Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the characters.

NOTE: I DO NOT OWN GRANDMA ROSIE AND THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY MOTHER'S STORY.

Chapter 2

Brennan smiled. "I think we must have played together every week at the playground after that. Even when I got a little older...I used to come just so I could see you."

"Yeah, a ten year old coming to play with a seven year old every week. I bet that looked normal."

They both chuckled. "I don't remember seeing you again though until you were about twelve. Do you remember that time I found you in the alley? I scared you so badly." Brennan said with a bit of amusement.

"How could I forget? I pounced on you and tried to beat you up. I almost didn't remember you though. You were fifteen by then and believe me you had changed quite a bit."

"Yeah, but so had you,"

FLASHBACK...16 years ago

Brennan kicked a rock as he walked down the dark street. Something crashed in the alley that he had passed. He held his breath as he peered into the darkness. A pigeon flew out and a cat chased after it. Sighing he was about to walk on when he heard someone whimper.

"Hello?" He stepped into the ally and looked behind a box. Another cry reached his ears. "Hello," he called again.

He stepped further in and saw two golden eyes. They disappeared and then reappeared a few times. "I won't hurt you," He stepped closer and reached out a hand. Suddenly he found himself on the ground with a tiny framed blond girl perched on his chest. Her face was incredibly familiar. He caught her wrist as she tried to punch him and then the other as her fingernails came slashing at his face. "Shalimar! Shalimar, stop! It's me! It's Brennan!"

The girl stopped struggling and sat back. "Brennan?" she asked meekly.

"Yeah, don't you remember me?"

She nodded. "I do now, but you look so different."

He smiled and sat up. "I grew up a bit in the past five years and so have you by the looks of things. What are you doing here?"

"I ran away," she huffed. "Brennan, everything was so easy when I was little. I wasn't...different." She dropped her eyes and played with her fingers.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. A few years ago something happened and now I'm just different. My parents put me into a mental institution because of the way I am," she sobbed. "I don't know how to fix it, Brennan. I don't know how to control it. I'm turning into a freak." She broke down and collapsed into his chest in tears.

"Shalimar, what are you talking about?"

"Look at me, Brennan!" She lifter her face and Brennan looked at her almost shocked as he saw her golden eyes. "See! You think I'm a freak, too, just like everyone else!" She jumped to her feet and started running down the alley.

"Shalimar!" Brennan got up and ran after her. He saw her fall and scream in pain. "Shal!" He fell beside her and lifted her into his arms cradling her against his chest. "Shalimar, you're not a freak it's ok."

"What's happening to me, Brennan?" she sobbed.

"Shh, it's ok. Shalimar, you're a new mutant your genes are mutating that's all."

"I'm a what?" She looked up at him with glossy eyes.

"A new mutant. I'm one too. I have a doctor friend that explained some things to me; because I went through the same thing you're going through. It's not a bad thing and you aren't a freak."

"You're eyes glow, too?" She clung to him and wiped her tears on his shirt.

"No. I'm not exactly like you. I'm called an elemental because I can control electricity. I think you're a feral."

She creased her brow as she looked up at him. "What's a feral?" her voice trembled as she asked.

He smiled warmly down at her. The street light cast a soft glow on her face and he could see her shimmering eyes and her tearstained face. "A feral is someone who has animal like abilities. You must be like a cat. Your eyes glow like cats eyes."

"How do I stop it?"

Brennan shrugged. "You can't stop it, but you can control it. I'll help you. Dr. Palance taught me to control mine." He lifted his hand and let a few sparks jump around. "He can help you, too."

"No. No more doctors! Brennan, please, I can't go to any more doctors." She buried her face in his chest and begged him. "Please,"

"Ok," he rubbed her back gently. "Ok, we don't have to go see him. I'll try to help you learn. Would that be ok?"

She nodded and then cringed as it started to rain. Brennan helped her to her feet and smiled at her. "Stop crying. Come on, I'll take you to Grandma Rosie's house. She'll make you a nice cup of hot tea and you can sleep there."

"Who's house?"

"Grandma Rosie's house. She's the woman who lives in that white house on Cedar lane. She takes me in when my step father kicks me out. There are a few other homeless kids and runaways with her, too."

"Ok, but they won't turn me over to the hospital will they?"

"No and I wouldn't let them." Brennan smiled and took her hand as he led the way.

END FLASHBACK

"She was so nice to me." Shalimar sighed.

Brennan chuckled. "You were the only girl there...she used to spoil you rotten."

She laughed. "I know."


Only 2 chapters left...this was just a short thing....but I'm working on another story. It won't be up for a good while though. (stupied school takes up too much time pouts) Anyway hope you liked this chapter...drop a review please. : )