Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or any of the characters.
~* Chapter 6 *~
The spear whizzed toward Sir Brennan with great speed. Suddenly the sorcerer felt a sharp pain burn through his back. The spear flew off its course and pierced the dragon through the heart. The hideous creature fell and disappeared into a cloud of dark gray dust and smoke. The knight collapsed to the ground as gravity clamed his weakened form.
Ashlocke turned to see Lady Shalimar behind him, having just let go of the hilt of the dagger. Feeling angered by her betrayal, he had just enough strength to strike her and send her to the floor before falling and dying.
Sir Brennan gathered all the strength he had left and maid his way over to Lady Shalimar, as quickly as possible. Falling by her side, he took her into his arms and shook her gently, "Lady Shalimar? My Lady?"
She slowly opened her eyes and gazed up at him. "Sir Brennan, you came for me."
"Your beauty has permeated my soul. I would go to the ends of the earth for you."
She was entranced by the admiration and brightness in his eyes. She demurely turned as Sir Jesse, who was the first to regain consciousness, approached. Humbly offering his hand, "My lady," he helped her to her feet.
Looking around the room she saw the other knights gathering the dead and wounded. Her eyes fell to the motionless Ashlocke. "Is he..."
"Thanks to your strength and courage, he will no longer harm anyone," declared Sir Brennan.
"Come. Let us return to your father's castle." Sir Jesse directed.
During their two days and nights in the woods, Sir Jesse watched as Lady Shalimar tended to his wounds and the wounds of the other surviving knights. Three brave knights had fallen during the altercation. That saddened Lady Shalimar and she was eternally grateful to all the knights for her freedom. He also watched as the attraction between Sir Brennan and the Lady bloomed.
"How did you learn this?" Sir Brennan asked as the Lady cleaned the wound on his shoulder and applied a soothing suave.
"My mother taught us. She believed that it was important for a lady to know more than how to keep a home. Emma and I could survive here in the woods if we had to."
"You are as strong and intelligent as you are beautiful," he complimented as they once again became locked in one another's gaze.
Triumphantly, Sir Brennan rode through the castle gates with Lady Shalimar on the front of his white horse followed by the remaining knights. A clamor in the court yard was heard as the people began cheering.
Lord Adam and Lady Emma ran to the great doors.
Sir Jesse dismounted and approached them. He bowed to Lord Adam and then reached for Lady Emma's hand, but she didn't extend it. Instead she wrapped both arms tightly around his neck and started crying with joy. He embraced her in return, cherishing the feeling, he, but a few days ago, wondered if he would ever feel again.
Sir Brennan dismounted his steed and then lifted Lady Shalimar off and placed her gently on the ground.
"Father!" She wasted no time in running to him and throwing her arms around him. He held her close as his eyes started to glisten with tears. After a moment he released her and let her hug her sister, whose cheeks were now very tearstained.
Walking over, Sir Brennan bowed low to Lord Adam.
"The sorcerer Ashlocke?" Lord Adam inquired of the knights.
"Dead, My Lord," answered Sir Jesse.
"By the hand of My Lady Shalimar," offered Sir Brennan, gazing proudly.
"Prepare a feast!" shouted Lord Adam. "Tonight we celebrate the safe return of my daughter." Reaching for his daughter he said, "Come. Tell me everything."
~*~* At the feast *~*~
"All the knights have received gifts to reflect my gratitude for their boldness and bravery. What is your wish Sir Knight? For you have earned anything you ask for." Lord Adam asked as he took his daughter's hand and approached Sir Brennan who was seated at a table.
Sir Brennan looked up and smiled. "I want for nothing, My Lord."
Lady Shalimar could feel her heart breaking as she heard the words. *Nothing?*
"No. Come, come, you must have a reward." Lord Adam smiled glancing from his daughter back to Sir Brennan.
After a moment's hesitation he replied, "There is but one thing. One thing that is more precious than all the jewels or land there is. One thing which will fulfill all the dreams of my heart." He paused and looked at Lady Shalimar again. "The hand of the Lady Shalimar in marriage, but only if she is entirely willing, not given as a prize."
Lord Adam looked at Sir Brennan and then his daughter. A smile brighter than the sun spread across Lady Shalimar's face as she nodded. "Then it shall be!" Lord Adam declared. "In three days time we will celebrate the weddings of Lady Shalimar to Sir Brennan and Lady Emma to Sir Jesse."
Lady Emma's heart skipped a beat when she heard the words. Cheers rang up from all of the people present as they saw the knights embrace and kiss their brides to be.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Brennan sat on the lab bed holding the still unconscious Shalimar close to his chest. A few warm tears fell from his eyes as he watched her. "Shalimar I know you can hear me. Please wake up. Open those beautiful eyes and look at me." He begged. Leaning down he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. His eyes opened wide in shock as he felt his kiss being returned.
Pulling back he saw her eyes blinking and then heard Shalimar's soft weak voice calling him. "Brennan?"
"Shal! Oh, Shalimar." He pulled her body even closer, if that were possible and held her tightly. She smiled as she felt his arms around her. "Shalimar, don't ever do that to me again. You scared me to death. I thought I'd lost you." He scolded.
"Brennan, what happened?" She asked trying to remember.
Brennan smiled and lifted his comm. link to his mouth. "Adam, Jesse, Emma, Shalimar's awake." He returned his attention to Shalimar and answered her. "After you and Emma got to the warehouse Gabriel's men showed up. The psionic shot a psi-blast at you and knocked you out. You fell against a set of shelves and gashed your side and then hit the cement. By the time we got you back here you were in a coma, that was three days ago."
As Brennan finished his story, the others came running in to the lab. They were all in their night clothes, having jumped out of bed and rushed to see for themselves what they thought they might have dreamed. Each rushed over to hug their friend and prove they were indeed awake.
"Stand back," Adam directed as he ran to the controls to run a scan.
As soon as it was finished they all stepped back to her displaying their joy in her return.
"Is she ok, Adam?" Brennan's concern for her still consumed him.
Smiling wide, Adam turned from his results and announced, "She's just fine."
Everyone sighed in relief.
"I think we should all go back to sleep and let her rest. We'll talk in the morning," suggested Adam.
"Well, that leaves me out. I think I've gotten enough sleep for a while," she said trying to stand. Immediately her legs buckled under her. She would have hit the floor if Brennan hadn't been there. With reflexes as fast as lightening he scooped her up and sat her back on the bed.
"No way," Adam placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Your body hasn't moved for so long, your muscles need time to remember how to work. The only thing you can do is rest the night and we will help you get back on your feet in the morning."
"Can I at least go to my own room?" She looked at Adam and gave him her best pouty face.
"Fine," Adam smirked. "But then stay put." He kissed her and went back to his room.
"Go ahead, guys," Brennan turned to Emma and Jesse. "I'll take her up."
They smiled and each kissed her goodnight and returned to their rooms.
Alone again, Brennan turned to Shalimar.
"I'm fine, Brennan."
"I know you are." He proceeded to gently lift her into his arms and carry her out of the lab. She smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder.
Brennan walked slowly through Sanctuary, not wanting to have to release her too soon. It felt so good to have her in his arms. All he could think about was how he had almost lost her without telling her how he felt.
His arms were so strong. She could feel the strength in his chest yet his touch was so gentle. Being so close made her heart race.
As they entered her room, he gently laid her on the bed. Sitting next to her, he looked deeply into her eyes. "Shalimar, I have to tell you something. When Emma called in that you were hurt, Jesse and I took off running."
"I guess I did need my knights in shining armor to rescue me," she smiled as she poked him.
"Since I joined the team we have all gotten to be really close. You are all like the family I never had. Over the last few months though, I have been feeling something else."
Her heart jumped inside her.
"When I had you in my arms and you slipped into the coma, I couldn't breathe. It was like my entire being was strangled. All I could think about was you leaving me and that I would never have the chance to tell you." He took her hands in his. "Shalimar, I love you. I can't stand the thought of not having you near me."
Suddenly he became conscious of his confession. "It's ok if you don't feel the same way," he said looking down at their hands. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I just..."
She stopped him by putting her finger gently against his lips. He looked back up at her as she placed her hand behind his neck and brought his head close to hers. Hesitating for only a moment, she brushed her lips lightly against his. He pulled away from her to look into her eyes and understand what just happened. "I love you, too," she whispered. Moving closer to her and taking her into his arms he kissed her gently at first and then with more passion as the realization hit him. Shalimar was ok, he was holding her and above all else, she loved him.
~*~* The End *~*~
~*~*Well that's all folks...until I get my next story up. Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this one, and thank you sssssoooooo much for all of the reviews!*~*~
~* Chapter 6 *~
The spear whizzed toward Sir Brennan with great speed. Suddenly the sorcerer felt a sharp pain burn through his back. The spear flew off its course and pierced the dragon through the heart. The hideous creature fell and disappeared into a cloud of dark gray dust and smoke. The knight collapsed to the ground as gravity clamed his weakened form.
Ashlocke turned to see Lady Shalimar behind him, having just let go of the hilt of the dagger. Feeling angered by her betrayal, he had just enough strength to strike her and send her to the floor before falling and dying.
Sir Brennan gathered all the strength he had left and maid his way over to Lady Shalimar, as quickly as possible. Falling by her side, he took her into his arms and shook her gently, "Lady Shalimar? My Lady?"
She slowly opened her eyes and gazed up at him. "Sir Brennan, you came for me."
"Your beauty has permeated my soul. I would go to the ends of the earth for you."
She was entranced by the admiration and brightness in his eyes. She demurely turned as Sir Jesse, who was the first to regain consciousness, approached. Humbly offering his hand, "My lady," he helped her to her feet.
Looking around the room she saw the other knights gathering the dead and wounded. Her eyes fell to the motionless Ashlocke. "Is he..."
"Thanks to your strength and courage, he will no longer harm anyone," declared Sir Brennan.
"Come. Let us return to your father's castle." Sir Jesse directed.
During their two days and nights in the woods, Sir Jesse watched as Lady Shalimar tended to his wounds and the wounds of the other surviving knights. Three brave knights had fallen during the altercation. That saddened Lady Shalimar and she was eternally grateful to all the knights for her freedom. He also watched as the attraction between Sir Brennan and the Lady bloomed.
"How did you learn this?" Sir Brennan asked as the Lady cleaned the wound on his shoulder and applied a soothing suave.
"My mother taught us. She believed that it was important for a lady to know more than how to keep a home. Emma and I could survive here in the woods if we had to."
"You are as strong and intelligent as you are beautiful," he complimented as they once again became locked in one another's gaze.
Triumphantly, Sir Brennan rode through the castle gates with Lady Shalimar on the front of his white horse followed by the remaining knights. A clamor in the court yard was heard as the people began cheering.
Lord Adam and Lady Emma ran to the great doors.
Sir Jesse dismounted and approached them. He bowed to Lord Adam and then reached for Lady Emma's hand, but she didn't extend it. Instead she wrapped both arms tightly around his neck and started crying with joy. He embraced her in return, cherishing the feeling, he, but a few days ago, wondered if he would ever feel again.
Sir Brennan dismounted his steed and then lifted Lady Shalimar off and placed her gently on the ground.
"Father!" She wasted no time in running to him and throwing her arms around him. He held her close as his eyes started to glisten with tears. After a moment he released her and let her hug her sister, whose cheeks were now very tearstained.
Walking over, Sir Brennan bowed low to Lord Adam.
"The sorcerer Ashlocke?" Lord Adam inquired of the knights.
"Dead, My Lord," answered Sir Jesse.
"By the hand of My Lady Shalimar," offered Sir Brennan, gazing proudly.
"Prepare a feast!" shouted Lord Adam. "Tonight we celebrate the safe return of my daughter." Reaching for his daughter he said, "Come. Tell me everything."
~*~* At the feast *~*~
"All the knights have received gifts to reflect my gratitude for their boldness and bravery. What is your wish Sir Knight? For you have earned anything you ask for." Lord Adam asked as he took his daughter's hand and approached Sir Brennan who was seated at a table.
Sir Brennan looked up and smiled. "I want for nothing, My Lord."
Lady Shalimar could feel her heart breaking as she heard the words. *Nothing?*
"No. Come, come, you must have a reward." Lord Adam smiled glancing from his daughter back to Sir Brennan.
After a moment's hesitation he replied, "There is but one thing. One thing that is more precious than all the jewels or land there is. One thing which will fulfill all the dreams of my heart." He paused and looked at Lady Shalimar again. "The hand of the Lady Shalimar in marriage, but only if she is entirely willing, not given as a prize."
Lord Adam looked at Sir Brennan and then his daughter. A smile brighter than the sun spread across Lady Shalimar's face as she nodded. "Then it shall be!" Lord Adam declared. "In three days time we will celebrate the weddings of Lady Shalimar to Sir Brennan and Lady Emma to Sir Jesse."
Lady Emma's heart skipped a beat when she heard the words. Cheers rang up from all of the people present as they saw the knights embrace and kiss their brides to be.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Brennan sat on the lab bed holding the still unconscious Shalimar close to his chest. A few warm tears fell from his eyes as he watched her. "Shalimar I know you can hear me. Please wake up. Open those beautiful eyes and look at me." He begged. Leaning down he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. His eyes opened wide in shock as he felt his kiss being returned.
Pulling back he saw her eyes blinking and then heard Shalimar's soft weak voice calling him. "Brennan?"
"Shal! Oh, Shalimar." He pulled her body even closer, if that were possible and held her tightly. She smiled as she felt his arms around her. "Shalimar, don't ever do that to me again. You scared me to death. I thought I'd lost you." He scolded.
"Brennan, what happened?" She asked trying to remember.
Brennan smiled and lifted his comm. link to his mouth. "Adam, Jesse, Emma, Shalimar's awake." He returned his attention to Shalimar and answered her. "After you and Emma got to the warehouse Gabriel's men showed up. The psionic shot a psi-blast at you and knocked you out. You fell against a set of shelves and gashed your side and then hit the cement. By the time we got you back here you were in a coma, that was three days ago."
As Brennan finished his story, the others came running in to the lab. They were all in their night clothes, having jumped out of bed and rushed to see for themselves what they thought they might have dreamed. Each rushed over to hug their friend and prove they were indeed awake.
"Stand back," Adam directed as he ran to the controls to run a scan.
As soon as it was finished they all stepped back to her displaying their joy in her return.
"Is she ok, Adam?" Brennan's concern for her still consumed him.
Smiling wide, Adam turned from his results and announced, "She's just fine."
Everyone sighed in relief.
"I think we should all go back to sleep and let her rest. We'll talk in the morning," suggested Adam.
"Well, that leaves me out. I think I've gotten enough sleep for a while," she said trying to stand. Immediately her legs buckled under her. She would have hit the floor if Brennan hadn't been there. With reflexes as fast as lightening he scooped her up and sat her back on the bed.
"No way," Adam placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Your body hasn't moved for so long, your muscles need time to remember how to work. The only thing you can do is rest the night and we will help you get back on your feet in the morning."
"Can I at least go to my own room?" She looked at Adam and gave him her best pouty face.
"Fine," Adam smirked. "But then stay put." He kissed her and went back to his room.
"Go ahead, guys," Brennan turned to Emma and Jesse. "I'll take her up."
They smiled and each kissed her goodnight and returned to their rooms.
Alone again, Brennan turned to Shalimar.
"I'm fine, Brennan."
"I know you are." He proceeded to gently lift her into his arms and carry her out of the lab. She smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder.
Brennan walked slowly through Sanctuary, not wanting to have to release her too soon. It felt so good to have her in his arms. All he could think about was how he had almost lost her without telling her how he felt.
His arms were so strong. She could feel the strength in his chest yet his touch was so gentle. Being so close made her heart race.
As they entered her room, he gently laid her on the bed. Sitting next to her, he looked deeply into her eyes. "Shalimar, I have to tell you something. When Emma called in that you were hurt, Jesse and I took off running."
"I guess I did need my knights in shining armor to rescue me," she smiled as she poked him.
"Since I joined the team we have all gotten to be really close. You are all like the family I never had. Over the last few months though, I have been feeling something else."
Her heart jumped inside her.
"When I had you in my arms and you slipped into the coma, I couldn't breathe. It was like my entire being was strangled. All I could think about was you leaving me and that I would never have the chance to tell you." He took her hands in his. "Shalimar, I love you. I can't stand the thought of not having you near me."
Suddenly he became conscious of his confession. "It's ok if you don't feel the same way," he said looking down at their hands. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I just..."
She stopped him by putting her finger gently against his lips. He looked back up at her as she placed her hand behind his neck and brought his head close to hers. Hesitating for only a moment, she brushed her lips lightly against his. He pulled away from her to look into her eyes and understand what just happened. "I love you, too," she whispered. Moving closer to her and taking her into his arms he kissed her gently at first and then with more passion as the realization hit him. Shalimar was ok, he was holding her and above all else, she loved him.
~*~* The End *~*~
~*~*Well that's all folks...until I get my next story up. Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this one, and thank you sssssoooooo much for all of the reviews!*~*~