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 15

Ashley passed Madison a bowl of honeyed carrots and casually enquired, "How do you feel about returning to work tomorrow Madi?"

Smiling, the older blonde answered, "I'm looking forward to it and Bobby is in serious need of rescue. He's had to suffer a little during my absence."

"Mom was telling me that your partner is also your best friend."

"He is, so is he wife Ellen. They have been the closest thing to a family I've had since my parents passed away." Scanning the surprised faces, Madison quickly added, "But I'm glad to say that all you guys have joined that family. If it wasn't for you, I would not be alive."

The Big Guy spoke first, "I've enjoyed having you around Madison and I too consider you family."

Helen halted her approach and stood in the doorway to listen to the conversation. Wiping away several tears, she lost herself in the contentment of the scene.

"You are like the big sister I never had," admitted Ashley readily. "And I adore you for how you love my mother."

Helen stifled another tear and joined the others at the table. She planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead, "I love you."

Looking up, Ashley grinned, "Love you too mom and I'm assuming you heard all that."

"Indeed I did," responded Helen while taking a seat at the head of the table. "And just so we are all on the same page, I love each and every one of you and please pass the meatloaf."

Will jumped up out of his chair and hugged her, "I love you too Magnus."

Madison giggled and handed the platter of meatloaf to Helen, "You should take that comedy routine on the road sweetheart."

"I've got more than enough to do already without entertaining the masses," rejoined Helen deadpan. "Now back to business, Ashley is all the equipment packed?"

"All done mom, we are ready to roll."

"The new monitoring system is ready too Doc," added Henry.

"Good work everyone and did I ever tell you about the time when Ashley was three and wrangled a cobra in New Delhi?"

-o-

After dinner, Madison went to the lower level and had Henry explain the security system again while Helen attended so some arrangements.

Ashley approached the duo several hours later as she made her way into the Tech Room, "Hey Madi, do you have a second?"

Looking up from the keyboard, Madison smirked, "I'm all yours. Henry, thank you so much for all your help. I think I finally understand the entire EM shield system now."

"You're welcome and I must say, you are a quick study."

"That's because you are a good teacher, I'll call you tomorrow," promised Madison as she stood and pushed the chair under the desk.

"Thanks," beamed Henry before standing and hugging Madison.

Kissing his cheek, Madison followed Ashley out of the room and asked, "Where are we headed?"

"Mom's suite, I don't want anyone to overhear us."

"Ah ... okay."

They entered the lift and Ashley pushed the sub-level button. She waved to the camera in the upper corner knowing Henry would be watching them. "Henry used to have a crush on me," she admitted freely.

"That's understandable."

Ashley giggled, "Thanks. He's been really good about Will."

The lift stopped and the two blondes stepped into the hall. Once they were in Helen's living room, Ashley flopped down on the couch, "So, what are your intentions with my mother?"

Madison squirmed, she hadn't expected the question so soon, "Has Helen said something to you?"

"Other than how much she loves you and enjoys having you here, then no."

"Okay, just checking."

"Relax Madi," said Ashley with a devilish grin. "This is just me looking out for her."

"Ashley, I don't plan on hurting your mother and the last three months we've spent together have been brilliant. It's no secret how I feel about her and when the time is right, I fully intend on making our relationship more permanent."

Ashley sprang to her feet and embraced the older blonde, "Just what I wanted to hear."

Madison laughed nervously, "Glad I could make your day."

Stepping back, Ashley continued, "How do you think mom would react if Will moved into my suite?"

Screwing up her face, Madison took a seat, "Your mom is fairly liberal when it comes to most things, but you are her little girl, so I'm not too sure Ash."

"Yeah, that's what I thought, but Will and I don't want to hide our relationship any longer."

"You shouldn't have to; just discuss the idea with your mom first. I'm certain everything will be fine. After all, she did give Will her blessing and permission to date you."

Ashley smiled brightly, "That's true and she knows I'm no vestal virgin."

Madison raised her hand to her mouth in mock horror, "No, you've shocked me. Just don't mention that matter when talking to your mom."

"Smartass copper," ribbed Ashley as she sat down again.

"When I become your step-mother, I'm going to ground you for a very long time young lady," taunted Madison.

Holding onto her side, Ashley roared with laughter, "Good one Madi."

"I thought you'd like that one." Madison checked her watch, "Your mom should be here soon."

"Cool, is it all right if I wait?"

"Of course it is, it's not past your bed time yet."

Ashley grabbed a cushion and tossed it at Madison's head. Madison caught it and hurled it back, catching Ashley in the chest.

Jumping up, the younger blonde threw the cushion again and clipped Madison on the head.

"That's it Magnus," declared Madison as she hit Ashley on the forehead. She took off and ran behind the writing desk while ducking to avoid the blur of gold as it sailed past her head. Weaving, she watched in horror as the cushion crashed into a vase sitting on top of the fireplace mantle.

As it began a slow descent towards the floor, Madison heard Ashley yell, "SHIT!" The room grew quiet except for the sound of the door opening.

Madison threw herself along the floorboards and caught the ornate pottery in her left hand as Helen shouted, "ASHLEY!"

Madison lay prone on the floor as Ashley grimaced, "Uhm sorry mom, it was my fault."

"For goodness sakes Madison get up off the floor," chastised Helen sternly. "You're a grown adult not a bloody child."

Madison did and carefully replaced the vase to its original position on the mantle. Picking up the cushion, she apologised, "Sorry sweetheart."

Helen turned to her daughter, "What have I told you about throwing things inside?"

Lowering her eyes, Ashley mumbled, "Not to do it in your rooms."

Helen picked up a cushion off the couch, "No, not that."

Recognising the glint in her mother's eye, Ashley countered, "Oh yeah, anticipate your opponent's moves."

"Precisely," replied Helen as she hit Madison squarely in the temple.

Madison doubled over and gripped her knees, "Shit!"

Helen immediately ran to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "My love, are your all right?"

Groaning, Madison smacked her girlfriend in the back of the head with the pillow she was holding.

"Oh mom," laughed Ashley robustly. "You forgot about element of surprise."

Madison hugged Helen to her chest then kissed her behind the ear, "That was a lot of fun and your daughter needs to speak with you in private. I'll go fetch us a pot of tea."

Helen sighed, "All right and nice move."

Winking at Ashley, Madison released her hold and departed the room. She located Will in the kitchen drinking a glass of milk moments later, "Hey Will."

"Hey yourself, have you seen Ashley around?"

"I have and she is upstairs talking to Helen."

"Oh."

"It's okay and I guarantee you will be moving in with Ashley tonight."

Will's eyes gleamed brightly, "So, she told you?"

"Yes and Helen will be fine with the change in your relationship. She really is happy for you and Ashley."

"Phew, I hope so. I'm turning into a nervous wreck sneaking back and forth to Ashley's room every night."

Madison squeezed Will's shoulder reassuringly, "Unless Helen comes bounding in here in the next five minutes fuming, you can assume everything is all right."

"I'm sure you're right Madi. What time will you be leaving in the morning?"

"Roll call is at five, so I'll be out of here no later than two to allow for traffic."

"That's a bummer."

"Yeah, but duty calls and I've had a great month here."

"Magnus is going to miss you. You're all she talks about when we are away."

Madison smirked at the thought, "That makes me happy."

"You make her content and more relaxed then I have ever seen her. When she is working, Magnus is so focused, but now she takes time off to enjoy spending time with you."

"Wow Will, thank you for the kind words."

Ashley joined the pair and hugged Will, "Mom's cool baby, so get packing."

In return Will kissed Ashley on the cheek, "You got it."

Madison cleared her throat, "I'll say my goodbyes now guys and see you soon. Good luck in Iceland and please look after Helen and yourselves." She kissed her two friends before giving them each an extra tight hug.

"See you in a couple of days Sarge," said Will.

"Be safe Madi," added Ashley. "And thank you."

Madison walked out of the kitchen and ran to the lifts. She had six and a half hours before she was due to leave and she intended on making the most of the time.

-o-

Helen gently rolled off Madison and exhaled loudly, "This is the only part of our goodbyes that I take pleasure in, the rest really does get harder each time."

"I know honey, but it will only be for three days. I'll drive back up here on Wednesday night." Madison looked to Helen and continued, "Henry gave me all the necessary attachments and programs for my laptop, so you'll be able to chat with me face to face from Iceland tomorrow night and again on Tuesday."

Moving onto her left side, Helen placed her hand on Madison's jaw, "I'm very elated about that darling and I'll text you first so you'll know to turn on your computer."

"All right and I don't care what time you contact me."

"Okay my love and I see you've become quite the tech geek."

"Well, I had to have something to do while you were away."

"Henry says you are a natural and extremely efficient with the weapons."

"Hey, if I could use some of your equipment on my job, I'd have to do less running."

Helen laughed at the comment then kissed the blonde deeply.

Madison came up for air and asked, "What do you tell people when they ask you about Helen Magnus from the 1800s?"

"I tell them I'm her great great great granddaughter. That's the other reason I am no longer a blonde."

Madison slowly ran her fingers through the back of Helen's long hair, "I really like the extra wave."

"I do too and I'm surprised you noticed."

"I notice every little change in you; like the fact you've added cherry to your shampoo."

Grinning sweetly, Helen said, "Very good. You should be a detective."

"No thanks, longer hours and you're on call 24/7."

"That would be highly detrimental to our relationship."

"Hence the reason I won't be sitting the exam for a gold shied."

"Have you detected any other changes?"

"Yes, your hair is parted down the centre instead of to the right and the fringe is slightly shorter. Your fingernails are clipped shorter, which by the way, I am very grateful for and you've let your eyebrows lighten in colour. When you are not out and about, you don't bother to use black mascara to darken your eyelashes and last but not least, you don't wear high heels around me. I gather that is so we are the same height."

Helen smiled, "I am very impressed Madison. Your observation skills are excellent as always."

"Thanks, now it's your turn."

Helen reclined back onto the pillows and closed her eyes, "You've managed to retain your increased muscle definition since being here and you've been drinking less tea."

"That's because you have too," admitted the blonde.

"Indeed I have and you have also curbed your swearing."

Madison giggled softly, "True, but that will probably change after tomorrow."

"More than likely."

Placing her left hand on Helen's hip, Madison asked, "Anymore?"

"Yes, you often wake in the middle of the night and watch me sleep."

"Oh, the jig is up," taunted Madison with a playful tickle.

"Indeed," replied Helen in between a chuckle. "I have woken several times of late and found you."

"It's usually after a bad dream and watching you comforts me."

Opening her eyes, Helen responded, "You can wake me when that happens next time my love."

"Duly noted."

"You try very hard to disguise the slight limp of your right leg."

"Oh, you are good sweetheart."

"And you get this adorable little smile on your face when I call you baby."

Madison leaned over and whispered into Helen's ear, "That's because you make it sound so wonderfully sexy in your Victorian accent and it makes me incredibly wet."

Helen's body shivered at her lover's confession. It was the first time Madison had been so open about herself sexually.

Gripping her lover's head, Helen lifted it up until their eyes met, "Do you have any concept of how much of a turn on it is to hear you say that?"

"Yes I do and with you, I feel free to tell you rather than just show you."

"I rather enjoy this openness baby."

The upper left corner of Madison's mouth curled upwards and she took Helen's hand, "Just to prove my point." Guiding long fingers to her slick folds, she groaned into Helen's neck.

"Oh dear lord, I absolutely love it when you are right."

"No one has ever had this kind of control over me Helen."

"I'm quite chuffed by that information," replied the brunette as her fingertips glided over the hard node then into the moisture.

Madison reared up and her legs parted, "Take me sweetheart, I'm all yours."

Helen pressed her lips to Madison's and did as directed ... several times in fact.

-o-