't believe that is correct sweetheart."

Helen turned and grabbed Madison by the shirt lapels, "Do you have any idea of the affect you have on me?"

"No, but if it's anything like how you make me react, I have a pretty good idea."

Controlling her urge to rip the clothes from Madison's body, Helen asked, "Would you like a bath or a shower?"

"Either will do, as long as I make love to you soon."

Helen released her hold, "A shower is quicker and I want you to bed me as soon as possible."

"Well, there's your answer in a nutshell."

-o-

Helen kissed Madison gently on the forehead then slipped out of bed. It was a little past nine as she headed to the Lab to run an analysis on the collected blood. She was busy scribing notes when Will joined her.

"How's it going Magnus?" he asked before taking a seat opposite her.

"Hello Will. I am making good progress and believe I am only two steps away from making a break through. With luck, I should have a remedy shortly. God only knows how many of these poor blighters there are out there. We need to get the exact locale of the Lab doing these experiments and close the bastards down."

"Funny you should mention that, Ashley is working on that as we speak. She took off ten minutes ago to meet up with a contact in London."

Helen grimaced, "Why didn't she tell me that herself?"

"Maybe because she didn't want to disturb you and Madison, she only received the call fifteen minutes ago."

Blushing from the memory of her fevered love making with the delectable blonde, Helen replied, "That was very thoughtful of her."

"Madison handled herself admirably last night," Will pointed out.

"Uhm yes, she was outstanding."

"I spoke to an old acquaintance of mine with Seattle PD the other day and Madison is highly thought of."

"Yes, I got that impression when having a lengthy chat with her partner Bobby."

"By the colour on your face and the smile, is it safe to assume everything is going well?"

"Yes you may. I have never been this drawn to anyone, not even John could evoke the emotions she can."

Will smiled broadly, "Oh Magnus, you are well and truly in it."

"I believe you are correct and I intend making our relationship work."

"I have to say, you make a formidable couple and it doesn't hurt that you are both stunning and complement each other."

Helen beamed at her friend's assessment, "Why thank you Will and you did a sterling job while I was away."

"Thanks, but I really don't think the others allowed me to be in charge. It was good to know you were relaxing for a change."

"I'd honestly almost forgotten how to and it is nice to see Ashley bouncing around instead of coiled up and ready to pounce."

Will chuckled in an attempt to hide his embarrassment, "We have a date tonight."

"So do Madison and I."

"Maybe we can double date sometime?"

"That may be a little too weird."

"Well, I'll leave you to it Magnus. I promised Henry I would walk around the perimeter fence with him while he does his visual check."

"Have fun Will and I may require your assistance later."

"No problem." Will stood and departed.

Helen returned to her work and after a few moments found herself humming.

-o-

Madison opened her eyes and stretched out the kinks in her body. Sliding out of the bed, she padded into the bathroom and took a shower. Ten minutes later, she was dressed in denim jeans, white tee, boots and a dark blue sweater. Leaving the bedroom, she made her way to the lifts and backtracked to Helen's research lab.

Opening the door, she smiled when she spotted Helen behind her desk, "Good afternoon sweetheart."

Looking up, Helen grinned broadly, "Hello Madison, you look amazingly lovely."

Approaching the desk with a sly grin, Madison sat down, "How is your research going?" She hid the grimace as she over extended her right leg and felt a slight twinge in her calf.

"I've got an antidote and have already administered the first trial." Helen pointed to a bank of monitors showing differing views of the Abnormal, "It's only been thirty minutes since the injection and I'm still monitoring for changes."

After studying the screens, Madison suggested, "We can cancel our date tonight, if you like."

Helen's eyes glistened, "Are you sure?"

Reaching out across the desk, the blonde caressed the back of Helen's hand with her thumb, "I'm positive. I know how important this is for you and I'd like to stick around and help if I can."

Helen stood and moved between Madison and her desk.

The blonde took one look at Helen's dark grey skirt and stockinged legs and melted. Her eyes locked onto bright blue and she gulped. With outstretched hands, she embraced the slim hips and the words came out huskily, "I love you Helen."

Looking down, the brunette cupped her hands around Madison's face, "I've fallen in love with you too darling and thank you for understanding."

Madison rose from the chair and captured Helen's lips in a gentle kiss, keeping the passion for a more convenient time and setting.

When they parted, Helen asked, "Would you like to accompany me to check on my patient?"

"Sure, I'll ride shotgun."

"Well actually, I'll have you take in the tranquiliser gun with us."

"Glad to help out sweetheart."

Helen took her girlfriend's hand and led her out of the room, "Come on then, let's go. Then we can have something to eat. By the way, Ashley and Will have a date tonight."

"I'll see if Will wants to take our theatre tickets," suggested Madison as they headed towards the Armoury.

"Good idea and Ashley will be thrilled," replied Helen as she accessed the security panel. "She's out gathering Intel on where the experiments are happening on these men."

"At least these poor souls can be converted back to human form now thanks to you."

"That's the plan."

The two women entered the well-stocked room and Helen collected a tranquiliser dart and rifle.

-o-

Helen checked the Abnormal's vitals as Madison covered her with the tranquiliser rifle. She watched carefully for any signs of movement from the six-foot feline/human hybrid and noted his ears had taken on human form, as had the jaw line and neck. Madison also spotted the Colt Commander pistol tucked into the waistband of Helen's skirt when her loose shirt rode slightly up her toned back. She allowed herself a small grin at the sight.

Helen took out a syringe and vial from her pocket and announced, "I'm going to inject another 120 mls, by my calculations that will be enough to complete the cycle."

Madison stood by in awe of her lover's intelligence and choked up with the love she felt for the extraordinary woman.

Once the serum was administered, Helen stood and backed out of the room and Madison followed in similar fashion. More subtle changes were beginning to appear on the man as Helen secured the door.

"Congratulations, you appear to have found a cure," said Madison proudly.

"Thank you darling. Let's go to the kitchen while I have Henry monitor our guest."

After depositing the weapon back to the Armoury, the couple spent an hour eating and chatting with the Big Guy before returning to the Lab.

-o-

Ashley returned home a little after six and bounced into the Lab excitedly. "Hey mom and Madison. Good news, I'll have the exact co-ordinates to the research facility in Botswana by midnight tonight. My contact will be sending them via text message."

"Excellent Ashley, we'll organise teams for an infiltration our time tomorrow night."

Ashley looked at the monitor on the desk and beamed, "Cool mom, you've made an antidote."

"Yes I have and our subject shows no signs of feline DNA. I'll be waking him soon to test for any psychological or physical damage."

"Wow, it's hard to believe he's the same thing we chased through the woods last night," quipped Ashley.

"It is," agreed her mother. "It's good to have some positive success."

"Do you need me anymore mom?"

"No Ashley and have a nice evening with Will."

Blonde brows rose up Ashley's forehead, "Oh, you know about that?"

With a smirk Helen answered, "Yes my darling and just say thank you to Madison."

"Pardon?" inquired a confused Ashley as she looked towards the older blonde.

"It will make sense later," explained Helen cryptically.

"Okay, thank you Madison."

Madison laughed, "You are welcome Ashley. Have fun."

-o-

After extensive testing, Helen detected no deterioration of neurological, psychological or physical patterns of her patient. The African man was disorientated upon regaining consciousness, but was fully competent an hour after testing began. His name was Bule Jonas and he was twenty-five years old. Bule had been a soldier for two years and his last memory consisted of walking into the medical tent at his camp and being told he was to receive a booster vaccination against cholera. That had been six weeks ago.

Helen thought it best not to make full disclosure to the obviously confused young man, so only informed him he had had a virus and for some unknown reason was currently in Canada. Initially, Bule had been shocked by the news of his location, but Helen's soothing voice calmed him.

"You'll stay here for a few more days before we take you home Bule," she explained simply.

"My family will be most worried. I have been gone a long time."

"If you give us details, we can contact them and have you speak to them," offered Helen.

"I would be most grateful to you Doctor. How did I get to your country?"

"We located you in Mexico, but have no further information than that."

"I remember there being ten of us waiting for our inoculations."

Helen made a quick note, "Did you know any on the other men?"

"Yes, they were all from my unit. We were recruited together from our home town, they are my friends."

"I'll organise a meal and room for you Bule then arrange for you speak to your family."

"Thank you again Doctor. I am most grateful."

One of Helen's assistants, Mark, took Bule to an Observation Room while Helen spoke to Henry and passed on the information on Bule's family.

Once Madison and Helen were left alone in the room, the blonde approached her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around the taut midriff, "You're amazing Doctor Magus, but it's time you took a break and ate something yourself."

Helen leaned back into Madison, "Thank you for your concern and the timely reminder."

Placing a kiss on the side of Helen's slender neck, Madison purred before kissing her again, "Let's go eat before I eat you."

Helen groaned at the suggestion, "That sounds very inviting darling. I love you and would like to prove to you just how much."

The blonde nibbled gently on her lover's neck and remained silent.

"Oh dear god, let's skip the food and go straight to bed, I've missed you," whispered Helen throatily.

Madison tittered, "Nice try, but food first then love making my sweet woman."

Helen sighed deeply before consenting.

-o-

After eating dinner, Helen went and checked on Bule. He was fast asleep and by Henry's account, very relieved to have spoken with his parents.

"I'll look in on him in two hours," offered Helen.

"Nah, I've got it covered Doc, you go take the rest of the night off."

"Thank you Henry and don't forget you are due your physical tomorrow."

Rolling his eyes, Henry countered, "I haven't forgotten."

"Good, you can see me after you've had a sleep."

"You got it Doc, goodnight."

"Goodnight Henry."

-o-

Helen found Madison in the shower and quickly disrobed before joining her in the spacious cubicle.

"How long before you check on Bule again?" inquired Madison as she soaped Helen's back.

"Not until the morning, Henry volunteered to watch over him."

"I must thank that man," murmured Madison, lost in the feel of her fingers against Helen's muscled back.

"I didn't have the opportunity to ask earlier, but were you quiet on the flight home from Mexico because you were reliving your experience with an Abnormal?"

"Yes and the fact that I had killed an innocent man."

Helen turned around and changed positions with Madison. Kissing along her shoulders, Helen surmised, "You have no reason to feel guilty Madison, none of this is your doing."

Madison shrugged, "I was also angry at the bastards who have done this to these men."

"I share you sentiments and hopefully there will be a stop to the whole sordid business by this time tomorrow."

Madison cringed when Helen wrapped a leg around her lower right leg."

"Is your leg hurting darling?" asked Helen with concern.

"Yes, it started to throb when I got out of bed earlier."

"All right then. We need for you to get off it, so hurry up and wash."

Minutes later, Helen was examining Madison's leg while she was stretched out on the bed.

"I think you may have overdone it last night. It was foolish of me to invite you to participate in the mission."

"It's fine Helen. I'll just take it easy for the next couple of days."

"I was going to suggest that." Helen moved along the bed and snuggled onto Madison's chest. "You can stay here if you like."

Lifting up, Madison kissed the top of Helen's head, "I'll be a nervous wreck if I stay here while you are in Africa. I'll need something to occupy my mind. Besides, I need to touch base with a few people as well as the Departmental doctor."

Helen lightly ran her fingers across the fading scar running over the swell of Madison's breast, "I'll miss you."

Madison's body reacted to the touch and the words. Arching up, she met the delicious contact. "I've never fallen in love this fast or this deep before Helen," she confessed in a throaty tone.

"Neither have I, but I'm immensely pleased that I have. Being with you is a joy I thought I'd never experience again."

With more than a pang of jealously, Madison asked her next question, "But you did with John?"

Not content to be anything but honest, Helen responded, "Yes, I loved him dearly, but nowhere near what I feel for you. Madison, you have reminded me of how important it is to actually live my life and not simply exist to carry out my work."

Choking back tears, the younger woman's sexual desire was cooled as she was hit by a wave of emotion.

Helen turned her head to face her lover, "Are you all right?"

Madison nodded, unable to speak.

Cupping the blonde's pert bosom, Helen whispered, "I love you with all my heart."

Gripping her lover's shoulders, Madison rolled her over onto her back and locked onto her eyes, "I love you Helen, more than words could ever describe." Bringing her lips down, she kissed the woman who held her heart, senseless.

The pair remained intertwined until they both struggled for breath and control of each other's lips.

-o-