Blaze: A Mutant Girl's Story.

Intro: Kirra is returning to Xavier's Institute. She is no longer the angsty teen with issues and a lame power. She's now all grown up and has the teaching position to prove it. But life with the X-Men is never easy or dull; will she make it through her first year? Or will the crazy life at X-Manor crush her?

Disclaimer: I own nothing, NOTHING! HAPPY!? … Ahem. Cool.

A/N: Ok so this chapter suffered some setbacks (understatement). The file 'magically' corrupted so I had to re-write everything. I also lost my story outline and a butt load of future chapter scenes and notes…yeah that sucked. But seriously. It's a pain when that happens. Also I have been busy with life and what not. That plus the god awful depression really killed my motivation. Whatever. Enough excuses, I'm back and continuing this story. I know I left it for WAY too long, but I'm going to try and do better. If anyone has some constructive feedback it is always appreciated. I'm also looking for a betta if anyone is interested!

EDIT: On a similar note, I added to the first two chapters. The majority of edits are a scene at the end of both chapters for those that don't want to re-read them.

. . . . .

Three weeks later.

Time had passed in a rushed blur for Kirra. She had thrown herself into her new schedule teeth first and was hoping to eventually rid herself of the constant touch of panic that plagued her every waking moment. When she accepted the job she had been in a bad place and thought of nothing other than the fact she was being offered a high payed job overseas with old friends. It had sounded like magic to her. Now she wished she had of considered the consequences. At least then she would have been more prepared for the reality of working at the X-Mansion.

Her new routine was packed from day break until midnight. Originally she was ecstatic about being payed a fulltime wage and only working a three day cycle due to the school population being at 273 at current count. While it was the schools all time record, compared to other private schools, it paled in comparison to some student bodies numbering at over two thousand. However what Kirra had not expected was the volume and frequency she would be picking up the other teacher's classes. This was due to most of the teaching staff doubling as X-Men. So with little to no notice at all, Kirra was being dumped with classes left right and centre. She was one of two English teachers. She taught Standard English Literature and half the Advanced classes. Emma Frost was teaching the other half of the Advanced English and the Extended English classes. What Kirra didn't realise was that she had also ended up with everything from History and Geography to Drama, Art and Home Economics on a daily basis. Kirra's two-and-a-half-day week had turned into five full days a week. On top of that was her new danger room schedules, lunch duty, nightly rounds, planning lessons, marking, endless marking and making the odd trip into the city to run various errands. Weekends were never truly weekends when you were a live in teacher at a private school, because students always needed some form of supervision and entertainment.

Despite all of this, Kirra truly was happy with everything. She was loving every exhausting moment of it. And finally, one sunny Sunday afternoon on the third week of her arrival, she found herself awake early enough and energised enough to be able to go for a run on her own. She hadn't been jogging since she got to the mansion. Sure she worked herself regard in the danger room three or four days a week. But that was group session's and usually interval training, a mix of gymnastics, hand to hand combat, weight training with a dab of cardio in an array of creative scenarios. She would hand it to Scott, he was a stiff, but when it came to training he was an imaginative stiff.

Kirra hadn't been able to commit to the simple and peaceful routine of going for her usual jog on her own, with her music since she arrived and was relieved to be able to now. No bossy Scott or Logan barking at her in the danger room, no students to take up every waking moment of her time. Just her, her runners and a path to follow.

So with far too much excitement for someone up at the crack of dawn, Kirra put on her own normal running gear, tucked her iPod into her bra, hooked her headphones around her ears and crept as quietly as possible down stairs and out a side door leading into the garden. Even though it was her day off she knew without a shadow of a doubt if anyone spotted her they would try and rope her into another duty, so once she made it outside without seeing anyone (a rare rarity) she took off for the old dirt track that wound around the entire property, skirting the trees, the tennis courts, the lake and boat house, and finally the rose garden on the way back to the front of the house. She mentally calculated that she would be able to run around eight kilometres which was close to five miles if her math was right. Kirra slowed to a clipped walking pace and flipped out her phone to scroll through her playlist titled 'Move it Girl', shoved it back into her bra, adjusted and set off at a slow jog along the tree line and through the rose garden. The music helped set a rhythm and perk her up as it was a carefully picked mix of all the songs that made her want to get up and dance her arse off.

The next song began and she picked up the pace and stretched out her legs, making sure her breathing stayed even. That was the trick, keeping her breathing under control. Kirra completed one lap of the entire grounds, and new she would be fine for at least another two maybe three laps so pushed on. Every ten minutes or so she would slow to a speed walk for a minute or two then fall back into her jog.

It was on the third lap, when she was beginning to tire that her day got interesting. The only warning she had was a bit of movement in the shrubs beside her, before something huge was exploding out towards her. She nearly rolled her ankle because of how fast she stopped and pivoted on the spot in a full circle. She came around using the momentum to hurl light at whatever just burst out of the bushes. She heard a roar of outrage and blinked past her own lightshow, the shock causing her adrenalin to spike. Just then her iPod clicked over to 'Shake it off' and the bouncy dance beat contrasted with the sight before her.

"Logan?" she whispered at the sound of the rumbling growl. Then the dust settled and a hulking frame stood to its full height, towering head and shoulders over herself. A low snarl, piercing amber feline eyes, and movement far too graceful for such a large man. He had to be pushing seven foot tall.

"You wish!" the behemoth ground out in a snarl.

Kirra's eyes widened.

"Oh fuck all kinds of duck. You gotta be kidding me!"

Her breath hitched, before her stood the mass murdering killing machine known as Sabretooth. His dirty blonde hair hung in greasy ropes around his shoulders. His eyebrows were bushy, his facial hair overgrown and wild. His eyes were sunken in and his cheek bones and jaw line were razor sharp, just like his filthy black claws. He was made of nothing but hard muscle, too much body hair and snarls. Kirra and everyone else at the mansion knew who he was. The teachers were given files on all known threats to the school, the students and the X-men. The files relayed strengths, weaknesses, psychological profiles and suggested strategies. This man was infamous for one simple reason; His document stated unequivocally if anyone ever found themselves against this opponent they were never to engage, only try to escape. Before her mind could skitter to how in the hell he had gotten into the grounds, Kirra watched the monster of a man ready himself to pounce. She knew cats, and she could see it in his stance and intense gaze.

"Shit." She whispered. His smile grew, all of his fangs flashed.

"Ye can start running if ye want now frail." The Sabretooth growled down at her.

Kirra took a moment to take a deep breath to pray and mentally scream out to the Professor before she darted to her left. As Sabretooth moved she spun on the spot and ran to the right, successfully manoeuvring around him and took off faster then she had ever run in her life for the mansion. She was so terrified she couldn't even focus long enough to bend light around herself and become invisible, instead she threw her hands out letting off firework like light shows. It was barely even distracting.

"That all ye got Frail!?" The voice behind her was too close. "I'm gonna enjoy this!" Kirra risked a glance over her shoulder, and the sight forced her to let out a terrified screech. Sabretooth snarled and took the final leap with his claws fully extended towards her. Deprived of thinking Kirra pivoted again and dived into a roll straight under him and let Sabretooth sail over her head. Without pausing for breath she was up and sprinting to the left. The south entrance waited ahead, Kirra begun screaming her lungs out as she went.

"SOMEONE BETTER GET OUT HERE AND HEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPP MEEEEEEEEEEE!"

"SHUT IT FRAIL!" Sabretooth thundered behind her, clutching his ears. Instead Kirra took in another breath without stopping and let out the most ear-splitting scream she could muster. She was getting closer to the mansion now, but Sabretooth was bounding after her again, finally she screwed up her face and concentrated with all she had and felt her invisibility flick on. Just as she felt something brush her shoulder, followed by a burning sensation, she swerved one more time thanking her recent training with Scott that gave her the tenacity and ability to do such tight turns. She then leapt a nearby fence surrounding the kitchen entrance and bolted inside, she knew she hadn't shaken Sabretooth, but she had bought a few more seconds.

As she stormed down the hall she could hear running footsteps in front of her. A second later Wolverine came ploughing around the corner with Scott and Jean on his heels.

"LOGAN! HELP!" Kirra screeched as she ran. There was a crash behind her and she unconsciously slowed her pace when she spotted the others. Behind her Sabretooth smashed through the door frame ripping out the plaster and wood as he went. Splinters and debris rained down across his shaggy head and bulging shoulders. Sunlight filtered in behind him, casting his face in sharp relief.

"Miss me?" he sneered at the assembled x-men. Kirra gasped and stumbled back until a strong hand reached out and grabbed her arm, it was Logan and he reefed her behind himself. It was then that she realised her invisibility had flickered off.

"Stay back darlin." He growled over his shoulder before she heard the resounding 'Shnkt!' of his claws popping out. Kirra nodded even though Logan wasn't watching. Scott and Jean flanked either side. Scott let off an optic blast that forced Sabretooth back several feet and to shield his face, which gave Wolverine the chance to attack. He threw himself at Sabretooth and forced him back out the door. Cyclops and Marvel Girl following, Colossus came thundering down the stairs soon after. Kirra finally caught her breath and instantly ran to the door, wanting to help but unable to. She felt the fear creep up from her stomach to her throat. But it wasn't just her terror holding her back, she knew her limits and she would not be helpful in this fight. There was the unmistakable 'Bamf' of Kurt arriving on the scene with both Rogue and Storm. All three rushed forward towards the fray.

Kirra gasped at the destruction taking place. All this chaos for just one mutant? And throughout it all Sabretooth and Wolverine were locked in some sick battle of immortals. The two slashed and grunted and beat each other across the lawn. The sticky sound of flesh hitting flesh melding with their snarls and insults were horrifying and hypnotic. Kirra found it surreal how quickly she had adjusted to Wolverines brutality and found it more than fascinating watching him against an equally matched opponent.

A moment of watching the other X-Men move in to risk their lives Kirra snapped to attention and forcefully pulled her own mind back to the task at hand. Quickly she threw a hand up and sucked the light out of Sabretooths eyes, the split second distraction aloud Marvel Girl to lock onto his brain and freeze him with her powers. Wolverine didn't lose momentum, without hesitation he darted in to uppercut Sabretooth with his claws fully extended and impaled his skull. Kirra gaped at the brutality of it all. Wolverine seemed to pause for a moment before retracting his claws and stepping back to let Sabretooth slump to the ground.

She didn't realise she had moved until she was beside Rogue and Storm on the outside of the circle surrounding the mutant menace. She couldn't hear or see anything other than Sabretooth slumped at Wolverines feet.

Logan turned suddenly, nostrils flared and eyes wiled, and just as suddenly his pupils expanded back to normal and the animal recognised Kirra as she approached.

"Darlin' you aint gonna wanna see this." Kirra stared back wide eyed at Logan, she shifted uncomfortably. Logan did not recognising the look in her eyes, shock? Horror? Gratitude? Disgust? Satisfaction? It could have been anything.

"Kirra?" Kurt called gently. The others were discussing the clean-up, someone was fetching the professor, Storm and Scott were keeping more onlookers back, Rogue moved to Kitty and Bobby. Remy appeared a moment later to help keep the sudden congregation of students back. Logan reached out to Kirra, who was staring down at the bloody mass of flesh and bone that had been Victor Creed. Out of morbid curiosity her eyes locked onto the horrific image of his body slowly knitting itself back together. Logan's hand landed on her shoulder, she flinched and looked up to see hurt in his eyes. She instantly felt regret for her reaction, she had seen movement in her peripherals and almost began running. It took her a moment to realise that her headphones were still blasting music. She pulled them down and smiled weakly at Logan. His hurt was replaced by his usual smirk and he reached out again, this time Kirra stepped forwards and did something she didn't do often to anyone, she moved under his outstretched arm and crushed her body to his, burying her face in his collar bone and held Logan tight.

"Thank you." She murmured. Taking in a deep breath and letting it out. Logan's arms folded around her and held her close. He reeked of sweat and blood, his singlet had been torn clean off and his skin was sticky, but she didn't care. The world was going soft and fuzzy and Logan was keeping her sane for a moment

"S'ore right darlin' yer safe." Kirra nodded and quickly pulled away. She looked up at Logan and wondered why she felt so ridiculously grateful. It took her a moment to realise it was because she had begun to see the rough canuk as more than a teacher or college or evil personal trainer/sensei but as a friend. A real friend. Huh, when did that happen?

"I'm fine." Kirra said with a less shaky smile and turned to go back inside, Logan grabbed her arm, Kirra twisted back to see him frowning at her.

"What?" Kirra asked not liking the dark expression on his face.

"Sonovabitch!" he snarled and put a hand to Kirra's left shoulder, he brought it back for Kirra to see the blood on his hand. Had it come from Logan when he hugged her? That didn't sound right.

"Logan, wha-?"

"Jean! Elf! Get Kirra to Hank. Now." Kirra looked behind her at Jean whose eyes widened and she ran to Kirra's side and started mumbling with a hand to her head, obviously using her telepathy to contact Dr McCoy.

"Logan! What?" She demanded. Logan looked her in the eyes and smiled ironically.

"Course ye wouldn't notice gettin' sliced up by that lunatic. Yer shoulder is slashed open. Yer gonna need stitches ye crazy gum-nut!" Logan grouched out. Kirra reached over with her right hand and felt the torn up skin, and her hand came back with not just a smear but coated in blood. Her eyes widened. She couldn't feel anything!

"What the fuck?!"

Logan chuckled.

"Calm down, yer in shock darlin, go with Kurt, he'll get ye to Hank." Kirra could only nod and turned to Kurt who looked at her with gentle eyes and carefully wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Ready?" Kirra realised her mouth was dry and swallowed.

"Yep, lets go." she managed to sound normal-ish. Kirra glanced up and her eyes locked with Gambit's burning gaze for a moment, he was watching her with an unusual intensity that she couldn't place. Before she could think on it her eyes rolled back to the blue furry mutant beside her. Her vision was starting to get blurry around the edges. Kurt smiled and then before Kirra could say 'There's no place like home' she was suddenly dizzy and in the med bay. Black smoke swirled, blue fur flashed and her stomach rolled at the stench of sulphur combined with the jarring sensation of teleporting.

Kirra stumbled but Kurt balanced her.

"Sorry mien freundin, it is always hard ze first trip." Kirra found her feet and steadied herself.

"It's alright mate, it's like doing flips on the trampoline with your eyes closed. Few, it's been years since we did this." Kirra rambled, leaning too much weight on him while she regained her equilibrium.

Kurt let out a startled laugh.

"I have never heard anyone make zat comparison."

Hank walked in at that moment, took one look at Kirra and bustled around in a whirlwind of motion to get started patching her up. Kurt stayed with her and made her laugh the whole time to forestall shock from setting in and to keep her mind off getting over forty eight stitches in her shoulder. Hank was his usual charming upbeat self, which in turn helped to keep her from letting the panic take over and allow her to dissolve into a fit of tears. Instead Kirra lay on her stomach on a raised bed, her head twisted to face Kurt on her right. Her right arm was pillowed under her face while her left lay along her side, to keep her flesh at the correct angle to sow back together. It wasn't until she lay down that the wound had started hurting. Hank gave her a local anaesthetic and got on with the process of first assessing then cleaning and repairing the gashes. She chuckled as the two blue mutants kept up a constant stream of entertaining sarcastic comments.

"It is truly not zat bad. In fact it vill look quite debonair ven Hank is done." Kurt piped up from his position on her left. He had taken up a seat there and was determined not to leave.

"Mmmm, chicks dig scares." Kirra mumbled through her arms, her face buried in the pillow.

"Indeed, you have nothing to worry about my dear. I am an expert in minimising scares. Just ask our fearless leader. I have patched him up many a time over the years." Hank added.

"Ja! Don't forget Angel! Remember his leg last summer?"

"Yes! And lets not forget poor Kitty and Lorna in January of this year. I was quite proud of my work on them." Hank continued.

"Oh god, what happened to Kitty and Lorna?"

"Oh nothing my dear, they were caught in a minor surprise attack by the Friends of Humanity. They had trivial lesions. They are fine now."

"Ja, ja, Hank sewed them up like new. You vouldn't even know zey vere injured." Kurt added.

"Were they cut as bad as this?" Kirra asked.

Both men paused and exchanged a look as Hank gently tugged the needle up.

"Guys?"

Hank cleared his throat.

"No. They weren't. They were much more superficial lacerations."

There was a very awkward pause.

"Oh." Kirra hesitated for a moment. She felt tears prick the corner of her eyes suddenly. A moment later she swallowed them back.

"Well whatever, I'll still have some very cool scares. Logan will be jealous. He can't get any."

This caused both men to snort out a laugh. Trust Kirra to make them feel better when she was in pain. Instead of focussing on the negative repercussions Kirra started talking about anything but what had happened. Finding new music, a desire to see a new art exhibition, suggested reading lists. She did quite an excellent job of playing 'don't-think-about-the-disfiguring-scars-you-are-going-to-have-forever.'

There was a whooshing noise and Kirra watched Kurt's head turn, his body straighten and his face light up with an excited laugh.

"It seems someone has come to visit you Kirra!" He leaped up and out of her field of vision.

"Who is it?" Kirra asked, confused.

The sound of clipped heels echoed through the room. Hank hummed in amusement, not losing momentum with his steady pace. Kirra didn't bother craning her neck, deciding jarring Hank's work wasn't worth the effort.

"Well, well, look who can't stay out of trouble." A voice floated from the foot of the bed. Seconds later a mass of green clothing and hair filled Kirra's vision. Kirra cracked a wide grin.

"Lorna Freaking Dane." She crowed, more than happy to see her old best friend. Lorna wasn't currently an X-Man or living at the mansion, Kirra had yet to see her since she returned. Her sudden appearance now was either the world's biggest coincidence, or more likely she was here because of what happened. Kirra didn't much care why or how she was here. Nor did Kirra mind that it had been years since she had seen Lorna. All that mattered was that she was here now. That was more than enough for her.

"I can't leave you alone at all, can I?" Lorna smirked at her.

Kirra glared playfully. What had she got in the middle of now, she wondered?