X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Ninety Eight

Author's Word: Hello again, fam! Okay, so I know the chapter did not go out on Friday, again, but this time it's ultra-legitimate. I came down with a sudden condition that left me in a near helpless state. Without going into details, let's just say the female members of this family know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, with this chapter and the next, I want to know what everyone's favorite character quotes are. You don't have to do one for each character, though that would be great, but as many as you can think up would be highly appreciated. This will be going on from here until the big, you guessed it, 100th Chapter. Personally, I'm a little geeked out and I'm not afraid to admit it. Now, please enjoy and review!

"Wings fastened securely and with daring breaths, they took flight. Soaring across the sea, Daedalus and his son escaped the island of Crete. Once they reached Sicily, Daedalus became a new man. No longer would he be easily angered and prone to jealousy. He remarries to a lovely woman, they have a bigger family together, and none of them are ever lonely again."

"Wow, that was great," Joey beamed.

"I liked that one," Becky seconded.

A confused Scott raised his hand. "Didn't this story originally end with the son hurling into—"

"It's time for bed," Kayla announced abruptly.

Charles smiled. "Some of us are ahead there." He kissed Emma's head, stirring her slightly.

The blonde woman rubbed at her eyes. "Sorry, what?"

Alex got up and stretched. "I need to wrap up my homework. I'll be in the Cave."

Erik nodded towards him, gathering Becky in his arms, before turning to Kayla. "Bit of a creative license, hm?"

Kayla smiled secretively. "Books are supposed to give them nightmares, not me."

"Good night, everybody," Jasmine waved.

"Night, all." Trick carried her out.

Sean whispered to Kayla, "I liked your version better," before leaving with Maya.

Erik walked out with Becky resting on his shoulder and his spare hand to guide Frank from the living room.

"Here we are." Charles gave Joey over to Cordelia. "You carry the baby." He hoisted up Emma. "I'll take the beauty. Come along, Scott."

Emma herself objected not, taking the liberty of nestling against her beau.

Kayla stood with Cody, who had dozed off in her lap during the story.

Logan went over to them. "Let's put him down so I can start this shift."

Victor said, "See ya in a minute," then left out.

Raven held Hank's hand as they started for the stairs. "Coming up?"

The young scientist watched Victor head for the back then looked at his wife. "I'll be there in a moment." They kissed then he made his way for the rear of the mansion.

IIIIIII

Night air crisp and cool with the ushering of autumn surely upon them, Victor moved swiftly across the yard until he reached the woods. He climbed up the first tree closest to him and began bounding from branches. He eventually settled against one oak that allowed him to gaze out upon the lake; the full moon reflecting against the water.

Countenance still set forward, he remarked, "Gettin' slow, kid."

Hank climbed up just behind him. "Observation requires a great deal of patient pacing."

Victor gave off a slow headshake. "Raven must get a kick outta your pillow talk."

Hank smiled at that. "What are you doing?"

"Nothin'."

The word seemed to sweep through the atmosphere, birthing silence for several seconds.

"Her name was Abigail."

Hank blinked. "Pardon?"

Victor looked over his shoulder at him. "My wife. Met her when I was a teenager."

The younger man's voice showed some hesitation. "Was that after…?"

"After that," Victor said meaningfully, "but right before Logan. She was a preacher's daughter."

Hank looked both amused and intrigued now. "Really? How did that go over?"

"Ya can guess what he thought about me so we ended up elopin' and settled in a small town a few dozen miles away." Victor's gaze became firmly set. "Sirus Hills."

XXXXX

The rising steam tickled her nose until she replaced the pot's lid and turned off the stove.

Placing the pan on the counter, her daughter said, "The bread's done, Mother."

"Thank you, Vicky." The woman glanced about the kitchen then sighed in mild frustration. "Where is your sister to set the table?"

"Probably down at the pond again."

Coming in from the back way, Victor went to the water pump for a drink. "Finally got that wheel fixed on the wagon." The aroma in the air caught his attention. "Smells good in here, Gail."

"Supper will be ready soon," his wife told him then requested, "Could you see about rounding up that daughter of yours so she can get this table set?"

"Let's see here. Honeysuckle," Victor kissed Vicky's cheek, getting a smile out of her, "Blissy Poo," he pecked the one in the highchair, making her giggle, then looked at the oldest female in the room, "I suppose ya mean Twinkles." Gail gave him a knowing nod. "Alright, alright. Let me go find her." As soon as he reopened the door, a miniature blur flew in. "Found her."

"Esther," Gail reacted at the sight of her. "Look at you." She knelt down to look over the thoroughly drenched child. "Did you go swimming in that pond with your clothes on again?"

"No, Mama," she replied, blue eyes sparkling. "This time I just fell in."

"How?" Gail wanted to know.

"Gooey, the frog I was chasin'. He went one way and I went another."

"Ya can say that again," Victor remarked.

"Oh Esther," Gail sighed, turning her around to take in the full damage. "And I just mended this dress."

"Now don't go gettin' excited." Victor took the largest kitchen towel and wrapped it around their wet child's shoulders. "Go on to your room and get dried and changed. Then get these plates and forks on the table."

"Yes, Daddy." Esther shook out one of her shoes before heading out towards the girls' bedroom.

Victor stood up straight, facing his wife. "A little water never hurt nobody."

Gail shook her head and went back over to the stove. "All of this tomfoolery. She's getting too big for you to constantly excuse her. She knows to do her part around here."

Victor came up behind to put his arms around her, bending his tall frame to rest his chin in her copper hair. "I'll talk to her."

Reaching one hand up, Gail cupped his right cheek.

The front door came open with an announcement of, "Hey, I'm back."

"Hi, Uncle Logan," Vicky greeted him when he walked into the kitchen.

"Wash your hands," Gail said automatically.

"You finish that job at the Widow Quinn's place?" Victor asked his brother.

"Yep." Logan rinsed off quickly at the pump. "Finally got that new kitchen put in. She liked it enough; threw in a couple extra dollars."

"Hm." Gail carried the pot of stew over. "Shame what happened to Elisa's husband. I can't believe it's been two years already. Too young to be a widow." Her eyes landed on Logan. "Are you going to be taking on any other projects with her?"

"Oh here we go." Logan plopped down into a chair.

"Now Logan, she's a very bright girl," Gail argued.

"She's really pretty, too," Vicky added. "She always wears the nicest Sunday dresses."

"And she seems quite fond of you, Logan," Gail felt the need to add.

"Sissy, don't start." The young man leaned back, feet going to prop up on the table, only to get batted away by Gail's hand. "I keep tellin' ya. I ain't lookin' to get hitched."

"Uncle Logan!" A freshly changed Esther ran in, going straight for the man.

"Come here, Hush Bug." Logan picked the six-year-old up to hold in his lap. "Now you tell me- ya think your uncle needs to get married?"

"Ugh!" Esther reacted with a strong headshake to follow it.

"My girl." Logan brought her into a hug. "Got my fill of women right here."

"What I tell ya, Gail?" Victor pointed out his brother. "I'll be bearded and bald before this boy settles down."

Gail said humorously, "I'm too outnumbered around here."

When they finished eating, Gail gathered little Bliss to put her down, Logan stepped outside to smoke, and the older girls and Victor remained in the kitchen to tidy up.

Victor wiped down the table before retaking his place at the head of it. "Esther."

Turning around, the small ginger head stepped away from assisting with the dishes to approach him. "Yes, Daddy?" She studied him closely, her shining eyes swelled.

"In this house, we get the job done before we so much as think about playin'," Victor reminded her. "And I don't want you messin' around in your good clothes 'cause that just creates more work for your mother. I don't want to see today happen again, ya hear me?"

"Yes, Daddy," the little girl replied promptly. "I'm sorry."

"That's my Twinkles." Victor pulled her in with one arm and gave her a strong squeeze. "Now, go finish helpin' your sister."

Esther kissed his cheek then returned to Vicky.

Victor got up and went into his bedroom off the kitchen. There Gail sat in the rocking chair, the third one Victor had pieced together with his own hands, gently luring their youngest to slumber with a sweet tune. The eighteen-month-old fell asleep with a balled fist on her forehead and one teeny arm draped over her stomach.

Making use of his great stealth, Victor approached them quietly. "Out like a light," he observed, kneeling to get a good look at his daughter. "So glad these kids all favor you."

"Lies," Gail immediately disagreed. "Vicky looks like you spit her out all by yourself."

Smiling in the candlelight, Victor gently went to take Bliss away. "I got her. You go ahead get ready for bed."

Gail gave him a grateful kiss before getting up to go to her armoire.

Baby in his possession, Victor placed her in the corner crib in the most delicate fashion he could. He tugged the pink blanket, passed down from the birth of Vicky, up to her neck. Watching her another minute, Victor finally turned away to dress for bed.

Once he and his wife were both ready for the night, Victor offered a full body rubdown to the woman's tired form. From the tightness in every muscle on the petite female, he could sense the fatigue; not that she'd ever breathe a word of it to him.

After he heard her sleep noises, Victor got up to see about the rest of the house. He walked out to the sitting room, seeing one of the oil lamps on.

"Victoria."

The head of long golden blonde glanced up from where she'd situated herself at the coffee table. "I thought you were sleeping."

"I know you need to be," Victor countered. He sat slightly behind her on the sofa. "What you readin' about?"

Vicky held up one of the books she had spread out over the table. "New York City. You know what we're learning in school? More and more people are buying automobiles. Isn't that silly? Who would ever give up horses for an automatic carriage that blows smoke everywhere?"

"We'll go into New York one of these days," he lifted her up to sit on his knee, "and I'll see it ya get to have a sit-down with that mayor of theirs. Better bring a paper and pen if he plans on eatin' with you."

Vicky giggled. "Though I would like to try the subway. An underground train that can take you clear across the city in minutes. I'd love to see what that's like."

"Underground train- I can hear your sisters screamin' now." Victor wound both arms around her and connected cheeks with her. "But one of these days, Honeysuckle, you'll see it all. Forget New York City. We'll go straight to Hollywood. But you know where we're stoppin' off first?"

"Where, where?" a highly intrigued Vicky wanted to know.

"Your room." He got up with her in his clutch. "Bedtime."

"Oh alright." Vicky placed an arm around his neck. "You know something, Daddy?" He looked at her. "Even when you're bearded and bald, I bet you'll still be the most handsome man in all of Canada."

Gazing at her fondly, Victor nuzzled her cheek and let off a purr before carrying her onward to rest for the night.

X

At the conclusion of services, the congregation went to the back room for refreshment. A short woman in a finely tailored suit and large hat came over to where many gathered at a sandwich table.

"Mr. Creed, Mrs. Creed, how do you do?" she greeted.

"Mrs. Harrington," Gail addressed pleasantly, Bliss in her arms, "how have you been?"

"I've had better days," the older woman confessed. "That storm from a few nights ago really savaged parts of my roof. And with my grandchildren coming to stay for the holiday season, I was hoping that you, Mr. Creed," she put her attention on Victor, "and your brother would be interested in performing the necessary repairs. You can name your own price of course."

Before Victor could say anything, another blonde male stepped up. "Mrs. Harrington, I can give you top rates for whatever he's charging."

Mrs. Harrington turned to him. "While you are a skilled handyman in your own right, William, you simply cannot compete with the references backing the Brothers Howlett-Creed." She looked back at Victor. "Not to mention their experience."

"We'll be glad to take you up on it, ma'am," Victor accepted. "Logan, we—" He glanced around then finally spotted his brother over by the Widow Quinn.

Victor picked up part of their conversation, something about Logan apparently having enjoyed the parable of the lost sheep.

X

Bright blue eyes locked with the large watery brown, the little girl rubbed at the small horse's long head. She giggled when his long pink tongue lapped at her fingertips.

The stableman watched her with a delighted chuckle in his chest. "Just reached full maturity. Will make a fine steed for certain."

"He's just perfect, Mr. Picard," Vicky marveled.

"Speaking of mature, you're really sproutin' up yourself, Miss Creed."

She glanced over her shoulder at the one who had just walked up. "Oh hello, Mr. Rolfe." She then told him, "Tomorrow is my tenth birthday."

William nodded approvingly. "Congratulations early then."

Massive armload of lumber contained entirely on one shoulder, Victor left out of the hardware store. "Ready, suckle?"

Vicky took his hand in response.

"Creed," William stopped them a moment, "you had a chance to think it over yet?"

"Rolfe, I told ya already," Victor reminded, "me and my brother work alone. Always have. No outside help."

William glowered. "You take over every job all across Sirus Creek. I can't for the life of me figure how you and that midget of a brother of yours do the work of twelve men between the two of ya."

"Just built right," Victor answered vaguely but meaningfully. He nodded towards the horse keeper. "Picard."

"Creed," he returned the acknowledgement.

Victor started off then looked back long enough to call out, "Rolfe," the man turned to face him, "call my brother out his name again and we're gonna have a problem. You have a nice day." He continued on, Vicky skipping at his side.

Picard stated, "Victor Creed is good people. But the last thing you dare do is try to speak ill of his family."

A disgruntled William simply marched off.

X

Excitedly lifting the garment from the white paper, Vicky gasped and picked it up at the shoulders. The violet dress had an ivory collar and waist sash with lacy trim.

"Mama, it's the living end." Vicky turned it over to take in every little detail. "I absolutely love it." She laid the dress on the coffee table in order to throw arms around her mother. "Thank you."

Gail kissed her cheek. "I thought you needed something for this big trip to Hollywood." She winked over at Victor.

Vicky quickly took up her dress again. "I can't wait to wear it to school tomorrow. I'm going to try it on right now."

Seizing his zealous daughter's wrist, Victor pointed out, "Don't ya want to take a look at your other present?"

Vicky looked at him closely. "What other present, Daddy?"

Logan, who had Bliss reclined in his lap, said, "I don't think she even wants it, Vic."

"What is it?" Vicky asked again.

"You're probably right, Lo'," Victor agreed wryly. "She's too excited over what her ma got her."

The newly turned ten-year-old bounced on her tiptoes. "Dad-dy!"

Laughing, Victor gestured towards the front door. "Go on, runt."

Vicky watched her uncle hand the baby to Gail then leave out, which only made her more confused. "It's outside?"

Less than a minute later, Logan returned, leading a set of reigns in his hand.

Completely taken aback at the sight of the sandy fur and thick white mane, Vicky cried out in joy and ran straight to the horse. "Mr. Picard's pony… Daddy…" She looked back. "Is he really mine?"

Victor stood with a shrug. "Unless you see some other birthday girl around these parts."

Squealing again, Vicky ran back inside to hug her father as tightly as she could. "Oh thank you, Daddy! Thank you so much."

Victor lowered to kiss her head. "Better go show your uncle some of this love. He chipped in, too."

Hurrying back outside yet again, Vicky went to do exactly that. "Thank you, Uncle Logan!"

As soon as she got close enough, Logan hoisted her up to hug and twirl. "You're mighty welcome, Vic Jr."

X

Ribbons of pink, purple, orange, and gold from sunset cascading up above the wide open land, the pair of horses galloped over the greenery side by side. Seated in a chair out in front of their house, Gail fed Bliss and watched her husband and eldest daughter adoringly.

Logan rolled over in the grass to face the sullen child beside him. "I know I don't see you here frowned up."

Lips poked out as far as they would go, Esther claimed, "It ain't fair."

"Isn't fair," Gail corrected. "And you know that's not true, Esther. You're much too small and too young to take care of your own horse. I also don't remember hearing Victoria complain when your daddy brought home that big beautiful china doll especially for your birthday not too long ago."

"Your ma's right. Now," Logan's fingers leapt out to dance over her tiny ribcage, "let's see about gettin' that green-eyed monster outta ya."

Esther fell over against him in a giggling mess.

The riders slowed to a stop in order to catch the last of the setting sun.

"I'm going to name him Victory," Vicky patted his soft mane as she turned to her father, "just like us."

Victor smile and reached over, draping an arm across her shoulders. "I love you, honeysuckle."

"I love you, too, Daddy," she returned, placing her head against him.

Victory shook out his mane and let off a soft neigh.

X

Removing her earrings, Gail returned them to the small box with her other heirlooms.

She spoke out, "Do you think the pony was too much?"

Playfully cooing at Bliss and swaying the baby by her arms, Victor looked over. "How? She gets her chores done, does just excellent in school."

"I agree she deserves it," Gail transferred over to their bed, settling under the covers, "but it still seems so extravagant."

Victor shrugged a shoulder. "What's the matter with that? Ya know, I was thinkin'. This job at the Harrington place is gonna have us well set for a while. What do ya say to us takin' some time off? Doin' some travelin'? New York City, Los Angeles; just you, me, and the kids."

"And your brother?" Gail brought up.

"I said the kids."

She laughed at that. "It would be nice. Our family in the states," she shook her head in amusement at the thought, "God bless the USA indeed."

Victor laid flat on his back with Bliss stretched out stomach down on his hairy blonde chest. "We'll leave as soon as this job's done."

Gail lowered down and he placed an arm around her. "The six will leave, but maybe seven of us will return." Victor peeked over at her with one eye. "I still owe you a son."

"Don't say that," Victor spoke with firmness, "don't you dare. Abigail Creed, you don't owe me so much as a hay penny. What you done for me… I'll be spendin' the rest of my life repayin' ya and still come up short."

Touching his cheek in that spot that always made him purr, Gail gave him a long kiss then pecked their baby's cheek.

Rubbing Gail's shoulder with his thumb, Victor ran a hand down the back of Bliss' nightshirt, enjoying the feel of the small one's warm breath against his skin.

X

After she finished brushing through the thick fur, Vicky prepared her side saddle. Mounting the animal, she started them out on a slow trot before using the reigns to indicate a slightly faster speed that soon developed into a steady gallop.

A flock of tiny black birds sped out of the duo's way as they made haste through the trees, Vicky's long hair bouncing and Victory's mane flying.

When they journeyed as far as the river, Vicky climbed down from her animal and guided him over to the edge. While Victory took a much needed drink, the girl took time to admire her new dress in the reflection the clear water provided.

X

At the sound of the brothers returning home from another day's work, Gail started out towards the front of their house.

Judging by his wife's displeased countenance, Victor quickly braced himself.

"Just in time to go find your daughter," the woman stated.

Victor raised an eyebrow. "Esther ain't do her chores again?"

"Victoria," Gail clarified. "I told her she could take Victory out for twenty minutes and it's been nearly two hours. Now supper's going to be late because I had to do her work along with mine. She knows better than this."

"Yeah, she does," Victor had to agree. "I'll go get her."

"I'm with ya." Logan followed him back outside. "Gonna have to do some fast thinkin' to figure a way out of tannin' her for this one."

Victor did not reply, not completely sure if he'd ruled out the possible punishment yet.

Quickly catching Vicky's scent, they followed the path she had taken. They felt their search coming to an end at a rapidly approaching neigh then both stood in puzzlement at the clearly frazzled sandy pony with no rider up top.

Logan spoke with, "If he's here, where's…?"

Not saying a word, Victor took a mighty leap right over the horse and moved swiftly, his daughter's scent growing strong with every bound.

"Vicky," he called out when it reached its high point. "Victoria!" He jumped straight up into a tree. "Victoria, answer me!" He at last spotted her, falling straight from the tree as a result.

Having to practically crawl on suddenly paralyzed lower limbs, Victor hovered over the figure he found there. He continuously shook his head in a slow motion, trying to convince himself of the trick his eyes surely played on him. There at the edge of the river lay the small body; clothes ripped straight down the middle and strewn about in pieces, once golden hair caked in mud, frozen barren eyes of blue, the chest down coated in blood.

"Jesus Christ…" Victor did not so much as blink at his brother's voice behind him. "No! Victoria!" Logan fell out, landing straight in the river to get to her. He gathered her up as gently as he possibly could. "Vicky baby… got to… got to do…" He placed her down to try to stand. "Gotta get the doc…" His knees buckled and he began to retch violently.

Victor managed to move again, covering his bare child with his own body, his arms circling her. They all remained that way until his nose discovered another scent.

Detaching himself from her, her blood fully absorbed in his clothing, Victor made a sharp turn and began to sprint ahead on all fours.

Reacting to the older one's movements, Logan had to force himself up in order to pursue.

X

When the swinging doors of his saloon flapped open suddenly, the bartender greeted cheerfully, "Hey hey, Creed. What'll it be?"

Victor, fully upright again, made purposeful steps forward.

All conversation along with dining, drinking, and any other possible activity within the bar came to a complete stop at the blood drenched man.

Turning around on his stool, William looked at him with a smirk. "Well, well. If it isn't the grand lord of Sirus— gah!" He could say no more as Victor seized him by the throat and flung him clean across the room like a child's ragdoll.

Frantic cries sounded from the onlookers.

Victor walked slowly again to the one he threw, who peered up at him of eyes that spoke of unmatched terror. "You… touched…" Going for the throat again, he lifted him straight up into the air, making him dangle. "My… daughter."

Unable to speak clearly, William managed to get out, "I- I didn't- she- she just—"

Grip on the throat secure, Victor began to pummel him against the wooden floor, getting the skull cracked open on the second hit.

Attempting to stop things, several of the men lunged forward.

Eyes morphing to a full blackness, Victor unleashed a glass shattering roar. Every single one that came at him met with the harshest of resistance. A pair got tossed through the windows, getting large chunks of the sharp material wedged deep into their backs. Others got knocked into walls, making the structures crumble along with their numerous broken bones.

Logan arrived in time to see the bartender shakily holding his shotgun, unsure of how to get a clear mark without shooting a bystander.

"Put it away, Clint," Logan held up two fists that extended his long bony claws, "now."

Frozen and totally panicked, he dropped the weapon.

Logan did not hesitate to come to his brother's aide, stabbing anyone who continuously dared to get near him.

When they had the majority taken, all of Victor's attention went back to a half conscious William still on the floor. Seeing a discarded piece of glass, Victor picked it up and loomed over him with it.

"Please," a discombobulated William attempted, "I'm sorry…"

With a snarl, Victor sunk the glass right into his crotch, receiving a moan of agony that proved ecstasy for his assailant's ears in that moment. However, it failed to be enough. Baring his own claws and fangs, Victor began to shred him, flesh and bone, savagely.

Knowing they had found the one who had violated and mutilated his niece, Logan looked on in pure enjoyment.

Doing all that he could to the body of which life had ended for already, Victor stood back, red glazed hands shaking violently.

"Vic!" Logan caught him as he fell over, one hand going to clutch his pained chest area.

With the last strength he had within him, Logan hoisted him up and dashed out and off into the night.

"Demon," the bartender breathed after they departed, the sight and smell of gore covering his entire establishment, "demons!"

X

Not having heard anything from her husband or brother-in-law, a nagging sense of dread filled Gail's entire system.

Looking across the dinner table at her, Esther inquired, "What's the matter, Mama?"

"Nothing, dear." Gail smiled at her. "Finish your supper."

"When are Daddy and Uncle Logan coming back with Vicky?" she asked next.

Before she had the chance to think of an answer, Gail detected what sounded like an army approaching the premises.

"Stay with your sister," Gail ordered before hurrying to see about the commotion.

Glancing out of the front room window, she saw the swarm of lantern carriers headed her way.

When many began pelting rocks into their windows, Gail screamed and rushed back.

Esther ran out to the kitchen doorway, holding onto Bliss. "Mommy!"

Gail started to run for them, but the door kicked open and several members of the horde grabbed hold of her and dragged her right out of the house. Esther hollered out for her.

"Esther, run!" Gail shouted as they pinned her to the ground, "Run, run!"

"Death to the demon's witch!" a voice declared.

"What's happened?" Gail demanded. "Why are you doing this?"

Chants crying out for her end was all she received before an enormous stone drummed down against her forehead in a vicious motion.

X

"Come on," Logan continuously pumped at the center of the large chest with both hands, "come on! Fuck it, Vic, come on!"

Light brown eyes popping open followed by a gasp for air, Victor shot upright. "Wh- what happened?"

Logan got up and pulled him along. "Ya had a heart attack back there. Come on. We gotta get Gail and the kids and get the hell outta here." Seeing his brother still so disoriented, Logan gave him a forceful shove. "Walk it off, Vic. We ain't got time."

Still shaken, Victor retained some grasp for the current reality and rushed with the younger mutant back towards their homestead.

"Smoke," Logan realized first, making them quicken their pace if at all possible.

At their destination, the pair made simultaneous halts. Their house burnt to the very foundation failed to catch their attention as their eyes locked on the three spread out on the ground. A sea of blood had formulated amongst them.

XXXXX

Hank's face contorted painfully and even only by the light of the moon he appeared several shades paler.

Gathering his words, he got out, "All of them?"

"All of them," Victor confirmed with back still turned, honey wheat hair batting in the night breeze that had picked up. "You ever seen a dead baby, Hank?" He glanced back, countenance even. "Bodies so small they bleed out quicker than a lick; all shriveled up, weightless."

He had to cover his mouth to keep the building nausea at bay. "How did… how are you… Victor, how are you here? In front of me? Just how?"

Victor flicked a stray leaf off his shoulder. "What they say about time? It don't heal. Just numbs ya up surer than a barrel o' novocain." He jumped down from the tree.

Initially unable to move, Hank came down as well and hurried to get in front of him. "Stop it! Stop doing this."

The older male's eyebrow went up. "What're you babblin' about?"

"You can't continue to keep me at this arm length's indifference," Hank went on. "Since the day you saved Becca and me in the woods- you are a part of me. What you are is exactly what I am and I don't mean mere mutation. Under a microscope, you won't find any genetic linkup between the two of us, but I cannot stop seeing you as my kinsman."

Taking him by the upper arm, Victor lowered them both even closer to ground level before bringing him over into an embrace. Hank found a tucking spot beneath Victor's neck, settling against the material on the shoulder portion of the leather coat.

"Calm down, Beast," came the gentle order. Victor patted his back. "I'm here. It's okay."

Hank shook his head in disagreement. "I wish I could do something for you. If I just had it within my power…"

"Ya do." He squeezed Hank's arm. "Them ears open?" At the nod, Victor continued. "Ya want to do somethin' for me? You love that woman of yours with all you got and the two of ya get that family goin' we both know ya want so much."

The scientist nodded again. "Yes, sir."

"And hey, I'm here." Victor purred faintly and cuffed him lightly at his right ear. "I'm here, kid. Chuck that microscope. Probably why ya can barely see now."

Hank smiled, sitting up a little. "That's one reining theory." They stood together. "I have to go. I know Raven's waiting."

Victor nodded once, allowing him to take his leave.

When he headed in himself, he went up to his loft and reread a chapter from his wide assortment of novels.

Glancing out the corner of his eye, Victor noticed one door of the weapons cabinet slightly ajar. Wondering how he possibly neglected that, he got up and went right to it. As he started to lock it up, he noticed a .22 poking out. Taking hold of the handgun, Victor stared into its barrel for a prolonged moment.

Shaking his head as if to clear it, he returned the black firearm back to its position in the cabinet before completely locking the container up securely.

"Vic," Logan's voice sounded out, "Hey, Vic!"

A slightly startled Victor held up the wrist that housed his communicator. "Yeah, what?"

"Bring me some beer nuts."

Not caring rather he could see it or not, Victor rolled his eyes. "Fine."

Logan tacked on, "And salami. With some cheese. Delicious cheese."

"Delicious cheese. What's that even mean? We talkin' provolone or pepper jack?" Victor muttered, departing from his sanctum. "Lousy, good for nothin' runt. Makin' a high cook outta me." He continued his mumblings all the way into the kitchen.