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 17

Helen pressed Madison's speed dial number on her Blackberry and was surprised to receive a message that phone was not in service. Checking the time, she realised her girlfriend was probably in the locker room shower after completing her shift. Helen was aware there was no cell service in the locker room, so she ended the call and stepped back into Watson's study.

The assembled group went over the strategy to capture a rampaging creature that was causing havoc during the night time in the county of York. Doctor Watson had requested Helen's assistance due to the fact she had previous experience with pursuing and relocating a similar Abnormal five years earlier.

Although eager to see Madison, Helen couldn't refuse her old and dear friend. She had travelled alone to London, leaving Will in charge. Ashley had asked to go with her, but Helen didn't see the necessity.

The team was ready to leave for York when Helen's phone rang. "Hello Bobby," she answered while her heart gripped with fear.

"Helen, I know you are currently overseas, but I thought you would like to know as soon as possible."

"Oh dear god, what has happened to Madison?"

"She's been hurt and is presently in Virginia Mason Hospital."

Helen's knees buckled and she reached out to steady herself against the wall, "How bad is she?"

"Madi's head took a hard blow and her skull was fractured."

"Damn it," whispered Helen.

"Helen, she is in an induced coma. The doctor took an MRI and she has a bleed. She is going into surgery in the next ten minutes."

Steeling her resolve, Helen remained calm, "I understand, are you okay?"

"No, not really," Bobby answered in a tear filled voice. "She took the hit meant for me. It hit her vest and knocked her backwards into a display counter. She's always protecting me, the silly woman."

"Is anyone currently with you?"

"Yeah, the Lieutenant and Captain are here and Ellen is on her way."

"That's good. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Bobby collected himself, "Okay, I'll see you when you get here."

"I won't be long." Turning to James, she pocketed her phone and clarified, "The second we have this Abnormal in captivity, I need you to tell me where I can find John."

The pair entered a vehicle and the driver sped off into the night.

"What's going on Helen?" inquired a concerned James.

"My girlfriend has been seriously injured whilst on duty and has suffered trauma to her skull. She has an interior haemorrhage that requires surgery."

"I am sorry to hear that and when you say a girlfriend, do you mean a friend who is a woman?"

Helen gave her friend a sideways glance, "Oh for goodness sakes Jimmy, suck it up. Even I'm entitled to a life of some sort."

"Touché Helen and I gather you wish to find John and ask for his assistance."

"I do."

"I'll call him and have him meet us in York after we deal with the Abnormal."

"Thank you James, it's important I be there for her."

"As you wish Helen and I really am glad you have someone to care about."

-o-

Two hours of chasing the walrus/human hybrid through the back streets of York, resulted in its capture and the arrival of Montague John Druitt. He materialised behind the van being loaded with the sedated Abnormal and was all charm.

"Good evening Helen and James," he said while tipping his hat and revealing his bald head.

Turing around, Helen replied, "Hello John and thank you for arriving so promptly."

"My pleasure, now how may I be of assistance?"

"It is essential you teleport me to Seattle."

The tall man with the piercing blue eyes and a long scar down the right side of his cheek smiled then bowed, "Of course Helen, I am at your service. Anywhere in particular my lady?"

"Yes, Virginia Mason Hospital."

"Oh, is it to be a mercy dash then?"

Helen hugged James and kissed his cheek, "With the research I've left you, you should have no problem with relocation. Sorry to have to run like this."

"Understandable my good woman and you have my gratitude for your assistance. Take care."

"You too James, talk to you soon." Helen moved to stand beside John and grabbed onto his arm, "Yes John, it is a mercy dash."

John nodded, "Goodbye James."

In a sparkle of green and blue light the ex-lovers disappeared.

-o-

Helen and John rematerialized in the hospital car park and John dipped his hat and announced, "Here we are my lady."

With a frown, Helen quipped, "It's been one hundred and twenty years since I was your lady John."

"Yes, a fact I have often regretted."

"John, I've not been repentant over it once. My love for you died a long time ago." Helen started to walk towards the main entrance.

John followed closely behind, "You wound me Helen."

"I seriously doubt that."

"So who is it we are visiting?"

Helen stopped in her tracks and spun around, "You are not visiting anyone. I am here to be with my girlfriend."

With wide eyes, John remarked, "Surely you jest."

"No John, I kid you not. Madison and I have been together for over six months and she has been injured."

John scoffed a the news, "Oh Helen, a little dalliance with the love that dares not speak its name is the last thing I expected of you."

Helen's lips pursed and her eyes glowed with anger, "This is no dalliance, it's most serious and unlike the whores you seek out to warm your bed, I am deeply in love with Madison and intend to spend the rest of my life with her."

John brought his hands up and mockingly slow clapped, "Bravo Helen, it is refreshing to see you passionate about something other than our daughter and your work. I wish you well and I do expect an invitation to any nuptials that may be forthcoming."

Helen's anger ebbed, "Honestly John, you are the most infuriating man I have ever known. Now, if you don't mind, my beloved needs me."

John bowed, "Until we meet again, farewell Helen."

"Thank you John."

In a flash of colour, Druitt was gone and Helen ran inside. Pulling out her cell phone, she called Bobby.

"Helen."

"Where are you?" she asked while pressing the lift's call button.

"Sixth floor surgical waiting area, it's to your left when you exit the lift."

"Thank you, I will be there shortly."

-o-

Bobby, Ellen, Lieutenant Jacobs and a man Helen assumed was Captain O'Reilly were pacing back and forth in the waiting room. Ellen spotted Helen and rushed to her. With arms wide open, Helen received the other woman and they both wept.

Bobby approached them, "Madi is still in theatre. The doctor said it could take a while."

Helen released Ellen then hugged her red-eyed husband, "Is there anything I can do?"

"No, but I'm so glad you could make it."

"So am I." Helen wiped her eyes and Bobby stepped back.

"Helen, this is Captain Don O'Reilly," he said as the tall grey haired man approached.

"Pleased to meet you Captain and nice to see you again Ross, although it isn't under the best of circumstances."

"No it's not," agreed both men.

Everyone took a seat and Bobby went over the details with Helen.

"So the injury is to the forehead?" inquired Helen.

Bobby pointed to the left side of his temple, "Yes. She fell onto the corner of the counter and sliced herself open."

Helen grimaced and tried not to lose control, "Oh dear lord, that's a particularly venerable spot."

"That's what the doctor told us," added Ellen.

To everyone's surprise Justine waltzed into the room, "Hey Bobby and Ellen, Susan just told me what happened to Madi."

Helen glared at the woman who had caused her lover so much heartache in the past and stood up. "I'm going for a cup of tea, does anyone else want anything?"

After receiving requests for four coffees, Helen left the room. She immediately heard footsteps behind her and spun around, "What do you require Miss Lewis?"

"Just a moment of your time."

"You've got precisely ten seconds," replied Helen sharply.

"Look, I know you don't particularly like me, but I'm not here to take any crap. I'm here for Madison, so you can quit with the looks of revulsion."

Annoyance rose in Helen and she erupted while stepping in closer, "How dare you! Where were you when Madison needed you in your relationship? I'll tell you where you were, you were too busy being unfaithful to her. That was when you weren't withholding sex from her as a means of punishment. You disgust me and because of your deplorable actions and betrayal, Madison has been embarrassed sexually and hurt emotionally. Your wife has also played a part in it all and unless you want me to unleash my fury upon you, I suggest you leave now."

Pulling back her shoulders, Justine stood her ground, "I'll leave when I am good and ready."

Helen moved up into the blonde's personal space and pinned her against the wall with her right forearm. Staring into the other woman's green eyes, she calmly stated, "For once in your life stop being selfish and think about Madison. She would not want you here. The woman could barely control her abhorrence for you and Susan when she was here the last time."

"You can't tell me what to do," snarled Justine as she struggled to get away from Helen's grip.

"No," declared Bobbie. "She can't, but if I have to, I'll arrest your sorry ass for being a bitch. Helen's right, Madi doesn't have any feelings for you other than hatred, so please just go and stop being so frigging dramatic. This is not about you for a change."

Helen moved away and Justine marched off down the hall.

"How much of that did you hear?" asked Helen as she adjusted her jacket.

"All of it and Justine has a lot to answer for."

"I am sure her day will come in time."

Bobby patted Helen on the shoulder, "Tell me how you managed to get back from London so quickly?"

"I was already in the air on the return flight when you called."

"Well that was lucky. I'll give you a hand with the drinks."

The two friends headed towards the machine and Helen inquired, "Does Madison tell you everything?"

"Yes. We have no secrets and I know all about what Justine and Susan did to her. She confided in me some time ago and Madison has opened up a lot more since meeting you."

Helen smiled at the revelation, "I'm glad she didn't keep it from you. How has she been since I've been away? "

"Truthfully, she's been a bit of a mess. That's the reason she took the overtime; she wanted something to occupy her time with."

"I've missed her no less," admitted Helen sadly.

"Your work is pretty important, isn't it?"

"Yes Bobby, it's a necessary evil unfortunately."

"I know Madi accepts that, but I also see the anguish she goes through when you are away."

"It's not gone unnoticed, I sense it every time we say goodbye."

Helen started to feed coins into the machine, but Bobby stopped her.

"The night Madi was attached by that monster thing you didn't just happen by, did you?"

Loath to lie to the man who had become a close friend, Helen answered truthfully, "No."

"You were chasing it for research?"

"Yes, as was my team."

"Is there more of them out there?"

"Not of that particular kind, but there are others creatures."

"I kind of figured it out before I lost consciousness. I saw the beast get shot by Madi and she hit it right between the eyes. There was no way it survived and there were never any reports of sightings or a dead body, so I just put two and two together."

"I always knew you were a smart man."

Bobby moved his hand and Helen slid the next coin into the slot.

As the pair walked back to the waiting room moments later, Bobby confided, "I haven't told anybody else except Ellen."

"Thank you, I appreciate your discretion. It's vital my work remain a secret from the public."

"You're pretty feisty for an English lady."

"That was fairly tame by my usual standards," replied Helen cheekily.

Shaking his head, Bobby conceded, "No wonder Madi is head over heels for you."

"I assure you my good man, the attraction is mutual. She's a very powerful woman."

"That she is."

The duo turned the corner and joined the others for a two-hour vigil.

-o-

A tall woman sporting short grey hair and wearing dark blue surgical scrubs came into the room and spoke, "Hello, I'm Doctor Hanson. Is there a Helen Magnus present?"

Helen got to her feet, "I am doctor. How is Madison?"

"She is doing well. We were able to stop the haemorrhaging and she is resting comfortably in recovery. Madison has regained consciousness and is fully alert. She'll be moved to a private room on the fourth floor shortly. I suggest you all go down there and wait."

As the others conveyed their gratitude to the neurosurgeon, Helen stepped outside and waited to have a quiet word with the specialist.

"I gather you'd like a more detailed medical explanation Doctor Magnus?" asked the woman in her early fifties.

With surprise etched on her face, Helen inquired, "How did you know I am a doctor and why did you specifically ask for me?"

"You're listed as Madison's partner and next of kin on her file."

Helen was chuffed that Madison had made the changes, "Oh that explains it then."

"Your girlfriend will be just fine. She was fully coherent and cognitive after the surgery, hence the reason I chose not to put her into the ICU."

"Oh god, that is such a relief."

"The fracture to her skull is two inches long as is the wound. I performed an Endoscopic Craniotomy by using a small bone flap, so she still has the majority of her hair. I removed the fragments of broken cranium and glass then closed the incision with glue, so scarring should be minimal. With bed rest, Madison should be fit within a week or two."

"Thank you Doctor Hanson and Madison is a quick healer, so you'll be hard pressed to keep her here for that length of time."

"Time will tell. If you'll excuse me, I'll go check on her before she is moved."

"Doctor, can you please not tell her I am here; I'd like to surprise her."

The doctor grinned, comprehending the reasoning behind the request, "I can do that for you."

Helen returned inside the room and relayed all the latest information to the others.

-o-

Squinting, Madison tried to focus on her environment and recognised the grey haired woman as her surgeon, "Hey Doctor Hanson."

With a broad smile, the woman replied, "Hello again, you just dozed off for a few minutes. You have a waiting room full of people who are eager to see you."

"Yeah, I'm a popular kind of girl," retorted Madison with a smirk and a bloodstream laced with morphine. "So, bottom line, how long before I get out of here?"

"If you behave, I'd say no less than a week. I want to keep you under observation long enough to ensure there will be no complications."

"That's fair enough and I promise to be good."

A soft chuckle accompanied Hanson's next comment, "An orderly is here to take you up to your room and if you don't mind, I'll come along for the ride?"

"Nah, I don't mind."

"I'll just inform one of the nurses to ask your friends to wait thirty more minutes before visiting."

Madison responded with closed eyes, "I appreciate that Doctor Hanson."

-o-

The nurse left Madison's room once she had adjusted the patient-controlled analgesia hooked up to the cannula inserted into the artery of the back of Madison's right hand. No sooner did she close the door, than Bobby, Ellen, Ross and Don piled inside administering hugs and kisses to the patient. The foursome stayed and chatted for over ten minutes before Ross and Don took their leave to return to the station.

Ellen took hold of Bobby's hand as the door closed and said, "I'm so glad you are okay Madi because we'd like to have you around to meet your god-son or daughter in seven and a half months time."

Madison's eyes grew larger and her brows climbed up her forehead, "Can you run that by me again?"

Bobby complied animatedly, "We are six weeks pregnant. It was confirmed yesterday morning."

Lifting her arms, Madison muttered, "Come here you two. Oh gosh, this is just terrific news guys." The tears fell as she hugged her two best friends again.

Bobby finally straightened up minutes later, "We have another surprise, but we'll say goodbye for now. Love you Madi."

Leaning into the propped up Madison, Ellen kissed her, "Get some rest, love you."

"I love you guys too and thanks for hanging around for so long." Madison waved them goodbye and wondered what the other surprise was. She didn't have long to ponder. The door opened to reveal Henry, Will and Ashley waltzing in carrying flowers and boxes of chocolate. "Wow, it's so good to see you three."

Her unexpected visitors gave her a kiss and hug before Ashley explained, "The minute we heard what happened, we hopped on the chopper and here we are."

Madison got teary and exclaimed, "I've missed you all."

"We've missed you too," admitted Henry sincerely." It's been too long."

"How long before they spring you from here?" enquired Ashley with a tilt of her head.

Collecting her emotions, Madison answered, "A week at the earliest."

"Cool, that's not too bad," noted the younger blonde. "Now close your eyes, there is another surprise for you."

Madison did as requested and was expecting to see the Big Guy when she opened her eyes. She heard the door open and close and Ashley advised her, "You can look now." The door opened and closed again.

As Madison's sight returned, her smile intensified, "Oh sweetheart, you're here?"

"Where else would I be darling," responded Helen as she approached the bed. Tilting in, she kissed Madison tenderly and softly caressed her arm.

When she pulled back, Madison quipped, "My apologies for post-operative breath."

Helen smiled brilliantly, "Hardly noticed it at all." Taking Madison's hand, she added, "I love you."

"I love you too Helen. Oh, I've missed you so much."

"Mmm, I missed you," countered Helen throatily.

"It was good of the others to visit."

"They will come by again tonight, but I am staying with you my darling."

Grinning, Madison patted the side of the bed, "Lay down with me, I'd like to hold you."

Letting go of Madison's hand, Helen climbed onto the mattress and settled on her side, "This is what I miss the most when we are kept apart."

"Me too honey, what time is it?"

"A little after ten thirty," replied Helen as she snuggled into her girlfriend's shoulder. She moved carefully onto Madison's chest and felt a hardened nipple press into her arm and sighed heavily, "I'm not too heavy am I?"

"Oh no honey, you are just fine. In fact you feel really good Helen."

"You're chest isn't bruised?"

"No, the vest did its job." Madison put her arm around Helen and stroked a long curled strand of dark brown hair. "Have I told you how sexy you are in that outfit?"

Helen tittered softly, "Yes, you have mentioned your liking for my attire once or twice darling. How's your head feeling?"

"I don't feel a thing, but I do need to have a shower. I feel a little sticky and I can smell dried blood."

Just then the nurse walked in and looked at the duo.

"Julie McCray, meet Helen Magnus," said Madison.

"Hello," replied Julie. "I hate to interrupt, but I need to check your obs."

"All yours," replied Madison while Helen eased off the bed. "Hey Julie, would it be possible for me to get up and take a shower?"

"Sure, the sooner you get on your feet, the sooner you will feel better. I'll just organise a water proof cover for your head to keep your hair from getting wet."

"Thanks."

"No problem and I assume you'll be assisting her Helen?"

"I certainly will."

"Helen's a doctor Julie, so I'm in competent hands."

Julie giggled before putting the chart in the compartment at the end of the bed, "I'm sure you are." She turned and scurried out of the room.

She returned seconds later with two towels and a shower cap, "Just don't overdo it in the shower and try to keep the water stream away from your head. I won't be back for another hour to check on your vitals, so try to get some rest in between. I suspect you will be staying Helen?"

"Correct."

"Okay, I'll leave you to it."

"Thank you Julie," said Helen before going around to the other side of the bed. She moved the PAC stand out of the way then pulled back the bed covers. "Now we take it very slow Madison and you may feel dizzy."

The blonde swung her legs over to the side of the bed and stood up slowly, "This isn't my first time, I got up in recovery to prove I was feeling all right."

"Go ahead then baby, just move at your own pace."

"Can you grab my toiletries bag and some clothes out of the bag Ellen brought me? It's in the closet honey."

Helen retrieved the requested items and some clothing for herself. If she was going to be lying with Madison in the bed, she wanted to be comfortable. The shower water was already running when she entered the ensuite.

"Can you please take off this gown?" Madison asked as she put on the cap.

Helen untied the gown in the back and slid it off her lover. She then handed Madison her toothbrush and paste before undressing.

Joining Madison under the jet, Helen picked up the shower gel and washcloth. She cleansed every inch of Madison save her head. When she finished washing herself, she turned off the water and dried the blonde before towelling off. After navigating the IV line through the sleeves of Madison's tee shirt, Helen helped Madison back to the bed. She looked tired and her quietness let Helen know she was ready for sleep. Magnus hadn't slept for four days and was keen to rest too.

Once Madison was comfortable in bed, Helen turned off the lights and closed the blinds. Snuggling into the crook of Madison's shoulder, she kissed her and said, "Sweet dreams baby."

"Mmm, you too and thanks for coming to see me."

They were both asleep within minutes and didn't stir when Julie checked Madison's Obs every hour.

-o-

Helen woke and saw Madison was still asleep. She slid off the bed and retrieved the Blackberry from her jacket draped over the back of one of the three chairs. Contacting Ashley, she asked her daughter to pack a bag for her and to bring it when she visited later.

"Do you want me to pack your sexy lingerie or your daggy flannelette pyjamas?" jested Ashley with a gentle titter.

Ignoring her daughter's innuendo, Helen answered, "Both, I'll be staying at Madison's when she is discharged."

"You got it mom and Will and I will take care of things here."

"Thank you and that will keep my mind at ease. Unless there's an unavoidable necessity I won't be back for at least a fortnight."

"In that case I will pack extra sexy underwear."

Helen giggled, "I'd appreciate that Ashley."

"I'll see you tonight mom."

"Bye." Helen returned her phone to her jacket then used the bathroom.

After showering, she redressed in her jeans and black button up shirt then rushed to the drug store on the lower level and bought a toothbrush and hairbrush.

Madison was still sleeping when she returned to the room and after brushing her teeth and hair, Helen cuddled into her again.

-o-

A short time later, Madison stirred, "Hello sweetheart, did you sleep okay with the head of the bed raised?"

"Yes love, about five hours and I am so glad you got some decent slumber."

Madison stretched, "Me too, I need a shower to freshen up."

"Yes, your visitors will be arriving soon."

Julie walked into the room and announced, "Good news, I'm taking out your IV and catheter. You will be on oral medication from now on."

Helen climbed out of bed and Madison quipped, "That is good news, but I was just getting used to peeing in bed."

Helen and Julie both laughed as the blonde lowered the bed with the remote.

"I'm going off duty after this, so if you need anything, just buzz and another nurse will assist you."

Once Julie was finished, she bide them goodbye and Madison disappeared into the ensuite.

-o-