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 26
It was late afternoon when Madison pulled her truck into the garage and she was immediately greeted by the Big Guy.
"I hope all went well," he said while opening the driver's door.
"Hello and yes, I passed with flying colours."
The Big Guy grinned at the joke, "That is good news and I've prepared your favourite meal."
Patting her friend on the left shoulder, Madison declared, "I appreciate it and I'm famished."
-o-
Once dinner was consumed, Madison showered then spent some time with Ray down in the security alcove before retiring for the evening. She was sound asleep when Helen called several hours later.
"Hey sweetheart," answered Madison woozily.
"Sorry I woke you."
"I'm not, how's the expedition going?"
"Slow, the little bugger is very elusive and a right royal pain to track. Our initial contact confirmed the blighter isn't human nor an Asian Black Bear."
Giggling, Madison turned on the lamp and sat up, "That's a bummer."
"Yes I'm afraid it is. We've set a trap and are hopeful of a capture soon."
"Well good luck sweetness."
There was a soft moan of the other end.
"Are you all right honey?"
Helen gulped, "Yes, I'm just missing you."
"I happen to be missing you greatly too."
"Grrr, moving right along, how did your exam go?"
"Excellent, you now have another fully qualified pilot at your disposal."
"Magnificent and congratulations darling, we'll celebrate in earnest when I return home."
"I look forward to it and Biggie baked me a cake."
"I think that man is totally smitten with you."
"Nah, you still hold that honour sweetie." Madison heard Ashley's voice in the background and knew what was coming.
"Darling, I have to go, we've trapped the little beastie."
"Okay bye."
"Love you and talk to you soon."
"I love you too."
-o-
Two days later while Madison was out spending the day with Bobby and Ellen, Helen phoned to inform her the team was two hours out from Vancouver Airport. Madison drove back to Vancouver right away and picked up four exhausted people.
Her passengers slept for the short trip home and had to be roused before making their way upstairs to the living quarters. Madison followed Helen into their bathroom and helped her undress.
"I've never seen you this tired before honey."
"No one got any sleep the entire time and once we had the bear, it made this terrible wailing sound."
"Oh, the poor thing."
"The good news is we tagged him then discovered he has a mate. When we released him, his partner joined him."
Tittering, Madison noted, "I just love a happy ending."
Helen stepped into the shower, "So do I and the blood sample analysis can wait until I've slept."
Bobbing her head, Madison gathered up the dirty clothes and took them to the laundry. When she returned, Helen was sleeping soundly, so she went to help Henry. She was running a system's diagnostic when her wife called hours later.
"Hey sweetheart."
"Are you busy?"
"Yes, but it's nothing that I can't leave until later."
"Good because I need you."
"I'm on the way," replied Madison before ending the call.
Henry nodded with understanding, "Go Madi, I can finish up here."
"Thanks H."
He laughed at her quick reply, "She's got you whipped."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Madison started to run but pulled up when the stitches in her leg made their presence known. "Damn it," she muttered as the lift car arrived.
By the time she entered the bedroom, she was near naked, but stopped taking off her bra when she saw Helen talking to Ashley by the doorway of the ensuite.
The younger blonde gawked then blushed, "Oh Madi, looking good."
Madison's raging libido took a swan dive and she turned heel. Picking up her discarded shirt and trousers, she quickly redressed then returned to the bedroom. She was annoyed with herself for misinterpreting Helen's summons and angry at the turn of events. It had been over a week since she had been intimate with her wife and it was taking its toll. Avoiding Helen's eyes, she asked, "So what's up?"
"Sylvio's just contacted Ashley and our latest supplies are in. Unfortunately she is overtired and needs to sleep."
"I'll go pick them up," interrupted Madison crossly. "Do I have to pay him too?"
"Yes," replied Ashley before yawning.
Helen followed suit, "Thank you."
"Yeah whatever," muttered Madison as she departed.
Ashley frowned at her mother, "Oops, someone is not happy."
"It would appear so."
"I'll talk to you later mom."
"Rightio, sleep well."
"You too."
Seconds later Helen snuggled back into bed and closed her eyes.
Meanwhile down the corridor, Madison kicked the lift door and cursed, "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" She pressed the button for the lower level then struck the wall with her boot.
Henry's concerned voice came over the intercom, "You okay Madi?"
She waved to the camera without looking up, "Yeah H, just getting rid of some frustration."
"Oh okay, let me know if I can help you out."
"Thanks, actually you can help. After I've picked up this delivery, you want to go into town for dinner at Alfredo's?"
"Hell, you know I can't say no to that kind of invitation."
"Great, I'll see you when I get back."
-0-
Henry took a bite of fettuccine then asked, "So what's got you so mad?"
"My own stupidity."
"I wouldn't say you are stupid."
"I would. Since I was shot, everyone seems to be walking around on eggshells and I keep putting my foot in it."
"Yeah, unfortunately that's true about the eggshells part."
"And because of my injuries, Helen has been withdrawn."
Henry's brows crept upwards, "Oh you mean you guys haven't?"
Madison swallowed her ravioli, "Yes, we haven't made love for over a week and when I picked the team up from the airport, she didn't even acknowledge me."
"Let me guess, when she phoned you earlier, you assumed it was a booty call?"
"I did, but it was only to ask me to go to Sylvio's warehouse."
"Maybe the Doc's still got your near death on her mind and is holding back."
"You're probably right H, but I thought she had all that sorted after speaking with Will."
"Talk to her," suggested Henry. "If you confront her, she is less likely to ignore the problem."
"Yeah like that's going to happen in the next couple of days. She'll be busy with research and Sally and Rupert are due their next injections, so I'll be in the background."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can."
"Do you miss being a cop?"
"I do, but only when Helen and I are apart. I mean I love being part of the Sanctuary team, but I'm beginning to question my value to the operation."
"Have these doubts popped up this past week?"
"Yes and logically I know it's only because I've been restricted physically."
"I'm no expert Madi, but you did go through a pretty shitty experience. It's probably got you second guessing everything."
"You're right and I do need to talk to my wife."
"The Doc loves you and she needs to know how you feel."
"Yeah and thanks for talking to me."
"Hey, that's what family is for."
"True, do you want to grab a movie while we're out?"
"Sure. Grace is working the graveyard shift, so I'm all yours."
"Cool and I'm sure Helen is still asleep anyway."
She was and didn't stir when Madison arrived home after midnight. Henry and her ended up taking in two movies and a game of mini golf.
Madison took a quick shower, dressed in boxers and a tee shirt then slept on the couch. She couldn't sleep in the bed without waking Helen and she knew her wife needed to rejuvenate.
-o-
Madison woke at sunrise, dressed and went for a workout. After a shower, she went to the kitchen for breakfast before going for a bike ride.
Before she knew it, she was pulling up in front of Bobby's house. Sliding off her bike, she walked up the drive and tapped on the front door.
Moments later, she was greeted with a bear hug, "Hey Madi, it's good to see you."
"Hi Bobby, sorry for dropping by unannounced."
"Are you kidding me, you don't need an invite."
The pair entered the house and settled in the kitchen.
"Ellen's currently visiting her parents in Manhattan," explained Bobby.
"I'm sorry I haven't spent more time with you guys lately."
"Madi, don't apologise. You've only just gotten married and moved to another country. We know where you live and can visit more."
"Speaking of which, can you two make it for dinner Saturday?"
"Sure can, Ellen's back tomorrow."
"Great and you are more than welcome to stay the night."
"Sounds good, so how is your beautiful wife?"
"Tired, she's been pretty busy."
"And you?"
Madison told her best friend what had happened, careful to leave out information he didn't need to know.
"Holy crap Madi, how awful for everyone and I'm so relieved you have recovered."
"I miss the force," blurted out Madison with tear-filled eyes.
"Well it misses you and you always have the opportunity to come back."
"I know, but I think I'm just out of sorts after being shot."
"That's understandable and Ellen and I are always here for you."
"I know and vice versa."
Bobby looked at his watch, "You want to grab some lunch?"
"That's a great idea and it's my treat."
"You got it."
-o-