Chapter one- When the lights go out

Thursday night, some low security prison in New York City.

A tall dark shadow loomed over him where he lay; trying to read his book from what little light could be had from the corridor.

'Last chapter Harry,' Erik promised absentmindedly, not bothering to roll over to address the guard.

The prisoner's body stiffened as the silence stretched on.

Harry was a notorious, cheerful chatterbox.

'Can't sleep Lehnsherr?' a soft seductive voice came from the other side of his prison cell. 'I'm sure I can find a way for you to work off that extra energy.'

With a flat sigh of frustration he rolled over to face his occasional tormentor, 'As I have told you before, Officer Pratt, I am not interested in your offer, tonight or any night.'

Erik's least favourite prison security guard leered at him; excitement shining in his eyes at his dismissive answer.

'I really like the way you talk. So correct, so…..cultured,' his aggressor cooed. 'I can imagine how it would sound when …when you are not so in control'

The man's eyes raked over Eric's lean six foot plus frame, no doubt undressing him with his eyes. With a sudden violent movement, the guard pushed his arms through the bars as if trying to make a grab for the other on the bed. Naturally he was stopped by the same metal that kept Erik caged.

Through it all, Erik remained motionless with a bored look plastered on his chiseled face but on the inside his stomach clenched. He wasn't afraid but the powerlessness he felt tore at his mind. After all Erik had survived in the camps, he would NOT be broken...not by some obese, coarse, common prison guard. A part of him had died in that courtroom when the judge had handed down a seven year sentence for financial fraud. SEVEN years! Even the ubiquitous loiterers and reporters in the courtroom had incredulously muttered over that one as the judge banged his gavel for silence.

'Erik Lehnsherr, from where I sit I can see that you have never done anything useful with your life and you don't intend to. I hereby sentence you to the maximum time for your crime.'

Bang bang went the gavel and his albeit pathetic excuse of a life had vanished.

Pratt, realizing that his fresh attempts to get a response from his beautiful prisoner were falling flat, swore loudly, 'Some day you are going to regret not being more grateful. But I'll come see you tomorrow night, maybe even bring you something nice from the kitchens. Cook says you like vanilla.'

With one last parting whack of his night stick on the bars, Pratt sauntered off.

'Pssst, Lehnsherr …you okay?' a soft worried voice floated across from a cell opposite. Erik stood up and walked over to the bars so that he could whisper back his response.

'Matt? Yes…go back to sleep.'

'Geez, Erik…Pratt has it in for you! We should tell someone.'

Erik lips curled up slightly at the edges. He never imagined he would find someone that cared in prison.

'We could tell Harry,' Matt suggested when Erik made no response. 'He's a good guard…and …and I would back you up. Ned...Ned you awake? Did you hear Pratt harassing Erik again?'

Ned pelted a hairbrush at the bars to underline his annoyance at being disturbed.

'I a'int hear nutten,' was the other prisoner's crabby response, 'and you should keep your mouth shut about stuff like this.'

Erik could just imagine the flabbergasted expression on Matt's innocent face. Looking at the young man, you wondered how he ever worked up the gumption to commit a crime.

'ARE you CRAZY!' the boy hissed out, 'Pratt wants to …he wants Erik.'

Erik turned his back on the conversation and slowly slid down the bars to sit on the cold concrete floor.

'I don't know Matt,' Ned finally offered. 'I think Erik is into that sort of thing.'

'Erik ISNT into RAPE! He's a good guy!'

'No, I don't mean …'

'Alright quiet DOWN!' Pratt yelled down their corridor, 'Don't make me come over there.'

Silence reigned.

Matt was right, Erik thought to himself. Well not about him being a good guy but about the fact that he had to do something. He had to get out of here; if not to get away from Pratt's unwanted advances but for his own sanity. He barely survived being a prisoner the last time so long ago when he was just a boy. And he couldn't fall apart now; he still had a mission to accomplish. He was so close!

'So close, Mama', he whispered softy into the dark shadows of his cell.

Very quietly he pulled out the letter he had been carrying around in his breast pocket for the last couple of days. The creases were well worn which indicated that it was repeatedly read.

Even though he knew the words by heart but just seeing it once again, filled him with warmth on this dreary cold night. Like the first time that he read the letter, he had broken into a rare genuine smile when he saw all the exclamation points decorating the page. To think that there was anyone out there who was so excited about teaching.

April, 2012.

Good day Mr. Lehnsherr,

I was so pleased to receive your reply to my letter! I would be most happy to assist you in your preparations for your high school equivalency and beyond! However, do not think for one moment we are going to stop with a simple certificate! When the prison board faxed us your aptitude scores, the entire university Psychological unit was buzzing. It is unbelievable to think you have had no formal schooling! I consider it an honor to assist you in finding a new path. This is only the beginning my friend.

I will be there on Friday evening.

I am yours,

Charles Xavier.