All Apologies
About a mile from Sanctuary…"Anything?"
"Nothing."
"Dammit, what could've happened to them?" Shalimar frantically looked around the area and at Emma.
"Just calm down. I'm sure they're gonna be okay. Unfortunately, I can't use my powers as a homing beacon," Emma sighed.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of that," Shalimar began to use her feral sense to find Brennen and Willow's scent. After several moments, she finally picked up something. "This way."
The cave…"I'm tired," Willow whispered as Brennen held her to keep her warm.
"It's okay. Go to sleep, I'll keep watch," he smiled as he cradled her.
Feeling as safe with him, she relaxed in his arms and smiled, "Thanks Bren."
"Anytime."
Not too far away…"Adam, I have their scent. They're close."
"Alright, keep me posted. I'll have Jesse standing by in the Helix."
"Gotcha." Shalimar continued to sniff around.
Her and Emma approached a small clearing in the woods. It had clouded over that afternoon and the fog that was caused by the humidity was starting to thicken.
"The scent is getting stronger. They're really close," Shalimar continued to walk forward, unawares of the hole she was approaching. The ground crumbled away from under her feet.
"Shal!" Emma raced and dropped by the edge. Just as she looked over, Shalimar emerged from the hole landing beside her.
Emma just eyed her and smirked. "Nice move."
"Thanks." Shalimar and Emma stood over the edge staring down a hole that never seemed to end.
"You think they're down there?" Emma asked.
"Well, the scent is really strong here. Definitely possible," Shalimar knelt down next to her. "BRENNEN! CAN YOU HEAR ME? WILLOW!"
Brennen had fallen asleep as well, probably from the massive headache he was experiencing. However, a distant noise slowly brought him out of his slumber. Hearing Shalimar's voice echoing from above, he tried to rouse Willow.
"Willow! Wake up. It's Shal," a wide sense of relief had overcome him.
"Shal?" Willow was still a bit hazy, but hearing her sister's voice was like hearing sweet music.
Brennen stood up, gently placing Willow on the ground. Glancing up towards the entrance above, he mustered everything he could to shout back, "SHAL! WE'RE DOWN HERE! SHAL!"
Shalimar stopped after hearing Brennen's voice. "Did you here that? They're down there. ARE YOU ALRIGHT!"
"WE'RE OKAY. WILLOW'S HURT," came a response from below.
"Damn! HANG TOUGH, WE'RE ON OUR WAY!" Shalimar shouted back. "Adam we've found them, they fell down what looks like a mine shaft or a well of some kind."
"Are they alright?"
"Yeah, I think so. From what I could make out, Willow's injured."
"Okay, Jesse's on his way with the Helix. He should be there right away."
Brennen let out a huge breath, "They found us Will."
Willow just looked at him, "Aw damn and I was starting to like it down here."
"Well I could always leave you here if you wanted."
"Nah you guys would miss me too much. Wouldn't you feel naked without me?"
Brennen just laughed, enjoying the playful exchange. He was relieved that Willow seemed to be back to her old self, excluding the concussion of course. After dealing with Shalimar's moods for quite a while, he had become pretty good with handling feral temper tantrums. He couldn't really be mad at Willow for her behavior. After all, Shalimar definitely had her share of tantrums over the years. So he was a little more understanding than he used to be.
Sanctuary (several hours later)…After being rescued by Jesse in the Helix, Willow and Brennen where in the lab being fussed over by Adam and a very relieved Shalimar. After being cleared, Brennen left the lab for his room and bed at Adam's urging. Adam had finished running further tests on Willow, confirming Brennen's worries of a slight concussion. What bothered her though, was Adam's insistence that she remain bed ridden for the next few days. Adam just chuckled at the predictable feral response. After being through with his tests, he left Shalimar and Willow.
"How are you feeling?" Shalimar took her hand and kissed her forehead.
"Terrific. Next silly question?" Willow joked, still feeling the effects of the concussion.
Shalimar chuckled. Things couldn't be too bad since Willow was back to her usual sarcastic self. Her face then grew serious. "Listen, I know that the last thing you want to do is talk right now. You don't have to say a thing, just hear me out okay?"
Willow nodded, curious as to what she was going to say.
"I'm not gonna excuse your behavior over the last few days. You did act like a child…but after having sometime to think about it, turns out you weren't the only one. I have to admit, I've been acting like a schoolgirl and Brennen has been occupying a good portion of my time for the last few days. I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was ditching you, that wasn't fair to you. We definitely should've talked this out before it got as bad as it did."
Willow just nodded, holding on to every word.
Shalimar bowed her head in shame, "And about…"
Willow squeezed her hand. "Hey, Shal. I'm not mad anymore. It hurt me a lot, more on the inside than anything else. It's me who should apologize. I mean, I'm the one who acted like an ass. I realize that now after getting some time to think about it."
Shalimar smiled caressing her forehead, "It's all good."
"I guess that's all part of the sister thing," Willow sat up a little.
"Yeah. And I'm sorry that your birthday turned out to be a bust. I really wanted to make something to remember." Shalimar said in a regretful tone.
"Hey, it was memorable." Willow smiled, flashing her dimples. "Just not the way you'd expect."
Shalimar just laughed and nodded in agreement. Kissing her, she turned around to leave. "Now get some rest and get better. It's gonna be lonely in the dojo without you."
"I will." Willow watched Shalimar walk away. "Hey Shal!" Shalimar turned to her. "Jock strap."
Shalimar smiled. "Brainwave."
The End
Man, that was a difficult write, just because I head writer's block. Thanks y'all for your input. I really appreciate it. I'm just getting started. I have to warn you guys that my stories are gonna get a little crazier and unrealistic from here on in. Once my creative juices get flowing, I do all sorts of crazy shit. So please bear with me.
Coming up
The Valley of the Kings
Part IV of the "Blood is Thicker" Series. While on a trip to Egypt, Mutant X uncovers a plot to steal the legendary Eye of Osiris; a weapon believed to only exist in myth. My homage to Indiana Jones & the Mummy. Lots of mythology and stuff.