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Chapter Text

Retirement. Such a beautiful word. 

Former Special Agent Doctor Dana Katherine Scully most certainly thought so. After what felt like an eternity of adventure, she and Former Special Agent Fox William Mulder had their well-earned happy ending together. At last. Home was a fixer-upper off the beaten countryside path. Scully even had a faithful German Shepherd puppy called Liv who followed her everywhere. And it was not uncommon these days to find Liv curled up with her mistress for a doze. Retirement felt amazing. Truly. 

Nevertheless… 

Life now found Scully pregnant with very identical twins. Both very healthy and very human, they were eagerly awaited by everyone who loved them. Life even threw a second wonderful curveball after that. William was alive and had asked to come home. Such was William’s life at this part that he even wanted to go by his birth name. The cherry on top? He even had a fully made-up room waiting for him upstairs now. Miracles really did happen again and again.

But this particular moment found Scully experiencing something else. Contentment. 

The breeze rustling through the trees and the grass in the field kept the June-time air pleasantly cool. There wasn’t even a cloud in the sky. Back inside? A fully-prepped lunch awaited consumption. Just moments ago, Scully had watched a butterfly lazily beat its wings in a warm sunbeam on the porch railing before flying away. 

The sound of a familiar set of car tires crunching on the path in the distance caught Scully’s attention. And her heart leapt. Mulder was on the return, and had William. Their son was moving home today. Reintroducing him to the family would occur. Eventually. But today, things were just about the occupants of the unremarkable-type house in Farrs Corner. 

Scully rose from her chair on the porch, with only a little bit of protesting from her unborn daughters. Neither appreciated abrupt movements and now made sure it was known. 

Scully gently caressed her twenty-seven week bump while she spoke to her children. “Hey. Take it easy. Come on. We have other things to do.”

And her children quieted at once. The sound of their precious mother’s words always calmed them. For that? Each twin settled in for a nap. 

So Scully then turned her attention to her dog and gave a short single-noted whistle. Liv woke from her nap at once, even shook herself out, stretched. But then she looked up to Scully. Her word was law. 

Quite amused by her pet’s adoration of her, Scully pointed at the yard as she then said, “Look sharp.”

Understanding, Liv then showed herself down the stairs and found a corner of the yard to do her business in. She stood beside her mistress when she was done. But Scully’s attention was only fixed on the car. And the fact that her heart was beating double-time as she stood in the yard. 

Mulder had since turned off the car and was now going through the motions of collecting belongings. William? He had exited the vehicle at the first given chance. But he made tracks for his mother. Swiftly. 

But then William stood before his mother in the yard, shuffling his feet awkwardly. This was the first time they’d seen each other since the evening on which he appeared to have died. The moment was more than a tad surreal. For both of them. 

And so it happened that William’s greeting came out softly. “Hi.”

Scully pulled William into a tight hug. “Oh, my boy. Welcome home.”

William pulled away from the hug first and offered his pregnant mother the first kind thing he could think of. "You look really nice. Uh... Dad also told me about my baby sisters."

"They are sleeping now." Scully briefly framed her burgeoning middle. "But does it freak you out, becoming a big brother in your late teens?"

"Mm-mm." William spoke in earnest. "Actually, I'm actually super excited." 

Thrown, Scully could only say, "Is that so?"

William answered, "Yes. I always wanted a little sister. Now I'm getting a pair of them? Dreams do come true. My adoptive parents never brought another kid into the fold because... well... my growing-up years were tumultuous. At best."

Scully nodded. "Mhm. We definitely found that information out. Approximately nothing is normal about how any of us have wound up at this house together, but we are happy to figure out this chapter of your life with you. Especially where grieving is concerned. Alright?" 

"Okay." William gave Scully a grateful smile. "Thanks."

Meanwhile...

Mulder watched his love and their son talk lightly together. All told? Mulder wanted to weep with emotion. Although far too late to save the family that he had been born into, he'd successfully saved what was left of the one he had with Scully. And that happened to be a lifetime crowning achievement. William was correct: dreams did come true. 

But a tiny sneeze caught William's attention. Looking down, he spotted his mother's pet. Liv the German Shepherd had sneezed so hard that she'd fallen over in the dirt. Still, she straightened herself out at the sight of the newcomer. And wagged her tail enthusiastically. 

Quite gently, William used his telekinesis to lift Liv into Scully's arms before asking, "May I ask who this is now?" 

Scully hugged her pet. "William, this is precious Liv. Your father gave her to me as a retirement present. She's very smart. And so friendly."

William gently rubbed Liv between her over-large ears as he spoke to his mother once more. "Can we play with her later on? Does she know any tricks at all?"

"Yes." answered Scully. "To both."

Finally joining them now, Mulder spoke to William. "Have any more questions before we go inside?"

William looked from one parent to the other. "My telepathy was out of control, the last time I was around. But I heard peoples' thoughts. And that was whether I wanted to or not. Did Monica live?"

Mulder supported Scully as a wave of grief engulfed her, but he spoke in truth to William. "That remains to be seen."

William bleated, "Excuse me?!"

"She was shot in a fashion that would normally be lethal for anyone." Mulder answered. "However... when we went to check on her body? It just wasn't there."

"But," William sputtered. "Why?!" 

"That," Scully said seriously. "Happens to be exactly why it's in the 'remains to be seen' column. But I refuse to tug on any more threads. Alright? The last time we did, we found you. And that is enough. Now all of our living children are home. I love retirement."

"And," Mulder quipped. "Your mother is always right. Do you have any more questions?"

"Yeah. What about Skinner?" said William. "He was injured that evening, wasn't he?" 

"Correct." Scully admitted. "But we will tell you the full details at another moment. I promise. And Walter also miraculously survived the evening. Your father and I can't begin to tell you how excited he'll be to see you."

Emotion finally became William. He loved these people and he understood that they loved him fiercely. But he'd grown up isolating himself emotionally.  The people who had raised him had feared him for the 'gifts' he possessed. Being around parents who loved him all the way through? It was a new experience. Quite literally so. 

Embracing his offspring, Mulder told him gently, "Hey. It's okay. We are more than happy to go at your pace. Don't worry."

The rest of the day went by in a blur for everyone. But the family didn't mind. William's parents gave him a house tour after lunch. And they even went for a walk on a nearby miniature hiking trail. Enamored, Liv walked beside the newcomer. He was fun. Liv especially appreciated when William engaged her in a long session of Go Fetch The Ball. And while she did fall asleep in her mistress's lap when the humans later had their movie night, it really surprised nobody when Liv chose to settle in with William for the night as the house finally quieted after that eventful day. 

But later...

All was quiet at the house on Wallace Road. Up until it wasn't. An abrupt rush of cold air just after midnight startled Mulder and Scully awake out of a deep slumber. Both sat up in their bed, trying to figure it out. 

"Babe?" Scully spoke around a huge yawn. "What's happened?"

Mulder had a chuckle after he turned on his lamp and looked around. Their blanket was missing, yanked off. It hadn't gone far. A muffled bark on the floor at the foot of the bed told them so. Liv was there. While not extraordinarily big because she was a puppy, it was yet a feat that she had moved the comforter at all. But even Scully had a laugh when she joined them. Liv pulled the blanket over herself before finding herself stuck.

"Silly girl." Scully murmured to her pet after Mulder moved the blanket. "Go. Take us to the problem."

Liv shook herself out and checked herself on the threshold when she'd made it there. Now the creature couldn't understand why her people were being so slow. A crisis was at hand. Mulder and Scully grew stricken when they finally followed Liv to the darkened bedroom at the end of the hallway. William tossed and turned in his bed, still deep in slumber. But it was what he muttered that caused Scully's heart to leap. Just... not at all in a good way. 

William even sounded rather desperate. "Stay there! I will find you, Emily!"

William didn't wholly quieten until after Liv jumped on to the bed and curled up next to him. She didn't think about slumber for herself until the human had registered her presence enough to find peace. Liv's delicate puppy snores very soon filled the air. All was right. For those on the bed. 

But insofar as Mulder and Scully were concerned? All they could manage was to have gaping stares. Just what had they gotten themselves into this time? Every last plan for a quiet retirement had just gone out the window. 

Chapter Text

It was true. 

Emily Christine was definitely alive. She had been far too young and sick to know that the 'doctors' treating her on her would-be deathbed were Syndicate-owned physicians. Each of them then worked together from there to save her, cure her from their ills. And they did. But in the process of this, they also ended up turning her human. Emily didn't mind the knowledge as an adult. And it would've made no difference to her as a child. But life still went downhill after being cured.

There were all the years of advanced tutoring, even as a child. And being made to understand a litany of world languages. In hindsight, Emily found that she did appreciate being so highly-educated and up-to-date on world politics. What she did not appreciate? Punishment for getting anything wrong. Whips hurt. 

The experimenting on her body and on her mind began once her body was fever-free and her blood had been transformed from the noxious green stuff to regular human blood. It seemed that the aim of the scientist goons was to create her into another Cassandra Spender, just from an earlier point. Emily never let them get far, once she began to understand that these people were out for sinister gain only. Her innumerable efforts of resistance also caused the scientists to not like her. Emily didn't mind. The fighting for her survival was a reminder to herself that she would not let them win. Ever. 

But the years of constant unwanted experimenting had also delivered Emily of two things that she found rather amusing in a dark way. Telepathy and telekinesis. Both of her newfound abilities meant more literal power with which to resist. However... Neither had manifested until recent years. And the catalyst was yet one more major life-changing event. 

Not too many weeks after a round of experimenting where she had been under anesthesia for some time, Emily began to display symptoms for something that took her for a turn. Pregnancy. 

In what she would later learn was an attempt in seeing if she would produce children with any supernatural anything, she had been artificially inseminated. Had Emily been upset about being so heinously violated? Yes. But knowing that she had a chance to do right by someone who was completely innocent was a relief. And so deeply comforting. She had a chance to break the cycle with someone brand-new. It gave her hope. Emily would make the little one better than herself. 

And on the whole, motherhood was also meant to serve as a foil for her. The scientists had posited that Emily would be too preoccupied to even think about escape. What they hadn't expected? For a telekinetic wave so strong to emanate from Emily as she held her child for the first-ever time that she'd rendered the entire team of doctors unconscious. Primal fear had triggered that event. Why? Because Emily had been rightly startled to hear the thoughts of the lead physician. He was very plain about the next step being: taking the baby away. 

Only by the intervention of the one friend Emily had in that godforsaken place did Emily get to keep her child. The goons were also made to provide them with adequate space, living materials, and the like. Education continued. But not at so rigorous a rate. Were they free? No. But existence was no longer overtly miserable. And now? Emily's little boy was in the world. Best of all? He was happy. The boy had saved his mother's life by just being himself. 

And the scientists never bothered her again. Up until they did. Rather perplexed by Emily's lack of outward wishes to escape anymore, they decided to 'seal the deal.' Just like last time. Emily's friend even tried to intervene. But for her efforts, she was then sent off to her death. And in a way most horrid.

Emily's life had also turned upside down in a different fashion. As of late, she had been experiencing a series of nighttime visions where the same person was looking for her. Every time. And his name? William. 

Waking abruptly from another of these visions, Emily murmured to no one, "I think I have a brother."

She came back to reality even further now. A terrific weight shift in her immediate center of gravity had her attention. Throwing back the blankets on her bed, Emily hauled herself into a sitting position before then hauling herself across their bedroom of a dungeon so she could get to facilities on time. Being six months pregnant was a chore. And her little one was heavy.

But Emily still made good time in using the facilities and cleaning up. She then checked on her son. Theo Fox. Asleep in his bed, the boy beamed as he registered his mother's presence. Then he let out a contented sigh as he turned over. Happy dreams became Theo. 

Emily even made note of the time on her bedside table as she padded past. Ten-thirteen. And she looked through her bedroom window to the outside world. Her hope was not gone. Just a tad bit delayed. 

Rubbing her middle as she then fought off an insomnia-induced yawn, Emily again murmured to no one, "We've gotta get out of his place."

Emily looked out of hers and Theo's porthole again. They were on a nondescript Syndicate-owned tanker ship. And they had been, just before the current phase of things that had caused Emily to become pregnant. And the current view? It was torture. The Bellefleur was at dock, afloat atop the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Directly ahead? The rainy and dreary albeit promising land of the nation's capital. So close. And yet still so far. 

Chapter Text

Unsure of what to make of the scene that Liv had brought them to, Mulder and Scully elected to just keep their cool. However, one of the first things that Scully did in the morning was arrange for a visit to see Skinner. Miraculously recovered from that night at the docks but now happily retired from the FBI and living at a retirement community in Springfield. The latter had surprised everyone. Skinner felt that he would at least liked to have neighbors he knew. And so, he now lived but a pleasant thirty minutes away from 227700 Wallace Road now. He even had a female Bernese Mountain Dog puppy who adored Liv. Her name was Enid. Everything felt perfect in Skinner's world. But he still kept active tabs on his two surrogate children. 

All the same? William bit the bullet first. After a thorough breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and orange juice had cleaned up from, William found himself back at the kitchen table. Both of his parents were sitting opposite him. And Liv? She was presently sprawled belly-up on William's lap. She had fallen asleep there because she'd been enjoying the administered belly rubs. Mulder and Scully did wish to speak to their offspring about serious issues, but a point of levity was had first. 

"Son," Mulder sighed. "Just where is your mother's pet?" 

"Who, precious Princess Floppy Paws? She was on my bed when I woke up. Then she did a somersault down the final step on the stairs. Yet," William used his telekinesis to move Liv to the head of the table. "She still managed to jump into my lap just fine."

Mulder said in wonder, "And she doesn't mind that?"

"Mm-mm." answered William. "She doesn't seem to."

Scully watched as her dog's back legs twitched absently in slumber. "You know? I wouldn't mind another puppy around here. I'm sure that Liv loves us. But she's friendly enough that a canine companion would be a nice addition. William? You and the little ones can share her."

"Deal. No take-backs." William said at once. "I think we will know Saga when we see her. Alright?"

"Okay." Scully agreed before looking over to her other half. "Hey. Babe? What do you think?"

Truly wondering if the earth had come off its axis, Mulder said to William, "Looks like we're getting a puppy named Saga. Eventually. But please put Liv on the couch before something accidentally goes haywire."

Sighing, William followed through. He even draped one of the blankets over her. Liv curled up and began to snore lightly.

But when William turned back to his parents, he said, "Why was mom's dog asleep on my bed? I love how friendly Liv is. But I also had a wicked nightmare last night. Or something like that." 

Mulder checked his watch as he then said to Scully, "Wow. It isn't even ten o'clock yet. Still got fifteen minutes."

Playfully flipping him off, Scully then turned her attention to her son. "Anyway... Liv alerted us to your nightmare. She's very intuitive. And loyal." 

Mulder nodded. "That's true." 

"William," Scully continued to speak very carefully to her son. "We definitely heard you say in your sleep to a person called Emily that you needed her to stay put so you could find her. But level with me. Did you ever come across any girls called Emily while growing up?"

"Yeah. Too many of them. They were all snobs." William cleared his throat when he saw his parents give him 'hurry up' expressions. "But that said..."

"Yes?" Mulder and Scully chimed together. 

"I was also become by this feeling that I have an older sister. And that's crazy because I was the only child my adoptive parents raised..." William then looked from one parent to the other. "Hey. What?"  

Mulder said to Scully, "Just whose critical thinking are we seeing here? Mine? Or yours?" 

"Neither." Scully gave a soft laugh. "This is all Melissa Rose. Full-stop."

"Yeah." sighed Mulder. "That really tracks." 

Nonplussed, William asked, "Who's that?" 

"That woman was my big sister." Scully answered. "She would have loved you so much. I certainly worshiped her."

"William, they worshiped each other." Mulder told him. "Melissa was even my friend. But she also a hobby of scaring the fear of God into me."

William asked, "Then was she ever successful?"

Having a shudder at the memories, Mulder said, "Yep. I promise you that she definitely was."

"And," Scully told her son. "We lost Melissa two years before we even met your big sister. And yes. Her name was Emily."

"I..." William stuttered. "I beg your pardon?"

And so his parents treated him to a mad but speedy recap of that part of their tale. By the end? William just felt dazed. 

"Look," he finally said to his parents. "I get the part about existing because of The Syndicate's weird scheme to take over the world. Each of us have died or had scrapes with death because of those jackasses before. I'm certainly not going to forget the 'adventure' that involved us being a family again for the first time since I was a baby. And that's because I actually can remember. But..."

"Yes?" Mulder and Scully prompted together.

Now it happened that William just felt extremely absurd. "You're also saying that my sister is my predecessor in the madness?" 

Mulder exhaled a relieved sigh as he said to Scully, "Thank God. He gets it." 

"But," William's absurdity continued. "The last time either of you saw Emily, she was on her deathbed? What about her casket? Was it empty?"

"No." sighed Scully. "It was filled with sand because they wouldn't even give us her body. And I begged." 

William rubbed his temples as he continued to process his thoughts aloud. "Then the two of you could have been hoodwinked this whole entire time. What if Emily does need help? And... No, that's too preposterous."

"Come on." Mulder and Scully challenged together. "It's us."

"I couldn't see anything like a setting about where Emily could be. However," William nervously ran his fingers through his hair. "What if Emily is with Monica? Or near her?" 

Scully sighed, "Now that would be believable."

Mulder gave an agreeing nod. "Mhm. Our luck does run that way." 

Emboldened, William tacked on a new thought. "Hey. Wouldn't this be the part where we go find Skinner? ASAP?"

Mulder quipped to his other half, "Wow. And there's your staggering ability to get to the point."

Answering William, Scully said, "Yes. We are definitely going to go see him in a little bit, although I'm sure he'll end up as 'Uncle Walter' by the end of the visit. Okay? I called him and he knows to expect us."

"Okay." said William. "So do you two have the kind of relationship with him where he'd still find out about all this, anyway? Even if you didn't tell him?"

Scully and Mulder's reply was a unilaterally sheepish, "Uh-huh."

William rose to his feet. "Did you two find that out through years of trial and error?"

Scully answered, "Correct."

"Son," Mulder said warily when he noticed William smirk as he moved to the living room. "Just what are you thinking?"

William's voice was very singsong. "Just all the things I'm going to ask Uncle Walter about the two of you after we get there."

Scully sputtered, "You will not!" 

Barreling on, William said, "I wonder where to start...?" 

Mulder called after him, "I was the one drugged in Cheney!"

William turned back to Mulder. "Come again? Where's that?"

Scully held her hands in her face as she shook her head in amusement. "Texas, William. I think working on your American geography is also in order. But we really are getting ready to go see Walter. He lives in a retirement community now. Liv is coming because it's pet-friendly and Walter even has a puppy who adores her. Please don't forget your shoes, wallet, and anything else you'd like to bring. Okay?"

William quickly filled his nearby backpack with necessities and put it on as he said, "Copy that."

"Good man." Scully watched William put his shoes on over the gray socks he wore. "Can you also get Liv's things? The harness is hanging by the door. And so's her l-e-a-s-h."

"Okay," agreed William. "But why can't we say 'leash'?"

Liv woke from her nap immediately and gave a loud bark. Then her whole body seemed to shake with excitement. She loved going in the car. Adventures were a favorite. 

"Hm." William laughed as he helped Liv get untangled from her blanket. "I guess that is a lesson learned."

Scully told Mulder, "We are definitely getting another puppy. Saga will balance Liv out."

Meanwhile, William whistled to Liv as he moved back half a pace from the couch. "Hey. Come along, Floppy Paws. Time to think of things to ask Uncle Walter when we see him."

Liv slid off the couch and still performed an unintentional somersault when a back paw got caught in a corner of her blanket, anyway. But she shook herself out. Then she looked up to William. Still, she also knew that listening to her new friend meant that he could open the door. 

But William patted the side of his leg as he walked over to where Liv's harness and leash hung up. "Come along, Floppy Paws. I love you. And you are a good girl."

Perking up, Liv hurried over. She even willingly let William fix her going-out materials in place. But she was vastly appreciative of him levitating her down the porch stairs. Liv also fell asleep again. Although it was this time in her new best friend's lap as they all journeyed by car to Springfield. William didn't know exactly what his parents were thinking because was electing to stay out of their heads , but he was already wondering how to go find Emily. And whether or not his parents would approve. 

Chapter Text

HALOPOINTE HARBOR LIVING 

NEAR SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA 

Before his last adventure with Mulder and Scully, Walter Skinner would have never considered living in a retirement community of any fashion for his post-FBI years. The idea of retirement was not a problem. And he was open about that aspect of things. But then he escaped certain death on that night by the docks. It was a wake-up call after he was in the all-clear. So upon Scully gently suggesting a move to a retirement community so he could at least have neighbors he liked, Skinner found himself agreeing. His only request was to have her and Mulder along while he toured places until he found one he liked. They could help him keep his ducks in a pond. Still, the couple cheerfully obliged. 

Halopointe Harbor Living was a sprawling community that looked like something straight out of The Truman Show and it was even self-contained to the point that it had its own grocery store, post office, movie house, and the like. Another plus? The facilitators and caretakers were not at all condescending. Skinner was grateful. Halopointe was also an assisted memory care establishment. Outside of a necessary few, as well as Mulder and Scully, no one else knew that his longtime deceased parents' genes had left him highly predisposed to dementia. A long-term plan in that area had been at the top of Skinner's list of priorities.  

But unbeknownst to Mulder and Scully, Skinner was definitely sitting on a new handful of secrets. They were good ones. However... they would all be coming to a head. Today. The only reason that Skinner didn't totally tank out was because William was coming with his parents. Both men seemed to have just kept missing each other during the last run. Today would fix that. And Skinner was pleased. 

Upon returning from taking Enid to the in-community dog park, Skinner fed his pet. He also collected the mail and watered his plants. Life was good. Even if it was a bit simple...ish. But he couldn't ask for more. 

William looked around as he exited Mulder's car with his family and they walked up the block to Skinner's house. "Hm. This place is nice."

"Uh-huh." Scully gave an agreeing nod as she walked beside him while the dog trotted between them. "Your father and I also think so. The two of us helped your uncle pick this place out."

Amazed that his parents were so close to the man who had once been their boss, William said, "Anything more I should know?" 

Mulder spoke from Scully's other side. "Just be yourself. We're about to go visit the man who has done his part in protecting you since you were in the womb."

Still awed, William asked his father, "Does Uncle Walter have a wife?" 

"Mm-mm." said Mulder. "Sharon passed, a long time back."

Sobering up, William answered, "Then does he have any kids?"

Both of Willam's parents answered, "Us."

William followed his parents into Skinner's house when they were welcomed and unclipped Liv's leash at the first opportunity. But then he looked around while everyone else caught up. Skinner's house was but one level and pleasantly decorated and while William was unsurprised to see memorabilia from the Vietnam War because he had served, he was most certainly surprised to see that Skinner also had a lot of materials and so much decor dedicated to the hobby of being an avid fisherman. William felt pleased. It was a sport he knew how to do. 

Steering his offspring to the forefront of things at that point. "William, say hi to your Uncle Walter."

Amused, William said to the man in question, "Hi."

"Hi, William." returned Skinner kindly. "I'm so happy to see you in one piece."

Promptly feeling at ease, William reciprocated the old man's kindness as he answered, "Right back at you. I heard about what happened at the docks. My parents told me. But..."

Skinner prompted, "What is it?"

William finished his thoughts. "Don't you think it's weird? At all? You survived something terrible and I came back from the dead."

Well aware of the absurdity of William posing such a thought process to him, Skinner stuck to the truth. "I really don't. After all these years of being in your parents' lives and behaving as a surrogate parent to them, I've seen things. 'Wild' is only just a phrase to scratch the surface with. For now."

"And that is on top of having served in Vietnam?" William half joked before changing tracks and indicating the hobby decor. "I see that you like to fish?" 

Realizing that the younger man was quickly deflecting so they didn't go down a heavy rabbit trail, Skinner played along. "I do like to fish. A lot. What about you?" 

William said, "I also do."

Mulder and Scully said in surprise, "You do?"

William laughed at his parents' reaction. "Yes. My adoptive dad would take me when the weather was good."

"Then," Skinner decided. "You and Mulder will have to come with me. Lake Anna is wonderful at this time of year."

Wondering where Lake Anna was, William agreed, "Okay. But I'm really going to need a new fishing rod..." 

Skinner perked up even more. "And we will take care of that. Mulder will also come with us for that expedition."

Scully turned to Mulder, amused. She had been an absolute tomboy as a child and knew how to fish because her brothers had shown her. Even Melissa. It was just a hobby she grew out of after being bit by the bug of academia. Mulder, on the other hand, also knew how to fish. Growing up on Martha's Vineyard had played a big role there. But he just wasn't the type of person who should undergo such an activity unsupervised because the Strikers Cove Incident had scarred him about the outdoors. And that was just for starters. Now it seemed, as Mulder shuddered, many more memories of misadventures from their younger years were coming back. And in full force. Perfect. 

Still choosing to bail Mulder out, Scully said to their host, "Hey. Where is Enid?"

Skinner answered, "Kitchen. She knows you all ar... hm... Look at that." 

Enid the Bernese Mountain Dog had finished her food and came racing in. But she stopped in her tracks at the sight of William. Just like Liv, Enid seemed amazed that he existed. So she made no protest when William levitated her and brought her all the way to his eye level. In fact, she rolled over onto her back. Complete submission. Her body language was clear. 

William gently rubbed Enid's middle with his free hand. "Wow. It's nice to meet you, pretty girl. Be good. Okay? Please go play with Floppy Paws."

William then spirited both dogs across the living room and set them down gently. Enid's toys were before them. And so the animals began to play together. 

Impressed, Skinner shifted his attention to William. "Hey. I'm as well aware as your parents that you grew up to have a wild streak. But what was that?" 

"Oh. Liv looked out for me when I had a wicked nightmare last night. And whatever she sees in me, I guess that Enid also does." William shrugged. "No one ever gave me a chance until my parents found me. I want to be good for my little sisters because I've always wanted to be a big brother. But if life gave me Liv and Enid first? I won't look that gift horse in the mouth. Or whatever. It feels rude."

Now vastly impressed, Skinner said to William, "Wow. That is very mature. By the way, when your mother called, she did mention that nightmare. And that you said Emily's name. Be honest. Are you going to look for her?" 

But before William could answer, the doorbell rang. Someone else had arrived. Walter Skinner was popular? 

Surprised, Mulder said, "Who's that?" 

Scully quipped, "Someone come to borrow a cup of sugar?" 

Scrambling to keep his cool, Skinner answered her, "Not exactly. But please go have a seat. I will be right back."

And while the dogs continued to play, the family from Farrs Corner followed through on Skinner's request. None of them were alone for long. When Skinner did bring the visitor over, Scully's heart jumped into her throat. And rightly so. Beside him was a teenage girl about a year younger than William, tops. But she was the spitting image of one Monica J. Reyes. 

The girl turned to Skinner now. "Uncle Walter, you weren't kidding."

"Uh-huh. These are them. I promise you that they're not mythical and that you're wide awake. Now you know what we have been telling the truth for all of these years. Really." Skinner laughed. "But I told you so."

And rolling her eyes in a very John J. Doggett way, the girl said, "Wow. This is wild. Come on."

"Kid, you have no idea." Skinner laughed again. "But go on. Tell William's parents your name."

The girl moved over to the people on the couch as she said, "How does everyone do? My name is Melissa Katherine Fox Doggett." 

Chapter Text

Scully's old government-related adventures with Monica flashed before her eyes. There had been many. However, one particularly startling concept slammed into her like a teacup meeting a brick wall. Monica had been pregnant during their adventure in the New Mexican desert but hadn't known at all. Now... her daughter was before them. Precious dear Melissa. And she couldn't have been more than seventeen. Tops. With help from Mulder and William, Scully rose to her feet. But then the men backed away. So did Skinner. It wasn't their moment. 

Scully spoke softly to Melissa. "Sweetheart, are you aware of who my family and I are?"

Melissa nodded. "Uh-huh. I also know just who all I was named for... including you." 

Scully took a step closer when she saw that Melissa was on the verge of tears. "May I hold you?"

When Melissa could only nod, Scully embraced her warmly, as if this was her own daughter. Melissa basked in the affection. She missed her mother desperately but had grown up hearing stories of Dana Scully's kindness and of her deep capacity to love. Now she was here. And she made her feel safe. That was everything because of what she had happening in her life at the moment. 

Meanwhile, Scully's heart was cartwheeling because she was beginning to feel the same kind of aura she'd only ever felt from her sister and Monica. Those two never had a chance to meet. But the families were not even related to each other. And yet...

Speaking first when they pulled apart, the younger woman said, "Please call me Mellie. I prefer it. And... Aunt Dana?"

Her heart fluttered at this last part but she pulled herself together fast. "Yes? What are you thinking, Mellie?"

Now she chose her words with great care. "Aunt Dana, is it true that you accidentally sank a boat when you and Uncle Fox were looking for something that may or may not have been The Loch Ness Monster?"

William sputtered, "My mom did what?!"

Scully sighed, "I did. But I'll have you know that Mulder has been skeeved out by big bodies of water ever since. Not to mention frogs and alligators."

Quick to display a very Monica-style impish expression, Melissa murmured, "Good to know."

Exhibiting a smirk that Scully recognized as her own, William said, "I did spot an actual frog pond in the backyard at home..."

Shifting her attention to Mulder now, Melissa asked, "But did you and my aunt really see a UFO in Antarctica?" 

"Mellie," William said in surprise. "What?"

She shrugged. "Uncle Walter said it first before today."

Scully rolled her eyes. "We did not see a UFO."

Mulder laughed as he spoke to the younger members of their company. "Incorrect, children. Both of us absolutely saw a UFO. That thing was massive. Scully just doesn't remember me taking her off of it because she was extremely cold and so delirious."

"Ugh." Melissa shuddered as she made an involuntary gag. "Skip the part about what happened when she was in the 'suspended animation.' Okay?"

Scully said to her, "Your uncle and I weren't to meet your parents for a few years yet when that 'adventure' happened. They probably read about it in a case file. But Melissa Katherine Fox, did your parents tell you that story to scare you straight of something?"

She heaved an overdramatic sigh at the sound of her full name but spoke soberly so. "Maybe..."

William stomped one foot. "Hello? Just what the hell happened after the great escape from the extraterrestrial spacecraft?"

Scully began, "It was not..."  

Mulder swooped in. "But anyway... I saw that thing fly off into the distance before it vanished. Or something. I told Scully to look. And you know?"

The young people said, "Yes?"

Mulder finished his thoughts out gleefully. "I promise you that she definitely told me that she saw it. So, yes. The two of us absolutely to an unidentifiable flying object in Antarctica."

Left feeling bewildered, William complained, "What the hell?!"

But Melissa could only say, "Huh. Mama and papa were correct..." 

"What?" Mulder perked up. "Are you saying that John and Monica both believe we saw a UFO out there?"

"Oh, my God..." Scully groaned when Melissa gave an emphatic nod of response. 

Choosing to bail her out, Skinner said to Melissa, "Why don't you at least begin to tell them why it is that you took public transportation here?" 

Addressing the Farrs Corner Three, Melissa said, "My dad and I got the news that my mom died that night at the docks. We do also know about what she did and that whatever she was up to before that had to be shifty. It's what makes any sense. But then dad and I were beset by a wild impression."

"That Monica's actually alive?" guessed William. 

"Yes." Melissa replied in surprise. "How...?"

Letting her off the hook, William said, "My parents had the thought process first. Me? I cottoned on."

"Ah. Got it." Melissa then tilted her chin towards William when a new thought occurred to her. "My parents told me before that you had wild capabilities when you were a baby. Can you still...?"

Very gently, William used his telekinesis to move Melissa just half a foot over before saying, "Yes."

Lighting up, Melissa chirped, "Wow! That's totally cool!" 

Deciding on the spot that he'd met his future wife, William performed a theatrical bow before making a point of looking at her again. "Thanks!" 

He then heard Melissa's voice in his head. Plus? You're super cute.

William returned in a heartfelt way, So are you. 

Exasperated when she realized what was happening, Scully said, "Both of them have gone telepathic and are flirting with one another. Great."

Mulder spoke in surprise. "Honey, can you hear them?"

"No." she shook her head. "But I can read body language. And I was a teenage girl in love. Once." 

Unified and aloud, the teenagers present asked, "What was his name?"

Scully said quickly, "Never mind."

Melissa quipped, "That's not a name."

William held out a fist as he complimented, "Nice." 

Completing the fist bump, Melissa answered, "Thanks."

Deeply amused, Skinner said to Mulder and Scully, "I think you two have met your future daughter-in-law."

Unintentionally, William and Melissa chimed, "Yes."

"Okay." Scully did her own swooping in when William and Melissa turned red. "One of you ask the other something. ASAP. Like we really need you two canceling each other out?"

And William turned back to Melissa. "Can you do anything else?"

"I can." Melissa replied. "William, is there anything you really want? And I mean that in a realistic fashion. Okay? Please don't blow it by being an ignoramus." 

Chuckling, William said, "My parents did just agree an hour ago to get a girl puppy so the one they have can be balanced out."

Nearby, Liv engaged Enid in tug-of-war. But she didn't last very long before accidentally falling backwards. Liv still shook herself out and got back up. Both animals moved on to another game after. The humans had still seen every bit. 

"Wow." Melissa shook her head in amusement as she spoke to William again. "I see what you mean. Has a specific breed been settled on?"

William shook his own head. "Mm-mm. But I think that Black Labradors are cool."

No sooner had he said this than Melissa tilted her head to one side and the next thing William knew? One excited female Black Labrador puppy was in his arms. But she had her front paws balanced against William's chest as she stretched her body out while she sniffed the crook of his neck before deciding to nuzzle it. She exuded joy. And William also felt that if the puppy wagged her tail any harder, she would take off. Like a helicopter. 

But William hugged the creature close as he said gently, "Wow. Hello, Saga. And good morning. I'm so happy to meet you. Shall I send you over to mom and to dad now? That sound like a good idea?"

William spirited Saga the Black Labrador over to his parents. They were both stunned that she was as real as she was. But Mulder still plucked her out of the air first. Saga relaxed at once. 

"That," William said to Melissa while his parents fawned over their new pet for a few moments together. "Was totally amazing. Can you do anything else?" 

Melissa told him, "I can speak Spanish better than both of my parents. And it's embarrassing because they're both also very good at it."

Continuing to look at Melissa like she was the only other person alive, William said, "I can speak Spanish." 

Mulder and Scully cried out, "Pardon?!"

Rolling his eyes now, Skinner said, "What's embarrassing is that she can speak and read Klingon..." 

William said to Melissa truthfully, "I can also do both!" 

Mulder and Scully repeated but with heavier emphasis, "PARDON?!" 

"And," Skinner said to no one while Mulder crossed the room to introduce Liv and Enid to Saga. "She wonders why she was homeschooled..."

Melissa laughed. "Uncle Walter, I think you really worry too much."

Scully said to Melissa, "How do you suppose he got most of his gray and white hair in the first place? Uncle Fox and I have been putting him through the paces for a very long time. Felt like a hobby when we were younger. But Mellie Kate... I joked when you rang the doorbell that you were someone to borrow a cup of sugar. Uncle Walter said, "Not exactly." Still? Here we all are. Go on. What's up?"

Joining them again, Mulder said, "We are all ears."

Melissa purposefully centered herself. "I've believed this entire time that my mother is alive. Her being psychic? That's real. And I guess I got it from her. Not sure about the rest..."

Skinner said, "Hey. Find your mark."

Promptly clearing her throat, Melissa got back on track again as she spoke to the others. "Anyway... I would have noticed if her light went out. And it has not. Dad believes me. All the same? It happens that mom has been gone for half a year now. And yes, I was homeschooled for my entire academic life because I did not have control over what I can do until about the time that William fell out of the sky."

Mulder said, "Wow." 

Scully gave a nod of agreement, "Have you anything to tack on to your scholastic achievements?"

Now shuffling her feet, Melissa bobbed her head. "I do. Aunt Dana... I applied myself so very well that I am a college graduate to the point that my name is Doctor Melissa Katherine Fox Doggett now. There's a degree in philosophy there. But I can't even vote yet and my depth perception is just bad because my right eye was terrifically lazy when I was a baby." 

Skinner nodded. "Absolutely true. It kind of wandered."

Lifting an eyebrow, Scully said to Melissa, "That kind of thing leaves a person as a glasses-wearer. You are not wearing any contacts. So then where are your glasses? Put 'em on."

They watched as Melissa pulled a glasses case from her purse and set her glasses in to place. But then she straightened herself out. She now had on a pair of polka-dotted bedecked glasses in heavy heart-shaped frames. Not to be missed? They were bifocals. Beside Melissa, William continued to be weak-kneed. He thought she looked even more beautiful. 

Skinner eyed Melissa. "What happened to the rectangular purple frames?"

"In short," Melissa laughed nervously. "They broke. It's a long story."

Skinner sounded like an exasperated parent. "Kid, what did you do?"

Mulder intervened. "Come on. She said it's a long story."

Melissa felt relieved. "Thank you, Uncle Fox."

He gave her a friendly smile. "Hey. Any time."

William said to Melissa, "But is the story funny?" 

Melissa responded, "I think so."

Still in a motherly way, Scully addressed Melissa. "I have a big feeling that the rest of your ballad is going to cause John to have a full plate. So just keep your spares in good condition and on your face until someone can get you to your optometrist, Mellie Kate. I will be your mother until Monica gets back into the picture. Capiche?"

Now feeling her own heart cartwheeling in surprise from Scully's unconventional proclamation, Melissa replied, "Okay. And thank you." 

Although he adored the rabbit trails, it was William that asked Melissa, "Do you have some kind of immediate problem about getting to your mother now?"

"Yeah." said Melissa. "I think she's actually trapped. My dad thinks the same."

"Oh." an old memory came back to Scully. "John was USMC in the seventies. And the skills learned there never truly go away. My dad was that way after his retirement from the service. But John went to look for Monica, didn't he? Am I wrong?"

Melissa shook her head. "Mm-mm. That is completely correct. Papa went to look for mama..."

"But...?" prompted Mulder with some trepidation. 

"He's been gone for over a day. I have not heard a peep." explained Melissa. "That is extremely odd."

Remembering all-too-well the ramifications of not telling John about going to the Utahan desert until she was there but then choosing to hold back mention of the slug-worshiping cult, Scully rubbed the back of her neck as she said, "That's true. And some things really don't change. Are you going to look for your parents?" 

Melissa confirmed, "I am."

Skinner said to Mulder and Scully, "But don't you two think this is bad?" 

Mulder spoke from the heart. "No. I do not."

Scully added, "I'm with him."

Skinner asked, "Why? Because I wasn't there?"

"Bingo." Scully told him. "It happened that Mellie's parents were my lifeline when I was pregnant with William during the stretch of time that Fox was absent. I got to know them and love them. Haven't seen John since Albuquerque. But Monica found me in the middle of the recent madness. Walter, I think you know as well as I do that my surrogate sister also grew up."

The man spoke in resignation. "Uh-huh. And now here's the stellar prodigy offspring?"

"Mhm. I've already seen that Melissa is just like her parents. But since she got this far," Scully went on. "I believe she is capable of taking care of herself. Even unsticking John and Monica."

Skinner continued to realize that Scully was right. He did support Melissa's desire for adventure because she had her mother's curiosity and her father's logic. But some part of him had hoped Mulder and Scully would reign her back. Even a little. Now here they were. A crossroads. 

But Skinner said, "I agree. Melissa is fully capable."

Pleased, Scully turned to Mulder. "What do you think?"

Mulder answered, "I agree. One hundred percent. But are you feeling that cosmic aura thing from her? Just like what Monica and your sister...?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, Scully said, "Yes. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed..."

Even William could feel Melissa's great cosmic aura. But it seemed to be even more intimate because he had felt her mind connect with his own. William connected in return. The feeling of pure safety Melissa proceeded to give off was intoxicating. William felt amazed he didn't physically topple over. This angel had fallen out of the sky and into his life at this critical juncture for some reason other than affection. Right? Nothing else made sense.

"Mellie," William gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Do you feel the need to say anything more? I have a wild feeling that you do. On top of that? I'm suddenly thinking that I know exactly what it is. Talk."

Melissa chose to address her company at large. "I've also been receiving visions from a scared lady named Emily. Does that mean anything to anyone?"

Scully leaned into Mulder when a great emotion wave hit her. "Oh, my God. She must be so freaked out. And I'm not really in a position to mount a rescue..."

Mulder helped Scully to sit back on the couch. "I think it's time to fill Mellie in a bit further, no? But check it..."

Scully followed Mulder's gaze. Liv, Enid, and even Saga were watching. Steadfast. Scully then had a soft laugh. Each of her canine friends were awaiting an invitation to join her. All of them want to help. So it wasn't long before she had a puppy in her arms or snuggled against her baby bump. The collective affection was a bright spot in the moment. And that was enough. 

William sat on his mother's free side. Melissa joined him. Each person on the couch was trying to not be consumed by grief, comforting another, or just waiting. Patiently so. These people were their own familial unit, biologically and found. Skinner? He watched over them. And he was happy to. 

Still... Everyone at Number 24 Lily Passage was taking a collective breath. For the moment. A bigger change in the conversation was looming. Its outcome? Seeing William and Melissa off on an adventure of their own. 

Chapter Text

Rather to Melissa’s amazement, the others gave her a recap of the background matters… insofar as recent events went. Scully also threw in mention of the peculiarities that surrounded her older children in the first place. But then the rest of them held their collective breath when she finished. Now it was like watching a computer process a vast amount of information as fast as it could. 

“But that’s crazy.” Melissa protested. “Are all of you telling me that Emily is William’s predecessor in a now-foiled plot to take over the world because those people believed that the supposed ‘alien invasion’ of 2012 was real?”

Mulder, Scully, and Skinner said, “Yes.”

“That really is crazy.” Melissa remarked. 

“Uh-huh.” Scully agreed. “But you know, Mellie Kate? The modern take that you’re voicing is refreshing.”

Both Skinner and Mulder chimed together, “Mhm. She’s right.”

William told Melissa, “Hey. I’m right there with you.”

“Good.” Melissa heaved a sigh of relief before looking at the older adults present. “I… I feel as drawn to finding Emily as I do to finding my parents. Her visions are just so vivid that I’d be damned if I walked away from any chance to also help her. And on top of that? I’d really feel regret if things traveled on such a road.”

“Same.” William said seriously to the others. “Mellie needs to find her parents. I must look for my pregnant big sister. As quickly as possible. Don’t tell me that that isn’t the right thing to do.”

Scully told Mulder, “Of course he has your gallantry…”

Cheerfully steering the boat before things could get even remotely comically off-course at all, Skinner said to Melissa, “Do you have your father's coordinates now? Yes? Or no?”

Melissa answered him fast. “Yes. I do.”

“Excellent.” Skinner approved. 

“I’m really clever at map-reading.” William told Melissa as he rose to his feet. “Even coordinates.”

Melissa perked up. “Word.”

“And on that word,” Mulder laughed when Scully flipped him off in exaggeration over the pun. “I guess that that’s that. We can’t stop the winds of change, but we can at least help the kids get ready for their expedition. Yes?”

“Mhm.” Scully agreed. “Family trip to the grocery store. I dare say that we will go find survival gear. Alright?”

Mulder nodded in agreement. “Okay.”

Scully watched in fascination and thanks as Melissa proceeded to conjure up a collar, a harness, and a leash for Saga while everyone got ready to go. The puppy could see that there was a change happening. She even seemed amazed at the inclusion. Enid followed along in Saga’s and Liv’s wake. So she was also suited up to go. It wasn’t long before William and Melissa could be seen standing together in Skinner’s front drive, holding the animals’ leashes. 

But Scully felt vast amusement when she realized that the teenagers had fallen silent and were only making eye contact because they were flirting telepathically. Again. Yes, there would most certainly be wedding bells in the next decade. Or so. 

Meanwhile… 

Just on the other side of the driveway hedge to the left, one of Skinner’s neighbors could be seen just finishing his chore of taking out the garbage. But a great defining quality of this man was that he just happened to be a nosy parker. No one liked him. And with reason. 

Taking heed of his neighbor’s peculiar delegation, he drew closer to his half of the hedge as he called out, “You need permission for a party!”

Skinner called back, “This isn’t a party. But even if it was? I wouldn’t invite you!” 

Rather affronted, the neighbor protested, “Excuse me?!” 

“I said what I said. But everybody on this block knows that it was your barking slipper of a full-grown dog that drove poor Missus Horowitz’s cat insane to the point that it ran up a tree last week.” sneered Skinner. “So get out of here, Braintree. Now.”

“Sir,” Melissa called to the man by the surname of Braintree. “Is that your dog?”

“Yeah.” William pointed to a Yorkshire terrier that chose that moment to run past Skinner’s front fence. “I think I just saw a cat at the end of the block…”

Braintree hurried off after his pet when he realized that the young people were correct. Missus Horowitz’s cat, a prissy Siamese called Lady, could be seen in the distance grooming herself atop someone’s car. She hadn’t noticed Braintree’s dog. Yet. 

Skinner told the others, “Cyrus Braintree was a colonel back in his day.”

Mulder asked, “What of to day?”

“He’s a dotty old man. But,” Skinner shrugged. “He has a family that visits frequently. So at least there’s that. May I ask whose car we’re taking?”

Everyone piled into Mulder’s Ford Explorer. They ended up at the local all-in-one store. Not only did it carry groceries, but also clothes, clothes, toys, and anything one would need around the house. A garden center was also on its property. This was good. It allowed for the family to have a divide-and-conquer moment. 

While this happened, Mulder noticed that Scully gave them all the slip. On purpose. Mulder pretended to not notice that while his other half ended up in a checkout line separate from them, she had with her a haul of clothes, shoes, and toys that looked befitting of a toddler. Odd. Mulder elected on balance to ask Scully later on. If he remembered. 

The family congregated around Mulder’s car, where it sat in an isolated corner of the parking lot, under the shade of a large oak tree. Provisions were being doled out for William and Melissa. But Scully was now trying to face the absurdity of the bigger picture. She and Mulder had just gotten William back. Now they had to let him go. Again. 

There was also Melissa to consider. Like William, she also had supernatural aspects to herself. But Melissa knew nothing of being hunted and hated for being so different. Now? Melissa was willingly heading into the belly of the beast in the name of mounting a rescue. And one person on her list was a stranger. Technically. What amazed Scully about Melissa’s thought process here was that she had inherited the full brunt of Monica’s bravery. Genetics continued to be strong. 

Once everything had been packed and good-byes had been had, Scully said as bravely as she could to William and Melissa, “I know that the next step is letting you two go off on your own from here so that you can at least go for the element of surprise now. But just take care of each other. Alright?”

William and Melissa chimed together, “We will.”

Scully hugged them before looking from one to the other as she said, “I love both of you so much.”  

William and Melissa chimed together again, “We love you.”

Melissa made to say one last parting word, but no words came out. She instead just frowned. Something was going haywire. Beside her, William grabbed Melissa’s closest hand instinctively because she had begun to radiate confusion and genuine fear. He couldn’t think of what else to do. 

But the moment William finally made physical contact with Melissa, he began to feel her discomfort. And how. Each felt as if they were undergoing evaporation. 

From there, Mulder, Scully, and Skinner watched as the young people proceeded to vanish into thin air. Some greater power had yanked them away. Quite literally. 

U.S.S. BELLEFLEUR 

EAST D.C. SHIPPING YARDS

Emily sat on her bed and supported Theo as he leaned against her. The little boy was exhausted. He had just performed a supernatural feat. Emily had never seen him do anything of the like before, but it was quite plain that the performance in and of itself had been physically draining. Now Theo needed to rest. And he was. 

Emily spoke gently to her son as she rubbed his back. “I don’t know exactly what just happened, but please try to not do that again. Capiche?”

“Yes, mama.” Theo gave a terrific yawn. “Okay.”

Pleased at his understanding, Emily continued to hold Theo and comfort him. The baby in her womb even pushed against their brother once before settling in for a nap. Emily felt relief. She loved her children fiercely, but she had no emotional energy to handle rambunctiousness just then. At all. 

So she spoke to the other person on the bed now. “Did… whatever Theo was aiming for even work?”

And Monica Julieta Doggett moved closer to her companions. One hand gently rubbing her own massive baby bump in an attempt at soothing her own wiggly unborn child, Monica then touched her free hand to the side of her godson’s face. Emily watched as a soft blue energy surge emitted from her friend’s hand before it fully enveloped Theo. He grinned in content because his godmother’s own supernatural feat felt exactly like a warm hug. The boy even began to doze. 

After a few infinitesimal beats, Monica felt something click in the back of her mind, so she spoke to Emily with solid reassurance now. “Yes. It worked.”

Chapter Text

Some way off... 

John Jay Doggett had seen the wonders and the horrors of the world. He was not overly-fond of that second half, thanks to how life had so shattered his first marriage. But there had always been one constant. Monica Julieta Reyes. Though they had met because of devastating reasons, the woman got down in the trenches with John and simply just loved him. Each was it for each other. Quite permanently. A quarter of a century had already gone by now. 

But life did continue on at a breakneck speed after Mulder and Scully went on the run together, especially once Monica realized she was pregnant. Things went even faster once Melissa's disabling eyesight showed first itself. The rest of her peculiarities did keep John and Monica on their toes. Even the super-smarts. Parenthood was wild. At least they'd eloped before a pregnancy became suspected. 

John then even reenlisted when world events demanded it of him. As for Monica, she maintained a classified government job while going through the comedy of errors that was raising their stellar cosmic child. And that was that.  

Still, something had chosen to yank him abruptly from slumber quite recently. John couldn't explain what it was. But he also knew that he couldn't ignore it. Everything in his body told him that this had everything to do with Monica having been missing in action for half a year now. So he set out after making proper arrangements where Melissa was concerned. The main goal? Returning his wife to their child. 

But intuition, survival skills, and even a dash of a telepathic link with his wife had led him here. To the woods. But what puzzled John was that he could hear water in the distance. Odd. 

Rather concerned, William and Melissa continued to hold each other's hands as tightly as they could. A separation would not be good. They were being teleported away. Peculiar. 

It was Melissa who came back to reality first. She even landed neatly on her feet. William fell unceremoniously to the ground because he hadn't been able to catch his balance in time. But Melissa lovingly and effortlessly hauled him to his feet. She even dusted William off.

"Hey." she said when William finally did stand straight. "Are you good?"  

William bobbed his head as he looked around. "Huh. I don't have any idea what I should've expected. But this really wasn't it..."

Melissa nodded. "I agree."

"G... Hey!" William protested. "What are you doing?! Mellie, wait up!" 

Melissa was already heading away because she'd somehow, telepathically, gotten wind of her father. Maybe even his location. What surprised William was that Melissa was moving extremely fast. Neither had any immediate idea as to their location, only because they hadn't pulled out their map. Yet. All the same... they were most certainly in the woods and a massive body of water nearby. Strange. 

Meanwhile, one more sound caught John’s attention. Two pairs of incoming footsteps... making directly for the trail that led to his camp. But neither person was talking. Or even whispering. Just what was that about?

And so John called out, "Who's there?"

Heart lifting, Melissa ran the rest of the way towards him. "Papa!"

Deeply confused but pleased to see his daughter, John hugged his daughter before holding her out at arm's length. "Mija? What are you doing here?"

Chuckling nervously, Melissa told him, "I can explain. And I will. But first..."

Melissa turned back to William. He'd been watching the Doggetts interact with one another but he stood straighter immediately. Melissa's mind was reaching out to his. He scrambled to perch on the ledge that she was offering. And when he did settle there, he moved forward. Melissa was even generating reassurances. It was the fact that Melissa's gentleness underscored it all caused William to be weak-kneed. What had he done to deserve her? Such seemed to be an extremely monumental riddle to figure out. 

Marry me, he thought. 

Okay. But not until we're older, she sent back at once. 

William then went so weak-kneed that his knees buckled when he did reach Melissa. Had he meant for her to hear that particular thought? No. But she had. On top of that? He knew that she meant what she'd said. 

Is this really happening? he purposefully sent. 

Melissa responded aloud as she again hauled the lovestruck William to a standing position. "Yes. I swear to you that this is happening. Pull yourself together. Please?" 

John watched them in amusement. His daughter was most certainly telepathic and she seemed to have a link to her companion. All the way to the point where they were flirting telepathically. Wild.

Melissa said to John, "Papa? This is William."

John's time at the FBI flashed before his eyes. But he also felt very old. The son of his old friends was all grown up. 

"My God..." the man murmured. 

William quipped, "Hm. There's been a lot of that going around. My parents explained things to me. And so did Uncle Walter. But did you really once help my mother escape to extreme-rural Georgia before? She was actually telling me the truth?"

John said,  "Yes."

William and Melissa protested, "What?!"

Curious about their further unison, John looked from teenager to the other. "Are you two a couple?"

William and Melissa unintentionally chimed, "Yes."

"Wow. There is definitely a lot to discuss. Come on." John shook his head in greater amusement as the young people blushed spectacularly but then beckoned to them. "I'll show you where my camp is. There isn't much to say until we catch each other up."

U.S.S. BELLEFLEUR 

EAST D.C. SHIPPING YARDS

Tensions were high on the ship. Theo's cosmic feat hadn't gone unnoticed by those in charge. Although the people who had so inseminated Emily lived in fear of her because of the power she packed, they'd had no reason to be interested in her son. Up until now. And Emily was terrified. But Monica was the one who came up with a plan. The amazing part? Her godson fully understood.

"Hey." Monica said to him. "Please go hug your mama."

Theo fell into Emily's arms when he reached her and hugged her. "Love you."

Emily returned the affection and could no longer keep her tears at bay. "Be a good boy when you get there. One of us will come back for you when we can. Alright? Do you have what we gave you?"

Theo plucked at one strap of his rucksack. "Yep."

"Good." Emily hugged her son. "I love you."

Monica hugged her godson when he finally made it back to her at the other end of the bed. "I love you, too, Theo. Are you ready?"

The little boy spoke in a tone of serious devotion. "Uh-huh."

"Okay." Monica returned. "Time to be still."

Completely understanding her, Theo focused. Monica's curious blue light emanated from her hand again. Theo found his focus point. And after? The boy vanished from the ship altogether. 

227700 WALLACE ROAD

FARRS CORNER 

Everyone soon accepted that until something happened, the next stage of Melissa's and William's plan was out of their hands. Mulder and Scully went home. Although not before shopping for supplies that Saga required. And once she had thoroughly explored her new home, she was worn out. Now she was curled up with Liv on a floor pillow near the couch. Each animal had even fallen asleep. 

Scully even chuckled when her pets began snoring. But she kept herself occupied with sorting through the items she'd purchased at the all-in-one store. She hadn't really had a chance to take full stock of what she'd purchased. Mulder found her like this. 

"Honey," he said to Scully as he stood in front of her. "The kid we are expecting won't be able to use that stuff. Not for some time. I meant to ask you about this earlier..."

Scully opened her mouth to respond but was disrupted when three things happened in unison. The flashing of a curious blue light on the porch caught their attention. But it was promptly followed by a thump and child's voice remarking, "Whoopsie..." But both dogs then woke up at the sound of the voice and went on alert immediately. 

"What," Mulder said to Scully as he helped her up. "Was that?!"

Scully sighed as Liv and Saga then barked impatiently at them. "I haven't a clue."

When the door was opened, the dogs hurried over to the far end of the porch. Mulder and Scully watched in amazement as Liv and Saga tag-teamed to herd a fair-skinned, blue-eyed, red-haired little boy over to the front door. He seemed extremely sleepy. But the dogs bookended him. Exactly like sentries. 

Taken aback, Scully said kindly to their visitor, "What's your name?"

He pointed to himself as he gave a staggering yawn. "Theo Fox Mulder."

Lifting her eyebrows at his response, now Scully asked, "What's your mother's name? Do you know?"

"Yeah-huh. Emily Christine Mulder." Theo heaved an even bigger yawn that almost knocked him out. "So sleepy..."

The boy then fell asleep on his feet. And it happened fast, like a switch had been flipped. Mulder scooped Theo up. The dogs went back inside, their jobs done. Each felt satisfied that the humans could handle it. 

"Babe," Scully said softly after a few moments. "What...?"

Mulder turned his attention back to Scully. "I think we have a grandson."

Chapter Text

Scully settled on the couch. Liv and Saga joined her, watching Mulder as he put Theo into their mistress' arms. Both puppies gave their new friend a few more investigative sniffs before deciding he was alright. From there, they moved back to their floor pillow. Sleepiness had arrived. They even began snoring again. Meanwhile, Mulder closed the doors and windows against a cool breeze that had rolled in. He would have been unsurprised if a downpour happened. But he was quick to notice when Theo began plucking at his rucksack in slumber. The thing had grown uncomfortable. 

Mulder quickly eased it off Theo's back and rubbed in-between his shoulder blades gently. "Hey. There you go, little prince. All better."

Scully kissed the top of Theo's curly locks. "Just rest, darling. You are so safe with us."

Hardly awake, Theo murmured sleepily as a way of thanks, "I love you..."

Making fast work of helping Theo from his jacket, socks, and shoes, Mulder set these items to the side, along with his rucksack. Then he cast a blanket over him. Theo's content grew as he became warm. All the while, Scully held Theo and whispered to him. It wasn't long before the little boy even hugged his angel while he slept on. Did he miss his mother and his godmother? Absolutely. But he felt safe here. And that was what mattered now. 

Mulder watched Scully hold Theo. She seemed caught in the riptide of her own emotion-well. But Mulder didn't blame her. One thing that had never once wavered with Scully was her deep affinity for children, especially the ones in their extended family. Mulder also realized that Scully was choosing to treat Theo like a son because they'd not known theirs at all when he'd been this age. Just what did his appearing there even mean?

Scully spoke softly to Mulder when he sat beside them. "Babe... We do have a grandson. Can you get my photo album from the table? Please?" 

Mulder followed through and asked, "What page...?"

"The third one." Scully watched him go to the said page. "Now... Just whom do you see?"

Mulder's heart cartwheeled when he looked. Standing there in the vintage color photograph was a fair-skinned curly red-haired boy of about three-years-old. He also had familiar blue eyes and an immensely big splash of red freckles all over his body. What Mulder next found endearing was that the boy wore denim overalls but was otherwise shirtless and barefoot. Behind him could be seen a body of water, perhaps a lake? Plastered upon his face was an extremely overeager grin as he displayed from a fishing line a surprisingly big sunfish. Only pride became him at that moment. Rather startling was that Theo Fox looked exactly like him. 

All the same, it was the name written on the caption paper under the image that took Mulder's breath away. Charles Theo. 

Quite astonished, Mulder looked back to Scully. "Am I dreaming?" 

Scully shook her head. "Mm-mm. Charlie's middle name is Theo. Not Theodore. Just Theo. I took that picture of Charlie because he asked me to."

Mulder said, "That was nice. Do you remember where you all were?"

Scully this time gave a nod. "Camping at a campground. But more to the point, we were in England because Ahab had just been assigned there. It was even July. And we had some time before Ahab had to leave. That was extra good."

"Oh?" Mulder grew curious. "How is that?"

"My baby brother's birthday is in the dead of July. He was turning three." without even thinking about it, Scully hugged Theo again. "My parents packed us all up and we made tracks for that campground. Everyone had a ball. Charlie enjoyed being in the thick of it."

"Hm." reflected Mulder. "It seems like it, from the photograph."

Scully tacked on another part of the memory. "My brother had also chosen to ditch a shirt and any footwear because late July heat in the English countryside is no joke. Charlie had been a little miserable about it until I showed him how to hold the fishing rod while Bill and Missy fixed up the hook and the bait. After that? Charlie felt such pride over catching his first fish ever that he'd forgotten about the heat."

"Wow. That is a beautiful memory." Mulder marveled. "Now there's Theo Fox. And he's the spitting image of toddler-aged Charles Theo. Crazy."

Nodding, Scully added, "But especially because Emily has absolutely zero means of knowing any of this."

"Hm. That's a good point." said Mulder. "But some part of Emily most certainly remembers me because look what her son's middle name is."

"How true." Scully sighed. "That was one very big choice to make. And not a coincidence." 

"Exactly." Mulder's tone was firm. "The same can also be said about hers and Theo's last name being mine. Just what's that about? She was Emily Christine Sim when we met her."

"I should think," Scully responded. "That we will ask Emily when the others rescue her. For now? The two of us have a grandson to care for. He is our only priority."

Mulder stroked Theo's locks as he told Scully, "I agree."

Now Scully's heart swelled with sudden affection when Theo sleep-hugged her yet again. "I can feel a connection to our pint-sized visitor. But cosmically, telepathically. Mulder? Do you find that odd?"

"I don't." Mulder kissed his other half. "All told? I'm impressed, honey. Are you talking about the kind of connection you have with William?"

"And his baby sisters, too." Scully confirmed. "But I felt Theo's mind reach out to mine when we saw him on the porch."

Mulder lifted his eyebrows. "I take it that you reached back?" 

"Mhm. Now he's made a very comfortable bed on the purchase I gave him. He's pleased." Scully then pointed to the purchases that she'd been looking at, just a few minutes before. "I can still explain those."

Mulder chuckled. "Honey? Did you actually foresee Theo's coming here?"

Scully answered sheepishly, "At this point? I think it's very safe to s..."

But the last of her thoughts became disrupted. Still in a deep sleep, Theo had begun to laugh long and loud. Never in his life had he laughed so heartily. Only explanation? He was having a funny dream. Did he wake? Not even when he began to hiccup. 

"Oh, boy." Scully rubbed the toddler's back when he did wind himself down on his own. "It looks like Theo Fox is even a joker. I'm both unsurprised and tickled. But the last thing we need... Uh-oh..."

Egged on by Theo, both of the babies in Scully's womb chose that moment so as to also hiccup. In turn? Scully became their conduit. And this wasn't even the first occasion. 

"Hey. I've got you. Okay?" Mulder pulled his company into a hug when Theo began to giggle but quietly. "Right now, I'm choosing to believe that our grandson is being like this because he trusts us. Completely. Wherever Theo was before? He just wasn't free to be himself."

Scully's next words were punctuated by a few hiccups. "I agree. What now?"

Mulder spoke his next words as a heavy rainfall began outside. "Now? The two of us wait for everyone to pull themselves together. After that, we search Theo's rucksack for clues. Deal?"

Scully hiccuped once. "Okay. Deal." 

So they sat together. Neither of the twins are so far expressing any interest in slowing down. Yet. The dogs continued to snore gently on their bed. Neither of them had woken since curling up again because they were too busy dreaming about a long day of play. Dreaming about a long day of play with his grandmother's dogs, Theo continued to giggle. And hiccup. Life was beautiful. At least for once. 

Chapter Text

John remained together in the woods with William and Melissa. Each party had now caught each other up. And this was good. But the weather soon turned so bleak that the only thing for it was to bunker down for the night. John stayed in his own tent. William and Melissa shared one. More than able to read the situation, John chose to not be concerned over this last fact. Both William and Melissa were worn out to the point that they fell asleep very quickly. John even felt pleased about zipping his door shut when he did. No sooner had he managed than an all-night downpour began. Overall? He felt pleased that they were dry.

227700 WALLACE ROAD

FARRS CORNER, VIRGINIA 

Once all giggles and hiccups had ended, Theo remained curled up against Scully while their minds continued to link. But the fact that he trusted her so brought her joy. She had a grandson. And the boy loved her more than he could say. 

But remembering herself, Scully said to Mulder, "Alright. I don't think I have the heart to get up again for a little bit because holding Theo is like holding a sleeping cat. Or something. But I think we're finally at the part where we see what's in his rucksack now. Can you please fetch it?"

Mulder plucked it up from the coffee table and moved closer to the other two. "Time for some investigating."

As it happened, while Theo's green-colored rucksack was appropriately-sized, it held a surplus of materials. And Scully was pleased. Together, she and Mulder found many outfits, an extra pair of shoes, and even some toys. Emily had packed as much as she could. But even that act showed how deeply it was that she loved her son. Scully found the last two items tucked away in the front pocket. A pair of standard-sized business envelopes. One was addressed to her and the other was meant for Mulder. Odd. 

Scully handed Mulder his envelope saying, "We've been written to."

Mulder accepted the envelope and opened it as he responded, "Thanks."

He didn't have any idea of what to expect. Still, the sight of a delicate cursive script comforted him. Emily had inherited Scully's handwriting style. Somehow? That just made sense. 

I don't even have any idea of what I should call you. But I do remember you. And well. You were kind, gentle, and funny. Thanks. But you know? I've always associated foxes with you because they bring me peace. No matter what. And I gave us your last name because I remember that you held me when I was ill. Thank you even for that. 

The smoking man and his goons wholly cured me of my sicknesses when I was a child so they could experiment on me. And, yes. I know exactly what I am. But three whole years ago, I was medically-violated when those bastards artificially inseminated me because they wanted to see if I could produce a child capable of anything supernatural. All the same? I love Theo Fox and his big heart. My son saved my life by just being himself. 

But those   bastards tried to take Theo Fox away when he was born. I will tell that whole story when I see you and my mother again. Please tell her that I remember her. And quite perfectly. 

Theo and I have been mostly left alone because Monica is here. She looks after us. But she also makes sure that we have what we need. My friend even helped bring Theo into the world. For that? She is his godmother and helps me raise him. Each loves the other fiercely. 

I also know that Monica loves us as she does because she has her own family. But I am going to leave that for her to explain. 

What's more pressing is that after one of her own traumas, Monica has become a prisoner with us here on the Bellefleur. She already came here with actual psychic abilities. Then   she was the one   experimented on. I think the things she can do are permanent. However, since you have this letter, it means that she successfully sent Theo to you and to my mother. We had to send him away. ASAP. Things are worse than ever. 

And Monica says she would try to teleport us out, but it hasn't happened yet because she's depressed. I'm scared. 

The only things not keeping her from sinking into utter despair is that she says she has a connection to her family, and... she's pregnant. I have no idea if she was violated. But she loves her baby desperately. Time is also ticking for me. I was violated. Again. I'm expecting a daughter. They did it to keep me occupied, but I haven't given up because my children deserve more than this. 

And it's getting harder to sleep because I keep dreaming of a scared teenage boy named William. Please look after him if you find where he is. 

But I think they're actually going to take they're actually going to take the children away this time. And that's a thought I can't physically handle. 

Please make sure someone comes to find us quickly. 

All of my love, Emily Christine Mulder 

The man set his letter aside momentarily. Tremendous responsibility had settled over Mulder now, just as it had when they'd first encountered Emily. But this time? She was trapped in hellish circumstances rather beyond her control. And Monica was with her. Just what was going on?

Down at the other end of the couch, Scully was reading her letter. This one had been detailed by Monica. It was even splotchy in some places where the ink had run together. Scully's heart lurched when she realized that Monica had been crying. 

Dear Dana,

I can and will explain myself. But if I ever   escape this prison, this is me saying that I'm going to retire from the FBI. Permanently. 

I technically owe those bastards my life because they brought me back from the dead. And I can do things. However... I am under their thumb right now. And I hate every second. Truly. 

Anyway... I've been married to John for a long time at this point and we even have a cosmically-gifted teenage daughter by the name of Doctor Melissa Katherine Fox Doggett. Please keep tabs on her if you bump into her. She's wildly smart, but her vastly-disabling eyesight is her Achilles heel. Our nightmare would be her getting into trouble because of her inability to see that well. In the long run? Her father and I would be unsurprised if she turned out to be as powerful as your boy. 

Dana, I'm trapped on a ship in the East D.C. shipping yards called the U.S.S. Bellefleur. And I'm not alone. EMILY IS ALIVE. I've gotten to know her these past years, and she is beautiful. I remember finding her file in the basement and reading it thoroughly. How it kills me I was not able to tell you. I hope that you can forgive me for saying nothing. But I understand if you don't. 

And Emily is a mother. Three years back, she ended up getting pregnant because these bastards artificially inseminated her while she was under anesthesia. Poor thing had no idea until the morning sickness began some weeks later. I held her in her bed when she was too wracked by emotion and queasiness to function. But worry not. Emily loves Theo Fox fiercely. 

Since you have this letter, that means that the transportation of  my godson worked. Do I have any knowledge about who his father is or was? No. Still, I will have you know  that he was created for dark reasons. But because of some intervention on my part, I've been tasked with bringing up Emily and Theo. It's easy because I love them. And they know. 

On a serious note... 

You must know that Theo actually performed a supernatural feat of his own today. And these people are aware. Do I think they'll come after him? No. But we need you and Mulder to keep him safe. Please? I will come visit him first if Emily can't. She and I are the only parents Theo has ever known.  

But now... now I've come to the part where I tell another piece of news. I'm six months pregnant. The little one is thoroughly John's child but I didn't learn about him or her until I wasn't allowed to go home. Were we trying for this? No. But I am pleased the little one has happened. They, and Emily and her children are all that are keeping me from losing my mind. 

I don't say that lightly. Dana, I'm sure that they'll take my new baby and Emily's incoming daughter. I can't handle such an outcome. At all. 

Please make sure someone comes to find us. ASAP. I've never been so scared. 

—Monica

Scully hugged and kissed Theo even more when she finished the letter. Did she have any idea of what to think? No, and especially after they traded letters. But Scully found herself deeply moved by the time she'd finished Emily’s narrative. All that kept her from losing it on the spot was feeling her children move in their sleep, and the gentleness of Theo as he lovingly hugged his future playmates in sleep. It amazed her that these children were her family because she more than remembered when she'd thought this would be some pipe dream. And nothing more. 

But Scully said to Mulder, "What do we do? Emily is deeply frightened. So's Monica."

Mulder answered confidently, "I will call Walter in the morning. Okay?" 

"Okay." Scully agreed. "And until then?"

"We protect our grandson. And," Mulder went on. "Starting after breakfast? We figure out what makes him tick."  

Breathing a sigh of relief, Scully told Mulder, "Deal."

And so as if to seal things on his end? Theo began to laugh heartily as he slept. All over again. 

Chapter Text

So vast became Theo's trust that he could be heard laughing loudly in slumber all throughout the night as he slept soundly in one of the spare bedrooms upstairs. Mulder and Scully felt amazed. Each had always dreamed about hearing the laughter of a child in their home one day. But now that the moment was here, it felt surreal. They soaked it in. Every moment. Their grandson had no fear because he trusted them so deeply. 

Once breakfast had passed and Scully placed a call to Skinner, inviting him over at once to meet their tiny houseguest, the trio found themselves outside. It was a bright day. But it also seemed as if the night's downpour had never even happened. For that? Mulder and Scully watched Theo. It seemed he was in a transport of joy over every pebble, stick, blade of grass, even every cloud in the sky. If anything? The boy's world had opened up. And well in the blink of any eye. 

Theo crowed, "Wow! Nana, papa: it's just so pretty out there!" 

"You know?" Scully said to Mulder as Theo ran past them to examine a nearby patch of tall grass. "I just had a slightly depressing thought."

Mulder tore his gaze away from where Liv and Saga were now bookending Theo. "Hm. Just what'd that be?" 

Scully sighed, "Theo is expressing joy over things that most people would never think twice about. I think he lived in one room. To that end? I think Emily and Monica are both stuck in that space. And I think it's cramped. Just to cap it all off? I don't think our grandson has ever seen a blue sky. Or the sun."

His heart lurching at the gravity of her words, Mulder lamented, "Why does that make perfect sense?"

"I think because we've seen so much over the years." then Scully allowed herself a smile when she noticed a new sight. "Hey. Look."

Theo could now be seen turning around slowly, his arms outstretched. But he then seemed surprised. Quite a number of butterflies had landed on his arms now. 

"Theo," Scully said as she and Mulder immediately joined him. "Are you okay?"

Theo whispered loudly to the butterflies, "It's okay. I love you. Please go fly somewhere fun."

All five butterflies immediately departed their perch and made haste for the woods that surrounded the property. It was as if they had understood him. Just what was going on?

Mulder then repeated Scully's inquiry. "Are you okay?"

As he shook himself out, Theo said, "They tickled me."

"But," Mulder said carefully. "They didn't frighten you?"

"Mm-mm." Theo answered. "But everybody needed help 'cause they got lost."

Scully murmured, "Is what I think happening actually happening?!" 

Before Mulder could begin to answer, Theo's attention shifted. He had noticed Liv and Saga. Both had begun play-fighting because they were bored. However, it seemed each was only ramping up. And this exasperated Theo. 

Mustering all the sharpness he could, Theo told the dogs, "Hey! Do not!" 

Liv composed herself on the spot. So did Saga. They respected him but they also enjoyed the exploring that they three had been up to before this detour. Delaying a new round seemed unwise. 

Theo rewarded their obedience with hugs as he said, "Good puppies. I think we will go this way..."

"My God..." Scully murmured as they herded themselves away. 

"Our grandson can talk to animals and they can understand him. But he has absolutely no reason to find that strange." Mulder tossed his hands up in exasperation. "Does the man upstairs have a sense of humor? I think yes."

But Scully pinched the bridge of her nose when a new thought altogether popped into her head. "Just what the hell is Walter going to say?"

Quite as much as Mulder and Scully had, so too had Skinner chosen to trust that the next stage of the operation would have to be handled without him. The rest of his evening just dragged by. But when Scully called to tell him about their discovery of a surprise grandchild, he left home immediately. But he made sure to bring Enid. In case Theo was shy. Rather to Skinner's amusement, he wasn't. By any means. 

At the sight of Enid, Theo said in joy, "Another puppy?!" 

Enthralled by Theo's amazement and enthusiasm over her, Enid ran to him. But Theo gave his new friend a hand when he realized that Enid only moved so fast. 

"I love you," Theo cooed to Enid. "But just a second!" 

The adults watched in sheer amazement as Theo proceeded to use telekinesis to bring Enid into his arms. And then the boy cradled her as she made soft happy sounds. Enid sighed contently when Theo spoke to her as if there was no else in the universe alive but them. 

Still contently cradling his new friend, Theo told his grandparents after a few moments, "Enid says hi and that she loves it here."

Theo then proceeded to sit on the ground with Enid in his lap as he began telling her a story. Enid looked upon him adoringly. Liv and Saga sat before him. But they also looked upon their playmate with equally pure adoration. And not to be missed? All three animals were wagging their tails. 

Only just holding back laughter, Skinner said to Mulder and Scully, "One of you had better start explaining now."

U.S.S. BELLEFLEUR

EAST D.C. SHIPPING YARDS

Just as Monica had predicted, no one went after Theo. She was weak with relief now because it meant that her surrogate son finally stood a chance at a normal kind of life. That was what she wanted for the boy because he deserved more than this one-room prison. Saving Theo successfully meant that there was hope for a better future. And what was what mattered. For now. 

Situated on her own bed, Emily had been staring into space. All she could really do anymore? Just imagine what Theo could possibly be up to at that particular moment. Such an activity beat the pain of missing him. But Monica soon caught her attention after a few moments more. 

The woman had been tossing and turning on her own bed as she slept. But Emily could help notice that Monica's activity was increasing, as if she was having a nightmare. She even began to wonder if she should wake her up. At any rate, Emily realized that the entire situation had to have been uncomfortable for her child. She knew by way of Monica's bemoaning that her little one was heavy. And not light at all. 

But Monica then woke and sat up with a start, even crying out. Emily very nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise. She had also been dozing off. Monica's abrupt activity had woken her back up. 

"Okay." Emily sat beside Monica. "What just happened?"

Monica held her hand. "The two of us have to go. Right now. Okay? Do you trust me?"

Knowing that this was hardly the time to trifle with her, Emily said, "I do."

Channeling from deep within herself, Monica then quite instantaneously felt a surge of energy transfer itself away from her body and then directly to the point where she and Emily were holding hands. From there? Monica and Emily successfully winked out of sight. 

Chapter Text

In the woods near the harbor, John, William, and Melissa were packing their camp up. Now the sun was shining as if the evening's downpour had never happened. They had a plan. But it didn't feel too secure. 

Infiltrating the ship where their loved ones were and then winging it until they had a successful escape. God only knew things would go. William still felt ready to tap in to the more vicious part of his abilities if it meant protecting their loved ones. He was loyal to the last. Melissa had to talk herself into the idea of using her own gifts for harm. She was ready. After a small pep talk from William.

But... 

Just as they were getting ready to fully leave their campground, William and Melissa stopped short. Their own attention was elsewhere. Even taking his USMC training of yesteryear into account, John grew to feel jumpy. The young people were jointly sensing something else altogether. 

John still erred on the side of caution. "Hey. What is it?"

William responded by using his telekinesis to move him to the side. And not a moment too soon. The unlikely trio became treated to the sight of a bright blue light flash. When it dissipated, they then had a collective jump. 

Monica was there. Emily, too. But how…? It really didn’t help that both women seemed confused. 

Vastly astonished, John approached his wife. “I… What…? Mi vida, how…?”

She wanted to hug him. Really. But Monica became distracted by something else. Taking her husband's closest hand, she held it flat against the surface of her middle and then gently pressed it downward. The couple was promptly surprised by a steady flurry of tiny kicks and nudges. 

Gazing upon his wife in amazement now, John gasped, “What…?”

Monica kissed him before whispering, “Our son says hello.”

While John reeled in surprise, Melissa gasped, “I’m getting a brother?”

“Yes.” Monica held an arm out to her. “Come closer, mijita. Please?”

Melissa was quick to fall into her mother’s arms. Nearby, William stood before Emily. Both siblings truly were startled that the other was there. Each could even feel the other’s gifts going off the chart because everything about this moment felt too surreal. And they were unsure of how to handle it. 

Gently, William said, “Emily? I’m so happy to meet you.”

“I… I thought you were my imagination.” Emily touched her brother’s face to make sure he was there. “But you’re actually real?”

“Mhm. I think we’ve been talking to each other through dreams. Just the night before last, I had a dream that you were in serious trouble.” William continued to be gentle when he saw his big sister tremble as things caught up with her. “Do you know who I am?”

Emily’s bottom lip wobbled as she offered him a smile. “I think you’re my brother.” 

Great hope now bloomed in William’s chest. “Uh-huh. That’s correct. Our parents are going to be so elated to see you. Honestly? I can’t even begin to describe it.”

Choosing to hold on to this information like a lifeline, Emily asked William, “But have you seen my boy?”

“I haven’t.” William lamented. “How is he called?”

“Theo Fox Mulder. And this,” Emily pointed to her baby bump. “Is precious Rose Dana Mulder. She…”

But Emily’s words petered out as a new sensation became her. She then frowned as she grew unsteady. All Emily could say for sure was that the feeling of unsteadiness felt to be coming from the very fiber of her being. 

“Hey.” William continued to be gentle. “Just breathe slowly.”

And Emily wanted to, but she called out, “Monica?”

The older woman joined the younger one as quickly as she could as she held her steady. “I’m right here.”

“I think,” Emily laid one hand against Monica’s face. “That you have to go…”

Surprised, Monica began, “Pard…”

But she then winked out of sight. As for Emily? Quite unable to stop herself, she vomited spectacularly all over the ground. 

Chapter Text

227700 WALLACE ROAD

FARRS CORNER, VIRGINIA

Skinner felt astonished by the time that Mulder and Scully finished informing him what they knew of Theo thus far. It was a ton to process. But his ability to keep up saved time.   

At last, he said around an over-exasperated sigh. “But capping it all off would be the fact that Theo teleported here?”

Mulder answered, "Correct." 

Having the good sense to sound sheepish when she tacked on an afterthought, Scully added, “Mulder and I didn’t witness it happening. Technically.”

Skinner connected another dot on his own. “But you heard him have some kind of crash-landing. Didn’t you? And the dogs went bonkers? Didn’t they?”

Scully nodded. “That is exactly how it went. And when Mulder let the puppies on to the porch, they herded Theo from the opposite end to where we were at the door.”

Taking even this in stride, Skinner said, “Okay. Anything else to share?”

Scully told him, “There was a bright blue light that caught our attention because the window happened to be open.”

Her words had hardly left her mouth when they all noticed a bright blue light spontaneously appear on the porch. It manifested looking like an orb. And the phenomenon hovered. 

Indicating it while Mulder picked Theo up, Skinner said, “You mean a light like that one?”

Unable to look away from her porch, Scully murmured, “Uh-huh…”

And Mulder murmured, “My God…”

Skinner felt that this was an appropriate statement. So did Scully.

Once the light orb subsided, everyone in the yard was then greeted by the sight of the pregnant Monica materializing in the exact same spot that Theo had. The act of mercy by Emily had actually worked. She had reached safety in one piece. And because Melissa had moved quickly, Monica also had nice clothes, good shoes, and a bag of supplies that had all been conjured up for her. If anything, Monica was even rather stunned.

The others could only stare as they processed what all had occurred in the blink of an eye. However, the dogs reacted first by barking comically. Monica’s abrupt arrival had startled them. And so? They expressed themselves. But it broke the spell at once. 

Looking down at them from the safety of Mulder’s arms, Theo said sharply, “I told you to not to!”

As the animals immediately composed themselves at his request, Skinner went to greet Monica on the porch. Mulder and Scully watched. Each even breathed a sigh of relief when their friends hugged each other. Everything about the occasion on which they’d last been in the same vicinity had been tragic. But now? They seemed to have chosen forgiveness because they were just happy to be alive. 

Mulder brought the remainder of the family on the porch. Theo even discreetly levitated the dogs up so they wouldn’t have any trouble. But when he finally saw Monica, the little boy burst into tears of genuine relief. He loved her as much as he loved Emily. The fact that his other mother was actually there blew his mind. 

He cried out, “MIKA!”

Completely unguarded, Monica took Theo into her arms and held him close. She loved the little boy exactly as Emily did. To be able to hold him was a vast relief. Especially considering what she’d left out of her letter to Scully. 

“Precious boy, I’m so glad to see you.” Monica shifted Theo to one hip so he’d be more comfortable while she moved on to wiping his tears for him. “Are you well? Have you been good?”

“Yes.” Theo then gave her a peck on the cheek before laying his head on her shoulder. “I love you very a lot. But Mika?”

She hugged him as she said, “Yes?”

Theo asked, “Where is mama?”

Feeling genuine guilt, Monica told him, “Emily couldn’t make it.”

Heaving a sigh of dejection, Theo could only respond, “Okay…”

Now they watched as Monica continued to console Theo until he relaxed in her arms completely. He even began to yawn. But watching Monica love Theo like this was beautiful. 

Finally moving closer to Monica, Scully said cautiously, “Am I dreaming?”

“Mm-mm.” now Monica pulled Scully into a brief one-armed hug before holding her out at arm’s length so that she could see her. “Dana? You look beautiful.”

Her heart flip-flopping at the compliment, Scully returned as she framed her baby bump, “Thanks. And so do you. Now please tell Fox hello.”

The two proceeded to hug like two long-lost siblings reunited. Mulder even got a laugh out of Monica when he even delivered her of a purposefully-lame quip. Then he busied himself with helping Monica inside. Quite touched by the chivalry, Monica let him. 

But it was Theo who pounced first after everyone had settled. He had not overlooked that Monica seemed blue. And so? The child decided he would cheer her up. 

“Mika,” Theo said as he said beside her. “Look!”

He used his telekinesis to lift the puppies into Monica’s line of sight. Amused by the sensation, the dogs yipped softly and made contented sounds again. Just as they had outside. 

Monica asked Theo, “Are these your friends?”

Theo bobbed his head before indicating each animal in turn. “Liv, Saga, Enid.”

Each animal immediately rolled over in midair as they expressed interest in Monica. And submission. If Theo trusted her, she was perfect. Now Monica just felt flattered. 

“Hey.” she said to Theo. “Anything else?”

He told her, “They wanna snuggle.”

Concealing her jolt of surprise over the fact that Theo was demonstrating communication and comprehension of animal dialogue, Monica responded, “I would also like to snuggle with each of them. And you.”

Pleased, Theo immediately moved the puppies closer. Monica plucked each one of them out of the air. Everyone found their place eventually. It wasn’t long before Monica had three puppies curled up to her, each in varying stages of drifting off to sleep. Even that brought her peace. 

Everyone else was amazed that Monica was unperturbed first by Theo’s ability to speak with animals, and then by his power of telepathy. Just what all had she seen over the years before? Scully couldn’t wait to find out. 

After feeling satisfied that Liv, Saga, and Enid were comfortable, Monica held back a laugh when she looked over to Theo. The boy was yawning hugely. And rubbing his eyes. Everybody could see what the next stop with him would be. Snoozeville. 

“Mijo,” Monica pulled Theo close to her. “Did you wear yourself out?”

“Uh-huh.” the little boy leaned against her. “So sleepy, Mika…”

“Just rest.” Monica rubbed Theo’s back and stroked his curly hair. “Everything is okay.”

Theo draped one arm over Monica’s baby bump as he murmured, “Love you…”

“And I love you, Theo.” promised Monica. “Just rest.”

Theo fell asleep at once after that. Use of his abilities really did wear him out fast. So Monica chose to just let him be. On her other side and in her lap, the puppies continued to doze. Her company continued to watch in amazement. For all the horrors that Monica had endured, her capacity for gentleness had only deepened. Even that made perfect sense. 

Chuckling when she saw the others looking upon her in expectant amusement, Monica said, “Hm. I guess I have a bit of explaining to do.”

“Mhm. That’s putting it lightly.” joked Scully before indicating how comfortable Theo had made himself. “But…”

“You’re wondering how it is that Theo and I are so close.” deduced Monica. “Aren’t you?” 

Scully admitted, “I am.”

“So are we.” chorused Mulder and Skinner. 

“Well,” a soft gentle surge of blue energy emanated out of Monica’s hand as she rubbed Theo’s back. “I helped Emily when she brought her boy into the world. Each of them even has a telepathic link with me. But overall?”

Mulder, Scully, and Skinner pressed, “What is it?”

Monica said unblinkingly, “I am legally Theo’s other mother.”

Chapter Text

Still with a sleepy toddler and a trio of equally-tired puppies curled up against her, Monica watched Mulder, Scully, and Skinner take in what she’d just said. The newest development she had just dropped on them was not of the everyday variety. They found themselves feeling stunned. But no one could fault anybody. At all.

Monica was legally Theo’s other mother.

Finally taking one for the team, Scully said to Monica, “You mentioned in your letter to me that you’re also Theo’s godmother. Did you adopt him?”

“Correct.” the younger woman confirmed. “I may have actually been hidden by the government for the past while, but I do still have connections in different places.”

“But,” Scully furrowed her brow. “I know for a fact that they legally had you declared as dead.”

Monica shrugged. “I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth here.”

Skinner stepped in before either surrogate daughter could spiral, saying to Monica, “Hey. Did those other connections make the adoption happen?”

“Mhm. They did and they are one hundred percent authentic. I checked.” said Monica. “But the hows and the whys of why I couldn’t ask those people to free me isn’t something I’ll have the emotional capacity to answer before I’ve slept in my own bed.”

“Okay.” said Scully. “That’s fair.”

Speaking again, Skinner asked, “When did the adoption process go through?”

Monica told him, “I have technically and legally been Theo’s other mother for a week.”

“Okay. That’s good.” said Mulder. “Did you do it because you could feel a tide change?”

Monica said, “I still can. Plus… I really don’t mean to be an alarmist…”

“But…?” Mulder prompted.

“I also wanted to make sure of Theo's life,” Monica went on. “Being secure if he and I had a chance to escape before Emily did.”

 “Oh.” said Mulder. 

“Then,” Scully said carefully. “Are you also legally the second parent of Theo’s incoming sibling?”

“Uh-huh.” answered Monica, “I am. Your family has always mattered to me.”

Remembering all the ways Monica had gone above and beyond in years past, Scully told her, “Thank you so much.” 

Monice returned, “Anything for family.”

Still fast asleep, Theo mumbled, “I want to play…”

Monica whispered to Theo, “Just sleep.”

Theo mumbled back, “Okay…”

As he then sank into a deeper sleep, Monica rubbed Theo’s back soothingly. The boy relaxed visibly. 

But Scully suspected this to be because of the blue energy physically emanating out of Monica’s hand. It seemed to comfort Theo. Already in action, the phenomenon grew brighter. And stronger. Even Monica relaxed when she touched her free hand to the underside of her vast baby bump. A second continual surge of energy appeared at once. Monica let out an audible relieved sigh.

Once more taking one for the team, Scully asked her friend, “Just how are you doing that?”

“In all honesty,” admitted Monica. “I’m not sure.”

Scully said politely, “Pardon?”

Gently, Mulder said to Monica, “Will you please begin from the top of what you can? Monica, you are safe here. Understand?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Monica re-centered herself and tried again. “Emily was not the only one experimented on. Uh… They also got to me. It’s how I’m even alive.”

Scully said, “Oh. Mellie Kate told us that she’s been holding on to your telepathic link this entire time because it comforts her.”

Nodding, Mulder added, “She also said that she would have noticed if it had gone out.”

Monica told the others, “I have always been in her corner because she’s already disabled. John is the same. Whatever those heathens did to me when I was prisoner, it accentuated what I was already able to do. It is what it is. Now? I must live with it.”

“Okay.” Scully’s eyes flickered briefly from her friend’s middle and back to her face. “Then what about the little one?”

“Quite unharmed.” Monica said with confidence before having a sigh. “But… One of the things I can do now is generate the cosmic blue light that you’re seeing now.”

Curious himself, Skinner asked her, “Does it hurt?”

“No. Thank heavens. It feels warm… Kind of like a really wonderful hug. I suppose that that’s why Theo and the baby gravitate so innocently to it. Children love being loved.” upon a new thing entering her brain, Monica then gave a nervous laugh. “But…”

“What is it?” Skinner asked.

“Uh… First of all…”  Monica laughed nervously again. “Theo transported the dynamic duo from where I guess they were to some place much closer to John’s location in the woods.”

“Excuse me?” cried Scully, Mulder, and Skinner as one.

But Monica shrugged for a second time. “All I know is that that’s what went down.”

Really not expecting much, Mulder asked Monica, “Is he able to explain it?”

Shaking her head, Monica answered, “Mm-mm.”

While Mulder sighed in temporary defeat, Scully asked Monica, “Our boy just wanted to help?”

Monica said, “Exactly.”

“Then,” Scully went on. “Are we now talking about that ‘supernatural feat’ you mentioned before?”

“Right again.” responded Monica. “But the task tuckered Theo right out. He fell asleep in Emily’s arms after.”

“Totally understandable.” Scully said sympathetically. “May I ask about what happened from there?”

Easily recollecting the memory, Monica told Scully, “I touched one hand to the side of Theo’s face when Emily asked me if Theo’s task worked. The blue surge appeared. I have no idea why or how I activate it…”

Mulder guessed, “It just appears?”

“Bingo.” said Monica. “When the surge enveloped our boy, I was just filled with a tremendous amount of understanding. It was like his mind had laid everything out in a straight line. For that, I knew he had accomplished his goal. Did all of you see the other end…?”

“Yeah.” answered Scully. “It happened in front of all three of us.”

Monica murmured, “Amazing…”

Now stepping in before anyone could get completely distracted, Skinner asked Monica, “Have anything more to say?”

Returning to a state of sheepishness all over again, Monica said, “Uh… I sent Theo here.”

But Scully didn’t even question this. After all she’d seen throughout the years now, hearing Monica’s latest admission made perfect sense to her. Even the men felt that way. 

So Scully told Monica, “Thank you. He has truly been a surprise in every sense of the word. But Mulder and I love him like a son. He is well aware.”

Nodding, Mulder said, “It’s true. But then Theo even laughed while he slept.”

“Hm.” remarked Monica. “That’s new.”

Scully tacked on, “Thank you for doing everything you have to keep Theo safe.”

Monica bobbed her head in acknowledgment, saying, “And I have loved Theo like a son ever since Emily and I realized she was pregnant. His mother is already as good as daughter. So I didn’t even have to think twice. But… What happened when Theo landed here?”   

“I will tell you later. Okay?” said Scully. “How did you know to send Theo here? This place isn’t exactly in the middle of town, you know.”

“Uh-huh.” Mulder agreed. “The two of us chose this place because we’re just so totally done with city life.”

Briefly pausing to think, Monica soon said to Scully, “I concentrated on my memories of you from that chat we had on the terrace. You can say that they brought me hope. Our talk was not exactly fun…”

The gravity of what Monica was driving at hit Scully like a freight train. “Oh. But those memories brought you hope because it was the first time in far too long that we’d seen each other? And what, everything else can be chalked up to the universe ‘working its magic’?”

“Correct.” said Monica. 

“Then,” asked Skinner. “How did you get here?”

Skipping straight over to the point, Monica responded, “Emily sent me.”

Skinner said blankly, “What?”

And Monica shrugged for a third time. “It’s what happened. Really.”

Speaking up, Mulder addressed Monica. “Please tell us everything. Okay? Start with just how you even got to Emily, but please don’t stop until you get to the part about you appearing on the porch. We are all ears.”   

Monica did just that. She left no stone unturned. It was the least she could really do. But everyone felt relief by the time she’d finished. Everything she’d said was more than what they’d already known.

But when Monica did reach the end of the line, she said, “Emily’s definitely still out there with John and William. You know… Even in the face of everything, she is very gentle when it comes to loved ones. I think it’s admirable. Emily even showed kindness to William when she recognized that he’s the younger sibling. I saw it. So’d the others.”

Pleased that her children loved each other so, Scully said approvingly, “Excellent.”

Voicing a new thought, Mulder said to Monica, “Hey. Are you concerned about the ‘darker forces’ going after Emily?”

“Uh-huh. I am.” confessed Monica. “John can stand a chance against them. But I don’t just say that because I’m his wife.”

“Hm? No?” Scully lifted one eyebrow. “Then what’s the rest?”

“Even for someone who isn’t that long from sixty,” said Monica. “My husband is shockingly fit. And fast. However…”

But now Skinner connected the dots. “Ah. Now you’re concerned about Emily, William, and Mellie in particular. Is that the rest? Yes? Or no?”

With a sigh as she leaned further back on the couch, Monica said, “Yes.”

Now Scully did her own dot-connecting. “But you’re concerned that William could ‘lose his cool,’ that Mellie Kate could really ‘short-circuit,’ and that Emily could be hurt worse than she already has been. Did I miss anything?”

“No.” answered Monica. “That covers it all...”

Mulder asked Monica, “Then what’s that one last thing on your mind? Come on. I haven’t forgotten that you’re the type to not stop digging until you hit bottom. Please don't quit now.”

“I believe that the current phase is about our loved ones getting to safety here before one more thing happens because this place has become a sanctuary, hasn’t it?” Monica said at length. “But what are we supposed to do now? I don’t expect it to happen right away. But I don’t want go home without knowing that my husband and my firstborn are also in the car. I’m lost. And freaked.” 

Closing the gap that was between them on the couch, Scully held a hand out to her. Monica gave her friend her hand. The blue energy even faded. Scully held Monica’s hand and kissed her fingers in a way that conveyed reassurance, comfort. Pure peace filled Monica. 

Exactly like Scully, she was also remembering the old bond that they had had back when they’d worked on the X-Files together. They still couldn’t explain it now. But even this was what it was. Mulder and Skinner both remembered. They knew better than to step in.

Scully said, “You are not lost because you are here with us. That counts for everything. Okay?”

Heart swelling with affection, Monica whispered, “Okay.”

Scully went on, “Stay with us until they do come back. I want you to. Okay? I will take care of you, just like you took care of me when I was pregnant with William. You are my sister. You’ve long been my sister. God knows what’ll happen in an hour, but you are safe here with us. I love the bond that we have. And I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life.

Monica returned, “And so will I. No matter what. I’ll stay. Thanks for everything.”

Scully kissed Monica’s hand again. “Anything for family.”

Still holding Scully’s hand, Monica said, “Emily sent me away to keep safe. No two ways about it. She puts other people before herself, even though life has been cruel for her. Emily reminds me of you. So much. What now?” 

Having her own sigh, Scully answered, “All we can do is wait.”

Chapter Text

For all of the absurdities he’d seen in life, the sight of his wife just vanishing from sight before him wasn’t something that John would soon forget. Ever. He wanted to react. However… Another sight immediately derailed these plans altogether. 

Emily had vomited all over the ground. Sending Monica off had overtaxed her. Now it seemed like she was going through some sort of manual reset. Like a computer.

Swiftly compartmentalizing what he was looking at, John dashed over to Emily as he said, “I’ve got you. Okay? Don’t worry.”

Nearby, Melissa and William watched John go through the motions of helping Emily expel the contents of her stomach. He even cleaned her up. Melissa and William waited. They were all in the eye of some storm. 

John spoke in a gentle fatherly way when Emily was back with it. “Everything better now?”

“Yes.” Emily said in relief. “Thank you.”

Giving a nod of acknowledgement, John queried, “Was it the act of sending Monica off that sent you into that overload? Or… something?”

“Yeah. But I'm also sorry that I had to send her away so fast. Guess I wanted her to be safe.” Emily said. “You know? Monica treats me like a daughter.”

“Yes.” remarked John. “I noticed.”

“When I was pregnant before this time…” Emily pointed to her baby bump. “Well… Monica helped me deliver my son.”  

“My wife has had a tremendously big heart for as long as I’ve known her.” said John. “But then it only increased after Melissa happened. Is there anything else I should know?”

Emily looked John in the eye. “Mhm. Your wife loves my little family and I so much that she legally became the other parent of my children so that she could take care of them if I was ever unavailable. Now Monica has four children, And in some fashion? Me. What do you think?”

“I’m amazed because my wife has always been extremely loyal to people she loves.” John said honestly. “Ask Dana when you see her. Fox, too.”

Emily exhaled shakily at the sounds of their names. “Okay. I can do that.”

“Splendid.” John said with approval. “By the way… Exactly where did you jettison Monica off to?”

“I had her imagine some place where she knew she’d be completely safe.” Emily explained. “But I have no idea if she stuck her landing.”

“Ah.” said John. “I see.”

“To that end, I want to believe she did.” Emily hurried on. “That’s better than absolutely nothing. Right?”

“That’s right. I really am pleased that you could make that jump.” John then changed tracks. “Will you please tell us what prompted you to send Monica elsewhere?”

“Uh…” said Emily. “The short version? People from the place where we were now know that none of us are there.”

Quite soberly, John responded, “Oh.”

Melissa approached Emily, asking, “Are they coming this way now?”

Fear creeping back into her system, Emily whispered back, “Yes.”

Turning to Melissa, John handed her his bank card. “Mijita. Please take this. Okay?”

“Alright.” Melissa put the card away for safekeeping in her wallet. “Papa? What is happening?”

“A tide-change.” replied John in a semi-grim tone. 

Cottoning on, William told Melissa, “Please take care of my sister. I’m with John about a tide-change.”

“Okay.” promised Melissa. “I promise I will take care of Emily now. But… What about you? And papa?”

William kissed Melissa on the cheek. “Don’t worry about us.”

In a surprised but happy daze because of the kiss, Melissa breathlessly responded, “Okay…”

Shaking his head in amusement, John spoke to his daughter again. “Mijita. Emily is your only main priority. Take care of her and help her figure out how to get to where your namesakes are. Both of them will take care of you both until mama or I can get there first. At this rate? They probably already have Emily’s boy in their care. Because why not.”

“Yeah.” said Melissa. “That’d just be par for the course.”

“Mhm. It would.” John pointed to the area of Melissa’s backpack where he knew she was keeping her wallet. “I gave you the card for food and shelter. Stuff like that. Okay?”

“Okay, papa.” said Melissa. “I understand.”

“Wonderful.” John hugged his daughter. “We will see both of you soon. Just keep a low profile. Can you do that?”

Melissa replied, “We can.” 

John gave an approving nod this time. But Melissa stepped back. Emily moved forward. Just in this little period, Emily had grown to trust John as much as she trusted the rest of his family. And so? Emily waited,

“I am very happy that we met. Guess I have another daughter now.” John hugged her gently. “Stick with Melissa until you can get to where Dana and Fox are. Am I making myself clear on that front?”

“Uh-huh. You are.” Emily took Melissa’s hand instinctively. “What now?”

John said, “Use whatever it was that you tapped into on Monica’s behalf to get out of here with your sister. William and I will catch up later. Go. Now.”

After one last good-bye to William, Emily concentrated. Melissa even shut her eyes tightly. But both men watched the women winked out of sight the very next second. Exactly like Monica had. 

When the others materialized elsewhere, two things happened at once. Melissa fell to the ground in an unceremonious heap after losing her balance. Emily miraculously kept hers. Although it was only to vomit again. She was having a strong adverse reaction to the more stupendous of her abilities. But Melissa quickly scrambled to her feet and took care of her without a second thought.

Once Emily was completely back on track again, Melissa said, “Okay. I suppose that's enough of that.”

Emily nodded. “That much is very certain. Still…”

Melissa guessed, “Your tank is empty?”

“My emotional one is. But…” the bridge of Emily’s nose wrinkled in a very Scully-esque fashion as she felt her youngest child kick her. “Hunger-wise? I promise it's another story. Growing a human being is hard work.”

“That is definitely something I will take your word for.” Melissa beckoned to Emily as she began heading away. “I guess you can ‘color me stumped’ about where the hell we even landed. But we have some walking to do. Am I wrong?” 

Joining her, Emily said, “Uh-uh. You are completely correct.”

The duo began to head away quietly from the area where they had landed.

Although Emily did not understand why just then because her world had been so limited until recently, she and Melissa had somehow materialized in a forest-like setting. Its only redemption was that they were inches away from a man-made walking path, And they could hear people in the distance. That was better than doing nothing. Especially because Emily and Melissa were just happy to be in one piece.

Eventually… 

The pair emerged from the sloping walking trail to the sight of something utterly unexpected. Just why did life have to be this weird?

Emily and Melissa found themselves now facing some kind roadside establishment. While they did see a massive modern building nearby with ‘WELCOME CENTER’ above its doors, they saw a series of smaller buildings around it, like a small hotel and even a grocery store. Each one faced a massive parking lot. But Emily also understood after seeing more signage and a turn-in from the main road that they were at a rest stop. And the footpath was one of its attractions.   

But it was what caught Melissa’s attention when she looked past the different people coming and going from their cars or the businesses that sent her for a nasty loop. Farmland. Everything beyond the parking lot was farmland. No indication of Washington, D.C. at all. This was not good.

Melissa thought bleakly as she and Emily entered the main building, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…

And she was proven right.

When they did enter the building, both friends could only stare. The interior of the place had all the makings of a place to unwind on a random stretch of Americana highway. Restrooms, vending machines, places to sit near informational signage about the area, even a visitor office. It all meant some indication of civilization. 

Emily still stood beside Melissa in the middle of the room, Together, they directed their gaze upward. A large sign was hanging from the ceiling. One major question was answered at once.

But now Emily murmured, “Uh-oh…”

“You’ve got that right.” Melissa responded blandly.

The sign overhead read in big blue letters: WELCOME TO CHARM, OHIO.

Chapter Text

Melissa pulled Emily with her to the area of the thoroughfare away from the main information desk. No one had begun to stare. Yet.

Melissa said, “What the hell?!”

Amused, the older woman asked, “Yes?”

“How did we get to Ohio?” Emily demanded. “Plus, what the hell kind of name is Charm?!”

“Quite better than Hell. I promise you that there is one in Michigan.” reflected Emily. “And you know? I read about Charm in a book.”

Her mood shifted to exasperation. “What kind?”

“Never tell anyone this part, but I read about Charm in one very super sappy romance novel.” Emily sighed. “Am I making sense here?”

“Yes. And I guess, in a broader context, that Ohio’s better than some place like outer Mongolia.” now Melissa studied Emily closer. “And how have you not puked again?”  

“Because every bit of queasiness has been replaced by increasing tiredness.” Emily politely stifled a yawn. “Not to mention? Hunger.”

“Okay. I will take care of you and your baby, because you two are my family now.” Melissa pulled herself together. “I love you both very much. And that’s forever.”  

“You are incredibly sweet. I've always wanted a little sister.” Emily said. “But you know? I think you looking after me is encoded into your DNA because of our parents. Or something like that.” 

“I completely agree.” now Melissa tarted herself up. “But I have a serious question.”

Emily asked, “What is it?”

Melissa pressed, “How old are you?”

After a moment of thinking about it, Emily admitted, “I don’t rightly know.”

Sympathetic, Melissa pressed, “If you had to guess…?”

Emily said confidently, “Twenties.”

“Okay.” said Melissa in relief. “I will make this work.”  

“Make what work?” Emily wanted to know.

Answering her question with a question, Melissa asked, “Have you really grown up away from everything? That is real?”

“Mhm. Bullseye.” said Emily. “Why?”

Melissa told her, “This is a situation where we really have to go with whatever’s happening in the moment. Am I wrong?”

Emily answered, “No.”

“For practical, regular life reasons,” Melissa went on. “You and I really can’t stay out here in the open. Right?” 

Emily said carefully, “Right…”

“I saw a mini grocery store outside because I guess we’re at the kind of rest stop that only appears once every hundred miles. But I did see a motel outside.” replied Melissa. “You with me?”

“One hundred percent.” Emily stifled a second yawn. “Does this mean that food shopping will be covered because you have your dad’s charge card, but you legally need help?”

“Mhm.” said Melissa. “I’m seventeen.”

“Oh. I see what you're saying.” Emily realized. “You're telling me that because of the general nature of American laws, you’re still just a year too young to legally rent something like sleep accommodations. Right?” 

“Yes.” Melissa answered. “But I will talk you through it. Okay? Just be cool.”

“I will do my best.” Emily promised.

“Okay. Good.” Melissa quickly centered herself. “Do you have anything on you like a proper ID?”

Emily withdrew a bulging mailing envelope from one pocket. “I really meant it when I said that your mother cares about me. Long story short? I do have what I need to pass in society. The social skills? Not so much. Everything else? Definitely.”

“Good.” Melissa repeated. “Make sure your ID card is in a spot where you can get it without it taking forever. Okay? But before that, we’re going to get you a sensible purse. Come on. Let’s go.”

In what felt like a blur to Emily, she and Melissa had purchased enough to eat at the on-site grocery store. They also successfully secured a room at the hotel. It had everything down to a kitchenette. Emily would have paid more attention if her sleepiness hadn’t increased like it had. But she sat on the first bed she saw in their new shelter. The grocery store carried everything that someone traveling through nowhere-Midwest would need. She was doing everything she could to just stay awake.

Melissa continued to handle the practical aspects of the situation. 

Was she confused? Absolutely.

Did she want to be somewhere that they could be safe without having to worry about shelter the next day? One hundred percent. 

Still… Melissa had always loved hearing stories about her family adventures, growing up. And she always wanted to have one of her own. The wish had come true. But now? Melissa had no idea what to do. 

Sitting beside Emily after some while, Melissa finally said, “Okay. I’ve put our food away. Guess we can take care of that later or something. I am also very tired now. Hm. Fancy that. I guess the after-effects of your teleportation trick is contagious.”

Emily joked, “Whoops?”

Melissa laughed. “Anyway… We’re not leaving this room until we can get sorted out. I also hung a ‘do not disturb' sign in the door to ensure no one will even bother us while we count sheep.”

“I understand.” Emily promised. 

“Outstanding.” said Melissa. “Check this out.”

Emily watched as with just a tilt of the head, Melissa made an industrial-grade steel door appear in place of the run-of-the-mill door they’d closed upon entering. Melissa even conjured up an abundance of locks and bolts to keep the door securely shut. Very similar arrangement appeared on the room windows. ‘Impressed’ became the most adequate word to describe how Emily felt.

“What all are you capable of?” Emily asked her.

“Extraordinariness.” Melissa answered cheekily.

“Smooth.” complimented Emily. “Then… Does the rest of it go that we can see these ‘reinforcements,’ but outsiders can’t?”    

“Yep.” said Melissa. “I’m just using my imagination here. But… That’s what you did when you teleported us. Right? You dug into your soul?”

“Yes.” Emily answered. “That’s correct.”

“Splendid.” then Melissa looked closer at Emily. “I totally feel it about us actually being connected. So I guess this is the part where I tell you that this morning… I told the truth about something else that feels extra surreal.” 

“Yes?” asked Emily.

“I’ve literally been dreaming of a scared woman that feels very familiar to me,” said Melissa. “But what do you think her name was? Hm?”

Pointing to herself, Emily blurted, “Are you saying that you’ve been dreaming about me?”

“Yes. I guess this means that we’ve been bonded since before we met.” Emily said. “But…”

Emily asked, “What now?”

Pulling her phone out of one pocket. Melissa told Emily, “I’m going to call someone who is going to be very happy I did.”

THE UNREMARKABLE HOUSE

227700 WALLACE ROAD

FARRS CORNER, VIRGINIA

Things had come to a standstill at the unremarkable ordinary-looking house on Wallace Road.

Mulder, Scully, Skinner, and Monica were literally waiting for something to happen. Theo continued sleeping. So did the puppies. Each of the little posse was unbothered. So that just left the adults to wonder what would break them out of this monotony spell. And when. 

Skinner’s phone rang after too long a quiet spell, and he arched his eyebrows at the name on the screen. “Huh. Melissa's calling.”

Genuinely thrown, Mulder and Scully cried out, “What?!”

Monica pressed, “Just answer her!”

When Skinner did greet Melissa, the girl greeted him before she added, “You are never going to believe this one…”

“If I had a dollar for every time…” Skinner sighed. “But… Melissa, where are you? Is Emily there?”

“She is.” promised Emily. “My phone is even on speaker.”

“Hi, Uncle Walter!” trilled Emily.

“Glad both of you are in one spot…” Skinner said in relief. “But that’s where…?”

Emily laughed nervously. “Uncle Walter? The two of us are in Ohio… although more specifically… we landed in an area called Charm.”

Skinner said, “You two are where?!”

“Yep.” Emily answered blandly. “It’s true.” 

Skinner asked her, “But how?”

Melissa responded, “Emily read about this community in a book.”   

Rubbing his temples with his free hand, Skinner asked, “What?!”

Even though neither party could see each other, Melissa shrugged as she said, “That is also true.”

Skinner warned, “Melissa Katherine Fox…”

“What?” she deadpanned. “Both of us really are as flabbergasted as you.”

Emily chimed in, “But this would be so much easier to explain in person.”

“Yeah. That’s a good point.” sighed Skinner. “Obviously, I see that you’ve caught up with Emily since the last time we saw you. But is John around? Maybe William?”

“No. To both. Emily is chugging along, but getting us here seems to have drained her. Literally.” said Melissa. “Both my dad and William asked me to look after her. I will. She’s my sister. And I love her. Still…”

“You’re only seventeen. Emily is also only a few years older than you,” Skinner sympathized. “And she’s pregnant.” 

“Yep.” said Melissa. “There’s only so much I can do…”  

“Well, it sounds like you two are able to get inside and somewhere behind a closed door if you can talk this freely. “Where are you? A hotel?”

“Bordering on farmland motel. This whole area is basically the midwestern version of a desert oasis. Including an all-in-one market.” said Melissa. “I did add a little more to what I used when I left out with William.” 

“Good. But…” Skinner paused briefly. “How are you paying for this…?”

Melissa answered, “Papa gave me his charge card before we fled.”

“Yes.” confirmed Emily. “Then he told her to use it for this kind of thing.”

“Smart man.” reflected Skinner.

“Emily does also have an emergency fund that Monica gave her at some point. She really is all squared away in that department. But we’ve come to the conclusion to save that for a rainier day than this one.” said Melissa. “The two of us have shelter and everything else we’ll need until tomorrow. Our check-out time’s at three o’clock.” 

“I understand. This is good.” Skinner told Melissa. “What is the name of the place where you are?”

Melissa checked a pad of hotel stationery on the nightstand. “The Pinewood Motel. And it isn’t anything like what’s in Psycho, thank God…”

Skinner laughed. One of the many things he'd always admired about Melissa was that she had her parents’ dark humor. Although more to the point? She applied it when she needed to cope. Just like now.

“Yeah. I guess you can count your blessings on that one.” said Skinner. “Please tell me that there are people around.”

“Uncle Walter,” Emily told him. “We saw lots of people outside.”

“But,” said Melissa. “What now?”

“Uncle Fox and I are going to come fetch you both. It’s just going to take awhile because that’s time and geography.” Skinner told them. “We might not also not even get there until tomorrow. But Uncle Fox will call you after we get on the road.”

From the couch, Mulder, Scully, and Monica watched the conversation with fascination. But they also waited. For their patience about it, Skinner told them everything he knew about the conversation after the phone call ended. Mulder and Scully felt stunned. All the same? It was Monica who spoke very calmly.    

“Huh.” she said. “I guess John told them to be safe. The girls have just really overshot the mark.” 

“Yeah. I almost want to laugh.” sighed Scully. “But our daughters are together and safe.”

 Mulder shook his head in amazement. “Even if it’s in Ohio...”

Scully and Monica pressed, “Spill.”

Mulder shrugged. “Am I getting this right? Emily teleported them to a place out there called Charm, all because she read about it in a book?”

Skinner answered, “Hole in one.”

“Well… Ohio’s a six-hour drive to a different part of the country altogether, no?” Mulder stood. “Guess I’ll pack a thorough overnight bag. Then we’ll stop at your place?”

“Yep.” agreed Skinner. “That sounds good to me.”

When Theo spontaneously stretched out before moving closer to Monica as he slept, Monica said, “I guess that leaves us to keep the porch light on for the others. Just in case they return first.”

Scully nodded. “Mhm. Please don’t worry about us.”

Mulder asked, “Got anything else to add?”

The others chorused as one, “Godspeed.” 

Chapter Text

While the family continued to spread itself out, there still retained the matter of John. And William.

The danger that had been earlier foreseen by the other members of their party was indeed quite real. But the man had evaded it. For now.

At present…

John and William were hiding out in a small cave off the beaten trail. It’d have to do. Temporarily.

Still in the woods, John and William could hear the docks in the distance. They weren’t far from the ship where Monica, Emily, and Theo had been held. Neither man could be sure if this was good or bad. Still… They were just pleased to have shelter in which they could catch their breath. A serious conversation indeed to be had. 

“William,” John told him. “Exactly how did you and Melissa get to the forest in the first place? Come on.”

William said, “Remember yesterday? When we all caught up on what’s happening?”

John very easily remembered sitting with William and Melissa at his campfire in the woods. They’d tag-teamed in explaining their version of events to him. Including how they’d acquired their expedition supplies. However… A major detail had been excluded. 

But John told the truth. “I do remember.”

“Well…” sighed William. “That was when your daughter teleported for the first time.”

John spoke from a place of dejection. “What?”

“I swear that that’s exactly what happened.” William replied.

“But… what?” John pressed. “Hey. Don’t leave me hanging.”

“I am cosmically-linked to your daughter. Things also seem to be running the same way on her end.” William responded. “Have you noticed yet?”

“Definitely.” John said. “The two of you are not the only ones in this family who have that kind of bond. More than one version’s been floating around since before you two were ever born. Really.” 

Now the one surprised, William sputtered, “Woah…”

“But get back on track.” John told him. “Exactly what are you telling me about my daughter?”

Giving a nervous laugh, William said, “Excuse me for sounding like something out of a romance novel. But… It’s like our souls are connected. The bonding was instantaneous.”

Lifting his eyebrows because he felt impressed, John answered, “Okay. Then is that also how the two of you can communicate telepathically?” 

“Mhm. Each of us likes it very much.” answered William. “I can feel her mind at this distance. And she is completely in-tune with my own.”

Utterly fascinated, John replied, “That’s amazing.”   

Now taking the curiosity in stride, William said in relief, “The two of us definitely agree. But back in the store parking lot? It was like Melissa was flickering in and out of our continuum. Honestly… I don’t even think she understands it.”

“Oh?” said John. “But what about you?”

“Mm-mm. But that’s only because we haven’t had time to sit down and think about it.” William cleared his throat. “I grabbed her hand because she was just so freaked out. She held onto it. And the next thing I know? Mellie and I are in the woods here.”

“Exactly how long between that and you two finding me?” John wanted to know.

“Five minutes.” William said. “Tops. It was like Mellie just zeroed in on you.”

“That really is amazing.” John marveled. “You know? If I hadn’t even seen half the wacky things I’ve seen over the years, including with your folks, then I’d be freaked out. Or something. But I believe you.”  

Exhaling noisily, William said, “Thank God.”

“Okay.” John continued to steer the conversation along. “I was curious about how you and Melissa ended up here, because me? I got a ride. Quite literally.”

Now feeling thrown, William said, “Excuse me?”

“I’ll explain it some other time.” John promised. “But the point is that we can’t stay in this damn cave forever.” 

Quickly taking stock of their surroundings, William conceded, “That’s a good point. However…  My parents live in the middle of nowhere because they like it that way.” 

“Huh. That really does not surprise me.” John reflected.

William asked him, “WHere do you guys live?”

“Also not close, where an immediate logistical perspective is concerned.” John confessed. “But we are in the woods, here. I have not forgotten that people have been hunting Emily. She got away. So did Melissa. Even Monica…”

“But,” William sighed in a very Dana Scully way. “Those jackals would still find me interesting. Ugh…”

Nodding, John said, “What we need now is a miracle.”

Only half-hearing John, William now mused, “Maybe I can change my shape and we can get past the bad people that way…”

John cried, “Hang on. You can do what?!”

HIGHWAY I-70

OUTSIDE LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

Mulder and Skinner were now travelling in Mulder’s car in the direction of  Charm. Ohio.

Nothing about the trip was short. All that mattered was that they were on the road now. The only pit stop? Skinner’s place. But only so he could pack an overnight bag. 

Now they had already been traveling for an hour.

And Skinner had even agreed to drive during the first leg of the trip so Mulder could contact Melissa. 

Once that had been accomplished and Mulder put his phone back in his jacket pocket, Skinner said, “Wow. Even this really is not what I expected when I asked the universe for one final adventure.”

“Oh?” said Mulder. “Do you regret it?”

“Mm-mm. You’re my family. So are Emily and Melissa. I still didn’t see any of this coming.” Skinner paused. “The Ohio part, I mean.”

“Same. But unpredictability, even at this juncture? It’s our normal.” agreed Mulder. “That weird?”

“Uh-uh.” said Skinner. “Because I completely agree.”     

THE PINEWOOD MOTEL

NEAR CHARM, OHIO

Melissa and Emily kept getting to know each other.

Both women understood they were cosmic. And this was good. So upon realizing that a telepathic link of security had been established between them, they both elected to just roll with it all. 

Emily perked up even more when Melissa headed over to the kitchenette to start sorting through the groceries they’d bought at the market. She was hungry. As for Melissa? She was glad she knew her way around the kitchen. 

But Melissa still became so wrapped up in the activity itself that she didn’t pay attention to things again until Emily spoke.    

“Uh…” Emily said cautiously. “I still remember back to five minutes ago when you told me that you’ve got ‘Doctor’ attached to your name. But… That is real? And not a fib?”

Still sorting through the groceries, Melissa answered without looking up, “Yeah. I promise that’s real. But it’s a degree in philosophy.”

Now Emily lamented, “Shoot…” 

Melissa finally paused in her activities and looked up. And then? Her heart cartwheeled. Big time.

Emily had crossed the room from where she’d been seated on her bed. What gave Melissa cause for concern? It seemed like her soul-sister was wobbly. 

Approaching her, Melissa asked, “What is it?”

“I guess I just wanted to see if I was imagining it…” Emily sighed. “But I’m not…”

“What is the bottom line?” Melissa wanted to know. 

“I,” Emily exhaled shakily. “Don’t think I should try walking for awhile.”

“Agreed.” Emily held Melissa’s hands. “Do you have any clue about the unsteadiness here?”

Feeling disappointed, Emily said, “I don’t think so…”

Melissa tried a different angle. “Has this happened in the past before?”

Emily pulled herself together so she didn’t burst into tears over how badly she missed him. “Uh-uh. Not even when I carried my boy. But… All cards on the table…”

“Go on.” encouraged Melissa.

“I think my body’s going haywire now” Emily sighed. “Because of the teleportation.”

Her mind racing to connect the dots being presented, Melissa now said in a Monica-like tone of rationale, “Hang on. Are you saying that it’s been doing some kind of slow but lasting damage to your legs”

“Gold star. But…” Emily studied her companion, reminiscent of Scully, although she didn’t know. “I’m sure that you’ve heard at some point that I have not always been totally human…?”

“Yep. The very clear idiosyncrasies notwithstanding? I did hear that about you before we met. Yes.” confirmed Melissa. “I’ve also heard and seen this of your brother. Even as we speak? I’m cosmically-connected to William. And vice-versa.”

Eyebrows arched in both intrigue and acknowledgement, Emily asked Melissa, “Does any of that give you the heebie-jeebies?”

“No.” Emily said calmly. “I love you and William exactly the way that you are because we’re family now.”

Promptly melting at the kindness, Emily told Melissa, “I am human. There’s just been a hiccup. Or something like that.”

“And what would that be?” asked Melissa.

“Those jackals who ‘raised’ me?” Emily’s voice gave the faintest shake of rage. “They tinkered with me. But it’s the side effects that I’m talking about.”

Melissa continued to meet Emily with compassion. “Keep going. Please? You’re doing so good.”

Emboldened, Emily delivered the next piece of information with all the grace of a speeding freight train. “I was marred in another way. My peculiarities got traded out for literal health problems.”

Greatly surprised, Melissa could only answer, “Oh.”

“I haven’t had an epileptic episode since about an hour before I found out I was pregnant, this time around. Your mother looked after me when it happened.” Emily shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Walking long distances isn’t really for me anymore. But it’s all so confusing.”

“I can only imagine.” sympathized Melissa. “Am I to understand at this point that the jackals wanted to tinker with you even more…?”

“Yep.” Emily said blandly. “But they wanted to tinker with me so they could fix me.”

Eyebrows raised, Melissa asked, “When was that?”

Emily answered, “Just before they used literal science and a knockout drug to make sure that my son happened.”

Immediately horrified on Emily’s behalf, Melissa bleated, “Those monsters did what?”

“I said what I said. Even this one,” Emily momentarily held Melissa’s hands against the surface of her vast middle before holding them level again. “Was made that way. But you know? I love my children fiercely.”

Expressing relief, Melissa told her, “I think your love for them is beautiful.”

Emily gave Melissa’s hands a gentle squeeze. “Their tinkering made me worse.”

Now experiencing vast sympathy, Melissa told Emily, “I am so sorry that you ever got hurt. Truly. Can you please tell me what the next part of your story is?”

“I…” Emily gave a nervous laugh.”I kind of lost it after I had my boy.”

Melissa asked, “How’s that?”

Emily told her, “They wanted to take him so they could tinker with him because that was the whole reason he was created in the first palace. No one said so aloud. But I heard their thoughts in the delivery room.”

“Hang on.” Melissa furrowed her brow. “Didn’t you say that these are the same people who took your peculiarities from you?”

“I still don’t understand it. No one does. But it was as if bringing my son into the world reactivated some things. And gave me new abilities, too. I couldn’t hear thoughts before. As it is?” Emily shrugged. “I heard their intentions. And my body performed a supernova. By itself.”

Melissa felt very impressed, but she still chose her next words with great care so she didn’t lose her train of thought altogether. “I guess this is another thing to talk about on another day?”

Emily nodded. “Mhm. Try, after we’re all together, safe, and I’ve held my son.”

“Okay. That’s totally fair.” Melissa quickly got back on track. “I presume that they didn’t take your boy?”

“Uh-huh. That’s correct.” Emily confirmed. “I’ve been allowed to keep him because the jackals are scared of me.”

Impressed again, Melissa asked, “What is his name?”

Emily said, “I named my son Theo Fox.”

“He has a handsome name.” complimented Melissa with clear sincerity. “Can you tell me what he's like? I’d like to know. Please.”

Emily answered, “Theo is very gentle. And so sweet. He’s going to love you. No question. Plus…”

“What is it?” asked Melissa.

“My son already completely loves Monica. But he is really going to be over the moon when he realizes that she’s your mother.” Emily said. “But there’s been a snag. Or… Something like that.”

Melissa cottoned on fast. “Precious Theo is a little boy.”

“Bingo.” said Emily. 

“Has he realized that your body is different from his own?” asked Melissa. “I mean where abilities kick in.”

Emily answered, “No. But he really is just so small that he’s never had a big thought like that in his life.”

“Okay.” said Melissa. “Even that lines up.”

“Still… Your mother knows everything about me. That isn’t a joke. I even think she knows more about me than I do. But she has been my confidant for as long as I’ve known her. To that end… Monica mothers both my son and myself because she chose to. Full-stop. Monica even loves my incoming baby just like that.” Emily shifted her weight again. “And… Monica has never said because I believe it’s her way of making sure the wrong person doesn’t torture the information out of me. But…”

Melissa realized, “You think that there’s one last line of protection past my mother.” 

“I believe it. As for the rest… I think whoever that other force is? They are the ones who stopped the jackals from fully tinkering with me like they wanted to.” Emily said. “But I think that part of the equation just happened too late.”

“Because we’ve now circled back to the part about your body getting worse, anyway.” observed Melissa.

“Mhm.” said Emily. “One of the last times I saw the jackals? They were talking about getting crutches for me because the damage is irreversible. But they were also talking about other long-term aids, too. Like wheelchairs.” 

Still reading her soul-sister like a book, Melissa guessed, “They were just begrudging because they just don’t like you?”

“Yes.” Emily sighed. “But is there anyone good who could make those things happen for me?”

“Mhm. Definitely. By the way…” Melissa gave her a kind smile. “Don’t look now, but you’ve been doing wonderfully with standing upright.”

“And you really are incredibly kind. Just like Monica.” Emily sighed. “But it’s begun to get difficult to stand up now.”

“Hey. I will keep looking after you. Really.” Melissa told her. “That even means waiting on you and helping you get to the bathroom. Stuff like that.”

“You are the best little sister anyone could ask for.” Emily finally returned Melissa’s kind smile. “Thank you for everything.”

Melissa began to guide Emily back to her bed while she returned, “Anything for family.”

When Emily sat back on the bed, she breathed a sigh of relief. The soft mattress felt so good. Especially when propped herself up on her side. The baby also relaxed. Even that felt good. But Melissa noticed a visible change in Emily’s body language. Why? Because it looked like she’d been holding her breath. 

Melissa felt her own relief too. Strange.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” Melissa laughed nervously. “But…”

 “You feel some level of a different connection happening.” Emily posited.

“Yeah. And it feels magnetic.” Melissa told her. “That weird? My mother has mentioned in the past that she’s got a bond like this with yours. Even vice versa.”

Now Emily hazarded a different guess. “You think the cycle is repeating itself? With us?”

“I do.” said Melissa.

“Then I’ll have you know,” Emily replied. “I don’t think it’s weird because I can also feel that other connection. Plain as day.”

Relieved, Melissa told her, “Thank God.”

“It feels comforting to me because I even felt that kind of bond when I talked to my brother in the woods.” Emily said. “But… Come to this thing we can’t really put a name to? My son also generates his own thing.”

Finally sitting with Emily, Melissa turned to face her as she pressed, “I beg your pardon?”

“It’s true. And we can talk about it later because,” Emily studied Melissa once more. “I have a feeling that there’s yet another big thought swirling around in your head.”

Melissa briefly wondered if Emily could hear her thoughts and was just keeping out because of politeness. “Okay. According to my parents, part of our family history is that my mother looked out of yours when she was carrying William. They even hid out in Georgia.”

“Huh.” said Emily. “Is that so?”

Nodding, Melissa then told her, “Mama also mentioned being able to feel a bond with William because he imprinted on her all by himself. But… Can you see what I’m getting at…?”

Emily certainly did. A minute eye flicker on Melissa’s part towards her bump was a giveaway. But it was also a confirmation. She’d also been able to feel the bond Melissa had zeroed in on since they were all in the woods.

Hauling herself into a hitting position, Emily said, “You’re seeing as well as I am that even that part of the family history is repeating itself with us?”

“I do. And whoever’s in there,” Melissa gestured to Emily’s bump. “Is reaching out.”

“Her name’s Rose Dana.” Emily said. “Little one is as gentle as her brother. I think the only reason I haven’t lost it is because my baby is actually radiating contentment.” 

Surprised, Melissa blurted, “Really?”

“Mhm. Truly. But I think I’m a conduit for my baby because I can feel her mind reaching out to mine. Additionally?” now Emily shrugged again. “I feel her mind reaching out to yours through me. The playing field will be different once she’s born. I think.”

Mulling all this over, Melissa remarked, “How interesting…”

“Please don’t worry about it. Okay? I really do find it comforting.” Emily reassured Melissa. “But I think that even that part of the connectivity is in our blood at this point.” 

Relaxing again, Melissa now said, “I agree.”

“You are my family now. I love you like a sister. That’s for life. But I guess that life had to happen first.” Emily looked at  her companion. “Right?”

“Right.” confirmed Melissa. “And I love you like a sister.”

Emily wanted to say something else, but she was distracted. Her daughter had yet to settle. So Emily arched her back slightly when she felt an uptick in Rose’s contentment. Her joy in the moment was amazing. It was all wrapped inside something like a warm cosmic hug. 

Then Emily paused for a moment. She could now sense that her daughter actually wanted something in particular. Not obliging Rose felt mean. Supernatural parenthood was wild. At best.

Emily said to Melissa, “Give me your hand. Please.”

Melissa promptly obliged her. She even felt the same cosmic pull that Emily was. It didn’t feel real to her. But she knew it was. Then her breath just as quickly hitched for a different reason altogether. She could now feel the very clear impression of a tiny hand against her own palm.  

Eyeing Emily, Melissa asked her, “What is happening?”

Emily answered, “Rose is connecting to you because she loves you. Deeply.”

Now more surprised than ever, Melissa could only say in amazement, “What?”

Melissa nodded. “I think that Rose can feel the word. But she just doesn’t know it because she hasn’t been born yet.”

Emily remarked, “I can’t believe that that makes perfect sense.”

Emily told her, “Glad we’re both on the same page. Your goddaughter loves fiercely because you’ve been protecting us.”

Melissa squeaked in delight, “Goddaughter?”

“It feels right.” Emily said. “Will you accept the honor and the responsibility of being hers and Theo’s godmother?”

Without hesitation, Melissa replied, “Yes.”

“Thank you so much.” Emily let out a gusty sigh as they both felt Rose kick and stretch. “Hey. What happens now?”

“I guess I relax and these bonds with you and Rose happen as they may. Up until I met your parents and William… I guess I was just used to being alone. Or just having my parents. And Uncle Walter.” now Melissa cleared her throat as she moved her hand away. “Also… If your legs do tank out before we get to our safe haven, I will keep taking care of you. Okay? That’s a promise.” 

Emily said, “Thank you.”

Circling back to an earlier matter as she bobbed her head in acknowledgement, Melissa asked Emily, “But you really aren’t sure who anyone higher-up compared to Monica could even be?”

“Yeah.” Emily lamented. “I just think that that other force is a woman. Let’s call it ‘mother’s instinct.’ Or something like that.”

“Deal.” said Melissa. “Got any other thoughts to add?”

“I think whoever that other person is… or was…” Emily shrugged again. “I think she has to be the one who got the tinkering to stop altogether.”

“Okay. Given the way that things are unfurling,” observed Melissa. “I also agree with you on that.”

Emily continued, “I also think that my other benefactor is the reason the jackals were talking about something like crutches for me.”

“Oh?” said Melissa. “Do you want something like that?”

“Very much.” Emily answered. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s a great idea. But if you ever lose your train of thought on any of that stuff? I will make sure that the right people know about your wishes.” said Melissa. “Now…”

Lifting one eyebrow, Emily asked, “Yes?”

“I will definitely go back to the kitchenette in a second to finally start making something to eat. Okay? Then I’ll fully-elaborate on the rest of my thought process while we eat and watch… whatever we can find.” Melissa found the remote for the room television on the bedside table and turned it on before handing the device to Emily. “However… Just before I set out with your brother… We had a family ‘supply run.’ If you’d like to call it that.”

Emily said blankly, “What?”

“Your folks and Uncle Walter weren’t really going to let us head off into the wild blue yonder unprepared. But my point is that I have some of those things in my backpack. Everything else is with your brother. Then a snippet of the rest? Well… I’m beginning to have all the faith in the universe that Monica and Theo are wherever Dana lives.” Melissa told her. “Plus the dogs.”

Actually confused now, Emily said, “Okay. But… What dogs?”  

“I will also explain that in a little while.” decided Melissa. “But what I’m having misgivings about now is about whether or not Dana has enough to accommodate her houseguests.”

“Oh. That’s a good point.” Emily realized. “But I have an idea.”

Emily asked her, “What is it?”

“Well… You can make things appear from nowhere. And I find that utterly amazing. I really do.” replied Emily. “Why don’t you channel some of that energy in Dana’s direction?”

“Uh…” now Melissa furrowed her brow. “I have no idea where she lives…”

“Hm. I have a strong feeling you can find her in that great big cosmos because there is a lot of love in this family here.” Emily interlocked their arms and wrists. “Just focus. I believe in you.”

Melissa closed her eyes. And focused. Just trusted her soul to the universe.

It immediately rewarded her by enveloping her in a warm hug of warm solar love. She even focused on everything she knew about Emily’s mother. It was all she had. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Melissa then felt a soft thud. Plus a second. Mission accomplished.

Overall, the moment hadn’t lasted long. Mere heartbeats.

But it was long enough that the heavens elected to choose that precise moment to open up for a large rainfall. Melissa came back to reality feeling a little dizzy. The act of reaching across the cosmos had certainly drained her. 

“I’ve got you.” Emily held one hand to Melissa’s heart and the other to her back. “Just breathe. Okay? Big sis has you.”

Melissa quickly steadied herself. But it wasn’t hard. Emily made her feel incredibly safe. And loved, too. Exactly like a certain Doctor Dana Katherine Scully did.

“Thanks.” Melissa told Emily when the moment had passed. “I don't know how I’d get on without you.”

“Speaking for myself and Rose,” Emily said as she dropped her hands. “I can say that that thought is heavily mutual. Did you send what will be needed?”

“Uh-huh. At least… I hope so.” Melissa showed Emily a pair of crossed fingers. “The two of us are operating on some tremendously big assumptions here.”

“That really is all we can do. But I sincerely believe that the two of us have done everything we can for what’s been happening around us.” Emily hugged Melissa briefly before looking at her again. “For the time being… I also think you and I should back off on being ‘overtly cosmic’ for awhile. Okay?”

“Alright.” said Melissa. “The last thing either of us needs is for both of us to go haywire at the same time.”

Emily agreed, “For sure. I think it’d really just be better if we focused on what we can do here.”

Melissa quipped, “I like that idea.”  

Emily winked. “Hey. What are big sisters for?”

The duo exchanged hugs once more. But the moment seemed infinite. They were sisters now. Forever. And always.

Chapter Text

227700 WALLACE ROAD

FARRS CORNER, VIRGINIA

Scully and Monica were left to their own devices after Mulder and Skinner finally hit the road. The mothers dutifully accepted that everything beyond the gate of their santutauary was out of their hands. For now. And so they could only stay in the present.

Fortunately, there was no shortage of things to do.

But while Monica briefly watched Theo, Liv, Enid, and Saga doze together on the couch, Scully wondered, Hm. Where do I even start?

  Scully had only just finished processing the thought in its entirety when she heard two soft back-to-back thuds from the direction of the dining area. Peculiar.

But Scully still went to investigate. Monica followed. She loved every inch of Scully’s beautiful house that she had so far seen. Literal surprises bursting forth? Now that was definitely something Monica didn’t want to miss a single moment of.

Neither mother had any idea what to expect from here. Not really. They had already seen stranger, a long time back. If anything? The sight of two large and very full mailing boxes on the kitchen table truly looking for all the world as if they’d meant to be there all along just seemed absurdly funny.

“Wow.” Monica remarked after a beat. “I haven’t any idea what I should have expected…”

Scully guessed as she plucked against the twine, securing the closest parcel closed. “Ah. But none of this was it?”

“Yeah. But,” Monica laughed softly. “I think I get what’s happening.”

“Hm?” Scully said in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”

Monica pointed to clear-printed lettering on one box. “I promise you that Melissa does not call me this as often.”

Scully looked. The words, ‘TO MAMI’ could be seen on one flap.

“I…” Scully sputtered before trying again. “Did your baby girl just send a care package to you, across the cosmos?”   

“Uh-huh. Melissa Katherine Fox amazes us. Constantly. But this is new.” Monica pointed to Scully’s box. “And you know? She cast her net. Wide.”

Scully looked at the box in front of her to see that it had her name on the top left-hand corner. Wild. Monica opened her own box while Scully opened hers. And she became surprised over again. 

Melissa had gone the extra mile. Item by item, now Monica pulled out several clean sets of outfits and undergarments, a new pair of shoes, and a sturdy bag filled with all sorts of useful everyday items. Right down to a working prepaid flip phone. She had what she needed until she could go home. Perfect.

Directly opposite her, Scully’s own heart swelled with gratitude. 

One of the items on her to-do list was cooking. Another was shoring up some items she had around the house that could aid Monica in feeling like a person again. However… She had also been concerned about the dogs. There was only enough supplies to take care of Liv and Saga. Her unearthed treasure trove included materials for Liv, Saga, and Enid. But then she felt even more touched. There was a separate thorough pile of care items for Theo, too. 

Scully was quick to remember that she had seen Melissa manifest even a living creature from nowhere before. The woman also wondered how her young friend had learned where she lived. But on balance, she elected to return to the conundrum later on. For now? There seemed to be many other things to do.

Still… Scully returned to reality. Hard.

Why? Because of Monica.

The other woman had her own pile of necessities all spread around her on her end of the table. But what had Scully’s attention as she filled with major sympathy and a dash of sympathy was that while she had a working flip phone in one hand, her surrogate sister was visibly… apprehensive? How distinctly unlike her.

The plot had undeniably thickened.

Sitting opposite Monica when she sat down and moving the boxes apart so they could see each other, Scully said, “What’s wrong? You can say anything.”

But Monica spoke from a place of deflection as she indicated her phone. “Wow. I guess our girl believes in the great importance of being thorough.”

“Mhm. But I can think of numerous occasions that she absolutely got that trait from you and your husband. Now come on.” Scully gently pressed. “What’s got you so turned around? Hm? Please don’t think I haven’t seen it.”

Finally capitulating, Monica responded, “There is definitely somebody else in the mix. One step above me. And I give you my word that they're an ally. Through and through. I just didn’t wish to discuss them until I’d had a little time to slow down. Really.”

But Scully cried, “Who?!”