“Mist, Dreams, and what really happened to Brian….”

By, Allison McKenzie

Date: Oct 18, 1999

Rating: PG-13

Keywords: Angst, Romance

Summary: A trip to the west for a murder is taken to the extreme when Monica caches up with Luka. Her ex-husband, who tried to kill her.

Notes: Took really long….This is after Brian Dies in choices, or is is before? I think I have to kill him again.

    The mist swirled in front of her. Growing. Eventually it was as tall as she was. An evil wind whipped at her back, throwing her long black hair in front of her. Stepping back she saw eyes peek out of the mist for a brief second before the mist blew over them, concealing them one again inside. The mist grew dense, becoming a cloud that twisted and turned, almost like a man in a bag trying to break free.

    She growled.

    It growled.

    The cloud moved when she did. Counter acting her moves, circling her with mirroring actions. Suddenly it lashed out, becoming real, becoming a solid object. Jumping to the side she narrowly avoided the sword that lashed out at her. With lightning fast moves she recovered from her dive and jumped at the cloud. Sailing through it, she grunted as she hit the hard red dirt.

    The cloud moved and the eyes appeared again. This time they locked with hers. She couldn’t move, she couldn’t transform. All she could do was watch as the cloud swirled up. Razor jaws leapt out at her, she didn’t blink, and she felt the prick. The blood, as it trickled down her neck, growing larger as the razor jaws ripped through her flesh with a soft popping sound. The loss of air tore at her brain and senses. The loss of blood making her weak. Finally the soft popping stopped and there was a loud sound of someone chewing on chicken. Falling, she was falling, backwards and down. Black stands of hair rushing up past her, then a faint sound of wing’s rustling.

    The figure, once again the cloud it was, laughing.

    Monica woke with a start. Breathing heavily, her hand automatically went to her throat.  Glancing around she forgot for a moment where she was. The scream of jet engines and light conversation filled her ears. Mulder sat across the isle from her and Scully beside him, both watching her.

    “Mon?” Scully asked after a moment.

    “Dream,” was the quick reply. Mulder’s eyebrow twitched and Scully nodded, telling Monica that they were curious. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about it, just haven’t gotten much sleep lately.”

    Mulder nodded and returned to his conversation with Scully. Monica sighed, she was worried. Jennifer had taken the case about a week ago, saying something about having family out there anyway. Monica remembered the e-mail she’d gotten from her. Jen had taken the case while Monica had taken a break from it all, and two nights ago she had received an e-mail asking for help and then Skinner had called the X-Files into it, sending all three of them out there.

    Closing her eyes again, Monica smiled. Brian was there, standing sideways and looking back at her, smiling. “I love you Monica.” He whispered as the wind clutched his hair and made it dance. Suddenly a cloud past over him, swirling around his body. There was a flash of white beside her and the cloud was blown away, she got a glimpse of the cloud man’s black cape before her eyes shot open again to see the smiling face of a flight attendant. “Were about to land miss. Please sit up and put your seat in the upright position.”

    “How do we get out to the crime scene again?” Scully asked as they left the police station.

    “The only way out there is by horseback. And it’s also a two-day trip out there, which means we have to camp out. And after we pack our bags we have to meet the guy at the stable in two hours.” Jennifer said. “And we can’t drive out there because the scene is in the middle of a valley and the only way to get into the valley is by horse or foot. Don’t worry about things like food, shampoo, and toiletries. The guide will bring everything we need.”

    Taking a deep breath, Monica closed her eyes and turned her face into the light breeze that slipped through the town. Opening her eyes she saw the street. The town was basically build around an old highway, mostly used by trucks going to and from the car and truck manufacture on the edge of town. A school bus roared past and Monica watched the teenagers laughing and goofing off.

    “We’re going to need chaps and boots for this. I doubt either of you brought any so first we have to find a saddle shop.” Monica said interrupting the small argument between Mulder and Jennifer about the proper range and riding attire. Monica pointed to a shop up ahead of them, it was evidently a saddle shop because a large boot sign was hanging above the door. “Let’s try this one.”

    When they entered the shop they were greeted by the smell of new and old leather. A woman with kind gray eyes came forward. They explained what they needed and she showed them to the boots and chaps area. Monica help Scully and Jennifer pick out a pair of chaps that fit and a pair of comfortable work/riding boots. Mulder had found a pair of cowboy boots and dark green chaps and he bought them, against Monica’s warning that the boots would be very uncomfortable after a while. Monica had brought her pair of chaps from home and had no need to buy any boots because she always wore her work boots. After the store they went back to the hotel and packed what they would need into knapsacks that their guide had dropped off at the hotel for them.

    Monica was the first one finished and went to consult Mulder about her dreams. She helped him pack and explained the dream she’d had on the plane.

    “And then I watched as it became solid again, This time I didn’t move as it came after me. I could feel it rip my throat out.” Monica paused. Trying to suppress the emotions that bubbled up inside her and gain back the upper hand of her control over her body and feelings, “it had eyes Mulder. Steel gray ones. They held no emotion, I felt like they were reading my soul.”

    “Well, maybe it’s a warning.” Mulder said putting his baseball cap on his head.

    “You mean like a premonition?” Monica paused, “Yeah, I don’t think so Mulder. I’ve never dreamt of the future or things like that.”

    “Most people can’t see into the future. I really doubt anyone can because of the fact that our future is what we make of it. But lots of people have gotten horrible dreams of something bad happening to a family member, friend, and even themselves.” He pauses as he picked up his knapsack and she grabbed hers off the floor. “You’ve heard of the Arthur McLeod’s theory right?”

    “Ofcourse I have. He propose the idea that twins would feel if the other was hurt or in danger or even dead, the minute or possibly as it happened.” Monica said as they walked down the stairs to the car.

    “Correct. But there is a current study in the area of the mind. Many of the worst catastrophes, and I mean earthquakes and fires, have been seen by one or two people before they happened.”

    “But how?” Monica asked climbing in the back seat next to Jennifer.

    “They claim to have seen it in their dreams.” Mulder said starting the car.

    “Do I hear a trace of skepticism, Mulder?” Scully said turning her vision from the road. He glanced at her and a whole hours worth of conversation took place between the too.

    “Moi?” he replied turning back to the rode. Shaking her head, Monica smiled, something had happened since she’d left the two of them at the hospital. Needing to get away she’d fled to her home in Oregon and stayed there for three weeks, so afraid of the backlash from the whole Jessica incident.

    “Scully, what would make you think that I have ever believed in extraterrestrial?” Mulder said glancing again at Scully as they pulled into the backing lot of the barn. And Jennifer laughed as Scully’s hand shot out to hit Mulder in the chest.

    “Don’t even say it Monica, don’t even say it.” Mulder said wincing as he walked from his tent to the campfire. Monica smiled and batted her eyes innocently.

    “Say what Mulder?” Monica asked and Scully laughed. Mulder took his sleeping bag and threw it at her. Scully smiled and tossed it back at him. “How far are we away from the scene?”

    “Were about four hours away.” Jennifer said, “No.”

    “No, what?” Monica asked shifting on her sleeping bag, watching the stars.

    “No we can’t go there now. The rest of the trail leads down hill and there is no way you can make it down there in the middle of the night.”

    “Time to turn in. Long day ahead.” The trail guide interrupted. Monica slipped into her sleeping bag while Jennifer and Scully retired to their tent. Mulder look at Monica and then to the stars. The two of them sat there for a long time before either spoke. And when the first word was uttered it was soft and quiet, like a child’s insecure voice.

    “Do you think she’s out there?” He didn’t have to explain his question, Monica knew instantly to whom he was referring to.

    “Yes.”

    “What about him?”

    “Mulder, I know that he is dead but I believe that he is watching over me, just like Clara is.”

    “Clara?”

    “I never told you or the others about this…not even Rose knows about her.”

    “Well, you can always tell me.”

    “I know. Clara was my best friend. She was more than that though. She was like that mother that I never had. She was with me when I went through Harvard and that whole horrible period when I didn’t believe that I was a Dragon. I was in complete denial and so I never told her about my special ability.”

    “What happened?”

    “Some how, these Dragon hunters found out about us, and they found out about me and how I could change. So they abducted Clara because they thought she was me. When they discovered that Clara wasn’t me they held her hostage, in order to get me. I tried to save her but…”

    “But?”

    “Mulder look, I so very tired. This case is exhausting my senses and brain. I can’t think. Let alone handle my emotions as I tell you this. Can I finish later?”

    “Sure. Get some sleep. If you want to talk-“

    “You’ll be in your tent. I know. Goodnight Mulder.”

    “Good night Monica.”

    “Thanks.” And with that Mulder climbed into his tenet and Monica fell asleep.

    Bang. Monica looked up from computer. Bang. Someone was at the door, she was at it, then back at the computer. Brian was in the apartment. He was yelling but all she heard was Bang. Suddenly she was awake. The banging she heard was he head against the ground, something was shaking it. Sitting up she looked around and saw a very large dragon heading straight for the camp. “Shit.” Monica said and then yelled for Mulder and Scully to get the hell up.

    But no one responded and Monica shook her head. She quickly lifted a rock and tossed it at the dragon. The dragon turned to mist and it rushed forward. It became solid and hit Monica in the stomach, throwing her backwards.

    “Shit.” Monica said as she got up. She closed her eyes and tried to become a dragon but it didn’t work, she couldn’t change.

    She heard someone laughing and her eyes flew open. Before her stood Luka (Lu-k-a), her ex-husband.

    “You can not transform here. I’ve robbed you of that ability.” He said. Monica burst forward, she dove after him and then right through him. She hit the ground, hard. Shaking her head she spotted he travel pack. She reached inside and felt for her gun. Upon touching it she whipped it out and pointed it a Luka.

    “You think that will bother me?” he snarled, an evil laugh filling the air. She pulled back the trigger and let one fly from the chamber. It passed right through him. Suddenly, there was a flash of white light and the area around the two fighters went dark.

    “What the hell?” Luka looked around. Monica knew instantly where she was, she’d been there many times. Her meditations had brought her there, and when she’d lost Brian all she could do was stay there to figure out her thoughts.

    “The mindscape.” She said and her sword appeared at her feet. And she smiled, her mind controlled what happened here. “I will trap you mind her and then destroy your body.”

    She rushed forward but Luka quickly formed his own sword. Their weapons clashed again and again each welding a blow that could kill the opponent. But finally, one of them tripped. Monica felt the ground slam into her and watched as Luka raised his sword above his head.

    But again the white light, this time it blew away the mist. Monica was frozen stiff. She knew her time had come.

    “Don’t you touch her.” Came a voice, strikingly familiar, from the now stable light.

    “Brian,” she whispered and turned.

    Sure enough, Brian stood there. Handsome as ever, and a golden glow surrounding him.

    “Why should I listen to you?” Luka sneered.

    “Because if you don’t, I have the power to let you live in eternal pain. Both mind and soul.” Brian said slowly as he walked forward. His hands held up and palm out.

    Luka smiled and the sword her held began to fall. But his body was knocked sideways and white light burst form Brian’s hands and burned away Luka’s soul.

    Monica shuddered and stood slowly. Brian moved forward and watched Monica so the same on shaky knee’s. She collapsed just as she reached him.

    “Monica…are you alright?” he whispered in her ear as her couch her.

    “Oh, Brian. I’ve missed you so much.” Monica said into his chest as she tried to get as close to him as her could.

    “I know. I wish I could be there with you, but you know I can’t. I want you to move on, don’t shut yourself out to love just because you were hurt.” He whispered and kissed the top of her head. Monica’s hands gripped his shirt and Monica shook her head roughly against his chest.

    “Monica you know I have to go soon.”

    “Please,” Monica said and couldn’t stop the tears. “I don’t want to be without you again.”

    “Hush, Mon.” He lifted her chin to his and smiled at her. “I love you, and I will always love you. But we will meet again.”

    He titled his head then their lips touched. Here eye’s slipped closed in the simple bliss and wished for it never to end. But, as all things must, it did.

    When Monica opened her eyes she realized that she was at the campsite, but no one else was there. Glancing around she made a guess in which way they headed and then looking for horse tracks in that direction, she followed them.

    “Mulder, do you really think she went to town?” Jennifer asked as they followed the trail home.

    Mulder pulled up his horse and then looked over his shoulder. Turning his horse in the way they had come he watched the sand dance in the wind. *She’s back there* He instantly urged his horse into a canter and then a gallop. Scully and Jennifer turned to see what was up.

    “Mulder?” Scully asked quietly. Scully instantly whirled her horse and Jennifer followed suite. They galloped after him. Scully was worried that he had seen something and was now chasing it. But after a moment she realized that her indeed had seen something. And now Scully saw it two. A person, with long black hair blowing in the wind that was staggering back and forth.

    “Monica!” Scully yelled and urged her horse faster. She glanced at Mulder, ‘How had he known?’

    Monica saw the animals and she had no energy to call out. She stumbled and fell. It was so easy to just sleep. She closed her eyes and let her mind go.

Rose sat beside Monica’s bed. She had flown to the hospital the minute she had gotten the call from Dana. Rose had been horrified by how Monica looked, when she had arrived. And now she watched over her fallen friend as the others slept.

    “Rose.” Mulder said. He paused in the doorway and cleared his throats, “How is she?”

    “She’ll be fine Fox,” Rose’s soft Scottish accent flowed easily through the air.

    “She’s lost so much this year. I had a dream that she didn’t want to live.” Mulder confessed quietly.

   Rose smiled and stood. She moved over to him and touched his shoulder. Glancing over her should she smiled again, “Fox,” she said quietly and he looked at her, “he won’t let her die.”

    Monica again looked around. She had been calling to Brian for so long. Would he come?

    “Calm down. I’m right here.” Brian said from behind her.

    She whipped around and rushed to him. They embraced and she sighed into his shirt. “I want you to come back to me.”

    “You know I can’t,” he said gently.

    “You are not dead. You wouldn’t be able to contact me here if you were dead.” She said and pulled back to look up at him.

    “I knew you would figure it out.” The voice was different, and something in his eyes had changed. “I just thought it would take you a lot longer.”

    “Shinea!” The voice screamed and whipped out a small dagger. He cut her throat and her last thought was of the meaning of the word….Die.

    Alarms blared and Rose whipped around. Mulder didn’t move and Scully raced into the room, along with several other doctors. “Monica!”

    Rose’s eyes flew to the sky and called out, “Brian, what are you doing?!?!”

    Monica jerked and sat straight up. Her heart was pumping a mile a minute. She took several deep breaths before a warm hand fell on hers, followed by a deep voice, “Mon? What's wrong?”

    She looked around and smiled. She was home, Brian’s apartment. She lay back down and Brian pulled her naked body over to his. She rolled over and smiled at his sleeping face.

    He sighed, “What happened?”

    “You were…never mind, it’s not important.”

    She snuggled in closer to him. She tucked her head under his chin and touched his chest gently. She kissed his throat and rolled over again. He spooned her body and smiled against her neck. She slowly drifted off to sleep and was just about to fall asleep before she spoke again, “I love you…”

    He laughed gently and smiled into her neck. “I love it when you have bad dreams.”

    “Why?” she mumbled, barely audible.

    “You always let me know that you love me. Don’t fall back a sleep.”

    “Why?” she purred taking his hand and kissing it. He just smiled and reached out to retrieve a small box that was on the table next to the bed. Opening it her removed the object and took hold of her left hand.

    He slipped the simply beautiful ring onto her ring finger and kissed the back of her neck. He breathed the next words as if it was the easiest and most natural thing in the world to say, almost as if he’d said it everyday, “Marry me. And that is not a request.”