Disclaimer:I do not own the X-men or any marvel or fox related characters or any other superheroes for that matter apart from the OC's from this story and its predecessor.

Welcome to chapter one to part 2 of A firecracker changed my life.
I have decided to change things up a little in this story as I will be writing it from POV perspectives. I have never done this but have read a few stories written in this manner and they seem like fun to write. I hope you enjoy reading this one as much as part 1. Please review and let me know your thoughts. On with the story.

Jubilee's POV

My head is throbbing what the hell happened? I thought as my eyes slowly fluttered open to a bright light being shown in them. That's when I remembered what happened to me. "Get the hell away from me you freak." I yelled and thrashed my arms violently. My vision was still blurry and my senses hadn't alerted me to where I was at.

"Jubilee its ok, you are safe." A wonderful amazing familiar voice flooded my ears and my heart began to sing.

"Where am I?" I asked softly as I could tell we were moving but my head hurt way too bad to fully focus. I guess it didn't really matter David would be here in a matter of moments and no matter where I was at as long as he was by my side I felt safe. He was never far from my side especially if I had somehow hurt myself. Even if it was just a small cut he was quick to make sure that I was ok. It was slightly annoying at times but it does let me know that he cares and that makes me happy.

"You are on the blackbird Jubilee. On the way back to the institute we are about half an hour away." Hanks voice answered my question and man was I glad to be going home.

Home what an amazing word. After living at a mall stealing to survive it is great to have a place I can call home. And after what had happened It was unlikely that I would be leaving it for quite sometime. Then realization hit me that I had been awake for a few moments and no sign of David was present. They had apparently just rescued me from sabretooth. "Hank where the hell is David Sabretooth didn't hurt him did he?" I asked the fuzzy blue man expecting the worst but hoping for the best.

"Jubilation relax. Just know that Sabretooth did not hurt David." Hank said which relaxed me a little but that still left to question where David was hiding.

"Hank where is David?" I asked again and I swear if he gives me another backwards ass roundabout answer I am going to paff him so hard his fur will never grow back.

"Jubilee please you are suffering from a concussion you are in no condition at the moment. All will be explained in time." Ugh I am going to kill him. I guess the concussion explains a few things but what needs to be explained and why does a concussion prevent them from explaining it now. I guess there is not much I can do but lay back and try to keep my mind from racing at least until we get back to the institute.

David's POV

I wiped a tear from my eye as the jet flew off into the horizon. I cant believe I shed a tear I haven't done that since I was a kid. But then again I haven't lost someone I really cared about since I was a kid. I have never faced that level of finality. At least this time I got to say goodbye. As much as I am going to miss her she is better off.

I decided I couldn't stay there watching what was now a black speck in the sky forever. I headed back in the direction I had left my bike in. It was right where I had left it and I smiled, it was the only material possession I had at the moment and it was running low on gas. I only have 40$ in my wallet right now and my stomach is beginning to rumble. Understandable as I haven't eaten since before me and Logan left the institute. Gas food and a place to stay for the night 40 bucks was never going to cover all of that. I never minded sleeping outside its just weird to think of myself as homeless. My bike roared to life beneath me and I laughed at the homeless thought as I headed in the same direction the jet left in. As much as I trust Logan to look after her and I do whole heartedly. I Need to be close enough to see that she is ok with my own two eyes.

I took off and made it a half hour down the road and my bike began to sputter. "Where the hell is my mind at?" I asked myself as I stepped off of the bike. I remembered it being low on gas I must have passed five gas stations. Guess I'm pushing it.

I began pushing the bike and as much reserve energy as Alex and Noriko gave me, I was beginning to deplete. Between what I used fighting Sabretooth and even more to heal from his claws. I expended much more than I thought I would. So now another problem arose where would I get more? My body had yet to learn to regulate itself and I am not sure if I know how to absorb. It just happened when I needed it to the most, the same as it always begins until I learn to control it. Even if I could absorb who would I absorb it from? My mind was racing now and I had nothing but my thoughts to keep me company. This was definitely going to be a long night.

I finally reached a gas station and pushed the bike to a pump. I made my way into a gas station without thinking of how I must have looked.

"Are you alright sir?" The clerk asked as he noticed my tattered and dirt covered black tee shirt and ripped jeans.

"Uh yeah I am fine. I laid my bike down a few miles back." I answered coming up with the best response I could at the moment he didn't seem to question it though. Thankfully he couldn't see that my wounds had already healed due to the dried blood that covered my body. The last thing I needed was someone to discover that I am a mutant. "15 dollars on pump 2." I said to the man that couldn't take his eyes off of my appearance. I proceeded to hand him a twenty and waited while he pressed a few buttons and gave me my change. I headed back out gassed up my bike and headed west.

Jubilee's POV

I must have fallen asleep again on the jet because when I woke up I found myself in the med lab. I sat up and rubbed the back of my head which was no longer throbbing but still incredibly sore. I looked around for someone, anyone that could get me a glass of water and answer some questions I had. Hank was nowhere to be found and that confused me even more as whenever he had a patient he was always in the med lab or sleeping in the adjoining on call room. The clock on the wall read four O clock but I had no way of telling if that was A.M. or P.M.

"Professor I am sorry if I am waking you. But could you tell me where Hank is at?" I asked telepathically as I couldn't walk very far with an IV in my arm.

"Jubilation no you are not waking me at all. I will alert Hank that you are awake." Professor Xavier replied in a voice that was obvious that there was bad news. Now I am worried I was informed that David is ok but he is still not with me. Did David use himself as some sort of bargaining chip to free me. Is he stuck with sabretooth now. God with his enhanced senses he will vomit from the smell I hope he didn't do something so stupid. Just as I was on the verge of a panic attack because my brain wont shut the hell up, Hank entered the room with an expression on his face that said he had news he was dreading to tell me.

"Jubilee, please remain calm." He said handing me a paper bag as I began to hyperventilate. Not that it wasn't convenient but what a weird thing for a doctor to just keep on hand in his Exam room. I smiled slightly behind the bag at the thought. "How are you feeling Jubilation?" He asked me cautiously, he only referred to me as Jubilation when something was really serious he knows I don't like being called that.

"Much better Mr. McCoy. I could use some water though." I answered as my erractic breathing had calmed down. My mind still didn't however. I needed answers and I was not going to stand around and let them keep avoiding me any longer. He handed me the paper cup full of water and I took a few small sips just enough to wet my parched tongue before speaking again. "So what is going on Hank?" Thankfully my voice was not as raspy or weak and I was able to ask with a little more force behind my words. Not to mention the death glare I was shooting his way. I crossed my arms and was able to hear my foot tapping uncontrollably as I waited for a response.

"Well uh... I um..." He stumbled over his own words a few times. My god he reads Shakespeare for entertainment. He has the most extensive vocabulary of anyone I have ever met, but when I need answers the most he decides to have problems speaking. "I don't know quite how to tell you this Jubilation." God I wish he would stop doing that, it freaks me out more than his nervousness. "David is no longer with us."

My knees collapsed as he spoke those words. I hit the ground with a thud and immediately broke down into loud sobs. "I thought you said he was ok. Why did you lie to me?" I asked although I'm not quite sure if he was able to make out the strained mumbled words.

"Oh dear, no I am so sorry. David is fine what I meant was he is no longer here at the institute." He explained quickly realizing that he messed up.

"What? Why?" The news wasn't much better but I was able to handle things better just knowing that David was alright. But why wouldn't he be here? He loved it here he wouldn't just leave for no reason.

"Jubilation, you have to understand that David does love you and he did what he did for you." Poor Hank he really does try. But as smart as he is he should know there is nothing that is going to calm me down right now. Emotions aside I still need answers.

"What do you mean Hank? What did he do?" I asked confused. I know David can occasionally be a little irrational and hot headed but I cant imagine what he must have done to have to leave the mansion.

"I will tell you all I know. It started when you got kidnapped. David received a horrible pain in his head and heard your voice. He immediately went to Charles explaining that something was wrong. They were on their way to search for you using cerebro when Noriko burst in. After she told David what happened an anger came over him that I had never seen. It was a strange calm knowing of what he had to do along with an immediate acceptance of the consequences. He and Logan got on their bikes and headed straight to your last known location. After picking up Sabretooth's scent they tracked you through the night to a forest a few miles outside of Boston. When they found the cabin Sabretooth had you held in they launched a combined assault. The first opportunity they had David told Logan to find you and get you to safety. He stayed behind to hold sabretooth off until you were far enough away. After that I don't know much else until the X-men found him standing over Sabretooth's lifeless body." He has got to be kidding me David told me about himself almost killing the man that shot at his sister but this. And Sabretooth of all people the one man as unkillable as Wolvie. "After Charles sensed that David had planned to kill the man all along he could no longer welcome him back here."

"It's not like he didn't have good reason. And besides he is not the first man here to have ever killed someone. We know of Logan's past as least what he can remember of it." I explained wondering why David had gotten the shaft murderer or not. Its not as if he did it in cold blood. I'm sure if given the choice he wouldn't have done it. Maybe they just don't know David as well as I do.

"Indeed we do. However Logan only did what he had to in self defense or when he was not in control of himself. David on the other hand had death on his mind from the moment he left the mansion. I know this is not easy to hear Jubilee and believe me we contemplated putting off telling you. I just thought you deserved to know. If it makes you feel any better David didn't accomplish his task with a clean conscious. I was able to see the pain behind his eyes in realizing what he had done. He is still the same man you love. He only did what he felt he had to not only for your safety but for the safety of countless others. In his mind he couldn't let a maniac like Sabretooth go free. He also knew that he would be unable to return in the event he carried out his mission. He did what he felt was right. And as right as it was there is a lot of wrong there as well." Hank finished talking and the words he spoke now remind me more of David. Fighting for something he believes is right. But what am I supposed to do?

"Where is he Hank?" I asked fighting back the tears as I knew I had to find him. As Much as this was home my heart is with David and we can make a new home.

"I have no idea Jubilee. We parted ways after the rescue. Last I saw he was still in that forest." Damn it. I know after something like that Charles wont help me find him. Logan will. I thought to myself as I ran my fingers through my dirty messy hair.

"Can I go Hank?" I then asked eager to get a shower and find Wolvie.

Logan's POV

I cant believe the Kid pulled it off. Dangerous little bastard if we should ever end up on opposite sides of the coin I will have to be careful. One thing I can say is this place will not be the same without him. I hope he does alright on his own. He is smart enough to, but who knows the kind of emotional state he will be in without Jubilee. I wonder how she is holding up. She cared for the kid and she is going to be devastated.

"Hello Logan, How are you dealing with the situation?" God I love the sound of her voice. It's so sweet and calming almost as if her words float along the winds themselves.

"Hey Ro, I'm ok. More worried about the pipsqueak." I informed her as she joined me on the sofa in the rec room. She smells of the flowers in her garden and a fresh summer breeze its intoxicating. Although I would never say that out loud.

"That was quite a shock today. We all knew what David was planning, but I honestly thought things would go the other way or he would not be able to pull it off. I cant say that I am glad that he did but it is wonderful that he lived through the ordeal." She underestimated the kid we have all seen his power firsthand although I must admit I didn't think he would be able to put an end to Sabretooth either.

"He definitely surprised everyone." I answered although I would rather not talk about that. I find its best to leave the past where it is at and move forward. Besides something tells me we haven't seen the last of him. Just when I thought I may be able to be able to squeeze in a change of topic I picked up a freshly showered scent and it smells like she found her bubblegum as well. I'm sure she has a hundred packs of the stuff lying around. As she got closer I was able to pick up on her depression and distress. Not that I wasn't expecting it. I guess I was just hoping she would handle it better.

"Hi storm, Logan." She greeted trying to sound more enthused but anyone who knew the girl could tell she was far beyond upset. Her cheeks had lost their normal color and she just wasn't giving off the normal bright disposition that normally radiates from her every pore.

"Hello, Jubilation." Storm greeted before gesturing for the girl to join us. I could tell she was picking up on the sadness as well. She always had this motherly instinct to her and she could pick up on those things.

"Jubilee." It sounded a little gruff even for me but Jubilee knows me better than that. She knows that I would do anything she needed me to. And as much as I would hate to if she needed a shoulder to cry on... No that's going to far. I'm not a shrink after all.

"Logan you were with him the most can you tell me what was going through his head?" She was clearly having trouble saying the kid's name. The pain is no longer allowing it.

"As much as some would lead you to believe, He didn't go out on a revenge mission.
I could tell about halfway there that he was battling with himself as far as whether or not he would actually go through with it. I think he changed his mind and decided not to. But I think that choice got taken from him. I cant say for sure I was carrying you back when it Happened but I don't think he had a choice. There is no way to know for certain." I did my best to explain hoping she wasn't buying into the way others had portrayed him as being a cold blooded killer. I know that is not the way they mean it to come out. But that's the way it sounds. I have met my fair share of killers and David doesn't have the capabilities of sharing that mind state. "Before you ask Jubilee. I cant help you find him." It killed me to have to decline what I knew she would ask. Its never easy to break someone's heart especially one that is already in such pain.

"But he is out there alone with no money and no place to sleep." She explained looking for any excuse to get in touch with him.

"I'm sorry but if he wants to be found he will be. He can take care of himself Jubilee. He gave up what he had for you. I cant just let you go and ruin that. Its not what he would want." I can see the floodgates filling behind her eyes and they are going to release any moment. To be honest I hoped she was cried out. The smell of saline in tears is a horrible smell. Not the scent alone but more the pain that the smell represents.

"Does anybody care what I want? I didn't have a say in any of this. Why was it his right to make up the choice that I just come back here without him and pretend what we had didn't happen?" She screamed at me. Had she been anyone else I would have been pissed at the tone. But if she needs a punching bag, then she can punch away.

"Nobody expects you to do that Jubilee. David's last request was that I look out for you to make sure you are safe. As much as he would love to be with you he knows this is the best place for you." She looks awful between the red puffy eyes newly applied make-up streaming back down her face and her beaten down defeated posture she definitely needs some sleep.

David's POV

I had been driving for quite some time and my stomach wouldn't shut the hell up. What perfect timing I thought to myself as I approached a small quiet diner with a few cars in the parking lot. I thought about passing it but my stomach wouldn't allow it. I dismounted from my bike and entered the quaint little restaurant. I approached my seat and looked at a menu. I'm not even sure myself why I bothered I already knew what I had planned to order.

"Well hello. You look like you had quite a trip are you ok?" A cute waitress asked when she walked over to the table I sat at. She looked horrified at the sight of me. I cant blame her I know I looked terrible covered in dirt and dried blood with ripped clothes. I'm sure the thought of me killing everyone in the place had crossed her mind.

"Yea I am fine. Just hungry everything else will heal." I told the girl in the calmest voice I could muster as to not scare the poor girl any further. Last thing I needed was people freaking out in such a small town. It was the type of place that you see in a movie. the type of movie where the sheriff is the type to shoot first and ask questions later. Sure I can stop bullets but that would just cause more problems.

She eyed me suspiciously unsure if She should call an ambulance. I just gave her the warmest smile I could muster given my current mood. "So what can I get for you?" She then asked accepting the fact that I was ok at least enough that I did not need medical attention. Things were so much easier at home where people knew I was a mutant and that I could heal. Home? Since when was the mansion home? How could a place be home after only so many months? "Hello... Are you sure your alright?" She then asked again pulling me out of my own head.

"Yea sorry, I just got lost for a moment. I would like a burger medium well and you don't happen to serve beer here do you?" Please say yes. I could really go for a cold beer right now. After everything today I want no I need desperately a cold beer.

"No I am sorry honey but we don't serve alcohol I could recommend a place after you leave here." She seemed like a nice enough woman but she also seemed like the type of bar she would go to would be extremely different than the type I would go to. I guess it doesn't matter too much as long as they don't card me. Due to my height and size many places don't. only the real uptight places and those aren't the ones I prefer to spend my time at anyway. Guess it couldn't hurt. Now I just need to find a place too get some money.

"You wouldn't happen to know a place I could make some cash do you mam? I am far from home and I don't have much to speak of with me. I could use some essentials." I asked the girl hoping she was willing to help me out. She thought hard for a minute before eying me up and down. I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable at the way she was sizing me up.

"I do know a place but I don't know if you are in any condition." Damn it I look beat to hell and I cant exactly tell her I have a mutant healing factor.

"I can handle it mam. I may look a little rough right now but trust me I have been through much worse." I winked at her hoping my country side could lasso and pull her in.

"Ok." She agreed walking away and returning a moment later with a business card in her hand. "Call this number, ask for Greg. Tell him Cindy recommended you. He will give you the details. I hope you can handle yourself as well as you think you can." She replied before walking away once more to put in my order. I wonder what kinda job this is. And how will they feel about me showing up like this. As long as it pays cash I cant really say no. Beggars cant be choosers and I need to get back to new York.

My meal was brought back and I paid leaving me with 12 dollars left to my name. Why couldn't I just open an account and put the money in there. It does no good to me in the shoebox under my bed. Oh well no use crying over spilled milk. I called the waitress back over as I had no change for a payphone and my cell got smashed in the fight with Sabretooth. "What else can I do for you hun?" She asked feeling much more comfortable around me now that she was more certain that I would not kill her.

"Would it be possible for me to get some quarters for these?" I asked her holding out my two remaining singles. She smiled a warm smile at me and accepted the two singles before walking back to the register. She returned a few minutes later placing a small stack of quarters on the table.

"Anything else?" She asked politely. I just shook my head and she walked away leaving me alone again. I placed my remaining 10 dollar bill on the counter as a tip I didn't want to bother her again about breaking it. She had been helpful and 10 extra dollars wouldn't get me very far anyway. But now I desperately needed the work she mentioned. I sighed as I looked in my empty wallet one last time before placing it back in my back pocket and leaving the Diner.

Thankfully in such a small town payphones still exist. I walked across the street to the phone I saw from the window of the diner and inserted 50 cent. I made the first call and waited as the phone rang. "This is Kathleen there is probably a good reason I didn't answer your call leave a message and I may call you back."

"Damn it mom can you break your rule about not answering unknown numbers once in your life. By the way do you realize you still have your old name on your voicemail? Anyway I will not be by this phone long so don't bother calling it back. I will call you again tomorrow from another unknown number so if you could please answer it that would be great. Bye." I hung up the phone more than a little annoyed. I was hoping she could dig into my stash and wire me some money. I kinda figured that wouldn't work. I knew about her phone rule I just hoped that for once she might forget it. Anyway on to plan B.

I inserted another 50 cent and dialed the number on the business card. Strange that it doesn't say what type of business it is just a plain white card with only a first name. Seems kind of shady. "Who is this?" Said the voice on the other end of the phone. That's kinda rude I thought to my self.

"Is that how your mother taught you to answer the phone?" I couldn't help but ask. I smiled to myself as I could hear the anger in the man's voice on the other end of the line. "Sorry I am looking for Greg. Can I speak to him?" I then asked hoping I didn't ruin things already. My mouth has always had a way of getting me into trouble.

"What is this regarding?" They asked keeping their answers short and to the point. To be honest I didn't know what it was regarding. All I was told was to call the number and there could be money involved.

"I was told to call this number and speak to Greg by a waitress named Cindy. If this isn't the person I should be speaking to can you find him for me?" Something told me these men weren't in the most legal of businesses and maybe being a little rude might produce better results.

"Hold on." The deep voice said before the sound of the phone laying down was heard. Guess it worked, at least I hope it did. "This is Greg, I'm assuming your looking for some quick cash?" The man asked in a Boston Irish accent Sounding something straight out a mob movie.

"Yea I am stranded right now, need some cash to get back to New York." I responded trying not to say anything smart and risk blowing my Job interview if that's what you wanted to call this. I still haven't received any information on what this was.

"Seeing as how Cindy gave you my number you know where the diner is at." The man stated. Of course I know where the diner is at I am right across the street. But there is no way he could have known that.

"Ya I am there now." I informed him.

"Good if you go north 3 blocks and make a left at the end of the street there is an old warehouse. be there in fifteen minutes." He said before he hung up the phone. without giving me a chance to say anything. I didn't like the sound of this but at the worst I have to defend myself against a few people. I was prepared to do that.

I got back on my bike and headed north until I reached the dead end street Greg had told me about. It was beginning to get dark and there were no working streetlights out here. Fine by me I would be at an advantage in the dark. I got off of my bike at the warehouse and had a few minutes to spare I leaned against the wall of the building and looked up at the starry sky and I was entranced by all that it had to offer.

Jubilee's POV

The past 24 hours of my life have been the worst of my life. I got kidnapped by a horrible foul disgusting evil asshole. Who used me as bait to try to kill Wolvie before he did god knows what to me. I shudder every time the thought crosses my mind. I wake up after being knocked out for hours with a terrible headache only to find out that the man I love dumped me in a weird sort of way. Everyone says he did it for me but I don't see it that way. And even if that is the case, is that supposed to make it hurt any less. Wolvie wont help me to track him down and I have spent the better half of my conscious time trying to avoid his mom. I know she means well but I don't know if I can deal with the pain of seeing her right now. And to top it all off Surge keeps trying to talk to me. If she never would have started giving me shit I the first place none of yesterday would have happened. I would still have David and the rest of the mansion would still be going on about their happy lives instead of mourning the loss of a man that is not dead. I think that is the worst. Everybody just accepted the fact that he is gone. Not one of them stood up to fight for him.

I can only hope that the next few days pick up and by some miracle David comes back and is welcomed by open arms. "No he left you Jubilee. He didn't even give you the chance to stay with him. Fuck him and his stupid fucking boots." I said to myself as I sat by the pond. I know I don't mean it. As angry as I am with him and everyone else if I saw him right now I know I wouldn't be able to help but instantly forgive him. I looked out over the calm relaxing water and I couldn't help but feel closer to him. I began to feel relaxed for the first time even as tears filled my eyes again. Just then a small ripple formed near the edge of the water causing me to jump a little. I had to squint to see what had caused it. The dim light given off by the moon illuminated it just enough for me discern that it was a turtle head peeking out of the water seeming to be looking right at me. I know I am probably wrong but I cant help but feel like it is the same one David caught when he talked me into going swimming with him. "Hey little guy, you miss him to huh?" I asked knowing that it would really freak me out if it actually responded but it didn't move so for now I had someone to listen to me. "You don't think he did it purely out of revenge do you? No of course not David has a temper sometimes and it can be scary when he loses his cool but hes not the vengeful type. He is more of the strong silent type. The type of man you fantasize about scooping you into his arms and taking you away with him. The kind that only fights when he has to or to defend those that cant defend themselves. David is the hero always has been." Tears began to stream down my face and I began to feel better and worse at the same time. It sounds stupid and illogical to me but that's how I feel right now and the turtle doesn't seem to mind listening to me so I continue. "I wonder what he is doing right now? I'm sure he is doing fine. Probably got his feet up at some hotel room as we speak with a cold beer after his hot shower. Fucking ass. He shouldn't be at peace right now. Not with all of the pain he has caused me. Damn it Jubilee stop talking like that. For all you know he is doing the same thing your doing right now. He could be sitting under the stars right now pouring his heart out to some poor animal who just wishes he would shut up. You know little turtle I am definitely not going to pick you up but you are kind of cute in a weird way. I always thought you were ugly. I think he is wearing off on me. That was always his ability to see the beauty in every living thing no matter how small or seemingly useless." I cant help but cry harder as I imagine that day that he scared the life out me with the snake and later with the turtle as freaked out as I was I cant help but laugh now that I reflect.

David's POV

The weather feels amazing as I stand there leaning against the wall waiting. The hot summer temperatures have begun to cool into a crisp night air. The sky is calling my eyes and I cant help but glance back up again knowing that once I get back into the city it may be a long time before I get to see another night so clear. As I sit there waiting my mind cant help but wander and the thoughts I have ben avoiding all day begin to tattoo themselves onto the inside of my eyelids. I don't want to think about them as I know it is going to be painful but at this moment I cant help but feel like I deserve some pain after every thing I have done. Why Jubilee? Why did she have to be the one to be taken? Better yet why did I have to be the one to stick her with Surge? She would have been safe at the mansion with all of the security features. Hell it was advanced before the Juggernaut incident. Between that, the school going public and all of the new students Chuck had it beefed up even more. I really don't have anyone to blame but myself. As hard as it is to admit she deserves better than me. Better than some common murderer. Charles was right I shouldn't have gone looking to take the law into my own hands. Whether I had eventually decided not to kill him or not I went looking for blood and I found it. She doesn't need me weighing her down with that knowledge. I would only hold her back anyway. Even as I think these thoughts I know I am just rationalizing things to myself in an attempt to make myself feel better but its really not working. So instead I just stand there staring into the night sky wondering if she is back at the mansion doing the same.