Not With a Bang

by Emily

Disclaimer: Not mine, but they should be ours after what TIIC did to them...

Author's Notes: Thanks to Sue for the title. Not real sure what this is, BUT... here it is anyway.

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The T.S. Eliot line goes through your head...

'This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but with a whimper.'

You look at the man who killed you, and the one he should have.

'This is the way the world ends...'

Because someone was stupid. Because he didn't listen to you. Never had.

Of course, they had every reason not to, yeah?

Yeah.

But still. They could have... or maybe you could have.

Could have what, exactly? Look, no use using your last few seconds thinking you could have done more. You couldn't have. If they were bound and determined to disbelieve you no matter what the cost...

You look up at the man who should have been dead. Because he's not...

"I never killed your father," you gasp. "If you believe nothing else..."

"Yeah, okay," Mulder replies, and turns away.

In that moment, things crystalize for you somehow. You see the truth, and...

Go right for it.

"Skinner," you call.

Your killer turns, surprised.

"You're not who you think you are..."

Skinner scowls. "Cut the crap, Krycek."

God, you are so sick of hearing people say that you just want to...

You close your eyes. "I'm out there. The real me. My essence... my existence. You'll never kill that."

The AD and the former Agent walk away. A smirk creeps across your face.

You. You are the alien replicant. Krycek is still out there, and Mulder is alive, as he would wish it.

Still, you had to try.

FINIS

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