X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Twelve

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Guess who has the Father's Day spirit? So Dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, male cousin or bff, mentor, teacher, nephew, son, husband, boyfriend - whoever that special guy is in your life, make sure you offer him some love and appreciation this weekend. For a new poll, what are some of your favorite X-Male (or recurring male) and child moments? While you're thinking on that, please enjoy and review!

With the amount of cheerful chatter and giggling taking place, the dark haired woman knew the door with the paper ghost taped to it had to be the right room. She walked in on Maya finishing up painting a cat nose and whiskers on Tricie's face. The little girl also sported a kitten ears headband in her hair.

"Looks like I'm missing all the fun."

"Mommy," Tricie beamed.

"Oh no," Maya reassured, wrapping a pink feather boa around her neck, "you're just in time. Here we go," she collected some green plastic beads to place on the older female, "just plain glamorous."

"Well, you have the plain part right." Smiling at her daughter, she presented her with the full pumpkin head pail. "Look what I scrounged up…"

Gasping delightedly, Tricie took the pail and dumped out its contents. "Thanks, Mom! Look, Maya."

"I love these," Maya said of a package of sweet and sour hard candy. As Dana removed her coat, the teenager did not miss the blatant fatigue in her features. "Why don't we grab some coffee?" Maya stood from her chair. "My treat."

The relieved woman could only say, "Thank you, sweetie. We'll be right back, baby."

"Okay," Tricie said while continuously digging through her candy.

As they walked out into the hall together, Maya spoke, "Mrs. Vogel—"

"Dana," came the immediate cut-in. "I was only a Mrs for a year and that was eleven months too long."

"Right," Maya bobbed her head, making their way over to the necessary vending machine. "I know how hard this is on you. Putting in a full day at the store then rushing to be with Tricie every night."

"Please, it's the least I can do." Dana accepted the foam cup handed to her. "I'm the reason she's laying in that bed now."

"That's not true," Maya objected. "You couldn't have known this would happen."

"No, but I am the idiot who kept smoking for almost five months before she finally figured out she was pregnant," Dana brought up. "Then rushed into a marriage with a guy who could hardly dress himself, let alone be any kind of father." She formed a taut smile. "And now I'm unloading on a seventeen-year-old girl."

"Believe me, I have heard worse," Maya told her. "And none of that matters anymore. You have done everything to make things right for Tricie. My mom just used work as an escape after my dad died."

Dana placed a kind hand on her shoulder. "Believe it or not, she may just have trouble keeping up with a daughter as together as you are. You've certainly been a big help to me. With all the time you spend with Tricie, I actually have one less thing to worry about during the day. I can't thank you enough for that."

"I enjoy every minute I'm with her," Maya stated. "Tricie is so bright and full of life and perseverance. My mom…" Her brown eyes darkened. "I keep waiting to hear the worst has happened. I haven't been able to say that upfront. Not to my friends, my teachers, my boyfriend, anyone."

Dana squeezed her shoulder. "Honey, don't be so quick to write off your mother. You're more than enough good reason for her to fight this thing." Her attention then went to the promise ring on Maya's finger. "Your daddy give that to you?"

Maya touched the silver band. "My boyfriend."

A marveled Dana said, "You're both galaxies ahead of me."

IIIIIII

After doing his regular rounds which concluded with him peering in on the small boys sprawled in sleeping bags inside the recreation room, Erik picked up on one parked outside one of the second floor bathrooms.

"Are we sleepwalking, Mr. Dukes?" he asked.

"No, sir," Fred replied in a low tone. "Just waiting on Mike. He's such a scaredy cat. When we first moved into our house, he wouldn't go pee alone for a week."

Erik nodded with mild amusement and knelt to the boy's level. "How fortunate he is to have such a watchful big brother to depend on."

"I guess so," Fred shrugged. At the sound of toilet flushing and faucet going, Mike at last emerged. "There you are. Thought you were repainting the place."

Mike rubbed his weary eyes. "Sorry."

Erik reached forward to stroke hair out of his face. "Why don't you two go on back to bed, hm?"

Mike nodded. "Night, Mr. Lehnsherr." He joined hands with Fred and made their way back to the recreation room.

IIIIIII

Residual moisture from the shower slowly dissipating, the well-aged mutant left the adjoined bathroom in sweats, his green camouflage t-shirt, and socks. Tossing his face towel to one side, he lingered a moment to observe his still slumbering wife. Long ebony hair blanketing a portion of her exquisite face, she held his pillow as if he still laid beside her.

Moving his vision onward to the resting babes, Logan peered in on Mira. He picked her up with delicate hands. After a kiss to her forehead, he patted her bottom. To his surprise and elation, he found the area both empty and dry. Placing her down again, he did not receive the same luck with Todd. Laying him on the changing table, Logan went to work getting a clean diaper and a day outfit on him.

As soon as he had his son bared, he noticed it. Touching hand between Todd's stomach and forehead, he practically absorbed the warmth radiating off of him.

IIIIIII

"Here we go," Hank spoke, ever gingerly pressing the circle of medal against the bitty chest, "what do we have here, buddy? I believe it's a little congestion."

Standing directly in front of the medical table with arms folded, Logan wanted to know, "How much is a little?"

"It's a small cold," Hank reported. "He'll need rest, fluids, and some very mild meds. I don't have anything in stock for less than a year or two old so I'll have to fill something for you for the drug store."

Logan bobbed his head, eyes locked on his son. "Probably pass in a few days, right?"

"I'm certain," Hank stated. "Don't worry, Logan. This is only the first step in his working towards your rather unique immune system."

"All the same," Logan lifted Todd back into his clutch, "better keep the twins separate for a couple days. And hey," he looked directly at the younger mutant, "don't mention this to Fox."

A discomfort came to Hank's face. "Logan…"

"Hank…" The heavy tone faded to a calmer one. "Please. Let me handle this, alright? It's for the best."

Sighing through the nose, Hank gave off a nod.

After leaving the lab and getting Todd fed, Logan returned upstairs and stepped into the recreation room with him.

"Hey," he whistled lowly, "Cat-Cat."

With a moan, Cody sat up from his place between Joey and Mike. "Daddy?"

Logan gestured with his head to come forward. "C'mere, I need ya."

Letting off a yawn, Cody managed to get out into the hall without nudging his friends. "What's goin' on?"

"Your brother's got a little taste of a cold." Logan transferred the baby over into the older one's arms and handed over his bottle as well. "Take him to your room and keep an eye on him while I go grab his medicine."

Frowning deeply, Cody's fatigue became lost to him. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he's fine except he wants to be hardheaded this mornin'." Logan ran a hand through Todd's soft hair. "Get him to take his bottle every so often, alright?"

"Yes, Daddy. Come on, Toddy." Infant close to his chest, Cody made tracks for his bedroom.

"Cat?" Cody glanced back at their father's voice. "Don't trouble your ma with this, okay?"

Cody nodded secretively back at him.

XXXXX

At the one who entered the locker room next, most conversation ceased. The other fighters, both younger and seemingly older, quietly took him in. Used to the eyes on him, Logan continued on to swap shirts out in his locker. Withdrawing a cigar from his collection, he stuck it in his mouth to gnaw on for now.

"That was a hell of a match-up, Wolverine," a blonde male, around nineteen or twenty years old, commended. "You really had me on the edge there."

Logan nodded once. "'Preciate it."

Another man with a dark beard walked over to him. "Yes sir, you certainly keep this place in…" A coughing spell abruptly cut him off.

Logan instinctively took several steps back. "Whoa, Ed. Keep that to yourself."

Someone scoffed, "Like you've ever been sick a day in your life."

"No, but I got kids," Logan reminded them. "When one of 'em catches it, that's all it takes." Getting his door shut and secured once more, he took hold of his gym bag and headed for the exit.

X

Stepping out of the house from the front way, the woman in pale blue coat smiled at her snowball flinging six-year-old.

"Who's ready for apple cider?" Kayla offered.

"Me!" Cody lifted a gloved hand. "But Blue Jay ran away."

"No Blue Jay?" Kayla's lips protruded with mock despair. "Oh no. Well, I suppose that's more cider for us."

Out of a short mound of snow, the toddler burst. "Boo!"

"Oh Blue Jay," Kayla feigned relief, going to sweep her right up, "there you are."

Jaycee giggled, pulling on her mother's hand knitted scarf.

When the all too familiar motorcycle revved, Cody spun and jumped with glee. "Daddy's home!"

As soon as her husband parked and detached himself from the vehicle, Kayla lowered Jaycee so that both children could race to him.

With an arm extended for each, Logan caught them both in a strong hug before collapsing backwards into the snow with them. The laughing pair remained safely on top of him.

X

Reclining in the old chair, Logan took a long swig of his apple cider while the toddler snuggled in his lap enjoyed her own through an insulated sipping cup. While Kayla worked on her latest sewing project on the sofa, Victor rolled around with Cody on the floor.

"Gaaarr!" the small boy attempted to snarl.

Logan let off a light snort. "Nice purr, Cat."

"Oh yeah?" Still on all fours, Cody veered around and arched up to bare his teeth at his father. "Grrrrr!"

"Grrr!" Jaycee attempted to imitate.

"No, sissy," Cody laughed. "Like this. Grrrrrrr!"

They practiced growling for a few more seconds until Victor tugged on Cody's ankle and received the boy's attention again.

Looking over at her mother's stitchery, Jaycee gripped the yarn ball. "I want to sew, Mama."

Kayla smiled and tickled her chin. "I promise to teach you when you're a little bit older, my love."

"Kay." Still, Jaycee poked at the soft colorful sphere.

X

"Giddy up!" Cody whooped, riding his horse stick while Jaycee pretended to gallop on her rocker. "We got to catch the bad guys, sissy!"

"Get 'em, get 'em," she chanted.

Picking up on another sound, Cody stopped in place. "Uh oh. The bandits found us. Run." Taking Jaycee's hand, the two of them dashed underneath her toddler bed.

Appearing in the bedroom alongside her husband, Kayla made a show of gazing about. "Now where in the world did Jay and CoCo go?"

"Let's have a look." Strolling over to the closet, Logan naturally found it empty. "Nope, not in there. But you know, if they don't turn up, I suppose we'll have to find some other kids to play with their toys."

"Hey!" Cody poked his head out from under the bed. "Paws off our toys!"

"Yeah!" Jaycee seconded, popping out next.

"There they are," Logan recognized, "little mutts."

Kayla knelt down and Jaycee ran into her arms. "I think you've," she hugged the tiny girl close as she stood with her, "had done quite enough hiding from Mama today. Who's ready for a story?"

"Me!" Cody crawled out fully and climbed up onto the bed.

Laying Jaycee down, Kayla settled in with them and began a new story about a coyote and a mountain lion lost in the woods together.

XXXXX

Home again and with plastic sack in his possession, Logan jogged up the stairs two at a time. Almost as soon as he made it up, he came close to colliding with his robe adorned wife.

"There you are," she smiled. "My men seem to have disappeared on me this morning."

"Hey." Logan kissed her then held up his bag. "Just runnin' an errand for Hank."

"Ah," Kayla nodded. "Is Todd with Victor? It's time for their feedings."

"Cody, actually," Logan told her. "And he already ate. Thought I'd get some time in with my boys today. Why don't you take Faith out shoppin'?"

Kayla considered it and said, "That's not a bad idea. Let me just get some breakfast started for the other boys before they have to leave. And honey, let's not make this too much of a habit. I only want them drinking the formula as a subsidy."

"Yes, ma'am." Logan shared another kiss with her before continuing down the hall.

"There we go," Cody mumbled to Todd, gently plucking the bottle from his lips. "Now, let me see." Unsnapping the little jumper outfit, the ripe smell practically slapped Cody across the nose. "Ugh, mega poopies." Getting a clean diaper from the baby bag Logan had left with him, the older boy went to work on changing him.

"Whoo now," Logan reacted upon entry, "who let the hogs out?"

"Toddy." Cody tapped him on the belly-button. "Stinky butt."

"Never thought anything could smell worse than yours." Logan came to sit on the bed, observing his oldest cleaning Todd's bottom with a moist wipe. "I hated it whenever you came down with diarrhea. A landfill would've been nicer."

Cody rolled his eyes playfully, speaking to Todd. "Daddy says that like he craps roses or something."

"Daffodils," Logan corrected importantly. He laid his hand across Todd's forehead and cheeks. "How's he doing?"

"We're okay." All clean now, Cody redressed him. "Aren't we, Toddy?" He looked up at Logan. "He ate some more, too."

"Good." Logan got out the tiny bottle of newborn medicine and filled the dropper with the correct portion. "Let's see how this treats him."

Cody watched with interest as the orange substance dripped into Todd's mouth.

XXXXX

Pained moans echoing deep within his chest, the brown eyes peeled back slightly, only taking in the very blurred images within his bedroom. Running a hand through the hair coated in sweat, Jaycee leaned over to kiss his jaw. She slid from the bed and went for her brother's door.

Lowering the heat on the front right-hand burner, Kayla sprinkled a portion of cinnamon into the oatmeal.

"Mama?"

Glancing towards the kitchen doorway, the concern all too heavy in her daughter's eyes instantly worried the woman. "What's wrong, Blue Jay?"

"Cody's sick," the little girl reported.

Clicking off the stove entirely, Kayla hoisted Jaycee up to support her on her hip on route to see about her son.

X

Creaking sounding as the rocking horse pushed back and forth, Victor sat on the floor of the feminine bedroom watching her while his brother and sister-in-law spoke out in the hall.

"I've never seen him this sick, Logan," Kayla vexed. "He hasn't even been able to keep toast down today."

"It's got to be this flu bug," Logan determined. "Half his school's already out with it."

"Logan," Kayla's voice lowered as her eyes dimmed, "one of Cody's classmates just died two weeks ago from this thing."

"Hey, hey," Logan pulled her to him. "Don't you go gettin' worked up about this. It's a terrible thing what happened, but you got to remember, darlin'. Our kids ain't like the rest."

"Logan, Kay!" Alerting the couple, Victor moved swiftly to catch Jaycee before she toppled straight off her horse.

With Logan behind her, Kayla rushed forward and dropped to her knees to check over the weakening girl.

XXXXX

Upon reaching his loft, Victor felt his hair grow almost immediately limp and somehow straighter. Through the heavy mist that had found its way into his space, he paused at the sight of Logan situated in the middle of the sofa with Todd bundled in his grasp. At Logan's feet, the hot pot produced steam from a tall pop of boiling water.

"You know," Victor strolled over to them, "I was just thinkin' about puttin' in a sauna."

Eyes closed and attention focused, Logan responded, "Tryin' to exfoliate them pores, geaze?"

Sitting on the arm of the couch, Victor waved one of Todd's little hands. "How you doin', small fry?"

"Just like us." Logan raised his baby to kiss his head. "Soldierin' on. Just tryin' to clear up some of this congestion for him."

Victor applied a hand to his brother's shoulder and offered a firm squeeze. "You know you can't keep this from Kay forever."

"Ain't gonna be forever," Logan claimed. "Just until the worst of this is past him."

"Lo'…"

"Vic…" A sigh released from Logan's chest. "I've got this, alright?"

Not saying anything, Victor regarded his brother with a particular countenance. Somehow, the runt always had a way of standing taller than his actual height let on.

XXXXX

Eyes opening, the child had to blink a few times in order to see properly. However, almost as soon as he did so, his ears reacted also. The squirrels and few other wintry lifeforms outside his window sounded like a swarm and blended together. The sweat thick scent in his linens caught his nose by surprise. Not only could he see clearest for the first time in days, but everything had somehow become brighter with greater coloring.

At the one who sat asleep in a chair near his bed, Cody reached over to tap his knee. "Daddy?" He tried to shake him. "Daddy."

Blue orbs dividing at his son's voice, Logan almost did not believe the no longer pale face before him. "Cat?..." He cupped his cheeks, finding any signs of heat gone. "How're you… how do you feel?"

With a wide smile, Cody reported, "Great!"

"Logan?" Both of them discovered Victor in the doorway. "He okay?"

A disbelieving joy coming to his face, Logan ushered his brother over. "Vic, look at him. Look at this boy. Better than ever."

Getting a closer look, Victor uttered, "Hot da—" Catching himself, he amended, "Dang! Lo'," the blonde formed a grin, "what are we goin' to do with this boy? He's just like us."

The mini celebration became short-lived as soon as Kayla hastened into the room. "Logan," they turned to see Jaycee's limp, shallow breathing form in her arms, "her fever's spiked."

XXXXX

Leaving the bathroom, Kayla stopped and smiled humorously at Cody in the bed hovering over Mira. He had one ear pressed to her chest.

"Looking for her heart?" the woman presumed, coming to sit on the mattress.

"Nope. Just," Cody raised his head, "checking." He kissed her nose. "Love you, Miracle Faith."

As he hopped down to head out, Kayla watched after him curiously.

In his own room, Cody laid on the other side of his father, eyes locked on Todd in the middle. "When's he gonna heal up already, Dad?"

"Oh, he's way too young for that yet," Logan told him, keeping an arm stretched out over both of them. "You had your fair share of colds before your powers came along."

"But he is just like us," Cody urged. "Right?"

Logan answered with, "We Howlett-Creed men?" Raising his right hand, he extended his three bone claws. "All the same."

With some concentration and breathing, Cody presented his own hand to return the display.

XXXXX

The moment he set foot in his quarters, the formerly exhausted male had to perform a double take at the splashing that resonated in his ears. Gaze going downward, he took in his bedroom floor fully immersed in water. Following the moisture's trail, he threw open the bathroom door. He experienced a punch in the center of his chest at the overflowing bathtub and his wife's head barely above the water.

"Fox!" Almost sliding clear across the tile floor, Logan plucked her up and got a towel wrapped around her chilled form in a rapid motion. "Fox, Fox?" He tapped her listless cheek with the tips of his fingers. "Baby?..."

Light gone from her eyes and expression flat, her lips uttered, "What did I do?"

"Fox—"

"What did I do?" Snatching and clawing at her husband's shirt, she screamed, "What did I do, Logan? What did I do?"

Attempting to keep some kind of grip on her, Logan barked, "Fox, stop! Stop it! You didn't do an- Kayla, stop it!"

"I killed her, Logan. I did. I killed her…" Chest pounding, Kayla took a moment to comprehend the words. "I killed our little girl…"

Logan shook his head slowly. "No. Fox, no, it wasn't your fault."

Body jittering, tears spilled from Kayla's eyes. She went lax as she completely gave into weeping.

Bringing her face against his front, Logan kept as tight a grasp on her as he possibly could. A burning effecting his eyes, he only shut them as he carefully stood and carried her from the drenched room.

X

The childish bellow that echoed throughout the one-story house practically tore through the plaster and rattled the light fixtures. Arriving in the hall at the same time as his brother, Logan held up a hand for Victor to keep back as he himself proceeded into the room. Upright in bed, the shouts expelling from Cody's throat showed no apparent end in sight.

Before Logan could even reach for him, the small boy collapsed straight from the bed. His limbs jerked in every direction as what could easily be mistaken for possession took over his entire body.

Nearly falling to the side of the bed himself, Logan gathered his distraught son. Lifting and bringing him to a chair, the man could offer no words as he sent hushes and coos into Cody's ears. He next felt the boy's teeth in his shoulder but cared not if he drew blood if the bite so much as brought him even minimal comfort.

Peering in helplessly at the pair, Victor stepped back when Logan came his way with Cody in tow.

"Get some warm milk in ya," Logan whispered, hand in the six-year-old's hair. "Yeah," he turned the corner for the kitchen, "let's get some milk."

Shaking his head, Victor stood back in reverence while a sick churn seeped its way deep into his belly.

XXXXX

After Cody drifted off, Logan situated the blanket around him. He next made quiet work of giving Todd his next intake of medicine.

Peeping into the room before she entered fully, Kayla's expression proved as crossed as her arms. "So, when exactly did you plan to tell me my baby was sick?"

Sighing internally, Logan said, "Easy, easy. He needs to sleep." He tucked Todd in beside Cody then stood, bringing his wife into the hall with him. "Vic or Hank?"

"Raven. Not that it matters," she seethed. "Because I should have heard it from my husband."

Keeping his calm, Logan explained, "I just didn't want to upset you."

Gaping at him, Kayla emphasized, "Logan, you do not get to make that call. We do everything together in this marriage. We cannot keep secrets about the kids from each other."

"Fox," Logan released a breath, "I just didn't… I didn't want to open up a can of worms here."

She gave off a shake of HER head. "Do you really think that little of me that you can't be honest with me when one of them isn't well?... But what am I saying?" She formed a weak smile. "It's my fault you think that way. If I were any kind of wife to you—"

Logan gripped her by the shoulders as he stated, "Woman, you are too good a wife for me. That's why I didn't tell you. It's been a long time since one of our kids came down with somethin' and I didn't want your mind goin' back there. Not for a second. But I know you're right. We're supposed to do everything together." He lowered his arms to go around her waist. "I'm sorry, baby."

"Logan," she put her arms at his neck in turn, "that volatile woman I was is gone. I refuse to let you carry these burdens alone."

"I don't mind it."

"Well, I do," Kayla countered. She offered him a prolonged kiss then brought their foreheads together. "Why don't you check on Mira? I'll stay with the boys for a bit."

Logan bobbed his head in agreement, but first went to the nearest bathroom to sanitize his hands.

IIIIIII

Rolling over with a small murmur, the eleven-year-old had no time to take in the currently setting sun beyond his window due to the emptiness of the spot beside him dawning first. Darting eyes about his room, the still somewhat groggy child scrambled down from his bed.

"Dad?" Running for and out the door, he next bellowed, "Todd!" Nostrils honing in on the scent almost immediately, he raced throughout the second floor until he reached the lab. "Toddy?" He experienced a twinge in his chest at the crying that greeted him. "What are you doing? What's wrong with him?"

"Oh sweetheart, nothing." Kayla stooped to grip his hands and gaze reassuringly into his eyes. "Hank's only doing a follow-up. Todd's a little fussy right now."

"Believe me, I don't enjoy prodding at you either," Hank addressed the squirming baby laid out on the table. "However, I am happy to report that your fever is breaking."

"I wanted to be sure," Kayla said, rising again. "Cody was almost four months before his first cold."

"I'm afraid a house with this many children also comes with that many more germs," Hank mentioned.

Still bothered by Todd's distress, Cody approached the table to demand, "Gimme my brother."

Getting him bundled once mother, Hank granted, "Of course," and carefully handed Todd over to the waiting arms.

Kayla massaged Cody's shoulders from behind. "Let's get him some juice."

"Okay, Ma." Cody lifted Todd to ease the baby's forehead against his shoulder.

IIIIIII

Small silver spoon getting the sugar dissolved into the warm brew, the telepath faced upward the moment he sensed the older mutant.

"Logan," he acknowledged. "How is Toddy?"

"Nose is still a hydrant, but he ain't coughed in a couple hours." Logan nodded towards the man's tea. "Got any more of that?"

"Certainly." Charles went about getting a porcelain cup and bag of the chamomile ready for him. "We missed all of you at supper."

"Cody's been helpin' us out," Logan said, reaching in the refrigerator for salami and cheese slices. "I still got a bone to pick with your sister." He went to the kitchen island to begin piecing together the sandwich. "I didn't want Fox worryin' herself over this."

"And there you go again." Charles slid the teacup over to him.

"Thanks." Logan faced him to inquire, "What're you talkin' about?"

"Kayla's feelings, Cody's feelings, Victor's feelings." Charles then further clarified, "You concern yourself with every emotional state except for your own. While monumentally admirable, that still troubles me about you."

"Look Chuck," Logan brought the tea up for a long sip, "I appreciate you lookin' out, but I'm the last one you need to worry about. I've seen enough mess out here to carry over a few lifetimes. Jaycee was the harshest blow for Fox. I don't think she'll ever come back from it a hundred percent."

Charles regarded him keenly. "Unlike your full recovery."

Finishing his tea, Logan gripped his sandwich. "If Fox needs me, let her know I'm runnin' back out to the store."

Charles eyed his friend's departing form and despite his near limitless wealth, he found himself with so little to offer him.

IIIIIII

Leaves of various colors picked up and whipped across the sky as the loud machine roared through at an untold speed. All last-minute foraging animals stopped what they were doing in order to steer clear of the vehicle's path.

Finally stopping off at one hill top, Logan left the motorcycle propped up against a barren tree. He walked out further into the clearing, receiving final a glance of the ever lowering sun. From inside his jacket, he removed a cigar. Getting it lit, his fingers stilled in place before he could bring it to his lips. Crushing and crumbling it in his fist, Logan flung it as far off into the distance as his might proved capable.

What began as a faint rumbling in his abdomen clouded upward until it manifested as a snarl so resonating that what remained of the birds took off for the safety of the sky. Both sets of claws protruding, Logan used the pointed bones to stab and slice at the wood and dead bushes around him. Going to his knees, he pounded at the ground until his entire hand grew red and swollen. He thought nothing of the discomfort in the appendage as he returned to his feet. Walking back to and getting on his motorcycle, he only took the time to get his helmet on again before continuing at a slightly slower pace than previously.