Hello! I’ll be your Alias driver this month and as those of you interested in the fandom know I really do sort or cling to Sydney/Sark stories but I am going to attempt to rec other pairings this time around. Although not the first rec. [i couldn't help myself]

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: becca_radcgg
Author Website: Memories of Alias fic
Why this must be read: Sark tends to be one of the hardest characters to write and when done wrong very hard to read. This is a story where Sark is written so tragically, beautifully that you partly feel for his masochistic ways.

He’s cold and his loyalty can always switch depending on what’s in it for him. In season three Sark finds himself working with Lauren who he feels is incompetent and seeks out Sydney’s help to get rid of her. The latter of the story involves Sydney searching for revenge with Sark’s help. I think some of the best Alias fiction is that of which Sydney is very dark. Sarks always dreams of death, his death and it leaves you with a little insight into his twisted mind.

The writing is superb, bringing every little detail to life.

( Excerpt )

Le Cauchemar

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: mciac
Author's Website: Perchance To Dream
Why this story must be read: Insta-rec! Hot off the presses, this story just came out this morning and I had to rec it. Based on a very brief scene from a Season 4 preview, this story takes the conceit and uses it brilliantly. The devil is in the details, and I love every tiny one here. Not to mention M has a deftness of language here that enviable. And the ending - well, I don't want to spoil it, but it's everything and nothing like you're expecting.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go read it!

Forty Winks

Fandom: ALIAS
Author on LJ: thelast_spagirl
Author's Website Pathless Space
Pairing: Sydney/Will
Why this story must be read:

I love finding little hidden gems like this one. This is a Will-centric future fic. After spending years in Jonah's skin, a chance meeting with Sydney gives him a chance to be himself again and a chance with the woman who he has held all others up against. Beautifully written and it gives me hope for Will's future.

World Enough and Time

Title/Author: Unmerciful by Voleuse
Pairings: Lauren/Sark, Lauren/Lilah, Lauren/JC
Author on LJ: voleuse
Author's Website: Most things can be found at moodfic
Why this must be read:

Voleuse always gives good fic and this is no exception. Not many people could write a crossover like this and make me believe it, but voleuse has done just that. With a deft hand, she moves Lauren through a series of fascinating situations with a couple of surprise guest stars that just made me smile, all the while staying true to Lauren's voice. And of course, there's some hot sex involved too. ;)

Unmerciful

Fandom: ALIAS
Author on LJ: yahtzee63
Author's Website: The Chicago Loop
Pairing: None really - Marshall, Sark, and spoilers for Episode 4.1
Why this must be read:

The very moment the 4th season opener ended, I thought, "Okay, who is going to write the fic about the eggs?" Thank God Yahtzee took this idea and ran with it. Sharp dialogue and excellent characterization aside, this is laugh-out-loud funny. I couldn't imagine this moment going any differently. A great read. :)

Hard-Boiled vs. Sunny-Side-Up

Fandom: ALIAS
Author on LJ: cosmic
Author's Website: None listed
Pairing: Will/Lauren
Why this story must be read: Last year when I requested this pairing for a ficathon, I was pleased to get such a lovely, well-written story. This might be the oddest of odd pairing, but cosmic made it work. She has an excellent handle on Will's voice here and after seeing Season 3, an eerie bit of foreshadowing can be creeping around the edges.

Defense Mechanisms


Hi, I'm Siryn and I'll be driving the getaway car for Alias this month. Look for a bit of everything, with a nice dose of angst for good measure

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Doesn't have one but other stories located here
Why this must be read: In the Alias fandom epics seem to flow quite freely but what makes an epic amazing, exceptional is the writers ability to take the characters and make them their own. As I began reading this story I knew I was starting a journey – not a momentary glimpse at characters I have become fascinated with but a piece of writing that would suck me. It is again the type of story that once you start you cannot stop.

I realize all my recs have been Sydney/Sark related – mostly because I am so intrigued by the pairing. I am always interested in seeing how others view them or will write them. I was amazed to read that the pairing fell in love so gracefully, even still being associated and tied to so many lies. The love did not come quickly, it transpired over time.

Why do I say this is an epic? It’s long – but it grips at not only the relationship between Sydney and Sark but also the relationships between many of the other characters on the show with those characters. You see a softer side to Irina although never understanding her motives completely. Marshall is priceless with his nervous ramblings and desire to be as interesting as Sark.

The story adds a new flavor to the characters while drawing on the first and second season plots and turning, twisting it so furiously around that you are just overtaken.

Salvation

This is my last rec for Alias this month – I hope that I did not bore anyone with my complete obsession with Sydney and Sark. I do hope to do this again as I believe there will continue to be a large range of wonderful Alias fics out there. Thank you to those of you who have commented or read the stories I’ve recced. I hope you enjoyed them.

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: cognacgirl
Author Website: CG's Pub
Why this must be read: Sydney has excluded herself from the world, living in a far off place with no real contact. Suddenly her world is twisted upside down when a stranger appears – a stranger she knows quite well from years ago and she must make a decision to seek revenge or bask in her mediocre life.

On the show it has been made somewhat clear that Sark is most likely unredeemable but in fanfic there is always the hint of very realistic humanistic character traits that make him less of a killer. This is one of those stories that explored the possibility of both Sydney and Sark having their revenge and finding comfort with one another. A common bond is molded and towards the end of the story you can’t help but see the images of their affair vivid in your mind – waiting and hoping that they will have a happy ending both of them so richly deserve.

( Excerpt )

Part One
Part Two

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: shadesofbrixton
Author Website: Alias Fanfiction
Why this must be read: Sometimes there are certain fanfics that I can’t stop talking about. I ended up reading passages of this one out loud to whoever was around.

What I’ve found while reading Alias fic is that the plots are complex, twisted and they usually if they’re exceptionally good wrap themselves up – but leave you wanting more and more. This is one of those stories. Although you don’t get to see the relationship Sydney and Sark had romantically or whatever it may have been, you do feel that they have a deep connection. Sark makes it clear that regardless of selfish motives he is looking out for Sydney.

The plot is beautifully transcribed into writing and although you’re left wanting more you are so completely freshened by the stories ending. Any writer who can twist anything Rambaldi related and make it true to the characters and prophecies is insanely talented.

How to be Dead

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: quiet_rebel
Author Website: Quiet Rebel
Why this must be read: I’ve always liked dialogue fiction. This is a piece that works with the chemistry and understanding between Sydney and Sark through a range of dialogue. It’s fast paced and fresh. The author gets the characters on their marks – somehow you feel like they’re dancing around each other with coy remarks.

Tomorrow

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: redrover1980
Author Website: A Cynic Vexed By Love
Why this must be read: I could go on and on about why this is a must read. Sark has always had a better understanding of his connection with Sydney. In this story his view of destiny mingles with the past. It reaches deep into the pockets of lives lived before.

It works. I was sucked in simply by the idea of these two characters being pre-destined. Everything flows in a circle. Things from their lives together as spies are tainted and haunted by lives their souls have lived already.

It’s just magnificently written. It's a woven story of characters that become the writers own, along with a few history lessons.

( Excerpt )

Destined: Pt 1-4
Destined: Conclusion

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: schneck
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read: I’m one of those people that enjoys AU and future fics as I feel they add more depth to certain characters than we are originally given. I love back-stories and Sydney going somewhat rogue. I often like stories that involve a harder, darker Sydney.

This story grapples with being in so much pain that you would much rather have someone end your life for you. The twists are portrayed beautifully through the writing and the dead on set of characters.

Sark is deliciously perfect.

She Wanted Storms

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: mciac
Author Website:Unknown
Why this must be read: Sark’s point of view is brilliant. It’s very rare that anyone can completely capture the way Sark views Sydney and also his own relationship with her mother but this is done beautifully. It’s full of rich, graceful prose and a situation you can’t help but enjoy - as it’s so vividly placed into your mind.

Piece by Piece

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark & Julia/Simon
Author on LJ:auchic
Author Website:Unknown
Why this must be read: There aren’t many good stories that reflect on Sydney portraying Julia while Sark is around, who would immediately not believe the lie. Although this story deals with Sydney as Julia in an attempt to get information out of Simon there is heated passion between her and Sark. Eventually leading to a surprising twist.

It’s very sexy, very hot and most of all written perfectly. Just purely delicious.

Enticing Offer

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: superswank
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read: Sydney goes rogue after her father is killed. Now this is enough to keep me interested in the fic but what pulls me in is the fact that she goes to Sark to seek out information. Although this fic involves sexual activity it wasn’t so much that that got me hooked. The plotline is thrilling. It’s up to par on what JJ himself would create his characters to do.

The details slide across the screen into your mind and you are just captured by the pure creativity of it all. The relationship between Sydney and Sark is brutally honest and never lies with the false pretense of a happy ending. But you can’t help but root for them a little bit as their characters seem so perfectly entwined.

The Lesser of Two Evils

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: siryn99
Author Website: Shimmer and Flicker
Why this must be read: I am an obvious big Sarkney fan and it’s rare when you find a fic that represents Sydney and Sark as individuals but yet the same type of person. Set during season two it focuses on Sydney’s frustration towards her relationship with Vaughn while exploring the sexual one she could have with Sark.

I love the details in this fic. There are these small things about Sark where images peak inside your head. Beautifully written and hits the characters on the right marks. Even if it is possible we’ll never see the couple on screen this way, at least there are stories like these that explore the possibility with such vivid imagery.

Come Undone

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Julia/Simon Julia/Sark
Author on LJ: fatema
Author Website: Fatema
Why this must be read: It’s short and sweet. Julia and Simon had/have undeniable chemistry. It’s sexy. It’s erotic and most of all it has a dose of Sark that just makes me smile at the end.

Cold-Hearted Killer

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: shadesofbrixton
Author Website: Alias Fanfiction
Why this must be read: From the moment you read the first paragraph you’re hooked. The writing is smooth, crisp and most of all interesting. Not only is there a world disaster but interaction between the characters that feels so real. I found myself unable to tear myself away from it until I finished. Sydney, Weiss and the infamous Sark must go on an adventure to figure out what has happened to the world and most of all why. Sydney and Sark sizzle while still being unemotional and somewhat uncaring towards one another but still brutally honest. Not to mention Will shows up which is just a minor bonus.

Endless Winter Mile

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ: none
Author Website: None that I could find but here are her stories on Cover Me.
Why this must be read: I said I was going to go into the past for some recs and here is one set during season one. I love Old School Sydney and Vaughn. It was complicated but in a good way, I like this story because it feels like it could happen on the show (or could have.) There is just enough action to make it seem like a real mission and the idea of Vaughn speaking French was always pretty sexy. For the first season the voices are down and the whole idea of the story just makes me really happy.

Une Nuit

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: celli and JenC doesn't have one
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: The space between season one and two inspired a lot of good fic. It's really what inspired me to go search out fanfic for this show. I'm going to try and rec some fic from this time period, hopefully no one will mind if I take a little trip down memory lane.

This is a fun story that I feel perfectly picks up from the end of season one and personally I don't think I would have minded seeing this universe get expanded. Also you must love a story whose summary is : ""Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." No, really. Well, maybe not the giants." It has all the characters and they are all completely in character. They even go back to the CIA and include some LA action, which includes Weiss my very favorite character.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Jack/Irina
Author on LJ: synaesthete7
Author Website: Here or here
Why this must be read: Jack and Irina intrigued me from the moment we learned that she was the double agent instead of Jack. When Lena Olin showed up I was lost. It's the history that gets to me. I like this fic because it takes a scene from the show and fleshes it out. This is an almost perfect glimpse into Irina, and how and why did Irina become Laura and how did it feel to go back? It keeps Irina perfectly in character, you can see the love she has for Jack but doesn't compromise herself.

( Excerpt )


Sfumato

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: None
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: Because it's funny. Actually it's laugh out loud hilarious. It's not very often that you get a Drunk!Mission fic. The action in this fic is well written but it's everything else that's really the draw. Drunk!Vaughn is too funny. If you need a pick me up in these dark months I really suggest this fic, especially because it's set in Madrid.

Muy Mono

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Will/Francie
Author on LJ:ageofaquarius
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: It's hot. It's a slightly different take on the Francie/Will romance that we didn't get on screen and yet Will and Francie are both perfectly in character. But mostly it's hot.

Melting the Ice

Title: Endorphin Rush by Jennifer-Oksana
Pairing: Sydney/Cordy
Author on LJ:jennyo
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: JennyO knows each of these characters inside and out. Cordy and Sydney each become real in her hands and the interaction between them absolutely can not be beat. It's cute. Really I have nothing to justify it except pretty girls and outdoor liaisons. So enjoy this shiny piece of girlslash!

Endorphin Rush by Jennifer-Oksana

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Jack/Irina, Jack/Katya, Sark/Lauren, Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ:yahtzee63
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: I love heist stories, it's one of the reasons I love Alias. This is a great heist fic and would work as a wonderful episode. I mean they have gone to Vegas already. This isn't a crossover but rather uses the premise of Ocean's 11 and tweaks it for Alias. I haven't had so much fun reading a story in a long time.

( A little glimpse )

So enjoy this weekend and this fic. If you do enjoy it be sure to check out the soundtrack.

Bristow's 11

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing:  Various
Author on LJ:ageofaquarius
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read:I'm a sucker for AUs and I've always liked the "Five Things" stories. One has already been recced for Alias but that one was a little more impossible than this one. The "Five Things" works best when you can almost see it happening and I feel like this is one of those stories.

I like all the pieces but number three and the last one are particular favorites of mine. I really suggest you check out this fic.

Five Aliases that Could've Been

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing:  Sydney/Lauren
Author on LJ: katjanka
Author Website: None
Why this must be read: Because the 'what ifs' in Alias fandom are a never ending whirl and this is one of the best. Because good femslash is hard to find.

This fic isn't that long but it packs a punch. I haven't found enough good femslash in Alias fandom and I think this is probably my favorite piece. I'm one of the few fans who liked Season 3 and I think that this fic perfectly captures the mood of season 3 even if it is an AU. Also it makes Lauren into a real character something she is rarely allowed to be in fanfic.

Stasis

Hi, I'm Brigid and I'll be your Alias driver for the month. I have been watching Alias since the beginning and I've been reading fic since the beginning. I'm not a shipper but I do read ship fic if that makes any sense so be prepared for a mixed bag as far as that goes. I like all kinds of fic, from the angsty to the hilariously funny. Hopefully I'll get to show you all the sides of Alias fandom.

Fandom: ALIAS 

Pairing: Sydney/Will and past Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ: aliasrlm
Author Website:Here
Why this must be read: Rach describes it as: Sydney and Will -- a 'what if' piece filled with angst, romance and a bit of mystery. It's a mini-love story, Georgia style. Written after Page 47 this takes us back to the first season of Alias. It's lovely really and it's happy even while being angsty. It reads beautifully, I'm a sucker for good prose. And the language fits the story so well.

Rach may be best known for her Sark but this she writes all the rest of the characters so wonderfully too. I've always been partial to her Will and this fic contains a great Will. Her Sydney is also wonderful and I love Sydney here, carrying her past but not being ruled by it.

( A Little Taste )

Jekyll Island

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: nightfawkes
Author Website: None
Why this must be read:

I'm about finished driving the van this month; there's been a bit of a dry spell for Alias fic, I've had to really hunt to dig up good fic. SD-1 seems to have suffered some kind of fatal damage and is down for the count. And while maybe not the home for quality fic all the time, there were occasional gems to be found there.

Let's hope Jan 5th births many many wonderful plot bunnies for all the Alias writers out there.

On to the rec, as I have said this is not a new fic but one of my favorites.

I recced Fawkes earlier in the month and am happily returning to her for this story.

This is the fic that made me believe in Sarkney, that Sydney could actually have a relationship with a killer like Sark. It isn't nice, it isn't pretty--just utterly wonderfully true. Fawkes' prose is clean and cuts like a knife with some stunningly evocative imagery.

I read this and an ache just built in my chest. The ache that comes from reading a nearly perfect story. I'm honestly surprised this hasn't been recced before.

Untitled Part One
Untitled Part Two

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ: cndaliasfan
Author Website: none
Why this must be read:

Because this destroyed me. It utterly utterly wrecked me. And I love cndaliasfan for doing it too. She takes the Sydney/Vaughn relationship post Season Three and with elegant, heartbreaking prose takes you very gently by the hand and leads you to heartbreak.

She so perfectly captures the rhythms of real life couples and the way they fight:

“How was work?”

“Fine. You were there,” he says and his voice is surly.

“I’m just trying to…”

“I know what you’re trying to do. Stop. Please, just stop. It’s been a long enough day without this.”

“Vaughn-”

“Seriously, Sydney. I don’t want to talk.”

And he got up from the table and walked away from her"

She pairs scenes like these with real moments of quiet happiness, thus when you get to the inevitable conclusion, you feel almost as betrayed as Sydney would.

Go read. You'll thank me--and obviously cndaliasfan for it, even if you cry.

Crimson Tide