Please read these Author's notes as they are intended to help make the story and timeline more understandable.

Relation to other stories and Timeline: This is a sequel to "Never Gone" and this is part of my "Angst" storyline series. There's more after this one too but that one isn't actually written in it's entirety yet and if I decide to I'll post it. Also, these are all still set after season 3. So here's a breakdown of where this story is taking place in chronological order: "Cats Eyes"; "Mutant X Season 1"; "Mutant X Season 2"; "Mutant X Season 3"; Angst Storyline stories- "Into The Melancholy Night", "Never Gone", and this "Staying Alive." So, that's where this story fits in. And also of course "Staying Alive" does tend to "jump around" and includes several scenes which occur at other various times throughout the entire timeline, my stories and Mutant X's, meaning it will be much easier to follow and know what's going on and when it was going on having read the previous stories and obviously being familiar with Mutant X would help. And also of course, you know Mutant X Seasons 1-3 do not belong to me so I'm not claiming them as my own. I am not and have not changed anything from the original Mutant X verse. It all stands as is. Everything that happened happened so nothing's been altered so basically this is taking place in the Mutant X verse.

Warnings: Like a skunk has stink this story's got slash, people. However, for a good amount of the story it's pretty mild. Also, violence, sexuality, and some language and themes are an issue at times too.

Disclaimer: Ok so I don't own the characters but they shall be my puppets for this lil story. No duplication is allowed.

Important Author's Note: Whenever there is a scene in the PAST it will be written in italics. The difference is this is not a flashback or a dream, which are NOT written in italics, but this is a scene itself taking place in the past, not a memory someone's thinking of or something from someone's mind as those also are NOT in italics.

Staying Alive

1

A Date With A Doctor

Shalimar walked down the alley, the frostbitten air numbing her throat as she blew out the puffs of her breath watching them dance freely in the air before fading away. Everything fades away, she remembered. Well, almost everything.

She pulled her trench coat closer to her as the slight drop in temperature was picked up by feral skin. Looking around she checked the numbers on the outside of the building beside her, realization coming to her face and quickly she took off towards the back and down another alley.

A large door behind a trash bin caught her eye and she knew her destination had been spotted. She'd searched hard for this and her heart nearly doubled in speed at the anticipation as she approached.

Opening the door she showed herself into the back hallway feral senses confirming no one was nearby. Her feet led the way and she walked herself down the dully colored hall scanning the empty walls through the glass as she passed each one until a flickering light caught her attention at the end of the hall and she knew there was no turning back now.

As she approached the room the presence of two humans became known to her and she stopped herself standing still in the doorway. Feral eyes fell upon the near fifty year old, pudgy man dressed somewhat like a doctor standing over a chair much like the one at Sanctuary's own advanced genetics lab. The man he was with was a stranger to her and looked to be about in his early thirties with dark hair and eyes.

"Can I help you?" the older man asked when Shalimar had gained both of their attentions.

"Yeah," she replied showing herself into the lab. "You Dr. Williams?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Shalimar Fox. We had an appointment."

"Oh, yes," he answered as he memory was jogged. Setting his medical equipment down he took a step towards her clapping his hands together as he did so. "Ms. Fox, of course. You're here about the-"

"Yeah, can you do it?"

"Well from what we've discussed I'm sure there should be no problem at all-"

"No problems. Just get it done."

"I see."

The man turned to the other still in the chair behind him.

"We're done for tonight, Keith. Come back in a couple days. I'll take a look at you then."

Nodding the man in the chair stood up and removed his coat from the counter by the door before leaving the two alone to their personal business.

"Now. Do you have everything?" Dr. Williams asked

Shalimar removed an envelope from her trench coat and handed it to him.

"Half up front. You get the rest when you deliver."

Taking the envelope the man peeked inside before setting it down on the counter and turning to lean against it.

"I want you to know I offer no guarantees. I'll do my best but sometimes things aren't always perfect."

"Will it at least work?"

The doctor paused before answering.

"Yes."

"That's all I care about."

"Yes well did you bring everything I asked for?"

Shalimar dug back into her trench coat again this time producing another small envelope and three computer discs and handed each of them to him.

Taking them Williams peered inside the smaller, almost empty looking little envelope and smiled setting it and the discs down on the table.

"Everything's here?" he asked to confirm.

"Yes."

"Then I'll get to work."

"How long?" she asked pulling her coat back into place.

"I'll work tonight and tomorrow. It should be ready in a couple days. You know how to contact me."

"Yeah," she replied making a small movement to leave which was never completed.

Shalimar walked herself over to stand right before him flashing her eyes and grabbing him tightly around the collar.

"Just in case you try to screw me," she warned keeping her hold for a moment and tightening before releasing the man allowing his feet to make contact with the floor again.

Shalimar walked to the door never looking back as she left.

"I'll call you in a couple days," she reminded showing herself out and down the hall to rejoin the crisp night air on the street as she made her way home.