Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X Men.
Note: Hi. I'm back. We took the kids away for an overnight. I was so glad to come back and see the reviews. Welcome to the people who have only reviewed a few times and to Lady Danger and rockstar1199. Lady Danger, I'm sorry the stories were confusing or boring to start with. I'm glad they have caught your interest. Have you read from the beginning with Adam's Eve? Although it's not really imperative, it is helpful because I build on each and often refer back. Your name made me chuckle. My daughter has a character in a game named LadyDarkness. Rockstar1199, I try to be full of surprises. I'm glad to have been able to hold your interest. Thank you for reading. Tunder28, I'm glad I was able to move you to tears but you won't be crying for long. Somehow all my stories end up rosy. I just like a lot of thorns along the way. Bohemianbabe, we're not done yet. Stay with me. I love your enthusiastic reviews. Courtney, your loyalty is wonderful but please don't get yourself into trouble. Remember, nothing is what it seems. Loveconquers, I have to tell you, your reviews help me so much. Believe it or not you get me to think deeper and consider more and have actually helped me to continue writing. The ending to this story has eluded me for the longest time. I've mentioned before that you will all be caught up and I won't have the ending done. Well that has happened but you've helped me to focus and though I'm not done yet, I finally see the door at the end of this long hall I've led you through. I hope you stay with me as I move to the next installment. Mxfan214, nothing is resolved yet, stay with me. We have a few more thorns to work out. Xfan, you also have inspired me with your reviews. You have an ability to read into the story and characters and you always seem to say something in your reviews that makes me think. Thanks to you my stories have added little extras that were really needed.
Stay with me folks. Here's a little more.
Redhead2
Imaginary Friend
Chapter 33
Cyclops, now! Charles had maintained the open link with Logan. Not only had he been able to track everything that happened from Logan's calculating perspective, he also linked with Brennan and Shalimar to be certain nothing would go wrong. Perfect timing on his part allowed him to avoid Logan's electrocution by closing the link. No timing nor protection could dull the pain, hurt and confusion he felt from an otherwise happily married couple. His heart broke as he lived the unfortunate event with them. Compassion stirred in him as he put Shalimar to sleep.
Adam sat by his side, worry clear on his face which only increased as he saw Charles turn and mutter, 'It is over.' Without a word or wasted second he stood and headed for the lab.
A small circle of friends held their position a short distance away, just far enough to be out of Shalimar's sensing range. They could only hear the growls and screams. Their orders explicitly clear, they fought the urges to go in and put a stop to it all. More than once Gambit had to remove his arm from around Rogue to help Cyclops restrain a near wild Jesse. Cyclops heard the professor's message. A curt nod of his head wall all that was needed to put his rescue group into action. Like lightning, they moved into the clearing.
Marie ran to Logan's side. "He's not breathin'," she reported.
"Fly him back, quick. Hank's waiting for him," Cyclops ordered. He watched as Rogue easily lifted Logan's heavy frame into her arms then without hesitation rose high into the air and above the towering trees. He turned to find Jesse and Gambit checking the unconscious couple. "Brennan?" he asked.
"Look like Wolverine slash him pretty good. All dis blood clash with dis shirt. Hope we got a blood match or Evie gonna be mighty tired."
"Shalimar?" Cyclops looked for Jesse's report.
"Nothing broken. I think the blood is all Brennan's. Looks like she's just out." Jesse's report was cool and calm but his heart was slamming against his chest.
Cyclops and Gambit worked together and got Brennan lifted onto a stretcher they wisely brought. Jesse carefully cradled Shalimar in his arms as he followed the others back toward the mansion.
Rogue exited the elevator and quickly got Logan onto a bed in the lab. "He's not breathin'," she reported again as she moved back to let the doctors work.
Hank and Adam scanned as Jean readied the medicines she thought they'd need. Though it was rare that Wolverine needed medical care, she had treated him before.
Ro silently moved to the head of his bed and loving fingered through the wild mess of hair over his brow. Stepping back, she let out a small gasp as she heard an uncommon growl escape the lips of her usually calm, controlled, blue friend.
With force that would completely destroy the chest cavity of any other being, Beast pounded both fists into Logan. Electric current caused this problem. He knew more would do no good. Three times he tried before giving into the pain of his wounded hands. "Grrr. His heart is stopped." His frustrated roar boomed through the lab. "I can't get through his ribs."
"Let me try," Evie's whisper was a quiet contrast after the echoes stopped. She moved to Logan's side and laid both hands over his heart. There she stood for what seemed to be too long as her husband and friends could do nothing but watch and wait.
As the minutes passed, Adam unobtrusively moved to her side. Experience had taught him well what would happen next. He heard her whisper something as her powers began to subside. When finally the shimmering had completely dissipated, he caught her in his strong arms and lifted her. He held her close, kissing her head as Ororo readied another bed, then he gently placed her down to rest. "She'll be ok," he stated confidently as he returned his attention to the other patient.
"She was able to start his heart. His powers will do the rest." Jean reported then turned from the monitor. She smiled at the sight of Adam scanning Hank's hands. It was the rare occasion, indeed, that the doctor needed a doctor.
"I'm curious to know what made you think you could pound through his chest." Adam shook his head as he read the results.
"These proceedings have been very arduous. I believe the frustration got the best of me."
"Well, you didn't break anything," Adam said as he reached for a dermal regenerator. "After a little treatment, you won't have any lasting evidence of that lapse in judgment." Adam grinned up at him until he heard the lab doors swoosh open.
Scott and Remy brought Brennan in quickly and placed him on an available med bed. "Blood loss," Scott reported. "Looks like Logan got a swipe in before Brennan lit him up."
Adam and Jean quickly cut away the torn material of his shirts as Hank stretched his relieved fingers and reached for the scanner he would need.
"This is Logan's work but it looks like he pulled his swing at the last moment. His adamantium claws could do much more damage than this." Hank turned to scan the rest of Brennan's body.
Adam looked up when the doors again swooshed. Another stab of pain hit his already hurting heart as he saw Jesse carefully holding Shalimar to his chest. "Jesse?"
They'd lived and worked together, too long for words to be necessary. Jesse saw the questions on Adam's face. "I don't know. She was unconscious and trapped under Brennan when we found them. It looked like she might've tried to catch him."
"I'll check her," Jean moved off with a scanner to leave Hank and Adam the job of putting Brennan back together. She smiled warmly as she watched Jesse place Shalimar on a bed and hold her hand. The depth of love she felt coming from him almost brought her to tears. "I can't find anything wrong. She has a few bumps and bruises but all very minor, especially for her."
Jean, Do not fear for Shalimar's condition. I put her to sleep.
Thank you, Professor. Jean smiled and looked up at a very worried Jesse. Caringly placing a hand on his arm she spoke. "The professor put her to sleep. She's fine."
Just then Evie began to wake. "Adam," she whispered before her eyes opened.
Adam looked at his wife with a passing thought of how quickly she had recovered. He made a mental note to check her when they got home then quickly glanced at Jesse before returning his full attention to his patient. Brennan was in bad shape. The cuts were bad enough to make Adam thankful that he and Wolverine were on the same side. And he pulled his swing, Hank said, he thought grimly. He wouldn't want to do this after a real attack.
Jesse quickly responded with a move to Evie's side. "Hey, it's ok," he whispered.
"Jess?" Evie looked up into Jesse's tired and worried eyes as she lifted a hand to him.
"It's Brennan," was all he had to say. He offered his hand as Evie rose and was quick to move to the aid of her family. Shalimar was the first who got her attention.
"Charles made her sleep," Jean offered. "He released her moments ago. She only has minor cuts and bruises."
Evie looked at her friend. Her heart again broke to realize the pains she had to endure. Placing one hand on Shalimar's forehead and another on her stomach, Evie released her power to give at least physical comfort to her.
Adam glanced back only once during his work. He heard Jean's report on Shalimar's condition and knew his wife would handle it easily.
Shalimar's physical wounds were indeed minor. A few seconds of Evie's powers and the bruises were gone. Evie turned a small smile up as Jesse looked to her for reassurances. "She's fine, now," was all she whispered.
He didn't have to wait long to know that was true. Jesse caressed Shalimar's hand as she groaned and began to shift and wake.
Shalimar fought to surface from the black sea which enveloped her. Physical awareness came first. She was lying down. There were people and blood…a lot of blood. Shalimar involuntarily cringed her nose as she sniffed. Hand… she thought. Strong, caring… "Jess," her voice was but a whisper as she struggled to shake the claws of darkness.
"I'm right here, Shal," he whispered as he squeezed her hand.
Trying to sit up she opened her eyes. Jesse helped her and by the time she was seated her eyes were blinking and focusing on his smiling ones. "Jess, what…" she looked around and saw two bodies on beds. Logan was laying still and covered with a sheet. She clenched Jesse's hands as she looked at him and fear began to pass her eyes.
"Hey, he's out. He won't hurt you." He moved aside and helped her stand.
The smell of blood was strong triggering memories of…"Brennan," she gasped and moved to Adam's side. "Adam," her voice tight as unrestrained tears began.
"I cleaned his wounds." Adam looked up at her as he moved the blood soaked gauze away. He smiled thankfully as he noticed Shalimar's hand gently and lovingly touch Brennan's face then finger through his disheveled hair.
"They fought," she whispered and sniffed. "They fought…over me." She whispered as if she were the only one in the room. "He was hurting me…Brennan made him…stop."
It was over. Adam knew it when she looked into his eyes, desperate to hear…, "He'll be ok," he assured her then turned to see his wife step beside him. Knowing her intent he touched her arm as she reached toward Brennan. "Are you sure?" he asked in a whisper.
Evie looked into his eyes, her own eyes moist and shining. With a small nod she whispered, "I'm fine." Lovingly she placed her hands over Brennan's shoulders, careful not to touch the cuts. The shimmering began as a tear slipped past her closed lids.
After a few moments of quiet anticipation everyone saw the crystals disappear as Evie released Brennan and steadied herself. She smiled as she gently touched Shaimar's arm and walked passed her to sit in a chair, knowingly offered by Scott.
Shalimar looked at Adam and Jesse then slowly moved to face Brennan, standing where Evie had been. She stepped back with a small gasp as Brennan began to wake and whispered her name.
Slowly Brennan opened his eyes. He was suddenly stilled by the vision before him. Shalimar was standing there…looking down at him…Slowly he sat up never taking his eyes away from hers.
"Oh, Brennan, you're all right," she stated hesitantly touching his shoulder as he sat then moved closer to give him a hug.
Stunned at the drastic change, Brennan held her tightly against him, afraid she would run again if he let her go.
Yes, it is finally over…but at what cost, Charles wondered as he kept a close watch on everyone. Adam, please bring her to my office.
Adam closed his eyes as he heard his friend's voice. Right away. Slowly, he moved to stand behind her. Gently, he put his hands on her shoulders and whispered her name, enduring the glare from her husband whose head snapped up to dare him to try and take her away.
Logan chose that moment to wake. He groaned as his consciousness returned. Ro remained by his side and smiled as he opened his eyes.
Shalimar and Brennan had quite a different reaction. Immediately she tensed, pulled out of Brennan's arms and stepped back in fear. Brennan jumped to his feet. In one fluid motion he was facing Logan's direction with Shalimar safely hidden behind him. He heard and ignored Evie's gasped, 'Brennan', at his side as his hands danced with electricity waiting to do his bidding.
TBC
