Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men, Wolverine, or Jubilee. This story does not follow X-Men cannon; please treat this as an elseworld timeline. Any situations or scenarios presented in this story that resembles another story is completely coincidental.

Author Note: I am sorry for the long wait. I will try to get the next one up faster.

The Cleansing Process: Ravaged Souls part two

Chapter 3: Uncertainties

Logan's motorcycle skidded to a halt at the main entrance of the mansion. He jumped off his bike and headed toward the war room in a hurry, oblivious to the fact that Jubilee was following closely behind. It mattered very little that it was the middle of the night and most of the students were fast asleep. Someone or something was on a killing spree and using his identity. So what if a few students would lose a little sleep tonight. He plowed through the hallways and down the elevator to the secured levels of the X-Mansion.

When Logan and Jubilee arrived at the war room, they found that a group had already gathered. The monitors displayed a replay of the evening's news report. Aside from the voice of the reporter, the room was silent.

"A'hem." Jubilee finally broke the silence. "So…er…I guess you guys saw it too."

Scott's attention was focused on the ground, deep in thought, which was never a good sign in Jubilee's opinion.

"Logan, would you mind telling us what's going on?" Scott asked in his all too familiar condescending way.

"Why don't ya tell us?" Logan began.

"Yeah. Back off, Scott. We were at Auger's for hours. Wolvie didn't do anything." Jubilee bit back, clearly annoyed with Scott's demeanor. She could feel her anger rising, as it did so often these days.

"We're not accusing Logan of anything, Jubilee." Jean said, turning to face her from one of the monitors. "We just want to get to the bottom of this. An eyewitness said that a man fitting Logan's description was seen leaving the scene of the crime."

"All of the victims have been known mutants so far," Ororo stated. "There is a possibility that someone may be trying to frame you Logan."

"Wouldn't be the first time." Logan said.

"It would be a shape-shifter." Jubilee contributed.

"It doesn't make sense." Ororo began. "Why would a mutant hurt their own kind?"

"We don't know anything for sure. We need to track down this killer first." Scott said. "Storm, I want you to take a team out and find out what you can from the authorities. Any details about the slayings would be useful. Rogue and Gambit will track the killer."

"We let you know if we find something, Sugah." Rogue said as she pulled Remy with her out of the war room.

"And what do you want us to do, Boss?" Jubilee asked sarcastically.

"Nothing, you need to be rested for tomorrow." Scott stated. "As for Logan, with everything that's happened, I need him to stay in the mansion. I need to know where he is if another killing occurs."

"You don't seriously think that Wolvie could have…" Jubilee began, clearly aggravated.

"I'm not sure what to believe yet, Jubilee." Scott said, his attention on the monitors.

"Oh, c'mon. This is a joke!" Jubilee shouted. "Jean, you know Wolvie couldn't have done this. Tell em."

Logan was no longer in the war room. He had left without a word in the middle of Jubilee's tirade. As much as he wanted to know that truth, there was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that he could have been responsible for the killings. Many scenarios flashed through his mind of him slashing, dismembering, killing without remorse. Perhaps the wild animal within him had surfaced and taken over without his knowing. If that was the case, he was endangering every person, every student in the mansion.

"What's the deal?" Jubilee asked, finally catching up to him in his room.

But Logan ignored her. He pulled his large duffle bag from his closet and began to stuff it hastily with his belongings.

"Oh, you wait one damn minute!" She began, as she grabbed his bag away from him.

"What the hell are ya doing?" Logan asked, as Jubilee began throwing clothes back into his closet.

"No! What the hell are YOU doing?" She shouted. "Scott doesn't know anything! And you're acting stupid again! There is no way that you can be responsible for anything that has happened!"

But Logan did not say a word. He didn't have to. She saw it in his expressionless face. In his mannerism. His doubt was there. Placing his bag on his bed, Jubilee moved toward him. She could sense his hesitation, but that did not deter her. She held his rough hands in hers.

"You didn't do anything wrong and you are not leaving anywhere." Jubilee said, her voice calm and clear.

"How can ya be so sure?" He began. "Ya know what I'm capable of. You've seen me at my worst. Why are you so sure?"

"Because I believe in you." She said. Her eyes bore into his.

For a moment, there was silence. She thought that he would leave and never come back. It wouldn't have been the first time he left. Her eyes lowered in defeat as she felt Logan release himself from her grip. He was going to leave and there was nothing she could do about it. Just then she felt it. That tightening in her throat that she dreaded. The beginnings, in her mind, of her emotional weakness.

"Ya better get some sleep." Logan started as he put his duffle bag back in his closet. "We're meeting in the Danger Room tomorrow fer team try outs."

"You're gonna be there with me?" Jubilee asked, her voice wobbled slightly.

"Wouldn't miss it, Darlin'" Logan said, his eyes on the floor. "Now go get some rest."

A wave of relief washed over her as she turned to leave Logan's room. He was staying. Maybe not for the long run, but definitely for the moment. It wasn't much, but she would take it.

"Hey Jubes." He said, turning to look at her near his door. "Thanks."

She didn't dare say anything for fear of bursting out in tears. Instead, she flipped her head up in an ultra cool gesture.

To be continued

Chylea3784: thanks for sticking around

B. Oots: Love hearing from you and chylea3784. thanks

Mike: Thanks for the comment. I hope you like it too.

Energade: Thanks for the shout out.