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 18

Two days later, Madison was valiantly trying to be discharged. Doctor Hanson found no reason to keep her and by eleven thirty, Helen and Madison pulled into the driveway of Madison's house in a taxi.

Helen paid for the fare while Madison took their bags inside. She entered the house to find her girlfriend standing in the kitchen with the refrigerator door wide open.

"I'm hungry," declared the blonde.

Helen pressed into her back, "I am too. You go change into something comfortable while I make us something to eat, how about your favourite?"

Closing the fridge door, Madison turned to face Helen and placed her hands on the slim hips. Lifting Helen up, she settled her on top of the counter and seized her lips in an ardent kiss. It was a kiss of longing and adoration and lasted for several minutes before Madison pulled back with a devilish grin, "As soon as we have eaten, I am taking you into the bedroom to make love to you until you beg for mercy."

"Oh dear lord," whimpered Helen as she jumped off the counter and landed on unsteady legs. "I'll start cooking straight away."

"I'll help you," added Madison before taking Helen into her embrace again and smoothly running her lips over an exposed collarbone.

Helen groaned as her lover's lips trailed upwards and captured her own mouth in a searing kiss.

Madison withdrew moments later, "Eating food is overrated, I want to be with you instead."

"Oh baby, I'd be such a fool if I was to argue."

Without further ado, Madison picked Helen up and carried her to bed. She made good on her intentions, Helen was begging her to stop after her twelfth climax left her short of breath, and her limbs limp.

"Please Madison, that's enough my love. I swear I can't feel my legs."

Madison giggled into the back of Helen's hair, "You know, you have said that to me on more than one occasion and ended up wanting more."

Helen gently laced her fingers with Madison's and removed the blonde's hand from her tingling vulva, "That may be true, but for now, I am done and in need of a shower."

Kissing Helen's shoulder, Madison rolled away and got out of bed, "You go shower and I'll cook us some lunch."

"Okay," consented Helen as she padded into the ensuite.

Madison grabbed a robe off the hook behind the door and went into the kitchen.

-o-

Helen joined her eight minutes later talking on the phone, "Yes Ashley, I'll meet you at the hanger in ten minutes. Have the Big Guy tell Sally I'm on the way and to remain calm."

Disappointed by the content of the conversation, Madison turned off the stove, "You better take my motorbike if you plan on making the trip in that time. Traffic is fairly heavy this time of day. Helmet is in the garage hanging up on the wall to the left of the door." Going to the key rack beside the pantry, she picked up a set of keys and passed them to Helen, "Remote for the garage door is on there too, see you."

Helen was bewildered by Madison's blasé reaction and remained speechless.

"Go Helen, you're needed."

"Madison, I don't want this to be an issue between us."

"It's not, just go or you'll be late." Madison walked past her and entered the bathroom. Disrobing, she turned on the shower and cried with sheer disillusionment.

As the water caressed her skin, Madison knew there were decisions she needed to make no matter how difficult and painful it would be. Nevertheless, she knew it was time to rectify the situation before it became intolerable.

Twenty minutes passed before Madison left her home and drove to Bobby and Ellen's. After two hours of discussion, she left in tears and headed for Old City.

-o-

"Where's Madison?" asked Ashley as her mother stepped up into the vacant passenger seat of the Bell Helicopter.

"Please Ashley, I don't wish to discuss the matter. So what are Sally's symptoms?"

"Oh okay, then straight down to business it is. Her tail is covered in a black fungus and she's complaining of a severe headache. I left Sanctuary as soon as I spoke to her and called you from the air because I knew this was the quickest way to get you back."

"It sounds like she may have picked up some sort of bacterial infection."

"Maybe it was during one of her swims in the open sea," posed Ashley as she lifted off.

"More than likely, I'll have to find out where her last destination was to. Her tank water is probably contaminated, so we'll have to find alternative accommodation for her."

"It's already in the works mom."

"Excellent Ashley and thank you."

The blonde looked at her parent, "Mom, you may want to do up an extra button on your shirt."

Helen did and got lost in the memory of Madison nibbling her collarbone. It had become a favourite place for her to mark and Helen brushed a fingertip over the small bruise while pondering Madison's lack of a proper farewell.

"Has Madison got the shits because you had to leave?"

"Of course she does and quite frankly, I can't blame her. I ask so much of her and give so little in return."

"She knew the drawbacks from the start mom."

"Yes and I love her for that acceptance, but it's become a troubling concern."

"Oh, that does not sound good."

Helen's cell phone sounded with a message alert, "It's from Madison. She is probably notifying me of the fact she wants to terminate our relationship."

"I don't think Madi is the type to do that over the phone," reasoned Ashley.

Retrieving the missive, Helen read: Play the attached file. She did and as the words were sung, she started to weep.

I miss the sound of your voice

And I miss the rush of your skin

And I miss the still of the silence

As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water

If I could tell you what's next

Make you believe

Make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Faith and desire and the swing of your hips

Just pull me down hard and drown me in love

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Faith and desire and the swing of your hips

Just pull me down hard and drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice

The loudest thing in my head

And I ache to remember

All the violent, sweet, perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water

If I could tell you what's next

Make you believe

And make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Faith and desire and the swing of your hips

Just pull me down hard and drown me in love

When the song ended, Ashley wiped her eyes dry with the back of her hand, "That's definitely not what someone sends when they intend breaking up with you."

"No it's not what one would expect. I know it will be near impossible workwise, but I'm going to ask Madison to come live with us."

In response Ashley gave a little fist punch and cheered, "Way to go mom and I can always fly Madi to Seattle when I'm free, it's only a forty five minute flight."

"That's a clever offer, thank you Ashley and I'll call Madison later."

"Why not call her now?"

"Because I will bawl and make a complete right royal twat of myself if I do."

Ashley chuckled briefly at the answer, "You big softie."

-0-

Helen had her hand pressed up against the glass of Sally's tank and in line with the mermaid's. The two were communicating telepathically when Will joined them. He stood by patiently until the conversation was done.

Magnus was smiling broadly when she turned around, "Well, that little mystery has been solved, but I'll need a scrapping off Sally's tail to confirm the diagnosis."

"And that would be?"

"It seems our aquatic friend has found herself a merman over in the Galapagos Islands and they have been making out for the past two weeks. It's highly probable Sally has picked up some type of communicable disease."

Will faced Sally and waved, "You mean she's got a boyfriend?"

"Yes Will, it would appear so."

Ashley walked in on the discussion, "Say what, has Sally been making a booty call?"

"Yes, but I wouldn't have said it quite as crudely," answered Helen with a smirk.

"Oh you know me, straight to the point. So what's the plan mom?"

"I'll need a sample of the fungus for analysis then administer a course of the appropriate antibiotics."

Ashley volunteered enthusiastically, "I'll do it."

"Okay, but I want you in a fully protective suit. I don't want you to catch it too. We'll also have to treat the tank."

"That sounds simple enough, I'll go get kitted up."

"I instructed Sally to go get her friend and bring him back here for treatment before we sterilise the water."

Will interjected, "It's possible other species in the area may be infected."

"I thought of that likelihood Will and Sally will investigate the situation for us."

"Cool," praised Ashley before heading to the storage room.

"Nice hickey Magnus," Will noted before going off to help Ashley.

Helen laughed heartily while shaking her head and making a returned to her Lab.

-o-

After knocking, Madison was greeted at the front door by Bigfoot. He picked her up and hugged her, "It is good to see you again."

"You too Big Guy." She patted him on the back before she was gently put down in the foyer.

"Doctor Magnus is in her Lab and Ashley and Will are on the weapons range."

Closing the door, Madison followed Bigfoot down the hall, "Don't let anyone know I'm here, I want to surprise Helen."

"As you wish. Is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"No, but thanks for the offer."

"I will expect to see you for dinner."

"You got it, see you then."

Madison made her way upstairs to Helen's suite of rooms and dropped her bag in the bedroom. Taking out her new iPhone, she text Helen: How is Sally doing?

Seconds later Helen read the message and answered: On the road to recovery. Are we all right?

The reply was swift: We are just perfect, just like two little peas in a pod. I love you, talk to you soon

With a chuckle, Helen sent back: I am so relieved. I love you with all my heart

Madison grinned and opened up her duffle bag. She hummed as she unpacked and set about making amends with the love of her life.

-o-

Helen approached her door and spotted the note attached to the wooden panel. She reached for it and unfolded the paper.

PLEASE ENTER,

BUT DO NOT TURN ON THE LIGHT,

FOLLOW THE CANDLES.

Smiling, Helen pondered what her lover was up to as she opened the door and followed the trail of wax lights that led to her bedroom. The chamber was dimly lit with tens of candles and beside the bed was a silver bucket in a stand filled with ice, two flutes, and a bottle of Dom Pereion.

The song Madison had sent her earlier was playing on the stereo and Helen scanned the room for her paramour. She noticed the double doors to the balcony were ajar, so she headed that way.

There was a full moon high in the sky and Helen had no trouble spotting Madison standing with her back against the railing. Helen's heart beat faster and the heat rose in her centre. The blonde was breathtaking with the skyline of New City and Vancouver in the background.

Madison was wearing black combat boots, black trousers that hugged muscled thighs, a black tee shirt and a long black leather overcoat.

Helen's voice trembled with raw emotion, "You look magnificent Madison and this is a wonderful surprise." She drew nearer, "That fashion style is very becoming."

"I thought it appropriate for my new career."

Helen's face wore a look of puzzlement, "I beg your pardon?"

"I decided that if I wanted to spend more time with you, I would have to be here. If the offer to work with you is still on the table, I'd like to accept?"

Helen walked into her girlfriend's open arms, "It is, but what about your current job?"

"I've taken a year's leave from the force as of four o'clock this afternoon."

The next query was preceded by a deepening of dimples, "Oh dear god, you did that for me?"

Tenderly, Madison cupped Helen's chin, "No sweetheart, I did it for us. I love you more than I could ever explain in mere words, but there is no way I can handle any more lengthy separations."

"I love you baby, so very much."

With her trademark little smirk, Madison made a request, "Say that again."

"I love you baby, so very much."

"That is so hot honey and I'm going to enjoy hearing you say it more often in person."

"I look forward to telling you and you in that outfit is extremely invigorating."

Madison reached into her coat pocket and went down on bended right knee.

Helen held her breath and her eyes glistened with tears, "Oh Madison."

Locking eyes, Madison opened the ring box, "Helen Patricia Magnus, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

"Yes Madison, oh dear god, yes."

Madison took out the two-carat diamond gold-banded engagement ring and slipped it onto Helen's left ring finger.

Reaching down, Helen took Madison's left hand into her right, "Come up here my beloved."

The blonde stood and engulfed Helen's lips with her own in a searing kiss.

Helen's hands slid inside the leather coat and pulled Madison closer. Breaking the contact, she whimpered, "I want you to bed me immediately."

"What about dinner?"

"To hell with food, I plan on spending the rest of the night making love and toasting to my beautiful, unselfish fiancée who by the way, I love very much."

"I like your plan, but there is one thing I forgot to tell you."

"What is it darling?"

"Bobby and Ellen are expecting a baby."

"Oh, I'm so delighted for them and they are most deserving of such happiness."

"I agree and let's get back to your plan."

The proposal lasted most of the night and the exhausted couple finally fell asleep in each other's arms around three am.

-o-

Madison groaned softly in protest when she heard the knock on the bedroom door and Helen pecked her on the lips, "Cover up baby."

Looking down, Madison saw she was butt naked and had her left hand resting on Helen's smooth mound.

"Don't move your hand, I like it there love, just pull the covers up. They appear to be all on your side of the bed."

Following the appeal, Madison giggled as Helen yelled out, "COME IN ASHLEY."

The blonde snuggled in closer to Helen's side and closed her eyes.

"Good morning mom," whispered Ashley as she opened the door.

"Good morning, is there something that needs my attention?" asked Helen as Madison's fingers slid into the welcoming warmth of her centre.

Ashley sat on the end of the bed and surveyed the assortment of clothes sprawled around the room. She smiled at her mother after she spotted the empty bottle of champagne upside down in the ice bucket.

Helen tried to stay focused on her daughter as her girlfriend delicately caressed her hardened clitoris, "So what is the problem Ashley?"

"There's no problem, I just wanted to let you know Sally's boyfriend is here and ready for an injection."

"Ah ... uhm ... thank you."

Ashley stood, "I'll meet you downstairs and Madison, I can see your arm moving under the covers and I never pegged you as being that adventurous."

"There's a lot you don't know about me Ashley," countered Madison.

Once the door closed, Helen reached for her lover, "I love you, now kiss me."

"It would be my pleasure sweetheart and good morning."

The smacker was fiery and Helen's hips undulated in time with Madison's gentle touches.

As moments expired, Helen's cry of ecstasy was captured by Madison's mouth and she continued to kiss the brunette while she settled.

Helen pulled back and leered into dilated blue eyes, "I want to taste you."

"Oh god honey, I love this kind of start to the day."

-o-

Will, Henry and Ashley stood around tapping their feet waiting for Helen to arrive. Ashley was wearing a wet suit and ready to administer the antibiotics and her mother's presence was needed to produce the exact quantity before she could proceed.

"It's been forty minutes since you spoke to her," pointed out Will while staring at his watch.

"Hey I know, but she was busy. She'll be here soon."

Henry chuckled, "So Doc was with Madi then?"

"Yes Henry, now drop it."

Madison strolled in wearing black boots, black jeans and a black tank top.

"Whoa, looking good Madison," commented Henry with a wink.

"Thanks and Helen is just getting the dosage ready now." She glanced over to Sally and waved. She noted another tail moving behind the rock formation and her curiosity grew.

Will moved to her side, "Rupert is a little on the shy side."

Laughing, Madison turned her head, "You call him Rupert?"

"Yes, because his real name is about twenty letters long."

"Figures, Helen is the only one who can get her tongue around the scientific names."

"Yeah, Rupert is much easier to pronounce."

Ashley joined the chat and asked, "So did you and mom have a party in her room last night?"

"No, we were just celebrating our reunion."

"And what a glorious reunion it was," declared Helen gleefully as she joined the foursome and handed Ashley the syringe, "All yours."

She went and communicated with Sally while Ashley entered the tank from the upper level. "Sally says her friend is the only Merman around the islands and he knows of no other animals suffering the black disease. She also said he is very grateful for our help."

Everyone watched as Sally escorted Ashley behind the rocks and moments later she emerged with a thumbs up signal. Will rushed to help her as she resurfaced.

Helen spoke with Sally and Rupert and advised them they would both require a series of three more injections before the treatment was complete.

-o-

When Will and Ashley rejoined the other three, Helen announced, "Team meeting in my office at eleven."

She walked off and Madison shrugged her shoulders when three heads turned to her, "I'll see you later." Without another word, she chased after Helen.

The brunette halted and held her right hand out to Madison, "Want to take a biology lesson?"

"I do as long as I can kiss the teacher."

"It's a class requirement."

"Excellent and while you were in the shower, I called Bobby and he's going to call you after work this afternoon."

Helen opened her Lab door, "I look forward to that discussion." She went to her desk and set to work.

Madison observed and listened carefully. When she didn't understand something, she asked Helen for further explanation. "So let me get this right," she said after hearing about the Merfolk history. "Sally was contacted by her people and when you and Will visited the Bermuda Triangle, you discovered the Merfolk had been massacred and it was caused by parasites that basically infected their brains and initiated them to kill each other."

"Yes, they lost all reasoning and literally tore each other apart."

"That's so sad and now Rupert and Sally may be the last of their kind from that area?"

"Yes and that's why it's imperative they be protected."

"So it's possible we may have a population increase in the not too distant future?"

"Yes and it's awfully exciting. It may be the opportunity for Sally to relocate and have a family of her own outside of here."

"That is exhilarating," agreed Madison.

By the time the couple left for the meeting, Madison has a better understanding of the mating rituals of the Merfolk.

As the pair stepped inside the lift, Madison grabbed Helen's hand and rubbed her thumb over the engagement ring, "You were very sneaky in hiding your hand from view."

"I want us to make the announcement together and celebrate the news in the proper manner."

"Do you want to have an engagement party?"

The elevator doors opened and Helen exited and turned to face Madison, "I've waited a bloody long time to marry, so yes and I'd like the full gamut of traditional expectations."

"Then that is what you shall have my beautiful bride-to-be."

Helen giggled and pulled Madison out of the lift.

Madison took the opportunity to peck Helen on the nose, "You are going to go all girly aren't you?"

"I believe that is a distinct possibility and it's not every day a woman gets proposed to by the love of her life."

Madison twirled Helen around then pulled her into her chest, "That's true, are you happy?"

"I'm absolutely over the moon my darling."

"Then I am content."

The couple waltzed into the office to find Henry, the Big Guy, Will and Ashley seated around Helen's desk.

"So what's going on?" inquired Ashley. "Do we have a new assignment and were you pair just dancing?"

"To answer the last question first, yes Madison and I were dancing and no, there is no new mission. I am happy to announce all is quiet except for the Sally and Rupert's predicament."

Madison leaned against the front edge of the desk and Helen joined her. They entwined fingers and Madison cleared her throat, "I proposed to Helen last night and she accepted."

Ashley sprang out of her seat, "Oh congratulations, I'm so happy for you both." She hugged Madison then her mother, "Well done mom, this is just terrific news."

Helen kissed her daughter's cheek, "Thank you Ashley and we are extremely happy."

Will offered his best wishes next, followed by Henry. The Big Guy stood and embraced Madison, "Welcome to our family."

The comment broke Madison's resolve and the tears flowed, "Thank you and I'm honoured to be part of your wonderful clan."

"Does this mean you are moving in?" asked Ashley as she hugged Will.

Helen fielded the inquiry, "Yes it does and Madison will be joining the team on a full time basis."

"No shit!" exclaimed Will. "That's brilliant."

Ashley cuddled Madison again, "You gave up your career for my mom?"

"Yes Ashley, she is everything to me."

Henry interrupted, "This calls for a celebration."

"Precisely, but not until tonight at dinner time, we still have work to do," put forth Helen.

"Come on Big Guy," said Madison. "I'll help you plan the menu." She kissed Helen goodbye before saying, "You know where to find me."

-o-

The celebratory meal consisted of three courses of Helen's favourite dishes and three bottles of champagne then after a rigorous two hours of love making, the newly engaged couple ended up on the bedroom floor in a tangle of sheets, comforter and limbs.

Helen had a fit of the giggles as Madison attempted to untangle herself without much success.

"How the hell did we end up on the floor?" asked the blonde.

"I believe it was during the time you asked me to do a handstand."

"Oh yes," replied Madison coyly. "That was a lot of fun."

Helen grappled Madison as she finally released her left foot from the twisted linen, "I thoroughly enjoyed what you did with your mouth."

"I'm so glad you approve."

"I do wholeheartedly and now it's my turn to return the favour, so assume the position my love."

-o-