This is my last disclaimer as it is apparent already if you've read from the beginning.
Disclaimer Laby is not mine but the unknowns are. And the songs, yes I wrote them myself (Except for the Laby ones, you know which ones they are. To specify better, 'As the World Falls Down' is one that I do not own.) My star sings the ones I own. Hope you like and please don't take them as they are protected. I won't say how. ^^ Please tell me what you think of my attempts at Song Writing. Cha!
SFS
Chapter Eight
Everything had more or less settled down once Sarah had her things in order and began learning about her new abilities with the professor. Life at the school was actually… nice. No one expected you to talk to him or her all the time, besides the rowdy bunch that occasionally did enter the lounge, it was quiet. Everyone seemed to have his or her own agenda. She liked it this way. If only the college could be more like this.
Getting to her usual classes seemed not to be a difficulty after all. Trevor's schedule was basically the same, so they would both leave together via his bike. Trish seemed to have seen this a few times and assumed the obvious. No amount of shaking her head to Trish convinced her other wise. Though Trevor could and would be more a gentleman at the school, at college he was the same guy she met from day one. She just made it very obvious that they were not an item, mostly by avoiding him and looking rather peeved at practice as he would grin and wink at her at different intervals. It did rather confuse both Trish and Charlie, leaving them to scratch their heads and shrug.
Jean was good to her word. Each practice had her sitting in the sideline watching, sometimes with a notepad, sometimes just standing there, arms crossed. The actors seemed to want to really impress her with their stuff, especially the guys but she would only grin or just ignore them, leaving them hanging in their ridiculous state. It was humorous to both Sarah and Trevor to see how she rejected them so easily. Would have made Scott grin widely.
It had been about three weeks since she'd moved and all was settled in. The play would be in two more months and she felt ready. It only seemed one scene left her feeling very uncomfortable.
The dance scene.
It was where she and her 'prince' would meet at dance put on by the visiting 'royal', as you might call them, at the hall in their town. He would, like the original story, fall for her at an instant. Her means of getting there were help from a mysterious friend, so that her stepsisters would not know her. The wardrobe had actually done a spectacular job on finding something very 90's yet like the original idea. But for this practice she did not wear the dress, nor did 'prince Charming' wear his suit. They were set in the middle of the stage, looking at each other, with everyone in the seats and the narrators at the sidelines, hidden at each end. Sarah swallowed but did not show any fear. Trevor just gave a wry grin as he bowed, Chuck reading his part.
"'Fair lady, you are most welcome. Might I ask for you for a dance?'"
Trish followed suit as Sarah curtsied as if she wore the dress, "'Kind sir, I am flattered. I accept your request.'"
It was strange having someone speak the lines instead of him or her but Rog was right, it did sound quite different. So it was that Trevor took her in his arms and they began to dance. Rog had had a dance teacher come in earlier for them to learn the steps needed in the play. It was a ballroom style dance and quite elegant. Both seemed a natural to it. Soft music was played but the sound effects guys as they went about the stage. Sarah knew both Chuck and Trish were speaking their parts but at this time she did not have to react at all, neither did Trevor.
So, her mind began to wonder as they whirled about slowly. The music playing seemed to meld into another melody, a familiar one. Her vision blurred and her surroundings seem to turn a pearly white, an elegant chandelier above them, pearls hanging here and there, other dancers about them, laughter and jolly sounds. She blinked carefully and it seemed that Trevor too began to change but she couldn't quite see him. Her eyes were blurred but she saw a sparkling blue suit, white ruffles at his throat. He seemed a little taller and his hair seemed a bit wild, punk like. But his face, she couldn't see his face. She felt as if she wore a dress of satin and her hair felt very different as well. Words seemed to meld with the music, as someone sang to her.
There's such a fooled heart
Beating so fast
In search of new dreams
A love that will last
Within your heart
I'll place the moon
Within your heart
Sarah gasped as she pulled away, blinking furiously. She touched her head slightly feeling woozy.
"Sarah?" came Trevor's voice, bewildered. She looked up and saw the same Trevor as always. He looked confused yet concerned.
"Sarah? Are you feeling all right?" Rog asked as he came to the stage. Even Jean from the sidelines began to come forward before stopping herself.
Sarah just nodded, waving them off. Trevor turned to Rog; "She's probably just feeling a bit tired. I'll take her out for some air."
Rog nodded and turned to the class, "Well that's it for today. See you all after the weekend."
Trish came running up to Sarah as people shuffled out of the amphitheater, followed by Chuck. "Sarah, you gonna be okay?"
Sarah raised an eyebrow at Trish as if to say stop asking. Trish then began to giggle happily, "So tonight is the concert! Oh Sarah, I don't know how you managed it, but you are my angel!" She sighed dramatically, "I'm gonna see 'Illusion'. In front row seats!!! EEEEEEEEE!!"
Chuck just glowered at Trish as Sarah could only stare at the love struck girl. At this Trevor coughed lightly and tapped Sarah on the shoulder, "Umm, Sarah? About that ticket? Well, I found I have to do some work with the Prof. Something that can't wait. So, I guess you have an extra."
Sarah blinked as Chuck began to look hopeful. With a surprised chuckle, she took the ticket from Trevor and handed it to a very surprised Charlie. His eyes just glittered with joy as he handled the ticket like glass. "Oh, I've died, haven't I? This will disappear in a second, won't it?"
Trish swiped the ticket and held it before him teasingly, "Don't think for one second this means you're sitting with me. And yeah, it'll be ripped in half once you get there, nitwit."
Chuck grabbed it back and commenced teasing Trish as Trevor just chuckled, Sarah smiling. He took her aside from the bickering 'couple' and Jean soon approached.
"I take it we have another friend coming?" she asked, eyeing the joyful Charlie.
Yeah, I think he's happy, Sarah shrugged. Trevor can't go.
Jean looked surprised, "Seems you got lucky after all. I'd love to know how you got out of coming."
Trevor just coughed and began slipping away, "Well, got stuff to do. See you at in the parking lot, Sarah." And he left, hands in his pockets, whistling. Jean shrugged, "Still hasn't changed much."
Sarah turned to her, What do you mean?
"Well, for some reason he's never really liked 'Illusion' for some very odd reason and he has a habit of going off on his own sometimes. Who knows where. The Professor might but he won't say. I'd say he's still dealing with a lot of stuff and hearing heartfelt songs like what 'Illusion' sings might be too much for him. He's not one to share his feelings. I guess I understand."
Sarah looked back to where Trevor had left through and muddled in her mind what it might be. To be truthful, she actually looked forward to be going with him, even if he was obnoxious at times. Her brow furrowed.
What did happen to you Trevor?
~~~
Later when she and Trevor got back to the school, Sarah went to her room to practice a few moves before laying back on her bed, reading some material Ororo had wanted her to read. Playing some Celtic music, she began to feel sleepy. The music had always had an effect on her and she'd had liked it from the first time she'd heard Karen playing it at home one day.
This one was by an artist called Enya, the CD called The Celts. She took up the cover, taking out the little booklet that came with any CD, and turned it to the description of the song playing, a favorite of hers. (AN: Quote from the actual booklet from Enya: The Celts)
Fairytale This is based on the story of the Fairy King Midir and his love for the beautiful princess Etain. It is a story of great love, jealousy, secrets and endurance, in which Etain is banished and transformed into a pool of water, from which she emerges as a butterfly. Although immortal she is born a mortal child, one thousand and twelve years after her first birth.
It was a beautiful tale and the music so much like it's description. Every time she heard it, it seemed to sound like another lifetime, something familiar. As if she to had experienced such sorrow, pain, and love. Sometimes she would cry and other times, she only listened, sighing sadly.
"'Fairytale'," a soft voice said from the doorway, causing Sarah to jump a little to see whom it was. Ororo smiled gently from the doorway, "I too enjoy this music. I recognize it's sad tale. It must seem a comfort for you. You do listen to it often."
I suppose it reminds me of something. Perhaps something long forgotten. I wish I knew. Sarah looked thoughtfully at her window, seeing the sun was beginning to set. I guess I should get ready soon.
"Sarah," Ororo said as she came forward, holding something in her hand, "I know life has been rough for you and I do hope we can help you overcome it. I thought you might like this." She opened her hands and in her palm was a little fairy ornament. It was a tiny girl, about three inches high with delicate crystal wings that glittered. She wore a soft green color dress to her feet with sleeves open like a medieval style dress and a silver belt hung down the center from her waist. Her hair was long and soft red, a silver circlet fit about her head, her face seeming so calm and peaceful, a little white perhaps. Her hands were before her together in open palms as if accepting something and her eyes closed.
Sarah drew in a breath. She is exquisite. But where did you get her?
"Oh well I thought you'd like an ornament to brighten your room and I was in the city shopping when I came upon this quaint little out of place shop. The lady there was quite kind and said this would be just the thing to make you feel at home. I hope you like it."
I do. But this must have cost a fortune. I couldn't take it.
Ororo waved her off, smiling; "No it's yours. What purpose would I have for it? Besides, it apparently has a story around it. The shopkeeper said that it is a representation of a Fae who once lived many centuries ago and that it is said to have a healing property to it. Perhaps it will help you."
Sarah was touched and smiled at Ororo, tears in her eyes, Thank you. It…it looks so much like someone I knew… I think I knew. She touched the locket about her neck and felt calm. Perhaps a special someone.
Ororo was pleased by her response and headed back to the door, "Have a good time tonight." And she was gone.
Sarah carefully set the statuette on her nightstand beside the music box and the crystal, smiling happily. The song she listened to seem to drift happily around her and it even looked like the statue itself glowed. It just seemed to belong there, as if it had always been apart of her life. Sighing she went to her closet and began looking for an outfit for the evening.
~~~
Jean and Scott were downstairs by the doors chatting with the Professor and Ororo, trying to contain their excitement about the concert to a minimum. Soon, Sarah came down the stairs and Scott whistled, "Hey, good looking'."
Jean nudged him playfully as Sarah smiled. She wore dark form fitting pants and a red blouse tucked loosely in, topping her outfit with a dark vest with Celtic designs and a black pleather jacket that reached mid calve; a gift from Jean and the Prof. for doing well on a tough practice. She had her black purse slung over her shoulder to hang on her opposite side against her hip, under the coat. Her hair was held to the side with a nice oval clip from home.
Making her way over to them she gave a dazzling smile, Well, let's get going.
"Right!" Scott opened the door for the ladies and they headed to his red convertible outside. Sarah had a small pang of disappointment that Trevor had not been there to see her outfit. But then again, why should she have expected it?
She turned back to the open door, looking at the Prof. Say bye to Trevor for me, would you?
Xavier frowned a little, "Trevor? I don't think he's in tonight. Should I be seeing him?"
Sarah's brow furrowed but she shook her head, I guess he meant something else. Never mind. Bye!
She waved as she hopped into the back of the car and they sped off down the drive and onto the highway. Xavier was curious by the comment but said nothing as he and Ororo headed back in.
~~~
After picking up Trish and Chuck, they headed to the large concert complex downtown, struggled for a parking spot and eventually made their way to the building and the doors. It seemed like hundreds of people were lining the sidewalk and jumping with anticipation. Before they could get in line as well, a dark suit with shades approached them, asking for their tickets. Seeing it what they were he escorted them past the hollowing crowd and down through the noisy rows of screaming people. Once they reached the front, their was a velvet rope moved aside and they were brought to some very cushy seats, a safe distance from the jumping crowd.
Trish was livid with excitement, "I can't believe this is happening!!"
"Oh these are yours as well," the suit spoke, handing them passes on cords to go around their necks, "Comes with the front row privileges. You'll be able to go there once the show is finished. Enjoy the show!" and he left.
Both Trish and Jean grew very quiet and then screamed with delight as they stared the passes. Scott and Chuck high fived, "All right! Back stage passes!"
"Someone loves me!" Jean and Trish said in unison as they kissed the laminated passes. Sarah could only stare and then laugh. Still, besides their feelings, something about all this felt strange to her. Not saying anything to the others, she sat down and stared forwards at the empty stage about three meters away.
Trish plopped beside her with Chuck beside her and Jean and Scott on Sarah's other side. "You're real calm about this, Sar," Trish giggled, "Don't you see? This is our chance to meet the 'Illusion'. Who knows, we might get to even see his face. Ahhh, the face of…"
"…'Illusion'," Jean finished, looking starry eyed as Scott and Chuck just chuckled.
"He's got to be pretty cool. To get a crowd like this is amazing. He's only been around for a year, right? I'm not sure even The Rolling Stones had it this lucky." Chuck then saw a friend of his some rows back and began yelling back to him over the crowd.
"Probably bragging," Trish muttered, "Like he'd have gotten here without you, Sarah. Sarah?"
Sarah blinked from her revelry and smiled to Trish who grinned, "I haven't seen you like this ever. This must be a good thing."
After a minute or two, an announcer silenced the crowd, the lights going dark.
'And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, back in his hometown after a world tour, the amazing, out of this world, 'ILLUSION'!!!"
The crowd went wild as lights blasted into view on the stage, fog filling the floor and seeping into the crowd. Then suddenly he was there as the music shot into existence. He stood there, mic in hand, his head down. As he looked up, it could be seen that he wore the same glittering mask Sarah had first seen on the news. His outfit was still dark but this one glittered blue, white ruffles at his throat, much like a gothic style lord from old time, black leather boots reaching just past his knees. His hair was the same wild rock star look and in the light the color again was incomprehensible. Once as the lights changed, it seemed green, then violet, then blue and sometime white. It was mesmerizing for any special effects enthusiasts.
The crowd was ecstatic as his words began to pour, and they were suddenly silent.
Such fire I saw in your eyes
I never would realize
A passion so strong and pure
Love I could never cure
The flame of passion in your eyes
Can't you ever realize?
Why do you look so hard at me?
When you wish to turn and flee
His voice escalated as the music came alive with deep emotion, every best loud and clear.
I saw the fire in your eyes
A love not to be despised
Don't defy me with your heart
I have loved you from the start
Ohhhh….Ohhhh….
When will I see that fire again?
So strong and burning till the end
I never thought that this could be
And yet you turn to run and flee
Yet even now with love so cruel
I feel the fire in the fool
So hard and crushing to the heart
I never want to be apart!
I saw the fire in your eyes
A love not to be despised
Don't defy me with your heart
I have loved you from the start
I saw the fire in your eyes
A love not to be despised
Don't defy with your heart
I have loved you from the start
Ooohhh, baby of mine….
Ooohhh, BABY OF MINE!!
I saw the fire in your eyes
A love not to be despised
Don't defy me with your heart
I have loved your from the start.
I can't take this pain no more
If only you could be restored
What will it take for love to be
So strong again and yet so free.
So strong again…and yet so FREEEEEEE!!!!!
As the song ended the crowd went wild, everyone jumping everywhere, screaming his name as the lights had given a blast of display before going dark. Everyone loved his song, that was apparent, but Sarah felt something so different as she stood to clap. His words felt as if someone was actually speaking, telling what their heart felt and morning over it. This singer… were these his words?
More songs came after, some as loud as the first had ended, others quiet where in the crowd was silent, tears in their eyes and a sparkling appearance of lighters everywhere, like the sparkling of a night sky. Songs called, 'Heart Tied', 'Twisted Love to Be', 'Strong Only', 'Crystals Only Shatter' (One where Sarah felt something tug at her), 'Mark Me Once', and 'See the Night in ME', where he seemed to speak of the moon a few times. Whatever he meant, the crowd loved every minute of it. There was an intermission, followed by other songs and then, the finale.
Then everyone was quiet as they knew the best song of all was coming. It almost sounded like tissues going around to get ready. It kinda seemed silly but Sarah was nervous.
Jean glanced at Sarah, seeing her nervous state. Sarah? She thought over to her.
Sarah turned to her, her eyes worried, This is the song that played when I first spoke. What will happen this time?
Jean was surprised but gave her a reassuring squeeze, It'll be okay. It may have just brought out a painful memory. Just focus on the positive, kay?
Sarah nodded and watched as the lights went a soft blue and white, the fog sweeping gently over the stage to their feet. It seemed so enchanting. At each of the songs, it had seemed to Sarah that this masked singer would look in her direction at certain lines. It would hit her to the very core and leave her breathless. This time, he looked directly at her, even if the audience didn't notice, as his words began.
Once upon a moonlit dream
Something sparked in my life
There you shone like a mystic moonbeam
Glowing so brightly like the stars in the sky
A time, so long ago
Love, we'd never know
How much we'd never see
Could this love ever be?
I never thought that it would come
A feeling, so strong and numb
Can it be, we'll never see
Would this love ever be?
Sarah felt like she was floating in the clouds, this singer standing before her. His words seeped into her very soul, as if to break down the walls so heavily built around her. Her eyes seemed to look so close to his and her mind soared. His hand came forward to the crowd but to Sarah it seemed he gestured to her.
Moonlit princess, you stole my heart
And just as quickly we were thrown apart
How can I live without your touch?
Forbidden romance, an exorbitant rush!
I never thought that it would come
A feeling, so strong and numb
Can it be, we'll never see
Would this love ever be?
Oh…
I never thought that it would come
A feeling, so strong and numb
Can it be, we'll never see
Would this love ever be?
His eyes…she could see his eyes!
You! Only you can make this feeling strong
How… can I ever… bring you back where you belong?!
I never thought that it would come
A feeling, so strong and numb
Can it be, we'll never see
Would this love ever be?
Would this love… ever be?
The audience was silent and weeping was heard softly as light came like stars over the stage. As the blue and white lights began to vanish, Sarah felt he was looking directly at her. Her throat seemed to open suddenly and the miracle happened again.
"Found… he found… " She choked softly and then the strange voice from her was gone. No one seemed to have heard her as the crowd cheered for more. But it was apparent that he was finished. Trish was ecstatic as she gripped Sarah's arm, dragging her along with the others in tow.
"This is it, Sar!" She giggled, "Back stage!"
"Hey Charlie," Scott mentioned, "I hear you're strange manager for your play, right?"
Trish glowered, "Unfortunately."
"Well this could be a good chance to see how the pros do it. Maybe you'll get some pointers on special effects."
"Hey, that's a great idea!" he exclaimed, grabbing Scott's arm, "Come on, this will be excellent!"
With a shrug to the others he followed Chuck through some back curtain in search of the stage manager and special effects.
Trish, Jean and Sarah found themselves in a busy back stage hallway with many people running about either setting stuff out or cleaning up. Trish cried for joy at what caught her eye, gripping Sarah and Jean's arms. "Do you see what I see?"
"Um," Jean chuckled, "The band perhaps? Hey they don't even show up on the stage, through all that fog. Makes it interesting, I'll bet." Then she blinked, grinning widely, "Yes. Yes I do. And is he a hotty or what?"
Sarah looked to see what they were gaping at and saw someone who apparently was the drummer, his sticks still in his hands. He wasn't too bad looking. Trish began to pull them along but Sarah held back.
Go ahead, Jean, she thought to her, I'd rather just wander a bit.
Jean nodded and both Trish and her went after the drummer.
Sarah sighed a little tiredly, muddling over what had happened. This time no one had heard her but even she did not understand the meaning of what was said.
Found? Found what? Watching different people going about and making sure she was not in the way, she found herself in a quieter hall with a few doors marked with stars. One at the end of the hall was marked with 'Illusion'. Tempting as it was she decided not to go after him. She felt odd about it and didn't really understand him. Why would he have been looking at her?
Turning around she began to leave when a soft voice spoke.
"Hello Sarah."
Her face felt pale and she swallowed hard. Turning, she saw him. He was still in his stage outfit, the mask still in place. At this distance, he seemed not that much taller then some of the other guys like Scott or Trevor. Yet her body seem to shake, either with fear or excitement.
How did he know…
"That's is your name, from what your pass says." He grinned as he came closer, a sort of smirk all most. He took her hand and she felt a chill… or was it a shock?
He leaned over, kissing her hand and looking up at her. His eyes… she could see them again.
"Charmed, I'm sure."
Sarah felt dizzy, the world swimming around her as she felt her knees give way. She felt she was caught in someone's arms but she was already seeing black. A last conscious thought came to her as her mind shut off.
His eyes…
~~~
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