Disclaimer: Nope, these characters aren't mine. Category: XRA Classification: Mulder/Scully UST Rating: PG-13 Spoilers: Basically everything through the movie. Archive: Gossamer. Spookys. Others ask me. Feedback: Knock yourself out. Summary: Mulder and Scully investigate a series of murders in Atlanta that are linked with an owner of a metaphysical shop. Thanks: Livia for helping to make this a better story with her helpful (and funny) comments and suggestions. "Symbiosis" by Lisa (haven599@msn.com) Sacred Space Atlanta, GA 8:07 a.m. Arianna set her Cappuccino down on the hot pavement as she struggled with her oversized purse and keys. Fumbling to find the correct one to open her shop, her purse fell off her shoulder, almost dropping to the ground near what was left of the hot beverage. "Dammit," she muttered, sliding the purse back on her arm. Picking up the Styrofoam cup and newspaper, she finally stumbled through the door. The faint scent of incense greeted her as she came inside. That particular fragrance lingered hours after it burned to ashes. It was time for a change anyway; she'd pick a sweeter, fresher scent today. Dropping her belongings on the glass counter, she took a deep breath and pushed her long black hair out of her face. She had a feeling this day was just going to get worse. After pouring out the remnants of her cold Cappuccino, she decided to make a fresh pot of coffee in the back room. Only a half pot. She always made too much, especially since she was the only one who worked here. Sacred Space was opened five years ago and it had been thriving ever since. Most everyone in her life thought her fascination with alternative spirituality and New Age Thought was just a passing phase in her late teens. Well, almost ten years later she had made it her career. Arianna straightened up the jewelry underneath the glass top counter, admiring the pieces as she went about her task. A clear crystal hung from around her neck, her ever-present good luck charm. However, the way this day was starting, she may have to rethink that belief. Removing the newspaper from its plastic sheath, she absently turned the pages. An article caught her eye in the local news section. Quickly, she read the first couple of paragraphs. "Oh no, not again!" she exclaimed. **** FBI Headquarters Washington, D.C. 3 weeks later Mulder was on his second cup of coffee reading over some papers, trying to prepare himself for what he was going to say to Scully about a case he'd been reading up on the past few days. It had all the trappings of an X-File. More questions than answers. "Good morning," Scully remarked absently as she set her purse and coat on the chair. He seemed to be engrossed in something this morning. "Mulder?" "Yeah, morning." He looked up at her with a slight smile. "What is it?" she asked. "A new case?" She knew him so well. Sometimes she knew what he was thinking before he spoke it aloud. "An X-File, at least I think so. In Atlanta, there's been some mysterious deaths -" "Can I get a cup of coffee first?" Scully slipped off her blazer and sat down in what had now become *her* chair. "More mysterious deaths," she muttered to herself, walking out of the office. "Sure, go ahead." he replied. Apparently she needed caffeine before he could present a new case. When did it get this bad? Lately they hadn't been agreeing on much over anything, especially work-related. Mulder had hoped for the opposite since their reinstatement on the X-Files, professionally as well as personally. However, it wasn't as if he was initiating anything in the latter department. The clicking of her heels brought him back to the task at hand. "Over the past six months, there's been 3 deaths, including one that no cause of death could be determined. The victims have been both male and female, of varying ages and socioeconomic status. Nothing to tie them together -" "Why do I feel a *but* coming?" Scully asked before taking another sip of her coffee. "All of the victims were acquainted with or came in contact with the same woman. A proprietress of a shop." "Customers of hers," Scully said. "Is she a suspect?" "No, not really. I spoke with an officer down there and he thinks she's not telling them everything." "Perhaps it's because she's involved or protecting someone who's committed the crimes." "Maybe she's afraid," he remarked. "Of what?" "That's what we're going down there to find out." **** Atlanta, GA 1:17 p.m. The next day Pulling into the parking lot, Scully noticed part of the sign on the small wooden building. "Metaphysical? Mulder, why didn't you say anything earlier?" "I wanted to surprise you." he said with a smile. Scully arched an eyebrow at him after getting out of the car, but seemed to believe him. As they entered the store, melodic chimes sounded signaling another customer. A voice near the back of the store called out, saying she'd be with them in a few minutes. On the left were several shelves of books, focusing mainly on alternative thought and religions. Incense was burning somewhere, giving the place its own distinctive scent. Crystals and candles in varying shapes and sizes were prevalent on the shelves, including descriptions of their fragrances and uses. A large selection of jewelry was located near the cash register under lock and key. Various other statues and sculptures littered the place, many looked African and Native American in origin. Scully was glancing at the necklaces with a slight look of interest in her eyes. Mulder didn't expect that. Maybe she was trying to keep an open mind. Then she looked up, rolling her eyes. So much for that theory. A woman came out of the back. "Can I help you two with anything?" she asked politely. Scully pulled out her badge. "Can we speak with Arianna Paige?" she asked. "I'm Special Agent Dana Scully and this is Agent Mulder. We're with the FBI." Arianna looked startled. "What's this about?" "A recent unexplained murder of a young man -" "I told the police all I know about that. Why would the FBI be involved? I have nothing else to say." Mulder thought she looked frightened. There was something she was afraid to say. "Miss Paige -" "Arianna. Just Arianna." she replied. "Arianna," Mulder said. "These people knew you or at least knew of you. Can you think of any reason why someone would want to hurt them?" "No," she replied. "I really didn't know them that well." Mulder took out one of his cards. "If you can think of anything, you can reach me at my cell phone number." He placed it on the countertop. The chimes rung above the door. "I have customers." **** 4th Precinct Police Station Atlanta, GA Lieutenant Jack Taylor was hunched over a ton of paperwork at his cramped desk. That's the one thing he wasn't prepared for when he was promoted to lieutenant recently. The paperwork. He expected the two FBI agents here by now. At least he thought the man he spoke with said he was bring his partner. Taylor was glad someone was interested in this case. No leads whatsoever were forthcoming on this case and his others were continuing to pile up. He was on his way to the restroom when stopped by two people. "Lieutenant Taylor?" Mulder asked. "I'm Agent Mulder with the FBI and this is my partner Agent Scully. I spoke with you about the unexplained murders." "Right," the young man said. "The ones related to that store owner-" "Arianna Paige." Mulder said. "Let me pull the files for you." They were ushered into a conference room with all the relevant paperwork. "Mulder, I see nothing mysterious about them except being untimely." Scully took off her glasses, rubbing her eyes. "They all knew Arianna." he stated. "Now they're dead." "It could be a coincidence." Scully said. "The kid that was murdered. A witness said he tried to rob Arianna's store." "It said he was also involved in drug dealing." Scully said. "How about the woman who wanted to buy out Arianna's lease on the store? In fact, she wanted to put pressure on the other store owners to sell out to her. She disappeared." "But a body hasn't been found." Scully pointed out. "The investigation has been suspended. More than likely she's dead. The killer hasn't been found." "Sounds like a missing persons case, Mulder." "How about the man that was stabbed? Randy Harrison. They never found any prints. No suspects either." "It's still a current case. Perhaps Arianna is -" "She had an alibi for that day." Mulder said. "You don't believe this is an X-File." "No, not really. This is for the local police to handle. They've had no significant leads or breakthroughs. We're here because they won't turn down extra help." "Well, I guess we should go home now." he said with a slight smile. "Doesn't it seem unusual that Arianna is acquainted with all the people who died?" "Like I said before, because she's protecting the person who is guilty." she replied. "I don't think so." Scully sighed. "I'll go through the files again along with the autopsy records and try to find any anomalies." "Tomorrow." Mulder said. "While I go back and see if Arianna is in a talkative mood." "You want me to come with you?" Scully asked. "No. I think it might be easier is there's just one of us. She may open up more." "And that would be you?" Scully asked. "Is that alright with you?" Scully nodded. "I guess so." ***** "I heard the FBI was here today." Bryce said. "Yes. I believe the police still think I'm a suspect." Arianna replied to her boyfriend. He seemed to always know when things happened to her. "Next time let me talk to them. I don't want anything to upset you. I'll handle it." he offered. "No, it's alright," she replied. "I'm almost ready. I just have to lock up and then we can go to dinner." "Look, honey. You don't need to put up with this harassment. I won't let it happen to you." he replied. "Bryce, not everything the police do is harassment. Besides, they're just doing their job." "I just want to protect you." **** Mulder could tell Arianna was less than enthusiastic to him him again. She tried her best not to make eye contact and busy herself with her other customers until it was just the two of them. "I don't suppose you're here to buy something for that beautiful partner of yours." Arianna asked. That was the last thing Mulder expected her to say. "Uh . . . no, not really." "I'm sorry if I was too forward with that statement," she said. "No, it's alright," Mulder replied. "This isn't exactly her type of place. I wouldn't come here to buy her a birthday gift. No offense, but she'd like something more traditional." It had been a couple years since he bought her that keychain. He only saw her use it once. Maybe she didn't really like it. "I understand," she said. "When's her birthday?" "February," he said. "Why?" "Amethyst." Arianna showed him a purple crystal. "It's February's birthstone. I also have jewelry - earrings, pendants." "This New Age stuff isn't exactly Scully's thing." Mulder said. "How much is that necklace?" He pointed to a small amethyst crystal suspended on a sliver chain. "Fifty dollars," Arianna told him. "It protects the wearer from negative forces." Yeah, like Scully would really believe that. Mulder imagined himself putting that around her neck. Would she smile and thank him, commenting on how beautiful it was? Talk about a fantasy. "Do you want to buy it?" "No," he replied. "Like I said, this isn't her thing." They both looked up to see Scully standing in the doorway. "Mulder, can I speak with you a moment?" He didn't even hear her come in. "Scully, what are you doing here?" he whispered next to her. "I need to ask her a few things about Randy Harrison's death. The young man who drowned a few weeks ago," she said. "Did she tell you anything?" "I . . . No, not really." he murmured. He hadn't quite gotten around to the purpose of his visit yet. Scully walked over to Arianna. "Miss Paige, where were you the night of Randy Harrison's death?" "Was that a Friday night?" Scully nodded. "Yes." "I was probably with my boyfriend, Bryce. We usually go out on the weekends." "You were a friend of the deceased, correct?" "We dated for awhile. I thought he drowned." Arianna added. "Suicide, actually. There was a large amount of drugs in his system." Scully explained. "He doesn't seem the type to commit suicide. Last time I saw him he . . . well, until -" "Until what?" Scully prompted. "He wanted to get back together. I told him I was already seeing someone. He was pretty persistent. I told Bryce about it and he said he would straighten everything out. Soon after, I read about Randy's death." "Can you tell me where I can find Bryce?" Scully asked. "He works at a bike shop a couple miles from here," Arianna said. "I'll give you directions." She took out a pad and started to write. "I think we should talk to this boyfriend of hers, Mulder." Scully said. "Maybe he's involved somehow." "I was going to finish talking with her." Mulder glanced back over at Arianna a little too long. Scully noticed. "Fine, I'll go talk to him," she snapped. "I'll see you later." She grabbed the piece of paper off the counter. Mulder looked at Scully, but she was already on her way out the door. "You don't believe I'm a suspect." Arianna went to straighten up the crystals on a shelf. "Do you?" "I don't know what to think because you haven't told us very much at all, Arianna." He picked up a large crystal. "Careful with that, it's eighty dollars." she commented. "Why is the FBI investigating these murders? The police told me they were almost ready to halt the investigation for awhile." "You sound like my partner." he commented. "I elected to come down here because I thought there was something unusual about these deaths and your involvement. Mysterious." "Mysterious? You sound like one of those shows on TV - the paranormal/unexplained phenomena stuff." Mulder smiled. "Something like that." "There's a sandwich place across the street. Can you meet me for lunch tomorrow around one o'clock? I'll tell you my theory about these murders. I doubt if you'll believe it, though." "Why not today?" Mulder asked. "I've got other plans. I can't get out of." she replied. Mulder wondered what or who those other plans involved. **** Michael's Motorcycle Shop 2:07 p.m. Scully walked into the front door, inquiring about Bryce's whereabouts. The receptionist told her she could find him in the breakroom, third door on the right. She walked into a room with an old refrigerator and microwave unit. A couple of vending machines occupied the opposite wall. A man wearing work clothes was sprawled out on a plastic chair, his dark curly hair pulled back into a ponytail. "Bryce?" she said. "I'm Agent Dana Scully with the FBI. I'd like you ask you some questions about Randy Harrison's death." "Who?" he asked before continuing to take another swallow of his Coke. "I just spoke with your girlfriend, Arianna Paige, about her whereabouts the evening he was killed. She said she was out with you that night. Is that true?" "Yeah, I guess so." he replied absently. Scully took a seat opposite him at the small round table. "Look, I need you to think back to any encounters you had with this Mr. Harrison. It may help both of you." "What'd she tell you?" he snapped. "That doesn't matter. I'd like to hear your point of view." "She told me he was bothering her and I just set him straight that she was with me now." Bryce replied. "Set him straight how?" "Y'know, just talked to him." He finished the Coke. "I remember her telling me about it. We did go out the night before. It was a Friday," he added. "I gotta get back to work." "If you can think of anything else, let me know." Scully said. "Sure." He threw the can into the garbage. **** Hampton Inn Atlanta, GA "I don't know, Mulder. I didn't find anything startling from her boyfriend," Scully admitted. "I really don't know where to proceed with this investigation." "You think we should head home." he stated. "Well -" "Just give it a couple more days and then if nothing *startling* turns up, we'll leave it to the police. Ok?" "What did you find out from Arianna?" Scully asked. "She agreed to meet me for lunch tomorrow." "Lunch?" "Yeah," he said. "She said she'd tell me her theory of what's going on." "I bet she will," Scully muttered. "What? Did you say something?" "What do you think she'll tell you?" Scully sat down on the bed and clicked on the television. Mulder looked at her. "What? I'm still listening to you." she replied. "Just turning on the television." "I honestly don't know. There's something intriguing about her. She seems to read people well." "I think you're influenced by the contents of the store." she commented. "Do you think she's clairvoyant?" Mulder asked. "Mulder, it's me, remember?" He smiled at her. "Right. Do you want to go get something to eat?" "Dinner?" "Sure." he said. "I'll even spring for McDonald's." "How can I refuse?" Scully grabbed her purse and followed him out the door. **** "I'm not sure if you're going to understand or believe what I'm going to tell you." Arianna said the next afternoon. They both sat at an outdoor table with their sandwiches. She took a few bites of it before saying anything. There were only a few people scattered about the outdoor tables of the restaurant, despite the warm, sunny mid afternoon day. She had a shawl draped over her shoulders. Her long hair was caught up in the breeze. For a moment, Mulder wondered what Scully would look like with dark hair. "My mother always told me I had someone watching over me. Being a child, I believed it. Or perhaps I never stopped believing it," she began. "These murders are not just a coincidence. Someone is trying to protect me." "Who? You must have an idea." Mulder asked, putting a chip into his mouth. "It's *not* a person," she replied. "It's a spirit." "A spirit?" "See, I knew you wouldn't understand." "No, it's not that," Mulder said. "Tell me more about this spirit." Arianna took a long sip of her soda before continuing. "It's actually a spirit guide. Everyone has one. Some of us are more aware of it than others. Its function is to protect its possessor, making sure life is relatively trouble free. Good fortune can be attributed to its guidance, misfortune its failure. My spirit seems a bit overzealous in protecting me. Guidance is one thing, murder another." "I'll admit its behavior does sound a bit wayward." Mulder said. "So, you believe in metaphysical thought?" Mulder smiled. "You could say I'm open to alternative explanations, yes." "You see why I can't tell the police this." Arianna said. "You're the only person I've told. Most people have trouble with beliefs such as this. They're often dismissed as a joke." "You believe this spirit is killing these people -" "To protect me," she stated. "Apparently, I've been in much danger lately." "Well, you can't complain it's not doing its job." Mulder said dryly. Arianna glanced at her watch. "I've got to get back. It's almost one." She got up, throwing the remnants of her lunch in a nearby trash receptacle. "Mr. Mulder, thank you for listening to me. I -" "Just Mulder." The honorific made him think of his father. Arianna kneeled down close to him, whispering: "These murders won't be solved because the killer can't be caught. It will continue or stop on its own." She stood up, still meeting Mulder's gaze. "Or until I die." **** "What did you learn from her?" Scully asked, impatiently. It was the end of the day and they were back at the hotel again. Mulder wasn't looking forward to this conversation. "She told me who the killer is, Scully." "She did? Well, who is it?" "It's difficult to explain. You realize she puts faith in alternative explanations and -" "Why am I not surprised? What did she tell you?" Scully demanded. "She believes she has a spirit guide. It looks out for her and protects her. Most likely she's been in danger and it's keeping her safe." Scully sighed. "Mulder, it's nice to believe we all have a guardian angel, but what she's suggesting is ridiculous." "Not a guardian angel. A spirit guide." he corrected. "Oh, that makes it all the more credible," Scully remarked. "She's stalling. Using this as an excuse to protect herself or the real killer." "No, it makes sense, Scully. What about the man who tried to buy the shopping center? The kid who tried to rob her? What about Harrison? Did he really commit suicide or was it murder?" "Mulder, there's no such thing as a spirit guide, let alone one that commits murder. I think this woman's somehow enchanted you." she concluded. "No, of course not," You're the only one who has enchanted me, he thought. "Is it so difficult to keep an open mind, Scully?" "Let's not get into this again," she said. "Besides, what you're suggesting is not scientifically possible." Mulder shook his head. Just like the beginning of their relationship, he mused. He got so tired of having his opinion trampled on. Would it ever change? The phone rang, breaking the silence in the small room. Mulder picked it up. "We're on our way." Mulder turned back to Scully. "There's been another murder." **** Lipscomb Residence Atlanta, GA 7:41 p.m. Mulder pulled up to the small one-story brick house. The grass was a bit too long and looked like it could use a good weeding. A police car was parked in the driveway. An officer came bounding down the front steps. Scully took her badge out of her coat pocket. "Did Lieutenant Taylor call the two of you?" he asked. The name tag read Williams. He looked very young. Too young to be a cop. "Yes," she said. "I'm Agent Dana Scully and this is Agent Mulder." Williams took a look at their identification. "We're here to talk to someone about the death of Cheryl Lipscomb." Mulder added. "That's what I figured. Daughter's in there now - she can help y'all out." "Thank you." Scully replied. After introducing themselves to Mrs. Lipscomb's daughter, Sarah, Mulder and Scully were seated on the couch in her mother's living room. "I know this is a difficult time for you, Sarah, but we need to ask you about your mother's death." Scully said. "I don't understand. The police were here and now the FBI, my mother was just a regular person, she never did anything wrong." Sarah explained. "We understand from the police that she was acquainted with an Arianna Paige who owns a store called Sacred Space." Scully stated. "She went to her store this afternoon." "Yes, I went with her, she was very upset about a reading Arianna gave her." "Excuse me? A reading?" "A Tarot card reading. My mother was into all that New Age stuff," Sarah said. "She's always had her cards read by Arianna." "They were friends?" "I wouldn't go that far. My mom only went there every month or so. She's a very emotional person and with what just happened and all." "What else happened?" Mulder asked. "Her dog died yesterday. Hit by a car. She loved that little Schnauzer. She blamed Arianna for his death. She went for a reading earlier this week and the death card came up." Sarah stopped, her eyes tearing up. "I'm sorry," She grabbed a tissue from a box next to her. "It's Ok, take all the time you need." Scully told her. "She really believed in those cards. Put so much faith in them and to have a bad reading depressed her. My father died a couple months ago and that devastated her." Sarah explained. "But that's no excuse to threaten Arianna." "She threatened her?" Mulder said. "Yes. I was with her. She was acting weird, telling the woman that she was never coming back to the store again. She was a terrible psychic and accused her of knowing her dog was going to die along with my father and never warning her." "Did she make any specific threats?" Mulder asked. "I don't remember. I don't think so." Sarah replied. "That's all right," Scully commented. "Yes," Sarah cried. "It seemed unusual. I called the police as soon as my mom collapsed. It looked like she was watching someone just before she fell on the floor, but there was no one else here with us. It was like she was seeing a ghost." Mulder glanced over at Scully. "Thank you for answering our questions. I know this is a difficult time for you." Scully told the grieving woman. "If you can think of anything else please let us know." She handed Sarah her card before leaving. When they got back to the car, Mulder turned to Scully: "A ghost. Sound familiar, Scully." "Mulder, this spirit was not the cause of her death." "Ok, so more than likely it was a heart attack, but brought on by something very troubling." "That's not conclusive until we get the coroner's report back." Scully stated. A few minutes passed until Scully spoke again. "Unless . . ." "Unless what?" her partner asked. "When a person is scared they experience an increase in epinephrine throughout their body. A massive release of this hormone can cause ventricular fibrillation. It can lead to a heart attack." "So, she was literally scared to death." Mulder concluded. "It's possible," Scully said. "I'm going to get a copy of the autopsy report tomorrow and find out for sure." "I'll go back and talk with Arianna and see what her thoughts are on this latest death." Mulder replied. **** "You've heard, haven't you?" Arianna blurted out as Mulder walked through the door of her shop the next morning. He nodded, walking over to her. "When is it going to stop?" Arianna said. "I feel so guilty that she died." "It's not your fault." "Then who's fault is it Agent Mulder? Cheryl wasn't really threatening me, she was more upset than anything else. Given the circumstances, it's understandable -" "Apparently, it perceived her as a threat to you and was protecting you yet again." he explained. "So you believe?" Arianna took another sip of her coffee. "Would you like a cup?" "No thanks." Mulder replied. "So, what are you going to do next? This case can't be solved the conventional way." "That's why I'm here. I'm the unconventional approach." he quipped. Arianna smiled. "I'm going to get some more coffee. I'll be right back." Mulder glanced at a brochure on the counter. It read: "Find Your Soulmate: A Two-day Workshop to find the Perfect Partner." He scanned the pamphlet, which touted that, the so-called experts will help you learn the skills to attract the perfect mate. "Do you believe in soulmates, Agent Mulder?" Arianna asked when she returned with a steaming hot mug of coffee. "A little." he stated, remembering back to his past life therapy experience. "There's supposed to be one perfect partner out there for all of us. He or she is someone who has been with us for many different lifetimes. We have a strong bond with them. These two people are reunited lifetime after lifetime to continue their relationship and help each other out . . ." Mulder thought about Scully. Sometimes he felt that connected with her. They had a very strong bond. He cherished that bond very much. And didn't tell her enough how much he cared. The closest he came was in the hallway of his apartment right before she was taken - "What was that last part you said again?" "About these people being so attuned to each other they can often communicate without words." Arianna said. "Yes." he replied, noticing her striking a match. "You're lighting candles?" "I always do in my store. I don't know why I'm lighting white ones. I don't need anymore protection, do I?" she said with a slight smile. "But the color also means truth." "Truth?" Mulder asked. "Let me have one of those and that crystal pendant I was looking at the other day, too." Arianna smiled at him. "Sure." **** "Mulder, I was doing some checking into Bryce's background. He had an assault complaint filed against him - domestic dispute - the woman never pressed charges. He's had a few other minor run-ins with the law." Scully explained to Mulder over some pizza at the motel room. "And? That doesn't make him a murderer." He concluded. "But he is her boyfriend," Scully said. "That's more than a coincidence." Mulder ignored the statement. "What did you find out about Cheryl Lipscomb's death?" "Death from psychological shock." she replied. "So it was like you said - scared to death." "Mulder, I know what you're thinking - she didn't see a ghost." Scully told him before finishing the last of her dinner. "A spirit," he corrected. "A spirit who doesn't seem to want to leave Arianna alone." Unless she could ask it to leave. If she could communicate with it somehow, he thought. "Mulder? Scully asked. "Mulder?" "Hmm. . . Sorry, what did you say?" Scully shook her head. "I'm going to try and talk with Bryce again. Maybe he remembers something else." "Alright." he agreed. "If *I* don't find anything worthwhile, we'll leave this up to the police - who should be handling it anyway." Scully added. "I'm going to talk with Arianna tomorrow morning." he said. "I think I have an idea to help her control this spirit." "You're serious, aren't you?" Scully asked. "Mulder, I -" "I thought you wanted to get back home." he interrupted. "Yes, I do." she replied. "So then what's the problem?" "Mulder, what is it? You're acting weird - even for you." It's now or never, Mulder thought. If he waited for the right time, it would never come. He tossed the cardboard box away from their dinner and quickly got a box out of his suit pocket, presenting it to her. "What's this?" Scully asked, wiping her hands off on a towel before taking the box from her partner. "A gift," he said. "For you." "But, it's not -" "I just wanted you to have it." Scully opened the lid and pulled out the sliver necklace with its matching crystal pendant. "This is from her shop. I remember seeing it the first day." "Do you like it?" Way to go, Mulder. Stupid question. What's she going to say? No. "Yes. I don't tend to wear this type of jewelry, but I think it's very nice." *This type of jewelry.* *Very Nice.* Those are such Scully answers. What did he expect? She put it back in the box. "Thank you." "You're welcome." "I'm kind of tired, so I'm going to go and get some rest," Scully said. "I'll see you tomorrow." "Sure. Good night." Scully shut the door softly, murmuring a hasty good night in return. Mulder sank down onto the bed, feeling nothing he did was ever right. **** Mulder noticed Scully wasn't wearing the pendant the next morning. He tried not to let his disappointment show. She made no reference to last night at all, which made it a little harder. They had breakfast together downstairs in the lobby hardly talking at all. Scully told him that she'd go tie up any loose ends regarding the case at the police station and try and get them on a flight back to D.C. this afternoon. Rain had moved into the Atlanta area and there had been a few alerts posted during the morning programs. The local weatherman was listing various counties that were under a flood watch. He wondered which one was Atlanta's and if it was included in the alert. "Perhaps we won't be leaving today." Scully said glancing up at the television. She grabbed the rest of her coffee. "Ready to go?" "You go and do whatever needs to be done to wrap this case up. I'll take a cab to Arianna's, Ok?" "I don't mind, really. I'll drop you off." she said. God, they couldn't even agree with each other on transportation. "I'd prefer to go alone." he stated. Scully looked hurt. "Mulder, what's wrong? If this about last night's conversation -" "Do you really want to know what I'm going to tell Arianna? Then you can sit here and tell me I'm wrong. You'd tell me 'Mulder, what you're suggesting is scientifically impossible. There's no such thing as -'" Scully quickly gathered up the remains of her breakfast. "Then why did I come with you? You obviously didn't need me." Mulder watched her walk through the glass doors. **** "You need to try and contact your spirit guide," Mulder stated. "That's the only way to stop these killings." "I've tried." Arianna replied. "And?" Mulder prompted. "I don't think it wants to leave me." she said. "Why?" he asked. "How many times have you tried to communicate with it?" "Once." "Try harder." he insisted. "Tell it to leave." "Look, this is my life. It should be my decision." Arianna replied. "We're talking about people lives here, Arianna." Mulder said. "You don't have a choice." "What if this is the only guide I have? Who's supposed to keep me safe then?" she demanded. Mulder touched her arm. "Arianna," he said softly. "Earlier you told me than you felt responsible for these deaths. I believe you have the power to stop them for good *if* you sever the ties with this spirit." Mulder concluded. "How many more people might die in your lifetime? How many could you save?" Arianna wiped at her eyes with a tissue, his plea for her help touching her. "Please promise me you'll contact it." Mulder said. **** The rain and hail beat down on the windshield as Scully drove. Her wipers were on full force and she was still having a hard time seeing the road. Scully had paid another visit to Bryce, but he had nothing more to offer her. She talked more with Lieutenant Taylor, making sure he knew what she and Mulder had done the past couple days along with offering any future assistance. She tried to get a flight out of Atlanta, but all were delayed due to the weather and it didn't look good for anything - possibly until tonight. More than likely they'd be here another day. The hail was beating down steadily on the car now. The wipers were making so much noise she couldn't hear anything else. The safest and most practical thing would be to pull off the road. Unfortunately, there was no place to do such a thing. Her cell phone rang on the passenger seat, startling her. "Scully." "Scully, it's me." "Mulder, I can't talk right now." She struggled to hear him above the rain. "Is it important?" His voice was breaking up. "I can't hear you, Mulder." The phone went dead. That was just before her car ran off the road. **** Mulder stared at the candle's flame. His resources were all but exhausted. Maybe the truth would reveal itself in this small flame, if watched long enough. So he just sat there, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up, worrying about her. He tried calling Scully's cell phone again. Nothing. It had been hours since their conversation that resulted in the disconnection. If she had been in an accident, surely he would have been the first to receive a phone call from her. He had phoned the police station and spoke with Lieutenant Taylor, but was informed she left hours ago. Arianna was concerned, but told him Scully didn't come by at all this afternoon. It was still raining and the power had been off for close to an hour. He had come back to the hotel, hoping she would be here. She wasn't. He left urgent messages in her room. Luckily, they had connecting rooms and he had been listening for sounds of life from next door for close to an hour. Nothing. He hated just sitting here, but could think of no other place to go. Unfamiliar with the city, he felt it wouldn't be productive driving aimlessly on its streets. She had to come back eventually, they had a flight to catch. Possibly tonight. She had to be all right. Mulder thought he heard a noise in the next room. Perhaps he was hearing things again. He had opened the connecting door ten times this past hour. Easy. But this time it really sounded like an actual person. He knocked at the door. "Scully?" It opened almost immediately. She was dressed in her pajamas. Her hair was partially wet. "Scully, are you Ok? I've been -" "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little car trouble. This weather caused all sorts of delays." she replied. "I've been trying your cell phone -" "The battery's dead. I forgot to recharge it." "How long have you been in here?" he asked. "I don't know - about ten minutes." "You didn't check your messages? I've been so worried about you. I thought you were in an accident," he said. "What's wrong with you? You should have called me the first chance you had. Don't you even care how worried I was?" "Look, Mulder. My phone was dead. I skidded off the road. Roads were flooded. Traffic was backed up. And I got lost when traffic was re-routed through a detour. I was worried about finding my way back to the hotel, not how you were feeling about the situation." They had been disagreeing the whole time down here. Still, he was a little surprised at her outburst. "I'm sorry. I guess I overreacted." "How long has the power been out?" she asked, ignoring his apology. "Close to an hour," he replied softly. "I'll be right back." Mulder returned with the pillar candle in his hand, placing it on the table between the beds in her room. "I had to change in the bathroom with a flashlight." she commented. "At least you've got some light." "*We've* got some light." he corrected. "I couldn't get a flight out of here today and then this day just went downhill after that. I could've stopped at a pay phone and called you. If the situation was reversed, I'd be just as worried." Scully said. "I should know by now you're capable of handling any situation." Mulder remarked. "I'm just a little shook up from what happened," she admitted. Mulder gathered her close in a comforting embrace. "I'm glad you're not hurt," he whispered. Scully pressed herself closer to his chest. Her arms coming around his waist. "Me too." Mulder felt something digging into his chest. "There's something -" "What?" Scully backed away from her partner a little. He looked down to find the necklace hanging around her neck. The end had disappeared inside her top. Mulder pulled the chain out, letting the crystal reveal itself. Its color almost matched the silk of her pajamas. "Did you know this will protect you from negative forces?" he asked. "So will my gun." Scully answered. Mulder smiled. "I'm glad you're wearing it." "Why wouldn't I? It's a gift from you. I'll always think of you when I wear it," she told him. Perhaps she liked it more than he thought. It caught the light of the candle's flame. Before he thought about it anymore, Mulder pulled her closer, kissing her softly on the lips. When he pulled away, she looked a bit startled. "Mulder," she whispered. No, he wouldn't let her say it. "You're not going to tell me this is wrong," he murmured. "Please don't even think it." The next kiss was longer. He felt her lean into the kiss more. Her arms went around his back. Fingers digging into his shirt. "I wasn't going to say that. I'm not as predictable as you think I am." she said softly. **** FBI Headquarters Washington, D.C. Two weeks later 6:07 p.m. "Have there been any other murders in connection with Arianna since we left?" Scully asked. "It really bothers you that no suspect was arrested, doesn't it?" Mulder knew she didn't like any loose ends. "No, it's just that -" "We all have someone or something looking out for us and keeping us safe. Have you ever thought about that, Scully?" Mulder asked. "You mean God?" "If that's what you believe," Mulder answered. "I want to believe God looks out for all of us," she told him. "I was thinking more along the lines of individuals - someone that's assigned to look out for one person." Mulder said. "A person who cares so much about the other and would put themselves at risk to keep them safe and unharmed?" Scully asked. "Something like that." "It would take a special person to do that." she commented. "An even more special person who'd be worthy of that protection." Mulder said, a slight smile on his lips. Scully got out of the chair, grabbing some files and her coat. "When I was . . ." she began. "No, never mind." "No, tell me what you were going to say." "It doesn't matter," Scully replied. "Besides, it's a little personal." "Who am I going to tell?" Mulder hoped that didn't come off too snotty. He wished she would open up to him more. "Is it too hard for you to talk about?" "You're going to have some long drawn out explanation of what you think its significance is when I think it was just a dream." Scully replied, putting her things back on the chair. "Have I become that predictable?" he asked. Mulder came closer to her. "Now I'm even more curious." "After my abduction, when I was in a coma, It felt someone was watching over me, making sure I would wake up." Scully told him. Mulder wondered if she remembered him sitting by her bedside all night long. Was that what she was referring to? "I was -" "It wasn't you, Mulder." she replied. "Oh," he murmured, somewhat disappointed. "Then maybe your family. Mother? Sister?" Scully shook her head. "Like I said, it was just a dream." She gathered her belongings again and headed for the door. Mulder walked over to her, pausing to turn the lights off before heading home. "Scully," he said softly. "I think you may have a guardian spirit." "Don't push it, Mulder." she replied. **** END Oh, hey, thanks for staying for the ending. This was my first case file. I started it at the beginning of the summer and it's been through some revisions. Well, what did you think? You must have liked it to have read the whole thing. I hope.