Chapter 2 –
Author Note: allyg1990, Abbs of the faeries, and midnite requiem thank you for taking the time to review. It truly helped inspire me to continue this new type of story.
It took a little longer than I wanted for this chapter to be completed but here it is. It reveals a little more about our characters. I hope you enjoy.
Mind you, I don't have a beta (although feel free to volunteer) so here is an advance apology for any mistakes or errors that I have in this chapter or story.
Disclaimer: I don't own X-men: Evolution. If I did Jubilee would have never left. And Bobby and Jubilee would have definitely gotten together.
Chapter 2 – Change
Jubilee woke up with the sun in her eyes. Groaning she turned to cover her face as she let out a sigh. Realizing the attempt to return back to sleep was futile she sat up throwing the blanket off of her.
Groggy she rubbed her eyes as she let out a yawn. Stretching her back she looked around trying to familiarize herself with her environment. That's right. Thoughts of her early morning arrival to the mansion flooded into her mind as she took a look around her room for the first time.
She had been so exhausted the moment she opened the door she flashed on the lights only to look if the bed had sheets before turning off. Walked in the dark and fell into the mattress, it was the first time in months that she had been able to find a peaceful night of sleep.
Rolling to her side she grabbed her bag and searched for her watch to check the time. 11:58 am. So much for breakfast. Letting out a sigh Jubilee stared at the ceiling as she laid on back. She couldn't believe she was back.
After the mansion was attacked, her parents pulled her out without listening to her wants or her needs. She was gone within a day after the incident. Never in her dreams, although she dreamed a lot did she ever think she'd returned. Her parents had been so adamant about never letting her returned, it seemed implausible.
The day she turned 18 had been one of the biggest life changing days of her life. The past four years she dreamed and intended to return to the one place that she ever felt like she truly belonged, Xavier's institute. Turning 18, it meant she was now free to do just that. Yet she was surprised to meet Emma Frost on her door step, with the proposition of joining a new team.
It was an opportunity she didn't want to turn down. Maybe it was because she was scared of returning to the mansion with the unknown of what would it mean. Would she make the team? Would she be as strong as she use to be or stronger? It was unknown. She didn't stand out like some of the other mutants recruits did when she was there. But the idea of starting a new, making a difference, the ambition and challenge seem much greater with the Generation X. So that's where she went.
She wasn't running away from X-Men. She was chasing after something bigger, that's what she wanted, and that's why she went. Was it worth it? A little voice asked inside.
Damn it. Jubilee let out a groan as she pushed herself off the soft mattress. Burying her face into her hands Jubilee shook her head. Why did she do this to herself? Why did she have to think about the past years, her choices, her dreams.
"I need to get out of here." Jubilee said out loud, realizing that staying in a room alone was not going to stop her thoughts. So she stood up and began to change.
- - -
Walking down the stairs Jubilee let out a deep sigh as she passed yet another group of mutants whose faces she didn't recognize. It was after being gone for so long and not to mention at a place where their max amount of occupants was 20 that it felt almost unusual to be around so much unfamiliar faces.
I wonder if the X-men are off on a mission or something. The thought trailed her mind as she realized she had yet to see anyone she knew or any of her old friends. A part of her was relieved that it would mean more time to think and more time to ready herself for the new change and the questions, but the other part of her felt anxious knowing that until that time, she was alone.
Frowning slightly Jubilee rounded the corner that led towards the kitchen. She was use to being alone, why should it bother her now. Running her hands through her hair she let out a groan annoyed at the fact she was thinking too much.
The sounds of people chatting from inside the kitchen and dinning area rose Jubilee's attention as she walked in. Before she was able to fully take a good look at her environment, a loud whistle sounding much like the whistle that she had done the night before when she saw Bobby.
Her checks warmed when she heard the voice of the guy responsible for the whistling welcome and not to mention the cause of the suddenly quiet dinner room. Apparently the attention was all on her.
"Damn Jubilee is that you, you look hot!" Hollered Ray, who sat on the kitchen counter one leg rested on it as he leaned coolly against the wall.
Flushing at the loud statement Jubilee's head snapped to see Ray's eyes eyeing her up and down. Ray, it looks like some things never change. Although she was flattered at the blunt statement she rolled her eyes, he never had any tact.
A new voice took over the newest silence, "It looks like rumors can be true. Jubilation Lee is back at the institute. I thought this day would never come."
Jubilee glared before even meeting the owner of the voice, god she hated whenever someone used her full name.
A laugh escaped the lips of the voice as Jubilee's eyes finally found the face, "Jubilee, get over here girl!"
"Amara." Jubilee mumble as a small smile appeared on her face. She took her time walking towards Amara, as she looked around the dining area to see the other familiar faces that joined them. Sam stood leaning against the wall his arms over his chest, Jamie although seemed to be looking at them was semi distracted by the piece of pie in front of him, a smiling and much older Rahne was sitting with a huge smile on her face next Amara.
Soon she stood in front Amara a genuine smile on her face to be staring into one of her closest confidants at the mansion. It was ironic in fact, that she would consider Amara her closest friends. If she had to answer that question when she first arrived at the mansion, she'd disagree and probably pick Rahne.
Amara squealed and quickly threw her hands over Jubilee's shoulders pulling her into a hug. "I am so glad you finally decided to come home."
Although the statement was meant to be one of warm welcome and genuine excitement, Jubilee couldn't help but silently hurt at the reminder that she never intended to return.
Jubilee smiled at she hugged her closest girl friend. It was an interesting turn of events that the two despite their differences in personality, they connected and understood each other well. Never feeling like the other would not understand.
"Hey I want to hug Jubilee too." Whined Rahne, who now stood next to Jubilee and Amara patiently waiting for her turn.
Letting go, Jubilee laughed as she wrapped her arms to hug Rahne the first friend she had made at the mansion. It was when they both had to leave after the attack that they got even closer. Jubilee didn't understand what changed between after months and years passed.
Maybe it was the hint of jealously that Jubilee felt after one year Rahne called her with excitement in her voice that her parents agreed on letting her return. Or maybe it was because when it became to unfortunate events and disappointments Jubilee felt like she understood them better than anyone. And Rahne with her caring parents, her carefree attitude, never seem to know what it felt like to hurt so deeply. That probably brought the biggest rift in their friendship and the biggest bridge in her and Amara's.
It was soon, Jubilee found herself in the arms of almost all her comrades in the kitchen. Her thoughts about Amara and Rahne's friendship no longer in her mind as Jamie patted her head before hugging her.
"Looks like someone didn't really grow." He teased as he pulled her in for a quick hug.
Rolling her eyes Jubilee swung her hand to playfully hit his stomach causing a groan to escape Jamie's lips as pulled apart from her. "And it looks like I can still beat you up." Jubilee countered as she let out a laugh.
"Ha-ha" Mumbled Jamie as he rubbed his stomach and glared at the Asian mutant. "I have you know I'm one of the top x-man members and much better at my powers. I can show you."
"Blah blah." Amara interrupted as she placed a hand on Jamie's chest pushing him away, "Stop acting like a big shot, your reminding me too much of Ray." The comment caused Ray to yell a 'hey' in the background as a defense. Ignoring Ray, Amara turned to Jamie, "You can show Jubilee how big, bad and strong you are in the danger room some other time. Right now is girl time."
Not even waiting for Jamie's response Amara placed her hands on Jubilee's shoulders and began to slowly push her way to a chair so they both could sit down and properly talk.
"I can't believe your really here." Amara whispered as she looked at Jubilee.
Jubilee smiled at the look at Amara's face, the intensity in her eyes as she stared at her. It seemed like Amara was trying to convince herself this was reality. Shrugging her shoulders she let out a sigh, "Well believe it cause its definitely real. Besides how'd you know I would be coming? The last time I talked to Professor X and Ororo, they both agreed and confirmed no one else knew."
Her sapphire orbs watched as Amara's cheeks flushed as her eyes looked casually at Ray who still remained on the kitchen counter, the only one member who didn't move when Jubilee entered the room. "I guess you can say some things never change." Amara mumbled as she returned her gaze back to Jubilee. "Ray was being nosey the other day and found out. The practically the whole old gang knew you'd be here today."
"Oh." Jubilee replied silently. She silently told herself at least there wouldn't be so much questions of surprise on why'd she had returned. But it only made her wonder if it meant that they talked about her returning instead. Soon Jubilee began to imagine the theories and conversations they possibly could have shared about her.
"So how does it feel to be back?" Amara asked with excitement in her voice, apparently unaware of the slight discomfort Jubilee was feeling inside.
Again Jubilee shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. It feels good but weird. I mean the mansion looks the same, you guys are still here. But after all these years I know things have changed."
Amara nodded her head, "I know what you mean. I have so much to tell you, girl I haven't heard from you over 6 months!"
This time Jubilee felt her cheeks flush as she causally tried to look away and avoid Amara's stare. Although the two had remained in contact with one another, Jubilee had done nothing to retain contact with her friend recently. 6 months ago, she wanted nothing but to get away from the world. How could I not think she wouldn't notice my absence in this friendship?
"Jubes, are you okay?" Amara asked slowly as she looked at her friend, finally taking notice of Jubilee's quiet behavior.
Looking at her friend Jubilee weakly smiled, "Yeah, I am." She stammered in a very unconvincing voice.
Amara looked at her with a face that said she didn't believe her. But much to Jubilee's liking they were interrupted by a young mans voice.
"Jubilee, if you're done being reacquainted with everyone, I can take you where we can get to know each other again." Ray asked as he leaned against the table in front of them. He ended his suggestion with a wink causing a laugh to escape both Amara and Jubilee.
"God, Ray, I can't believe you're hitting on Jubilee. She does know your past unlike those new students at this mansion." Amara said as she rolled her eyes.
"Really Ray, some things don't change. And that also means you." Jubilee said with a laugh as she shook her head ignoring Ray's suggestion.
"Ha-ha." Ray said half heartedly as he looked off to the other end of the kitchen, his eye catching something or somebody.
"Yo Bobby! Look whose here!" Ray called out as he waved his arm in the air. He tilted his head in the direction that Jubilee sat and smirked, "Jubilee is back and she's a hottie, I'll even stop flirting with her if you want to get a chance."
Jubilee rolled her eyes as she swung her hand and slugged Ray in the arm. When did he become such a womanizer? Although she was beginning to be slightly annoyed by his behavior she was a little amused because she knew he was doing it just to bother them.
Bobby? Following the gaze of both Ray and Amara Jubilee looked to where Bobby stood. She watched as he opened the refrigerator door ignoring Ray's comment. Frowning Jubilee sensed the same feeling she had the night before when she saw him, the same coldness. Why?
He glanced over to the three young adults, a slight glare in his eyes only to shrug slightly before looking back into the icebox.
Ray scowled as he slammed the soda can he was holding onto the table top between Jubilee and Amara. The mere action startled Jubilee as she jumped slightly in her seat. "I'm sick and tired of this." Ray mumbled as he walked out of the kitchen fuming.
Jubilee's eyebrows rose as she stared at the empty space that Ray once stood in. What the hell? She was confused, for as long as she could remember when she was in the mansion and when she was keeping in contact with Amara or Rahne, Bobby and Ray were the best of friends. But the scene that had just taken place made her think other wise. Did something change?
"What was that?" Jubilee whispered as she looked Amara, whose eyes remained on Bobby a frown on her face.
Sighing Amara stood up, "Come on, there's a lot I have to update you with. Let's get out of here."
Not questioning her friend Jubilee stood up and followed Amara as she walked towards the exit out of the kitchen. Before stepping out of the room Jubilee paused taking one last look over her shoulder at the young man whose attitude still continued to haunt her thoughts. She was startled to see Bobby looking directly at her, the coldness still in her his eyes causing her to feel a shiver through her spine.
She froze, although she was bothered by his glare she couldn't help herself but want to talk to him. "Hi." She mouthed, again she seemed to surprise him because she watched as his eyes widen and his hard eyes grow soft.
A sound in the kitchen broke the connection and Jubilee saw Jamie return to throw a dish into the kitchen sink. Bobby returned his attention back to the fridge ignoring her once more. Letting out a sigh Jubilee followed Amara who was calling her name in the hall.
- - -
"I don't get it, I saw Bobby like that last night. And now again today, even being so cold to Ray? What happened?" Jubilee asked as they walked through the mansion.
"He's been like that for the past couple months." Amara answered with a sigh.
Past couple months? Worry filled her wondering what had caused Bobby Drake to be trapped in an extended time of depression and coldness. "What do you mean?"
Amara paused stopping, seriousness filled her face and her voice dropped to a soft whisper. "He's losing control of his power."
"What?" Jubilee said with her eyes widen, at the thought. What does that mean?
"It means. He can't control it. His powers not only changed. It changed him Jubilee."
- - -
Jubilee ran as the cool air blew against her skin. Sweat from her forehead cascaded down her face as she continued to run through the empty abandon grounds of the institute.
Her pace slowed into a jog and Jubilee's breathing began to slow. Wiping her sweat from her forehead with her wrist she let out a sigh.
Her first official day back had gone exceptionally well. She had basically reunited with most of her teammates and was even introduce to the newest members of the famous X-Men team. It was nothing like she'd imagine it'd be like, the heartache of returning, the embarrassment but she couldn't help but feel bothered by the emptiness that remained inside of her.
The only thoughts that remained to bother her were not just about her returning and the emptiness that she still couldn't get over. But her thoughts were being occupied by what Amara had told her earlier today. Even as the topic ended and they spent the rest of the conversation together talking about everything else, he lingered in the back of her head.
It changed him. Jubilee frowned as the rest of the conversation lingered more in her head. She had learned that just around the time she had left Generation X, Bobby was facing his own battles.
It was almost every mutant fears, his powers were growing and for some reason it was taking over him, he couldn't control it like he use to. Is this the reason to why he's so cold? For some reason maybe because she was always so curious, she wanted to know more or maybe it was because when she looked at him she saw loneliness she saw in herself when she looked in the mirror. What happened to change him, although she had never known him more than just an aquatint she had always known him to be an optimistic. Things did change since she left. She sighed.
Were his fears of losing himself just as terrifying as the fear she had of failing? Jubilee stopped in her steps, she leaned against the closest tree the rough bark scratched her skin. Closing her eyes Jubilee felt herself be for the first time since time she arrived be wrapped in the fear that had consumed her months ago.
Letting out a sigh, she was back she thought. Back to the place that she dreamt most of her ambitions. The very place she found the person she truly was. She slightly hit her head against the tree as she told herself she wouldn't let herself be stopped by her fears by her failures.
God it could it be more of a oxymoron, that it brought back life to be here but killed her at the same time. Shaking her head Jubilee closed her eyes once more before pushing herself off the tree into a run.
Things did changes. And things change. Pushing herself to run faster Jubilee ran with one thing in mind, she was going to change things. She was going to change.
Author Note: Personally, I don't think it was the best chapter. But I hope it did its part by answering some of your questions about what's going on. Sorry it was so short and I hope for the most part it made sense.
Generally, I'll be making reference to Generation X, don't worry I don't know too much about the actually history of this team so you wont get lost. Secondly, some of you may know of the period where Bobby lost control of his powers; I am using reference to that as well but rearranging some of the details to fit my story.
Voting Poll! I was thinking of pairing Amara with John (IF you know me their my second pairing when it comes to x-evo). But then I thought to mix it up for some reason to use Ray. So here's a voting poll vote and let me know who you think I should pair her with for this story.
Second vote, I need a guy to play as an admirer for Jubilee. Preferably someone cocky, when I first thought of this story it was awhile ago and I intended to use John because of his personality and he being the complete opposite of Bobby. But I felt it would be betraying the JohnxAmara pairing, plus I wouldn't want to offend my fans from previous stories that liked this pairing. If for some reason you vote John not to be with Amara I'll use him for this role. If not, I was thinking of either Roberto or Sam after that. OR, you could give me a totally different x-character even Brotherhood or Acolytes are welcomed! Please help me out and vote.
Thank you for taking the time to read! I hope you can vote and review. I'd love to hear what you think of the story so far. I start school quite soon, so hopefully I'll be able to update soon. Thank you for reading.