Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: I'm posting a day earlier this week since I will be out of town for the weekend. I'm still not sure how long this story will be yet, I'm working on chapter ten now and am hashing out the final bit of the plot and outline. I think this one will be a little shorter with fourteen chapters or so, but only because the chapter lengths are so much longer. :) Thank you so much hi, Mxfan214, FireFeral, Rain, CatJerica, Saphire Ravven8, Anne, Jessica. Your reviews mean so much, thank you! Blackpanther, I had to laugh at your comparison! That's exactly the effect I was going for, lol. Thank you! Mayra, glad you liked the description! Thank you! Here's the next chapter for you, it's another longer one! Thank you!
Traveling Souls—Chapter Six
The wind died down suddenly, silence falling heavily on the two men standing toe to toe, glaring. Shalimar's voice could be faintly heard in the distance calling for Emma, and involuntarily, Brennan noticed the flash of reason and concern in Alex's dark eyes as they briefly flickered towards the sound. He cares, Brennan grudgingly acknowledged, easing off slightly in his stance. Alex's eyes studied his a moment more before mutually backing down. Branches snapped to their right, and they tensed, both turning, searching, but seeing nothing.
They were still alone.
"Look," Brennan finally sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I don't like you."
"Finally we agree about something." Amusement glinted in the other man's expression. "I don't like you either."
Brennan's lips wryly twitched. "So we're agreed." He shook his head, "But we have to put all that aside for now and work together."
One eyebrow quirked upward. "Whether we like it or not."
"For Emma's sake." Brennan prompted.
It was quiet for a moment.
"And for Shalimar's."
Brennan bit back the retort that involuntarily sprang to his tongue, reluctantly nodding in tentative truce.
They looked at each other as Shalimar's voice could be heard again, Alex's lips curling slightly in triumph as she called his name.
The muscle in Brennan's jaw tensed as he stepped closer again.
Alex lifted his chin.
"Look," Brennan started after a moment, forcing his balled fingers to unclench and relax, "There's something else we need to agree on."
Alex met his gaze head-on. "And that would be?"
"I need to know what your intentions are—"
"None of your business."
Brennan's eyes flared, starting forward.
"Brennan!" Adam's voice interrupted them as he appeared in their line of sight, arms crossed as he leaned against a tree. "We need to talk, now." He straightened up, walking toward them.
Brennan glanced over at Adam before turning back to Alex. "Later," He hissed, taking a step back as Adam neared.
"Adam," Alex nodded at the older man, brushing past him as he followed Shalimar's voice.
"Now's not a good time, Adam," Brennan started after Alex, surprised when Adam forcibly wrenched him around.
"Make the time."
Brennan's brows rose, surprised at the intensity in Adam's tone. "What's up?"
"You tell me." Adam's eyes flickered back over his shoulder. "I want you to stop giving Alex a hard time."
"Oh I see," Brennan defensively crossed his arms. "You automatically assume this is all my fault."
"No," A muscle in Adam's jaw jumped. "I assumed I could trust you to behave like a professional."
Brennan frowned, shifting his stance, slightly taken back as Adam continued his reprimand.
"We are on a mission, Brennan. Emma is missing, Shalimar is injured, Alex is here to help, but you're too involved in your macho posturing to even notice."
"But Adam—"
Adam made a chopping motion with his hand, eyes hard. "Your behavior puts the mission and the team in jeopardy!"
Stung, Brennan fell silent, but Adam pressed further, voice harsh, two fingers jabbing pointedly into Brennan's shoulder.
"Alex is not the enemy; I want you to stop treating him that way!"
Brennan blinked at the vehemence, raising his hands appeasingly. "Ok, Adam. You're right, I'm sorry."
"Good." Adam paused, taking a deep breath. "It's important you two get along." He glanced away, face twisting briefly with a hint of inner struggle before smoothing back into neutral lines. "Good," He repeated, not making eye contact; walking away.
Brennan stared after Adam. What the hell was that about? He bit his lip, knowing in some way Adam was right, but feeling hurt nonetheless. He pushed his hands into his pockets, shoulders hunched as he kicked at the ground, stirring up a little spiral of dust. The wind blew strongly once again, but this time, he was alone.
Morning gave way to afternoon, the temperature surprisingly warm despite the snowcaps high atop the mountains. They searched for hours, every rustle or snap suspicious in the deceptively balmy breeze. Shalimar was desperate. Emma's scent was overpowering. She was nearby, and she was afraid. The air stank with her fear, heightening Shalimar's desperation as she raked over every tree and bush, snarling in frustration when still, she could not find her. She knew her foot was bleeding again, could feel its sticky warmth with every step, but she ignored it, stopping only when she realized the others were gathered back in their makeshift camp. Shalimar groaned, sinking in frustration against a tree trunk next to Jesse as he held his hand out to her.
"We have to find her, Shal." Jesse whispered resolutely, staring at their clasped hands.
"We will." Shalimar squeezed his fingers, leaning her head on his shoulder. "We will."
They both looked up a moment later as a shadow fell across their faces.
Alex nodded to Jesse, lowering himself to the other side of Shalimar. He bent his knees, dangling his hands across them. "You two ok?" He glanced sideways at Shalimar and Jesse.
"Yeah."
"How's the foot?" Alex pointed with his chin.
"It's fine."
"Uh-huh." Alex frowned dryly as Jesse mutely watched. "Tell me the truth, Shalimar." He reached for her foot, but she resisted.
"I said it's fine. I've worked with a lot more injury than this, kind of goes with the job." She shrugged dismissively, frowning when he caught up herfoot in his hands.
"Shal!" Alex hissed in air between his teeth. "You're bleeding again. Let me get Adam—"
"No." She pulled free, swiftly rising to her feet. "I'm going to keep looking for Emma."
"Shalimar—" He called after her, but she ignored him and kept walking. He watched as she stopped briefly in front of Brennan. They exchanged a few words, glancing up as thunder rumbled in the distance. "Storm coming," He heard Brennan comment grimly. She nodded, standing very still as Brennan suddenly reached up and framed her cheek with one hand.
Alex shifted in his seat, suddenly aware of Jesse's eyes watching him with curiosity. He glanced at the man sitting beside him. "It's…strange seeing her again after all these years."
"Shalimar?"
"Yes." Alex looked back at her as she moved away from Brennan. "She's changed since I knew her."
Jesse nodded thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully. "We've all been through a lot, changed a lot over the past couple of years. It's hard to understand unless you've been there."
A bitter smile flickered across Alex's lips. "I think I understand better than you realize." He glanced back over at Jesse, making eye contact. "As long as she is happy, that's all I care about."
Jesse's eyes showed his approval. "I think she is."
"She better be." Alex pushed to his feet, strolling over to Adam.
Jesse watched him walk away, thoughtfully chewing his lip. Another rumble overhead brought his head back up, and he groaned in frustration as he stared at the gathering stormclouds. Mountains were notorious for how quickly a storm could form over them. But it wasn't the weather that bothered him really, spring storms were also well known for how quickly they could pass. He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the rough bark. A storm meant lost tracks, lost scent, less chance of finding Emma. Shalimar was right, they needed to keep looking.
Long shadows stretched from the trees, wavering as they began to bend into the wind. A wave of tired despair flooded Shalimar, and she lifted her face to the sky. The wind was suddenly strong and cold, and she thought of spring days picnicking atop Stormking Mountain, of Emma.
"I found something!"
"What! Where?"
"Blood."
Shouts, scuffles, an inhaled curse—the sounds exploded into Shalimar's dulled senses. Her weariness, her thoughts of home vanished. Blood. She pounded toward the others, stumbling slightly. Loose clumps of dirt skipped across the ground, blowing nowhere. The sky was dark, a deep blue edged in black as clouds quickly took over. Shalimar skidded to a stop next to Alex and Jesse, Brennan and Adam right behind her.
"Where is it?" She scanned the ground, eager to find the scent, heart stopping when she saw where Jesse pointed.
"Well?" Jesse looked up at her hopefully when she didn't respond.
She shook her head, turning away, unable to watch as Jesse's face fell. "It's mine." Lightening jumped down out of the sky and startled her. She winced, the dagger of light piercing through blackened clouds. Thunder followed, rolling across the sky, drowning out the frantic questions being thrown at her. Hands gripped her shoulders, wrenching her back around.
"What do you mean it's yours?" Alex bent his dark head to hers, shouting over the noisy din. Another clap of thunder rang out, and darkness blew in.
"Shalimar, your foot." Adam crowded in, kneeling in front of her.
She glanced down, startled to see bright red staining its way up her sock, dried and crusted against the brown of her boots. Guiltily, she shrugged; she hadn't really felt it.
"Take off your shoe." Adam was already untying her laces, Alex grasping her elbow as he lowered her to the ground. Numbly, she watched as they bent over her foot in the dim light. Wind pushed in and tugged viciously at her hair, and a chill stabbed through her as Adam grimly looked back up at her.
"No, don't say it."
"I'm sorry, Shalimar." Adam's voice was firm. "I've let you walk more than I already should have today. Your wound has reopened, and worsened considerably."
She shrugged again, pulling her leg free from his hands.
"You need to stay here," Alex handed her boot back to her. "Let the rest of us find Emma."
"No!" She yanked her shoe out of his hand, glaring at them. More lightening daggered overhead, thunder following almost immediately.
"Shalimar—"
"No!" She staggered to her feet, clutching her boot in desperation. She couldn't leave Emma in the hands of that madman. She shivered, remembering his cold eyes. Soulless, Brennan had called them.
"You're cold." Alex tried to reach for her again, but she backed away.
"Shalimar, you need to rest." Adam pressed his hand into her shoulder. It felt heavy, and she blinked back tears of frustration. It was Emma, why couldn't they understand? A raindrop fell into her face, then two. Blinking against the glare of repeated flashes of lightening, she wrenched free once more.
"Adam," Jesse spoke quietly, fearfully. "We need to keep looking, we're losing light." His shoulders hunched guiltily as Shalimar looked at him. "I'm sorry, Shal, but we're losing time."
Another crack of lightening ripped through the air, a terrifying crack. Thunder rolled, and fear pounced upon her. Emma was out there somewhere. They needed her help, why didn't they get that? Brennan...would he? "Brennan!" Shalimar's eyes latched desperately onto his from where he stood back behind the others. The strength of the wind shoved his name back down her throat, but she knew he heard. Then it was raining, coming down in torrents, biting into her head and bouncing off the ground. Lightening quivered, piercing the darkness, over and over, and flashed glimpses of his foggy outline, his eyes dark and serious. She pushed towards him, but well-meaning hands jerked her back. Her foot screamed in protest at the jolt, slipping from under her, and she slammed into the ground, belly first. She spit the filth from her mouth and groaned as she heard her name being screamed above her. Standing, she pushed on, only to slip again.
"Shalimar, please." Adam caught her elbow, but she jerked free. Her hair, matted with knots, whipped about her face, blinding her.
"Brennan!" She tried again, raking her hair back with both hands, squinting against the mad onslaught, searching. Lightening played again, vivid and glaring as rain hit hard, needles upon her head, and she gulped desperately, painfully.
And then suddenly he was there in front of her.
She stared greedily into his eyes, so dark and warm, immediately stilling, barely noticing as Adam and Alex's hands fell away. "Brennan." She whispered his name. Lightening forks laced the sky, outlining the other three men almost hidden in the downpour, their faces raised, watching. She stepped forward, then fell, stifling a scream. Strong arms went around her, catching her.
"Shalimar?"
She knew his voice anywhere. "Brennan!" His touch was wet and cold, and it tightened about her waist, bringing her warmth and comfort.
"Shalimar."
He took her head in his hands and held her, and she felt a calm, dizzy quiet as he pulled her close in front of the others. Could this be happening? "We have to find Emma." She licked her lips, suddenly afraid.
"I know." He spoke directly into her face.
"The storm…" She almost sobbed in relief at the understanding in his eyes. Rain plastered his hair to his scalp, water seeming to run in slow motion; great drops dripped off his lashes and rolled down his face as he closed his eyes, opening them again in firm resolve. He looked strong and beautiful, and she forgot all the disastrous reasons she kept him at bay. He brushed a wet strand of hair off her face, his fingers lingering, then running down to her chin. She bent her face into his touch. She could only look at him. Her shivering passed, and she was still, waiting.
"Come on," Brennan smiled tenderly. He led her past the soggy tents and back toward the dripping woods, holding her close in the blinding rainfall, pulling her over the slippery earth. She could see the others staring after them in disbelief, the lightening blinking them into vision in bright darts. She ignored them, turning her face up to his, rain running freely down her cheeks, hair tangled around her throat, and smiled.
"Thank you."
He smiled back, the storm too loud for words, supporting her more firmly against his side, almost carrying her. She knew she was slowing him down, that he could move more efficiently alone, but he didn't say a word. He understood; she swallowed back tears at the enormity of the realization. Her arms tightened around him, hand curling into his chest as she felt his lips press tentatively into her hair, fear ebbing as they walked wrapped in each other's arms.
Once more, they all disappeared into the woods, searching as the storm raged on.
And just as suddenly, they found her.
Emma was screaming; that one thought formed in all their minds as they raced together toward the sound, scrambling through the slick mud. Wet branches lashed back at them as they ran, tearing clothing, but they barely felt it, skidding to a stop when they finally saw her, ankles corded together, dangling upside down from a large tree, her slight weight not enough to stop the wind from catching her up and slamming her bodily into the tree trunk. She looked dazed, and Jesse roared in anger.
"My, my." The geological mutant leaned against a nearby tree, arms and ankles casually crossed; waiting. "Took you long enough." He yawned disparagingly. "I was growing bored."
"Why you—"
Alex grabbed Jesse's arms, holding him back as he surged forward. "Wait." He whispered into the angry molecular's ear.
"What do you want?" Adam stepped forward, face strained, but calm.
"It's very simple." The mutant's lips curled up. "I want the disk."
"No." Adam crossed his arms.
The mutant's eyebrow rose. "Then she dies." He smiled as the wind again blew ferociously; slamming her headfirst into the tree. Brennan and Jesse started forward as she screamed in fear and pain.
"WAIT!" Alex's voice stopped them again, but Shalimar didn't listen. Before the others realized it, she sailed forward, knocking the mutant to the ground, snarling as she straddled him.
"I'm going to kill you," Shalimar bared her teeth, grip tightening around the man's neck.
The man's blue eyes were unreadable as he stared up at her. "I told you before, you shouldn't do that."
Alex cursed under his breath, and through the pounding of his heart, Brennan watched, horrified, as Shalimar was suddenly flat on her back, limbs spread eagle as the man pressed himself against her.
"You're too slow." He studied her with abject humor.
It took conscious and painful effort for Brennan not to strike out, the rain his enemy as it poured down. He inched forward, aware the others were also breaking for better lines of sight. They were so close. His fingers inched, energy rippling just beneath the surface. He closed his fist with frustration, inching closer yet, watching.
For a long moment, Shalimar and the mutant simply stared at one another, and then the mutant smiled widely. "So much fire for a tiny woman." He dragged his finger slowly down her cheek. "You look half-dead, like a drowned mouse."
Shalimar frowned at his words, bucking under his weight. "Try me."
His surprise showed on his face, and he clucked his tongue, shaking his head. "Still too slow and clumsy though."
Anger and frustration flared in Brennan's eyes, his jaw clenched and unclenched. Lightening split the air around them, charging it with electricity. He took another step forward.
"Un-uh," the mutant singsonged without even looking up. Wind roared, and Emma cried out as she was slammed once more into the tree. "See what you cause?" The mutant shook his head in disappointment. "I just want the disk, so simple."
"Alright," Adam called out appeasingly. "Let the girls go, and you can have it."
It was silent as the man tipped his head, considering. Thunder boomed, shaking the ground with its nearness. Shalimar cringed, eyes defiant as the mutant licked his lips. She could feel the anger from Brennan a few yards away, and she refused to show fear, knowing it would only make him do something foolish. She narrowed her eyes, and the mutant sighed, suddenly releasing her. She scrambled to her feet, about to pounce again, when she felt Brennan's hands latch onto her shoulders, pulling her back.
"Wait, Shal," He hissed into her ear, relieved when she stopped struggling against him.
"For what?" She whispered back, voice strained as she watched Emma sway in the wind. "Brennan, we have to get Emma away from him."
"We will." He pulled her back with him a few steps as the mutant turned to face Adam.
"Brennan...He's pretending."
He glanced down distractedly at Shalimar as she whispered to him.
"What?"
She shuddered under his hands. "He's pretending to be human."
Unknown fear coursed through Brennan as he numbly squeezed her shoulders, watching as Adam took a step closer to the mutant.
"Where is the disk?" The mutant held out his hand.
"Not here." Adam paused a few feet away from him. "But I can get it for you."
"Not good enough!" The mutant shouted, as if losing his temper. "You waste my time!"
"No!" Jesse screamed, running forward as Emma's body hit the tree with a sickening crunch. Lightening and thunder came in successive roars, booming, rolling around the perimeter of the trees, fencing everything in, letting nothing escape its fury. Jesse and Adam stumbled to the ground, necks jerking frantically as wind trapped them down. Brennan's arms clamped around Shalimar like iron bands as they were knocked down to their knees, watching with horror as Emma started screaming, slamming again and again into the tree.
And then the impossible happened.
As if breaking the law of physics, Emma's body bent back, away from the tree, in direct opposition of the forceful gale blowing against her. Shocked, Brennan blinked, almost missing the streak of fire that shot out and sliced the rope that bound Emma.
But she didn't fall.
Her body hung suspended in mid-air.
Brennan heard Shalimar exclaim in wonder and whipped around, finally noticing Alex as he stood on the edge of the little clearing, eyes closed in concentration, hands raised. Shalimar recovered faster, leaping from his numb hands and running forward. But Jesse beat her, stumbling back to his feet and reaching up to catch Emma as she was lowered to the ground.
The mutant! Brennan's head whipped around once more, in time to see the man's body fly past him, caught in his own windstorm, and slam into a tree, impaled on a branch. He shuddered in disgust, turning away from the grisly sight, relieved it was at last all over.
The storm seemed to calm, leaving them all looking at each other in shock.
Until Brennan broke it, turning toward Alex in open disbelief. "Wait a minute, hold on. First you're an elemental, then a molecular, and now you're a psionic as well?" He strode forward. "Adam, is that even possible? How is he not like Ashlocke…?"
"…Look, he's dead."
"Caught in his own power..."
Jesse ignored their voices, staring at Emma's pale face. As he looked at her, she felt nausea sweep over her, and dizziness and weakness, knees buckling. Instantly, Jesse swept her up in his arms. For long moments, he held her, Emma's arms instinctively thrown around his neck, his face close to hers, dark with worry. Her eyelids drooped heavily, shadowing her eyes.
"Emma!" Jesse murmured her name desperately.
"I'm ok," She whispered not very convincingly.
Jesse still held her tightly in his arms for a few moments, closing his eyes, unable to meet her piercing gaze.
"Jesse?"
His eyes reopened at her whisper.
"Untie me?"
His lips tightened at the quiver in her voice, nodding jerkily, walking over to a fallen tree and lowering her onto it with ease. It was only then he realized the others had gathered anxiously around them, watching. He flushed, embarrassed, but Emma smiled and held out her hand. His right hand stole out, taking her cold hand in his and caressing it lightly to warm it as the others fussed around her. He was so tired; he ignored the possibilities and implications, simply enjoying her nearness.
Brennan saw and smiled, chuckling under his breath, grin widening in hope and relief at the blush that stained Shalimar's cheeks as her eyes met his in understanding.
They all sat together for a long time, no other words passing between them, until finally Adam roused them, leading them back to their makeshift camp, leaving the mutant behind for dead. Rain dripped sodden and heavy from branches, the only sound as they left, their voices trailing behind them until the little clearing grew still once more. The wind blew, and a cautious sparrow tilted its head, chirping. Its mate answered immediately, and they flew away. All was silent.
No one heard the slight movement of rustling leaves, and no one saw blue eyes open against the brown bark.
