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

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

Okay, I've finished part 1, officially, and kinda skimmed it a long time ago and I know it's fabulous writing and W says it's the best and I assume she's telling the truth. The problem is that I don't enjoy slash, normally. It's not my kink--I'm old school, you shouldn't know how old--and I feel that I can't possibly make a judicious judgment.

Well, fuck that. THIS IS GREAT. I was seduced. By the prose. Just as Krycek was seduced by Mulder, although he thought HE was in the driver's seat.

As things stand now, I think that Mulder--older, wiser, but so much more frustrated--has impressed our callow villain-in-training by simply admitting to a needy humanity. They're both hot and all, but sex doesn't have to go deep; it's an effective manipulating machine, as K knows well. Yet he is confronted by a complex, suffering, SMART man who eludes not manipulation, but his own desire to manipulate. Krycek is at present undone.

This writer, whatever she calls herself, does lust description better than anyone except two or three shippers. Khyber springs to mind.

Part 1. I'm not asking you to wait for me to finish part 4. Maybe I'll change my mind. Maybe it isn't the masterwork W claims. But remember that I don't do slash and, well, I think it probably is too.

[wendelah1]

I was seduced too. You know how I feel about Krycek. eliade is just such a great writer. She gives the reader such a nice slow build toward the sex. That's the best part and without it, there's just no point, you know?

I like how smart both characters are here, and how well-matched they are as investigators, too. I love how they are both drawn into this thing they have, despite Mulder's inability to trust him and Alex's better judgment. It pushed all of my doomed ship buttons perfectly.

I wonder if anyone wrote an AU where Krycek's role in Scully's abduction doesn't come to light almost immediately so that when she's returned, Krycek is still Mulder's partner...

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

I would SO read that.

I finished four and am confused. Will be in touch.