A.N. I do not own Inuyasha or X-Men. Thank you for sticking with me and the story so long. It has been a struggle and I have had a lot of trouble getting it together. I have every intention of finishing. I always come back.

Logan was still put off as he lingered at the end of the hall near Kagome's room. He could smell Mikono, and knew he had spent the night. Jealousy curled in his stomach and made his jaw tense. When he saw the other man depart from her room, he hesitated a moment before going to the door and knocking.

Kagome looked less than pleased to have him at her door so early, but she stepped out to speak to him. "Do you have questions regarding the field trip, Logan?" Her manner was purely professional, as if there was truly nothing between them.

Scowling at her clear brush off, Logan put his hands in his pockets and fought down the urge to start an argument. "Look, I can't make you do anything. But I'm gonna let you know, I'm not a casual guy. You were right about that. All or nothin'."

"Nothing then," Kagome answered quickly, feeling uncomfortable and wanting to retreat. She shifted back, her posture suggesting she did not want to face him, her body turned slightly away.

Ignoring the way that stung, Logan touched her shoulder lightly, pleased when her eyes met his. "If you change your mind, you let me know. But if you come looking for me, know it's for keeps. That's all I'm saying." His piece said, the mutant backed off and turned to go. "See you at the bus."

Kagome watched him go, a slight frown tugging at her lips.

x~x~x

The cafeteria was buzzing with activity as students ate and chattered, some excited for the field trip, others looking forward to a day with less adult supervision than usual. "I don't see why you're even going," John declared, swiping a piece of bacon from Bobby's plate.

Rogue stole John's biscuit on her boyfriend's behalf with a frown. "Because we like the class and this could be interesting. You're off probation next week anyway, why risk making it longer by trying to sneak around now?"

"You really gotta teach me that trick, Bobby. I thought I was talking to you, but Rogue here is answering. New ventriloquist ability?" John sneered with a scowl in Rogue's direction.

"Don't be a dick, Man," Bobby sighed, setting the pilfered biscuit aside and threading his fingers through Rogue's gloved ones. "She's right. You should come along. It's an outing to the city! I mean, I bet we could probably get Ms. Higurashi to stop off somewhere on the way back, maybe."

"Actually, you'd have better luck convincing me," a smooth voice interjected, tinged with mischief and a healthy dose of amusement.

Spinning around to meet twinkling green eyes, Bobby's cheeks tinted pink and his heart raced at being caught. "Good morning Mr. Mikono! I didn't realize you were coming along."

Shippou sat beside the young couple and peered up at John with a grin. "Of course I'm coming. Have to keep you kids in line. Mr. Allerdyce is quite a handful if memory serves." His smile was light and unthreatening, yet his eyes glinted a little in challenge.

"I'm not going," Pyro bit out, feeling an intense scrutiny coming from the older male who he knew could conjure fire with greater control and accuracy than him--It was hardly fair given that the older mutant had multiple abilities.

"Oh, I think you are," Shippou decided with a grin to rival the cheshire cat. "You certainly can't stay here, cooped up in the manor. Beautiful day and you could use the outing seeing as you have been off privileges since you burned down that portion of the forest, then snuck out and accidentally did it again, and then got caught with alcohol in your room…"

"I haven't been caught with-" the hothead began, internally panicking at the thought that someone had found his stash.

"Hm, maybe I'm developing some psychic ability… So, see you all on the bus!" Shippou announced, springing to his feet to join his mother as she entered the cafeteria.

Rogue snorted at the look on John's face. "So, better get ready and hide whatever he might have found."

Tossing a glare her way, John got to his feet swiftly and darted from the cafeteria towards his room.

Blinking at seeing the hot headed blond teen breeze past them, Kagome arched an eyebrow at her son's snicker. "What just happened there?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just making sure that young Mr. Allerdyce is prepared for our field trip. Young minds need stimulation after all." Shippou beamed at her, his expression practically angelic.

Merely shaking her head, Kagome went to the breakfast line and took a tray.

xXx

Xavier waited until he spotted his old friend come to their usual table before he wheeled himself forward. The park was filled with civilians, each of them having their own guards stationed around them. "Hello Old Friend."

Erik eyed him across the table and set up their pieces. "Hello, Charles." He looked down at the board, giving Charles the first move as he had chosen black for himself.

Charles touched a pawn, looking thoughtful as he advanced it. "Jean tells me that you are missing Mystique. Still no trace of her?"

"Yes. Sabertooth was supposed to bring her back to me, but it seems he was waylaid by a certain distracting little woman," he countered, moving a piece of his own. "What ever are you doing with someone like her, Charles?"

Blinking, the Professor met his gaze. "What do you know about her?"

"Only a little about her type. You see, the Nazis had an obsession with purity. So much so, that when they happened upon a woman in the camps that was not like me, but could hurt only those like me, they were… Fascinated. I have not encountered one like her since, thankfully."

Stomach churning, Xavier frowned at that. "Well, I assure you, my instructor would never hurt anyone without just cause. I did not come to discuss her. Mystique is not the only one who has disappeared."

"Of that, I am aware. Much as I know you would prefer I not have my people close to your precious students, I think a combining of forces is in order," Erik admitted, looking at his old friend, expression one of resignation.

Hand freezing on his piece, Charles looked up at him sharply. "How many have you lost? I know you well. You would not come to me with the intent of joining unless you were desperate."

"Hard to keep count. The Brotherhood has scattered. There are only a few of us still about. Many went into hiding though." He glanced down at the board and laid down his king as he assessed how it would end. "I will meet you again tomorrow, for your answer."

xXx

Logan glanced at Kagome in the mirror, seeing her chat quietly with Kurt and Kitty towards the middle of the bus. His eyes went back to the road though when the light turned green. The traffic was terrible in the city, so it wasn't long before they were at a stop again. He bristled slightly as he felt Mikono getting closer. "What do you want?"

Shippou came to stand next to him, grinning a bit. He glanced over his shoulder at his mother, now turned a bit to answer a question for Rogue who sat behind her. Satisfied she was distracted, he leaned closer. "Don't be so aggro with her. Let her come to you. I know you like the chase, but letting her set terms will make her feel more at ease."

"I don't need advice from some womanizing-" Logan began hotly, his annoyance palpable.

"Hey, I have eyes for all beauty," Shippou corrected, laughing when the Wolverine looked ready to kill him. With his piece said, he went back to his seat and plopped down beside John again.

Logan kept his eyes fixed ahead, grip on the wheel a little tighter than necessary. When the museum was finally in sight, he pulled into the spot that was marked for the Institute by cones and a sign. He put it in park and stood at the front. "Alright, all of you know your groups and your chaperone. When you get off the bus, stand in your group and don't start wandering." WIth that said, he opened the door and let Mikono off first before allowing students off.

Shippou watched all of the students get off, pleased they followed directions. He grinned at John anew and stood before him and his group. "Ready to learn, Mr. Allerdyce?"

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Pyro glared but just offered a nod.

Once all were out, Kagome came to stand in front of them all, smiling. "Thank you all again for taking this field trip. I am pleased to tell you that we will have a tour of the exhibit led by a knowledgeable professor who teaches history at NYU. After we take the formal tour all together, we will split into our assigned groups and walk the museum. Feel free to take notes or just enjoy. As I will be teaching history when school starts, I will say that anything you can take from the museum and bring into later assignments will certainly earn you a bit of credit."

Kurt, checking his watch for the hundredth time that morning, raised his hand. "Ms. Higurashi, will we be having lunch in the city?"

Shippou came to stand beside her and beamed. "I will pay for us all to get lunch after the tour so long as we have a nice smooth experience inside."

The excited murmur that ran through the crowd made Kagome smile. She hoped that they would have more time for moments like this… She cleared her throat. "So remember, best behavior." Turning, she led the way into the museum.

At the front of the guest services desk, a beautiful man stood. His long black hair was sleek and straight, pulled back loosely by a clip that tucked twin braids from the front in to contain the rest. Warm brown eyes tinted slightly red met Kagome's, and for a moment, she could see through the glamour to his pointed ears and the stripes of red against his bronzed skin. "Welcome. You must be from the Xavier Institute. My name is Atohi Ashwood. I will be giving you the tour."

Shippou was unsurprised when he scented interest wafting off of Atohi as his mother neared. Sleek and beautiful, but dark… Closer to Sesshomaru than Logan. More your type, Mother? He discreetly scented the air and found that she was not yet affected. She had seen enough beautiful men apparently. Of course the teenage girls around them…

Bobby's hand tightened on Rogue's gloved one slightly when he saw her blush.

"I am Kagome Higurashi. It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for your time." She offered her hand rather than bowing, though it still felt a little odd.

Atohi clasped her hand and smiled disarmingly. "It is a pleasure to assist. I daresay you might be able to teach me a thing or two. I have heard from Aiji that you are well versed in the history and mythos of our display."

Teeth gritted, Logan averted his gaze. Much as he wanted to stand between them, he knew it would not be welcomed. He was comforted by the fact that her scent was unaltered.

Pleasantries exchanged, Atohi gestured for them to follow him, leading them down the hall towards a room marked with a sign. It read, 'Art and Artifacts of Japan, History Meeting Legend'. "We have been loaned a rare collection. Many pieces here are ancient, but their origins are disputed due to be steeped in myths."

As they passed other openings, Kurt tapped Kitty's shoulder and pointed to an Egyptian collection and mouthed 'after'. His heart flipped when she agreed.

Kagome fell into step, prepared to see some of the items in question given that Shippou had prepared her. It felt odd to listen to someone else speak about the items and history she had lived with, but it allowed her to keep her senses focused on safety.

Logan brought up the rear, watching over everyone. His eyes roved over Kagome as she kept her gaze up, body posed to react should the need arise. He prodded along Kurt when he saw him falling back to look into another display room. "Pay attention."

Blushing, Kurt nodded and walked faster to be with his friends again.

"I was told that you are familiar with the story of the Dog General, and his sword of man. But here, we have Tenseiga, the sword of Heaven," Atohi began, gesturing to one of the first items on display, the glass around it charged with powerful warding that any with awareness would feel.

Kagome let her thoughts wander as her students listened, feeling a little prodding on the edge of her senses. She fell back to stand beside Logan. "I need the restroom. I will be back." She did not wait for him to object and walked swiftly towards the feeling, conveniently in the same direction of the bathrooms.

The feeling got a little stronger with every step she took and she found herself turning down another hall, stepping over a rope blocking her path. When she got into the display, her eyes landed on a painting that took her breath away. "Sesshomaru…"

"My son always did make women gasp. I was surprised when I heard he sacrificed himself for a human woman. It seems he was the same as his father in the end," a woman commented in Japanese, her voice steady and almost regal.

Turning sharply, Kagome saw through her glamour for just a moment and her heart nearly stopped for their strong resemblance. "Lady Haname. I knew you must have loaned the Tenseiga, but I did not expect to meet you here… Was the painting removed from the display for my sake?"

"Hardly. It's simply part of this exhibit." She stepped up closer, eyes dropping to her stomach. "A little girl… He would be pleased. A son would have made him proud, but a daughter would be more likely to make him smile, rare as that was."

Resting a hand on her belly, Kagome felt her cheeks tinting pink under the scrutiny. "My Lady, I apologize that I was not there to offer you my condolences."

"Why? I might have killed you then, for being the reason for my son's demise," she commented, tone light and unthreatening despite the words uttered. "It was good that you didn't. You clearly have more to do. Least of all, give birth to the first inu daiyoukai to be born in several hundred years, half breed or not."

Frowning, Kagome's armdropped to more fully cover her stomach. "I would thank you to not refer to your granddaughter that way." Her eyes went to the painting once more and it was an effort to calm her inner turmoil once more. "What do you want of me, Lady Haname?"

Smiling at the reaction, Haname looked at the woman her son had chosen and actually felt a tiny hint of approval. "Madame Moirai gave me a gift for you." She handed her a large old leather bound book. "Protect it."

"My Lady-" Kagome looked up from the book and was annoyed when she realized she was alone once more. She smiled a little though, sensing the woman's aura lingering. "I think your grandmother wants to protect you, in her way."

Not wanting to raise eyebrows at her long absence, she tucked her new book into her bag and went to the restroom before returning to the group. Thankfully, the students seemed taken in my Atohi's storytelling and only the adults seemed to register her return.

xXx

That night, when all the students had been sent to their quarters, Xavier called a meeting of all the staff members, but made sure to call Kagome and Shippo in a half hour earlier than everyone else. "Thank you for coming early. Kagome, you recall Sabertooth and Mystique, correct?"

Sitting across from the professor, Shippo's hand on hers, Kagome nodded. "Yes. Shippo told me they are part of the Brotherhood of Mutants."

"Yes. Today, while you had your field trip, I met with Erik Lehnsherr, better known as Magneto. He is the leader of the Brotherhood. According to him, the Brotherhood has seen their numbers reduced severely. Members are disappearing and others going into hiding to protect themselves. I have also spoken with Madame Moirai and she has said she has lost contact with fellow… 'Mystics'." Crossing his fingers before him, the Professor met Kagome's gaze.

"Unsurprising given what we know," Shippo murmured, looking from his mother to the psychic. "What did Magneto want?"

"Asylum here for him, and the Brotherhood here. I will say, Kagome, he knows from Sabertooth that you have abilities. He also seems to have an interest in you. If I allow them to come in, I think it best that you come clean. I don't want the staff to be overly concerned about you when you are a perfectly capable fighter, and we should be keeping eyes on students," Charles told her, the words hanging heavily in the air.

Smiling, eyes sharp, Shippo's aura wrapped around his mother, a fierce protectiveness coming off of him in waves. His hand tightened on hers. "With all due respect, Xavier, I do not want them near my mother."

Chest tight, Kagome swallowed. With threats in the shadows, bringing enemies close felt like a misstep. Still… "Enemies can in time become friends. I do not want this, but I trust in your wisdom. I do not want Magneto or the Brotherhood privy to my story, but I am willing to share with those who come to the table tonight. At least an abbreviated version."

"I'll move you-" Shippo began, eyes turning back to hers.

"No. I am staying here. I am not frightened of Sabertooth, or Magneto. I should be here to protect the students." Kagome's hands shook a moment, but she steadied them and rested her hands on her belly. "You will be here for us. Let me be here for them."

Resting his forehead against hers, Shippo stroked her hand gently. "Alright. I am going to bring Myoga here then too. He is a pest, but he can keep watch."

Nodding, Kagome turned and kissed his forehead. "Thank you, my son." She straightened and pulled back a bit when she sensed Ororo at the door.

Storm knocked politely and waited to be called in before entering, coming to sit at the Professor's side. "Are you becoming an employee, Mr. Mikono?" She arched an eyebrow at him, then glanced back at the Professor.

Grinning, Shippo simply rested a hand on the back of Kagome's chair. "I have always been in the background, helping out. Just a little more hands on, now, Ms. Munroe." His eyes danced as he looked her over appreciatively.

"Mr. Mikono will be staying with us for the foreseeable future, so it affects him too," Charles told her with a slight smile.

Scott wandered in next, not bothering to knock. "Evening." He flopped down across from Shippo and nodded to Kagome. "Kids loved the trip. Overheard Kitty and Kurt going on about the different exhibits."

Smiling at that, the only pure human at the table sat up a little straighter. "I'm glad to hear it. I hope we can do more. Mr. Ashwood offered to conduct more tours."

"He sure did," Shippo snickered, laughing more openly when his mother slapped his arm.

Jean came next, sitting between Xavier and Scott and threading her fingers with her husband's. "Evening." She glanced at Shippo curiously, but said nothing.

When Logan finally came in, his eyes narrowing on the closeness between Kagome and Shippo, he chose to sit opposite her, but with one space between so he wasn't right next to Scott. "What are we here for, Chuck?"

Clearing his throat, the Professor looked over his staff. "I met with Magneto today. He has confirmed that Mystique is missing, and that the Brotherhood is dwindling in numbers. He has asked that we allow him and his members to come here for their safety."

"What? Professor, you can't be thinking of accepting! We have fought so hard to keep our students free of the Brotherhood's toxic rhetoric. And with Kagome here, we would need to be tailing her constantly. You know how they feel about humans," Jean spoke up immediately, eying the petite beauty.

"Sabertooth will go for her the second she's away from protection," Logan grumbled, looking at her with a touch of protectiveness leaking through.

"That's something else for Kagome to address." Meeting Kagome's eyes, the Professor nodded. He would allow her to choose what she shared.

Pushing her seat back, Kagome stood and subtly put up a barrier against anyone overhearing. "I am indeed a human. I am, however, not helpless. I am sure you have suspected me of being somewhat different after my encounter with Sabertooth." She lifted a hand and pink light surrounded it. "I am a priestess."

Logan felt a prickle at the back of his neck, a primitive fear. That power set his teeth on edge… Yet he also felt his desires swell.

Watching them, Shippo let his glamour fade and his demonic features showed. "Kagome is an immensely powerful person." He let his youki collect in his palm, forming a flame and launched it at her.

A pink barrier came up, dispersing the attack. "I told you, Jean, of my theories on mutants and demons. They are not theories. Mutants are the result of demons going into hiding, only those that could pass being allowed to continue in most cases. They cross-bred and married into human families. As human populations swelled and demon populations dwindled, the traits began to go dormant. Still, powers and abilities laid, waiting to emerge in the bloodlines."

Shippo nodded. "Some of you have more of the traits than others. I am a pure demon. I am hundreds of years old, older than you, Logan. Still, you have a very large number of the traits. You could fit in amongst the demonic community easily enough. Ms. Munroe, you lack the longevity, but you are as strong as any elemental demon I have met. Scott… You can really punch with your eyes."

"If what you are saying is true, you have the power to hurt us all," Jean pointed out, eyes clouded with suspicion.

"She hasn't though," Ororo piped up. "Kagome has been warm and helped the students beyond just her subject matter. We have all have known Mr. Mikono for nearly a decade, and he trusts her."

Nodding to Ororo gratefully, Kagome dropped her barrier and sat. "I may be a priestess, but I would never hurt anyone for their blood. My child is in fact fathered by a demon, a powerful demon…" Her heart was in a vice. It was too difficult. It was too much to share, to parse through. "Professor… Only what I give." She cracked her mind open and let the telepath draw out what she was willing to share.

Xavier gently tugged the memories, sanitized a bit for her privacy, and allowed them to flow to him and then to the open minds around them. They saw the naive child she was, the power she discovered, the warrior she had to become in her grief, and finally the cost the Shikon no Tama had demanded.

Logan got up and walked out.

Shippo kissed his mother's temple and held her hand a moment. "My mother is strong and can defend herself. I will be at her side. If the decision is made to allow them, I can get some portable housing here by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you," the Professor responded with a tight smile. "I would like to talk more with you on that. Everyone else, you are free to go."

xXx

Darkness surrounded her, confusing Kagome. Her dreams of late had been so vivid… She swam through the empty void and jolted when she felt hands on her waist. "What-?"

A familiar touch drew her in, the figure lithe and strong. It was comforting. "This one has missed your company."

xXx

Gasping, Kagome jerked awake and eyed her sleeping son. She swallowed, wondering at that. Rubbing her stomach, she slid from the bed and grabbed her robe before exiting the room silently. Her heart was thundering in her ears, feelings a confused jumble.

Without realizing it, she found herself standing just outside the gym. She heard grunting inside and her eyes ran over the sight of Logan, shirtless and lifting what seemed to be every weight in the room stuck onto the bar. She stayed rooted in place, watching sweat roll down the sinews of muscle, the hair on his chest glistening.

Logan threw the bar off, letting it clatter to the floor and got to his feet. "What do you want?"

Kagome leaned against the doorway and swallowed thickly. "I don't know." Tears gathered in her eyes. Just this morning, she had outright rejected him, but now with all of the trials of the day, she longed to be close to him. "I'm not being fair to you."

"You aren't," Logan agreed, scowling. "You didn't even need me to fight for you."

Confused, Kagome blinked and stepped forward. "Is that-? Logan, I was relieved when you fought Sabertooth. I didn't want to. I hate hurting, killing… If I had fought him, I would have had to kill him."

"So I just kept your hands clean," Logan retorted, grabbing a towel and wiping the weight bench off angrily before heading towards the showers.

Looking down, Kagome felt the weight of her mistakes bearing down. "When I was a teenager, I fell for a boy who was brash and goodhearted, but whose loyalties were divided. I never loved the man that gave me my daughter. I don't know… I never learned about healthy relationships firsthand."

Stopping, Logan turned towards her again, frowning. For all of her maturity and strength… "I told you, I am an all or nothing kind of guy."

Biting her lip, Kagome peeked up at him. "I'm human. I have lived a life that strayed far from that. Now I might not even fully be. You are more youkai than human in many ways, but you are human too. Could we try something a little more in that realm?" Smiling weakly, she took a half step forward. "Would you get breakfast tomorrow?"

"I plan to eat breakfast, yeah," Logan shot back, echoing her words in prior weeks.

"Would you come into town with me and get breakfast?" Kagome added, eyes a little hopeful.

Remaining still for a long moment, Logan nodded. "Yeah. You can buy me breakfast."

"It's a date." Smiling, Kagome turned to go, unsurprised when he grabbed her hand. She didn't resist as he turned her and she surprised them both when her lips landed on his. "Goodnight."