The Institute, 3rd POV

Jack sat in Prof. Xavier's office, hands clentching and unclentching in anxiety.

He shouldn't have lost his cool, he shouldn't have attacked with such fierocity, and he shouldn't have taken over comand. But it felt so natural to take lead, his mind now worked quickly and formulated plans of attack and defense.

But that wasn't what hewas supposed to do. He was supposed to learn how to control and properly use his abilities, not to lead groups through missions.

Jack's eyes lightend slightly when he heard the door open behind him.

Professor X, Storm, Mr. McCoy and Logan all came into the room, Logan shuting the door behind them.

Jack looked down at the floor, suddenly finding his shoe's extremely interesting. The Professor wheeled to a stop a few feet in front of the onyx haired teen while the other adults situated themselves behind him.

"Jack."

The teen flinched, but refused to look up.

"Jackson. Look at me."

Jack hesitated for a few moments, then slowly lifted his head and looked shyly up at the Professor.

He didn't look angry, merely stern and even slightly concerned. The Prof. folded his hands in his lap.

"Jack. What happened in the danger room? You sent the others to fetch the 'bombs' and faced Mystique by yourself. You are lucky it was only a simulation, what were you thinking?"

Jack grimaced, looking away once again as he ponderd how to answer.

"...I...I met her before, in Jasper...She was the first one who told me I was a mutant. She wanted me to join the Brotherhood, but I refused...she attacked. In the danger room, when I saw the hologram...I guess I just...lost it."

Jack burried his face in his hands, making a small sound of frustration.

"I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't know that would happen. I'm so, so sorry." His words were easily understood, despite being slightly muffled by his hands.

"It's alright Jack, but why didn't you tell us about your encounter with Mystique?"

"I didn't think it was that important, I mean...I won the fight."

"Wait a second."

Jack looked up in surprise at Logan who leaned forward, placing his hands on the desk.

"Ya fought against Mystique and won?"

Jack grimaced.

"Yeah. Though how I won is something I'll never understand." He replied, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Jack suddenly stood.

"I...I'm going out. I'll be back soon." He murmured before quickly exiting the room.

Bayvile, Jack's POV

I stared at the Highschool, inspecting the sturdy brick walls.

So this was the school I was going to now. It was bigger then the one in Jasper, and not a combination of middle and high school.

I lifted my face to look at the sky, it was turning many different shades, ranging from orange, gold and red to a dark, black-blue. But then I caught a strange scent, one that was familiar.

I sniffed the scent, growling and covering my nose with my hand.

One of the Brotherhood members.

I turned on my heel and quickly walked down the sidewalk, turning the corner. I had to get away, I couldn't fight.

Well, I could, but I'd rather not go through that painful change again.

I shoved my hands into my pockets as I felt my nails extend slightly, starting to become deadly claws.

It was getting worse, any sign of danger and it seemed like I'd start to change.

I glanced over my shoulder, flicking my tongue against my teeth and confirming I now had fangs.

No wonder my teeth were sore.

I looked ahead, deciding to go strait. But I stopped abruptly when a blurr of blue and silver darted in front of me, blocking my path.

'Quicksilver.' I immediately thought, recognizing the speed from the danger room session earlier.

The slightly younger teen leaned on one hand against the brickwall to my left (I cursed myself for not realizing if I did have to fight, it would be in close quarters).

"Can I help you?" I asked, forcing my voice to be polite. The silver haired teen smirked, looking me up and down.

"So you're the new loser at the Institute? You don't look like much." He stated.

I shrugged.

"I guess it all depends on perspective." I replied as I went to push past him.

"Woahwoahwoah! Who said you could go anywhere?" He asked, pushing me back. I regained my balance quickly, and looked up at him.

I then shifted, plling out one hand and showing the dangerous set of claws.

"You might want to be carefull, I have bark and bite." I replied, flashing my fangs at him. He paled slightly.

"And I'm not afraid to protect myself. Now if you'll excuse me."

I once again pushed past him, this time sucsessful. I glanced over my shoulder as I drew the hood of my hoodie over my head. Quicksilver watched me as I walked off.

I shoved my hand back into my pocket, wincing as my claws returned to normal nails (which hurt like scrap).

Just as I turned the corner, I caught a familiar scent. I lifted my nose to the air, and recognized the scent to belong to Logan.

The roar of a motorcycle came from behind me, and I turned to see Logan pull up and stop next to me.

"Hey Mr. Logan. I'm sorry the Professor sent you to find me, but I promise, I'll head back to the Institute right now."

"The Professor didn't send me, Pup. I came 'cause I wanted too. Now get on." He replied, tossing me a spare helmet.

I caught it, but stared at him in surprise.

"You...You wanted too? Everyone at the Institute said you didn't really care about anyone but yourself...No offense."

Logan gave a grunting laugh.

"Yeah, well. I usually do, outside 'a missions. Now climb on."

3rd POV

"WOOHOO! YEAH!"

Logan smirked, glancing at the raven haired teen over his shoulder. Jack was enjoying the rush of adrenaline.

"Yah said you have a bike back in Jasper?" He asked, catching Jack off guard.

"Yeah, I do. She's kinda...tempermental." Jack replied, grinning.

"...Could ask Chuck if yah could have it sent over."

"Chuck?"

"The Prof."

The onyx haired teen shrugged with a sad smile.

"I don't think that'd fly with...my mom."

"Hmph, won't know if yah don't try." Logan pointed out, looking back at the road, light by street lamps.

Jack looked thoughtfull. Logan was right, who knew? Arcee might just come to the Institute.

"Yeah...Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Mr. Logan."

"...Jus' call me Logan. Yah deserve to call me that since I'm callin' you 'Pup'."

Jack grinned.

"Sure thing, Logan."

Later, Jack's POV

I held my phone to my ear, waiting for Arcee to pick up (I kept her on contacts, even after I left).

"Hey partner. What's up?"

I grinned at the familiar voice.

"Nothing much, 'Cee, how're things at base?"

"Same as always. Miko running into the groundbridge, Ratchet trying to convince optimus that it would be best to throw a wrench at her."

I laughed.

"Nice. Hey, Arcee, I have a...a question."

"Sure, ask away."

"Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come to the Institute? You'd be in alt form, of course. But everyone knows I have a motorcycle, and I talked with the Prof., he said it was fine if I had mom 'send over my bike'."

There was silence from the other end.

"...'Cee?"

"...I...I don't know, Jack. I'll talk with Optimus, if he says it's alright...then I'll come."

I smiled widely.

"Really? That's great! Call me when you know for sure, alright?"

Arcee laughed from the other end of the line.

"Of course. Talk to you later, partner."

"Later."

I shut the phone with a 'click'.

Then I set it down.

Then laughed, pumping a fist into the air.