INVISIBLE CAGE

DISCLAIMER

Belongs to Marvel Productions and Fox. Takes place after "Assault" without the weird Creator or Expiration Date angles, and Emma's alive, though Lexa still joined the team. I only own the plot and characters you don't recognize. In various eps of the series, Brennan had made noises that his relationship with his stepfather wasn't the best, which is where this came from.

CHAPTER ONE: INCOMPLETE TEAM

The blonde-haired woman blocked the attack of a man dressed all in black. Her eyes shined a brilliant yellow as she retaliated, and he went flying. Beside her, a red-haired fought a man in similar attire. He pointed a gun at her and a ball of light appeared on her forehead and she threw it at him. Like the other girl's attacker, he landed in a heap.

"Nice work, Emma," Shalimar Fox stated.

"Thanks, Shal," Emma DeLauro answered. Meanwhile, Jesse Kilmartin and Lexa Pierce were handling their own guys. The man threw a punch and Jesse phased out as Lexa shot a beam of light at the guy. When the Mutant X team was done, they walked away from the men.

"Wonder what the Dominion wants now," Jesse said.

"Who knows?" Lexa griped. "I'm just glad I got away from those guys before they decided I was expendable," she continued.

"So are we," Shalimar agreed grimly. They got into the Double Helix and headed back to their new Sanctuary.

"Anyone hear from Brennan?" Lexa wondered.

"Still nothing. I can't even get a hit on him," Emma answered.

"Man, where could be hiding for the last two months?" Jesse wondered.

"And why? I mean, we all agreed to get back together when Adam had the new Sanctuary up," Lexa pointed out.

"You know, guys, I just had a thought: there's only one reason Emma wouldn't be able to get a hit off of Brennan--" Jesse began.

"No. Absolutely not," Shalimar interrupted. "I won't believe it. Not until I see it with my own eyes," she continued.

"Shalimar's right. Until we know for sure what happened to Brennan, we shouldn't jump to conclusions," their leader, Adam Kane, agreed. Meanwhile, a good-looking man was working a bar, mixing drinks and serving customers. He was polite, professional, and thorough. At the end of the day, he punched out and headed for the exit.

"Hey Mulwray, good job. Bet the boss would be proud," a man stated.

"Yeah--I bet so too," Brennan commented. Then, he headed out. Later that night, in the house he was staying at, he walked into his bedroom, closed the door, and sat on the bed. This wasn't exactly his dream arrangement, but it'd have to do. He sighed and started to undress. Then, he heard footsteps. He tensed slightly, but told himself to relax. They had an agreement. Everything would be fine; it was part of the agreement. He had just finished taking off the shirt when he heard the footsteps approaching. What the--? he thought to himself. The door opened to reveal an older man.

"What are you doing?" Brennan demanded as he came into room. The man came closer and Brennan stood up. "Hey! Come on! No! Don't! No! You promised! No!" he shouted. Emma was in her room when the image hit. Brennan was on his knees, shaking. He panted and began crying.

"Adam!" Emma cried. Instantly, she heard running feet and Adam, Shalimar, Jesse, and Lexa burst into the room.

"Emma, what is it?" Adam asked.

"What's wrong?" Shalimar added.

"Brennan. I got a hit," Emma answered.