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 6: Falcon's Claw

"Hmm, this place is still packed." Emma said while looking at the impossibly long line. Noticing the bouncer, Emma began walking up to him when Jesse wrapped his hand around her arm. Turning, Emma noticed the slightly darker blue of Jesse's eyes. Shaking his head, Jesse refused to let him and Emma get separated. Pointing to the back of the building, Emma nodded and followed his lead. Making sure to phase the back door this time, Emma and Jesse walked right into the back of the club. Heading towards the dance floor, the two didn't notice the man in the shadows staring at them. Smiling, the man moved to stand from his leaning position against the wall and headed towards the dance floor.

Looking around the body packed room, Jesse wiped his brow from where sweat was already beading. Checking in with Shalimar and Brennan, Jesse confirmed their location outside of the club. Gripping Emma's arm lightly, Jesse moved them to the bar where two seats just became available.

"Do you see anyone matching his description?" Emma asked, looking around herself and not seeing anyone. Shaking his head, Jesse looked around one more time before someone brushed against his shoulder.

"Hey, wanna dance?" A tall familiar looking man asked Emma, before stretching his hand out for her to take. Looking at the man, Emma tried to place why he looked familiar. Seeing the exchange, Jesse held his breath. Waiting for Emma's answer, Jesse struggled with his feelings. I can't really say anything. We're not a couple or... or together. Argh! Why don't I just talk to Emma about how I feel?? As the debate went on, Emma realized the man matched their description of the New Mutant exactly.

"Are you expecting us?" Emma asked, not flinching as the man put down his hand.

"Of course, now let's dance." Reaching out, the man slowly lifted Emma from her bar stool and walked her over to the dance floor. Staring after them, Jesse wondered why Emma didn't resist. Now that they had found the New Mutant they were here for, they could leave. There was no reason for Emma to dance with him.

"We should get going." Emma said even as she unconsciously began moving in rhythm to the music. "The longer we stay, the longer you're in danger." Grinning at the pretty brunette, the man emanated a smell familair to Emma. It wasn't alcohol or smoke, but something else. Where have I smelled this before? Emma wondered. Struggling with that question, Emma barely noticed Jesse's presence as he came up and took her by the waist to get her attention.

"Brennan and Shal are waiting for us. We need to get going." Jesse said in her ear, so she would be able to hear him over the club's loud music. Turning to the man, Jesse waved for him to follow as they started for the door.

"I don't think so." The man growled, grabbing Emma's arm and pulling her hard against him. Confused, Emma fought with the man holding her, his strength alone overwhelming her. Moving forward, Jesse kept his cool long enough to go in mass as the man went to punch him. Howling like a wounded animal, the man released his grip on Emma. Moving towards each other, Jesse and Emma stood in shock as the music stopped blaring. The angry gold eyes staring at them from every direction compounded the dead silence in the club. Looking around and seeing no way out, Jesse called the others on his COM ring.

"Guys, I think we need a way out and now." Jesse called, interrupting the debate Brennan and Shalimar were having.

"Trouble." Brennan said, before getting into the Audi.

"Uh guys, we're surrounded by angry ferals. Can you hurry?" Emma bit out, before looking at the antagonist who moved for her arm. Stepping between Emma and the New Mutant who had set them up, Jesse glared at the man who had targeted his best friend.

Hearing Emma, Shalimar's eyes went gold as Brennan started up the car.

"Great! Any ideas on how to get them out of there?" Brennan said since ramming the car through a brick wall to get to them just wasn't feasible.

Blocking the angry feral's view of Emma, Jesse was determined to prevent the creep from getting to her. Looking around, Emma realized the trouble they were in was serious. Brennan and Shalimar still had no idea of how to get them out of there. They couldn't fight off this many New Mutants at once, or at least not by themselves. Jesse certainly didn't stand a chance against them alone, Emma thought as Jesse's determination to protect her became more evident.

"Jesse, I have a plan." Emma's soft voice beckoned Jesse to look at her. As a small smile began forming on Emma's face, something began nibbling at the back of Jesse's mind. Move away from me Jesse. Leave the club. Let them have me. It'll be okay. As the thoughts entered Jesse's head his eyes widened in disbelief.

"No way!" Jesse exclaimed, turning back to his foe. Jesse, please, trust me. Trust me. Placing her hand on Jesse's shoulder, Emma slowly stepped forward so the feral facing off with Jesse could see her.

"Let him leave." Emma commanded. Seeming to understand what she was saying, the man showed a mouth full of straight teeth as he signaled for the others to allow Jesse to pass. Turning around, Jesse pleaded with Emma not to do this.

"Go Jesse, please." The brightness of Emma's blue eyes radiated a deceptive calm. You must leave now. Even as the command entered his mind Jesse shook his head in refusal. Jesse, if you stay, you will be hurt. Please leave. Looking into Emma's eyes, Jesse was on the verge of making the most difficult decision of his life. Trust in me. Go. Pressing his lips together, Jesse finally gave in and slowly nodded his head. Turning back towards the door, Jesse glared at every feral along his path before exiting the building. Turning back one more time, Jesse allowed a silent message to linger in his mind before turning to catch up with Brennan and Shalimar.

"Jesse!" Shalimar said, relieved to see him. Looking around, she noticed Emma's absence. "Where's Emma?" Just as Shalimar asked the question, Brennan grabbed a large chunk of Jesse's shirt and shoved him against the side of the Audi.

"Don't tell me you just left her in there?" Brennan ground out, on the verge of punching the younger man. Glaring at Brennan, Jesse heard one last message from Emma before everyone saw a black shockwave emanate from the club. The three New Mutants began shaking from the effects of the psionic blast. Looking towards the club, Jesse ran to get inside. Stepping over bodies, each team member noticed the glazed over eyes of each feral. Reaching Emma, Jesse pulled her to him and held her. Concentrating on her face, Jesse relaxed visibly when he recognized the slow breathing pattern.

Bending down beside him, Shalimar and Brennan at once asked if she was okay. Shaking his head, Jesse explained that this has happened before and that while she was alive, it would take time for her to re-cooperate the energy she had expended. Glancing down, Brennan noticed a glass that had fallen from Emma's hand. Picking it up, he looked it over.

"That's strange, why would she be drinking something?" As Brennan asked the question, Shalimar reached over and took the glass from his hand. Sniffing the top of it, Shalimar's face crinkled.

"There's something in it. I think they tried to drug her." Nodding their heads, it was agreed that Shalimar and Brennan would head back in the Audi with the glass so Adam could figure out what it was in case they'd been successful. They would also explain to Adam what had happened and help prepare the lab. Jesse slowly picked Emma up and took her to the Mustang. Gently laying her inside, Jesse wiped her hair out of her face before buckling her seat belt and driving as carefully as possible back to Sanctuary.