You'll notice that Dysis from Left Behind appears in this story as well. She has actually appeared in many different stories written by me since I started writing fanfiction over 10 years ago under different pennames. I am not completely sure that I love this story, but we will see as time goes on. I wanted to get other opinions. I promise the next chapter of Left Behind will be out soon. I am towards the end and only need to have it read by my beta! Constructive critisism is welcome as always. X-men belongs to Marvel etc. etc.

This story is another what if? and is placed after Gen X, sans Jubilee, graduate from Gen X. Jubilee feel's she has outstayed her welcome and heads home to Socal to take care of business.

Chapter One: Slipping Away

As darkness swelled up from the last of the setting sun Jubilation Lee slipped quickly from her balcony and shimmied quickly down a tree. She was not thrilled at her only option of running away to solve problems long thought over in sunny California . Still, when she even mention of making a trip alone to Emma she was quickly rebuffed. If she had been seventeen, Jubilee would have made an effort to understand, but her eighteenth birthday had come and gone three months prior. She was still in school and finishing what was considered her senior year.

The year had been fairly lonely to her. Since the school had opened to the public all her older teammates had graduated the year before, and the new "team" of young mutants were just not her thing. She had become like a mentor to one of them, Dysis, but the rest were guppies. She barely even participated in the paltry group missions Sean and Emma sent them on. They were nothing like the thrill and excitement of a few years back.

When Jubilee had received word from an old gang friend that someone was making play at her neighborhood and children were getting abducted she booked the first flight out. She was not so precocious as to put it in her name either. Jubilee once again thanked whoever had deemed it necessary to finally unfreeze her assets and inheritance. It had left Jubilee quite wealthy and influential in parts that she had long since forgotten since her parent's died.

"Yo, Lee! Where ya headed?" a voice suddenly penetrated the darkness as she stepped into the forest. Jubilee sighed and stepped back into the light.

"Dysis, go back to bed," she insisted quietly.

"You're running off?" Dysis's voice hadn't needed to sound so hurt. Jubilee smiled softly at the girl. How many times did she look at Wolverine with that same look and use that same tone. Some things just couldn't be changed. She would take Dysis with her if it was possible, but Emma would send out the troops if Jubilee stole one of her kids.

"I'll send ya a postcard, Dysee. I'd take you with me if I could, but I have out welcomed my stay here at X-Kid Academy…you still got some points to put in. Who would watch after the baby morons?" Jubilee joked affectionately. Dysis blushed and ducked her head. Something she only did with Jubilee's praise.

"You promise you'll keep in touch?" Dysis asked hesitantly after a moment. Jubilee nodded and quickly embraced the girl. She stepped back and started back into the woods.

"There's a package for you in my room, Dysee. You can get it, but make sure no one hears you in there. I can't be discovered till I am way out of town," Jubilee tossed over her shoulder as she ascended deeper into the woods. She heard Dysis whisper a goodbye and she quietly brushed away the tears that threatened to spill.

Dysis watched until she couldn't hear the sound of Jubilee's soft, almost nonexistent, footsteps disappear. She turned and quickly headed across the yard. No one would catch her…that she was sure about. She climbed up the tree and slipped into Jubilee's room. She looked around and noticed a small package on her desk. She quickly opened it and gasped in awe as she saw what was inside.

Jubilee's yellow leather trench lay inside. She picked up the clothing almost reverently and slipped it on. She reached into the pocket and pulled out a small note.

To the next Generation, I couldn't have asked for a better friend and future partner. Emma will not understand my leaving so be prepared for serious questioning. There is another letter in the left pocket for her and Sean. It will perhaps explain better. Thanks for the backup and I'll see you again.

Dysis quickly dried her own tears and slipped back to her room. Ann, her roommate, looked up sleepily as she entered.

"Where ya been, Dys?" she murmured.

"No where, go back to sleep. We have got serious drills in the morning," Dysis answered and crawled back in bed herself.