Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.

Thanks for the reviews once again. Well, remember the cliffhanger? This is the answer to it (obviously). Enjoy (though this fic seems to get lamer and lamer)!

Chapter 5

"Come on, come on," mumbled Adam as he searched through the database for the hundredth time. "There has got to be something here. There just has to be."

He had to find them; after all, they were the only family he has. If he didn't find them, then everything would be different. He would never hear the silly arguments that Brennan and Jesse had, never get to hear and talk to Shalimar, and never have Emma to pass on his skills to.

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and turned back to his search.



Gotta get there first, gotta get there first. The thought was repeating itself over and over in Brennan's mind. He and Jesse had bolted as fast as they could without being exposed to their enemies. Shalimar, I hope you're all right. Brennan saw the pain and fear in Shalimar's eyes for a split second. He was thinking back on what had happened, but knew that he shouldn't dwell on the past when his friends, his love, were in danger in the present.

"Brennan, they should be beyond these bushes," hissed Jesse as quietly as he could.

Brennan nodded and made a statement.

"Listen, Jesse, Blaine and his minions are close so as soon as we get to the girls, I'll carry Shalimar and we have to make a run for it."

Jesse nodded in understanding. Then he and Brennan carefully parted the bushes.



Emma stiffened as she watched the bushes part. Shalimar had sensed how tense her friend was and knew something was wrong, but she was still too weak to question the younger woman.

A figure stepped through the bushes and to Emma's relief; it was Jesse. Brennan followed closely behind and immediately ran to Shalimar's side. He quickly took off his leather coat and draped it over the feral's now shivering body. Brennan then moved close to the blond and whispered soothingly.

"Hey Shal, it's me, Brennan, I'm back,"

Shalimar still couldn't speak, but managed a few whimpers. Brennan's heart broke when he heard how hurt she was. He was well aware that they would be discovered within five minutes, but didn't act rushed and clumsy. In fact, he was slow and gentle when he picked up his injured teammate. He felt how cold she was and cradled her to him even closer in order to warm her up as well as protect her.

He looked up at Emma, who was in Jesse's arms.

"Emma."

He didn't need to finish since the telempath knew what he was going to ask.

"Brennan, to be honest, Shalimar has been feverish ever since you guys left and my projections seem to be less and less effective. Her wounds are not clotting well and I think she might have developed an infection. Not to mention the fractured skull and broken ribs. I don't think it's going very well for her."

She told Brennan all of this in a tearful manner. Jesse held her closer as she burst into tears.

"Guys, I really hate to do this but remember Blaine, Kat and the agents? Besides, it's not helping Shalimar by us standing here talking about something that can be fixed," Jesse stated quietly.

Brennan got back on track and ordered them to follow him.



They reached the town in record time and found a place where they could hide for a short while. Jesse volunteered to call Adam, so he ran off to the nearest pay phone.

Meanwhile, Brennan still held Shalimar close to him. Emma was once again applying pressure to her wounds. Both of them could hear the feral's small cries. Brennan was soothing her, but he knew it wasn't helping much. So, he just gently kissed her on the forehead, careful not to put her in any more pain than she already was in, and held her. Brennan and Emma just hoped they could get back to Sanctuary without any more problems from NexGen.



Adam was losing hope of finding his children when he received a call. He was doubtful that it would be one of the members of the team, but had to answer it anyways.

"Hello?"

"Adam."

Adam sighed with relief. It was Jesse! "Jesse, where have you guys been? I've been worried sick."

"Sorry Adam, I know what you're going to say, but could you please save it for later. We need a ride now! These new mutants who call themselves NexGen are after us and I don't know how much longer it will be until they find us."

"Okay, I'll be right there. The computer already traced the location of the pay phone. Oh and Jesse? Is everybody okay?"

Adam could hear the hesitation in the young man's voice.

"Well, Shalimar's not exactly looking real good."

"How hurt is she?"

"She's in a really bad condition."

When Adam heard the last response, he swore.

"Alright Jesse, I'll be right there. Look after Shalimar."

With that, Adam took off in the Double Helix, but not without checking for medical supplies.

TBC

Hmmm..... they escaped too easily. Oh well, NexGen don't seem like the type smart enough to capture Mutant X either. Okay, remember to review and I'll try to get another chapter up as soon as possible. Grrr.... finals approaching, stupid tests!!!