Story 221: "In a Dark Time" by eliade

[wendelah1]

"In a Dark Time" by eliade is one of the first Mulder/Krycek stories I read, and it's still one of my all-time favorite XF fics, in any genre. It fulfills every requirement of mine for good M/K: it's set during season two, prior to Scully's abduction, it's by turns violent, twisted and passionate—and so is the sex. If you haven't watched "Sleepless," "Duane Barry" and "Ascension" recently, this story will let you see the episodes in an entirely different light. I have reread this compelling story many times, because it is just that good.

The link is to her X-Files fic page, way-backed; the story links are on the right. You can also find this at the Basement but I believe this is a more recent version, plus it includes a unfinished sequel.

The X-Files fanfic of Anna S

You can try sending feedback to the author via her LiveJournal address. Please let us know what you think of the story. The nomination post is always open for your suggestions.

Comments

[szgrey.livejournal.com]

I haven't finished my reread of/comments on "In a Dark Time" yet, but I just wanted to jump in here in response to this-

I wouldn't recomend any of those for the community, because those are really long and I doubt people not into this pairing would appreciate that

I like those fics too, and I think that long fics like that might actually be the best kind of M/K for people who don't already ship them, because they spend so much time developing the characters and their relationship. If you don't ship them, you won't be convinced by stories that start from the premise that Mulder & Krycek are totally into each other; it's more believable if it starts in a way that feels consistent with their canon relationship and then builds gradually. At least, that's my impression. You may be right that people wouldn't want to tackle a long story unless they were already invested in the pairing. I know this community hasn't had a lot of slash recs in the past & I suppose there are not a whole lot of M/K shippers here, but I want to believe I'm not the only polyshipper who'd be happy to read & discuss all sorts of pairings. :)

[andrea-deer.livejournal.com]

That's the thing, isn't it? While I believe a longer story can convince way better to a pairing, someone who's not into the pairing probably won't be willing to read it :/

And while I'm not sure I classify as a polyshipper in this fandom, I think I'm pretty close to it. ;) Yes, M/K is my favourite, but I read all kinds of parings. I've read even some lovely Mulder/Scully stories, though I admit I rarely go for this pairing or enjoy reading it. *shrugs* Not my thing, I guess :)

Btw, and completely offtopic, would you mind if I friended you? I'd like to have more friends from X-Files fandom especially the ones that don't mind different ships and characters :)

[szgrey.livejournal.com]

Not at all! I pretty much only use my LJ to post fics and participate in comms (I'm more active on tumblr where I'm keepingtrackoflosttime), but I'm all in favor of friends. :)

[andrea-deer.livejournal.com]

yay! :)

i'm 5th baronet on tumblr :)

[wendelah1]

I agree that long fics might be the best kind of M/K for people who don't ship the pairing. I need a long fic, preferably with a complete AND believable character arc. The issues between the two men seem nearly insurmountable to me, and most short stories don't convince me, probably because they are written for an audience who doesn't need convincing.

I don't know if TXF ever had that many polyshippers to begin with. I'd like to think there are people out there who want to discuss interesting fic, regardless of the pairing, or lack of same. But length is an issue for a lot of people who read here. I prefer long fic but sometimes I hesitate to post something in any genre that's too long because I'm worried no one will try it.

As I said to andrea_deer, I would be willing to give "Ghosts" another chance since (1.) she liked it and (2.) it's a fandom classic.