Friend or Foe?
Rating: PG 13- for violence/language/romance

Story by: Quest – ryan_jr54@hotmail.com or shadowfox_fuse@yahoo.com

(Disclaimer on first chapter)

* * *
Chapter 5: One Gone Bad

Brennan shot up out of his bed screaming. He was lathered in sweat and his heart was racing. He got up out of his bed and made his way to his bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror. Brennan walked back to his bed and looked at his look, it was 5 am and the sun hadn't even started to rise. He put on a clean pair of pants and shirt, he decided to go down to the lab and talk to Adam.

He opened the lab door, and found Adam at his computer. Adam turned around when he heard the door slid shut. Brennan your up early.

Ya, I had a bad dream. Brennan said as he grabbed a chair and took a seat beside Adam.

Oh, what was it about? Adam asked.

Brennan explained. It was terrible.

How so? Adam asked interested in what it was about.

Well Shalimar was different some how, her actions and attitude was different. Everything was dark, I yelled to her but she didn't reply, she didn't even look at me. Brennan explained.

I know how you feel Brennan, we all want her back. Adam replied.

I know. Brennan replied. So, what are you doing? Brennan asked.

I'm hacking into Eckart's files, to see if I can find Shalimar. Adam said returning to his work.

Did you find anything? Brennan asked.

Nothing yet. Adam scrolled down the page that he was on. Adam made an, I think I found something' noise.

Did you find her? Brennan asked excitedly.

No, but I did find something that might help us in finding her.

What is it?

Adam turned to look at him. It seems that Eckhart is hiding five new mutants at one of his new safe house's.

Brennan smiled at him. So you think if we go crash his party one of his agents might know where Eckhart is keeping Shalimar.

Adam said.

So when do we go? Brennan asked.

Adam told him.

Sounds good to me. Brennan stood and headed to the door. It sounds very good. He said to himself as he left the lab.

* * *

Shalimar and Isabel were called into Eckhart's office to explain their plan to kill the Mutant X team. The two girls stood in front of his desk waiting for him to say something. So girls what is your plan?

It's a very simple plan sir. Shalimar said. We placed a false file onto GSA's main server, saying that you were hiding five new mutants at your safe house. I know that Adam will have his team go breakout the mutants.

Eckhart smiled. Very clever Shalimar, very clever indeed.

Thank you sir. Shalimar replied.

But what are you going to do once you get them there? Eckhart asked.

Isabel and Shalimar smiled at each other. Well sir, it's a secret. Isabel said.

A secret! Eckhart replied.

Yes sir. Shalimar said. I very good secret though, you will be very pleased I assure you. Shalimar eyes flashed a quick yellow.

Alright then, proceed with your secret plan. Eckhart said. The two girls turned to leave. But if I don't have their bodies here by morning, you will be taking their places! Eckhart said angrily.

Understood sir. Isabel replied.

Isabel and Shalimar made their way out of the office, waiting outside were five agents. Shalimar motioned for them to follow; they made their way down the hall to gather the five mutants they were taking with them to the safe house. Do you think this plan will work? Isabel asked.

Shalimar said sternly.

But what if it doesn't, we should have a back up plan. Isabel replied.

Shalimar growled and her eyes changed to a bright yellow, she turned and backhanded Isabel across the face. Isabel grabbed the side of her face in pain. Shalimar slammed her up against the wall. Never ever say it won't work, because it will work and if it doesn't then I'll just have to kill you instead! Shalimar whispered into Isabel's ear.

Shalimar was about to back of when she grabbed the back of her head in pain. She crumbled down onto her knees and looked up at Isabel with her feral eyes. What the fuck did you put in my brain? Shalimar managed to get out.

Bring her to the lab, make sure you tie up her arm and leg. Isabel ordered the agents. Four of the agents grabbed her and followed Isabel to the lab.

Isabel stood beside a tied up Shalimar waiting for Eckhart to arrive. Shalimar head felt like a thousand knifes stabbing her all at once. All she could think about was what Eckhart would do to her next. Eckhart walked through the lab door with the two original lab technicians that gave her the shot. Isabel what's the problem? He asked.

She's back to her normal self. Isabel explained.

How could this happen? Eckhart asked one of the technicians. I thought you said it would last a day?

It was, but it's the first time we tested it on a feline Feral. One explained.

I want her back in my power! Eckhart ordered the technician.

Our tests have shown that it takes a total of three shots to complete the permanent effect. He explained.

Then give her the last two shots! Eckhart yelled.

It's not that simple sir, we are suppose to give the shots over a total of three days not one. The technician explained. We have no idea what effect it's going to have on her.

Eckhart looked the man right in the eye. You give her those last two shots or I'll let Isabel practice her powers on you.

The two men gulped. Get the shots. One ordered to the other.

The man came back and handed the led technician, two large syringes filled with a blue substance. He moved over behind Shalimar and inserted the first syringe. Shalimar screamed out in pain, her eyes turned to a bright yellow color and she looked at Eckhart and smirked. The technician inserted the second syringe and empted the blue liquid into Shalimar's brain stem. Shalimar didn't scream, but laughed. Lets party!

Eckhart was very pleased at his new creation; she was exactly what GSA needed. Good! Now go out and kill that damn Mutant X team.

Isabel moved over to untie Shalimar, but Shalimar hissed at her. Isabel stopped and looked at Eckhart. Shalimar's eyes turned yellow again and she took a deep breath, and pulled her arms up quickly her bands broke and she untied her legs. Hell whatever drugs you gave me sure gives you a
kick. Shalimar said as she stood up from the chair.

Eckhart was impressed on the effect that the mind control drugs were taking on Shalimar. The lab technicians were surprised as well. I've never seen anything like it. One of them said.

Neither have I. Isabel said walking up to Shalimar. Time to go Shalimar.

Lets go then. Shalimar replied, and then followed Isabel out of the lab as the two headed to prepare for their company later tonight.

* * *

Brennan stood alone in Shalimar's room; he walked over to one of the dressers in her room and grabbed a framed picture of Shalimar of the top. He sat down at the edge of her bed and studied the photo. He ran his fingers gentle over her face. I'm coming for you Shal. Brennan said to the photo.

Brennan heard a knock at the door and Emma's voice. Brennan are you in here?

Ya, come on in. Brennan said.

The door opened and Emma entered the room, she walked over and sat beside Brennan on the bed. You really love her, don't you? Emma asked him.

Ya. But how did you know? Brennan asked.

I'm a telepathic, remember. Emma smiled at him.

Brennan replied.

We'll find her soon Brennan, and after tonight we'll have a better idea on were she might be. Emma explained.

Brennan got up and walked back over to the dresser and placed Shalimar's picture back in its spot. I hope your right Emma, I hope your right.

Come on, Adam wants to give us a little pep talk before we go. Emma stood up and left the room leaving Brennan by himself. Brennan touched the photo again, then turned and left her room.

Adam stood in the middle the lab when Brennan entered; he walked over and took a seat beside Jesse. Now that were all here, lets begin. Adam began. Now the plan is to go in to the safe house and rescue the mutants, then bring them back here so we can put them in the Underground.

What about Shalimar? Brennan asked him.

The best thing to do is find any one of GSA agents and make then talk, by what ever means necessary. Adam replied.

Sounds good to me! Brennan said making a fist.

Alright then, move out. Adam said.
All three got up and head to board the Double Helix. Jesse and Brennan took the controls, and Emma sat down behind Jesse. Brennan started the engine and Jesse flipped a few switches, the jet started to lift off. Brennan grabbed the controls and steered the jet towards their destination.

* * *

Shalimar stood beside Isabel in the middle of the entrance room to the safe house. Shalimar turned to one of the agents behind them. Bring them in. She ordered.

Bring in the Mutants! The agent said into his headset.

Soon eight agents entered the building leading five mutants, the mutant's hands were tied behind their backs and duck tape was across their
mouths. Go put them on the second floor. Shalimar ordered the agents. Shalimar turned around to face the ten agents behind her. Go with Isabel and wait for my signal.

Lets go. Isabel motioned for them to follow her. I want half of you to go out and wait in the building across the street and radio in when they arrive. The other half comes with me. Isabel ordered.

Shalimar headed to the elevator to go the third floor. It won't be long now. She said to herself.

* * *

Where should I land? Brennan asked Jesse.

Hold on. Jesse turned and looked at a map placed on one to the computers. There's a nice spot on top of one of the buildings just around the safe house.

Brennan set down the Double Helix on the roof of the building that Jesse suggested. He shut off the engines and unbuckled himself and followed Emma and Jesse out of the jet.

There's the building. Jesse pointed to a three story metal building.

Let's go. Brennan moved over to the fire escape and started his descent.

All three made their way across the street to the glass door of the safe house. The agents saw the three members of the Mutant X team enter the safe house. They're entering the building. I repeat they're entering the building. One of the agents said into his headset.

Good! Now don't move in until I tell you. Shalimar explained.

Yes, sir. The agent replied.

Brennan, Jesse, and Emma entered the building unaware that GSA agents were watching them. Alright lets start with the first floor and make our way up. Brennan told his team.

They took each wing of on the floor one at a time, they checked each room but they were unsuccessful. They moved to the elevator and on to the second floor. They made their way down the hall, opening each door and looking in. Emma walked to one of the doors across the hall from Brennan and Jesse and looked in. She found eight agents surrounding what looked like to be five mutants. They looked at her and started to walk towards her. She shut the door quickly and turned around. I think I found them. Emma said to Brennan and Jesse who were looking at her.

The door opened behind her and some agents rushed out. Emma was pushed down by one of the agents but was able to get up in time to punch one in the nose before he grabbed her. Brennan gathered some energy into his hands and shot it out at two on coming agents, they flew back onto another agent behind them. Jesse made himself a strong as steel before an agent punched him in the stomach. The agent yelled in pain and gripped his hand that was broken; Jesse elbowed him in the face breaking the man's nose.

Five down, three to go. Brennan said as the team moved on into the room.

They took down the last three agents, and walked to the five mutants in the middle of the room and untied them. Your save now, follow us. Brennan told the mutants. Jesse take one of the agents with us.

Jesse said as he bent down and grabbed one of the unconscious agents.

Brennan led the group down the halls to the stairwell were he headed back down to the first floor. He stopped the group in the middle of the entrance room. Emma looked at him. Brennan what's wrong?

Do we have everyone? Brennan asked her.

Ya, I think so. Emma replied a little confused.

NO YOU DON'T HAVE EVERYONE! Brennan heard from over head, he turned around slowly he knew that voice.

Everyone turned around and looked up at the second floor balcony. A woman stood on the railing looking down at them. Brennan yelled out.

Shalimar leaped down from the railing and landed on her feet behind the group. The one and only. She said with a smile.

Brennan pushed his way through the group to get to Shalimar. Brennan embraced Shalimar in a hug; she didn't hug him back though. Brennan you're suffocating me. Shalimar whispered.

Brennan stopped hugging her. I'm sorry, I just can't believe it's really you.

Jesse and Emma made their way towards them. Shal, I'm glad your ok. Emma said to her.

I'm sure you are. Shalimar said flashing her eyes at them.

What did you say? Emma asked in shock.

Shalimar smirked. You heard me, Emma.

Brennan looked at her. Shalimar are you ok?

Shalimar smiled and started to pace in front of them, like she was thinking. You know what, I've never felt better. It's like I'm a new person, oh wait I am an new person. Shalimar explained. When you guys didn't come find me after Isabel kidnapped me, she took me to Eckhart who decided to experiment on me and whatever he did I'm loving it.

Shalimar just come with us and Adam can try to help you. Brennan said a little worried that Shalimar was totally lost.

NO, BRENNAN! Shalimar yelled. I don't want to go with you, I'm happier with Eckhart, he made me stronger with his new serum.

Brennan stepped closer to her. Shalimar you're not your self you don't mean it.

You know what Brennan, your wrong I am myself and I have a mission to carry out. Shalimar's eyes turned yellow. Oh and by the way you won't get out of this building alive. Shalimar smirked at her friends. Shalimar yelled out.

Soon Isabel came down the stairs followed by five mutants and then five more agents stormed in through the front door. See my orders are very simple, to kill the Mutant X team, and I'm going to carry out those orders.

Shit this is not good. Jesse said to Brennan.

You've got that right Jesse. Shalimar answered him. Oh before we start this who killing spree, I think you should know that those five mutants that you just saved, they work for Eckhart. Shalimar laughed at her own statement.

Shalimar you don't mean it. Brennan said.

Yes I do. Shalimar said. So lets get on with it. Shalimar lunged at Jesse who was her first target. Jesse phased his body density and Shalimar passed right through him. Very good, but your not the one I want to fight. She slowly turned to face Brennan. But you Brennan are a worthy opponent.

Shal I don't want to fight you. Brennan explained.

So it'll be easier for me to kill you. Pity! Shalimar pouted at him.

Shalimar stepped towards Brennan she pounced at him. Brennan fell down on his back with Shalimar on top of him. Shalimar's eyes turned its yellow feral color, when she started to choke Brennan. Brennan didn't even struggle. Come on fight back Brennan, its no fun if you don't fight back. Brennan just looked into her eyes as she squeezed harder. Oh, I get it you think that I'm just going to go back to the way I was and fall head over heels in love with you. News flash Brennan, I don't love you any more! Shalimar explained.

Brennan was hurt by her words, but he knew it wasn't true. Brennan started to see darkness as Shalimar kept choking him. Brennan gathered some energy into his hands as shocked Shalimar in the stomach, causing her to release her grip on his neck. Brennan pushed her off of him, and stood up and took a deep breath. Shalimar stood up and looked at him. I'm glad that you changed your mind. Shalimar said.

Shalimar walked up to Brennan and did a roundhouse kick into his face. Brennan's head snapped back, and he whipped his lip that was bleeding slightly. He didn't want to fight back, but he did anyway. They through punches and kicks at each other, they each blocked and got hit by punches and kicks. Shalimar got the upper hand when she elbowed Brennan in the face when he grabbed her around the waist. Shalimar looked at Brennan. And now for our dramatic finale. Shalimar announced as she pulled out a long bladed knife from her inner jacket pocket.

Brennan sat up as he watched Shalimar twirl the knife in her hand. Brennan didn't know what to do, but throw a bolt of energy into Shalimar before she through the knife at him. Shalimar was thrown across the room and against the wall and crumbled to the floor. Brennan waited for her to stand up, but she didn't move. He got up and ran over to her, some of the agents saw Shalimar down and ran out of the building. Brennan stood over Shalimar and just looked at her. Emma and Jesse joined him along with Isabel who Jesse was dragging behind him, the two just looked at Brennan then at Shalimar's motionless body.

Brennan knelt down beside Shalimar. I'm sorry.

TBC - I hope you like this chapter, I will have the next one up by the end of the week!! Please review.