A.N. I do not own Inuyasha or X-Men. I am the poors. Gonna be at least a month before another update cause I'm gonna try to focus on original work for NaNoWriMo. Japanese is in italics, as are dreams.

As sunlight crept over the horizon, a sleepy eyed Rogue glanced out the window and blinked in surprise. There were portable buildings being put up about 150 yards from the manor, Mr. Mikono and the professor supervising. "What the hell?" Yawning, she turned from the window and wandered towards the stairwell.

Storm was already awake and coming up the stairs as the teen approached. "Morning Rogue. You're certainly up early."

"Yeah. Just had to go to the bathroom, but they're putting up trailers outside? Are we getting bug bombed or something?" Rogue asked, confused and more than a little curious about the changes.

"No. We'll have an announcement over breakfast though." The weather witch smiled reassuringly. "I'll see you in the cafeteria later. Stay clear of the work."

xXx

Silverware clinking against plates, a hiss of bacon searing, and a dull murmur of conversation filled the diner, Logan and Kagome seemingly the youngest there besides the staff. All others present looked to be retirees, up before the sun for breakfast.

Kagome glanced through the menu, reading carefully. Her abdomen was feeling extremely empty given that her little girl had voided her stomach of anything within an hour before. She glanced up at Logan when she noticed he wasn't looking. "Have you been here a lot?"

"A few times," he replied, looking her over with a tiny smile. "Rogue and I came here for her birthday breakfast a few months back."

Returning the smile at his response, Kagome sipped her water. "What do you usually get?"

"Crispy hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, runny eggs, coffee." Watching her hand run over her belly, he wondered how long it would be before she started actually showing.

The server, a bright eyed figure with a shock of bubblegum curls spilling over one side of their head, the opposing side shaved, came over with a smile. "Hey, I'm K. Are you two ready?"

"Yes." Kagome smiled and straightened, menu open as she skimmed a finger down the laminated page. "I will take the fruit and yogurt parfait with the granola crumble, a side of bacon, and a half of a red grapefruit."

"Cool. Usual, Mr. Sideburns?" K asked, looking at Logan with a slight grin.

"Yep," Logan replied without looking perturbed by the nickname.

"Coming up." K tucked their little notebook away and walked to the counter, grabbing a water pitcher to top Kagome's glass off. "Nothing else to drink for you?"

"Oh, if you have tea, I would take some with the food. Otherwise, water is fine," Kagome responded, smiling politely.

"Gonna be honest, this is a coffee diner. Tea is pretty meh. Want a lemon wedge or anything?" At Kagome's shake of the head, K nodded. "Alright, I will have your food up shortly."

Sipping her water, Kagome sat back and glanced up at Logan. There was still a bit of a chasm between them, secrets kept and partially revealed between them. Their shared kiss last night had been nice but it had not mended things, especially given her own mercurial temperament with him.

Logan nodded to K when they brought the coffee and sipped it. "Thanks."

Alone at their table once more, Kagome fiddled with the paper that bound the disposable napkins around her silverware. "You know, I think this is my first date since a few tragically awkward ones in high school."

"I don't really 'date' much myself." Logan eyed her for a minute, his expression a little pinched. Small talk felt so strange. He knew her too well and not at all. "I'd think this'd be easier, since you know about me and how long I've been around."

"You know a good deal about me as well." Kagome broke the paper seal, folding it absentmindedly. "This is an unusual situation." Her eyes moved to his again and she bit her lip. "I feel like I am always giving you mixed signals. I asked for a more human courtship and here we are, with me having no idea how to do this either."

Frowning, the mutant's expression darkened for a moment as he tried to think of something. "How much demon blood do you think I have?"

Blinking at his switch to Japanese, Kagome smiled at his clear effort to take the pressure off of her to think about what to say. "You are likely at least a quarter given your longevity, but it may be more. I don't know if it is all one type. Though you are the Wolverine, I think you are primarily badger demon and maybe a little wolf."

"Not gonna start calling myself the Badgerwolf," Logan snorted, taking a gulp of his coffee, amused at the thought.

Covering her mouth as she giggled into her hand, Kagome smiled at that. "I wouldn't expect you to. Your name suits. And perhaps I am wrong-I have never met a wolverine demon."

K returned, their breakfast ready. "Here we are-Anything else for you two?"

"Ari-Thank you, no," Kagome responded, catching herself before replying in her native tongue with K.

"Cool. This will be here whenever you are ready then," K responded, setting down the check between them and turning to go.

Kagome took the check and set it on her side. She had said she would buy him breakfast after all, and she wasn't one to break her word. Flattening the napkin out, she took hold of her spoon and began to dig into her parfait

Logan let her take the check, focusing on his food as they settled into a more comfortable silence. There was still much to learn about one another, but for the moment at least, there was a feeling of content.

xXx

By 9 AM breakfast, the whole school was buzzing with speculation. There were three large temporary buildings put up, connected to the power and water. They knew that from seeing a small crew of each to test it, all clearly employed by Mr. Mikono by the way they reported to him rather than the Professor.

Kitty's face was scrunched in thought as she leaned a little on Kurt. "Rogue said Storm told her no on the bug bombing thing. Do you think we're about to get so many new students that we won't have the room for them? That would be crazy!"

Kurt blushed and shrugged, experimentally wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "That's the only thing I can think of. It seems like it would be way too many though."

Pyro, choosing them in lieu of his usual table with Bobby and Rogue, plopped down with a big bowl of sugary marshmallow cereal. "So, got any theories, Elf?"

Wrinkling her nose, Kitty squeezed Kurt's hand as she leaned into him. "KURT and I were just saying we think we're gonna get some new students. Like a lot of new students."

"What is it with all you guys letting your girlfriends' talk for you?" John complained, glowering at them. He glanced up at the front when he noticed Dr. Grey walking up with the rest of the staff minus the Professor who was likely still outside with Mr. Mikono.

Jean cleared her throat. "Attention! We have a few announcements to make. As you noticed, we have some portable housing going up outside. In the next 24 hours, we will have members of the Morlocks and the Brotherhood of Mutants arriving. Many of the Morlocks will be welcome to roam the manor, but those of the Brotherhood will not have that privilege. We ask that you confine your movements to within the manor for the foreseeable future, unless accompanied by a teacher."

A ripple of outrage ran through the cafeteria at that.

Storm raised her hand and stepped forward. "I know this is less than ideal. Currently, mutants are going missing however, and we are doing our best to protect everyone. To make sure you do not go stir crazy, Ms. Higurashi and I will be doing a monthly field trip, and twice a week outdoor excursions. The Professor will have more to say at lunch, but for now, go about your day."

Kurt frowned and squeezed Kitty's hand gently. "Well, guess we were wrong about students." A touch of fear hit him as he recalled times meeting the Brotherhood in the open, the frightening look in Sabertooth's eyes and even the gross feeling of Toad's slime.

Pyro got up and walked over to the teachers. His expression was sour as he pointed at Kagome. "Hey! You should send her away."

Kagome, who had remained quiet to the side with Scott and Logan, arched an eyebrow. "And here I thought you might be starting to enjoy my class just a little, Mr. Allerdyce."

"They'll kill her. Magneto doesn't like humans, and Sabertooth already stalked her. You should send her away," the blond teen pressed again, his expression stern and his fists clenched tightly.

Logan huffed, trying to brush off the irritation he felt at being told he couldn't protect her. No one really even knew about them yet. "She ain't helpless, Kid. Besides, she's got us. Leave the worrying to us."

Blue eyes softening, Kagome touched Logan's shoulder and stepped forward a bit. "Logan is right. You've seen me in demonstrations. I am capable. I appreciate your concern though, John."

Cheeks heating, the teen shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, you still shouldn't go anywhere alone." With that said, he turned and stalked away.

Jean looked a little pensive, but offered Kagome an awkward smile. "Well, he isn't entirely wrong. Keep your eyes up." She nodded to Logan and went to grab her own breakfast.

xXx

Humming to herself as she walked about her shop, Madame Moirai checked her seals around the perimeter, untried in the night. Relieved, she went to her little table and sat, staring into her crystal ball. It wasn't necessary for her sight, but it could help her focus, especially given how strong a presence was out there.

The darkness around her was thick, almost like miasma. It formed beneath her, a solid ground that she could walk. The sounds within the darkness were terrible. Moans of anguish, cries of pain, fire and flame, the whistle of cold winter winds…

"You are not welcome here, Old Woman."

Moirai felt the presence, dark and twisted. Not one but two, twined together and strong. "What are you?"

"Such strength in you… Your body is frail, but your soul… I will devour you!"

Pulling back from the visions, Moirai shook a little. "Stupid woman you are…" Getting to her feet, she walked over to the window and turned her sign to indicate she was open, unlocking the door and settling behind the counter in her little stool to mind the shop. She would strengthen the wards later.

xXx

Exhausted by lunch, Kagome was glad to escape to her room for a little time alone. Stroking her stomach, she wandered to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Spitting the toothpaste out and rinsing her mouth with water, she looked in the mirror and turned, running her hand over her stomach again. "You're not even here yet and I am so tired. I hope I can keep up."

Yawning, she changed out of her daytime clothing and into some more comfortable sweatpants and a tank top. When school was in full swing, she might have to give up this afternoon napping habit. For now, she opted to enjoy it though, sliding into bed and falling into a deep sleep swiftly.

The darkness was all around her, an abyss of nothingness. Kagome swallowed at the thick feeling of evil. It was a little familiar somehow… She formed a thin barrier around her.

Beneath her feet, the ground was wet and soft, mud and something a little more slimy squishing between her toes. The feeling was disgusting, making her stomach roll. The scent to the air was of sulphur, iron, and a sweet decay.

"Leave."

Turning, Kagome searched the darkness for the voice. It was a rumble, deep and scarcely sounded like sentient communications that humans could understand. "Who is there? Why did you call me here?"

"LEAVE!"

All around, the darkness trembled and she was pushed, almost violently out. Her body burned as the darkness tried to overtake her, but Kagome threw up her barrier more forcefully.

Suddenly, she was in the feudal era, within her own memories. At her side, Rin was huddled into her, wearing the kimono Kagome had bought her. "He'll come to visit soon, I'm sure. Don't worry."

Letting out a soft cry as she woke, Kagome clutched her head and swallowed thickly. Dizzied, she grabbed the lined trashcan by her bed and vomited into it instead of risking a rush to the bathroom.

There was a tap at her door and Kagome was relieved it was only Shippo. Coming in when she bade him to, he frowned at the smell. "Are you alright?"

"I think whatever is coming is trying to draw me in… I am dizzy. Help me to the bathroom to wash up?" Kagome tied the trash bag off and gave her son an apologetic look.

Shippo went to her side and supported her as she stood. "Do you want Dr. Grey to look you over? Or one of the doctors I could call?"

Shaking her head, Kagome leaned on him a bit until they got to her bathroom, then stood at the counter to brush her teeth. "I'll be okay. Maybe tomorrow to be safe. But we should all be present when the Brotherhood gets here. It's good to appear united and strong." She rinsed her mouth again and stood up straight.

Nodding, Shippo's lips were in a thin line at that, but he did not argue, knowing her stubborn streak. "Alright, tomorrow. I will take you to the best doctor you could ever ask for."

Smiling at him in the mirror, she leaned back into his arms, remembering when she used to hold him with such little effort. "Will you braid my hair for me before we go and greet our guests?"

"Of course," her kit replied, smiling fondly at her. He kissed the top of her head and set to work with a brush.

xXx

The Brotherhood arrived at sunset, Sabertooth's eyes landing on Kagome immediately. He grinned broadly at her, controlling his impulse to run at her. His eyes were feral and sharp as he looked her over, baring his teeth to Logan at her side.

Magneto's eyes were sharp as well, but lacked the hunger the wild eyes blonde possessed. Still, they were intent on her. He broke away from his followers, ordering them to go on, before approaching the group of staff. "So you're the one who sets Sabertooth on edge?"

Charles cleared his throat. "Erik, we should get you settled in." His tone left no room for argument, his teachers all tensed around him.

"Now, now, Charles, she is the one you should be afraid of," Magneto replied, backing away and rejoining his forces heading into their new housing.

Shippo fell into step beside the old human. "You'll leave her be. I am not Charles with high-minded morals. I am not Logan with a skeleton you can control. I am not one of the children you faced. If you step out of line, I will not put you out. I will kill you." He smiled amicably. "The facilities have everything you could need. The eastern side of the woods are free for you all to explore. The rest is not."

"I think we'll get along just fine, you and I," Magneto replied, his expression unworried. He admired opponents that were so honest.

Subtly touching Logan's arm, Kagome turned her gaze to him. "Don't worry. I can handle men like him."

"He's a fucking zealot," Logan told her, his voice a low rumble. It was difficult to not wrap an arm around her, but he knew she was not quite ready for such open and unambiguous affection in front of the others.

"Magneto's methods are questionable, but he is not actually wrong. Humans made this world like this. They pushed demons out, forced most to go extinct. Few true demons live on, most only mutants. Even humans with powers were largely wiped out." Kagome's eyes were sad. "I understand why he thinks as he does."

It was fully dark when the Morlocks arrived, using the night to travel. They were polite enough, but clearly wanted to stay to themselves, going quickly to the housing set up for them, though Shippo followed with all of his demon traits visible.

xXx

Chanting softly to strengthen her wards, Madame Moirai walked the perimeter of her shop, then went upstairs to do the same in her apartment. By the time she finished, she had to sit down, exhausted by the activity. "Not ready… Not yet."

Many lifetimes past what an average human could have amassed, and she still was not ready to die. She knew it was coming, her visions not stretching past the end of the year… Still, she would not give that time up for anything.

Power, dark and foreboding, rattled against her wards, but could not get past them. She was safe, for the night at least. Crawling into her bed, she covered herself in her comforter and allowed herself to sleep.

xXx

Eyes wandering her sleeping companion's nude form, Kagome once more felt her mind warring with her feelings. He made her feel so safe, so wanted and cared for… Her hand rested on her stomach and she sat up carefully, walking to the bathroom and opting for a shower.

Steam filled the room quickly as she slipped past the curtain and liner. Her body relaxed a bit under the streams of water, her somewhat tense muscles loosening. She tilted her head back and let it run down her head, through her hair, hoping it might ease the tension in her mind as well. The water started to lose heat before she had to admit it would not work.

Padding from the bathroom in a towel, she peeked at her lover, his face contorted slightly in his sleep. She wondered if he had nightmares about the past or the future. Not wanting to disturb his sleep more, she dressed quietly and headed out with a short sword in hand.

Scott was on watch, his presence felt on the eastern side of the manor, watching over their new guests. Storm was awake, likely too restless for sleep, pacing on the ground floor. Her shift on watch would start soon.

Kagome avoided them, as well as the few students that had wandered from their beds, sliding a window open on the second floor. She sat in the window frame for a moment and pressed her feet to the wall outside before launching herself into the broad branches of the tree beneath. She scaled down and headed towards the western side of the grounds.

Knowing the heightened risks, she did not go too deep into the forest, just far enough in that she wouldn't be easily spotted. She unsheathed her blade and went into familiar motions, pivoting and slashing through imaginary enemies. Memories crept into her mind, smells of sweat, blood, the burn of poison on the air, sounds of metal on metal and metal on flesh. A new energy was near, a potential enemy! She halted herself, breathless and covered in sweat, mid-lurch towards the familiar blue figure.

At the edge of the little clearing, Kurt was watching her with wide eyes. "Ms. Higurashi?" The hairs on his arms and the back of his neck were standing on end, a primal part of him trembling in fear. Still, he did not run. This was his teacher, the kind woman who did not flinch when she looked at him.

Her eyes went soft and Kagome dropped the blade. "Sorry. I was feeling restless. I did not scare you, did I?" Guilt weighed on her mind, the thought that she could have attacked her student terrifying.

Smiling, the blue boy shook his head. "I mean… Maybe a little. I got up to go to the bathroom and saw you headed this way. I was worried. I guess I don't need to worry about you." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Thank you, Kurt. Your concern is appreciated. Let's walk back." Kagome smiled reassuringly at him, sensing eyes on them both. She scooped up her blade and walked towards him, touching his shoulder gently. "Come, we should both try and get some more rest."