The waters lapped blackened rocks by the water's edge. Scully tiptoed her way through the shiny buttresses. She looked up faintly making out Mulder's form walking the craggy shore. The fog had rolled in silently with the drizzle of rain, and grey skies. The wind brought a sense of cold and wetness, and if it weren't for the water's slight lapping the rocks it would seem that the silence was deafening. As in death itself. On the ground where a clump of green grass swished lay sticks and forgotten toys. Forgotten in childish haste.
"Mulder!!!! Come take a look at this!" Scully called at her partner already halfway out in the water standing on a precarious rock. He managed to stagger back towards where she was standing and follow her eyes downward. "Scully? What is it?" He murmured.
"I think these toys must have belonged to the children. Do you think they were kidnapped to leave them so fast?" "I don't think so Scully. Look at the landscape. If they were here, I would bet they still are." Mulder said pointing to the crags by the ocean. She nodded. "If there were bodies, this certainly would be an inhospitable place to find them."
He nodded pointing to a faintly visible cave not far from the water's edge. "I think we should search that cave when this fog clears. Animals or water tides would likely have caused the bodies to wash up there. It's also a great hiding place for a killer." "Who would kill innocent children?"Scully said half to herself. Mulder put his hand on her shoulder. "That's what we're here to find out. Come on, Scully, let's check out the cave. Scully sighed and went along with her parnter. As much as she didn't like so say it aloud he was often right.
Before following her down the shoreline Mulder leaned over and picked up a small toy raygun.It reminded him of the one he had when he was a child before Samantha was abducted, when life was so innocent and pleasant.
He carefully dropped the the toy on the ground and followed Scully toward the cave.When he reached it Scully already had her flashlight out and was ready for anything. Mulder also pulled out his flashlight,looked at Scully and headed in.She followed him treading about more cautiously.
"Oh my god,Mulder look at this.Look at these drawings on the walls.It looks like-" "The children drew them"he said finishing her sentance for her. "It looks like a playground in here. "He then picked up a stuffed animal.It was to wet and ragady to make out what it was. "This just leads us to where we started...Who would do something like this?"
Scully ran her hand over the walls where the soft stone had given way. She read the names Abigail Finch in a heart. Lewis was here. Barb loves Freddie. an abstract design. "Do you think the children were kept here Mulder, or was this just a place where area children play. The ruins seem so mundane." Mulder was intent on some piece of handiwork "Well children are often unaware of the danger they are in. If the kidnapper has a way with kids, they might feel secure enough, but I would rather see this as a secret place to play than a killing ground. I'd like to get some pictures of this. We'll have to get the camera from the car."
Scully rubbed her fingers. This wall is covered in something. Maybe a bacteria of some kind. I can see some slight focforescence. Turn off your flashlight Mulder. He did as he was told and the walls glowed golden with swirls and windings. "Artistic Bacteria Scully?" She just shrugged.
Harbor Bed and Breakfast
Wednesday 8:01 P.M.
Mulder laid down on his bed. He had changed from his usual suit and tie and into a T-shirt and old jogging pants. He thought about the day behind him.The way the children just vanished.Like Samantha. Just gone. He looked at the photos accross the room. All of the answers were on that. In the cave.
He began to wonder if this case was to close to him.Too personal. Then he sat up."This is an X-file"he said into the silence"and nothing will keep me from it"As he laid back down he realized that he shouldn't tell Scully his thoughts. She would only suggest that he go home.He had to stay and find these children. For Samantha. For the families that he could sympathise with. For his peace of mind. He thought more, and he realized Scully was just as biased. Emily's death would probably weigh just as heavily on her as Samantha did on his soul. He smiled wanly shaking his head. "What a pair."
There was a knock on the adjoining door. "I'm naked" Scully walked in the door. "I always knew you wanted to see me in the buff." Mulder quipped. Scully rolled her eyes. "You forget I already have, as well as about a thousand other men." He looked shocked and she smiled very slightly. "So what's on the agenda for tonight?" She sat down on the bed and grabbed the remote. "Not your entertainment." He chuckled. "What happened to those thousands." After a time of watching a sitcom where there seemed to be two guys and one girl as the main characters Scully turned off the tv.
"Mulder, how are you holding up with this case? "He looked at her. She realized he would be thinking about Samantha. How could he think that she wouldn't? He smiled at her. "I'm doing fine with it.I'm actually thinking more about you. How are you holding up?" Scully gave him the same look that he had given her just moments before. "I'm doing fine Mulder." "Well now were do go with this lovely conversation?We all are doing just fine."He smiled and playfully shoved Scully's shoulder a little. She smiled at him.
Scully looked down. "Actually I'm here because I didnt want to be alone. I...I was thinking too much." There was silence for awhile "Scully do you think it's best to know a person is gone, or is it better to never know?" "I don't know Mulder. I was able to put Emily to rest, but hope died with her. A little part of me died too I think. It seems Samantha only made your drive stronger.
Mulder looked away from her."Yes I think it has. But,I don't know what to think anymore. There is always hope alive inside of me,but there is also that reality.I haven't seen her in 25 years,Scully. How can I think that she is still alive and out there?" "Mulder, are you telling me that you don't believe something?" "Scully this is a different matter.." "Is it? What makes your beliveing that Samantha is still alive any different from your believing that she was abducted by aliens? You have such a passion in believing that she was abducted. Why don't you put that Passion to believing that she is alive?" "Scully I don't know.This is so hard for me.This case just got me thinking. These children just vanished. I feel so much in common with this case. It just makes me want to find them more. That's where the passion is going for now until we find them." "I know it's strange Mulder, but somehow your hope and passion in your sister returning keeps me going as well. I guess you're my hope."
She smiled and patted his leg. There was a comfortable silence then Mulder turned. "Scully I don't think I could get through any of this without you." She smiled and stood up. "I think I can sleep now. Goodnight Mulder." She slipped through the door adjoining their rooms. Mulder fell beck onto his bed,shut his eyes, and immediatley went to sleep.
Olvinvoke,Maine
Thursday 7:16 A.M.
Mulder and Scully got out of the rental car on to an old coblestone street."Not to many people in heels,aye Scully?"Mulder said jokingly.She gave him a look and struggled down the street behind him.She handed him a file."Jamie Kamar.A young single mother.Her four year old son vanished two years ago.Let's go talk to her."Mulder nodded
The Kamar Residence
Mulder knocked on the door. A few moments later the door opened slighty."Yes?" Said a small voice."Jamie Kamar? We're Agents Mulder and Scully with the F.B.I. Can we speak to you about the disapperance of the children?" The door shut briefly and then opened fully. A petite woman stood before them."Yes of course come in."
Mulder and Scully walked in as she shut the door behind them. "Tea? Coffee?" she offered as she ushered them into the living room. "No thank you" said Scully. "We are here to talk about the disaperance of your son two years ago. "Jamie's eyes welled up with tears. "My little Andrew. Why are you coming here making me relive this terrible moment all over again?
Mulder handed her a tissue. "We aren't here to to cause you anymore pain. We want to find the children.Bring them home." She smiled. "That is a nice thought Agent...Mulser?" "Mulder." he corrected. "Right. Mulder. It's a nice thought, really, but I have given up hope. Two years is a long time. I have moved on." Mulder gave her a look like she was a quitter. Giving up after only two years.
Scully caught this look and intercepted before he lashed out. "Ms.Kamar-" "Call me Jamie,Please" "Jamie, we understand that this is hard to talk about. And we also understand if you don't want to talk about it. But if you would, please, it would help in the search for Andrew and the other missing children." She looked at the agents. "What can I say that will help?"
Mulder gave her a kind look, but still, deep inside, he resented her, she gave up so quickly. How could she let go so fast when the answers weren't there? "Jamie exactly how did it happen?" Mulder asked. She looked up at him. "I don't understand" Mulder calmly explained. "Did you take Andrew to the beach that day?" She shook her head. "No it was raining and cold out. No one should have been out on that day. I was doing laundry in the basement, Andrew was taking a nap when I heard the front door open. I ran upstairs to see what was going on. When I got to the door to close it, I thought I saw a figure out in the rain. I thought I was going crazy from being cooped up in the house all day. Then I went upstairs to check on Andrew and he was gone! " The tears poured down her face. "I ran back to the door to see if that was Andrew's figure I saw. I ran out into the rain. I ran until I saw the figure again. But it wasn't Andrew. It was the Cates' daughter Lucy. I picked her up and and she screamed until I set her back down. She kept walking. After some time I lost her. I don't know how. It was like I was blinded for awhile. I don't know how I got there. I barely remember it, walking to the beach, how I got there. She was there, and I saw Andrew there too. There were about ten or so other children there. They were out in the water. They were in a circle singing. All they were wearing were crowns of brightly colored flowers. They seemed to be playing a game of some sort. Then a wave came over them. I screamed and ran to the ocean. But when I got there,the children were gone. All that was left were the garlands of flowers.
"Excuse me.” Jamie got up from her seat and walked out of the room. Scully looked at Mulder. "Well I guess our interview is over." Mulder got up and reached in an inner pocket of his suit jacket and left a card on the table. He helped Scully to the door opening it for her. "Mulder what do you make of this woman's story?" Scully asked when they reached the car. Mulder thought for a moment. "On first hearing it, I think it sounds like some sort of ritual these children are participating in." Scully laughed. "Mulder I think this woman is making up this in order to cope with the accidental drowning of her son." Mulder looked sideways. "The fact still remains Scully that her son is not the only child missing and I believe someone has done something with those children's bodies, if they drowned at all." Scully's voice raised a little in tone. "Mulder,those bodies could have easily disappeared due to natural elements. Especially in these conditions." "Yes but I don't think that is the case here Scully." Mulder intoned.
Olvinvoke, Maine
Thursday 3:21 P.M.
Mulder and Scully stood at a colonial white door waiting for an answer. The door opened slightly. "Ms. Hullum? I'm Agent Mulder and this is Agent Scully. We'd like to talk to you about your daughter." The woman standing at the door was a severe looking woman with mouse brown hair in a bun. "I have nothing to talk about with you." "Mam We understand how hard of a time this must be for you, but it would greatly help the investigation." Scully softly stated. "You don't understand anything." "And that is why we need your help in helping us find your daughter." Mulder snarled. "My daughter is gone. The circumstances don't matter. It's the way it's always been. I should've been more careful. Good day." She promptly closed the door. "Well that's a little more than our other leads." Scully said as she turned. "This is strange behavior Scully. This town is hiding something."
Olvinvoke Beach Thursday 5:09 P.M.
Mulder and Scully walked down the beach toward the cave. Going back was Mulder's insisting Scully realized that this was important to him. She thought that the logical thing to do was to go to more houses of the missing children, but Mulder insisted that they went to the cave instead. She agreed that it was part of it, but It was hard to think that had all to do with it.
When they got to the cave they drew their flashlights. "Using these alot latley" Mulder said with a smile. Scully raised her eyebrows and walked in. Mulder followed her in, still smiling. As they walked through the cave, his smile slowly disappeared at the sight of the toys left by the children.
They went further back into the cave than they had the other day. Scully,walking ahead,saw writing on the back of the cave.S he sped her walking a bit. When she got there, her heart skipped a beat. "Oh my god.Mulder! Come look at this. "He came over from the drawing he was studing. "What is it Scully?" The wall read this:"Girl in the cave, she looks so sad, So we sing to her, So she won't feel bad. Lady in the cave, Don't you feel blue, We've all come be with you.” "What do you think it saying, Mulder? Who is the 'Lady in the cave'?" "I don't know." Scully re-read the poem. "Girl in the cave. Who is that? Could she represent all of the children?" Mulder shook his head. "I don't know." He looked around. "I don't think we've got a killer,Scully. I think we are looking at a kiddnapper." "Kidnapper? Mulder who would take 10 children at a time? Every year?" He leaned up against a wall. "I'm not sure. But I'm going to find out."
Harbor Bed and Breakfast Thursday 8:27 P.M.
Mulder sat on the bed in his room. He looked at the pictures of the cave and the pictures of the riddle they found. "Lady in the cave" He murmered. Suddenly something hit him. "Lady in the cave." He said aloud. He banged on Scully's door. She opened it wearing a long silk robe,her hair wet. "What?" "Scully I've got something." She sighed. "Come in, Mulder." He smiled quckly and shut the door behind him. "Look at this. Lady in the cave.” He held up the photo in his hand.
She picked up a hairbrush. "Yes.I've read the poem many times." "No, Scully, I think that this is more than just a riddle it's the answer. I think the Lady in the cave isn't just a woman. She's the spirit of the woman who could never have children." "Mulder, that's an intesting thought, but it doesn’t make sense." "Scully, She is bitter because she couldn't have children herself. Everyone in town knows it but they don't want her to take from them again."
Scully set down her hairbrush. She smiled and said tolerantly "Mulder. Go in your room, and go to sleep. Think about it. Spirits of dead bitter women don't exist.” Mulder gave her that look that she always received when he knew that she was wrong, and he was right. He walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him. He picked up a file from the desk in his room. There were pictures of numerous children."We'll find you" he said aloud.
Harbor Bed and Breakfast
Thursday 9:40 P.M.
Mulder wandered around the bed and breakfast. The decor was that of a rustic cabin. On the wall hung a massive fishing net with rusted harpoons and stuffed fish. There were old photographs of fishing boats and the ancient, sun dried men who ran them. Mulder studied each one in turn. The place was small, but fairly clean if not old.
He saw the owner walking up the narrow staircase. "Hey, nice place ya got here. I was wondering if I could get an extra blanket for my partner." The owner, an older man plump with bifocals perched on his nose and ruffled grey hair turned. His red suspenders did nothing to help the appearance of his half tucked shirt. "Ah you're the special agent. Yes I can get you a blanket." Mulder smiled politely.
"Your fellow townspeople like their privacy." The innkeeper smiled. "Yeah people like to keep to themselves. Shame about the children you know." "Yes it is a tragedy. Our leads are getting thin." Mulder quipped. "I take it the parents didn't like talking." Mulder shook his head. "The conversations were short, almost like someone was scared. Can you tell me anything?" The older man looked hurridly around and leaned toward Mulder "Check the old records of missing children is all I can tell you. I can say no more." With that the old man hurried off.
Mulder walked back in his room to find Scully sitting on the bed. "Where were you?" "Trying to get some more information." "Any luck?" "The owner of this fine establishment seems to be under the impression this has happened before. He said we should check the town's history." She smiled. "Well I got some interesting news from the laboratory. That sample I took from the cave wall is not only flourescent but radioactive." Mulder looked at her. "Radioactive?" "Yes it seems that it has been charged with ions, making low levels. The structure is organic, something produced by some sort of living creature. My guess is we have artistic snails. That would account for the patterns. Seems like another dead end." Mulder smiled. "Maybe, maybe not." She just shook her head.
Charlotte Ramsey's Home Thursday 10:21 P.M.
Mulder pounded on the door of the local librarian. "Mulder I think this could've waited until morning." Scully stated a little sharply. It was not enough he cut in on her sleep time that now he had decided to wake the whole town. "Those children need our help Scully. Hello!!" An older woman bleary eyed yelled through her shut door. "Yes! What is it!?" "Ms Ramsey we are federal agents and we need to get into the library."
The locks clicked and the door swung open. "Sir I have to be up at 5:00. I don't see anything so important that it cannot wait until then." She looked like the hardhearted schoolteacher that assigned homework on holiday weekends. "Mam there are children that are missing, I just don't want to lose any time." Mulder crooned. Scully smiled at Mulder's blatant use of trying to charm this woman. She was decidedly unmoved. "I don't think so Mr?" "Agent Mulder. Then mam I'm going to have to ask you to open the library. Otherwise you will be charged with failure to comply with lawful order." She disappeared into her home without a word presumably to get dressed.
Olvinoke Memorial Library Thursday 11.01 P.M.
Mulder stared at the spikes that pierced the cloudy evening sky. The moon was full and bright casting eerie shadows from the forbiding looking towers of the library. It was colonial, but there was a touch of gothic in the library. Gargoyles loomed down on him. He gathered it must have been added onto later, maybe at the turn of the century. Gazing up he saw a full moon. It was the kind when you're a kid you expect to see a witch's shadow cross Mulder wistfully thought.
Within the threshold was a statue of children, appparantly to commemorate some tragic end. Scully nudged Mulder to look at the plaque. "To all of our children. The water will keep them serenely. 1952." Below were a list of names of familys. "Interesting quote." was all Scully said.
"What exactly are you looking for?" Ms. Ramsey interrupted. "We need old newspapers, records of deaths and suicides. We also need records of drownings." Ms. Charlotte led them to a back room and unlocked the door. "Help yourselves." She turned and left to go to a backroom and sleep no doubt.
Amid a pile of old newspapers Scully looked up at Mulder. "This has happened every year. My god Mulder." He looked at her sadly. "Someone new in the town must have reported it, or it wouldn't have made it to us. It doesn’t seem to be front page news anymore. Some of these familys have lost children from 3 generations in a row."
Hours trudged by as they looked for some sort of link as to why it started. "Scully!! I think I found it, look here." She looked over his shoulder. "This woman killed herself because she couldnt have any children. It says her husband left her for another woman to have an heir to his fishing boat. She drowned herself." "Mulder I know what you're thinking but I dont think we are dealing with some scorned ghost here. Maybe we are dealing with some bizarre form of a cult. That would also account for the generational loss. Families practicing this religion are sacrificing offspring." Mulder smiled mischeiviously. "So would a lonely desparate ghost. Besides Scully whose to say that this woman isn’t now collecting children because her life fell apart after being denied that role. Could it not be possible that in death we try to correct the things that once went wrong." “If that were true Mulder I would think there would be alot more restless souls.”
Olvinvoke Beach Friday 1:45 A.M.
The cave stood still. Soon the laughter of children filled the air. The children, oblivious to the sights around them, ran into the cave. One girl had a doll that she clung to. Most of the other eight childern had toys also. The ones who didn't found joy in the toys left in the cave by other children. They sat in the back of the cave playing and writing on the walls. Flowers were newly scattered the bottom of the cave floor. They giggled at all of the snails and other life forms in the cave besides themselves.
Soon, the mouth of the cave was replaced with a dull light. "Don't be afraid my children" said a voice coming from nowhere. The children smiled comfortably at the voice, and proceeded to play. Within moments of each child had a garland of floweres upon his or her head. A couple of them sneezed at the pollen around them, but they all stayed happy. Then the rain began to fall.
Harbor Bed and Breakfast
Friday 2:07A.M
Mulder sat straight up in bed. He didn't know what woke him up. The reacurring dream of Samantha's abuduction, the moment he was doomed to relive forever, or the beggining of the storm. All he knew is that he had to get to the beach. Something was happening. He jumped out of bed, pulled on some pants and a shirt, and knocked on Scully's door. He used his fingers for a hairbrush and then knocked on her door again.
In the next room Scully turned over in her bed ignoring the knocking from her partner. She wasn't in the mood to hear another of his revalations. Mulder then opened the door that she left unlocked. "Scully,we have to go to the beach." "At two in the morning? Mulder,I think it can wait." He looked at her. He gave all he had in one glance. "No.It can't wait. " She sighed and then sat up in her bed. "Alright, Mulder,I'll meet you out in the car in about ten minutes." He gave he a gratful smile and walked back into his room,closing the door behind him.
He grabbed his gun, put on some shoes and a jacket and was out the door and into the car. He waited impatiently for Scully. Scully wasn't all to happy to be dragged out of her bed at two A.M., but for Mulder, she strangely did almost anything. She slowly got ready. She was a bit longer than 10 minutes. When she got out to the car Mulder gave her an impatient look and put the already started car into drive and sped off toward the Beach. "Mulder? What do you expect to find there? I mean the children of this "year" have already been taken. There are no more until next year." Mulder sat up straight in his seat. "I'm expecting the unexpected, Scully. Whoever or whatever is taking those kids needs to be stopped. They're gonna be stopped today. Nothing's goning stop me." Scully looked at him for a long moment and then sat back in her seat with a sigh.
Olvinoke shore Children’s cavern
Friday 4:00 A.M.
Scully sighed heavily. She was tired and cold from the trickling rain. "Mulder I don't know what you expect to.." Mulder put his finger to his lips. "Listen" She strained and could faintly hear what sounded like swirling wind. It seemed to be getting closer. The beach started glowing amber. Suddenly there was an intense buzzing with the sound of a children's song being chanted. Scully found herself screaming "Mulder what is it?" He was fighting the wind that was suddenly funneling through the small cavern. "It's an intense energy field. Ghosts are accompanied by them." He screamed over the noise.
The light was blinding by this time and both were shielding their eyes from the glowing ball at the back of the cave. "Mulder I hear them, the children." Scully strained to call out. Mulder screamed "Let them go!!! They don't belong to you!"
An anguished scream was heard shrill and desperate. The wind grew stronger and a clear ball of light glowed from the back of the cave. The children's voices grew stronger and words were heard. "Mommy?” “Where's daddy?” “I want to go home.” “Its cold, I'm cold.” “Mommy?" All the voices jumble together. "NO! You are not their Mother let those children go!! They need their mother!!" Scully yelled. Just then Scully screamed as a rock hit her head. "Scully!" Mulder ran over to her slumped position. Just then a woman bursted in crying. "Please Please give me back my child! I know you're hurt, but I can't live without her. Please."
Suddenly a form appeared in the ball of light. The hysterical woman walked toward the figure. She held out her hand apparantly communicating. "Please" was she uttered. She noded her head and suddenly the woman disappeared. The light suddenly faded and bones rained down violently.
Mulder looking bewildered again started to shake Scully. "Scully Scully?" She groggily opened her eyes. She looked around. "Mulder what happened? These are the bones of children!" Mulder exclaimed at her fixation on the multitude of various artifacts. Mulder helped her struggle to her feet. "I don't think there will be any more disappearances."
Basement of J. Edgar Hoover Building
Monday 10:20 A.M.
Scully walked up to Mulder with a file she let fall before him on his desk. "All the bones have been positively identified as all the missing children." Mulder just nodded. "Well Scully I guess we have irrefutable proof there is life after death."
"Mulder I can not confirm what you say to be true. I had a concussion and cannot say that the little I did see was not a hallucination." Mulder just laughed. "Don't ever change Scully." "Mulder I'm not saying I don't believe in ghosts, I'm just saying I am not convinced that is what you saw. It was early in the morning. You were running on little sleep, and there were a great many suggestions placed. Mulder it could've been your imagination reading into bad weather and a environment condusive to ghost stories."
Mulder just smiled. "The loud buzzing. How do you explain that, and the woman's sudden disappearance." Scully looked a little perturbed. "I can't." Mulder looked at her as her face dropped a notch. "It's a rather sad idea though that we can be alone even after death. That what haunts us in life will continue to torment us for eternity." Mulder looked in her eyes. "Scully I think that loneliness is something we all face. All we really are looking for is someone to share our lives. That's what drove this woman, that's what drives us all." Scully looked down. "I have a great deal in common with that woman Mulder." He looked at her and took her hand. "No Scully you don't. You have me. As long as I am here, you will never be alone I promise you that." She smiled and patted his hand. "There's no one I'd rather hear that from more.”