Chapter Twelve

Sarah? Sarah, are you all right?

With the feeling of coming out deep waters, like one drowning and struggling to surface, Sarah suddenly opened her eyes with a gasp. The world seemed to spin for a moment and blur before she could focus on the source of the voice.

It came in her mind, which was certain. She just had to remember how it was possible. It was like coming out of some long sleep and realizing it had been years. Blinking, she saw Xavier sitting by her bedside, appearing like one in concentration.

Hearing her move up on her elbows, he opened his eyes and smiled.

"Are you all right then?"

She nodded, touching her forehead briefly. Slight headache but otherwise fine. What happened?

"Well, after your surprising results yesterday, you appeared quite worn out and I had you brought here."

Sarah's eyes went wide, Yesterday?

"You've been asleep for 24 hours. I'm assuming it was your body's way of recovering from the shock. You certainly portrayed quite the power and I'm sure it will cause some alarming stress on your mind and body. Do you know what happened?"

Well, the last I recall was focusing my thoughts and then I felt compelled to build that flame, like I knew what it was that made it burn. So I fueled it. From there it is kind of blurry. I just remember feeling very powerful and suddenly let my mind take over from there. I vaguely recall being carried but nothing else.

Xavier was thoughtful for a while before speaking again.

"It would seem there was a stir after you were brought here. Don't be alarmed by any odd behavior from the others."

Sarah sat up straighter, appearing worried, I-I didn't hurt anyone did I?

"No, no, just a misunderstanding." He explained what he could without causing too much embarrassment, as Sarah was slowly turning red.

Oh. I… well; I don't recall any of it. But I do feel very bad for Scott. I didn't mean for him to… oh, this is perplexing. Sarah tried without much success to cover her red face but it didn't seem to faze the professor.

"That being said, I was surprised to hear that he heard you speak, though both Jean and Trevor found it hard to believe."

Even as he said Trevor's name, Sarah blanched.

"I myself found it to be quite possible, knowing from your past experience. This could be a breaking point. We might just find what it is that blocks your speech and it as well may be the possible cause for your amnesia."

So, what am I to do now, Professor? She thought this to him even as her mind wondered in more distress about what Trevor and Jean must think.

"Well, perhaps it would be best if you try not to address the subject with the others as to not complicate thing further. As well we may be able continue your practice but I think we'll add a curb to this hidden talent of yours. It may be useful someday but right now it poses more danger then use. Does that sound acceptable?"

She nodded. It would better this way. She glanced forward, Perhaps it is better for all concerned.

Xavier leaned forward, a comforting hand on her shoulder, Do not be distressed by this. Trevor will still help you.

Leaning back his face changed to a look of concern, "Sarah, could you tell me what you might have been dreaming?"

Seeing her face confused by the question, he answered her unasked question, "When I probed your thoughts for your condition, I found you were so tightly closed it and guarded I thought perhaps your mind had been more badly damaged. You were very hard to reach. It was like trying to move through quicksand."

I… I don't really know. It's something that has happened before, I'm sure. It leaves me with a strange feeling, like an after taste of… peaches. Isn't that strange? It feels like another part of me has come alive. All I can remember is… doors. Two doors. How very odd.

Xavier was quiet for a moment, "Yes," he said quietly. Then just as suddenly, he smiled and turned toward the door in his chair, "Well, you should be feeling better so do join the others for a bite to eat. Perhaps you should get some excerise. I'm sure Logan can have something for you in the 'Danger Room'. Haha, not to worry, the name gives it flare but it will be an easy start for you. See you later."

As he left the room, Sarah stood up out of bed and stretched, walking to the large bay window and admiring the view. The afternoon sun hung high in the sky and glittered off the ocean waves. Even as she smiled the last bits of the dream seem to evaporate with the breeze escaping through her window.

Perhaps today would be a better day. Turning back to her room, she groaned a little at the thought of facing the three but it couldn't be helped. Whatever happened, she'd play peacemaker as best she could.

Grabbing a new top from her drawer, she changed, washing her face afterwards and stopped by her dresser to pick up the faerie ornament Ororo had given her. It seemed to twinkle in the sunlight as she held it. Every time she held it, she suddenly felt at peace, as someone was telling her 'All will be well'. Perhaps it did hold some kind of healing.

Smiling she set it down beside her mysterious music box on the night stand, pausing briefly to look at the crystal sitting near by. Again it seem to fog over yet it could only be the sun, couldn't it?

Without any thought, Sarah opened the music box lid and the melody seemed to envelop her. She grasped the crystal as the melody grew around her. The crystal grew warm in her hand as she stared into it, a fog growing thicker and thicker within. She could almost see something. Slowly, she closed her eyes.

Suddenly, she opened them again and found she was dancing round and round in a beautiful white room, pearls and lace hung here and there, laughter around her. It was the white room of before, but now it was crowded, packed even, people pressing by her.

She was dancing with someone, yet they turned so fast, she couldn't look straight. Finally when they turned to her she could see something but it didn't help. They wore a colorful blue mask covered in sequins and ribbons trailing at the sides. Yet when his eyes turned to her she felt such a tingle go through her, both of fear and fascination.

They held such power and yet something deep within them beckoned her. All of a sudden, she wasn't dancing but was standing before that Escher room from the poster and before her stood the lone figure again. Only this time they were not plain. It was her dance partner.

And he was beckoning her toward him.

Mesmerized she began to move forward yet she felt held back, like someone screaming at the top of their lungs for her to stop. She found herself at the very edge of a drop going nowhere and everywhere, stairs all around her.

"Come, be the music once more." A haunting voice called, "You are the source. I saw the fire in your eyes, a love not to be despised."

With such lurching of reality she felt torn from that place and felt her feet hit ground as if they had never left and she blinked rapidly, gasping in air.

She was in her room and the sun had already sunk half way down already, nearing evening. How long had she been standing there?

The music box was silent and the crystal was cold in her hand. Looking at it, it seemed normal as she set it down at her night-stand again. Upon instinct she reached out and wound the box, closing the lid. She brushed a finger over the fearie's head as she stood up. It's face seemed to hold a glow, as if from an inner joy.

Perhaps the shopkeeper had been right. This statuette may yet hold some deep secret.

Shaking her head, she thought of the last thing she heard from this strange dream. Where had she heard those words before? Wasn't it a song she once heard?

Sounds of music drifted from down the hall as she left her room. Walking by Kitty's room she saw the girl leaning on her elbows and laying on her stomach, sighing to the soft lyrics of one of 'Illusions' songs.

Just as Sarah passed, the words resurfaced from her mind as the music built up.

'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'

Her eyes grew wide before she thought about it, then her face changed only a little. Perhaps it was only a subconscious thought that brought it… or perhaps not. The coincidence seemed too uncanny.

With a look of seriousness, she contemplated her next move.

Perhaps it was time she visited 'Illusion' once more.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Xavier was alone in his study and for a reason. He was going over certain events of the past months and some even further still. Was the time right yet? Could he speak of what he knew with the others yet?

'The time is not right.' ' Perhaps, in time, he will know.'

That same look, the look of despondency, great pain, and a loss such as Xavier could never even begin to comprehend. But beyond that, weariness, holding back something even as he had spoken to Xavier, his voice stern and powerful.

On a day so long ago, a dark day with an even darker scene of destruction and fear. He had stood there, that strange man, his face bruised and his clothing torn and bloody in several spots. His hair had seemed so wild in the fierce wind that blew about him even as he calmed it with a hand. His eyes had spoken for him before he even mouthed a word.

This man knew power. He knew its wonderful strength and furry. He also knew what terrible things came of such things. He'd looked down to Xavier with a fierce determination and could have even outwitted Xavier had he seen fit. But he had only stood there.

~Flashback~

'I've done what I will. The rest is up to you. I will do no more.'

'Who are you? What has happened to the boy?'

'He will live. But this day will never be forgotten. He would have done what was forbidden but for my will. I will not let that happen. He must see his error.'

'I will see to it, that I promise.'

He'd seemed almost to smirk as he looked away, a look of disdain and yet an understanding had been reached. Xavier had felt sure of it.

'What will I tell him?'

'He must not know of me. The time is not right. What you've seen you are sworn to secrecy.'

'Yes but, who are you? How came you to be here?'

The man had actually chuckled, much like one who was arrogant.

'You creatures do ask such insignificant things. Much like one I once knew.'

His face had grown so pained even as he continued in deeper tones.

'Who I am is of no concern now. What must be done now is important. He looked to Xavier, 'Protect him. He must carry on with his mission.'

'Mission? Of what do you speak of? Please, what am I to tell him when he wakes?'

'He will remember nothing of this. He never has. Only of what his powers have brought him. I can only hope one day he will understand. Perhaps it would be better you did not remember as well.'

'No, it is not necessary. If I am to carry out your wishes I will need to know what is to be done.'

He had soften his look if only a little.

'Yes, I believe you will. He searches for someone. Someone… someone I seek as well. Watch over him; let him be as he was. Only steady him on the right track. Or when next we meet, it will not be pretty.'

Xavier had nodded, accepting this charge; 'Will you tell me no more?'

'Know only this. A time will come when this makes sense. Watch for the signs. I may leave them. You will know then that I have returned and the time has neared. As for him, we shall see. Perhaps, in time, he will know.'

~End of Flashback~

He had disappeared since that day, right before him.

'The time is not right.'

That voice still rung true in his mind as if to tell him it was still so.

"But when? I'm not sure what to make of this but I'm sure it ties in somehow."

There was a knock at the door even as he said, "Come in, Hank."

"Sorry to disturb you Professor. I just thought you wanted to know when something 'odd' had happened. Regarding Sarah's bracelet."

"Yes, what have you to report?"

"Well, earlier this afternoon, the readings fluctuated quite a bit but only for a moment before becoming something like a calm hum, and then resuming to normal. It was like Sarah was here one minute and suddenly left. But then she was there again. It was very strange."

"How long did this last."

"About three hours. Very strange though, her brain pattern was unchanged from the moment she left till she returned. As if only three minutes had passed. I don't believe she may be totally aware of it."

Xavier was thoughtful as he rubbed his chin, "No, I think she might have been. But perhaps we should leave it as is. Nothing serious happened to her, did it?"

"No, everything seemed normal."

"Thank you, Hank." Hank nodded as he turned to leave.

"Hank, it would probably be best if we do not discuss this with the others. We don't want to alarm them or Sarah. I think there's enough tension in the place as it is."

Beast grinned, nodding as he left. Xavier turned to the window as the door closed and again returned to his previous thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sarah had entered the 'Danger Room', attired in something Logan had said was a training suit, though it was rather slimming and black for something meant to train in. Logan had only shrugged.

"You get use to them. If Charles gives the word, you may get a chance to hand out some pay back." He gave a serious look, knowing something she didn't but none the less, she nodded.

Logan was also attired in something similar only it had some orange colors and had a style with different variations best suited for him. Walking into the middle of the empty room, he called out, "Begin simulation 'Wolverine Alpha: beginner'. The room lit up and several whirring sounds were heard. Logan looked towards Sarah.

"Know any simple self defense?"

Not really. Just simple hits, playing around with my brother.

Logan sighed, "This might take a while. Take a defensive stance. Good. Now, when a hit come towards you, block it like this," he crossed his arms across his chest and she followed suit. "Right, now next…"

The went over some basic steps before Logan felt she was ready to take on some simple attacks. Coming at her, she blocked every hit and even got one of her own in at his arm, earning her a rare grin from him.

"Not bad."

I'm a quick study, she grinned. They practiced some more and soon Sarah was picking up fast, even so far as to flip Logan over her shoulder. With a grunt, he stood up, rubbing his shoulder.

"I think we can start the real test now. Begin 'quick attack'."

Sudden sounds came around her, as Sarah stood ready. Hearing something near, she turned and ducked just as something metal whizzed by. Then she saw several lasers fire her way.

You've got to be kidding, she thought even as she dodged and rolled each one, running as more fired. She was suddenly finding herself in a barrage of one odd attack after another. Strange things were either thrown, rolled, fired, or swung at her at different intervals and she learned to dodge, leap, and even attack each one with a precision she never knew she had. Logan could only watch with surprise and even pride.

As the attacks ceased, Sarah landed from a flip in a defensive stance, breathing hard. Logan approached with a clap and Sarah jumped.

"I'm impressed. Never seen a kid work so quick. You're a regular natural. You sure you've never taken a class?"

Slowing her breathing, she shrugged, Might have, before I got my amnesia. Don't really know. Kinda like my love for acting. It just came to me like it had never left. But I doubt that I can do any better then just what happened.

"Well, you never know. Charles might even have something else in mind, a way for you to use your powers to make you better." Grabbing towels from a near by rack, he threw one to Sarah, "May as well call it a day."

Actually, I think I'll stay a bit. Maybe see if I can do better on my own. Her words seem to cover something else that was bothering her and Logan, even hearing her in his mind, could pick it up.

"Not really wanting to see the others yet, huh?" She reddened slightly, shaking her head finally. "Guess I understand. Don't worry. Supper will be over in about an hour. Gives you some time here and enough to shower and come down. Don't worry, they'll be gone and I'll make sure there's something in the fridge."

Sarah smiled appreciatively, Thanks Logan.

Giving a nod, he headed out of the room and the doors slid shut, leaving silence. Turning away, Sarah stared at nothing. What should she practice? Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to incorporate what the professor had taught her into her fighting. She really wasn't suppose to use them till he said but she wanted to try. Maybe, she laughed to herself, it could work like it did on Star Wars. Worth a shot.

Standing very still, she tied the towel around her eyes and brought her thoughts to her mind eye. Carefully, she picture the room as she had seen it, searching for little things like heat or electronic sounds. Her abilities limited her to humans but maybe she could work with heat and movement.

When she felt ready, she tried to will the machine to start. Nothing. Concentrating harder she waited.

Quite suddenly, everything started and she felt movement. Her eyes still covered she felt something moving fast from behind. At the last second she stepped to the side and spun a hit to. For some reason it didn't feel quite as hard as the metal from before.

She continued dodging and aiming a hit at most the targets when she felt they were going faster, harder to beat. What happened?

Without really thinking she concentrated on one thought and brought her hand forward. Again she felt a warmth in her hand and the urge to really make it grow. Suppressing this urge, she aimed at something she felt in her mind and could hear it hit with a crash.

With an inner cheer of triumph, she continued to dodge and began mixing the physical attack with the mental ones and coming up with better and better strategies.

Soon she felt sure that she had finished every attacker this time yet something said no. There was an erratic movement around her, very different from the other machines. She grinned.

A new challenge. Logan must have left me a surprise. She took a defensive pose as the something stopped before and seemed to do the same. She felt its move, even anticipated what it was deciding. This was very different from before.

This should be fun. Feeling a movement, she waited then stepped aside as it passed, returning the attack with a kick to something solid. Had it been her imagination or did it grunt slightly?

Without warning, something hit her behind the knees and she fell. Pushing aside her surprise, she rolled as she felt something coming done toward her, hitting where she once lay. Rolled onto her feet, she ran then doubled around the attacker, feeling for something. But whatever it was, it seemed able to guard itself.

Concentrate, she thought as she rushed at her target, her hand coming forward, only to grab air. The target had moved and she was suddenly hit hard square in the back, falling flat on her face. This dazed her enough that it took her a while to realize they weren't done. Something swished through the air and again she tried to move, getting clipped in the shoulder. Pain searing from the jarring, she tried shaking the feeling.

Get up! Something hissed in her mind, like an angry coach, If you don't learn you'll never win.

A bit angered, she rose quickly and brought her hand back, losing her concentration and just throwing mental attacks at nothing, her face screwed up in frustration.

You need to concentrate! She berated herself. Don't let this simulation get the better of you.

Standing still for a moment, she felt the movement coming closer again and just as quickly, Sarah formed another energy attack, much stronger, feeling the power roll, and flung it hard.

It hit something and sent it crashing into the far wall, slumping to the floor. With a smile, Sarah whipped off the towel to see her triumph.

Her smile faded quickly when she saw what it was. Someone, wearing a similar outfit like hers, except for a mask, lay near the wall, their chest burned. With a horrified look, she rushed forward. Why hadn't she felt it to be human?

She checked their pulse, feeling it still there if not somewhat weak, but they were still alive. Only the upper half of their face showed, their eyes closed as Sarah ripped off the black head mask.

It dropped from her hand like she'd been burned.

Trevor! Trevor, oh merciful heavens, what have I done?!

Trevor didn't answer nor appear to be able to hear her. Sarah, frightened and near hysterical tears rushed for the near by intercom, calling for the professor or Logan to come quickly, then turned back to Trevor's unmoving body.

She sat near him, gulping down breath after breath, and feeling tears slide down her face. No, he couldn't die. He just couldn't. Yet even looking at the damage he sustained she felt unsure what would happen. Praying over and over, she held him close, stroking hair away from his face.

Something within her stirred looking at that face. This worry and pain felt familiar yet she shoved it aside as only concern for him. She cared too much for him to let her thoughts wonder now. Her only thought was what would happen to her without him there for her. He was her family now.

Something seemed to glow so strongly within her even as she hugged him close. Light began to envelop them both even though she notice nothing, her eyes closed. But before it could grow brighter the doors slid open and it disappeared. Xavier and Logan came in, Logan running toward the two, and checking Trevor out.

"It's okay Sarah. He should be okay if we can get him to the medical room right away." Carefully picking Trevor up, Logan ran out the door with him even as Sarah could only stare at where Trevor had laid.

Xavier looked at her, "You used that attack after all. But I think Trevor will be all right."

You don't understand, she thought softly as she choked on tears, I wanted to, whatever it was, I was going to destroy it. I let my anger get in the way. I could have killed him!

She looked at Xavier, her eyes filled and her face one of disbelief.

What have I done? She held up her hands, as if they were bloody, What kind of power is this that I can hurt others? If that's all it's good for, I don't want any part of it!

She fell onto her hands and could only cough like one about to be sick.

"Sarah, your gift is not all like this. There is good to be had."

I don't want it anymore! Her thoughts screamed as she stood, facing Xavier, I can't handle this! All this confusion, this danger, this hurt! I want it gone! I want a normal life again!

Xavier looked at her, sympathetic yet also serious. "I know Sarah. But this is how it is. Nothing you nor I nor anyone else can change that. We have to accept our positions in life just as it comes."

Sarah grew calmer even as her face still looked troubled. But she seemed to take in his words even as they left the Danger Room. After about five minutes Xavier spoke.

"What I'd like to know is why you attacked him?"

I didn't even know it was him. Not even that it was a human I attacked. She thought quietly, I had my eyes covered and I was testing my ability to sense movement through feel. I never knew.

"Trevor must have guarded his mind so well you could barely tell from one thing to another."

I don't know he was there or why he never spoke to me. I almost felt frustration around me and it caused me to react in kind. She was quiet.

He will be all right, won't he Professor?

"I think so. But when he's recovered, there will be questions I believe must be answered."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sorry, you're all probably bored now, huh? I typed late so my imagination was shutting down. But I do have exciting ideas for chapter to come. I think after this, things will much more suspenseful and hopefully confusion will be gone. Any questions? You know, I've been thinking of a little side story about where Trevor's been and how he came to meet Xavier. But I think it'll happen after this one, cause there'd be too many spoilers. What do you guys think, should I, after I'm done this? R&R plz! Cha!

~Faerie Star~

'Please, leave a contribution in the little box.'