Disclaimer: No, I don't own. Don't believe me -- refer back to the last chapters!!

Author's Note: Hey all! Well, it's another chapter and I hope you guys are ready because the plot's finally getting here. And I must say that I have been so buys but I managed to get this chapter written. School can get so hectic that I probably wouldn't have any time for myself! I don't have much to say, just a quick thanks to all my reviewers and I hope you all enjoy this chapter. One more thing… for those who don't review, you should because if you are a fellow author than you know how it feels to not get any reviews. I beg of you… please review this story when you're done reading! Thanks! By the way, head over and read "Timeless" by Sweet-destiny3 and "Sinister Secrets" by Slickboy444. Those two stories are great and really good for Jott fans out there!! Read, Review, and ENJOY!!

Slickboy444: Hello, my friend! Well, thanks again for reviewing another chapter of mine. I am truly honored and grateful to you. I never knew that anyone would like this story so much, but I'm glad that you do. Your words of kindness truly keep me going and I appreciate all that you say. Thank you! I thank you for the compliment, but I think that working for Marvel is a little extreme… but they should get new writers! Yes, and I love the link between Jean and Scott -- especially during the episode "Blind Alley". It's my favorite. As for Kurt and Rogue being ok, well, you'll just have to find out in this chapter! Hope to read more of your story soon! It has me truly intrigued with all the mystery. I hope you enjoy this chapter!!

Lil Jean: Yes, I killed Scott. But that was two chapters ago… and he was never really dead, but everybody did think that he was. Hehe, I'm glad you liked it though. Enjoy this chapter!

Mark C: I'm glad that Scott's still in the land of the living too, although like I told Lil Jean, he was never really gone. And you're right, that was a turning point, you could say. Kurt and Rogue are victims, yes, but doesn't necessarily mean that they'll suffer the same downfall as Evan and Scott. I can't have all the X-men collapsing on me, now can I?! The villain won't be someone from the comics or the cartoon… it's of my own creation! I hope you like the way it turns out! Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Diaz F: I'm glad you were so happy about Scott being alive! Yeah, and they still don't know what the heck is going on. The nightmare is plaguing everyone, but who said I was done!! The kick butts will come later, I assure you… and as for Mr. Gehenna. He's a really nice guy, but about helping them fight the nasty people, I don't know yet. We'll see!! Read on and enjoy!

Sweet-destiny3: Thank you again! Did I mention that your story is great?! Well, it is and it inspires me to write a romantic fic soon when I'm done with this one. Thanks for telling me the truth about what you think of this story… hope that you update yours soon and enjoy this chapter!

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Sacrifice

By: pinkchick

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Chapter 7

It was so dark. Why was it so dark? She could hardly breathe at all. It felt as though something was coming and sucking the life out of her. The heat was so intense and she could feel it like it was surrounding her, although she couldn't see it at all. Something, or on this case, many things were finding their way up her body. She shivered and tried to get them off, but they wouldn't leave. These things were crawling up and down her body in a mass and she didn't even know what they were. They were eerily making their way up and the more they crawled the harder she fought to break free. Why couldn't she break free. She just kept fighting and screaming as the heat and the creatures washed over her sanity. She saw it come out of nowhere, the flames of the fire surrounded her in a large circle and jumped at her skin. Kitty attempted to back away, but she was stuck to something and she couldn't move one inch.

Suddenly the creatures on her body seemed to increase and she could make out a shrilling laughter from far away. It was soft at first and with each laugh it only got louder and louder as she felt it begin to pound in her ears and mind. A never ending sound that wouldn't go away. The evil voice seemed to mutter her name over and over again in some kind of sinister sing song voice. She tried to cover her ears, but it only became louder and she wasn't able to move her arms. Kitty Pryde didn't have time to wonder where it was coming from before one of the creatures made its way up her neck. Kitty let out a piercing scream and she suddenly felt herself falling. Blackness poured in around her and she felt like she couldn't breathe… she only felt herself falling and falling. Falling into the unknown.

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"Scott! NO!!!!" The scream pierced the quiet air in the infirmary as Jean jolted awake from her nightmare. She clutched her head and couldn't believe what she had just seen. It had been horrible, but now as she thought about it, she could scarcely remember anything specific about the dream. All she could see in the visions that ran themselves through her mind was fire, a man's laughter, blood, and evil creatures. She felt warm hands wrap themselves around her shoulders and she leaned into them willingly.

"Jean?" Scott asked hoarsely, concern flowing in his voice. "Are you ok, what happened?"

"Oh, Scott," Jean cried into his shoulder. "It was terrible. It was the nightmare. I-- I saw it, and, and…"

"It's ok, Jean," Scott soothed. "You're safe now. You know I would never let anything happen to you." Jean just sank into his shoulder as he ran his fingers up and down her arm in comfort. Whatever she had seen had obviously scared her and Scott knew all too well what that was like. If she had seen the nightmare, then… Scott shuddered at the thought. The nightmares always seemed to end before he could see the outcome of it all. It was always the same, over and over. He looked down at Jean. He hadn't wanted her to see everything that he had seen. He didn't even know why everyone was having the same nightmare. It seemed odd, but that was his last concern right now. His first was Jean. He stroked her hair gently and kissed the top of her head. Jean should never have to go through and see that. He had wanted to prevent her from ever seeing anything like that. He had wanted to protect her, but he failed miserably. Jean clung to him more tightly.

"Is everything alright?" Ororo asked as she sat on the opposite side of the bed from Scott. She had heard Jean's strained scream and prayed to the Goddess that it hadn't been the nightmare that was plaguing the entire team it seemed.

"I'm, uh, ok, Storm," Jean stated, although not very persuasively. She wiped at her eyes and sat up. "Just a, uh, bad dream."

"Are you sure, Jean?" Ororo asked, still unconvinced of what the redhead was telling her. Knowing completely well that she was lying and she was referring the nightmare as the 'bad dream'.

"Yeah, Storm, I'm positive," Jean assured her and then sank back against Scott and closed her eyes. Scott looked at Ororo as she got up and shook his head. He had a pained expression on his face as he looked back down at Jean and laid his head on top of hers. Ororo sighed and walked back over to Evan's bedside and sat down. It had been a long couple of days and she didn't think that she could really stand anymore of the waiting. Why couldn't the professor give them any answers as to what was going on around here? Storm could feel a chill in her bones as soon as she thought of the consequences they would pay for not knowing how to stop whatever was going on. Ororo sighed again and stroked Evan's cheek. He stirred at her touch and Ororo hoped that he would wake up completely. Evan didn't move after that. Apparently not. With time, she hoped that everything would be all right and nothing else would happen. Unfortunately for Ororo, she was wrong. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, something or someone fell through the ceiling of the infirmary and landed on the floor with a loud thump awakening everyone in the room, even Evan.

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"My plan will be in full effect and I will finally take what is rightfully mine," the sinister voice stated happily as his sinister laugh echoed off of the cavern walls. "Thank you my precious X-men, for your time and… for your worthless lives." His laughter became even louder as he became more joyous. He picked up the pictures and threw them onto the table, each one coming down on top of each other. Then, he took a dagger and sliced through the entire pile, scarring one of the pictures in a murderous stab. All the while, his laughter jumping off of the walls in glee. The laughter only became more evil as the sun dipped behind the horizon and the moon came up with a frown of disapproval.

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"There seems to be nothing wrong with them," Hank McCoy spoke with almost certainty. "Rogue suffered from a case of hives, but other than that, nothing." They had been sitting in the infirmary for the past couple of hours trying to figure out what happened to Rogue and Kurt. On the way out, Logan and the professor had found them against the wall, looking a little less than normal. Rogue's body had broken out into hives, while the good doctor couldn't find any way to help her, too afraid to come into contact with her body. Kurt suffered bite marks from… something, even Dr. McCoy didn't know what it was. He knew it was going to be another long night, but he thanked God that nothing serious had happened to them. Other than the fact that Kurt kept muttering something about a man and power, he didn't know what to make of the situation.

"Do you remember anything Rogue?" Logan asked, still with the well known gruffness in his voice, but if heard clearly, there was a hint of major concern in there.

Rogue shook her head in response and looked down on the floor. The white lights of the infirmary were bothering her and she just wanted some sleep. A good night's sleep. Apparently, she was going to get none of that, not tonight at least. It was strange, she could vaguely remember what had happened to her, much less tell someone about the whole ordeal. She searched her memory and all she saw were the images of the nightmare that she had been having. Nothing else, that was all that seemed to be clouding her mind. She couldn't even remember how she had gotten to the infirmary. Finally she answered Logan who was giving her a look of concern. She avoided his gaze and her eyes remained fixated on the floor. "No, Ah, Ah can't remember anythin', Ah'm sorry, Ah--"

"It's alright kid, we'll take care of this. I told you not to worry," Logan assured her.

Logan sighed. Why was he lying to her anyway? Logan knew that he couldn't make promises like that and not know how to keep them. He wanted to help the kids, he really did, but as long as they were being kept in the dark with this situation, there was nothing he could do. One thing Logan hated was feeling powerless. He looked over at Professor Xavier and his expression was grim. He obviously didn't know how to handle this situation either and Logan knew that it was killing him. For the world's greatest telepath, something like this could be frustrating. Professor Xavier rubbed at his temples and looked over at Kurt, questioningly.

"And you, Kurt?" Xavier asked. "Do you remember seeing anything at all?"

"Man, evil, pover," was all Kurt muttered, his heavy German accent leaking in with the words he spoke. Xavier raised his eyebrows and looked at the blue furred mutant.

"I see," Xavier said. Logan and Ororo looked at him in confusion. What was going on? Professor Xavier wheeled away from them for a moment. "You two may head to your rooms now, thank you."

"Professor, don't you want me to perform tests, I--"

"No, Hank," the professor cut him off by raising his hand. "Whatever they saw and whatever happened will not need any tests to confirm."

Professor Xavier looked towards Evan, Scott, and Jean. Scott and Evan's vitals were much improved and he didn't see any reason of why they should stay locked up in the infirmary for no reason. The marks that appeared on Evan's body had mysteriously vanished as quickly as they had come. Kurt's and Rogue's marks were the same. He knew what was going on here and he needed to finally speak to the rest of his 'staff' before something else happened. Before he could even say anything, he noticed Scott getting out of his bed already dressed to leave and everything. Jean grabbed his hand and they both stood up. Hank was quick to notice also and looked at him, raising his eyebrows.

"You're not going anywhere, mister," Hank said.

"It's alright Hank," Professor Xavier over-rided his order. "He may leave, and so may you, Evan. I trust that you should get some rest and a good night's sleep."

Evan almost snorted at that statement. He hadn't had a good night's sleep ever since that dream had plagued his mind. Even when he was in the land of unconsciousness, that was all he could think about. All he could see. Evan shuddered at the thought and hoped for once, that tonight, he would be able to finally get a good night's sleep. So, he too, got out of the bed and started to get dressed with the clothes that were next to his bed. Ororo stared at the professor in utter shock. What was he doing? Evan and Scott needed to stay in the infirmary and so did Rogue and Kurt. Maybe if Hank ran enough tests on them then they could figure out what was going on. Kitty needed to stay here also. Ever since the young valley girl had dropped through the ceiling of the infirmary, she had woken up abruptly shaken and withdrawn herself into the far corner, away from everyone. Scott made his way over to her to try and get her to also leave, but the professor signaled for him to leave her alone. He, Jean, and Evan gave her a concerned look and then left the infirmary.

As Scott, Jean, and Evan silently left the infirmary, Hank only looked back at them and then back at Professor Xavier. His mouth was hanging open. Did the professor not care about his student's health. They needed to be here, all of them. He had no idea what he was thinking, but he knew that maybe the professor had lost his sanity in light of this situation. What was he thinking? Hank rubbed his temples. Unfortunately for him, he hadn't gotten enough sleep before Logan and the professor had brought Rogue and Evan down here. Then there was Kitty. He looked over to the young girl who was still in the corner, hunched over, her knees to her chest. She was shivering like crazy and was deathly quiet, her eyes transfixed on one spot on the floor.

"Professor, what are we going to do with Kitty?" Ororo asked, her eyes moving over to where the young teen sat. Professor Xavier didn't reply, he just moved over towards her as the rest of the adults followed him. He stopped in front of Kitty and she looked up at him with scared eyes. She almost looked like a scared puppy, afraid to come out of her hiding place. .

"Kitty?" Xavier asked slowly, lifting her chin to look up at him.

"Professor?" Kitty asked, blinking to make sure that it was really him. The infirmary lights were making her dizzy but she didn't care. All she could think about was the nightmare. She tried to think of something else, but it was no use. Those hideous images were the only thing running through her mind at the moment and ever since she had seen it. A shiver wracked her body again. "Please make it go away, please," she quietly whispered. "Make them stop. He's coming… he's coming, I know he is. Please just make it stop. Please…"

"I will try, Kitty," Professor Xavier replied sadly, not fully comprehending what scared the child so much, but having a slight clue. "I promise you I will do my best."

Kitty nodded unconsciously and looked back up at him one more time. She yawned and with one final pained look at Professor Xavier, she quietly left the room. Not one word came out of her mouth, not one. This made the adults very concerned. It wasn't even like Kitty to not say anything at all. She was usually so outgoing. In fact, the entire team was acting strangely enough because of the nightmares. This wasn't any different.

"We know you know somethin'," Logan put in. "We might've ignored it at first, but now, you have no more reasons to keep us out. What's up, Chuck? What's really goin' on?"

Ororo and Hank nodded, making it perfectly clear to the professor that they also wanted to know what was going on. Things had gotten strange enough out here and all they had been doing was sitting in the dark, waiting for something that they didn't even know was coming. Professor Xavier calmly placed his hands together in the fashionly habit that he had and pondered a thought before finally looking up at his friends with a serious expression haunting his face. "Meet me in my office in five minutes," he ordered. "There is much to tell and all will be revealed. Until then, you'll have to trust me, my friends. This may prove to be a situation even we may not be able to handle."

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Mr. Flemmings walked out of the school building in the happiest mood that he had ever been in a long while. A very long while. He whistled on the way to his car, still holding the envelope that he had brought with him. He smiled. Things were finally starting to look up. Mr. Flemmings had figured that Principal Kelly would fall for his plan and that they would end up teaming up against the mutants. He and the principal had a lot more in common than he had once assumed. It was very funny and interesting how things always seemed to turn out. He finally reached his car and unlocked the doors. He opened up the passenger side door and put all of his belongings, including the envelope, inside. Then, still whistling a heart warming tune turned around and walked over to the driver's side door and opened it.

Mr. Flemmings honestly couldn't wait to get his plans started up. He wanted to get rid of the mutants in the school so badly that he wished he could just snap his fingers and they would disappear. He smiled to himself and his beady eyes shone even darker in the moonlight. No, he would wait. After all, his plan against them would be put in effect soon enough anyway. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly. Hell, maybe he could still convince his good old colleague to join him in this expedition to have the power to do what should've been done a long time ago. After that thought crossed his mind, he remembered the conversation he had had with Jean Grey. He shuddered at the thought of her. Stupid, mutant scum, he thought to himself. Those were the mutants he most wanted to get rid of, those six Xavier brats. They were the ones that deserved the punishing the most. Especially after they had destroyed half of Bayville's city block in a so called attempt to 'defend themselves'.

Mr. Flemmings laughed to himself. Mutants didn't need to defend themselves, they had their powers to do that. All mutants really cared about were themselves and nobody else. So if they were going to be selfish, then so was he. He was going to make sure that they regretted the day they stepped foot in Bayville, starting with the schools. He would have his revenge on the mutant population and they would all get their just deserts. All in due time. They would all see and Mr. Gehenna would see what would happen when he disregarded him and didn't even acknowledge his idea. Why would he not want to join him in this crusade to help mankind? Somebody obviously had to. Mr. Flemmings thought that he was definitely the right man for the job and if his colleague wanted nothing to do with it, then so be it. He had found someone else to partner up with and they would see this plan through. Even if it was the last thing that he did.

Mr. Flemmings was about to start the car when he heard a strange noise coming from somewhere near the trees. Curious, he took the keys out of his car and closed the door, locking it behind him. He walked a few feet and stopped, surveying the area, but no one seemed to be here at this time of night. He looked back up at the school and noticed Principal Kelly's office light was still on. So, he obviously couldn't have left yet. Besides, Mr. Flemmings would have seen him walk out into the parking lot. Wouldn't he?

"Hello?" Mr. Flemmings called out. "Is anyone there? Hello?!"

No reply. Mr. Flemmings shivered as the wind blew past him. He wrapped his arms around himself for warmth. He shrugged his shoulder when no reply came and he headed back to his car. A few inches from it, he heard it again. This time it was louder and more distinguished than the last one that he had heard. With that sound, he stuffed his car keys into his pocket and walked back towards the trees at the end of the parking lot. He tilted his head and surveyed the area once more. Still nothing. What in the world was going on? Maybe, it was just some poor creature scurrying around in the night trying to find its way home. He was right about one thing though, it was a creature. Mr. Flemmings still looked around walking closer and closer to the set of trees that was in front of him. The entire parking lot was vacant except for his and Principal Kelly's cars. Other than himself, there wasn't another soul in sight.

Another gust of wind blew past him and it ruffled the tree's leaves. Then the noise came again. Mr. Flemmings narrowed his eyes and stared back at the shaking trees. It had suddenly become much colder than it was. The moon hid behind the thick swarm of clouds above him and it also became darker. Mr. Flemmings pulled his coat tighter around him as his teeth chattered from the blowing gusts that were wrapping their cold hands around him.

"Is anyone there?" he asked again, still stepping closer to catch a glimpse of what was maybe lurking behind the tree. "If this is some kind of joke, it isn't funny!"

Then, he heard it. It was a low, haunted voice that was coming from behind the trees. "This is far beyond a joke, Dan."

"What?" Mr. Flemmings questioned. Now, he really started to panic. He hadn't expected a person to be b hind the tree. At least, not at this time of night and in the school's parking lot. "Wh-- who are you and how d-do you know my name?"

"I know more than just your name, Dan," the voice replied from the shadows. "You see, I've been watching you and you have become of great interest to me."

Mr. Flemmings just gaped at the tree. The man had yet to reveal himself and Mr. Flemmings was far to curious to just leave now without finding out who this man was and how he knew him. "Why is that?" he asked.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Dan," the voice chastised, a deep void and cockiness was there as he spoke. "I thought you were smart enough to figure this out."

"Tell me," Mr. Flemmings ordered, inching ever closer to his adversary. This was good. It was exactly what the shadowed man had in mind. "But, first, show yourself."

"I take orders from no one, and I will show myself when I see fit!" the voice quipped sinisterly, practically shouting at the high school teacher, his rage becoming apparent. Mr. Flemmings took a step backward. This wasn't what the shadowed man wanted so he took a step forward, still lurking in the shadows, but close enough so he could be seen. He calmed himself down and wrapped his dark cape around his body, blending even more with the blanket of night.

Mr. Flemmings narrowed his eyes and tried to see the shadowed man. Unfortunately, all he could make was his outlined form. He swallowed hard. This man was truly starting to scare him and his intent had yet to be clarified. Why should he even be listening to some stranger. Maybe it was a mutant and he had heard about what their plan was going to be. Then, he would really be in trouble. Something like that he highly doubted, but it was a possibility.

"You seem to have a very bleak outlook on mutants," the voice spoke, the sound seemed to be getting closer to Mr. Flemmings. "You really shouldn't. They are creatures of much interest and wonder."

"No, they're not. They're dangerous and a plague upon the earth."

The voice laughed. "Oh, how very little you know. You see, they are too much of a great importance to me. I can't let you just destroy them."

"I never said anything about destroying them," Mr. Flemmings replied, standing his ground. He pondered the thought for a second, but didn't say anything. He didn't really want to destroy mutants, just get them out. Or was it vice versa? He didn't even know what to think. He was more confused now more than ever. This man, he seemed to be trying to do… something, but Mr. Flemmings didn't know what. He was just intrigued and confused at the same time.

"But those are your intentions, are they not?" the voice questioned him. There was no response. Mr. Flemmings pondered the question at hand. He guessed that that really was their intention. "I'm so sorry you feel that way, but… since you do feel that way, you could perhaps be of some assistance to me."

"How so?" Mr. Flemmings asked, something unknown shifting him forward towards the shadowed and caped figure. Everything that was thought before in his mind had suddenly disappeared and his main focus was of this strange and mysterious man in front of him. He didn't even know if it really was a man or a monster. Right now, though, he didn't care. This person, whatever he was, was pulling him forward… closer and closer.

"You see, I have a plan of my own," the voice spoke with disdain dripping in every word that he spoke.

"What is this plan exactly?"

"Now, now. If I tell you, there wouldn't be much incentive for you to join me, now would there?" the voice questioned. His hand drawn forward to further pull the school teacher towards him. "Let's just say," he lowered his voice now, "that you'll be doing yourself and the rest of the world a very good deed."

Mr. Flemmings didn't respond, but finally was close enough to this man that was beckoning him closer. The caped and shadowed figure drew forth his hand and his cape to put around Mr. Flemmings. The teacher still didn't respond and seemed to be under some kind of trance that couldn't be broken. "Now, will you be so kind as to help me help you. We can deal with some of the mutants that you've been dying to get rid of, and you could help me bring to the world what it has lacked for thousands of years. A leader. So, do we have an accord?"

Mr. Flemmings still didn't say anything. He just kept his gaze fixated in front of him. The shadowed figure pulled his cape around Mr. Flemmings and with a snap of his fingers, the man disappeared. He just vanished into thin air, as though he was never there to begin with. The sinister man smiled. "I'm so glad you agree." The shadowed man looked around one more time and up at the still frowning moon that had finally come out of its hiding place. The plan was slowly making its way into its final stages and he would finally get what he carved for and deserved. He turned his caped around and started to walk back into the shadows in which he was born of. Leaving nothing behind him but a trail of evil and dark, hideous laughter that made even the wind, trees, and moon flinch in their wake.

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