Kay I've added something in here that might throw up the rating somewhat. And I've never written something this cough personal. So please don't flame me wince for oncoming attack. I hope you enjoy this chapter any way and sorry if it gets boring or confusing. Just struggling on to keep you all entertained. Cha!

Chapter Nine

She was standing in a dim room, firelight playing along the stone walls from its place in a far wall. A soft blue rug lay on the floor; she could feel its softness, as she was barefoot. Her dress was soft green, medieval style with open sleeves and a silver belt gracing her waist. Her felt like it was up in braids and a soft tail trailed down her back. This room felt familiar once again, like a forgotten dream. She'd been here before, she was sure, and more then likely it was a dream.

Large window doors stood open before her, a gentle breeze blowing white curtains. It was not a chill wind yet not quite warm either. She felt the familiarity of waiting for something again. It seemed all déjà vu to her. Here she had her voice again but she didn't understand how the words came.

"Where is he? He promised he would return."

My dear, why do you torture yourself? Came a soft feminine voice. These dreams help you not. Leave this Illusion and embrace what you know to be true.

"No," she cried out, holding her arms about her, "I know what lies out there and I do not wish for any part of it. It holds no love for me. I am safer here."

Until you take those steps you shall never know, never understand why this is, your reason for being and these powers that cling to you. Take the help offered you. Do not hold back.

"I don't want to hurt anyone. But I cannot do it." She looked at the open doors with fear. She remembered how she never left this room, never ventured forth. Nothing good could be out there. It was dark and something caused fear in her to see it. "No, he will return. He will come to me."

Why? Why must he come? Do you not realize it is a great task to him? He is drain from his search. His mind comes so close and yet you hold back. Until you open yourself, he will never return.

"No," she wept, falling to her knees, weeping into her hands. The voice went softer and it almost seemed like a comforting breeze twirled about her, playing wit her hair and caressing her face as if to wipe the tears.

I wish you not to be sad. But these are tasks that must be fulfilled. I wish no more hardship on you than what you've had. You must be brave. Listen, can you not hear it? He is calling. You must answer.

She looked up and heard the soft sound of music, the familiar melody that haunted her so long. But she shook as she felt it came from out there. Fear took hold again.

"There is… pain out there, something that needs not be remembered. If I go…"

It will be perilous but it is a step that needs to be taken. Some things should never be forgotten. Go my darling. I will watch over you as well as I can. Be strong. Know that the life that runs through your veins holds the key to your past… and the mysteries beyond.

Slowly she rose, her face set even as fear gripped her. With shaken steps she approached the open doors, each feeling like lead weights tied fast. The breeze felt a little stronger as she neared, blowing more fierce as she stopped only a foot away, her hair and dress whipping about her. She turned away slightly, the fear growing stronger.

"I… I don't know…"

Believe in yourself and the strength that dwells in your mind. Know that I will always be with you even when you are alone.

She turned to the angry darkness, away from the warmth of that room and to the shrieking of the wind and crashes of thunder before her. But above it al, the faint melody that held her heart still played.

With strength in mind, she made for that last step.

A sudden blaze of light flashed before her eyes and she held up her hands in protection.

The ground left her feet…

~~~

It felt like a soft couch that she was lying on. Her eye hurt, feeling blurry as she slowly blinked. She could hear soft music playing, see a soft light fill the room to take away any harshness. As she her eyes began to adjust, she could make out white Christmas lights lined in corners where the walls met the ceiling, as well in the corners going to the floor. Her head felt groggy as she touched it gently, sitting up.

It was then that she thought she heard the faint sounds of someone singing, rather sadly she thought. Not far from the couch was another doorway where it came from. From the looks of her surroundings, she was in a small dressing room of sorts, a few outfits lying over a few other chairs and desk and mirror to the side, it's bright lights off.

Leaning against the couch she felt the strange dream fading from her memory. It seemed any dream she had was never remembered as she woke. And they always seemed important, almost vital.

The sound of footsteps came from the darkened doorway, and soon and tall figure stood there, stopping as they saw that she was awake. Holding back, their facial features were hidden in the darkness.

"Are you all right? I don't understand why you fainted." His voice took on a mocking tone suddenly, "Unless you are like all my other adorning fans."

At this Sarah took offense, frowning deeply and looking peeved. He chuckled as he stepped away from the door, appearing soon after, his face covered by the mask of before. Her eyes widened when she realized where she was.

'Illusion's dressing room!

He set a glass of water before her on a coffee table, sitting in another chair in a relaxed posture, seeming to watch her in amusement. Taking the glass, she didn't leave her gaze of him for a second. Setting the glass down after she didn't move. He tilted his head.

"You are rather odd, aren't you?" his voice sounded accented but much like someone else she knew, indecisive. Yet his words were what irritated her. Here was this perfect stranger calling her names and laughing at her. What had ever made her think he had hurt spirit or that he may be suffering? She began to rise but sat again in a weak state. His mirth vanished and his features took a serious look.

"You are not well, it seems. Perhaps I should send for a doctor…"

She shook her head, not really sure how she could communicate with him. She wasn't sure he'd understand that a voice in his head was her speaking. It worked with the others only because they were privy to know about it. Could she trust this 'singer' with such a secret?

He sat back again, "Might I ask why you did not come here like all the rest? You turned away at the last minute. You are very different from my usual fans. It is that which intrigued me."

What should she do? Answer the only way she knew how? Ignore him? Or try to leave again? The last option seemed to fail at her last attempt and felt a second try would help her nothing at this point. She sighed, looking away. He leaned forward, curiosity in his features.

"Don't be afraid."

Believe in yourself and the strength that dwells in your mind.

Sarah was surprised by the words. They were ones from a dream, she was sure and now they swam before her as she looked to this man. Her heart suddenly felt like a breaking ice and she felt as if walls were beginning to crumble.

A loud knock sounded from the main door, sending her flying from these thoughts, the walls hard again. The masked man seemed perturbed as he rose to answer, opening it rather hard.

"What is it? Can I not rest?"

"I'm sorry sir," said a voice, more then likely a technician, "But there are a few fans of yours with back stage passes who will wish to see you. I thought maybe…"

"You thought wrong," he said rather angrily, "I do not have time for 'adoring fans'. I am weary from my tour and this concert." He suddenly lowered his voice, a sound like defeat coming, "I suppose I may appear a little but not now. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm tired."

The door closed and he walked by, leaning against a wall, sighing and muttering something incoherent. He turned to her, shaking his head, "I suppose you will wonder why this display when I have a fan here already. Like I have said, you seem different and I wish to know more about you."

Sarah had felt quite surprised by his recent actions that she knew not what to think. What good could come from her revealing her secret? How would it change things? It would be utterly confusing to him. Frustrated at herself, she stood to leave, forcing strength into her limbs. He just watched as she approached the door.

You are a mystery worth seeking.

The thought had just popped into her head that she stopped in a gasp. She turned to him but his appearance had not changed.

What did you say? She did this without a thought and before she knew it he looked surprised, as if hearing something not in the room.

"I… said nothing. Did you…" His grin grew, a chuckle on his lips, "So, this is your secret. Why you wish not to speak. Or perhaps you can't. Am I right?"

She disliked his mocking humor and frown. Yet she nodded, It is not like I wished to tell you any way.

"My, you are a spitfire. It seems I have offended you in some way. Tell me, do you treat most people like this or just the famous ones?" He was grinning widely, evident sarcasm in his voice.

That was it, she was through with this behavior. She went for the door but before she could take the handle, he was there, an arm across it.

"Wait, I mean it when I say I feel something about you."

She gave a cold laugh, You feel? I'm so surprised. And what might your 'feelings' tell you?

"There is danger in your future," his voice was serious, what facial features were seen, not smiling anymore. Sarah took a step back, holding herself close. She had learned from the Professor and Trevor how to protect her mind from the barrage of voices and emotions in the city so she could not tell if he meant what he said. Ever so carefully, she lowered her thin wall only to catch a wave of determination, fear, loyalty… and pain. Gasping, she threw them up again, stumbling. He caught her arm in alarm, steady her.

His touch shocked her and she felt her head snap back. Waves upon waves of images and emotions played through her, her weak defenses crashing down. The world was spinning about her, unfocused. She could hear laughter, a cry out in pain, anger, bitterness, images of crystals, a white room dressed in pearls, a peach, three comrades she didn't recognize, a castle…the Escher Room poster from her old room.

She couldn't breath as she felt her knees give and strong arms came to catch her. She tried with al her might to bring up the walls but she felt her strength leave her. She's black out in a minute if something didn't…

Just as suddenly, it was gone: the emotions, the images, everything. She opened her eyes to find she was sitting on the couch, her host sitting across, his head resting on a hand, looking rather exhausted from his deep breathes.

"Like I was saying, fans tend to wear me out," he chuckled.

Sarah was confused. He was acting like they had been having a conversation, like nothing had happened. Bewilderment filled her mind and she checked her defenses for any sign of breaking.

The problem was, she couldn't find them. The how was she able to… it was all very confusing to her. He looked over to her, "Is something the matter? A glass of water perhaps?" He rose, slowly making his way through another door and out of sight. At this point Sarah concentrated, building up her defenses whether she needed to or not, just as Xavier had taught her. Once she felt more or less done, she rose and went for the door, carefully pulling the handle.

"Wait! Where are you-"

At this she ran. She didn't really understand why but she had to leave. Something did happen, she was sure of it and she felt she had to leave. She didn't stop as he called out, ignored surprised stares from tech. and stagehands. She found the nearest exit and went for it.

"Sarah?" came a surprised voice as she went for the door. It was Trish and Jean with the others. "Sarah, where are you going?"

She didn't answer only ran out the door and down the stairs into the dark alley. She didn't stop running until she had run two blocks, stopping in another dim alley. She paused as she saw it was a dead end. With heaving breaths, she leaned against a dumpster, closing her eyes and reflecting on what had happened.

That singer, there's something about him. Why had he said that? What was his purpose? The other question that came to her was did it really happen. The images… emotions… they burned into her very mind. It was like someone banging at the door to be let in, something trying to resurface. But a part of her mind resisted, leaving her confused and hurt.

Her breathing had returned normal when she heard the noise. A trash can had been knocked over at the mouth of the alley, causing her to turn quickly. Two rather large menacing shadows approached her, a dark chuckle being heard.

Damn! She hadn't realized how far she had strayed from the concert hall and now there was no way out from here but that mouth. She backed away, sinking behind the dumpster, hoping they may not have seen her. It suddenly was pulled aside, revealing two badly shaven men, grinning down at her.

"Lost, little lady?" one joked.

"Perhaps a bit tired from your run?" snorted the other. "Maybe we can help."

She stood, backing away till she came to the dead end wall, shaking her head.

"What? Cat got your tongue? Hey Mik, we got silent type here."

Mik chortled, "All right with me. Less noise to let on anything's wrong. Help her lighter her load, Carl."

Carl grinned as a knife flashed into view, causing Sarah to tremble. It came forward and sliced the strap of her purse, sending it flying to the first. He jiggled it a bit and smiled. "Thanks for the contribution."

"You really are pathetic," came a husky voice from the shadows behind them. A slim shadow stood, their arms crossed, "I hired you for better then this. A mouse wouldn't be afraid of you."

Mik snorted, "Well what you want us to do with her?"

It seemed in their voice that she smiled, "Whatever you wish."

Sarah's eyes widened at these strange words and fear encompassed her as the two men grinned, approaching her slowly, Carl with the knife coming quickly and grabbing her from behind, the cold feeling of steel at her throat.

"You be a good girl and this won't hurt… much."

Mik came forward, grabbing her shirt, the rank stench of sweat and a few drinks on his breath as he laughed in her face. "You look real soft, kitten. I wonder what I might find." The buttons of her blouse tore at his yank, part of it ripping into his hands, revealing her black bra. He grinned more, trailing a finger here and there.

Her fear escalated, her defenses shaking. She couldn't scream as tears flooded her face. Feelings of self-stupidity and rising terror filled her. She felt her life flash as his hands went lower, her clothes being slashed as he went. She wept, struggling, weakly as she could, feeling the blade get closer.

She couldn't control the surge that grew in her, overpowering with the fear and want for survival. Mik shoved her against the wall, feeling her over. She knew he was getting ready and she could only weep. The shadow in the background seem to chuckle at her situation.

Anyone, please…oh please… Trevor!

There was sudden pain; her eyes shot open as his hand had gotten too close. She was being violated. Searing pain screamed through her and her throat was ripped open with sound; the surge of before, shattering her defenses as emotions and thoughts rushed her.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The men were suddenly thrown back violently as searing light burst around her. Her arms were wide, her head shot up as her voice screamed. Whatever the light touched, it was incinerated, leaving black char marks. Her clothes burned at different points and then just as suddenly, the light was gone and she crumpled to the ground, wounded and slightly burned, her clothes almost useless.

The men sat away from her, shaken by what had happened.

"What in blazes?!"

"What kind of freak is she?!"

The slim shadow only laughed. "More then I thought possible. A little late in reaction but none the less effective."

Mik got up quickly, facing the shadow, "You knew she was going to do that?"

"I had a feeling. It's an unconscious effect yes, but none the less, the power is there."

"Look lady, the deal was we get this girl and that's it," Carl grumbled, "You said nothing physical danger to ourselves."

The voice sounded bored, "You men always seem more concerned about details then money. You done your job, fine. Now I have another. Take her and follow me." She turned to leave. Each man looked at each other questionably.

"Well?" she stopped, glancing back. Shrugging, Mik went to pick up the Sarah.

There was a sudden flash of movement and there crouched before him was another shadow, dressed darkly and wearing a mask only revealing his eyes. Mik growled, taking out a knife. Before he could move, the shadow gave a spinning back kick, sending Mik flying harder then would be expected from a kick, into the wall with a sickening crunch, soon slumping to the ground in a groan.

Carl, angered by his partner's attack, ran forward, knife flashing. He lunged forward and the shadow leaned back, back flipping and kicking Carl into the air at the same time. He soon ended up crashing into a dumpster and then nothing moved. The shadow spun of the slim figure of before but already she was racing away down to the mouth of the alley. The shadow ran after, reaching the corner she had turned. He stopped suddenly, looking down the street and sidewalk.

It was empty but for some trash cans and a dirty bum sleeping under some papers. He hissed in frustration as he ran back down the alley to Sarah's still form.

The bum moved, his face glancing where the other had disappeared. His eyes suddenly flashed gold.

~~~

"Will she be all right?" Kitty asked as she waited with Jean, Scott, Kurt, and Logan. Scott and driven back with Jean, after dropping off Trish and Chuck, reassuring them Sarah would be all right and they'd find her. He'd received the message that Sarah had been hurt and was back at the school. So he and Jean rushed back to see what had happened.

From the sounds of it, she had been nearly raped and this threw everybody into worry. Her clothes were also badly burned and there was evidence of violence. But the burns, they had not been explained.

So it was that the group waited outside the lab while Xavier and Ororo were inside. There was someone else but they weren't sure if it was someone that they knew or not. They hadn't seen only knew there had to have been someone who brought her in.

Inside, Ororo approached Xavier as he sat with his head in his hands.

"It was close. No breakage or simian. It would appear it was only… 'foreplay'." She looked away in disgust as she sat down.

"Will she be all right?" a deep voice asked softly from the shadows. Xavier and Ororo looked over as the tall boy entered the light, his features haunted and signs of anger and pain evident. His outfit was black and tight, a small silver emblem on the front on the right top corner, displaying the 'X-Men' sign, silver lines racing down each arm and black knee boots fitting his feet. He held what appeared to be a head mask in his black gloved hand and his golden hair was pulled back at his neck.

His head was lowered as he waited for an answer. Ororo spoke softly, 'Physically, she should be fine. Mentally… there may be added trauma to what she's been through already. If I knew what it was, it would be easier to see where she would be at after this attack."

He turned to the side, anger in his face as his fist tightened. "I should have been there. I should have known she couldn't protect herself."

"Trevor," Xavier said quietly, "This was not your fault. No one could know she would leave the group so suddenly. And no one could know it was planned."

He looked quickly, "What are you saying?"

Xavier tapped a board and traces of Sarah's burned clothing appeared, "These burn marks and those on Sarah herself, were not from any fire. The power came from within. Some how Sarah was pushed passed a point where she had no control and the power within her escalated in seconds. Fortunately, it has resumed its former state but it will grow quicker this time.

"This whole thing seems far too planned to be an accident. From what you've said there was a third party but that they did nothing as this happened."

"An observer," pointed out Ororo, "It's possible it was they who had these goons attack her… to see her power fluctuate like it did."

"They were planning to take her, yes?" Xavier asked as Trevor nodded gravely, his fist still tight.

"I only arrived once I spotted that explosion of light. They were making moves to take her." His fist finally slammed against a wall, denting it. "This can't be happening! Why her, why now?" He was suddenly quiet, his eyes narrowed, his words like slivers of ice.

"Magneto."

Xavier was grave, "I would agree it could be him. Only he imprisoned after our last showdown. The one where we…" he said nothing as he knew Trevor understood. He glanced over to where Sarah lay unmoving, his eyes suddenly softening into sorrow.

"I wanted to protect her from this. I didn't want her to ever go through what I did."

"You did the best thing you could by saving her," Ororo said, rising and laying a hand on his shoulder, "She is lucky to have some one so protective as you."

Xavier nodded, smiling, "You two seem to have a bond I do not quite understand. Both of you share similar powers, even if hers is slightly off at this point. That may be what saved her tonight." His brow furrowed, "How was it you came to be there?"

Trevor looked aside, not answering right away, then glancing at Ororo and back to Xavier. He understood, "Ororo, would you tell the others. Try not to go into too much detail. Only that she will be all right and she'll need some time."

Ororo nodded, turning and leaving the room, closing the door quietly. They could hear the sudden burst of questions as the door closed. Xavier turned to Trevor.

"You were searching again, weren't you?"

He nodded, his eyes closed, "Ever since those dreams… I've felt I must. Someone wants me to find this mystery woman, I don't know whom. I feel like someone lives in me, trapped and wanting release." He ran a hand through his hair, "It's maddening."

"Did anything happen this time?"

Trevor seemed unsure to answer, pacing about, "I… I'm not sure. It's been strange ever since… Professor, I'm not sure how much longer I can suppress this surge in me. It's like rage, betrayal… and yet mournful pain. I'm not even sure of when it's my emotions or not."

Xavier was thoughtful, "You've displayed interesting abilities since I first discovered you. There was a time when I thought you'd never return. What was it, two months? You disappeared without a trace and then suddenly, you were back, looking rather exhausted I might say. How long has it been since you were brought here, a year, maybe more?"

"Over a year at least. I still don't remember exactly what happened. My memories have been so blurred…" he suddenly grew angry again, "And then he showed up. I swear if ever I get my hands on him…"

"Understood," Xavier motioned, "But do you remember when the dreams first came?"

Trevor calmed, thinking for a minute, "Just before then… before I was taken. Magneto used it against me, said he would help me find my quest. But it was all a lie. He tricked me, I almost destroyed you and the others." He gripped his head, shaking with furry, "If it hadn't have been for that blackout…"

At this Xavier was quiet for a moment, "I would never have been able to access your mind, show you the truth. But it was you who helped in his capture. Yet, there are other dangers out there still. Not all of his allies were captured." Xavier rolled away, coming to stop by Sarah's sleeping form. He glanced back to Trevor.

"I feel she met with something tonight that might relate to you knowing of her fate. I will try something." Carefully, he placed his hands over her head, closing his eyes. His face twitch slightly every now and then, showing minor pain and then sadness. After fifteen minutes or so, he moved back, taking a deep breath.

"She did meet someone tonight. What was the name of that concert?"

"'Illusion'," Trevor answered, "Can't see what that would have to do with anything."

"I'm afraid it has to do with everything. Someone spoke to her or made contact and it has caused a great swelling in her mind. She was left unprotected for a moment. Yet something took over until she could take control again. Someone had the power to help her and they knew of it too." Xavier thought and then looked at Trevor.

"Where were you while you searched? What do you remember?"

"Well, I had left with my bike, suited up just to stay out of sight. When I reached the city… " he blinked, "I don't remember after that. At some point I was going down a street and then… then… something…" he concentrated, his face set, "That… feeling, it wouldn't let go. I had enough time to stop the bike and then, I blacked out.

"After I don't know how long, I woke up in some strange place, an alley I think. That's when I felt the surge of power coming from Sarah. I was somewhere else entirely from where I fell but my bike wasn't too far behind. You know the rest."

Xavier pondered as he slowly came to a conclusion. He seemed to know something but he didn't say anything to Trevor. Trevor felt he knew this, even when he tried to enter Xavier mind on several occasions, only to be bounced off. What was he hiding.

"I wish I could tell you, but I'm sure the answers will come to you in time. For now, our concern is Sarah." He turned to the girl, "I don't believe she will be returning to school for quite some time. She will be more closed in then before and I fear my work will be undone. Both of us need to help her keep her shield strong so as not to be barraged by other's thoughts and emotions."

Trevor went to sit by Sarah, taking her hand. "I'll stay here then as well."

"I'm not sure you should. It may arouse suspicion from her colleagues at her college. I'm not certain they need be told of this. But an excuse must be made, or her parents will be contacted and the whole truth will be out. The last thing she needs is for her father to keep her even tighter to home."

"He's probably locked her in and throw away the key, never to see the light of day." Trevor sighed, "I suppose its understandable. But at least she has family who care for her."

Xavier's face softened, "Trevor, even if you don't know your true family, we will always be yours. Someday, perhaps…"

Trevor nodded, smiling a little for the first time that night, "I think," he said quietly, holding Sarah's hand firmly, "I may find family in those who are most like me."

That makes you number one to me, Sarah, he thought. I will always protect you.

~~~

A chair hurled into a window, sending showers of glass to the streets below. The occupant inside didn't care as she had been the one to throw it. She seethed angrily, causing fear to rise among the three that stood not far off.

"I-I take t-things went b-bad, m-ma'am?"

The woman turned on them, her eyes flashing, her dress suit looking torn on one side. The three backed away fearfully but took a look of confusion, as she was suddenly calm and quietly chuckling.

"Yes, things went sour. But I still have my data. It will be sufficient." She turned to the broken office window, muttering to herself.

"And he thought there was only one. This one is even more powerful and her powers are so untamed, full of vitality and untapped potential. Haha, it's more then I could dream."

She turned quickly to the three, her glasses giving her a fierce bird-of-prey look, "Go! I want my best fighters trained for this. I expect the 'others' will soon catch on to my plan. I need to be ready. Well, move it!"

The three scrambled to leave as she chuckled, a soft hiss coming from her lips.

"Soon, my love. The power you sought will finally be mine."

~~~

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