Yes I know, I was supposed to review a long time ago… stupid schoolwork caught up to me. Well as I promised Tiki, I have another chapter for you…

insert regular disclaimer here>

Insert warning for those who steal my characters>

Enjoy.

Mystery child.

MN had looked over everything. Then it clicked into her head. The answer was in the question! She snapped out of it just for her to see that it was the last five seconds and she let go the illusion that she had created only to yell out.

"V!"

Shadow held her breath.

'Was it right?' She thought worriedly, 'Was she right?'

That question was answered when the blades were taken out their backs and Hawk, Nova and Illusion were returned to them. The interface flashed a message to them,

Congratulations, you are correct.

The prisoner has been unlocked.

MN was the first to walk over to the prisoner and pick Jones up. She saw that it was a man, and by checking his pulse and his mind she guessed he had been drugged.

Nova turned and saw that the room had gone back into order.

"Hey the room is back how it was before. I guess it is easy sailing from here ladies and gentlemen."

Everyone turned toward the exit, and as they walked, everyone heard a loud gasp. They spun, and what greeted them there shocked them. Jones had suddenly had come alive and was now sticking a knife into MN's heart. Everyone on the outside gasped, realizing that the Danger Room had taken and new and dangerous twist. Jones turned toward them a frenzied, wild look in his eyes. It was one of bloodlust. MN turned to look up at them the color fading from her blue eyes.

"You know who he is," she coughed violently, blood gushing from her mouth, "Defeat him."

That was all she could say, before she died. Everyone stood still, no one moved no one spoke. Logan grabbed Hack by the front of his shirt and lifted up in the air, a fierce snarl making its way his mouth.

"What the HELL was that all about bub? And you better make it fast…" Hack heard the snikt of Logan's claws and faced him, with little fear in his eyes; for he knew what Logan was capable of.

Suddenly there was a blinding flash behind him and he dropped Hack covering his eyes. When it cleared and everyone's eyes returned to normal, there stood MN, unhurt and unharmed.

"What?" was all Jean managed to say.

MN sighed and explained hearing everyone's mental thoughts.

"It was only a simulation of me getting killed. That happens most often because my team cannot only depend on me to help them out; they must rely on each other, and on their powers. What you saw there was only something that might have happened to me."

"But don't you have healing powers?" Rogue asked.

MN turned away from every one, "I do." She said softly and watched her team as they battled it out with one of their old foes.

"Who is he?" Logan stood beside her, whispering in her ear.

"His name is Bloodlust. He was one of my hated enemies."

"Why?"

"He had a fantasy of torturing me while making love to me. You really do not wish to know what was going on through his mind."

Logan nodded his assent.

An hour later, found MN showered, changed and sitting on the roof reading a Gundam Wing manga. The summer sun beat down on her keeping her warm. Oddly she felt mildly content, as if this would be the perfect hiding spot for her… but she knew that to be a complete lie.

'You know that they will find you here…and once they do you know what you will do to protect them. You have always thought of Charles like a brother and you will do anything to protect him and the school.'

She knew what her inner self had said was true. Feeling that she needed to know where everyone was she cast her mind from the inside out. None of students there felt her presence wash over them, not even the Professor. What she got slightly amused her. She knew that Storm and Nightcrawler were having a picnic in the forest, surrounded by lilies and African violets, Logan was in the danger room with Nova and he was having a good time with her, judging by his admiration towards her. Shadow and Hack were near the pool making friends with some of the other mutants there including Rogue and Gambit. Mech was with a mutant named Forge and together they were looking over each other's designs. Jean was with Hawk and they were talking like old friends. She finally found Illusion all by himself as he usually was reading a manga book. She knew how he liked his peace and quiet. She also knew that most of the students, since it was a Saturday, were hanging around, some had gone out, and some were doing their homework or some other business that they had to attend to. She left it at that.

She also knew that Rogue was looking for her, and she knew what exactly what the young Rogue was going to ask her. Sighing heavily she teleported the book to her room then promptly ran off the roof into the air. She presently heard a high pitched scream below her. Rogue was walking around franticly searching for the young woman who could help her with her powers. Beside her suddenly Siren screamed into the air. Clutching her ears Rogue looked up to see a person jumping in the air. She then realized it was MN and she just might have been on the roof. Suddenly Nightcrawler and Storm appeared beside her as did Cyclops and Jean; they all looked at Siren and where Rogue pointed. They saw MN also, as she did somersaults and back flips in the air and landed directly in front of them. By then Siren had stopped screaming and looked at MN with a dazed look upon her face.

"Oh. It's you. Sorry I thought that you were some bad person or something." Her voice got quieter, and it rang with shame. MN smiled at the young girl.

"Don't worry about that, it's your instinct to scream when you see something different, especially me flying in the air like that. Don't worry, I really don't blame you, hun."

Siren smiled bashfully, she liked her, "Thanks."

She disappeared into the mansion. Nightcrawler, seeing that everything was alright, took Storm's hand and they disappeared again back to their picnic spot. Jean and Scott left too, engrossing each other in conversation. Only Rogue and MN remained. MN began, "Are you sure you wish to do this?"

Rogue immediately snapped out of her daze and turned to MN, "Of course I do sugah, ah have wished it wit all my heart. Ah always wanted to know what it felt like to be… ya know… normal for once."

"I know the feeling."

"But how do you do it sugah, ah swear ah've never met anyone like you who could control all those powers. How do ya do it?"

"It takes control Rogue. I have to be in control every second of the day, or the earth would not be looking as it does now."

"But how are ah able to control my powers, and be able to touch some one?"

"As I said it takes control, and it may also do with the other power I have. Not only can I take powers, I can give them to people also. But, enough about that. Here, let's sit down." So they did on the comfortable bench and MN continued her instructions.

"Now take off your gloves and lay your hands flat out on your knees." Rogue did as she had said.

"Now this might hurt a bit so beware." MN placed her hands against Rogue and so the transfer began. MN felt the tugging of Rogue's power but dismissed it sucking it into her own power, in an ironic sort of way she was slowing sucking the life out of Rogue. Rogue wrenched in silent agony as her power was drained from her form. But in return she felt a comforting presence. Even though it hurt a lot to be robbed of her powers, she felt strangely comforted by the older woman.

"There," MN spoke bringing her back to the present, "It has been done. You are now free of your power and your so called curse." MN pulled a set of gloves out of her back pocket. The Professor wheeled up to them a curious look on his face.

MN did you just do what I think you just did?

Yes Charles, I did. I just gave her the gift of freedom. But sadly it will only last a week.

You gave it to her for that long? You have been able to do that?

Yes, among other things Charles.

"Congratulations Rogue, I guess you finally have your wish. Let's see of it worked."

Rogue got up, a little nervous because she was not sure if it would work or not. Carefully extending her bare hand she touched the Professor's hand.

Nothing happened. A large and happy smile came over Rogue face.

"Oh thank you so much hun, ya'll don't know how much this means ta me!"

"I think I do Rogue, now go on enjoy yourself. You have a week."

Rogue nodded and ran off to go find Logan.

The Professor smiled upon his student. "You have given her a lot there, you know that?"

"I know." MN said softly, watching her run into the mansion.

"I was wondering... would you like to help with dinner?" Charles turned to her, an amused look in his eyes.

"Yes I would, and don't give me that look Charles, I'm better than I used to be."

The Professor laughed, "This I have to see."

Logan walked into the kitchen; he had given up his search for Tomi, to thank her for Rogue. When he walked into the kitchen though he was shocked; there stood in the middle of the mayhem of the kitchen was the Professor and MN and they were cooking. Logan bluntly stared at them as the things flew around his head, bypassing him everywhere. Neither MN nor the Professor turned around from what they were doing while they spoke to Logan.

"Well are you going to stand there speechless and dumbstruck Logan?"

"I agree Logan, although it is nice to see you shocked once in a while."

Logan grunted at the Professor's comment.

"Thanks Chuck," he paused looking at MN, the words slowly coming from his lips, "Tomi? Ummmm… I just want to thank you for…"

He paused and had a sudden vision of Tomi smirking, he continued against his own very will.

"Well thank you for giving her the ability to touch. It means a lot to her."

He grabbed a beer out of the hidden stash he had bought and walked out of the kitchen and sighed, popping the cork and suddenly wishing that it was cold. To his surprise, it did turn cold. He looked at it in shock wanting to know how it happened. A small voice whispered into his ear.

Your welcome Logan.

Then he heard the sound of heavy laughter and annoyed that they were laughing at his inability to talk, he swore silently at them.

Later on when the sun slowly begun to set, everyone was gathered in the cafeteria, even the teachers, to eat and to get to know the visitors better. Dinner was a causal affair, with the whole entire school population talking with each other it was sometimes hard to talk with each other, but they managed it. An hour later when everyone realized that they were still talking and there dinners were finished everyone moved out of the cafeteria and either went into their rooms, or hung out in the lounge areas softly chatting or playing the games.

At ten though, Professor's commanding voice rang strong though everyone's minds

Alright everyone, it is time to get a good night's rest. Lights out at ten - fifteen. Good night everyone.

There were many groans but everyone complied, heading up to their rooms. MN joined her teams when they went up to their guest's bedrooms but felt a sudden tingle at the back of her mind, one that tickled her all the way down to her toes. She spun slowly and teleported up to the roof, only telling her team that she would be back soon.

Professor felt the teleport, and was going to ask Nightcrawler what he was doing when he found that it was MN, and she was slightly troubled.

MN felt his presence around her.

What is it?

Someone that I had hoped not to see Professor. They have come for me and me only.

Will you need any help? Professor, though her mind knew who they were.

No I do not wish to get your team involved in this. I will protect your school brother.

Professor smiled fondly. You haven't called me that in years…

I know, because some do not understand…

I know. Came the reply. I know. But will you be able to handle them all by yourself?

Yes. They will pay for coming.

Are you up to this?

I am.

But still the Professor was worried about her.

Logan, Jean, Storm, Scott, Nightcrawler, Rogue and Gambit, suit up. MN is dealing with the intruders outside. They have come for her she says and does not wish for any help from us. But we will be behind her if anything happens. Ice man, Colossus, and Jubilee, you will keep the kids in their rooms, or at least try to. I will warn them now.

There were a lot of replies for the Professor and a lot of questions, but he ignored them and told everyone to stay calm.

MN will be dealing with them.

That was all he told them. A few minutes later, the Professor and the X – men team were standing inside watching the battle that was to come. Professor closed his eyes and scanned the area,

"Well there are a good number out there…"

"How many?" Logan asked, antsy to be out there.

"About seventy – five to say the least."

"Seventy- five? Just to capture her?" Cyclops stared.

"Where is she?" Storm asked the Professor, but instead MN replied.

I am outside on the roof Storm, and I'm coming down now.

Everyone saw the wind as it encircled MN, blowing her loose clothing and her hair. She landed on the ground ready to fight.

On a sudden thought, Professor asked MN a question.

What powers do they know you have?

All they know is that I have power with the elements and my telepathic and telekinesis abilities.

That is very limited… to what you can really do…

I know Charles and that is all they need to know. It is better this way. All I ask is for you to trust me…

All right. He said reluctantly. We'll sit for now.

Thank you brother.

She felt them all around her, and a growl rose within her throat. She made sure that she stood between the school and them, and she made sure that everyone was inside, before she begun.

A hand grabbed a megaphone and pushed the button.

"Hello my beautiful Masako."

Immediately she knew who it was.

Behind the X – men, Illusion swore heavily. Everyone turned and gave him a look.

"So I suppose you know this character?" Logan looked down at the silent boy.

"Yes I had the unfortunate event of meeting him once. He's her brother."

Silence over took the room.

"Are you sure?" Storm asked softly.

"Yes, considering their eyes are the same."

"What do you mean 'the same'?" Logan asked again, clearly puzzled.

"Watch and you shall learn." Illusion replied stonily.

Logan went forward to make the boy talk but Jean held him back.

Don't Logan.

Why not? The kid is asking for it.

We will watch. He doesn't like this situation any better than you do…

Logan grunted and turned around, "You're lucky kid…" he muttered darkly.

MN closed her eyes. She slowly opened her eyes. Suddenly her eyes began to change. They lit up, making it look like she was purely mechanical. Her eyes glowed a vibrant blue.

"What do you want Morpheus?"

A pair of sea green eyes glowed back at her.

"He wants you back."

Logan felt a growl coming from his throat, but he repressed it.

"Ah my Gawd. Ah hun? What is with the eyes?" Rogue asked Illusion.

Instead of answering her, Illusion sent a telepathic message to MN. Professor and Jean heard the request.

Mother, turn around please they wish to know why Morpheus' eyes glow.

MN turned and everyone gasped.

Gambit began muttering in French, Nightcrawler began a prayer in German, and everyone stood silently except for Storm who spoke,

"Oh my Goddess, what is she?"

"Mother? She is mostly human if that answers your question." A new voice spoke up, everyone turned to see the rest of the team. They joined Illusion.

Everyone looked fairly calm, as if they knew that she could handle it.

Logan piped up, "You aren't worried, are you?" He could smell their ease.

"Yes we are… but have faith that she can beat them."

"I am not coming with you Morpheus. You should know that by now." Her eyes returned to normal.

"But you are coming with us my dear Masako, you are or else your little school will be demolished." His eyes also returned to their normal color.

"I am not coming."

"Is she insane? They just said they are going to blow up the school…" Cyclops noted.

"Did it not occur to you 1mein freund that she may have something up her sleeves? Ja?"

"I would agree with you there, she does have something up her sleeve." Logan noted her stance; it seemed as if she was ready for something.

Morpheus let go of the button.

"Fire at the school."

MN stood there waiting. Suddenly she was rewarded when four rockets went flying behind her.

Professor wasted no time. "Jean!"

Jean concentrated, her eyes becoming alight as she began toying with the mechanisms of the rockets. Suddenly she stopped and her eyes became puzzled.

"Professor she just blocked me off from them." She stated blankly.

MN what are you doing? He sent to her but he got one reply.

Trust me…

Before the rockets hit the school, they exploded behind her in one large boom that rocked the earth underneath them, and a lighted her in flames and debris.

Everyone stood silently. No one made a move.

Finally after a long stretch of the shocked silence Professor spoke, awe ringing throughout his voice.

"She has a barrier around the school…"

That was all he could say.

Morpheus spoke orders again, shock in his voice. "Get her."

Men fanned out looking for young woman who had disappeared from their sights.

She was the wind now; she watched them as they went looking for her. Slowly and silently she went down to them, killing each and every one of them slowly as she robbed them of their precious air. In each of their ears she whispered darkly telling them how they did not deserve to live, and how they had been foolish to come after her. She made sure that Morpheus heard everything. Every gasp of breath, her every whisper, their horrid choking sounds, and their last breaths of life. Everyone against her heard it, and they began to question who exactly they were going against. The whispers began. Morpheus heard them, and clenched his fist.

'Damn you sister… you know that I cannot leave without you… you know that very well…'

Suddenly beside him he heard a whisper,

"I know brother… but not everything Father wants he should get…"

He spun and saw the figure of his sister, her blue eyes a light. Suddenly his eyes also turned into their vivid sea green.

"Damn you Masako…"

She disappeared from his sights again. But he could see her eyes as they danced in the wind.

Suddenly from behind him there was sound of rapid gunfire, and the sound of rockets being launched.

Morpheus spun; his sea green eyes flaming with sudden power.

"STOP YOU FOOLS! THAT"S IS WHAT SHE WANTS!"

It stopped and suddenly; everything became silent again, but a laughing whisper filled the air.

"You ruined my fun brother… for that there is a price."

Everyone watched as the wind converged together, forming a cocoon around a hidden Masako. Then, ever so slowly the wind cocoon became alight, filling with deadly and thunderous flames. Everyone watched slowly waiting for what she would do.

Jean felt the power radiating from the ball of fire, and her eyes alighted with inner and hidden fire wanting to know was what in the ball. When a pair of opal eyes set theirs on hers, she understood. Coming back into reality she took a step back.

"Jean?" Scott questioned, seeing that she had walked back into him.

"Jean?" Professor questioned also, sensing her shock and fear.

"Professor, take a look inside the ball…"

Professor vivid blue eyes became unfocused for a moment until he gasped.

"She is…"

He was at a loss for words.

The giant fireball expanded ever so slightly and they could see the faint outlines of wings surrounding the ball. Slowly, as if Masako was taking her precious time, the wings unfurled to reveal a griffon, its fiery wings flapping in the air holding it aloft. Morpheus stood still as its opal eyes fixed on him and rooted him to the spot. He struggled against her hold, but it was to no avail.

You best hold still older brother. It just might do you well.

He heard Masako's voice in his head and he cursed realizing the inhibitors that they had would not work against her. He heard the gasps of horror and terror behind him. He opened his mouth to speak but an imaginary finger shushed him.

Now, now, dear brother, we cannot have any of that.

She stepped onto the ground, and the flames she produced roared and crackled across her body. She turned to look at the Professor and his team.

I told you… but you did not believe me…

I know…

Let me finish them off.

Must you?

You know I must, or this will not end easily…

A large sigh came before the answer. If you must…

Thank you dear friend…I know how much—

Yes you do know. But you always knew best whenever we got into these situations.

Thank you.

You are welcome.

Professor sighed aloud again, his distress clearly shown within his vivid blue eyes.

The griffin opened her mouth and a large fire ball was the result. The men behind Morpheus began to run, but they never made it far. Her fire balls were quick and sure and they never failed to reach their target. There were many screams as they died, but nevertheless Masako knew it had to be done. As she eradicated most of his strike force she felt herself slipping from the form that she was trying to hold. She realized in horror that draining Rogue must have taken more out of her than she had realized.

Morpheus felt her let go of him and by the many screams that he had heard he knew that most of his force was dead. He saw that she retreated and had reverted back into her human form. His own eyes lighted up and so did hers. He saw them light but they did not have as much power as they did before.

Masako saw what he was doing. "Damn you brother, you always knew that it worked both ways with us."

Morpheus smiled. This was his chance. If he did not take it now, he did not know when he would get the chance again.

"Tranquilizer Team, move into position. We have her now."

"Are you sure Dreamer?"

"Yes. Trust me."

Masako was starting to feel tired and she felt like letting go of everything and falling to sleep. But she mentally slapped herself awake.

'You must stay awake.'

She heard the sounds of the rockets before she snapped out of it. She strengthened the barrier again and the rockets hit the wall again. This time for her it took more effort than it would have usually. Then almost missing the sound of something whistling in the air she barely had time to somersault as a tranquilizer dart came towards her. It was a dance on the air and the ground as she dodged the many darts that came her way.

Logan and Hawk's eyes were sharp as they tried to see what MN was dodging. It was Hawk who finally, in her hawk form, revealed what she was dodging.

Hawk reverted back to her human form.

"I am going to kill him." were the first words out of her mouth. Logan turned to her. "I agree with that."

"What is she dodging?" Kurt's German voice cleared out the silence that had come over them so quickly.

"She's dodging tranquilizers. He wants her alive."

Morpheus quickly and efficiently loaded his own gun. He cocked it and set his sights on his younger sister. He whispered into the night.

"I am sorry…" and he truly meant it as he fired, its target his sister.

She heard the whisper and turned to him, a look in her eyes. But she saw the tranquilizer too late as it hit her, sending her flying hard onto the ground.

Logan swore as he saw this. Jean and Storm gasped and the rest, including her team, watched in muted apprehension.

Masako struggled as she tried to rise, almost failing as the dart began its effects immediately. She yanked it out of her arm, and looked at it hard. From her dizzying eyes she saw that half of the large dart had gone into her. She growled, slowly rising.

Storm…

Storm almost jumped to hear MN's weak voice. What is it?

I need your help, and quickly, or this will never work.

What?

I need you to create the largest bolt of lighting you have ever made and strike me with it.

Storm's eyes opened in horror. I will not! It could kill you!

Storm! MN yelled into her head. You must! I cannot hold on long…

Sighing inwardly, she complied. Yes I will. MN?

Yes?

Please be careful.

A grin made its way onto MN's face. No worries Goddess, no worries.

Storm stepped back and opened her arms.

Outside a storm began to broil into the air, the moon was quickly covered by the darkening of the storm which began to crackle with hidden energy. Lighting danced across the sky and the thunder drummed and rolled.

Everyone turned to Storm.

"Storm?" Rogue asked.

"Trust me."

Outside the lighting flashed for one final time as the largest lighting bolt anyone had ever seen struck down Masako. Morpheus watched it strike her, his hairs standing on end.

"This was not supposed to happen…" He whispered, not to himself but out into the wind. His radio crackled beside him and he heard the gasps of disbelief from the men. He knew that she was not getting back up from that hard and dangerous strike.

Storm tumbled into Nightcrawler's arms as she felt her strength easily seep through her bones.

"That took more effort than I thought it would…" She mumbled to Nightcrawler, her blue eyes looking tiredly at his golden orbs.

"Mein Gott, 2liebhaber…you amaze me." He whispered into her ear, while they watched MN slowly begin to rise.

Morpheus clutched his radio. "Tranquilizer Team, strike again, I repeat, strike again."

They never had a chance. Before they could Masako fried each and every one of them with her lighting before they could even take a crack shot on her. Morpheus knew that this was it. The murderous look that he knew prevailed in her eyes was the sign for him and those that remained alive were that they were dead. There would be no going back this time, because this was their final moments. Behind him, he heard the sounds of helicopters. He silently thanked the God above someone had thought to call in backup because in his efforts that thought had not crossed his mind. He turned and saw three helicopters coming behind him, their guns aimed at Masako ready to fire. And fire they did. Ten rockets went slamming directly into her lighting shield in which they exploded around her.

MN knew that she had used too much of her power this time, this time and this only time would she yield herself to them. It was the only way for her to release the barrier she had around the school and of the earth around them. She knew that she would not or could not have the earth harmed. Her eyes lit up for one last time on the battlefield before she fell unconscious behind Morpheus. Morpheus turned and saw her. He smiled, knowing the ploy that she had pulled and picked her up.

Logan and Hawk wasted no time in rushing outside. But they came upon an obstacle. MN's barrier was still around the school and it would have seemed to them that it prevented anything from going in and coming out. Logan swore and began slamming himself into the barrier, but it would not give way. Each time he jumped into the barrier he swore until a hand stopped him in his rage. He turned to see the face of Nova, her own wings tightly drawn against her back and she was trying to hold an expressionless face, but her golden eyes showed the fury that she held within.

"It is not use Logan, her shields are impenetrable, there would be no use trying to get past them."

Logan nodded. "Thanks kid."

"Your welcome." was her soft reply.

The team watched them pick up their dead and their vehicles and disappear, with no hint that they had been there in the first place.

And with that, I leave you hanging once again.

Mystery child

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