Hehe, Mandie Parcell has been most eager to read this I think. Gomen nasai, minna but I do have another gasp life. I've been working every weeknight so I'm veeeerrrrry busy. I do love getting email though ^^. Never hurt anyone so keep sending them. Just remember I do have two other fanfics I'm doing. And they are also demanded by some people ^^ (Miko, I know you do!). So keep those reviews coming and I'll try my best to keep this steady. Oh, and a surprise in here. Major reflection AND discovery! Just getting you hyped up. I know you guys want some answers and this will get your minds racing and maybe even more questions. Hehehe, cha!

SFS

Chapter Ten

Xavier's prediction had been correct. Sarah was even quieter and stayed more in her room after she was released from the lab. She was mostly either in her armchair, curled up and rocking, or in a tight ball on her bed. Most often tears were evident in her eyes but after about a week, there was suddenly no tears, only a very strange face, like one contemplating life.

The others tried to comfort her, be of help but she saw no one but Ororo, who checked her condition, and Xavier. Even Trevor had a hard time seeing her. She could only look away, hiding her face so he could never tell whether she was crying or not. It hurt him a little but then she didn't know he'd been the one to save her. He had felt there was no reason explaining about the 'X-Men' to her just yet. She didn't seem ready for anymore surprises just yet.

It had been hard at first to keep explaining to Rog that Sarah was not feeling well but it was understood. Just that she could be ready in time for the play, he was okay with it. Trevor worried about this. Would she ever be all right again?

Almost two weeks had past when Trevor had finally been asked to see Sarah. She had actually asked for him, after seeing Jean and Kitty, both of which could only look sad as they left her room. Quietly, Trevor entered the room, closing the door behind him softly. Ororo had told him to keep it short if possible.

Sarah was sitting on her couch near the window, gazing outside to the sunny afternoon, her knees held tightly to her. He felt worry and sadness flow over him at her bedraggled appearance, her hair unkempt, her skin rather pale. Her eating habit were all but extinct. She wore a large fuzzy lavender sweater Kitty had given her and loose black khaki's, each draping to her thin body.

Softly he approached her, sitting at the other end of the couch. She continued to stare outside, dark circles under eyes, apparent that her sleep had not been happening either. He felt his heart give, wanting so much just to hold her tightly in his arms, make the pain go away. Why did she mean so much to him? Was it just their similar powers? Or was there a stronger bond.

Should he speak? Or would it be better to just listen? He did not want to violate her mind, not in any way, but he carefully reached out with his thoughts to check over her.

He could tell her walls of protection were stronger then ever. It seemed Xavier had been able to convince her to do that at least. She had every right to want it now more then ever. But her emotions… would he be able to feel those? Like she had? Might he too have that power? He'd never tried… but perhaps he was empathic as well.

He cleared his mind of question and let his heart go off on it's own. Faintly, like tiny trails of stardust, he felt the tiniest of feeling. It was fear. He was impressed that he could do this much but at that feeling he stopped. His heart wouldn't continue as it's own longing came in again.

To be near her, to protect her. Just a few months and he already felt he'd known her forever. Why?

He cleared his throat quietly and she turned slowly, no expression on her face. Yet something was showing. It almost looked like she had come to a decision, a new path in her life. It had him worried, especially on which path that might be.

"Sarah?"

She stared at him, her eyes like melting rivers, in turmoil and churning. Then in sudden sounds, like a soft breeze, he felt her voice in his mind again. How he had missed its companionship.

Have you ever contemplated your existence? The question had so surprised Trevor he could only blink. What question was this?

What is my purpose? Why should I exist? Would it not have been better if I had never been found? Could I just have stayed in darkness, unknowing, uncaring? She looked at the window before he could reply.

I… I wish to return there. Where ever it may be. I do not wish to be here anymore. I have no reason to…

"Stop this!" He had said the words a little more harshly then he had originally wanted to but he couldn't help it. Why was she speaking like this? Didn't she know what he thought?

She looked to him her expression still unchanged.

Why?

He searched his thoughts for a better answer, one that made more sense then his outburst. Could he really tell what he felt… or what anger flowed through him at such words?

He looked up at her, his eyes intense, piercing her mind causing her to flinch a little.

"Would you believe that you are not the only one who once asked these same questions?"

Sarah just stared at him, not showing anything, any change at all.

Trevor sighed, looking down, "I can see you have made you mind up on this. You won't listen to anyone else, granted," he looked up, his eyes looking so weak, "So why would you listen to me?"

At these words, Sarah trembled, her arms wrapped tighter around her knees and her eyes filling with tears.

Trevor continued, his voice shaking a bit, "Why did you ask me here? Did you want my permission, my blessing? I'm sorry, I won't give it. You make this decision on your own. But let me tell you this… you will have many friends asking why. Why did you do it? Were you not loved? Have you not a family that loves you dearly? Friends that care? Yes what happened was appalling but is that any reason to just give up? How many other people have gone through the same thing, even worse, and yet come out of it with a fighting stance to keep going?"

Sarah's face lifted and her mind nearly screamed No one has ever gone through what I have! Yes, I was nearly raped and there are those who have been! But did they have a terrible power scream through their body, their mind feel as if it would just explode? Or even go through each day wondering if this is would be the day I will finally lose it? Would I experience the same pain of thousands of needles piercing my mind and soul?

She looked away, the tear twinkling in her eyes. I just want it to end.

Trevor looked away, gritting his teeth a bit before turning again, his face set yet something was strangling him.

"What about someone who wakes up one day, discovering that they are lucky to be alive, or so they are told, finds that they have no family, no one who cares what happens to them? Or that they are plagued by strange things they discover to be some kind of gift? And what about those who end up being taken for fools, believing some man's words to be utter truth and then going and making huge mistake after another, all for the sake of seeking answers? What about someone who has caused so much pain, only to hide the pain they feel; waking up, not knowing whether they will be in the same place they were when they fell? What about someone who doesn't even know who they are, with nothing to guide them?!" He spat this a little angrily, his eyes welling up with emotion.

He sat back as if worn out, his voice quiet. He looked at her again, his mind speaking for him.

What of those who are alone?

Sarah couldn't think or move, or she wouldn't. Then she fell against the couch back, weeping softly even as her mind wandered.

Trevor reached out with his hand, just stopping inches from her face. She was still for a while before she slowly moved her face again to look at him, her eyes squinting.

"You're not alone, Sarah," he said softly and finally brushed his hands along her hair, moving a strand from her face, "Think of what you have. Treasure that."

Without a word, she moved into his arms as he held her, her sobs racking her body till there were no more tears. Trevor closed his eyes. Such warmth he felt rush through him as he held her. This felt oddly familiar and yet so right. He never wanted to let go.

Trevor… your family…

He stroked her head gently, "I don't know… I'm not sure if I ever had one. But I know I was alone when I woke up for maybe the first time."

She huddled in his arms as he held her tighter, her tears finally coming to a halt. After a moment of silence, her mind spoke again.

When? Do you remember where…

"I woke up in a hospital bed, my head and parts of my body wrapped in bandages. The doctors kept saying, 'lucky to be alive' and other such things. I didn't feel lucky. For some reason, I felt I had lost something. What hurt I think was that no one was there when I woke. No one to be glad of my being alive. And there was no one there even when I was released.

"I wandered around a place I knew nothing about, my mind wiped of anything I might of known. All I had were the clothes given me and an address where I might stay. A shelter, I suppose. I eventually found a job where experience wasn't really needed, seeing as I knew of none and from then on, things grew blurry. I can't remember what really happened for a good long time. Only I'd wake up in places I didn't recognize. Then I discovered my 'gift'. Hmph! Like you I felt it a curse more then anything. People were afraid of me when strange things would happen. I didn't have any way of knowing how to shield myself, it happened so randomly. And sometime people were hurt.

"I had to keep going, leaving places and then suddenly, for maybe almost a year, I couldn't remember anything of that time. I found myself in what looked like some kind of ruin of a burned building. The timbers were still smoking. Somehow, I felt I was responsible. I screamed then, felt the pain rush my mind again, what walls I knew to build crumbling around me. I suppose that is when I was discovered." He went silent for a time, Sarah feeling that he was struggling with something.

"Someone offered to help, just appeared from the sky, promised that they'd make me strong, help me with… something." Trevor didn't really feel it necessary to tell Sarah of his quest at this point.

"I thought he was sincere and so I accepted. I did become strong, my power climaxing at an alarming rate. I caused more pain, more destruction, all in the name of finding answers. I thought he'd been right, I trusted him, believed him… only to discover I was being used.

"Something happened that prevented me from committing an ultimate crime, from causing a devastating effect. Again, I slept. It was then that the Professor saved me. He'd been there when I was to commit this atrocity and when I fell, he entered my mind, showed the error I had made and tried to lead me to the light again. It took so long, so much fighting to regain my humanity. I fought with the thought of dying everyday. I felt I had no reason, that I had betrayed myself and something else.

"That's where the anger grew fierce. I wanted to kill the one responsible, only to discover that I could not get at him. And to realize that it was myself I had to be enraged at. I made myself and I had to pay the consequences. I had every reason to just not exist… but I lived. No family, no loved ones, no real reason to live but for a faint hope… and I lived." At this, he stopped, the silence deafening.

Sarah clung to him, now understanding what he had meant from words past. In reality, she knew none of the suffering he'd been through. In just a few minutes, he had revealed the truth that had suffered him for years. And something else tickled her mind in all this. It sounded so… familiar.

You… woke up… in a hospital?

"Yes," he said, glancing down into her face, "Why?"

Sarah searched her mind. Something seemed to want her to open up that forbidden door deep inside, see what really lurked there. Answers would be there.

'Take the steps'

I… I don't know. Something… something forgotten I suppose. I woke up in a hospital too. But I don't know why I was there. Only difference was… I apparently had family. She grew quiet, leaning her head against his chest as he ran his hand gently down her hair.

Something… something I forgot… I suppose it is nothing. Again she was quiet before she thought again.

Trevor, you do have family. You have your friends here and they all care about you. I can feel it from them. And… we do share something so…

She let out sigh, emotion felt again.

You have me… I will be your family.

* * *

Jean smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek as she opened her eyes. Kitty sat near by, looking anxious. They weren't really spying but Jean had opened herself to here what might be happening in Sarah's room from the safety of her own. They just had to know.

"Well?" Kitty burst out, sounding like one who had been holding their breath.

Jean wiped the tear away as another fell, a sad yet happy smile on her face.

"I think things will be okay. And," she said with a little twinkle in her eye, "I think something else will be developing soon.

With a chuckle at Kitty's surprised and curious face, she jumped and headed for the lounge, followed by ever questioning Kitty.

Things would be all right.

* * *

"Things could not be better," chuckled the little man as he tapped with great speed at his desktop. His eccentric grin gleamed in the computers light, the room around him dark. Statistics and graphs popped at random on his screen, whipping by like pages in a book, his eyes glowing with glee as each image flashed. He let out a whoop of delight as he hit a final key, sitting back to enjoy his handy work. He'd done it, the ultimate hacking he believed.

Leaning back in his chair he called out.

"Kirk! You won't believe what I found."

A gangly looking teenager with large glasses and a bad case of acne appeared from the dark, leaning in near the screen, squinting. His eyes suddenly widened, his grin growing with amazement, "Out of this world. But… where'd you find it, Scotty?"

Scotty made an off hand gesture, "Ah, just some random emails flying about regarding some kind of new tech stuff. I grabbed one and replied to it. Seemed the owner was interested in acquiring some inf. on some strange stuff. But it's all top secret and kept from public eye, even officials eyes." He gave a wink.

Kirk gasped, "Man, you just hacked a federal site?! You totally mental?!"

"Nope. Just interested in getting a lot of that 'green stuff' we love so much. Besides, I'm the fastest there is. I got in, got the goods, and got out before they could even hit the alarm. Dude, I rock!"

Kirk could only fall back in a chair, a look of pure amazement on his face before he raised a hand to high five Scotty, "Way cool!"

"I know," Scotty leaned back, pushing back his glasses, "So, wanna see what the buyer will pay for this stuff?"

"Yeah, why not? You got it so sell it already! Less chance of getting it traced back here. Dad would kill me if fed began showing up. Already got it in for me about that game pirating racket. Man, that was some sweet money."

"Right," Scotty began to type fast again and soon a screen popped up with the message 'Received. What news?'

"'Got the goods. Still interested in purchase?"

There was a pause and then, 'Yes. Send immediately.

"Hehe, seems they still want it badly. 'How much?'"

Another pause. 'Will agree to $10,000.'

Kirk whistled, "Sweet cheese! Take it man!"

Scotty was quiet, rubbing his chin, "Hmmm, for the work put in and the amazing hacking, into a federal site no less, it'll cost more." He typed in again.

"'Asking $50,000.' No less.'"

"Scot, you nuts?! No one's gonna pay that much."

Just wait. These files have got to worth a heck of a lot more then they're putting on. Maybe…"

Then a message popped, '$15,000.'

Scotty typed, "'$35,000.'"

'$25,000. Final offer.'

"Yes!" Scotty hissed, typing quickly, "'Agreed. How would you like the transfer sent?'" He grinned at Kirk, "Just as I thought. Still good money."

'Send in upcoming file folder, zipped. Do not read files. Awaiting response.'

Scotty quickly grabbed the file to put into the zipped folder, then paused, a sly grin growing, "I wonder. What's so special about this folder anyway?" he grinned at Kirk, "Wanna find out?"

"I don't know man, you heard what they said. It could be bad news. Maybe…" But already Scotty was sending a reply message, "'Setting up folder. May take a few minutes.'"

"You think they'll buy that? I mean if they really know anything about the time limit…"

"I'll be in and out," Scotty grinned, typing away. The folder expanded and graphs appeared, followed by images of people and inf. on them. Kirk drew in a breath.

"'Mutation?' 'Powers?' This really is weird stuff. Come one, man. We've seen enough."

"Just a minute. It's only getting better. Oh, this is so far out. Think of the money we could make if we duplicated this stuff and sent out emails, see if we get some more bites. The big time." Another screen popped up and both their eyes widened even more, Kirk going a bit pale.

"That's enough, Scot. Their gonna know. Just send it already."

"Yeah… maybe you're right." He closed the folder, zipped it and sent it. After about 5 minutes, a response sounded.

'Received. Transfer of payment made to account… coming.'

There was suddenly a high screech of sound coming over the speakers. The boys cringed, holding their ears in pain. A high laughter began to over come it as they slowly pulled their hands away, fear on their face. The screen was cringing and shifting, something the computer was not suppose to do. Suddenly a dark face appeared, only glowing gold eyes and white teeth showing, giving a dark smile.

"Boys, I believe I said not to read. It's a shame, this may have been avoided. Such a waste of bright minds. Or perhaps not so bright." Electricity was suddenly shooting over the UPC and then over the monitor, gathering in the center before it shot out at each of them. A sudden look of terror and they were thrown violently back into a wall, snaps sounding here and there as electricity waved over them here and there.

The face laughed, "Humans, such curious creatures. You should follow your own advice. 'Curiosity did kill the cat."

The screen went dead but for the flashing words, 'Payment received.'

* * *

The lounge was quiet but for Kurt usual annoying behavior around Kitty again.

"Come on girl, you know you want a date with a gorgeous guy."

"Oh yes, actually, I do, Kurt. Know of any?"

He reddened at this as the others laughed.

"Shot down again," muttered Scott with a grin as he continued reading a book.

"I'd like to see you do better," Kurt grumbled.

Scott smirked, "Sure. You're on." He got up approaching Jean sitting in a far corner with her laptop. Getting on one knee, he made a fluent gesture, making her chuckle and she nodded. They handed heard what was said but Scott walked away with a triumphant grin.

He grinned widely at Kurt with a quick, "Ha!"

Kurt just grumbled, poofing out of sight to appear in another corner, mumbling. Everyone was chuckling when the room went suddenly silent. Soft footsteps were heard as two people appeared from the top of the stairs.

Trevor was slowly descending the stairs with a slightly pale Sarah holding his arm tightly. Everyone quietly watched as they arrived at the floor and approached them. At this moment, Xavier and Ororo arrived, with Logan just behind. Their eyes widened somewhat, except for Xavier. He seemed to have known this was happening.

Stopping some meters from them, Sarah looked up carefully at them all. Jean had risen and was coming forward slowly along with Kitty and Ororo.

"Sarah?"

Sarah, slowly and somewhat weakly, gave a small smile and nodded. A smile breaking out, Jean came forward and hugged her tightly as did Kitty and Ororo. The guys kinda stood back, unsure. Sarah glanced at them and nodded and Scott and Kurt came forward to give her hug. Logan didn't exactly seem comfortable with the idea of being mushy but gave her a smile and a nod, which she returned, understanding. Spike, who had been sleeping on a couch suddenly awoke and just blinked at the group.

"Uh, did I miss the party?"

Laughter spilled around as the group led Sarah to a couch where they sat around chatting as Sarah was quietly listening, making the odd gesture as if she were replying. Trevor gave a smile and walked over to the professor.

"I think she'll be all right."

You did well Trevor, Xavier replied mentally.

I hope so. What she was saying… it just hit so familiar. Yet I'm not sure if she truly understands how much worse it could have been.

I think she may have an idea. You both deal with a different pain yet it is no different in effect. It just a matter of how the healing may begin.

She said something… about awaking in a hospital too. Something familiar in my story and yet she thought it nothing. What do you think Professor?

Xavier was thoughtful. Could this relate with his discovery in Sarah's mind? This woman he met there, might she know? If only he could speak with her again. But Sarah was in no condition to open up right now, which was certain. It would have to wait.

And yet it seemed so vital that he knew very soon.

* * *

(AN: Hey gang! I'll bet you've all been wondering about our ol' wonderful Labyrinth and the gang there, huh? Well, I got a surprise! We're gonna check up on them! Here they are!)

Hoggle was pacing the throne room. It was all he could do and all he really did do since the time of the Jareth and Sarah's disappearance. For him it was but a year. Time was cut in half here from the human world. Yet the Labyrinth seem to feel its king absence and the land felt sad. Already, things looked dismal, not so bright. It had Hoggle all worried.

He was in charge, which's how it was. It was that way even before the king came, many centuries ago. He was to keep watch over it for the new king to come. He remembered the day very well.

~Flashback~

It was a quiet, subdued young man that appeared in the throne room. His looked haunted and he appeared not to be all there, like he was in a trance. He just stood there as the soft light deposited him. Hoggle had been very quiet, standing at attention as the others had waited outside, knowing of nothing but that someone would be ruling over them soon.

Another glow appeared and the white lady glowed softly. She smiled gently to Hoggle as he bowed.

"Milady. I's been waitin' fo' you' arrival. You is most welcome."

"Thank you, sir Hoggle. I have brought you your king." She gestured to the young man who made no motion to move or any sense of realizing his situation. The lady was sad, her eyes troubled but she hid them quickly.

"Hoggle, my friend. I fear you know the story already."

He nodded sadly, "I was so sorry ta hear of you're loss. I spect ta princess is torn."

She nodded, "It could not have been known. This evil has grown cleverer then we anticipated. Perhaps it would have been wise that the Fae had listened." She looked once again to the mournful man.

"I fear he will never recover his loss. So I have need to wipe his mind of it. He will be a different man; his cleverness, his personality will be altered. I am sorry to leave such with you but in all that he does, his heart will be protected and he will cause you no harm. Perhaps… one day…" she went quiet, her face once again filled with an unknown sadness, though she may know something to come.

Hoggle made to come forward, "Milady? Wills ya be all right? You and da princess?"

"My family has been so struck with pain. I fear more will come. But we shall prevail. Thank you for your thought, dear friend. Watch over him, do not fear him. Be the guide he never had. And one thing most importantly, keep watch for one who may set him free once more." Her eyes almost sparkled with an unknown secret, yet it was not all-together a happy sparkle.

"His brother was never found. It maybe that he still lives. Make sure that all is done that he does not neglect his powers, nor abuse them." She said this, speaking of the man beside her.

"I fear I must go. Things are happening even now that I must be ready for. Whatever happens," she smiled gently, "Know that I have confidence in you. Remember, keep watch. Things will change someday. As well, there will be those who will help you. Not all of the Fae perished. Know by the mark of the red; that will be your guide."

As she faded, one more thing was heard faintly, in the form of a riddle:

Fair of face, pure of grace

Wit to match to thus he hath

Clever they be that fight with he

Dark color since burned

Know by this…

She hath returned…

Hoggle could only scratch his head. She did this so often and he never could understand. As she vanished, the young man suddenly blinked, glancing at his surrounding. Hoggle stumbled quickly into a bow. The young man blinked.

"W-where am I?"

"The Labyrinth, Majesty."

His voice was soft, confused, "Majesty? Who am I?"

"You's be Jareth, King of the Underground."

~End of Flashback~

Hoggle thought how much he had changed since that day. He'd turned out like she'd said, a very different man. Clever, witty you might say, and very sarcastic. His attitude was carefree, arrogant, and yes even selfish. But even in this, he was not cruel.

His powers as well had increased. It was something Hoggle had never really understood but held no fear to it. The king had always just used it in jest, never causing serious harm to anyone. The bog had not all been his idea. It was in his experimental stages that it had happened, once being your usual swamp, then turning rather "smelly' to say the least.

Didymus seemed happy there though so it was a laugh to most, but for those threatened to get dumped.

But now to the task at hand. It had been centuries since last the Underground had known no ruler and it did cause unbalance. With an irritated mutter he yelled.

"I's could use dat help 'bout now!"

'You do get impatient, little one.' A soft glow appeared and soon a red hared appeared. She looked down at Hoggle, her eyebrow raised.

He looked up at her, then continued pacing.

"Fine fo you's ta say. Why should you worry? It's not you's home dat's hurtin'."

"What hurts the Underground, hurts me, even if we are not connected. In a way, I am but not enough to be of any real help. I can only sustain so much."

"Den whys you even come?"

"I feel it is my duty. The least I can do till your king does return."

"Bah!" Hoggle grunted, "Dat could be never. You's seen what it's like, no?"

"Yes," she sighed, "Sadly so. But I have seen sadder things." She gestured to a mirror near by and a girl appeared, apparently unaware of her being watched. She had a group around her, as she sat quietly. Hoggle's eyes widened as he ran over.

"Sarah! She's okay! I didn't knows whether…"

"Yes, she made it fine. As you watch your charge, I have watched mine. But there's not much we can do for them. We cannot interfere."

Hoggle glanced out an open window before looking back at her.

"I's not knowin' how much longer I's can wait. Felara, can't we…"

She shook her head, "You knew the rules since the day she first appeared. To interfere would be to tell them what they will become. It would make them think it had to be this way. Sadly, this was done with others of my kin… and it did cause trouble before things would settle. Even now, things are troubled once more. Forgive me," she gestured as Hoggle made to touch the mirror and ask her what she meant.

"I cannot reveal whom I speak of. So know that this will be the best for them. Hoggle," she spoke sadly, as she sat at the throne, "Sarah was hurt…"

At this he bristled, "My friend, hurt! Who's done it, I's make em pay."

She raised a hand, "No, not this time. She will be all right. She is among friends who have sworn to help her. But realize, she remembers nothing. Nothing of you this place, you or her friends here. Much like your charge, I believe. Tell me, has he discovered himself yet?"

Hoggle shook his head sadly, "No. He keep movin' 'bout. Hard to keep watch. I know I promised but…" he sounded frustrated, "I want so much to's a help 'im!"

"I know. Be strong. Some day," she looked out the window.

"Someday, we will see happiness once again."

@% @%

Have I got your appetites satisfied for the moment? Hears a roar of NO! sigh Well it is late, gotta go to bed now.

Mitts *crying in her mournful cat voice*

Faerie: Mitts? Nani?

Mitts sniff You wrote sniff curiosity kills the…

Faerie ^^; Oh Mitts! Gomen nasai! I didn't know you'd be reading! ^^;

Mitts goes in her corner, moping.

Faerie ^^; Eeep! Hope Miko doesn't see that. It may be used against Mitts.

Reia Hehe, too late! Guaranteed she's reading now and laughing.

Faerie ^^; Eep. sees Mitts glaring with teary eyes

Sighs I give up. Faerie goes to bed.

Reia Tee hee! ^^ That's all folks!

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