Jono drove like a nascar racer, sticking to the most direct route with the least main roads from the hotel to the Guthries. As the white SUV sped closer to the Guthrie family farm four black limos came into view. "We're late." Xi'an commented, Angelo and herself leaning in between the two front seats. Parking quickly the four teenagers jumped out of the vehicle and headed toward the door.
As they ran passed the limos Angelo touched the hood of each one. "Still hot chica." He called to Jubilee in a hushed voice.
"So they only just got here." Xi'an stated looking at Jubilee. She looked pensive.
"Then we knock and play dumb." Jubilee instructed. "Shan, you mind taking the lead?"
"Sure thing boss lady." Xi'an said as she walked to the front of the group and knocked on the screen door. She waited only a moment before repeating the action.
Within seconds Clarice was at the door. They were all slightly shocked to see the lavender skinned mutant.
Clarice threw open the screen and embraced her room mate. "I'm so glad you're all alright. I've been worried. They woke us up before the sun was up and forced us onto a jet. They haven't said much to us but the elders are very cross."
"Thank you Clarice, but we should be joining the adults inside." Shan said stepping passed the younger girl to lead the group inside. Shan strode through the house to find the entire Inner Circle and the remaining Hellions assembled in the Kitchen looking agitated. Sebastian Shaw was seated at the head of the table, Tessa standing behind him as usual.
"Sir, as pleasant a surprise it is to see you, what are you doing here?" Shan asked humbly.
Sebastian Shaw stood, towering over the youngsters. He walked right passed Shan and Jono to Jubilee. "You've failed." Boomed the voice of the Black King.
Caught slightly off guard but trying to hide it Jubilee ask, "What do you mean sir?" She had an idea, but preffered to get as much information from him as possible.
"This was a test of your loyalty to the Hellfire Club which you apparently have none of. We planted Cordelia as a mole for the Inner Circle, she recorded your entire encounter with the X-men. We are not pleased."
Frost betrayed them. Emma set her up, knowing what the mission was and that Jubilee never did more than scan the briefs. She'd lost her position as leader, the other Hellions would really stick it to her for this, especially Monet. It would be hell.
Jubilee fumed as Shaw continued, "I expect you to pack your things and remove yourself from the premises when we return to Snow Valley."
It was a sucker punch that Jubilee couldn't believe. He wasn't just removing her from her position in the Hellions, but kicking her out all together. She was losing another home. Another family. She wanted to cry or scream or beg for another chance but she couldn't let Shaw win. If she went back to the streets she would still survive. So she gritted her teeth and answered obediently, "Understood sir."
Shan quickly came forward in defense of her teammate. "Sir I don't think this was a fair assessment--"
Xi'an was silenced by Shaw's back hand knocking her to the ground. "Was I speaking to you?" Everett lurched forward to retaliate but was held back by Peirce. Jono knelt down next to Shan to see if she was all right.
"The rest of you search the property for the girl or any of her family. Keep your eyes open for any x-men." Shaw ordered. The Hellions reluctantly obeyed leaving Jubilee alone with Cordelia Frost and the Inner Circle. "You may take a seat Miss Lee, or wait in the car if you'd prefer." Shaw said.
Cordelia noticed Jubilee's plotting face. "I know what you're thinking Lee. Don't. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Leland have no problem physically restraining you." She stated matter of factly.
"That's quite right Jubilation." Confirmed Pierce. The guy made Jubilee's skin crawl in a way no one else could. She'd never admit it but she'd be scared to be left alone with Donald Pierce. He was not a fan.
"The only regret would be making a terrible first impression by ruining this quaint little house." Leland added with a glint in his eye. Jubilee always pegged Harry Leland as a putz, but rumor had it that he was part of the reason Emma got to hold the position of White Queen, so she reserved a place of minimal respect for him. This quickly ejected him from that spot.
"Thanks for the advice, I think I'll wait in the car. Someone want to follow me out to make sure the child safety locks are on?" Jubilee spat sarcastically.
"That's alright, we assume your drive for self preservation greatly over powers your desire to be impulsive and foolish." Shenobi spoke from where he was canoodled with Cordelia.
As she exited the house all Jubilee could think was 'They really don't know me...'