Chapter 14 Conclusion


"Where's Betsy…" Warren asked.

"Back there," Jean said.

"How could you just LEAVE her?"

"Go rescue her yourself," Gambit said. "She not a friend of the X men…"

"Betsy… you can't just leave her…" Warren cried.

"She's a traitor," Gambit said.

"Get out of my way!" Warren cried. "We have to save her…"

"Then you do it," Jean said. "I've got to get the injured to safety…"

Warren pushed past her, spreading his wings. He slid into the darkness, and the others rushed past him. Jubilee glanced at Jean, blinking. "You left her cause you knew Angel would save, her right?""

"Yes," Jean nodded. "He was piloting the blackbird. But I signaled him to get her. But he will have to deal with her if she turns on him…"

"Wow, I thought you of all the X men would give some reason for us to go back…" Jubilee said.

"Jean knows what she's doing," Hank said grimly. "Warren and Betsy will follow when they are able. If Warren is an X man, he understands her decision… the priority is getting aid to all of you…"

They rushed out of the building, to the hangar. The Blackbird was birthed there, and Jean reached out with her mind to open the hatch. One by one they rushed onboard. Engines fired up as Jean slid into the pilot's seat, and flew it away from the underground complex. They saw a series of explosions and a winged shape in the heart of the smoke heading towards them.

Hank set Wolverine on a gurney, and began to check his wounds as Jubilee watched. Gambit gently lay Rogue on another palate as he stroked her face. Still she had the inhibitor collar around her neck. He had never removed it, she realized.

"Aren't you going to remove that?" Beast asked.

"Not just yet," Gambit said with a thoughtful smile as he leaned over, and pressed his lips to Rogue's. Beast sighed and looked at Jean, who shook her head.

"Let them go," Jean said softly as she piloted the blackbird towards the X mansion. "She's earned a little bit of happiness after that nightmare…"


"What in TARNATION are ya doing?" Rogue protested when she blinked and saw Remy sitting over her. He stroked the side of her face and smiled as he leaned over.

"Waking Cherie with a kiss," he said.

"That AINT funny…" Rogue yelled. Gambit slid his lips over hers and she was paralyzed with the force of his gentle kiss. She felt the inhibitor collar around her neck, and realized that he was able to touch her without her absorbing his psyche and powers.

"Something I had not foreseen," said Hank thoughtfully. Wolverine mumbled as he saw Jubilee helping to clean the cuts that were healing.

"No need for that, I'm already working on it," he mumbled.

"Jean insisted, and hey, who am I to argue?" asked Jubilee.

"Don't even go there, kid," he mumbled.

"Your healing factor has limits, Logan," Jean said as she clicked the autopilot on. She strode up and sat near his stretcher. Wolverine mumbled under his breath and got up. Jubilee stood back, letting him stand on his own. He shuffled over to a chair and sat down; pulling his mask off and letting it hang like a hood behind his neck.

"Thanks fer reminding me, Red," he mumbled. "So, where's Betsy and flyboy?"

"She left them behind," Jubilee blinked.

"Not precisely," Hank said.

"Oh?" Logan asked.

"I left Warren to rescue her," said Jean. "It's the first priority of an X man to take care of the injured. Since he was so worried, he got the job of pulling her out…"

"After she betrayed him?" asked Logan.

"He'll see that for himself. There was no reasoning with him," Jean sighed. "Love is blind."

"Careful Red, I'm gonna think yer rebelling against Cyke," Logan said.

"Please," Jean snorted. "He'd have done the same thing…"

"Uh huh," Logan said, raising an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Hey kid… c'mere…"

"Yeah?" Jubilee asked as she walked over and sat down in the seat opposite him.

"You did good out there. I'm proud of ya for saving my butt, back there…" Logan said. "You stood up to that girl, and defeated her. Made this old canucklehead proud."

"Shut up," Jubilee chuckled awkwardly. "I just used that sleeping gas… no big deal…"

"And you were afraid I was expecting ya to take her out. Do ya believe her, Jeannie?" Logan smirked.

"I believe you. She learned from the best," Jean said with a smile of pride. "And you ARE the best at what you do…"

"While we're reveling in self-appreciation, may I ask what you intend to do about Betsy and Warren?" asked Hank.

"They'll be joining us soon," Jean said as she glanced at the radar screen. The radio crackled, and she depressed the switch.

"Warren here… could you slow down? I've got Betsy… she's out cold…"

"We're close enough that you can make it back on your own, Warren," Jean said firmly. "You know why I'm doing this…"

"But…"

"No buts Warren. Scott and I are going to have to have a LONG talk with you…" said Jean firmly.

Warren's protests cracked, "All right, but I still say she's…"

"Enough Warren. We'll talk later…" Jean said firmly.


"Gambit, yuh swamp rat," Rogue whispered as he held her gently on his lap. "Yah coulda TOLD me ya kept that on t' kiss me…"

"Cherie, you're not complaining when Gambit wants t' show you da TLC… after all, it been a tough day…"

"Ah'll let it go for now… cause I ain't in the mood to argue," Rogue panted. Remy pulled her into another kiss, and Jubilee shook her head.

"Ugh, if it gets any mushier in here… I'll get SICK," Wolverine mumbled.

"I'm with you there, Wolvie," Jubilee made a face.

Rogue moaned softly, letting Gambit continue to shower her face with soft kisses as he held her there on his lap. She felt safe in his slender arms, and couldn't blame him for stealing a kiss. After all, he was doing it for her. So far, she was swooning from the physical attention he was lavishing on her.

Jubilee sat next to Wolverine, handing him a beer from the storage locker. He sipped it gratefully, and she felt him rest his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it. Jubilee shivered, feeling cold, but she knew it was from the shock of her ordeal.

Jean sat up front, piloting the Blackbird into the hangar of the X Mansion complex. She had not spoken much to Hank, who was sitting in the copilot's seat and typing notes into his mission log. Depressing the switch, she radioed Scott, "Jean here… we're bringing them back now…"

"Jean, we were worried sick… thank god you're all right!" Scott Summer's voice crackled.

"Hank and I were successful. But there's a disturbing development…"

"I know, you clued me in. The Professor's just gotten back… he's instructed us to bring Betsy to the infirmary… in the detention compound…"

"You can't lock her up, Scott!" Warren yelled. "Dammit…"

"Warren, you're out of line!" Scott Summers barked. "I don't want to hear another word, Mister! You have a lot of explaining to do. So don't even start with me!"

Jubilee shivered and Wolverine let himself smirk a bit. "I guess I'm no longer on his hit list?"

"Wolvie," Jubilee hissed, elbowing him in the ribs, and wincing. "Not now!"

"Coming in for a landing," Jean interrupted. The engines roared, and the VTOL swung down to land the Blackbird on a cushion of air. Everyone unclipped their belts, except for Warren who was still standing near Jean and Hank with an angry glare.

"Warren, for God's sake man, calm down!" Hank cautioned him.

"Logan, take Jubilee back into the mansion," Jean said quickly. "Gambit, you and Rogue go get a room…"

"Right, Cherie," Gambit said as he nudged Rogue off his lap, and then got up. He offered his hand, and she took it.

"You be needing us, Jean?" asked Rogue.

"No, you've earned a break… have fun," said Jean. Gambit smiled as he slid his arm around Rogue's waist and urged her out. Jubilee let Logan guide her out with a hand on her shoulder as he kept a close eye on Warren, Jean and Hank.

Scott Summers stood in the hangar bay, next to Professor X's hoverchair. "Welcome back," Professor X said warmly. "And Jubilee… I'm relieved to see you're all well…"

"Hiya Chuck," Wolverine said. "Cyke…" he added curtly.

"I owe you an apology, Logan," Scott said. "And you too, Jubilee…"

"So am I still out or what?" Logan asked.

"You and Jubilee are partners again," said the Professor. "For as long as she wants it that way."

"Thanks, Professor," Jubilee said with a smile. "Glad SOMEONE showed some sense…"

"Jubilee…" Scott sighed. "There's no need to be smug. I blew it, but…"

"Let the kid alone…" Logan said sharply. "After the stunt YOU pulled… you're lucky I don't…"

"That will be enough, Logan. You've made your point, and your anger is justified," the Professor said. "But I suggest for your sake that you settle it after a good night's sleep…"

"So, Cyke, am I in or what?"

"You're back in, Logan. And I'm VERY sorry for all of this Jubilee… I hope you can forgive my mistake," Scott Summers said, walking over. Logan let a low growl escape.

"I ain't gonna make it that easy, Squinty. You really blew it…"

"Wolvie, let it go," Jubilee said as she held onto Wolverine's arm. "I'm tired, and I think we could all cool off…"

"Fine, for the kid's sake I'm dropping it. But this convo ain't over, Cyke," Wolverine said coldly. Jubilee tugged him by the arm, urging him past Scott and the Professor.

Gambit and Rogue waved to the Professor and Scott. "Good to see you both all right," he nodded. Gambit and he shook hands and Rogue tugged Gambit along with her into the mansion. Both whispered and spoke softly.

Jean Grey rushed down the ramp, and into Scott's waiting arms. They hugged and kissed, and Jubilee noticed Logan's wistful look. She slid her arm around his waist and pulled him along. "C'mon… you promised you'd tell me more about that war with the roman numerals you were in!"

"Kid, that was WWII!" Logan groaned as he playfully shoved her ahead of him. He pushed away his regrets regarding Jean yet again. Why beat a dead horse?

She glanced back to see Warren Worthington carrying Betsy's unconscious form, accompanied by Hank. Jean and Scott faced them, and they heard shouts and arguments already starting. "Looks like they're in for it now…" Jubilee trailed off.

"C'mon kid, let's just leave it go…" Logan nodded.


A half hour later, Professor X granted three angry people an audience in his private office. From behind his oak desk he steepled his fingers and listened to Jean, then Scott, followed by Warren. Except what had started as a debate had turned into a shouting match.

Warren paced the room, wearing his Angel costume. Combing a hand through his blonde hair, he rounded on the Professor, and glared at Scott and Jean. The couple sat side by side on the small love seat opposite the desk. "Sit down, will you?" Scott said firmly.

"Stay OUT of this," Warren snapped.

"Scott please…" Jean urged him.

"It's unfair!" Warren shouted. "You aren't giving her a chance!"

"I have been MORE than fair," Professor X said. "What you two did was reprehensible…"

"I take blame for that, professor," Scott said. "It was my error in judgement…"

"A pretty big one, honey," Jean said.

"Jean, please…" Scott sighed.

"Sorry," she said.

"We've been over that, honey," Scott said.

"I agree. That is not what is the issue here…"

"Professor I signed on to help the X men… and I left the first time because I didn't agree with your methods… and I guess I was WRONG to think you could…" Warren trailed off.

"Warren please, I am the first to understand that you're angry and resentful that Betsy did what she did… but I'm not going to let this slide," said Professor X, his hand pressed down on the control panel to his left. "What are you going to do? Lock her up? She might be misguided but she DID have Rogue's best interests…"

"She didn't pick the best way though of making it known," said Jean gently. "I know you love her… but…"

"You don't know anything, Jean," Warren said bitterly.

"That's enough," Scott said.

"I agree. Warren I don't propose to hand her over to the authorities. While I don't condone her actions, I sympathize. Which is why I am going to keep her on as an X Man, but her membership is on suspension pending she passes probation. She's going to need extensive therapy and help…"

"Aren't you being a bit…" Jean trailed off.

"Jean, I understand your doubts, but I sense her mind was under extreme stress. I've failed in my ability to assess what I could have done for her brother. Moira and I have not fully explored all the possible treatments…"

"So where are you going to keep her? We don't have the facilities…"

"I won't have Betsy locked up like a criminal!" Warren exploded.

"I agree. Which is why Moira has agreed to let her stay on Muir Island with Excalibur. She and Brian Braddock will assist in her assessment. Keeping her here will only cause unnecessary resentment…"

"I won't leave her," Warren said.

"Which I anticipated," said the Professor. "I am willing to grant you a leave of absence to go with her… to aid in her recovery… and discover why she took the actions she did…"

"Thank you," Warren said. "But you're wrong…she's not evil… she's…"

"Misguided yes, evil no," Professor X shook his head. "And the time away will be good for both of you. Moira's facility may succeed where I have failed. And under Captain Britain's guidance, she will heal, and perhaps understand that what she did was not the right way to help Jamie Braddock…"

"How can we trust her?" Scott asked.

"Scott, shut up," Warren snapped.

"Scott, you shouldn't ask such a question," the Professor said sharply. "You might as well ask why I let Wolverine on the team. Or Gambit… I believe in second chances, and Betsy's actions WERE out of genuine concern for Rogue and Jubilee… although incorrect…"

"She caused a lot of hurt for Jubilee and Logan," said Jean gravely. "And I can't ignore that…"

"I hope I can make it up to them," Scott said with a sigh.

"You will," said the Professor.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll get ready for Betsy's trip," said Warren as he glared at Scott and Jean. "Thank you for understanding…"

"Indeed," said the Professor. "And Nightcrawler is flying over in the Moonlight Flit to pick both of you up with Captain Britain early next morning…"

"Good," Warren said. "If you'll excuse me… I'm going to check on Betsy…"

Jean and Scott watched him leave, his face a grim line as he slammed the door. Scott sighed and Jean stood apart from him. "So, do you think…"

"There is always a chance… Scott," said the Professor. "I understand your anger Jean, but I hope…"

"I'll get over it, Professor… I'm just worried that Jubilee and Logan might not be so forgiving…"

"We'll figure something out," Scott said with another sigh. "Jean, maybe we could just try talking to them…"

"I shall require rest. I bid you both good night," the Professor said with a small smile. Jean and Scott took hands and left his office.


In the recreation room of the Mansion, various X Men were unwinding. Gambit and Rogue were absent, and it was a good guess that they were taking advantage of the inhibitor collar. Especially when they saw both of them walk down a few hours later after sunset, giggling and smiling at one another. Gambit wore a white jacket and his hair in a ponytail. Rogue wore a loose T-shirt and leggings, walking in bare feet as she clutched Remy's hand. They whispered and tiptoed past the television set. Logan raised an eyebrow and grunted as they moved past, in the direction of the women's dormitory.

"What ate him?" asked Rogue.

"Who knows?" Remy chuckled.

"Wolvie… you okay?" Jubilee asked. "What's wrong… I thought you were gonna ask Storm…"

"She's off on some MISSION with X Factor," said Logan pointedly.

"Oh? Major bummer… maybe when they get back…"

"Not when she's gonna spend the night at FORGES," Logan grunted, folding his arms across his chest.

"Huh… you mean…"

"Yep. I don't think she'd be wanting this Canucklehead buttin' in askin' her to join him for a brew an a round of nineball… not when she's got Mister Smooth government OPERATIVE to keep her occupied with the fancy dress balls in Washington…"

"Whoops… I'm sorry Wolvie, I didn't know they were seeing each other," Jubilee said as she backed away.

"S'ok, kid, It's not your fault… so don't go blaming yourself… I ain't mad at YOU," Logan muttered, propping his feet up on the coffee table. He'd changed into a pair of comfortable jeans and one of his flannel shirts after a hot shower and a few rounds with a punching bag.

"You wanna be a lone or something?" she asked, realizing that he was facing a pretty boring evening just stewing in front of the tube. There had to be SOMETHING she could do. Even though she was a kid, and he was a full-grown man, she'd come to see him like an older brother or a dad. And didn't parents and kids spend quality time together?

"Can ya get me a beer kid? I could sure use one," Logan said as she was about to exit the room.

"Sure… I was gonna have some popcorn… you want any…"

"What the hell, I'm not going anywhere…" he laughed.

"I'll be right back… k?"

Logan shook his head and grumbled. Hank was at work in his lab. Storm was off on another mission with X Factor, according to the Professor. Logan couldn't help but wonder what, and he still wished he had known about Forge and Storm dating before he'd asked her to dance. He didn't want to blame the kid. It was Friday night, and he was alone yet again without any company.

Despite his bad mood he cracked a grin as Jubilee emerged from the kitchen. She had a big plastic bowl on her head like a weird hat, and her arms were full of a six pack of beer, while she carried chips, microwave popcorn on top. In either pocket of her yellow coat were two cans of soda she liked.

"Cripes kid, you coulda asked for a hand!" Logan groaned, hiding his face with his hand and shaking his head.

"You're a grouch when you sit down in front of the tube… so why not?" Jubilee joked. "You sure you want me hanging around? I mean you're pretty ticked…"

"Nah, how can I refuse a brew, when you've gone to all the trouble t' bring it?" Wolverine said, accepting the beer she handed him. "Not when yer bringing beer and that jiffy pop stuff… what the flamin... Jubes, you coulda popped it in the microwave already!"

"What and spoil the fun?" Jubilee joked. She plunked a can of soda down, and leapt over the sofa to sit down. She took the bowl off her head and wiped it out with a paper towel. Logan glanced at her in amusement as she held the microwave bag in her hands and slowly stared at it. Small crackles of plasma wreathed the bag, which she suspended between her fingers. To Logan's amazement it began to expand and pop just like in the microwave. After two minutes she let it drop into the bowl, and Logan smelled fresh butter and salt.

"Cripes kid, where did ya learn THAT?" he asked. He grabbed the remote and changed the station.

"Just a little trick I learned from Storm," she said. "Oops…"

"Don't sweat it, Jubes," Logan said, popping one claw with a rasping "SNICKT" and slitting open the popcorn bag. She dumped the snack into the bowl, and yelped as the steam hit her in the face. Spearing it with his claw, Logan crumbled the bag into a ball and tossed it over his shoulder into the trash bin without looking.

Jubilee sat on the sofa, reaching into a pile of popcorn as she watched the television. John Wayne and several other army soldiers rushed across the minefield in the black and white movie that was unfolding before them. Logan cracked open the beer and slowly let it slide down his throat.

Jubilee sat next to him, sipping her soda intently. It was amazing that she was actually paying attention to the old war flicks instead of complaining how 'lame-oid" they were.

"So, I guess you don't want me to give up the remote, huh kid?" Wolverine joked. He grabbed a handful of popcorn and leaned back with his beer in his other hand.

"Are you kidding… this isn't so bad after all," she muttered. "It's actually kinda interesting…"

"I'll remember THAT on Memorial Day when they have an all day marathon," Logan muttered through the mouthfuls of popcorn.

"Where's Gambit and Rogue… they were gonna join us…"

"Don't tell me ya someone forgot to give ya 'the talk', kid," Logan groaned. His worried frown indicated the last thing he wanted to do right now was to explain the birds and bees to a teenaged girl.

"Wolvie, pulleez," Jubilee winced, pelting him with popcorn. "I already like KNOW about THAT since grade school! I'm from So-Cal, HELLO!"

"Thank God for small favors," Logan mumbled through his beer, and held up his hand to deflect another barrage of popcorn.

"So, Wolvie, where DID you fight?" she asked slowly.

"Not easy to remember much, kid," he said as he looked into a faraway dimension. His blue eyes held distance and Jubilee knew he wasn't easily accessing the tangle of memories.

"Oh," she muttered. "If ya don't wanna talk…"

"Nah, it's okay, kid," Wolverine said. "Actually I worked as an operative for the OSS… and met Captain America…"

"You and Captain America? Major cool! So did you bash those bad guys, like the ones in Indiana Jones…"

"The Nazis and Uncle Adolph? Yeah…" Logan chuckled. "And for the record, they were called the Axis… and we… the good guys were the Allies… and it was a whole big fracas over land, freedom and all sorts of things…"

"Like the Holocaust?" Jubilee asked. "I remember reading about those concentration camps. Major horrific."

"You ain't kidding," Wolverine said, glad she knew something about the horrors of WWII. "Anyway, I was in France, doing operative work… and there was this jerk named Cockteau we were supposed ta rescue. It ended up being a major WASTE… but at least…"

The tale spun out of him, bit by bit. Jubilee found herself paying more attention to Wolverine's tale than the television. She didn't notice Jean and Scott walking quietly into the room. Logan glanced up at both of them, with a dirty look on his face.

"So, what do you want, Cyke?" he asked slowly.

"Logan, we just want to apologize," said Jean. "Please, just hear us out…"

"I was listening to a story guys, if you don't mind…" Jubilee said. "I know you're sorry and all, and I understand, so can we just drop it? I'm majorly tired…"

"Can't this wait, Jeannie?" asked Logan as he saw Jubilee's eyes glistening with angry tears that threatened to form.

"You really hurt me, Scott," Jubilee said. "I can't believe you'd do something so harsh…"

"It's okay kid," Logan said.

"If there's any way we can make it up to you," Scott said. "Please Jubilee… Logan… I'm not sure of how to convince you how sorry I am…"

"Logan… Jubilee… please, he's trying to make things right…" Jean said gently as she placed a hand on both their shoulders. "I know you're both angry, and we've spoken with the Professor. Warren and Betsy are going to Muir Island and join Excalibur…"

"So she gets off easy, is that it?" asked Logan. "End of story? And you're expecting to make nice-nice and smooth it over? Sorry, but it AIN'T that easy. No offense Jeannie and Slim but I don't like the fact ya made the kid take the hit for your screw up…"

"I don't know what to do…" Scott sighed.

"Just leave us be, Slim," said Logan quietly as Jubilee opened her mouth to say something. "Leave us be… before I say something in front of the kid that Jeannie'd kill me for…"

"Logan…" Jean started.

"Red, don't," Logan said. "Just leave us alone… all right?"

"Jubilee…" asked Scott.

"I just want to watch the movie okay?" Jubilee said quietly. "If I need to talk I'll come bug you… but I just wanna chill… I've heard enough talking and stuff… all right?"

"All right," said Jean softly. "You know where to find me… Jubilee."

"Have a good night," Scott said. "And I do mean it when I say I'm going to make it up to you…"

"Sure, fine," Jubilee said. Jean took Scott's hand and pulled him away to leave Wolverine and Jubilee alone.

Logan folded his arms across his chest and shook his head. Jubilee didn't know what to say when she saw his face creased in anger. "I guess they're really sorry, huh?"

"Not sorry enough," Logan muttered.

"It's okay Wolvie, jeez, I'm not all busted up. Sure I'm ticked but…"

"Let them stew fer a while," Logan said. "I wanna watch the rest of this…"

"Only if you finish your story," Jubilee said. Logan reached for the cigar box and thrust one between his lips. Jubilee automatically held up her finger to light it without him even having to ask. In silence they watched the rest of the movie. However Jubilee knew that he didn't mind her sitting there keeping him company at all. It was the most normal thing in the world, and she wanted a good dose of that for a while to come.

Wolverine realized that Jubilee had stopped snapping her gum, and that something was leaning against his shoulder. He chuckled when he realized Jubilee had fallen asleep. He moved the popcorn off her lap and set it on the table. Grabbing the blanket he threw it over her, and let her head and shoulders lay in his lap. Grabbing the remote he turned down the sound so she could sleep. This wasn't so bad, spending time with the kid after all. Considering that she desperately needed someone to take care of her with all the insanity and uncertainty present in the world. He slid her sunglasses off and tossed them onto the table next to where his feet were propped. Jubilee turned on her side, frowning slightly in her sleep as she readjusted herself. Wolverine stroked her shoulder and repositioned her shoulder on his lap while he grabbed the pillow and shoved it under her head. Under his touch on her arm, she relaxed and snored quietly. He watched the movie, letting her sleep and watching over her.


When the movie was ended he carried her upstairs to her room. He kicked open the door with a booted toe, and walked inside. He sat her up momentarily on the edge of the bed and slid the covers back. She mumbled and lay her head against his chest while he reached around to slide her yellow trenchcoat off without waking her.

With a good deal of maneuvering he worked her out of it, and lay her down so she rested her head on the pillow. Grabbing both her feet, he pulled off her shoes. Wolverine was glad she was already in her sweatpants and oversized T-shirt. He tossed the sunglasses at her nightstand, and her overcoat over the chair by her bed. Then he tugged the blankets around her and tucked them snugly around her small body.

Leaning down he kissed her forhead gently, and whispered, "G'nite, Jubes... sleep tight..."

"G'nite Wolvie," she murmured in her sleep.

He was halfway out the door before he stopped. Something convinced him to return and close the door gently. A paternal instinct perhaps. Pulling up the chair he set it by her bed, and settled down into it. Carefully he watched her as she lay there asleep. He had to reassure himself she would still be there, and be safe. After all she was his sidekick.