Thank you so much to all the people who took the time to review, read or leave a small note. Made me really happy.And now the story... Have fun!

Chapter 8

"Adam, care to explain?"

The scientist took a seat near the desk and wearily rubbed his forehead. He wanted to crawl in a corner, hide to never appear again. There were memories he would rather forget. Charles Easton was one of them. His meeting with him had changed everything.

It had changed the world.

He was finishing his last year of medicine when he met Charles. Instantly his research had fascinated him. Everything was new. They were pioneers with infinite unforeseen possibilities. It had felt like crossing an unexplored land, exiting and frightening at the same time. When Charles gave him a position on his staff, he hadn't hesitated. But he hadn't known that his research would be misused, that the consequences would touch so many human beings. He had been so naïve then.

"Adam?"

Jerked out of his thoughts, he looked up to find Shal and Jesse expectedly waiting for an explanation. It was hard for him to admit errors like that. Taking a deep breath, he forced the first words out. The flow suddenly became unstoppable.

"Sorry. Charles Easton was my mentor. I partly chose the genetic research because of him. Our progresses were amazing and before I could realize it, they were trying to create specific mutations for military purpose. One year before I left GenomeX, Charles started working with a governmental agency I never heard of before. The project Nemesis …"

He paused a few seconds. That project was one of his greatest regrets. It wasn't his; but still he had been the consultant of the project. It was his suggestions and ideas that had created Casey.

"The project was created to stop psionics without killing them. If one of them decided to, he could take over the world quite easily. It was one of Eckhart and Easton's greatest fears. I thought that the project had been abandoned when I left."

Shalimar shook her head. The virus and his antidote. And now Emma was in danger because of another of Adam's secret.

"So you're basically telling us that they've created some kind of 'human' weapon and that somehow it went wrong. Why don't we simply put him in stasis?"

It was Adam's turn to shake his head wearily; he wished it were that easy.

"It's not that easy Shalimar. It has never been. The first experiments didn't work. They were ready to let the project down, when Casey came their way. A psionic with a brilliant mind and willing to help the 'good guys'; it was a godsend opportunity. In the beginning, everything was perfect. He responded well to the treatments and was docile. He neutralized two psionics without killing them so they extended the research. I don't exactly know what went wrong next, but he absorbed the power of 5 other psionics and things changed. Casey was able to enter every one's body. It was not some kind of astral projection. He became pure energy. He seemed to retain the powers of the psionics he 'absorbed'. With each new acquired target his insanity increased. When he killed one of them, they decided to put him in a pod. I guess something went wrong with the stasis process and he was able to get away. How he ended up in that little town is a total mystery."

The two mutants were watching him, unable to clearly realize the extent of the problem. So he would have to clearly tell them what it was about.

"The major problem with Casey is that, theoretically, he could absorb each and every psionic on this earth. His power won't grow that much. They made sure of it. But still… he's dangerous."

"And how are Emma and Brennan supposed to stop him?"

Shalimar's temper was quickly flaring. She had been right from the start. They hadn't found a way to stop him years ago; how were they supposed to find it now.

"Call Emma and Brennan. Tell them to be extra careful. Jesse, I want you to look at Charles research. We have to find a way to stop that thing. There has to be a way to stop it."

XXX

Grey angry clouds were drifting above their heads, anchoring on the mountains, filling the once blue sky. The light was quickly diminishing as they got near the entrance of the cave Emma had indicated. Every little tree, every fallen block of rock became more threatening under the thick blanket of clouds. The stormy atmosphere of the mountain only added to the oppressiveness and urgency of the situation.

They were moving without a sound, focused on reaching their goal before it was too late. Emma was barely following the little group, still remembering what Jesse had told her minutes ago. 'He can absorb psionics, Emma. We are trying to find a way to stop him so don't come near him. Don't try to stop him.' It was already too late. She would have to fight it. Alone.

Like a reminder of the impending fight, the presence of the dark shadow was increasing on her mind, making her stumble from time to time. Brennan seemed to know whenever it happened for he would stop and help steadying her walk. And during the last kilometre he held her hand tightly to keep the threatening shadow at bay. If it hadn't been for the situation, Emma would have found his attitude truly sweet.

When they reached the entry of the caves, several trees had fallen, blocking the way together with rocks. The devastation displayed in front of them made Emma sigh. This was worst than what she had seen in her vision. The four mutants put their backpacks down and started clearing the way to the entry. They moved one rock after the other, piling them near a tree.

With each passing seconds the sky became darker, the wind more powerful, whistling to their ears. Emma stopped for a few seconds to put a windbreaker on. A thunderstorm was coming. The air seemed charged with static electricity. They had to move quicker if they wanted to save Patti and Rory. It was getting closer, searching the area.

They had finally freed the first trunk and started to move it with difficulties. The weight of the piece of wood was slowing the movement. The first raindrops hit their heads and intensified, making Brennan groan. Emma looked up, smiling encouragingly at him. He smiled back, silently reassuring her. Their little exchange seemed to give him back some strength. They moved quicker, putting other rocks away, clearing the way to the entrance. Lightening bolts were falling nearby, causing the ground to shake, reverberating in a deafening cacophony.

As the downpour intensified, Brennan felt his strength leave him. Each rock was heavier, each movement harder. His rhythm stilled slightly as he looked up at Emma; she was helping Nina clearing the last branches. Her hair were soaked, clinging to her forehead. Every now and then she would wipe her forehead to keep the water from her eyes. She was focussed on her task but something about her eyes was wrong. For a brief second her eyelashes fluttered like she was searching for something, or someone. The branch she had been holding fell to the ground, splashing water on her pants legs. Casey had found her. Despite his weakness, he rushed to her side, his voice covering the sound of rain.

"Emma!"

She gripped at the arm wrapped around her waist, trying to steady herself. Coldness was slowly engulfing her as the dark shadow brushed against her mind rushing to find its target. Its presence was enclosing Patti, trying to isolate her in an impenetrable cocoon.

"We need to move those rocks, Brennan."

Hearing her raged breathing, the elemental clung on her more tightly, hopping it could help her. After a few seconds, she had found back a semblance of calm. There was one way to clear that entry. Her head turned to watch Nina with hope. Brennan's eyes followed hers, understanding what she had in mind. The teenager stared back at them with disbelief, instantly understanding what they wanted her to do. They could not truly want her to make those rocks explode. She didn't have enough control on her power.

"I can't. No way."

She turned around and resumed clearing the entry with a desperate determination. She could feel their eyes burning holes in her back. The molecular knew what would happen if they couldn't open that cave. Tears of helplessness were sliding down her face, mingling with the rain. She couldn't do it. The only time she had tried to make something explode it had backfired, injuring the people around her. What if the cave collapsed on her two friends?

"Nina, please. At least you have to try."

She looked at Sam sadly. He would never understand. It had been almost too easy for him to learn how to control his ability. It wasn't the same for her; it would never be. Her insecurity was so evident that for the first time he saw behind the happy mask she always kept. He looked back at the two teachers. Brennan was holding Emma, murmuring in her ear, encouraging her. They were here to help them; but Emma wasn't even able to stand on her feet.

He didn't have the time to think back about their discussion on the way to the cave. He had to help his friends. He would consider later the implications of their revelations. He got closer to Nina and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You can do it. I trust you."

Breathing deeply, she focused on one of the smallest block, visualizing it exploding. Instead a tree on their left exploded, sending shards of wood in the air. The racket of the explosion covered the roaring of thunder, making the three other mutants jump. Nina looked back guiltily. She would never be able to control it. It was useless and she had warned them. Emma and Brennan looked at each other. The psionic nodded at him. He was the only one who could help her control her ability.

"Nina, don't focus on the rocks. Focus on the energy flowing through your body. Concentrate it and then direct it at the rocks. It should work."

She gazed at Brennan surprised. She had never thought about the energy constantly flowing through her body. It made sense. Several seconds later, the first rock exploded to her greatest pleasure.

XXX

Patti felt it again, brushing against her mind. But this time it was stronger, more aggressive. A cold grey fog was slowly enclosing her, making her loose contact with Rory, with reality. At first it was just an uncomfortable and cold sensation; but it quickly turned painful, depriving her from all warmth and landmarks. She struggled to scream but her voice reverberated on the walls of the closed space.

"Rory?"

Hearing her strangled cry, the elemental tightened his grip on her freezing body. He reached for the first aid kit and took out some painkillers with water. Her ankle was probably killing her.

"Don't worry, I have painkillers."

She didn't answer. Her breath against his neck was becoming shallower; her body started to shake nearly uncontrollably. Something was really wrong. He switched his lamp on to check on her. She was pale; her eyes were closed but he could see the frantic movements of her pupils. He brought her even closer.

"Patti!"

He lowered the survival blanket, praying he was wrong. Small cuts were appearing on her arms, making her body twitch under the pain. Bloodstains also appeared on her pants legs. The elemental sat there, frozen, not knowing how to react. Sara's killer was attacking her mind and he couldn't help her. It was beyond him.

"Don't you dare dying on me, Patricia! I already lost Sara, I'm not gonna let you go like that. I know you're strong; Come on, fight!"

He tried to wipe the blood and gently shook her. He kept calling her name, hoping it could wake her up.

"Patricia!"

The voices repeating her name endlessly were distant, low, distorted, and unrecognisable. Yet she clung to them. Rory was there; she could still read the panic in his mind. Another bramble wormed its way up her left arm, cutting through her skin, diverting her attention from the voices. The thorns tore her muscles up, drawing more blood. The burning pain increased again as the living net enclosing her got tighter. It seemed to pump her strength, her memories away through the contact. Life was leaving her quickly. She wanted to give up, to fall into oblivion. She was too tired to fight it anymore. The young psionic closed her eyes, relaxing in the tight grip.

"Patricia!"

Another voice, but it was less distorted. Through the painful haze she was wrapped in, she recognized Emma's voice. She forced her eyes opened. Tiny glowing bubbles came her way, carrying the voice. And hope. Each time one of the bubbles would touch the brambles the vice on her body seemed to relax a little more. The spheres shined more brightly, inflating, pushing the attacker away. Patti knew she had to do something to help Emma. She had to fight back. But she was too tired to even try. Emma's presence grew more tangible around her, fighting the grey fog, making the brambles creep back and dissolve. The glow became blinding, warmer until it exploded soundlessly. Air rushed past her, carrying the last remains of the fog.

She was free. The exhaustion took over as she collapsed and curled on the cold ground. She wanted to sleep, to forget whatever had happened.

XXX

The contact with the energy filled spheres had burned him, forcing him to abandon his prey. It had been a close call this time. But it was just a respite for them. He knew that Emma had seen who he truly was. He had to find another body to hide till the end of the camp. He had lost one prey. But it wasn't important. Emma was the perfect match to his strength. It wasn't about feeding anymore. It was a primal need that had to be satisfied.

XXX

Like a sign that the battle was over, the rain had stopped as abruptly as it had come. Wind had cleared the overloaded sky, bringing back the sun and warmth on the mountain.

Emma collapsed in Brennan's embrace completely exhausted. It was over at least for now. The psionic breathed deeply in the scent of wet soil and rock more to gain a countenance than to really steady her breathing. Thinking about how she had defeated the killer was not something she wanted to consider right now. It held too many implications.

Brennan was still holding her, his fright seeping through her mind, adding to her own worry. She would have to talk with him later. Now, they had to worry about Patti. Looking up toward the entry of the cave, she spotted Sam and Nina rushing in.

"You should go and help them."

His eyes followed the teenagers, but he didn't move. The ten last minutes had been a nightmare. He wanted to make sure Emma was alright before even thinking of moving. He proceeded to check for wounds, not leaving her the time to protest. She sighed, annoyed. Right now she wanted to be alone.

"Brennan! Stop that, I'm fine."

The elemental stopped, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Realizing what she had done, she rested her hand on his cheek softly stroking it. Hurting him had not been her goal. Her hand travelled to his chin and she lifted his head to look at him right in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, Brennan."

He watched her not knowing what to do with her apology. Emma would never hurt him like that unless it was something really important; a problem with her mutation. Something had happened during those ten minutes. He quickly made up his mind. They would have to talk later. He handed her the small radio.

"I'll follow them inside. You call rescue and explain them the situation."

XXX

Rory felt her tremors gradually subsiding; whatever had caused her tremor was over. He just hoped it was not the calm before a storm. He barely had the time to consider his last thought when he heard the first rumble of exploding rocks.

Minutes later, flash lights scanned the whole cave, accompanied by sounds of footsteps and voices calling their names. It was his turn to relax. Rescue was there. And when Sam helped him carry Patti outside he knew that their life had changed.

When the helicopter that Emma had called came to evacuate her, he couldn't help but think that this story was far from being over.

XXX

Later that night, Emma took the narrow path leading to the first terrace carefully holding her towel. She desperately needed some time alone, away from the constant buzz coming from other people, away from the lingering presence of the killer, away from the questions elicited by Patricia's evacuation, away from Adam's lies.

What had happened earlier that afternoon was still bothering her. The extent of her power was frightening her to no end. Brennan wanted to talk about the incident; she had felt it. But she wasn't ready to explain the changes she had experienced. So instead of staying at the base camp, she had decided to go and find one of the hot springs Charlie had talked about.

Upon reaching her destination, her breath got caught. The terrace was only a few meters wide and consisted mainly of bare rocks with a few patches of grass. In the dim light of twilight, the rock appeared black, smooth and shiny. A waterfall was coming from a small hole in the rockface above and it had created a small pool in the ground. It was two meters wide and a light haze was floating above the water. Overhanging rocks were partly sheltering it, giving the whole area a strange look of privacy and mystery.

Carefully she got closer to the edge of the pond and put her towel on a nearby rock. She dipped her hand in the water smiling. However her happiness was short lived. Her bathing suit was in her top drawer in sanctuary. Quickly she looked around and realized no one would see her if she decided to go in the water.

Her light sweater fell to the ground soon followed by her t-shirt. She hesitated when it came to her bra. But she dismissed all fears and put it on the pile of clothes. Her shoes, socks and pants were quickly added to the growing pile of clothes. Looking around one last time she got rid of her panties as well.

She stepped in the lukewarm water with delight. The pool was deep enough for the water to reach the base of her collarbone. The sensation of water flowing around her, with only the noises of nature felt so relaxing that she closed her eyes. A soft spot of polished rock welcomed her head, creating a small welcoming pillow. All the muscular tension of the afternoon fight began to leave her.

XXX

"Brennan, night will come in less than an hour. You should go and check on your wife."

The elemental looked up from his book, only to find Charlie staring at him, worry etched on his face. Most students were in their tents already sleeping. Others were near the fire talking about the earthquake and their classmate evacuation. Looking down at his watch he realized that Emma had been gone for nearly one hour. What the hell was taking her so long? A strong fear settled in the pit of his stomach. The killer might have followed her. Fearing the worst he hastily got up, taking his flashlight.

"I'll better go and find her."

Charlie affectionately patted his shoulder knowing that he was worried. They all were. The elemental shook his head. He should have been more careful. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her.

XXX

The sound of footsteps on bare rock disrupted her light slumber. Instantly she froze; there were wild animals in the vicinity. As quietly as possible, she searched the bottom of the pond and found a small pebble. Without a second thought, she turned around and threw it at the intruder.

Before Brennan could realize what was happening, something hit him hard on the left shoulder. Pain radiated through his arm and he couldn't help but let out a hiss of pain. Emma had more strength than she would let appear.

"Emma, what do you think you are doing?"

Startled, the young woman instantly lowered herself back in the water. What was he doing here? How long had she been asleep in that pool? Questions were swirling in her head. She heard him getting closer and cursed. She could not get out of the water now and she had probably hurt him.

"Sorry Bren. No don't come nearer!"

But her half-desperate, half-afraid warning came too late. In less than two strides, he was at the edge of the pool looking down at the messy pile of clothes and then at her, gawping. Emma closed her eyes, sinking further in the water, trying to hide from him. She should have known that Brennan would come after her.

"Can you turn around please? I want to get out of the water."

Ignoring her request, the elemental sat on a nearby rock, dipping his hand in the water. He couldn't keep his eyes of her. The water glistened on her bare skin; her slightest move would create a fresh ripple on the pond surface. The sight of her in that setting was mesmerizing, arousing. The temperature of the spring was perfect and the temptation to join her was nearly overwhelming. It took him seconds to make up his mind. Without a word, his shoes and socks joined hers. Emma watched him now with rapt attention, all desire to get out of the water forgotten.

She turned around shyly when he got rid of his last clothes and stepped in the water. It overflowed, splashing the terrace. A contented sigh escaped from his lips. The warmth of the water was heavenly; especially after their meeting with that killer and the storm. His eyes went from the little waterfall to his very silent companion. She hadn't told him what had happened near that cave. And as much as he hated to admit it, Emma keeping secrets from him was killing him inside.

"Emma?"

"Please, Brennan, not now. I promise. I'll talk to you. But… not right now."

He could make her talk to him but he didn't want to force her if she wasn't ready. After a few seconds of hesitation, Brennan scooted closer to Emma until their tights were touching. His arm found its way around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. The intimacy of the contact made her shiver pleasantly. She didn't want to think right now. And he was the best diversion she could get.

Without a word she got up, the water trickling down her body. Hearing him gasp, she slightly turned around and winked at him before sitting between his legs. Her back soon connected with his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck letting his lips linger on her skin. She snuggled closer to him, needing the comfort of his touch. The contact between their two bodies was distracting her from her previous worries, filling her heart, igniting a fire only he could create. His lips moved along her jaw line till they reached the corner of her lips, softly nibbling at them. Emma turned her head around and kissed him back hungrily.

"Emma, Brennan!"

The sound of a voice calling their names seeped trough the lust-filled fog enclosing them. The young woman broke the kiss reluctantly. Why did people keep interrupting them at the worst moment? First Adam and now Nina and Sam. She wanted to kill them right now.

"Give us a few minutes. We're coming!"

She rested her head against his shoulder, trying to steady her breath. Nervous laughter was bubbling inside of her, threatening to burst out. Brennan was deathly calm behind her. Suddenly the events of the day caught up with her, wrecking havoc in her mind.

"Emma…"

She couldn't keep it inside. Her laughter erupted, reverberating on the rockface. Soon enough it changed to heartbreaking sobs. Nina called them again and this time Brennan told her to go back to the camp.

"Emma, what is wrong?"

She turned around to face him. Small tears were running down her cheeks and she was chewing on her bottom lip. Her sight distressed him to a nearly painful point. Without second thought he took her back in his arms trying to comfort her.

"It's ok Emma. You don't need to hold back."

After a few minutes, she was calm enough to look back at him. Her walls had melted like ice under the sun. She locked eyes with him and smiled weakly. This man was a wonderful gift. Despite all her weaknesses, her flaws he was still there with her. She had to tell him.

"I'm sorry. I just realized that I could have died there... and…"

The voices echoed a third time, disturbing them, not giving them the time they needed to talk.

"We better get going. We don't want one of our students surprising us like that?"

One of his eyebrow arched as his eyes travelled up and down her upper body. They finally settled on the little blue gem decorating her bellybutton. A Christmas present he had given her. One of his fingers circled it, making her shiver. Feeling his thoughts drifting, she kissed him lightly.

"That wouldn't be very wise. Now you turn around so that I can get dressed."

It was his turn to laugh. Her sudden attempt at modesty was charming.

"There's nothing I haven't seen before, Emma."

She tried to glare at him but failed miserably.

"Turn around or you'll sleep outside, alone and out of the tent tonight."

TBC