" Brawl, handle those guards on the upper level! Wind dancer, take out the sentry turrets!" Prodigy yelled out.
" Right!" Ian replied. He rushed forward towards the guard rails and used them as a springboard to launch himself up to the next level. He kicked off the upper rail and spun around, kicking each man in the face. He landed on the platform and rushed forward trying to avoid the gunfire coming at him. Ian jumped into the air and dive kicked- the man in front of him, knocking him down, he then quickly rolled forward and uppercutted the next guy.
Simultaneously, Sofia flew into the air and used her wind to slice through the sentry turrets, effectively destroying them.
" All right, good job you two. Now, Surge, get Elixir to Wallflower, and we'll be done with this exercise." Prodigy exclaimed.
" On it. Hold tight, Elixir." Nori said to the boy. She grabbed his arm and dashed forward, using her electric power to run as fast as she possibly could, which for her is very fast.
Josh struggled to hang on as Noriko made a mad dash towards Laurie, who was playing the part of the hostage.
Dani had given them all certain roles and made it so that the team could only clear the course if Josh was the one to save Laurie. A very specific set of rules for an exercise.
Noriko ran towards the platform and with her speed managed to run up the side of it.
" All right, Elixir, you got this!" Noriko exclaimed.
Josh nodded and used Noriko to springboard himself forward and he managed to grab hold of the platform's edge.
" GAH!" Josh grunted, he struggled to pull himself up from, but did so, nevertheless. " Alright, I'm here. Let's get you out of here." Josh went to untie, Laurie but suddenly the room changed around him and a man with a gun appeared in front of his face.
Blam!
Josh was hit in his chest with the artificial bullet, it didn't do any damage, but it still felt like a real gun shot.
Josh gasped and fell backwards off the platform Thankfully Ian jumped across the platform he was on and caught Josh just before he hit the ground hard.
" Alright, Josy?" Ian asked.
" Yeahhhhh." Josh groaned.
" System off." Dani spoke. The Danger Room powered down and the holograms all vanished. The New Mutants all groaned in disappointment.
" Sorry guys." Josh spoke up and apologized for his failure.
" All good man, it happens." Ian told the boy as he placed him down on the ground. Ian was a bit disappointed himself, but he knew even he wouldn't have anticipated that last minute surprise.
" Nice try, Josh. You all did good, but one thing you must plan for is the unexpected. Even when it seems like you're safe and out of harm's way, there's always that chance that someone or something is waiting to take a shot at you. Never drop your guard. Not until you're back at base. Other than that, you all really did good. David, that was excellent strategy, using Ian and Sofia to handle the guards and turrets. It was also smart to have Noriko carry Josh. Ian, nice springboard, but focus less on making your moves flashy and make them vital. Noriko, be more observant. You're fast enough to dodge bullets, you should have pulled Josh back when that guard appeared. Laurie, pay attention, because it's your turn next time." Dani explained. She listed off each person's strengths and weaknesses, showing them where they needed to focus their time training. " All right, guys that's enough for today, you can go ahead and get cleaned up. Remember next Friday is parent's day, so remember to tell your families. And be ready to have fun." Dani explained
Ian sighed and left the Danger Room with everyone else.
It's been a full month since Ian, had joined the New Mutants, Ian hadn't made many improvements in his training, in fact it seemed like he hadn't progressed at all. Ian was just having a good time, being "Normal." When he wasn't doing squad training, he spent his time out of school, visiting Rahne, going on dates, and all around just having a good time.
But times like these weren't bound to last forever.
" Hey, so we still on for tonight?" Ian asked as he hopped out of the bathroom with his phone.
" O'course. I've been looking forward tae seein ye. Are ye sure ye don' want me tae pick ye up?" Rahne asked.
" No, it's fine. I'm gonna get dropped off a little earlier. I need tae get something." Ian replied.
" Alright. I'll see ye tonight!" Rahne replied.
" Absolutely." Ian hung up the phone and phoned another number. " Hey, Logan are you busy right now?" Ian asked.
" No, what is it, Runt?" Logan asked.
" Think you can give me a ride into town?" Ian asked, he plopped down on his bed with his towel wrapped around his waist and started rummaging through his drawer to get a pair of briefs.
" Why? Just wait for the shuttle bus." Logan replied.
" No, that's gonna take too long. Come on, I'll owe you a favor." Ian replied.
Logan was quiet on the other end of the line for a few moments, before finally Ian heard a loud sigh.
" Fine, get yer ass down to the garage, I was working on my bike. But I guess I can drive ya into town for a favor." Logan replied.
" Ha! Thanks Logan, I'll be down in a moment." Ian replied. He hung up the phone and started getting dressed. He slid on his favorite pair of blue-dress pants with a white-collar shirt and a pair of black Stacey Adams shoes. Ian wanted to try and make an impression for this date. Alle the other ones, he had worn blue jeans and some different kind of shirt and shoes, he never dressed out. Until now. " All right. We're good tae go." Ian headed down the stairs and met Logan in the garage.
" Do I wanna know why?" Logan asked.
" Would bore ya tae death." Ian told the man.
" Fine, get in and let's go. But remember, you owe me. And you're coming back when the shuttle does. I ain't making any special pickups." Logan stated.
" Alright, I get it." Ian replied as he stepped into the vehicle.
Logan grunted and started up the engine and drove out of the garage and off the mansion grounds.
" So, who is she?" Logan asked.
" What do you mean?" Ian responded.
" Listen boy, I've been a live for a very long time. I know what it looks like when a young boy falls in love, the time you spend on the phone, the fact I see ya leave every Saturday. And now, this. Trust me, you ain't foolin anyone." Logan explained to the boy, he grinned at Ian as the boy tried avoiding his gaze, but he knew. " So, who is she?" Logan asked again.
" She's just... I mean she's just the sweetest, kindest, most caring girl I ev'r met!" Ian exclaimed.
" Ohhh, is that right? Well, good kid. I'm glad you're living a little. But you gotta remember to keep up with yer training if you still want to be one of us. You can't just settle for what you got now and expect to be able to do the things we do." Logan explained.
" Logan, I.."
" No, listen to me kid. I know what I'm talking about. I didn't get to live this long, by being a nice guy. In our line of work yer gonna see things, horrible things. Yer gonna have friends turn on ya, see friends and other loved ones die, and I hope you don't experience this yourself, but yer gonna see some of the worst kinds of tortures no normal man could stomach. I know that because I've had all of it happen to myself. How do you think I got these?" Logan spoke, he raised his hand and popped his claws in front of Ian. " I was a part of a group called weapon x, they did things to me kid. They brainwashed me, experimented on me, and more. I don't want you to experience that, kid. We've come too far and lost too much as it is. You saw everything that happened last year, don't let up now kid. Not after coming so far. Keep going, sure have yer fun, but don't forget what target is on your back." Logan wanted so badly, to keep just one kid from ending up like him, and he would go to no ends to ensure Ian had a life to look forward too and Ian appreciated it. More than he knew how to voice in words.
" I understand. Thank you, Logan." Ian replied to the man.
" Don't thank me, kid. I'm only looking out for you. Someone has to look out for the little guys, right?" Logan spoke.
Ian smiled and nodded his head.
" Right."
Once Logan arrived in town, he dropped Ian off at a local catering company. Ian got out and waved goodbye to Logan before going into the building.
" Hello, how can I help ya young man?" The woman at the register asked.
" Yes, I'm here to pick up an order I placed last Sunday, I already paid for it. The name should be Sinclair." Ian told the woman.
" Ahh, yes sir, one second let me go get it." The woman quickly vanished into the kitchen and returned moments later carrying a basket full of different kinds of food.
" Thank you, ma'am." Ian took the basket from the woman and quickly exited the store and started on his way to the next, a floral arrangement store.
" Hello! Welcome to Lisa's, how can I help you sir?" This one surprised Ian, it was a husband-and-wife duo who greeted him, he knew that by the messages on their shirts which read, I'm with him and I'm with her.
" Uh, hello. Hi, uh my name is Ian Sinclair, I ordered a bouquet of red roses." Ian told the two.
" Yes sir, we have it ready? Who's the special person?" The woman, most likely Lisa, asked.
" Her name is Rahne, Rahne Sinclair. I know it's just a funny coincidence that we share the same last name. Or maybe it was fate." Ian spoke. " I can't really say just yet. But hopefully this will show that I'm at least serious in pursuing an honest relationship." Ian explained.
" I get it. Well, we hope everything works out just right." Lisa spoke. " I will go get, your roses and return shortly." Lisa turned on her heels and quickly walked off.
Ian waited for a few moments and Lisa came running back with the bouquet.
" Here ya go, young man. a dozen beautiful red roses. Have a wonderful day. I hope your date goes amazing!" Lisa spoke.
" Absolutely, young man! Good luck!" The husband spoke.
" Thank ye both." Ian bowed to the two and quickly left the building. " Alright, now I've got to set things up real quick." Ian proceeded to visit a few more stores, making stops at a certain spot and leaving a few of his items behind, every now and then to save space. It took Ian hours to get the place set up, but finally he was finished. " Now I'm broke. But for her this is worth it." Ian stated. He looked at his set up and smiled.
Ian had rented a nice spot in Westchester hills, usually for golf, but for today it would be a nice place for a picnic. Ian had everything placed in boxes to keep any bugs or animals out, so, all he had to do now was go get her and hopefully everything would be fine when he got back.
Ian left the establishment and started walking towards Rahne's apartment to pick her up, the bouquet of roses clutched tightly in his hands. As he walked, Ian's smile grew wider and wider with each passing moment.
Ah he never thought it possible, but he was in love. Him, of all people, the small crippled, lonely, washed up, sad, little boy, was in better shape than he ever imagined, and more importantly he was in love and nothing, not a single thing in the world could ruin his joy.
Ian, eventually arrived at Rahne's apartment and stood in front of her door, nervously thinking about what he would say.
" Just do it." Ian muttered he knocked on Rahne's door and nervously pulled one of the roses from the bouquet.
Ian heard the door locks shifting and Rahne opened the door. She jumped at Ian and hugged him tightly.
" Och, Ian what're ye doin' here?" Rahne asked. She looked down at his hand and gasped. " Is tha' fer me?" She asked.
" Yes, it is. A single red rose for one very beautiful woman." Ian spoke. He handed the rose over to Rahne and she took it happily into her hands, clutching onto it softly. Not truly understanding the significant meaning behind the single red rose being given to her.
" Och, thank ye so much." Rahne spoke.
" Well..." Ian droned on before bringing out the rest of the roses from behind his back.
Rahne squealed with Joy and jumped into Ian's arms again, hugging him tight.
" Thank ye so much, Och Ian they're so beautiful. Och thank ye. Ian, I luv'em." Rahne exclaimed. She took the flowers and took a great big sniff from the before smiling and hugging Ian once more. " Come in, Ian! I have to find something to put these in. Give me a moment to finish getting ready!" She pulled Ian into her apartment and sped off into the kitchen.
Ian chuckled at how excited she seemed, but deep inside he was truly glad to know he had made her happy.
" Ye should have let me kno you were comin over so soon. I would have been ready by now!" Rahne shouted from the back of room.
" I wanted to surprise ye. Switch it up a bit." Ian shouted back. He sat down on Rahne's couch and waited for Rahne to return. Ian could hear the sound of things being moved around, and the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. Ian couldn't help but chuckle as he heard Rahne fumbling around. She was a bit of a ditz, but he liked that about her.
After a bit Rahne returned with her hair, down, parted in the middle with her bangs hanging down over her eyes, she was sporting a beautiful green blouse, the same color as her eyes, which to Ian, really complimented her hair. She was wearing a beautiful white skirt, with white slid on dress shoes. To Ian she was...
" An angel!" Ian muttered.
Rahne blushed slightly and twirled her hair around.
" Are ye ready?" Rahne asked.
Ian gulped heavily and nodded. " Yeah, uh come on." Ian spoke up. He reached out for Rahne's hand and guided her towards the door.
The two left her apartment and walked towards the park together, hand in hand.
It was a warm, beautiful sunny day, and Ian wanted to make the best of it, taking Rahne on a walk through the park, taking her over the riverbank, the high bridge. All the while just enjoying their company. Laughing and just having a good time.
It was truly a beautiful day, and things got even better when the sun started to set.
Ian had slowly led Rahne all over Westchester Park, eventually getting to his final stop at Westchester hills.
" What are we doin here?" Rahne asked.
" Oh, just a little something, I wanted tae show ye." Ian replied. Ian continued to lead Rahne to his spot on the park, and as they drew closer, Ian had Rahne close her eyes. It took a few minutes but eventually they arrived. " Alright, open yuir eyes." Ian spoke.
Rahne nodded and slowly opened her eyes, when she did, she looked up at what she believed to be the singular most beautiful sunset she had ever seen in her life.
See, Ian had been planning this day for quite a while and had surveyed every spot in Westchester, searching for the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Thankfully, he found it.
" Och, this is so beautiful, Ian, I can't believe it." Rahne stared at the beautiful sky with her mouth wide open.
" I'm glad ye like it, Rahne. I wanted this to be very special for ye. Come on, I made food for us to eat." Ian told the woman. He walked away for a moment, leaving Rahne to watch the sunset and returned shortly with the food and a blanket for them both to sit on.
Ian sprawled out the blanket and laid out the food. He then lit a small candle and led Rahne down to the blanket.
" Ian, this is... All of this is just so... So amazin." Rahne stated.
" I'm glad. I wanted this to be special for us." Ian replied. " Ye deserve nothing but the best."
Rahne was astounded, she was no stranger to relationships, but no one had ever gone so far out of the way to show her they cared, not anyone who didn't train with her anyway. And yet here she was being treated far nicer and kinder than any man ever had, including her father.
" Ian, I know we've been seein each other fer quite a while now. And ye'v shared so much about yuirself. But I haven' been completely open with ye. I've... I've got a lot of problems, Ian." Rahne spoke. Ian listened closely as Rahne began to tear up, Ian grabbed her hand and squeezed it supportingly.
" Hey, it's okay. Ye don' have tae do this." Ian spoke.
" I know, but I want tae." Rahne replied. " Back home, my father was... Muh Father was a minister... He had his own unique intertreptation of God's word." Rahne spoke. " Everythin' was a sin... Especially if I did it." Rahne explained.
" Even having a boyfriend?" Ian asked.
" Aye... I'm a whore, jus' like muh mum. Tha's wha' he used tae say tae me." Rahne spoke. She began tearing up and Ian felt his blood beginning to boil. He was disgusted by her father. Ian was no devout Christian himself, but he believed that a church should be a place devoid of all persecution. And to hear that someone who says he's a man of God, and someone who's supposed to be a father to Rahne. To love and support her, and cherish her like he would his own life, would defile everything he ever believed in, including Rahne. Her father had given her the gift of God's word but only to make her ashamed of who she was.
" Wha' about yuir mom?" Ian asked.
" She accidentally overdosed on her medication... I found her dead one morning when I was only four." Rahne began to cry, something Ian had not once seen her do in all the time he knew her.
Every moment they were together, Rahne always smiled. She was always so bright and cheerful. And now to see that strong and kind woman breaking down, it broke Ian's heart. But he didn't voice his frustration, he didn't show it. Instead, he simply sat there and held Rahne, to give her some form of comfort, no matter how small it may be.
" I'm sorry." Ian spoke. Ian rubbed the back of Rahne's hand and gently pulled her into his arms. Holding her softly while she cried.
Though she cried, and her vision was blurry, she was not blind. Though he tried his best to hide it, Ian's eyes were red.
" It's ok. Ye dinnae have tae pretend yuir nae human in front of me." Rahne spoke.
" Yuir th strongest and th bravest person I've ever met, and I have more respect for ye than anyone. None of it. Not a single bit of it was yuir fault Rahne. You were an innocent child and as far as I'm concerned there's not a single drop of evil in yer heart. Yuir father on the other is nothing but a pathetic waste of a man. He's nothing more than a coward and a hypocrite." Ian told her.
" I jus want him tae love me." Rahne spoke she tried to wipe her tears away, but they just kept comin.
" I know you do. Trust me I really do Rahne. But if ye remember, ye have a father in heaven who will always love ye. He's been more of a real father tae ye than he ever was. I know it. I know God loves ye, Rahne... And I know I love ye too." Ian spoke. " I'm sorry that I can't do more tae help ye. Tae take this pain away. I wish I could, I'm sorry."
" Ye've done enough already, Ian. Just by listening to a young girls pain. Ye've done more than I could ev'r ask of ye." Rahne exclaimed.
" I'll always listen tae ye, Rahne. And I'll always love ye. Believe that." Ian spoke. He looked up into the sky and noticed that the sun had set andit was now dark out. The stars were shining brighter than he had ever seen. He smiled and gently laid back with Rahne, so they could both watch the stars together.
As they looked at the sky in quiet, a thought suddenly hit Rahne's mind.
' Wait... Love. He said he loved me.' Rahne suddenly burned red and looked at Ian.
" Ye, love me?" Rahne asked.
" I do." Ian replied without hesitation.
" And if I told ye, muh mum was a stripper? Wha, then?" Rahne asked.
Ian looked down at her red face and knew she was in pain. So, he pulled out the biggest smile he could.
" It doesn' change how I feel about ye one bit!" Ian spoke. He sat up from the grass and pulled Rahne with him. " She was yer mom, no matter what mistakes she might have made before, I know ye weren't one of them." Ian spoke.
Rahne had never felt more happier than she was in that moment. Right then and right there she finally felt complete. " I love ye, too." Rahne spoke.
" And I should know, I may be seventeen, but I've always seen things differently." Ian mishandedly spoke.
" Huh!" Rahne gasped and just like that the moment was tarnished. And doubt entered her heart. Though Ian laughed she remained quiet.
" What's wrong?" Ian asked.
" Ian... I'm... I'm nineteen." Rahne spoke.
This shocked, Ian. He had no idea Rahne was two years older than him. And though he saw no problem with it, Ian knew what thoughts were going through Rahne's mind.
" I'm sorry, I didn't know. Honestly. But does it matter?" Ian asked.
" O'course it does. It's illegal for minors and adults..." Rahne started.
" It would be illegal for us to have sex, which we haven't." Ian stated. He felt worried now more than ever, because he finally had somehting good and something as simple as two years was about to tear them apart.
" Ian, yuir still in high school, I'ma grown woman... I can't believe I." Rahne started.
" Rahne!" Ian grabbed her hand and squeezed it, not hard, but strong enough to calm her. " I get it, I understand completely what yuir thinking right now... But answer me this... Has anything changed about me? Have I done anything to change how you feel? Do you not love me?" Ian asked. He stared at Rahne, his eyes full of concern and while she might be worried, she knew in her heart that she still cared deeply for and truly did love Ian.
" I... Ian, what would people think? What would we do if we..." Rahne started.
" Rahne... I have lived my entire life hearing what people thought about me... And I don't care anymore.... I'm done living my life based on what these people might think of me. The only thing that matters to me is what you think of me. I want this. I want us! I've never been more certain about anything in my life." Ian spoke. " But if this is really that bad for you, then I understand. We can end things here. But if you believe in your heart that we can make it. That we can be something more, something greater, then please Rahne... I am begging you to just take my hand." Ian spoke. He raised his hand for the girl to take and looked her straight in the eyes. " Even if you say no now, I'm gonna come back in one month on my birthday and ask ye out again." Ian stated.
Rahne looked into Ian's eyes, her heart telling her, commanding her to say yes and take his hand. While her brain argued maybe, Ian would turn eighteen in one month. In one month, he'd be an adult and they'd be legal. But counterpoint... He was right. Them being together despite the slight age gap wasn't uncommon. And she was no stranger to strange things in her life, she was Afterall, one of the New Mutants. And her feelings for him were real and she knew his feelings for her were real too.
The doubt was gone. There was no further need to discuss it. Rahne didn't take Ian's hand... She leapt into his arms and planted a kiss right on his lips. Ian held Rahne in his arms and relished in their tender moment, feeling the tears running down her face falling onto his, or where they his?
Ian didn't care. All he needed to know was that she was his, and that they were together.
After a few moments, Rahne pulled away
" Okay, I believe in ye. I trust ye. But ye have tae promise me, ye will not do anythin', ye know." Rahne spoke.
" I promise ye, Rahne. I will not do anythin' that would risk me losin ye." Ian replied. He hugged Rahne tight and Rahne returned the hug, smiling gratefully. She was happy and so was he. " Now, how about we get ye back home. It is getting a little chilly." Ian spoke.
" That sound good right about now." Rahne replied.
She took Ian's hand as he stood up from the blanket and followed him. Ian picked up the blanket and shook it. He then started throwing away all the trash he and Rahne had. And the two walked home. Arm in arm, together.
It was a good night, full of joy and pain. But in the end happiness won out for the couple.
After enjoying their walk home, Ian rested in front of Rahne's door.
" So, can I call ye tomorrow?" Ian asked.
" I'll be upset if ye don'." Rahne replied. She hugged Ian again and kissed him on his cheek. " Good night, Ian, please get home safe." Rahne spoke.
" I will. You have a good night to Rahne." Ian replied. He kissed Rahne back on her cheek and walked away from her apartment.
All things seemed good for the boy, until he got halfway to his pickup location, when a group of men in hoods approached him.
" What have we got here boys?" One of the men asked.
" Whoa! Fellas, easy. I'm not lookin for any trouble." Ian spoke.
" Oh, it's too late for that boy. It looks like troubles found you." The ringleader spoke.
Ian watched as the men circled him and looked back and forth between those in front of him and those behind him.
" Alright, then." Ian sighed. " Let's get this done."
" Yeaaaah!" One of the men tried to attack Ian from behind, but Ian elbowed him in the nose and kicked him in his leg, breaking his it.
The next guy rushed him, and Ian grabbed his arm and threw him over his shoulder into one of the men in front of him.
Ian quickly turned around and faced the next two men. One of them pulled out a knife and charged Ian.
" You Bastard!!!!" The man swung wildly at Ian, but Ian dodged it with ease. He underhook the man's arm and used his momentum to slam his head through a car window.
" Alright... Who's next?" Ian asked.
The men started backing up when they saw the bloodied head of one of their friends.
" ME!" Ian heard a woman's voice shout above him. He looked up and someone dropped down on him, kneeing him in the face hard.
" Gah!" Ian dropped the man in his hands and stumbled.
The men all started running away and a bunch of black vans pulled up.
Ian looked around and knew something bad was about to happen. So, he reached into his pocket and hit the panic button on his phone, a little gift of Hank McCoy and Forge. A signal was sent back to the mansion and Logan immediately picked up on it,
" SCOTT! Get on the jet quick!" Logan burst into Scott and Emma's room and started barking at the man,
" Logan, what is it?" Scott asked.
" Runt's emergency signal just went off on my phone." Logan explained. " Hurry!" Logan turned and raced down the hall with Scott behind him, running as fast as they could to the X-Jet.
Meanwhile, Ian was still stuck dealing with a group of armed men and a woman strong enough to hurt him with physical force.
" That was a bad move kid. That just speeds up the timetable. Now, I won't be able to enjoy myself." The woman spoke.
" Who are you?" Ian asked.
The woman scoffed and laughed.
" Oh, why not. You won't get another chance. The name's kimura. I've been sent by weapon X to fetch them a new guinea pig. And you are just the unluckiest boy alive." Kimura spoke.
" Yeah? Well... I make my own luck." Ian spoke. He dove over the car as a hail of tranquilizer darts rushed towards him. He managed to avoid most of them, but a few still managed to hit him.
Already feeling the effects, Ian's vision blurred. But he wasn't about to give up just yet.
He rushed towards the men, dodging their fire as best he could. His hope was to take a few of them out, maybe give himself some chance to escape. But it was in vain.
" Where ya goin? Don't you know, you shouldn't turn your back on an enemy?" Kimura asked. She grabbed Ian by his arm and had enough power to pick him up with ease.
Ian was shocked, as he hadn't met anyone other than a few students with enough strength to pick him up.
" Aren't you a heavy bastard? What? Weighted clothing? Such amateur hour. Oh well." Kimura taunted Ian.
" Gah! Fine, let's see how you like it!" Ian punched Kimura in the face and while she did budge, Kimura turned back and had not a single mark on her face.
" Oh, I can see you're confused." Kimura spoke. " Sorry, but I'm invulnerable. I've taken hits from girls with claws sharp enough to slice through steel. Trust me, you're not gonna win this fight. Just give up and I'll make it painless." Kimura spoke.
" Not gonna happen." Ian told the woman, he tried to break free from her grip, but found it impossible.
" Oh well." Kimura then headbutted Ian in his face, so hard he saw stars. She then proceeded to beat Ian's head in. Bashing it over and over again.
Ian fought to remain conscious, while he was being pummeled. But with the amount of tranquilizer flowing through his blood, he was beginning to fade.
' Is this it? Is this how I die? I finally find something good in my life. Something... Someone worth living for... And now, I'm going to die... Or worse become someone's experiment... Why? Why? Why is life so unfair?' Was Ian's last thought before passing out completely.