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Fireworks and the Healing Begins	By : Polymer Category: X-men Comics > Het - Male/Female > Logan/Jubilee Views: 5549 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men comics, or any of the characters from it. I make no money from from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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I Gotcha Now

Chapter 7

She saw a flash of bright light, and had just pulled her goggles down in time. Wolverine cursed, and threw her clear of the cycle. Both tumbled off as it landed harmlessly into a snowbank. As he spat out snow and rolled over, he felt someone grab him with a large hand and haul him up.

"Well lookie here, who'd have thought�" came a rumbling voice.

"Let him go!" Jubilee said as she turned.

"Worry about yourself honey bunch," another gruff voice said. Just in time, Jubilee flipped out of the way as a small squat figure flipped by. She turned to face him, and Wolverine used the distraction to plant his feet in the face of the very large hairy creature that grabbed him.

As he flipped free, a large snowy owl swooped down, and he battered her off. Features blurred as she shifted into the form of a white polar bear, and landed on all fours growling. Jubilee spun out of the way of Puck, and suddenly found herself facing two hovering figures that streaked by her. A blaze of light flashed.

"You're not the ONLY one who can do THAT!" she whispered as she cupped her hands and flared several paffs at them. Nimbly the two streaks avoided her, and she felt someone grip her by the back and tumble with her.

"Sorry honey, but don't want your pretty self to get hurt� catch Walter!" he called. She spun through the air and landed in Sasquatch's arms.

"Well what do we have here," he grinned. "You a friend of Weapon X?"

"Lemmie go�" she got out as she squirmed in his large grasp. She struggled to think just how she'd fight back.

"Jubes, use your head!" Wolverine barked. She twisted her wrists round, but was unable to get the leverage to break free. Sasquatch tossed her up, and someone caught her by the back of her neck and tossed her into a tree.

"Mademoiselle, observe," said Northstar.

"Do not underestimate her, brother," Aurora cautioned as she streaked by. Wolverine growled and turned his attention to the next member who was levitating by. Woodcarvings were made short work of as Shaman flipped by.

Jubilee had a good vantage point of the action. Six team members swung into action. First the twin threat of Northstar and Aurora sped by, followed by a punch from Sasquatch, which Wolverine leapt over and spun. His claws gleamed as he tagged Snowbird's cape. Features morphed and blurred into those of a white owl, whose talons extended. He grabbed her quickly and hurled her towards Shaman, who was reaching into a small pouch at his belt.

"Too slow," Wolverine taunted. Something planted t heir feet into his back, and he went flying.

"Who's talking now?" asked Puck as he recovered. Wolverine flipped back, his claws still out.

"Forgot about you�" he muttered. His ears picked up the sounds of Sasquatch's footsteps, and he leapt out of the way of another punch.

"Wolverine!" Jubilee shouted, standing up in the tree as she saw Northstar and Aurora join hands and streak towards him. She rained a series of paffs at them, knocking them apart. As Northstar streaked by, she leapt off the tree and landed on Sasquatch's shoulders.

"Hey!" he exclaimed as she paffed a blast of light in his face, momentarily blinding him.

"Leave the light show to an expert!" Northstar shouted. "Now!"

Lights flared and flashed in intensity. Jubilee leapt off Sasquatch, righting herself as she landed in the snow. Northstar and Aurora grabbed her arms, pulling her up with them.

"Want a ride?" they chorused. Jubilee bit her reply off as she left her stomach behind.

"Great," Wolverine gritted as she glanced down.

"Don't worry about HER, worry about yourself," Puck taunted. By now Shaman and Snowbird had untangled themselves, and moved to intercept. Wolverine tumbled to the side, and then grabbed Puck around the neck.

"Tag, you're it!" he called.

"What about your lady friend?" asked Puck with a laugh.

"She is NOT my�" Wolverine started, and then stopped as Northstar and Aurora streaked back, then abruptly stopped. Hovering nearby, they each held an arm and dangled Jubilee between them.

"Let me go, you doublemint twins!" she called.

"You're a bright one, but there's MUCH more to the northern lights t hen they teach you in the lower 48, Cherie," Northstar laughed. Jubilee muttered something in French.

"She has a mouth on her, brother, doesn't she?" Aurora laughed. "Walter� catch!"

Jubilee yelped as they tossed her up, and Wolverine struggled out of Puck's grasp. She landed in Sasquatch's arms, only to be tossed over to Snowbird's talons, and then over towards Wolverine. He caught her squarely in his arms, only to see her fuming.

"You son of a bitch!" she yelled at Northstar.

"Easy darlin, they're only playing," Wolverine chuckled.

"You think this is a goddamn JOKE?" Jubilee huffed. Snow showered her as Shaman levitated overhead, and then landed in the snow.

"Nice show people, but I've seen shit with more order than you," Wolverine clicked his tongue. "Classic form, but what the hell is Department H teaching you?"

"Don't start with us�" Northstar started.

"Brother� hush!" Aurora scolded him.

"He's here for a reason, you know," Puck barked at Northstar. "So zip it!"

"Why do we need HIM� he left US, remember," Northstar growled.

"You wanna try leading this crew, punk?" Sasquatch laughed. "Otherwise, pull the fly outta your ass!"

"Can we stop the colloquialisms please?" Shaman snorted.

"What do you suggest that we should change, Wolverine," Snowbird asked, her melodic voice cutting through everyone's bantering. "Since you came to such great lengths to find us�"

"Where's Heather?" Wolverine asked as he set Jubilee on her feet. She glanced at the eyes of all of his old teammates regarding her. Northstar was hot; she had to admit, and had a grade A mad on against Wolverine. Great.

"With my luck he's gay," she mumbled. A glance shared between Northstar and the one called Puck confirmed her suspicions, and she clicked her tongue.

"Right here, Logan," said another feminine voice. Jubilee saw a slender shapely figure stride out into their midst. Her body was swathed in a red and white body form-fitting suit, with a maple leaf motif. She pulled back her hood, exposing long red hair a shade or two lighter than Jean Grey's.

"No wonder," Jubilee muttered in disbelief. She bore a striking resemblance; minus the glasses she pulled out and slipped on her nose, to Logan's old flame.

"Nice to see ya, Red," Wolverine said as he pulled back his hood. "Or should I say Guardian�"

"I didn't think you'd be here so soon, considering," Heather Hudson said as she shook her head. Wolverine moved over and grabbed her in a hug.

"What, and miss out on seeing you in Mac's boots? Whatcha doin' with this loony outfit�" he teased as he swung her around and set her down.

"Ugh," Jubilee muttered. "I'm NOT going to be jealous� I'm not�"

"I think the girl's jealous," Puck whispered to Northstar.

"He's such a dumb ass," muttered Northstar back, and he yelped as Puck gave his shapely butt a punch, and then feigned ignorance.

"Knock it off ladies," Sasquatch snorted. "Or get a room!"

"You see what I have to put up with?" Heather cocked her head at Logan, who chuckled.

"I see yer point, darlin," he grinned. "So, how IS Mac?"

"Pulling through," she said, her features twisting into a look of pain.

"By the way, this is my teammate Jubilee�" Wolverine indicated her.

"Oh, so she�s the firecracker?" Sasquatch chuckled. "No kidding�"

"A rather different sort of mutant power than we're used to seeing� instead of just flash, there is actual substance," said Shaman.

"You wish," muttered Northstar.

"Firecracker?" Jubilee shot Logan a withering look. "That's so original�"

"You forget your manners as always, Logan," Snowbird interrupted. "I am Snowbird. Pleased to meet you, at last�"

"Let me guess, you've heard ALL about me?" Jubilee asked.

"He has had a few rough edges polished since we knew him� I think you're a good effect on him," Snowbird whispered.

"Um, thanks I think�" Jubilee glanced up at her. "So you're REALLY a shape shifter? Way cool� people, animals or�"

"Animals," she said.

"Sorry for bein' rude darlin," Wolverine interrupted. "Jubes, may I present Heather Hudson� one of my oldest and dearest friends�"

"Likewise, I'm sure," Heather said as she shook Jubilee's hand. "Also known as Guardian. These are my teammates�"

"An pains in my side," Logan chuckled. "The twins are Northstar and Aurora� the other runt is Puck� the big guy's Sasquatch�"

"And I am codenamed Shaman, for obvious reasons," he said as he extended his hand, and Jubilee shook it. "If you don't mind me saying so, I may have some suggestions for maneuvers against flyers�"

"You gonna give her a magic charm or hocus pocus?" Northstar asked.

"No way, one flying firework's enough," Sasquatch shot back. "Sorry about throwing you around, little miss� it was just part of the training�"

"No hard feelings, Tiny," she grinned as she shook his massive hand.

"Name fits," Northstar narrowed his eyes at Sasquatch.

"Depends on what she's referring to," Sasquatch zinged back.

"Boys, if you will STOP acting like babies," Aurora snorted. "Do excuse my brother and teammates� Jubilee� I hope we didn't rough you up too much� and as Shaman said, perhaps we can learn from one another� I am MOST interested in your illuminator powers�"

"Sure thing. By the way, love your hair. How you get it to STAY like that in a fight?" Jubilee asked.

"I HAD thought of getting it cut," Aurora said, flipping it over her shoulders.

"No way� I've got the BEST idea for a haircut that would look tres cool on you," Jubilee responded.

"I don't think we'll have any trouble getting along with HER," Northstar sighed. "But him�"

"Don't worry," Puck whispered back. Northstar smiled charmingly as he strode up to the two women.

"Enchente, mademoiselle," he said as he took Jubilee's hand and kissed it.

"Right back atcha, gorgeous," Jubilee winked. "And you might want to try some aqua net�"

"Never," chuckled Northstar. "That'd annoy some of my partners� if you know what I mean."

"Okay people, social hour's over," Heather said as she clapped her hands. "We have a lot of business to cover� Wolverine� Jubilee, if you'd care to join us in the training center�"

"Allez oop," Aurora said as she lifted Jubilee under the arms, and she shrieked as they took off.

"Yikes!"

"Sister, stop showing off!" Northstar shouted as he grabbed Puck and streaked off after her.

"So, where you been hiding the kid?" asked Sasquatch.

"None o' yer business, Tiny," Wolverine shot back with a grin. "Better keep it down, or Jean Marie will get jealous�"

"I wouldn't even dare look in her direction. Considering she's rather young," Sasquatch said. "She was with you as a teammate for long?"

"Long enough to know more than most," said Wolverine.

"She's a lot like you," Snowbird said as she reached down and grasped Logan's hand. "Allow me to give you a ride�"

"Wait for us will ya?" Sasquatch called as he ran below the fliers. Heather Hudson grasped Logan's other arm as Shaman levitated himself and flew after them.

***

"Try and catch me, brother!" Aurora shouted as she flew along with Jubilee.

"Heyy put me down!" Jubilee cried. "YIKES! ~!"

"Relax, I won't drop you�" Aurora reassured her. "I'm just trying to show my annoying brother that he can't be the ONLY one who shows off�"

"You guys can only do your light show if you're touching hands, right?" Jubilee asked.

"Unfortunately yes," she shook her head as they approached a large enclosed area, which sprang into a clearing. Aurora dropped gracefully to the ground and set Jubilee carefully on her feet. Northstar reached them seconds later, setting Puck down and glancing around.

"The others are ALWAYS late," he grumbled, tapping his foot.

"Is he always this moody?" Jubilee asked.

"You should see him when he first gets up in the morning," Puck tossed his head. "This is NOTHING."

"Much like Wolverine, yes?" Aurora whispered.

"Um, yeah if you forget the coffee," Jubilee chuckled as she leaned close and shared the knowing grin.

"So, has he actually� you know�" she whispered.

"We're close, but not in that way," said Jubilee slowly.

"Ouch," Northstar muttered to Puck. "Logan's more hard headed then ever� I thought him and the girl�"

"Get your mind outta the gutter," Puck whispered. "You know how Logan is. Mr. Honor code. Way they interact he thinks of her like his own kid� and you know how THAT works�"

"Idiot," Jean Paul snorted. "Although the way that Walter is looking at her� my sister and she�"

"Walter flirts with anything female," muttered Puck. "Although he only has eyes for your sister�"

"Don't remind me," Northstar grumbled.

"Just because he didn't go for you� doesn't mean you have to be jealous�" Puck whispered. "Besides�"

"Very true," Northstar said as he rested an arm on Puck's shoulders and they turned to see the others arriving. Wolverine landed in the snow not far from Jubilee and Aurora. Shaman and Snowbird landed up from them, while Guardian dropped next to the main group. Sasquatch leapt over the fence, and strode up towards Aurora. She slid her arm around his massive waist, and he cupped her back in an enormous paw.

"Talk about the odd couple," Jubilee muttered.

"Tell me about it," Northstar grumbled.

"Hey, he's not THAT bad� he reminds me of Hank," Jubilee said. "Except I think Hank's got several dozen more IQ points�"

"That would not be so bad�" Northstar muttered. Puck slapped him on the back.

"Cheer up. Fearless leader's about to talk�"

"Team, we're going to take a dinner break, and rendezvous back here in an hour," Heather said loudly. "Be sure to make our guests feel welcome�"

"Oh no trouble with that," Northstar muttered.

"Training exercises?" asked Shaman. "Same as usual tonight?"

"Wolverine will be conducting them," said Guardian. "After he and I catch up on old times� Jubilee, feel free to spend some time getting to know the others�"

"We'll show the kid around," said Sasquatch.

"I'm not a�" Jubilee started to fume.

"Maybe she'll baby-sit you," Northstar shot at him. "Instead of my sister�"

"Hey," Sasquatch protested.

"Come on, Jubilee, there's much to see," Northstar said as he motioned to her. "Puck and I can show you where you can freshen up� and get some decent food�"

"After tangling with us, I'm sure you'll need it," Puck said.

"Logan?" Jubilee asked.

"Go with the Alpha Bits, Jubilee. They won't bite� I have to talk to Heather�"

"Okay, but later�" Jubilee said as she let Aurora and the others whisk her off.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine with us," Puck called back.

"No worries there," laughed Shaman. "I think she'll fit in nicely. Heather do you want Snowbird and I to�"

"Go on and eat. We'll join you later�" Heather said. "For now, just do what you can to make Jubilee feel welcome� and perhaps issue her a costume that has more insulation. I doubt that one is adequate�"

"She was shivering," said Snowbird.

"Kid seemed fine to me," Logan shrugged. "How could you know�?"

"She's not like you," Shaman said. "If she is going to be training with us� she needs the appropriate gear� I'd be happy to assist in designing�"

"Whatever, just stop talking my ear off," Logan grumbled. "I forgot just WHY I like peace and quiet�"

"It seems things have changed very little since you left us, Logan," Snowbird said neutrally. "We will await your instructions, Guardian�"

"Relax you two� its dinner, not a board meeting," said Heather with a sigh as she pulled off her hood. "Logan and I won't be too long�"

"Later folks�" Logan said as they looked at one another, and then headed after the rest of the team towards the main dormitory complex.

"So Logan, you've seen us in action�" Heather said when they were alone. "What do you think?"

"Not bad. They've managed to maintain their forms pretty well. But there's a LOT of rough edges," Wolverine muttered as he pulled his cowl off, and heather saw his face. He felt her blue eyes taking him in, and tried to control his body's response to them.

"Are you going to stay with us, Logan?" Heather asked. "You had said�"

"Yeah, I might stick around� much longer," said Wolverine.

Heather coughed and blinked. "What? But I thought you were�"

"I've been an X man for years, Heather. I think it's time I stopped running away from all my responsibilities. If I hadn't taken off, you and Mac wouldn't be in this mess�" Logan said plaintively.

"This isn't LIKE you� to be so�" Heather trailed off. "Of course we'd LOVE to have you, but why are you so suddenly wishing to�"

"Grow up and cut the shit?" Logan laughed bitterly. "Maybe it's cause I realize that every time I tried to escape you guys, there was another reason�"

Heather nodded sadly. "You know I love my husband�"

"Yeah. That's old news. I'm not here to try and� I mean you two are happy together. I'm here for old time's sake. You two did so much for me, and all I did was just bail on you�"

"We tried to hurt you," she said softly.

"Well, what the hell else is new," Logan shook his head. "I'm still pretty sore about that, but I realized why. I was being a bit selfish, although you do understand�"

"WE don't own you, we never did," said Heather with a rueful smile as she rested her hand on his shoulder. "And now you're coming back of your own volition�"

"You need me now more than ever, since Mac's not able to lead the team�"

"You don't think I can, do you?" Heather said as she bit her lips.

"Aww shit Heather, that's not why I�" Logan trailed off.

"Come on, Logan, I know you better than most people," Heather twisted her lip. "You wouldn't drop everything to come here and pretend to leave the X men if it wasn't because I�"

"Heather, don't put words in my mouth Goddamn it!"

"You don't think I have what it takes?" she asked.

"I didn't say that� I just�"

"Can't you give me a bloody chance?"

"I want to, Heather� that's why I'm here at all. But I just don't know if�"

"I will prove to you, Logan that I can�"

"You've got nothing to prove, lady," he said. "Because I can do what I should have done from the start. What I've been fighting all these damn years�"

"You mean lead Alpha Flight� but�"

"Yep," he said simply. "At least till you get your bearings�"

"Logan this is� this is�" she trailed off.

"And for the kid's sake," he added.

"Jubilee," she nodded. "She means as much to you as you do to us�"

"She's family, and she's hurting. She needs a family and friends. But the X-men aren't the place for her. And I' can't help her the way she needs to� by myself. I thought that� well if I brought her home� to the home I knew and felt safe in�"

"We'd be happy to help her in any way, Logan. You know that," Heather said as she took his hand. "But� are you sure we're the answer you need?"

"You're the best option. Kid's going through some nasty shit. Kind of like me� I figured you had the experience in dealing with�"

"We do," Heather said softly. "And we'll do all we can�"

"Her power's like Aurora and Northstar's," he said. "I figured they'd be a good choice to teach her about that aspect� and Shaman and Snowbird might know some� alternative means to get her mind to be at peace�"

"I thought you'd have taught her what she needed to know, from your Japanese," Heather said.

"That only goes so far. Kid needs some TLC, and I can't give it all. The X-men are wrapped up in their own issues. She's got a lot of hurt because she lost teammates in Generation X. I figure you guys don't have the baggage that would make it difficult. She needs a clean slate. I figure you guys are the best thing�"

"Do you think she can find it with you leading a team, when she might need you the most?" asked Heather.

"I can't let her get so close to me, she needs others to help," said Wolverine. "A family. My family� that is if you guys would take a stubborn runt with anger issue back�"

"You see yourself as the prodigal son," Heather pursed her lips. "But when you left the last time, we realized how much hurt there was. I tried what I could to ease the bad blood� and I like to think it's eased the pain over time�"

"The others� they're not still sore at me, I take it," Wolverine said.

"No. They know why you did what you did. They were just amazed that you were coming back at all, to train with us� and hopefully try and bridge the gap. They're willing to put it behind them if you are�" said Heather. "But I don't know how they'd feel about you leading�"

"Call it temporary," Wolverine said softly. "Through you. And the kid will keep me on good behavior�"

"One thing though. I think our team would benefit from having you both evaluated. While you are an Alpha Class, Jubilation has not been classified. If you are to have her involved with Alpha Flight� she must pass the qualification�"

"I figured so," Wolverine rolled his eyes.

***

"Attention members of Alpha Flight, please report to the Conference room," came a voice over the loudspeaker, which startled Jubilee. She dropped her fork.

"Easy, it�s only the go call," said Aurora.

"I�m used to a voice in my head, not outside," Jubilee mumbled.

"Look lively people," Shaman said as he got up. "That means you too, I think, Jubilee�"

"Where the heck is Wolverine?" asked Jubilee.

"Talking with Guardian," said Snowbird. "I thought he was supposed to join us for dinner�"

"He had to iron some things out with Guardian," said Shaman. Northstar coughed, and got slugged on the back again from Puck. Aurora shot her brother an evil glare.

"What?" he asked.

"No comments from the peanut gallery," Walter growled in his throat.

"Am I missing something here?" Jubilee asked.

"Nothing important," said Snowbird with an exasperated sigh.

"I�ll explain later," Aurora said as they all got up from the table, leaving their plates behind.

"You can leave that there," Northstar said as Jubilee started piling the plates on a tray. "That�s not our job� we�ve got hired help�"

"Okay," Jubilee said, shaking her head at the differences.

Through the door on the other end walked two people. Wolverine followed Guardian, both wearing their costumes, without the masks, and both had smiles on their faces while continuing a conversation. Jubilee felt something swim in her stomach, and tried her best to smile as Aurora and Snowbird cast her concerned looks. Northstar inhaled and sighed, shaking his head. A small frown twitched the corners of his shapely lips, and Shaman�s face was a serious line.

"Good to see you all here," Heather said. "Are you feeling welcome and at home, Jubilee?"

"Sure," she said. "Good food, good friends� what more could ya ask for."

Wolverine waited as Heather motioned for a place for him to sit. He was directed towards the foot of the table. Jubilee wanted to shrink out of sight when he glimpsed her taking a sip of wine, and frowned slightly. Why should she feel guilty when all the other team members were imbibing, she wondered? After all, she was legal the last time she checked. He reached for a beer in the mini fridge before sitting down at the foot of the long conference table. Heather sat at the head, and looked down the lines of faces on either side.

"Now, the first order of business is welcoming back one of our own. Wolverine here has agreed to assist me in the running of Alpha Flight, a job for which he was originally trained. I�ve spoken with Mac, and he agrees that this is in our best interests�"

"You sure?" asked Puck.

"Yes," she said.

"Not to be rude, but he�s not aware of how we work," said Northstar.

"That is why we intend to show him a typical training exercise first thing tomorrow," said Heather. "This leads us to the second item on the agenda. The question of Jubilee�s entrance qualifier�"

"Which nobody mentioned to me," she muttered.

"Someone SHOULD have," Wolverine said with a dirty look towards Shaman.

"Who the hell cares who didn�t tell who," Walter shrugged. "Point is that she knows now."

"Okay, I�ve got a question," Jubilee said. "Am I considered a team member, and if so, why in HELL wasn�t I asked?"

"Any mutant on this base is required to undergo a test and evaluation of their powers, whether they are in Alpha Flight or not," said Heather patiently.

"Sorry I didn�t mention that," Wolverine said. "It�s been a while�"

"That�s my point, dammit!" said Northstar. "Not to be rude, Wolverine, but you�ve got a lot of catching up to do if you have a chance in friggin hell to�"

"Jean Paul!" Aurora protested.

"No he�s right," said Wolverine as he held up a hand. "Isn�t he, Heather?"

"Yes," she nodded. "But I will be working with Wolverine in the leadership of the team. His experience and my knowledge of the regulations will be an effective combination�"

"I bet," Jubilee muttered.

"If she�s been an X-man, how much of the testing is relevant?" Aurora asked.

"Good question," Jubilee said. "I know we�re not in the same country and all� but I WAS evaluated by Emma Frost at the Massachusetts academy�"

"WE have those records," said Heather. "What is your opinion, Shaman� as second in command?"

"I�d have to review them. But if she HAS served alongside of Wolverine, perhaps he can fill us in as to what testing she might skip�"

"Jubilee only needs the last test, in my opinion," Wolverine said quietly. "If she�ll agree to it�"

"But one and two�" trailed off Puck.

"She�s served in a superhero team," said Aurora. "And also, she�s got as much raw power as me or Northstar. I say we skip the whole thing�"

"We have to do things the right way," Snowbird said.

"I�ll take the test," Jubilee said. "I�m sure it�s no big deal� fighting by single combat, right?"

"She doesn�t know, does she?" Heather asked. Wolverine shifted from one foot to another uncomfortably.

"Know what?" she asked.

"I move first that we decide on whether or not he�s leading the team," said Northstar. "We can�t decide anything further without�"

"Very well, I second," said Shaman.

"All those in favor of Wolverine as co team leader of Alpha Flight, say Aye�" said Heather. A chorus of ayes sounded.

"Those opposed?" asked Heather. One nay came from the direction of Puck, and Northstar nodded.

"I abstain," Northstar said.

"There are four in favor, one opposed, and one abstention� So moved. You are officially my co leader," said Guardian.

"What about Mac?" asked Puck.

"You should know better than to ask that," Northstar elbowed him.

"Now that that�s been taken care of," Guardian said. "We welcome you back to the team. This leads us to the order of business regarding Jubilee�"

"What�s the big deal with it? Who do I go up against, and when?" Jubilee asked.

"Normally it would be the second day after the first two tests," said Shaman. "Are you sure that she should skip them?"

"We have the data from the Professor�s files transmitted," said Wolverine. "However�"

"I see no reason to delay," said Heather. "If you are up to the challenge, we can have things ready in two hours�"

"Let�s get it over with, already, goddamn it!" Jubilee said.

"You sure?" Wolverine asked. "Because we can give you a day to rest�"

"I�m ready," she said, and everyone exchanged glances. "What the hell is everyone's problem?"

"You don�t realize who you�ll be up against, do you?" Puck asked.

"She has to fight the most experienced of us," said Northstar. "And considering who that is�"

"Does it count if he�s been in another�" got out Walter before a look from Aurora silenced him. Everyone fell silent, and Logan flexed his wrists uncomfortably.

"Wolverine, Logan� why�s everyone so quiet?" she asked. "Is my fly unzipped?"

"You didn�t step on a duck, Jubilee, if that�s what you�re talking about," Wolverine said after a long pause, and gases in his direction. "You have to fight someone with the most experience in your test�"

"Who? This is really getting really fricking annoying�"

"She has to fight Wolverine," Shaman said.

"Merde! Are you sure about this� surely she can go up against you or myself�" said Aurora. "Or Snowbird."

"It has to be him, and he knows it," said Snowbird. "Don�t you, Logan."

"Wait, I have to fight� Wolverine?" Jubilee blinked. "You gotta be SHITTING me!"

"Yes Jubes, I�m sorry," he said as he glanced past her, his face twisted into a frown. "I should�ve told ya�"

"No fricking way," she shook her head.

"It�s the rules," said Puck. "You so sure you want her hanging around here�"

"Shut the hell up," Northstar hissed. "Can you be anymore blunt?"

"I thought he liked it when you were�" Walter joked, but Aurora glared daggers at him.

"Not now Walter!"

"I�ll give you both time to prepare," Heather said. "Aurora, take Jubilee to guest quarters, and give her a fresh uniform."

"Hey now wait just a DAMN minute�" Jubilee got out.

"Is this necessary?" asked Northstar.

"No shit sherlock," said Puck.

"Go with them, Jubes. I�ll be waiting," Wolverine said as she got up and cast him a helpless look. "I�m sorry, I should have thought of this�"

"No going back now," said Heather. "Unless�"

"All right if it�s that so damn important let�s get this over with," Jubilee said quickly. "Right, this is what you wanted, right?"

"Yes," Wolverine said quietly. "But I didn�t expect�"

"You should know the regulations better," Shaman said as Jubilee was escorted out between Snowbird and Aurora. She didn�t even look back at Logan as she exited, with a brave grim look on her young face.

"Hope you�re happy, you asshole," Northstar said as he glared at Logan. "I though she meant something more to you than�"

"Shut the hell up, Jean Paul," Puck said quickly. "He�s in no fucking� mood to argue�"

Northstar felt Puck grab his hand and drag him out quickly as Wolverine glared at him. Shaman got up and walked over to where Heather stood. Wolverine turned and faced the wall, shaking his head. She reached out to touch his shoulder, and he flinched away.

"Logan� you knew this might happen if you brought her, why didn�t you tell her?" asked Heather gently.

"I thought it wouldn�t matter. I figured the rules were the same�" Wolverine grumbled angrily.

"That�s the risk you run," Shaman said. "I�m not trying to be indelicate but you could have insisted on running the first two qualifiers so she could get used to the idea. Why didn�t you TELL her?"

"I figured it was something we�d face together," he said, still facing away.

"Aurora will stay with her� but you have to get ready� you know you can�t talk to her just before the test�" said Walter Langowski.

"I know that fucking part," he snapped. "Where the hell�s the drill room? Or did they change THAT goddamn detail too?"

"This way," said Walter as he nodded his head. Wolverine sauntered past him, glaring at Shaman and Heather.

"Terrific," Heather sighed as Shaman shrugged.

"He�ll have to catch on, if he�s committed to this," said Shaman. "I hope you know what you�re doing�"

"He gave his word, that�s good enough for me," Heather said as she bit her lip, and watched the door slide shut behind her teammates.

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Fireworks and the Healing Begins