Title: The Time Has Come
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Mutant X characters, and may occasionally include a few of my own as the work progresses. All but the characters in the show are mine.
Feedback: Guys, I really appreciate your feedback and all of the reviews. This is my first fanfic, and it's been interesting to see it unfold. I hope you guys enjoy it. I really look forward to your comments. Thank you Ambrosia, Megara, Chic, Cand, and the rest of you for reading it and taking the time to share your thoughts on it. I hope you guys aren't disappointed with the ending. : )

Chapter 5: Sunrise

Pacing the common room, Shalimar nearly growled at the mention of Adam's name. Backing away from the angry feral, Brennan chose his next words carefully.

"Calm down Shal, Adam would have told us eventually. Emma could have said something too, you know." Seeing the bright gold gleam of Shalimar's eyes, Brennan took another step back.

"She's one of us Brennan. She's probably scared out of her mind. We should have been told. All this time, she hasn't had anyone to talk too. He was wrong to keep this from us." Shalimar said, once again frustrated with Adam's inability to be straight with them. "In the past, Adam has kept information from us. Yeah, sure, I admit, he's always had a reason. And sometimes, even a good one. But this is Emma, Brennan. One of us, he should have told us." As Shalimar's anger slowly dissipated, tears began to form. She's one of us. She's family. Walking up and hugging her, Brennan refused to let her go as she struggled against his grasp.

"It's okay Shal, I'm worried about her too." Brennan whispered, understanding her fears for Emma as his own heart echoed them. A week had passed since Shalimar demanded Adam tell her and Brennan what was going on with Emma. The news had been worse than they feared. Now, a week later, Adam was still no closer to finding a solution or a cause. As much faith as Mutant X had in their leader, the group was close to being on the verge of desperation.

"Brennan, Shalimar, meet us in the lab." Adam's voice called over the communicator. Lifting their heads, Brennan and Shalimar untangled themselves before doing as requested. When they entered the lab, they saw Adam glancing at the computer and Emma and Jesse looking at him. "Oh good" Adam said when he noticed everyone was there.

"What's up?" Brennan asked, glancing at Emma for any sign of bad news. Shaking her head, Emma noticed as both Brennan and Shalimar breathed a sigh of relief. Now with the entire team worried about her, Emma just grimaced.

"I want you and Shalimar to back up Jesse and Emma tonight. A New Mutant has contacted us about going underground. He's afraid though. He thinks someone is after him." Adam said, finally looking up from the computer in front of him. Shaking their heads, Brennan and Shalimar refused. Staring at them, Adam didn't blink. It was evident they had something on their minds, and he would just wait until they shared.

"No Adam. Brennan and I can go, or even Jesse, but not Emma." Shalimar said, adamant that Emma stays behind. Looking at her friend, Emma couldn't move. It was her worse fear come true, they didn't want her there. Sensing Emma's hurt, Jesse stepped up and put his hand on her shoulder. Giving a little squeeze, he offered her the support he could.

"Emma and I have this assignment, Shalimar. You and Brennan are for back up. Now let's stop wasting time." Jesse said as he and Emma turned to leave. I can't believe this! Astonished, Brennan reached out and hooked his hand around Jesse's arm before the younger man could leave the lab.

"What do you think you're doing?" Brennan said through clenched teeth. "Emma's mutations become more unstable everyday. And the more she uses her powers, the more unstable they become. It's dangerous to let her go."

"For who? Her or you?" Jesse said, looking Brennan straight in the eyes. "She's still a part of this team Brennan. There's nothing we can do for her here that Adam isn't already doing. I won't let you guys isolate her anymore than she already is. She's a part of Mutant X, we've been given an assignment, and we're carrying it out. Together, whether you and Shalimar like it or not." Finished, Jesse turned his back on Brennan and walked out to meet Emma.

"Un-be-liev-able. Can you believe him?" Brennan said, looking at Shalimar and Adam, his frustration evident.

"He's right you know." Shalimar said, surprising Brennan.

"Shal, you can't be serious." Brennan shook his head, wondering why everyone was hell bent on Emma putting herself in danger but him.

"I am. Ever since we found out about Emma, we've been coddling her like a five year old. We've refused to let her go with us on pick ups, or to the Safe House. The only one around here that treats her like Emma any more is Jesse. If we keep this up, we'll be lucky if she ever talks to us again." Shalimar's words brought a smile to Adam's face.

"Yep, she's got us all acting like overbearing parents. All but Jesse that is." Adam shrugged his shoulders, choosing not to linger on that point. "Listen Brennan, I'm as worried about her as you are, but keeping her confined to Sanctuary isn't going to change anything. Go catch up with Jesse and Emma. Back them up tonight. Something about this New Mutant doesn't seem right." Adam's words of warning struck a chord with Brennan.

"Then why send them? Or any of us? Why go at all?" Brennan asked, not the first time in his life he has thought it prudent to question authority.

"Because a New Mutant has asked for help. I can't refuse it on the basis of a gut feeling." Adam said, sighing.

"What type of New Mutant is he?" Shalimar asked, curious as to what they should expect.

"He's a feral." Adam said before Shalimar and Brennan went to catch up with the others.

"I'm sorry Emma, they'll come around." Opening the car garage, Jesse prepared to back out in the Mustang.

"It's okay Jesse." Emma stated before seeing Brennan and Shalimar walk into the garage and heading towards the Audi. Smiling, Shalimar waved quickly before climbing in the passenger seat. Not even looking at his two teammates, Brennan got in behind the wheel and started up the German vehicle. "It'll take longer for some than others, I guess." Emma sighed. Glancing over and seeing the down turned head and slight pout of Emma's lips, Jesse made a mental note to talk to Brennan later.