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 7

The next day Bobby and Ellen drove Helen into town while Madison remained in bed. She had tossed and turned during the night and was worn out.

Ellen had gone into her room earlier and asked if she wanted breakfast and the question had been met with a loud "no".

After lunching at a French café, the trio of new friends returned to find Madison sitting on the porch bundled up in a blanket.

"Hello, did you have fun?" she inquired.

"Yes we did thank you very much. Did you get some sleep grumpy?" replied Bobby while opening the door.

"No."

Helen took a seat next to her while the other two entered the house, "You really shouldn't be out here in the cold."

"I was frustrated and bored with trying to sleep."

Helen smiled at the blonde's cuteness with her soft pouting, "Then come inside and I'll entertain you."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

Grinning broader, Helen cheekily replied, "You will have to go inside to find out, but I promise it will be worthwhile."

Madison didn't budge and her face took on a serious glare, "When was the last time you took a decent break?"

"Five years ago."

"So why did you take this one?"

"It was important I see you and spend some quality time with you."

"Why?"

Helen's face softened, "I suspect you know why. I really care about you Madison and was concerned about your collapse after you left me. I haven't been able to get you out of my head since we met."

"Good," muttered Madison before grinning like the cat that caught the canary. Standing up, she looked down at Helen and added, "You coming?"

"I could only hope," thought Helen as she got to her feet and followed the object of her erotic dreams inside.

-o-

The entertainment turned out to be a game a trivia that Helen won convincingly, although Ellen and Madison did give her stiff competition. Bobby had been content to drink his beer and complain about how much harder his questions appeared to be.

As the foursome settled into the second round, Ellen offered Helen another glass of Merlot from the kitchen.

"Thank you, but it will be my last or I'll not be able to think straight," replied a giggly Helen.

Ellen returned to the living room carrying a tray of cheese, sliced fruit, crackers and two glasses of wine.

Bobby helped his wife then said, "Helen, Madison says you have a daughter."

"I do, her name is Ashley and she works with me."

"You certainly don't look old enough to have a daughter in her early twenties," quipped Ellen with a raised right eyebrow.

"I'm older than I look," retorted Helen before glancing at Madison, who promptly dropped her cracker and cheese.

Winking at Helen, Madison put forth, "Good bone structure is my guess."

Ellen stopped chewing and turned to her friend, "My darling husband and I are planning on going into town for breakfast in the morning, would you both like to join us?"

"Sure," replied Madison. "But I have to cancel my ski lesson first."

The others laughed and Bobby remarked, "As if you need a lesson."

"Ssh, don't be giving away all my secrets."

"I don't have enough time for that Madi," taunted Bobby with a good old fashioned belly laugh.

His comment brought another round of laughter and the game continued.

-o-

Later that evening, Helen joined Bobby for a walk around the lake.

"Looks like rain for the morning," noted Bobby while looking up to the sky.

"I agree, so how long have you known Madison?"

"We've been partners on the force for three years and friends for seven."

"You and Ellen seem to share a close relationship with her."

"We do, she is family and very loyal. I'm sure you noticed the scar on Madi's left shoulder."

"I did and it's awfully deep."

"She got it saving my life when we first partnered up. A perp pulled a knife on me and Madison flew out of nowhere and stepped in front of me. She took the full brunt of the strike, but even with a knife up to the hilt in her shoulder, she still managed to restrain the guy before I cuffed him."

Helen smiled at the image, "That's a very imposing display of courage and strength."

"Yeah, Madi is strong physically and emotionally. She has been through a lot of heartache and survived. I think that's what makes her the exceptional person she is today."

Unaware of many personal details, Helen simply responded with, "Oh."

"I probably shouldn't tell you this, but Madi is very taken with you but feels she is not worthy of your time."

"I know Bobby, but she is completely wrong. I am also very taken with Madison."

Bobby chuckled, "Yeah I kind of figured that out. Justine, Madi's ex, did a real number on her and it left quite a mark on her."

"Madison told me they broke up because they didn't spend enough time together."

"That's because Justine was too busy cheating on her with a doctor from the hospital where she worked."

"Oh I see. Madison failed to mention that part."

"She wouldn't. Madi felt it was her fault because of her workload. The ironic thing was Madi never did any overtime and tried to spend all her downtime with Justine."

"How did Madison find out about the affair?"

"Justine text messaged her with a confession of unfaithfulness."

"Blimey, that is atrocious behaviour."

"Madi was shattered at first and has only dated sporadically since then."

"That's understandable. Unfortunately, my time is rather limited when it comes to my personal life too; hence the reason Madison is reluctant to attempt a relationship with me."

Bobby stopped walking, "Helen, I see how Madi lights up when you are around her and if you are serious about her, please don't give up on her."

Smiling widely, Helen looked up to Bobby, "You are a good friend and I have no intention of stepping back."

"That's good to hear and if you need any help, just holler."

"I will and thank you for the walk and conversation."

The pair returned to the house to find Madison watching television on her own. "Ell's gone up to bed Bobby," she announced.

"I'll see you ladies in the morning, goodnight."

"Night buddy."

"Goodnight," responded Helen while taking a seat next to Madison on the couch. "What are you watching?"

"An old episode of Charlie's Angels."

Helen laughed, "Who's your favourite?"

"Sabrina Duncan of course, looks and all brain."

"I'm a sucker for Jill Munroe," confessed Helen.

"So ... you have a liking for blondes then?"

"They are a delicious weakness," taunted Helen devilishly.

"I doubt you have any weaknesses Helen."

"I actually have several Madison."

Voting silently for a change of topic, Madison asked, "Did you have a nice stroll with Bobby?"

"Yes, it was very refreshing and we both believe it will rain tomorrow."

Madison's eyes sparkled, "Great, I love the rain, especially here. I like to sit on the porch and watch it fall into the lake."

"I find it reminds me of home in England," lamented Helen.

"Do you miss it?"

"Yes, I do at times. It's nice to go back and visit every now and then."

"I really like your accent," admitted Madison as she turned her head away from the intense blue gaze.

"Thank you. How is your back?"

"It's good, must have been those magic hands of yours," joked Madison while attempting not to blush.

"Most likely it is the fact you slept in a bed instead."

"That may be true."

The two women watched television in silence for several minutes before Madison reached out and placed her left hand over Helen's right, "You have very strong hands."

Intertwining her fingers with Madison's, Helen confessed, "Everything about you exudes pure strength."

"Yeah, I have been known to work out every now and then."

"I have seen you naked remember and I'd say it would be more than that."

Madison giggled, "Yes, you have seen me at my best."

Turning her head to the right, Helen's dimples deepened as she smiled, "I certainly have Madison and you have a magnificent physique."

"So do you," countered Madison with glistening blue eyes and a lack of composure.

"Tell me more about you," urged Helen.

"I own a house over in Briarcliff which is a two hour drive from here. The house has its own inside gym, so yes I work out five days a week when able to. I find it relaxing and it certainly has been a benefit for my job. I like to read, swim, ski and if my leg wasn't broken, I would be playing hockey with my Precinct in the Police League next Tuesday night."

"I'd like to watch you sometime," admitted Helen.

"We either play Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday nights, although, it will be sometime before I'll be back on the ice."

"At least another two weeks. I can take x-rays next week for you and see how the bone is knitting. I can have Ashley pick you up if you like."

"Thanks Helen that would be great." Madison looked down and smiled at their linked fingers. "I suppose the sooner I start exercising my leg, the sooner I return to work."

"Indeed Madison, so tell me more."

"I'm an animal admirer and abhor cruelty to them. I'm an annual contributor to Greenpeace and PETA. I drive a blue Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and own a Norton motorbike."

"No wonder Ashley likes you."

Madison grinned at the comment, "I like her too."

"We will have to go for a bike ride one day," suggested Helen.

"That would be fun. So tell me how you afford to run such a massive place like Sanctuary?"

"My father left me a sizeable inheritance and I have invested well over the years. My medical research pays well and several governments fund us globally, as well as the United Nations. Basically we work for them and are under their direction."

"Are Will, Ashley, Henry and the Big Guy your only team members?"

"No, there are many other groups located around the world at my disposal as well as an entire defence force at Sanctuary. They tend to stay in the background until required, but you do occasionally spot them lurking about the hallways."

"Your work sounds very adventurous Helen."

"It can be, but it can also be extremely dangerous," conceded the doctor.

Madison raised her right hand and cupped Helen's face, "I was avoiding that fact. I don't like the idea of you putting yourself in jeopardy."

Helen's face softened, "That's awfully sweet of you to say so."

Madison removed her hand, "Tell me more about your work."

"Old City Sanctuary is actually the Headquarters of the Sanctuary Network and each division is governed by the Council of House Heads. I am head of the Global Network and over the years I have established branches in Asuncion Paraguay, Beijing China, Berlin Germany, Cairo Egypt, Grozny Chechen Republic Russia, Lagos Nigeria, Moscow Russia, Mumbai India, New Delhi, New York, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Sydney and Brisbane Australia, Tokyo Japan, London, Liberia and Norway."

Madison shook her head, "Wow that is exceptionally impressive Helen."

"Each House Head is an operative who is in charge of an individual Sanctuary."

"Explain more about the Cabal organisation you mentioned when we first spoke."

"The full name is the Cabalis Nocturnum and was originally founded in medieval Scotland in the Year 700 AD. They were a cult and supposedly vanished a century ago. As you know, they are an underground organisation, but have control over banking institutions and bio-tech companies that capitalise on the research done on mutating Abnormals."

"Holy shit, I had no idea any of this kind of stuff existed."

Helen smiled with knowledge, "There is much that is hidden from the public."

"I look forward to learning more, but I really should get to bed, goodnight." Leaning in, Madison gently kissed the other woman's forehead then pulled away.

Helen held her breath then exhaled, "Goodnight Madison, sweet dreams."

The two women stood at the same time and Helen offered, "I'll walk up with you."

-o-

Bobby and Ellen departed for Seattle the next day after eating dinner at eight and Helen put on the kettle while Madison showered.

Moments later, the two women were sitting on the back porch rugged up under a blanket and sipping their tea.

"It's beautiful," stated Madison about the heavy rain falling.

"Breathtaking," agreed Helen.

"Would you like to have dinner in town with me tomorrow night?"

"I would Madison," answered Helen eagerly.

Smiling smugly, Madison placed her hand on Helen's thigh, "I've decided I'd be an idiot not to pursue more than friendship with you, but I would like to take it slow."

"Slow is acceptable and thank you for the chance, besides I was going to hound you until I wore you down."

Giggling softly, Madison retorted, "You can hound me all you like."

"Consider it done."

"Let's go inside, the temperature has dropped again."

"I'll go take a shower."

"And I will make popcorn so we can watch a movie," suggested Madison.

"Sounds like a most acceptable plan."

-o-

A short time later, Helen walked down the stairs talking on her phone, "Yes Ashley that will be fine, thanks for the call and I love you too." Joining Madison on the couch, she placed the cell on the coffee table.

"Do you have to get back to Sanctuary?" inquired a slightly hesitant blonde.

"No, in fact it's a case of the complete opposite. Ashley and Will have had a quiet time and suggested I stay a few more days."

A beaming Madison said, "That's excellent news."

"I had a feeling you would be more than a little thrilled."

Standing, Madison went into the kitchen, "Would you like a wine?"

"Yes please."

Grabbing a beer and wine, Madison returned to find Helen with her back against the couch and her legs along the chaise section.

"I thought you might like to lean on me and be more comfortable," she put forward.

"You thought right." Placing the drinks beside the bowl of popcorn on the table, Madison settled between Helen's legs. "I'm not too heavy?" she asked while leaning back onto Helen's chest.

"No, you feel just right," replied Helen huskily.

A shiver ran down Madison's spine then directly to her centre, "Okay."

Helen placed her left arm around the blonde and commented, "You smell nice."

Madison was seriously contemplating reviewing her request to take the relationship at a snail's pace, "It's the honeysuckle shampoo I use."

"It's very aromatic," noted Helen. "It suits you."

"Thank you and you have great hair."

Helen tittered, "Well thank you and I have never heard that before."

"You are kidding me?" asked a shocked Madison.

"No, it's true."

"You are a natural blonde though, correct?"

"Yes I am and how did you know that?"

"I looked you up on the computer and found an old picture of you with long blonde curls, besides Ashley is a blonde."

"I changed the colour to suit the era and to look less like I did back then."

"You are beautiful with either shade."

"You are a hopeless flatterer Madison."

"No, just stating a fact."

Helen giggled again, "You have mentioned it on several occasions now."

"Well, it is worth repeating."

"I don't think I have been this relaxed in years," confessed the brunette.

"I'm glad to hear that and maybe you'll consider making more time for yourself in the not too distant future."

"You never know, now please pass me the popcorn."

"Yes ma'am."

Helen flicked through the channels until the couple opted for a comedy.

-o-

Two hours later, Helen leaned forward and kissed Madison on the head, "Time for bed. You have been yawning for the past ten minutes."

"I won't argue," replied Madison while getting to her feet. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Pleasant dreams Madison."

Helen spent some time on her laptop communicating with Henry and laughing at his account of Will finally discovering that after two days of her absence, he wasn't in charge at all and things were running smoothly.

After saying goodbye to Henry, Helen went up the stairs and noted Madison's light was still on in her room. Knocking on the door, she asked, "Are you okay?"

"Come on in, I was just reading."

Helen opened the door and found Madison propped up against her pillows. "Trouble sleeping again?" she asked.

"Kind of," replied Madison with a screwed up face.

Smirking at the antics of the blonde, Helen inquired, "Kind of what, may I ask?"

Putting down the novel, Madison grinned, "This cast is giving me the absolute shits and I can't get comfortable. I've tried every conceivable position with no success."

"I may be able to help you in that department. I'll be back in a jiffy; I just need to go to my vehicle."

"It's your show Doc."

Helen returned moments later carrying a large metal suitcase and Madison eyed the case suspiciously, "Okay, you want to let me in on the secret?"

Helen rolled her eyes, "It's a portable scanner. I am going to see if your bone has healed. If it has, I have an oscillating multi-tool I can use to remove the cast."

"Well, you certainly did come prepared."

"The equipment is standard issue for the truck and is always packed ready to go at a moment's notice."

"You know, you have me thoroughly intrigued with your work."

"If you behave, I might just invite you along on a mission someday."

"Don't tease me now Doctor," taunted Madison playfully.

"That will come later," retorted Helen cheekily.

Madison gulped at the thought and pulled back the covers to expose her legs.

Helen organised the machine and quickly set to work.

Moments later, she declared, "The break is fully knitted, are you happy for me to take off the cast?"

"Yes please, and then I can get a decent night's sleep."

"Well hopefully this will be the cure to that problem."

Helen retrieved an electric handheld saw and made light work of cutting into the fibreglass after placing a towel under Madison's legs. She removed the cast within two minutes and Madison immediately stretched her lower limb.

Reaching down, she massaged the calf muscle, "Thank you Helen."

"You are welcome, but you will have to take it easy on the leg for a few days."

"Hey, I have my own personal doctor, so it shouldn't be a difficulty."

A smirking Helen cleaned up the mess and took the equipment back to the truck.

When she re-entered the bedroom, she suggested, "I'll massage that leg for you. Roll over onto your stomach."

Madison did as directed and softly moaned when Helen's strong fingers gently kneaded her muscles. "Have you prepared a bill for me yet?"

"No and there won't be one."

"Helen, I insist."

"Consider it paid in full in exchange for this wonderful break."

"Grrr, I'll think about it."

"Did you by chance just growl at me?"

"Yes, sorry."

Helen laughed, "It was divinely adorable, now relax, you are all tense again."

"That is easier said than done."

"And pray tell, why is that?"

"You've got magic hands remember."

"Oh yes, that's correct."

Madison was breathing deeply and fast asleep by the time Helen finished. Pulling the covers up, she turned off the light and went to her bedroom.

-o-