*telepathic speaking*

*speaking*

Thinking

She needed a change, she was done being what her father told her she was years ago. Done. Over. Finished. Mystique mentally compared herself to her father Michael Darkhölme as she walked down the dark and grimy alleyway. Damn, I'm like my father I deserted my family, I made horrible decisions. I will not be like my father any more. I will chan…Aggh. Pain flashed through her body, tearing through her like a million flaming shards. Her skull felt like it was splitting in two. She felt like something was trying to claw its way out, some part of her suppressed for a very long time. I need help now. I'm close enough to the Institute maybe Charles can hear me.

*CHARLES* *CHARLES* *CHARLES* Mystique called.

*What? Who's there?* Professor Charles Xavier shouted with a start.

*Mystique, I need your help. Something's wrong with me.* Mystique groaned mentally as another wave of pain shot through her.

*Where are you?* Charles asked quietly.

Mystique shot him a mental image of where she lay collapsed on the street.

*I'm coming.* Charles replied as all went pitch dark.

Charles pulled on an old t-shirt and jeans and slid himself into his wheelchair. As he rode towards Storms room he questioned why he agreed to help Mystique. She had tried to kill the X-Men many times. I can't leave a helpless person on a street. Charles knocked gently on Storm's door. A few minutes later Storm opened her door standing disheveled in front of him.

*I need your help Storm. I must go retrieve someone, will you drive me please.*

*Yes, may I ask who we are picking up* Storm yawned.

* It is better if I do not share* answered Charles.

As they drove up to down town Bayville, they saw a figure lying in an alleyway.

*Stop* commanded Charles.

He rode towards the figure, Storm following close behind.

*Carry Mystique to the car.* he whispherd over his shoulder as he moved towards the car.

Storm quietly picked up the young woman, carrying her to the car and placing her in the back seat. They drove back in an uncomfortable silence to the Institute.