#tagficgone
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29 @janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@misstb2@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@burningcowboyhoagietaco@thundergeek59
Chapter 17: Disclosures
Virgil shivered from the intensity of the pain that began to radiate down his spine as he felt himself waking from his enforced sleep. Forcing his eyes open he breathed in and out as he tried to focus on his surroundings. Virgil could see and feel the chains that held his ankles and feet to the floor, he was still on his knees, his hands were still raised above his head and were shackled to the restraints that were hanging from the ceiling. Looking straight ahead Virgil could see there were two men in the room, the one sat behind the computer and the other was stood directly behind the other man. He could hear the men talking, the man who was sat at the console looked flustered, while the other seemed to be shifting about anxiously. Virgil tried to listen but was unable to make out what was being said. Eventually the man who had been standing hurried out of the room, while the other continued to work.
Glancing down Virgil felt a tear trickle down his face, when he noticed the open chain lying on the floor with the picture of his mother inside. The continuous visions of his mother’s death that the Hood had planted in his mind continued to stalk his dreams. Constantly reminding him of that day and the way she had been taken away from them all so suddenly. Now, he also had the added knowledge that their mother’s death had been planned and perpetrated by the Hood. She had been purposely ripped from them all and taken from them far too soon. Virgil felt more tears running down his face as the anger inside him began to grow. He was going to make the Hood pay for what he had done, he really didn’t know how, but he would make him suffer!
Gone
Still having issues with tagging and the post not showing in my feed. Not sure who is and isn’t seeing this but if you are reading & enjoying then might be best to double check the previous 5/6 chapters.
- Notes
1.Any medical stuff mentioned in this chapter (Quite a lot!) was the result of research on the and the NHS website.
2.The SEDATIVE DRUG that I name in this chapter is completely made up (Although it is based on drugs that are around) I decided to do this because of Thunderbirds being set in the future and unfortunately, illegal drugs do keep changing.
Chapter 26: Injuries
Upon reaching the cockpit of Thunderbird 2 and receiving the coordinates, Gordon with Alan by his side took to the controls and safely flew them to the airfield in Auckland, New Zealand. As soon as they had landed they both made their way back into the medical bay and were greeted by Scott and John who had both changed out of their International Rescue uniforms.
“How’s he been?” Alan asked.
Scott sighed. “Not too good, he’s still drifting in and out of consciousness… Is the ambulance ready?”
“Yes, they are,” Gordon confirmed.
“Good, then let’s get him out of here!” John added.
They all carefully lifted Virgil’s stretcher and made their way out of Thunderbird 2.
They were quickly met by a plump friendly looking man, who was slightly balding and looked around 50. “Hello there, I’m Doctor Gerry Sylvia.”
Reblogging here with tags
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@psychoseal@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@misstb2@thundergeek59@bonsaiiiiiii@dragonoffantasyandreality@burningcowboyhoagietaco
Gone
- Previous:Chapter 8 - Nightmare
If you’d like to be tagged in story updates please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in full on Ao3 or FFNet: CreativeGirl29
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@burningcowboyhoagietaco@misstb2
Chapter 9: Morning Coffee
Alan lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling, observing the different patterns that he could make out. Insomnia was new to him, he had never had a problem sleeping before. In fact, unless the alarm sounded to signal an emergency he would usually sleep through anything. Alan let out a deep sigh and glanced over at his clock. 6am, and altogether he had probably managed around 3 hours of broken sleep. ‘Maybe I should just give up and get up?’ He thought to himself. Agreeing with his decision, Alan pulled himself out of bed and made his way to his bathroom. After showering and dressing, he once again looked at the clock to see that only half an hour had passed, suppressing a yawn Alan made his way out of his room and headed towards the kitchen. “Grandma,” Alan exclaimed with surprise as he opened the door to the kitchen. “You’re awake early, are you feeling okay?
NOT JOHN CRYING!! *screams internally* That was really heartbreaking *can finally cry after my niece slept*
Gone
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Previous: Chapter 7 - RestlessAlternatively you can read the entire fic on Ao3 or FFNet
Chapter 8: Nightmare
Virgil knew he was dreaming, but the nightmare world the Hood had promised him still seemed so real. He and his family hadn’t been here in 15 years, not since that day that had taken their mother from them, and now here he was, experiencing that day again.
The dream began with Virgil standing on the slopes, he was watching the families, who were all oblivious to him, skiing joyfully, without a care in the world. As he continued to glance around Virgil caught sight of three boys, helping their mom and dad teach their two youngest brothers how to ski. Although, the younger two both seemed more satisfied with throwing snow at each other than the actual skiing. The family all looked so content, unaware that tragedy was about to strike.
Virgil looked up at the top of the mountain, he could see someone standing up there, with their eyes transfixed on the young boys playing happily with their parents. Virgil realised immediately who the man was and what was about to happen. He turned towards the family, his family, and yelled at them to run but they couldn’t hear him, no one did. He was merely a spectator, unable to help, unable to stop the tragic events from occurring.
As the avalanche began, Virgil watched in horror as he saw his mother and father look up and see the snow beginning to fall. He saw his dad dart for the youngest two, swooping them into his arms and running for safety. He saw Scott and John heading in the same direction. Then he saw something he had forgotten in the trauma, something he had wiped from his memory, now that memory was being forced back to the surface and he was being made to relive it once more.
He saw his younger self running next to his older brothers, but then he slipped and fell forwards, he then saw his mother and Scott stop, turn and yell his name. He heard his mother tell Scott to keep running, while she ran back towards him and pulled him up into her arms. She started to run once more but it was too late. Virgil saw the look of fear and shock in his dad and his brother’s eyes as the snow hit his mother and his younger self, and the others who had been unfortunate to be caught in the avalanche’s grasp.
Virgil began to feel the fear of his mother, he could feel the snow and the freezing cold ice cutting through her body like a knife. He could feel her body shudder with the coldness as she tried desperately to protect her child’s life.
Virgil felt the tears coming to his eyes as he saw people digging for any survivors. Then he heard a woman shout for help saying that she had found someone. He saw other people rush over and pull his younger self from the snow, he saw someone wrap a blanket around him and then pass him carefully to a waiting medic. He saw his dad and his brothers run over to him in relief that all he had sustained was a concussion and some possible side effects from the cold.
He then saw them turn to their mother, who had been placed on a stretcher, she was being attended to by another medic. Virgil then saw his father rush to his wife’s side and grasp her hand, begging her to keep fighting, begging her to live, and then finally he saw his mother look up into his dad’s eyes before taking her final breath, as she left their world forever.
Virgil backed away from the scene that was unfolding, unable to take the pain anymore. As he moved away everything began spinning around him. He then found himself once again standing on the slopes, the families all around him skiing happily without a care in the world.
“No, no, no, no!” Virgil cried. “Not again!”
He looked up and he could see the Hood looking towards him laughing. Virgil dropped down onto his knees and buried his head in his hands.
“Oh God… Please stop!” The tears were now falling freely down Virgil’s face, as the Hood continued his menacing laugh.
“Scott! Please. Please Scott! Help me!”
I’m speechless.
Gone
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Previous:Chapter 6
Chapter 7: Restless
Scott stood in a dense forest, he could see a grey mist beginning to engulf the woodland around him, swallowing it whole. The thick haze started to wrap itself around him, while tightening its grasp on his body. He couldn’t see, he couldn’t feel, he couldn’t think. Where was he? How did he get here? Where were his brothers? Oh God! His brothers. He needed to find them. Scott began running through the thick fog, shouting their names in desperation. Out of nowhere, a clearing appeared in front of him, one where the smog had yet to gather, Scott could see his three brothers sitting on a grass verge, with their backs facing away from the woods. “Gordon, Alan, John! What’s going on? Where are we?” He called out to them. They didn’t move, so Scott began running towards them, desperate to reach them and make sure they were alright.
“Scott!”
Scott ground himself to a sudden halt.
“Scott!”
A voice, one he recognised, one he had longed to hear was screaming his name.
“Scott!”
Scott turned to face the forest once more.
“Scott! Please.”
“Virg?”
“Scott! Please help me!”
The desperation and fear in his brother’s voice made Scott feel physically sick.
“Virgil, where are you? I can’t see you.”
“Scott! Please. Please help me!”
“Virgil, stay where you are. I’m coming to get you.” Scott shouted, hoping his brother could hear him.
Scott started to run in the direction he had come from, only to be stopped by an invisible wall that now surrounded the forest.
“Scott! Please. Please Scott! Help me!”
Scott started banging his fists against the invisible wall in front of him, screaming his brother’s name as he did so.
I CAN’T CRY YET! it’s 3:33, my niece is still refusing to sleep!! *hits the wall next to me* （；へ：）
Gone
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Chapter 6: Revelations
- Previously:
The Hood leaned in closer to him. “Have you ever wondered Mr Tracy, why it is I hate International Rescue and your father so much?”
…
Virgil glared at the Hood. “Let me see, you hate anyone who helps others. Oh, and you crave power, fame and fortune. Basically, you are a sociopath, who will stop at nothing to get his own way. Personally, I think you are a complete and utter asshole!”
only crazy, psychotic people think that way.
It was great when Virgil spat on his ugly, devilish-looking face.
Gone
Chapter 5: Awake
Throughout the past few days Virgil had felt himself drifting out of his unconscious state, many times, too many to mention, only to be plunged back into it by a sharp needle being stabbed into his arm, which delivered a warm sedative into his system. Each time he had woken, even for those briefest of moments, he had felt the tightness and the burning from the ropes holding him down, he could feel the coldness from the table that he was lying on and although he couldn’t see anything or take stock of his surroundings, due to the blindfold wrapped tightly over his eyes, he knew that the Hood was always close by.
Virgil felt himself drifting out of his forced sleep once more. However, this time he found the light from the room warming his eyes and face. He blinked his eyes and was relieved to find that the blindfold had finally been removed. Looking around, Virgil could instantly see that he was now on his own in a large room and there was no natural light coming from anywhere. The only light that he could see was from the one spotlight that was above him and was focussed on where he lay. Seeing if he could free himself, Virgil tried to pull against the ropes but felt them tighten every time he struggled. Virgil breathed in and out, as he desperately tried to focus himself, so he could form some sort of escape plan.
I absolutely LOVE when sarcasm is being used on the bad guys. It’s the best thing to read after Gordon’s pranks on his siblings XD
Decided to continue posting the very 1st fanfic I wrote for Thunderbirds on here. You can find the complete story on Ao3&FFNet: CreativeGirl29.
Previous:C1
Gone
C2:Deathly Hush
“Thunderbird 1 from base do you read me, come in Scott, do you copy?”
"Gordon?” Scott stuttered back.
"Yes Scott, it’s me. Now listen, is there any other way Virgil could have got out of there?”
“No Gordon,” Scott replied, “some firefighters were watching the building at the time and they said he didn’t come back out.”
“What about the back of the building?” Gordon asked hopefully.
“No back door, there was a window but it was upstairs.” Scott responded beginning to cry once more.
Gordon could hear his brother sobbing, he had never heard his brother cry like this. Scott was always the strong one, ever since their mother had passed, he was like a second father to them all… And Virgil, Virgil had been the one who had been there when he was small and had caught a bad cold, had comforted him when he had taken a nasty fall and had wiped away the tears when he had been woken from a bad dream. He couldn’t be gone, he just couldn’t! Gordon could feel his strength fading rapidly but he knew he had to keep it together. Scott and Virgil had always been there for him and now he was going to make sure he was there for them, especially now when they needed him most! “Scott, listen… Me and Alan are coming out there. If we come in Thunderbird 3 is there a safe place that we can land?“
"Yes,” Scott replied, “we were at a metals foundry; you’ve got some good open spaces here where you can land her.”
“Okay, good… We’re on our way Scott.” Gordon clicked off the receiver and looked towards Alan. “Alan, I need you to try and hold it together for me, just for a short time, we need to get out there and help Scott. Can you do that for me?”
Alan took a deep breath in, wiped his eyes and looked at his brother. “Yes Gordon, I can!”
reading that Scott was crying while holding Virgil’s sash broke my heart (இ﹏இ`｡) I hope it’s not what it looks like
Gone
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Chapter 24: Payback
“Now, do as I say and put him down!” The Hood demanded.
Scott looked at John and Gordon who were holding the stretcher and winked at them. “Come on guys, we really should do what he says and put him down… Al, stay with him.”
Gordon and John laid the stretcher down on the floor, while Alan knelt next to Virgil and took his hand in his. John and Gordon both stood back up and with Scott formed a circle around Virgil and Alan.
“Now move away from him!” The Hood commanded.
“That’s not going to happen.” Scott replied calmly.
“Really?” The Hood scoffed. “My man here has a gun and I will order him to shoot.”
They all glanced at the man who had his gun aimed at them.
“Personally, I think you should order him to step back and to put his gun down.” Gordon responded.
The Hoods man let out a sarcastic laugh. “And why would I do that?”
“Because if you don’t, then I’m going to take you down, and then knock you out with my tranquilliser gun!” Gordon stated.
“Oh, I’d love to see you try!” The man taunted.
“Okay then!” Gordon answered. Gordon’s hand shot out and before the man could react he had grabbed his wrist and spun the gun away from them both. Gordon then knocked the gun out of the man’s hand, he then twisted the man’s arm around his back and flipped him face down on the ground. Finally, Gordon pulled his tranquilliser gun out and shot the sedative into the man. Jumping up to his feet Gordon aimed his tranquilliser gun at the Hood. “Now, I really think that you should do as we say, Balah Gaat.”
Do you really think one tranquilliser gun is going to take me out?” The Hood mocked.
Scott and John pulled their tranq guns out and aimed them at the Hood. “How about three?” John countered.
“Oh please,” the Hood sneered, “your tranquilliser guns are no match for me.”
The Hood’s eyes turned to a bright yellow, he released a mocking laugh, and raised his hand out towards them. Scott, John and Gordon found that they were now frozen and unable to control or stop what was happening as they were lifted effortlessly up into the air. Their weapons were forced out of their hands and flung away from them, they were then thrown away from the stretcher and down onto the hard ground. The Hood kept his one hand pointing towards them, which held them frozen in place, as he began walking towards Alan and Virgil.
Alan aimed his tranquilliser gun at the Hood. “Don’t move any further!” He warned.
The Hood scoffed and held out his other hand towards Alan causing him to fall to the ground. The Hood then walked forward and before Alan could react the Hood had ripped the tranquilliser gun out of his hand and threw it away from them. Then like his brothers before him, Alan was lifted in the air, and hurled away from his now unprotected brother. The Hood knelt next to Virgil who had been awake throughout his brother’s ordeal. “Now, I remember telling you that once I had dealt with you, then one of your precious brothers would be next… Maybe I was wrong, maybe this one will die first.” The Hood stood back up and turned towards Alan. “Yes, I presume this one is the youngest… So, he can go first!”
Virgil watched helplessly as the Hood walked over to Alan, picked him up from the ground, grabbed him around his throat, and began to choke him. Alan desperately gasped for breath and kicked his legs trying urgently to escape the hold that the Hood had on him. Virgil looked towards his other brothers but could see that although they were trying to move, they were still held in the Hood’s powers. Virgil glanced to his side and noticed the handgun that the man had dropped, he reached out with his left hand, grabbed the gun and fired.
“What the?” The Hood exclaimed when he felt the gunshot hit the floor, narrowly missing his feet. The Hood dropped Alan to the ground and spun around in shock, releasing his focus on Scott, Gordon and John. The Hood paused, as he took in the sight of Virgil pointing the gun towards him and then let out a chilling laugh. “Well, well, I never thought I would see the day… A member of International Rescue actually using a real gun.” The Hood scoffed as he stepped closer to Virgil. “Now, come on… Are you really going to shoot me? Would you even be able to live with yourself if you did?” The Hood took another step closer to Virgil. “Look at you, you’re pathetic! You’re badly hurt, you can’t hold that gun without your hand shaking because of the amount of pain I’ve put you through.” The Hood sneered as he took another step towards Virgil. “Come on boy… If you’re going to do it, then shoot me! Kill me in cold blood! Take your revenge for what I’ve put you and your family through… Do what your father could never do and give in to the hate… Just like I did!”
“I’m nothing like you!” Virgil muttered.
“No, you’re certainly not!” The Hood ridiculed. “You are a typical Tracy! Weak minded… Forgiving… Always trying to help others… It makes me sick!” The Hood took another step forwards. “And that’s why I know you are not going to fire that gun!”
“No. I’m not,” Virgil stuttered.
“I knew it!” The Hood mocked.
Virgil smiled and dropped the gun. “Distracted you though!”
“Really, from what?”
“From this!” The Hood spun around at the sound of Scott’s voice, only to be greeted with a sharp punch to the face. The Hood stumbled from the force of the punch. “That’s for trying to choke our youngest brother,” Scott said with a smirk, “and this… Well, this one’s for Virg!” Scott delivered another blow to the Hood’s face which knocked him unconscious. “God… That felt good!” Scott said as he knelt next to Virgil and took his hand in his.
“Al?” Virgil mumbled.
“I’m here.” Alan replied.
“Are you okay?” Gordon and John asked at the same time.
Alan coughed. “Yes, I’ll be okay, just a little sore.”
Gordon, Alan and John knelt next to Scott and helped check on Virgil’s injuries.
“Al?” Virgil mumbled again.
“It’s okay Virgil. I’m here and I’m fine!” Alan responded.
Virgil took his hand out of Scott’s and gently felt around Alan’s throat.
Alan shook his head. “Seriously Virg… You’ve been beaten, your legs are broken, you’ve lost too much blood, you’re barely able to keep your eyes open… And yet you are still trying to check me for injuries… Please, let us look after you for a change!”
Virgil took Alan’s hand in his, tears beginning to fill his eyes.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Scott said.
“Love you all!” Virgil muttered as more tears ran down his face.
All four boys gently held Virgil and let their own tears flow.
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@psychoseal@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@misstb2@thundergeek59@dragonoffantasyandreality
Chapter 23: Escape Plan
Alan finished moving the man who they had hit with the tranquilliser into the room and made his way over to Scott who had splinted both of Virgil’s legs. “How’s he doing?” Alan asked.
Scott stroked Virgil’s head. “He’s in a lot of pain and I’m worried by how much blood he has lost. He’s been drifting in and out of conciseness and he’s been mumbling a few things.”
Alan sat down on the floor and took Virgil’s hand in his. “What’s he been saying?”
“It’s pretty incoherent.” Scott replied. “He does keep asking for dad though.”
“Should we report in?” Alan questioned.
“We will… I want to get him on Thunderbird 2 first.” Scott looked at his watch. “Damn, what’s taking them so long?”
… …
Meanwhile:
Gordon and John peered over the bush and watched the Hood with the last of his men, which they had yet to take out, walking towards the doorway.
“Do you think we can hit them from here with our tranquilliser guns?” John whispered.
Gordon shook his head. “Too far.”
As soon as the Hood and the other man had entered the building John and Gordon jumped to their feet and ran to the door, and John clicked his communicator on. “Come in Scott.”
“Where the hell are you guys?” Scott snapped.
“Scott, listen,” John cut in. “We’ve just seen the Hood and one of his men.”
Scott swore to himself. “I presume it’s the man who used the whip on Virg?”
“Yes, it is,” Confirmed John.
Scott breathed out trying to calm himself down. “Which way did they come in?”
“They went through the same entrance we were using,” John responded.
Scott jumped to his feet. “Gordon, is there any other way out?”
“Yes, there is… But what about Virgil?” Gordon asked.
“It’s not ideal, but I’ll have to carry him out. Personally, I’d like to get Virg clear of hear before we kick the Hood’s and that other man’s ass… Gordon, can you direct us out any other way?”
“Yes. I can,” Gordon replied.
“Great!” Scott responded. “Then give me a few seconds and I’ll be back with you.”
… …
Scott clicked his communicator off and looked at Alan. “Okay Al, I need you to cover me with the tranquilliser gun, Okay?”
Alan nodded his response, grabbed his and Scott’s medical kits and prepared his weapon.
Scott knelt back down next to Virgil and squeezed his left hand. “Virg, can you hear me?” Virgil forced his eyes open and looked at Scott. “I’m going to have to carry you. Okay?”
Virgil squeezed Scott’s hand, and released a tiny smirk. “Mm… okay… Don’t drop me though.”
“Scott laughed. "It’s good to hear you trying to crack jokes… Now, I’m sorry, but this may hurt.” Scott lifted Virgil gently of the floor and into his arms, causing Virgil to release a whimper. Scott whispered soothing words to him and then turned to Alan who was kneeling on the floor. “Hey, Al, I’m ready… Everything okay?”
Alan stood up and looked at Scott. “Yes, I’m good. I just found this.” Alan held out Virgil’s chain and admired the picture of his mother which was inside. “She was really beautiful!”
Scott smiled. “Yes, she was!”
“He should have it back… I’ll keep it for him, for later.” Alan replied dropping the chain in his pocket.
Scott nodded. “Let’s get him out of here!”
Alan clicked his communicator on. “Hey Gords. Which way are we heading?”
“Back down the hallway until you reach the stairs. You will remember that there were two other corridors leading off the stairwell. You will need to take the one to the right.” Gordon instructed.
“Okay.” Alan replied leading the way, while Scott carried Virgil closely behind. “This way.” Alan mouthed to Scott leading him down the hallway until he reached two doors. Alan glanced back at Scott who had now pulled Virgil closer to him and was continually whispering comforting words to him. Alan clicked his communicator back on. “Which way now Gordon?”
“Right. There will be two doors in front of you.” Gordon responded. “You need to take the one on the left. It will lead to another staircase. Go up six floors and then go through the door, that will lead you to the front entrance, we’ll meet you there with the stretcher.”
“Got it… The Hood’s probably realised now that we have Virgil.”
“Yes, okay. We’ll stay hidden until we see you, but if you’re not out in five minutes then we are coming in!” Gordon stated.
… …
The Hood and the man made their way down to the room which had been Virgil’s prison. They had known something wasn’t quite right when no one had been on guard at the entrance, and when they hadn’t seen anyone else on their way down to the cell, they knew something was wrong. The Hood ordered the man to enter the room first, there was no way he was going in there before him, and putting himself in any potential danger.
The man unlocked the door, walked inside and immediately swore when he saw Virgil was gone. “It’s worse than we thought boss,” he anxiously reported.
The Hood looked over at the man who had been hit with the tranquilliser gun and saw that he was starting to come too. “What happened?” He barked at him.
“Int… International… Rescue.” The man stuttered.
“God Damn International Rescue… Always ruining my plans!” The Hood sneered at the man, pulled a gun from his inner pocket, aimed it at his head and pulled the trigger. “No one fails me!”
The Hoods last standing man looked at him. "Sir, by the looks of it they have left in a hurry. I reckon we just missed them. They have probably been using the same entrance as us, so if they knew we were on our way, they have most likely headed for the front of the building.”
The Hood nodded. “I want you to head to the front and see if you can catch them, I will head for the usual exit, and then we can cut them off from both sides.”
“Yes sir!” The man replied.
… …
Alan continued to lead the way while Scott, who was carrying Virgil, was close behind. They finally reached the top of the stairs and went through the doorway which led to the front entrance. As soon as they saw their brothers leave the building, Gordon and John darted out from behind a nearby tree with the stretcher. Scott laid Virgil down and replaced the oxygen mask over his mouth which he had removed just before leaving the building.
“Okay, let’s get him out of here!” Gordon said, as he and John took control of the stretcher.
“Not so fast.” Came an unknown voice from behind them.
They all turned slowly. “You!” Scott shouted, the anger in his voice rising as he looked upon the man who had been responsible for bringing the whip down on Virgil’s back.
The man held out a gun towards them. “Don’t even think about moving. Now, put down the stretcher and move away from your brother.”
“There is no way that we are going to just hand him over to you!” John stated.
The man laughed “I believe you should rethink your answer.”
“And why’s that?” Alan asked.
“Because otherwise you will need to deal with me!”
The boys looked back in the direction they were about to head in.
“Hood!” They all exclaimed.
cg29:
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29 @janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@psychoseal@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@misstb2@thundergeek59@dragonoffantasyandreality
Chapter 22: Lost and Found
They all stopped, their legs frozen in shock as each one of them tried to process the image in front of them. There was Virgil, on his knees, his feet chained, and his hands still raised above his head. His body was covered in cuts, bruises and so much blood. His head was flopped forwards and his eyes were tightly shut.
Scott felt like his whole body was traveling in slow motion as he urged his legs to move forwards. He reached out with his now shaking hand and pressed his fingers against his brother’s neck, desperately searching for a pulse. Tears of relief began forming in Scott’s eyes, when he felt the weak but beating rhythm of Virgil’s pulse. He turned to his other brothers who were standing closely behind him. “He’s alive.” He reassured them. They nodded their heads, the relief on their faces evident to how much their brother truly meant to each of them. Scott wiped his eyes. “Okay, we need to treat any immediate injuries and then we can get him out of here!”
John fixed a brace around Virgil’s neck and placed an oxygen mask over his mouth. He then placed his hand on Virgil’s forehead and chest. “He’s clammy, he feels really cold and his trousers are soaked through from the water that was thrown over him… We need to get him warm and dry as soon as possible!”
“Looking at the bruises to his chest, he most likely has a few cracked ribs. There may also be some internal bleeding.” Gordon said, as he moved around to check Virgil’s back. Gordon winced when he saw his brother’s injuries. “Geez!”
Posted on the wrong blog so reblogging onto here
Gone
- If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29
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Chapter 21: Danger Zone
All four boys followed Gordon until he stopped, and signalled to them to get down behind some large bushes. “Okay.” Gordon whispered. “The door is straight ahead. I want you all to be on alert and as quiet as possible.” Scott and John nodded their heads. Gordon looked at Alan who was looking back at where they had just left the equipment. “Al, are you okay?”
“I was just wondering why we left the stretcher hidden, shouldn’t we have it with us?” Alan asked. “Virg is definitely going to need it.”
“Yes, he is,” Scott replied. “But we should come back for it. We need to travel light, so we can easily take anyone out that we do happen to see.”
Alan sighed and looked back at his brothers. "Yes, I know, it’s just… I want to get him out of there as quickly as possible!”
John placed his arm reassuringly around Alan. “I know, we do too… Al, we are going to get him out of there, Okay?“
Alan nodded his head in response.
Scott smiled at Alan. "Good lad… Everyone got their tranquilliser guns ready?” When they all nodded Scott continued. “Good, Gordon, this is your plan and it’s a good one. So, you should take full control here.”
“Thanks Scott,” Gordon lifted himself up and checked everything was clear. “Okay, this way.” They all followed Gordon and Scott to the doorway. Gordon lifted his finger up to his mouth, signalling for them to be quiet. “Any heat signals?” He asked Alan who had the thermal imager.
“There’s someone in there,” Alan acknowledged.
“Scott, are you ready?” Gordon whispered as he reached for the door handle.
Scott readied himself with the tranquilliser gun. Gordon pulled the door open revealing a man, who was obviously meant to be on guard, he was sitting fast asleep on a chair and he was facing the doorway.
Scott suppressed a laugh as he kept his gun aimed at the man. “Someone’s obviously not doing a very good job!”
“Hey, his he one of the assholes who beat up Virg?” Alan asked.
“Yes, he is!” John replied glaring at the man.
“Hey Al, do you want to wake him up?” Scott said grinning at Alan.
Alan smirked at Scott and tapped the guy on his shoulder. “Wakey, wakey!”
“What the?” The man exclaimed as he came too and saw the four of them staring at him.
“Good morning,” Scott sarcastically remarked, as he quickly shot his tranquilliser gun at the man, causing him to fall off his chair and straight back to sleep.
Gordon and John quickly tied the man up while Scott and Alan checked the room they had just entered for anyone else who may be lurking around.
“Hey, guys, let’s move him into this storage closet and hide him in there.” Alan suggested. “If anyone happens to come through here then we don’t want to alert them to our presence.”
“Good idea Al.” Scott replied.
They all lifted the man and moved him into the cupboard.
“This way.” Gordon whispered as he walked over to another doorway.
“Anything on the imager Alan?” John asked.
Alan shook his head. “All clear.”
Gordon pushed the door handle down and opened the door. They all made their way into the corridor which veered off in two directions. “Right guys, it’s very easy to get lost in here, so please stay close and listen carefully.“ Gordon whispered. "We’ll make our way along this hallway, we’ll then reach some stairs and we will then head down the staircase, which is six floors down. The stairwell will lead us to the basement level. Once we reach the basement there will be another door and then three different hallways. We will be heading to the left; the corridor leads directly to the room that Virg is being held in. Alan, I will need you to keep watch on the thermal imager, and I’ll need the rest of you to stay vigilant.”
“Okay,” They all responded, as they began to follow Gordon.
When they reached the staircase Alan suddenly ground himself to a sudden halt. “I’m picking up two heat signals coming up the stairs.”
Scott quickly ushered Alan and his other brothers to hide behind the previous corner, just in time to see the first man reach the top of the stairs. Gordon shot the tranquilliser hitting the man who fell instantly to the ground. The second man reached the top of the steps and paused when he saw his fallen comrade, he pulled a radio out of his inner jacket but before he could use it Gordon also hit him with the tranquilliser and he fell to the ground.
“Where shall we hide them?” Alan asked.
“There was a small room we just passed we can put them in there,” Gordon suggested.
They pulled the first man to his feet and hauled him into the tiny room. Alan began binding the man’s arms, while the other three went back into the corridor and pulled the second man to his feet. As they pushed him into the room an unknown voice shouted from behind them. John spun around and shot his tranquilliser gun at the man.
Scott grinned at John. “Good shot.”
John returned the smile. “Thanks.”
Scott, Gordon and John pulled the man into the room and began tying him up.
“Gordon keep a look out just in case that shout alerted anyone.” Scott suggested.
“Already on it bro!” Gordon responded, heading back to the door to keep watch.
At that moment, another man turned into the little room and before any of them could react he had grabbed Gordon’s arms and yanked them behind his back, causing Gordon to yelp in pain. He then pulled Gordon into the hall, threw him to the ground and held him down with his knee, which was planted firmly on his back. He then quickly pulled a gun out of his inner jacket and aimed it at the back of Gordon’s head. “You better come out of that room” The man demanded. “And hold your hands up.”
“Don’t move.” Scott mouthed to Alan, as he and John headed for the door.
Alan watched as his two brothers walked out of the room with their hands held in the air. He silently stood, made his way to the exit, and hid behind the door so he could hear what was going on.
The man watched the two of them closely. “Is that all of you?”
“Yes,” John lied.
“Good! Now, do exactly as I say, and your buddy here won’t get hurt!” He ordered. “I want you to lay your weapons down and stand against that wall.” As soon as Scott and John had obeyed his instructions the man pulled Gordon to his feet, keeping the gun firmly placed against the back of his head. He pushed Gordon forwards towards the doorway of the small room.
Alan watched as the man peered in the room. He knew that the man hadn’t seen him, and he also knew that he could probably hit him with his tranq gun. Unfortunately, how the gun was being held against Gordon’s head, Alan knew it was too risky, and he would have to wait for the perfect moment, or create his own. An idea then struck him. He watched as the man turned back towards the hallway, Alan quickly pulled his belt off and flung it at the wall opposite him. The belt hit the wall with a clang, causing the man to drop his attention, and move the gun away from Gordon’s head. Sensing his opportunity Alan jumped out and fired the tranquilliser into the man. “Sweet dreams!” Alan sarcastically remarked as the man fell to the floor.
Gordon grabbed Alan and hugged him tightly. “Geez Al, that was brilliant… Thank you!”
Alan smiled. “Anytime Gords!”
Scott and John grabbed their guns and went over to Alan and Gordon.
“Good job Alan!” John beamed.
“Well done Al!” Scott added ruffling Alan’s hair. “Are you okay Gordon?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” Gordon reassured them.
“That’s five down?” Alan asked.
“Yes, there should be two more men to go, which includes that ass who whipped Virg… Then we have the Hood as well!” Gordon warned
“Okay then… We should tie this one up and then carry on,” Scott recommended.
“No arguments from me!” Gordon added.
They all finished securing the man, then made their way back to the stairwell, and then soundlessly down the stairs, checking each floor carefully for anyone who may happen to be around. No one else appeared and as soon as they had reached the basement they headed down the left corridor, until they reached a large door.
“Virgil’s signal is coming from in here.” Gordon stated. “Alan, how many heat signals are you picking up?”
“Just the two.” Alan answered.
Gordon glanced at his brothers. “Okay, we need to do what Alan did upstairs and make some sort of loud noise that will lure the man outside. We can then knock him out with the tranquilliser.”
“The belt again?” Alan suggested.
Gordon nodded. “It’s worth a try.”
Alan pulled his belt off and waited for his brothers to prepare themselves. “Ready?” He asked.
“Yes.” They all whispered.
Alan threw his belt against a piece of metal which caused an almighty clang. The sound of the door being unlocked from inside was heard and a man made his way outside. Scott instantly shot his tranquilliser gun at the man causing him to slide to the floor. Scott, Gordon, Alan and John rushed into the room and came to an instant stop at the unconscious sight of their brother.
Chapter 22 Here
Gone
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Previous: chapter 19 - Countdown-Please double check you’ve read the previous chapter as I was having a few Tumblr issues with the post.
Chapter 20: Strategy
- Previously:
Jeff paused and looked at them. “And I feel I need to explain to you all how I know the Hood, well, as we now know Balah Gaat.”
… …
“Do you all remember me telling you about how I first met Kyrano?”
“Yes.” Gordon answered. “You had been dispatched to his village when you were in the army. You were there to help after an earthquake had hit nearby.”
“Yes, that’s right. The Hood… Well, Balah Gaat was.” Jeff looked over to where Kyrano was sitting. “He was Kyrano’s half-brother. From the very first moment he had met me Balah made it known that he didn’t like me, and to be honest, I didn’t care for him much either… He always seemed obsessed by the amount of power, wealth and control he could gain from manipulating people and he never seemed bothered by how much he could hurt someone… One day another earthquake hit and destroyed the village and we were sent in to help with the rescue. We managed to save quite a few lives, but there were many who had not been so lucky, and had unfortunately been killed in the initial earthquake. Balah Gait’s wife and his 4-year-old son had been two of those who I had to dig out of the rubble, and had already passed away.”
“Dad, you know it wasn’t your fault, right?” Scott said, looking at his father with concern. “What happened that day was tragic, but unfortunately, we all know that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you can’t save everyone!”
“I know.” Jeff replied. “It’s just… I knew Balah had blamed me for what had happened, I remember at the time some sort of threat was made against me, but shortly afterwards he seemed to just disappear. I never really thought about him much after that, I remember that Kyrano once mentioned that he had not seen him since the earthquake, and eventually he concluded that he must have passed away. Neither of us imagined that the Hood was Balah Gaat. Now we do know… And.” Jeff sighed. “When I now think back it’s obvious who the Hood really was… I should have realised, then maybe I could have protected you boys, and stopped him from hurting Virgil.”
“Dad, what’s happened with Virgil, it’s not your fault!” John interjected.
“You could never have seen this coming and you can’t always protect us from harm dad,” Gordon added.
Jeff sighed and looked away from the image of his sons.
“Dad, none of us blame you for what’s happened, and I know that Virgil won’t blame you either!” Alan replied firmly, gaining his father’s attention. “There’s only one person who is responsible for this and that’s Balah Gaat, or the Hood, or whatever name he wants to go by!”
“Scott,” Brains stammered, rushing over to Jeff.
“Yes Brains?”
“The metals foundry has confirmed that you can land Thunderbird 2 there and the site will be secured at all times. I’ve sent you a layout of the building, Virgil’s signal is coming from the basement.”
“FAB Brains.” Scott responded. “Gordon, I want you to go through the information and see if you can form a plan.”
“FAB Scott.” Gordon replied.
“Gordon, I have some further information for you which may prove useful,” Brains stammered.
Gordon smiled. “FAB Brains.”
“I’ll send it through now,” Brains added.
“Dad, are you going to be okay?” Scott asked as he looked at his father’s sullen form.
“Yes… Yes, boys I will!” Jeff replied pulling himself together. “Now it sounds like you have everything in hand. I’m going to go and speak with Penny and contact the doctor she mentioned, and see what we can get arranged for Virgil. I want you to keep in contact, let me know of any developments.”
“FAB dad!” Scott clicked the communicator off and went back to concentrating on flying Thunderbird 2. “Okay guys we will be landing in about 10 minutes. Gordon, how long will it take us to get to the danger zone?”
“It should take us around 5 minutes,” Gordon responded. “We just need to make sure that we are efficient with getting everything we need on the hover bikes, so we don’t hit any unseen delays.”
Alan smiled. “Don’t worry Gords, you can rely on us!”
“I know I can!” Gordon replied. “Now, I’ve been going through all the information Brains came up with and I’ve got a plan.”
“Go for it Gordon,” Scott beamed.
“The building that Virgil is in as four different entrances. One at the front, one at the back, and two others on either side. Now, the front and back ones are too exposed. The entrance on the right side is well covered. However, the left side is not only well covered, but it also looks out on to a woodland. If we go in that way, then there will be plenty of places for us to hide the bikes, and any other equipment we may need. Now, Virgil’s signal is coming from the basement, and from what we know there are the six men that we’ve seen, there’s at least one more who’s been working behind the camera, and then there’s the Hood. We have no idea where they will be, and there may be more men inside, which means we will need to use our thermal imagers to detect them as we go.”
“Gordon, what you’ve said so far sounds good to me. I want you to go through the rest of the plan once we have reached the danger zone.” Scott pressed a few buttons on Thunderbird 2’s control panel. “Okay guys, we are coming in to land.“
… …
A short time later:
Scott finished securing Thunderbird 2 and made his way over to Gordon and Alan who were waiting with the loaded hover bikes. “Have you contacted dad?”
“Yes, he said that he’s spoken to the doctor that Penny recommended, and they are on standby ready to receive Virgil.
“That’s good!” Scott looked around. "Where’s John?”
“He’s just checking the security that’s been provided for Thunderbird 2,” Alan replied. “He’ll be back in a second.”
“Speak of the devil!” Gordon said, pointing to John who was running towards them.
“How’s it looking John?” Scott queried.
“All good, they’ve really gone above and beyond what I was expecting.”
“Great. Then let’s go get our brother,” Scott stated.
“FAB!” The rest of them chimed, as they jumped on their hover bikes, and headed towards the danger zone.
Gordon led the way, signalling to his brothers to stop when he began to reach the clearing of the woodland. “Okay, we’re here… This looks like a good place to hide our bikes and anything else we don’t want to carry inside.”
“Okay Gordon, so what’s the rest of your plan?” Scott asked.
“Well, as I said earlier we will be going through the side entrance on the left side of the building which is just up ahead. When I studied the layout that Brains sent, I could see that there was a doorway which leads directly down to the basement, which as you know is where Virgil’s signal is coming from. Now, as we are using the thermal imager to track the other men in there, then I suggest that we stick together, and we stay in pairs. Me and Scott will take the lead. Alan, I want you to stay close to Scott, and John you will be with me… If we see anyone then we will take them out using our tranquilliser guns and then we will tie them up. If we don’t see the Hood, then we will kick his arse some other time… The aim of this mission is simple… We are here to get Virg out of there! So, to reiterate, we stay together and do not go off on our own. Yes Scott, I’m looking at you! I don’t want to have to rescue another bro!”
Scott looked at Gordon. “I would never go off on my own!”
“Yeah, sure you wouldn’t!” Alan responded with a laugh.
“Okay. Don’t worry Gords, I’ll do as you say and not run off on my own!” Scott replied, with a grin.
Gordon returned the smile. “Final checks. Everyone got their med kits?”
“FAB!” Alan, Scott and John answered.
Gordon smiled. “Good! Right… Finally, has everyone got their tranquilliser guns and their extra ammo packs?”
“FAB Gordon!” They all responded.
“Good,” Gordon stated as he turned to face the clearing, “then it looks like we’re ready!”
“Hey Gords,” Scott said placing his hand on the back of Gordon’s shoulder.
“Yes Scott?” Gordon asked, turning towards his brother.
Scott pulled Gordon into a quick hug and then ruffled his hair. “I’m really proud of you, I just wanted you to know that.”
“Thanks Scott,” Gordon replied going red, “okay, are you all ready?”
“FAB!” They all chorused.
Gordon nodded. “Then Follow me!”
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@misstb2@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@thundergeek59@burningcowboyhoagietaco@dragonoffantasyandreality
Chapter 19: Countdown
- Previously:
Virgil lifted his head and watched the Hood walk away, he then opened his hand revealing the edible transmitter, looking directly into the camera, he dropped the transmitter into his mouth and swallowed it!
… …
“Virg… You, beauty!” Scott exclaimed, although quietly, so the Hood could not hear him.
“Go!” Jeff mouthed to his four boys, quickly pulling them all into a warm hug. “We’ll give you the location when you are in the air.”
“FAB dad!” Gordon replied.
“Thunderbirds Are Go!” Alan said with a cheeky grin as he turned to leave.
Jeff shook his head with an amused smile. “Oh, and be careful!”
“We will dad.” John whispered.
Jeff nodded, the concern for his four boys and his missing son evident.
“Don’t worry dad. I’ll look after them!” Scott said reassuringly.
Jeff gripped Scott’s shoulder and smiled. “Thank you… Now go!”
Scott beamed at his dad, turned and then made his way down to Thunderbird 2 with his three brothers closely behind.
Jeff Tracy watched them leave and then turned to Brains and whispered. “Brains, oversee the launch and make sure that they get the coordinates as soon as possible.”
“FAB. Mr Tracy,” Brains replied.
Jeff turned and looked back at the screen. He could see that Virgil was still lying flat on the floor, with his feet chained and currently there was no sign of the Hood. Jeff stared at Virgil with concern as he was no longer moving, and his eyes were tightly shut. He was brought out of his gaze by the sound of Thunderbird 2 blasting off and leaving the island. Jeff brought his attention back to the screen and continued to observe his son.
… …
The Hood began to make his way back towards Virgil with one of his men closely behind. The man lifted Virgil from the floor and forced him roughly back on his knees and began to restrain his hands above his head. The force of being moved so abruptly caused Virgil’s eyes to shoot open and for him to release an intense cry of agony. “Oh dear, does that hurt.” The Hood mocked, grabbing Virgil’s head, gripping it tightly in his hands and forcing him to look in the camera. “It seems Jeff that your son is in a lot of pain. Now luckily the discomfort he’s currently feeling will only be temporary. You see, I have decided that this boy is far too troublesome, and I’ve simply had enough of him being here.” The Hood looked back at Virgil who was now shaking from the pain he was in. The Hood nodded to the man, who was quickly joined by the other five men. “Knock him out!“ The Hood snapped, as he turned back towards the camera, a smirk firmly planted on his face, as the six men began beating Virgil once more.
… …
Jeff watched in disgust as the six men laid into his helpless son. He tried screaming at them to stop but it was to no avail, after a short time Virgil’s eyes closed, and his head drooped down. Upon seeing this the Hood signalled for the men to stop and made one of them check Virgil’s pulse.
“His pulse is weak sir… He won’t last much longer!”
The Hood smirked and looked back at the camera’s lens. “Well Jeff, as you can see your boy here as finally passed out… And as you’ve just heard, he doesn’t have much more time left. So, I’ve decided to set the clock ticking, and I’ve set the hour for when I will finally take his life, and complete the second step in my search for justice… Now, you’re probably wondering what I mean by ‘Second Step’… You see Jeff, I have previously taken revenge against you… That first time my involvement remained anonymous… Of course, I have already informed your son here what I did, and you could have asked him but unfortunately for you he won’t be alive much longer” The Hood laughed and then continued. “So, until I decide otherwise my previous retribution will remain that way… Now, as I was saying… The countdown as started, and this boy’s final hours are at hand… I think we’ll give him two hours, that’s if he lasts that long… I believe that will give me plenty of time to prepare myself for one of my finest moments… See you soon Jeff.”
… …
Jeff slammed his fist down on the table that was in front of him as the screen went black. “Damn him!” Jeff cried out as he felt his legs go and he dropped into his chair.
“Jeff.” Ruth cried, as she went to her son’s aid. “Jeff listen to me.” She continued holding his face in her hands, and gently wiping away the tears that had begun to form. Jeff looked up at his mother and let her pull him into a tight embrace. “Now, listen to me… Virgil’s always been one very determined and stubborn young man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit… And I know where he gets that from.”
Jeff smiled. “Mm, his mother.”
“Yes, and his father too! He’s tough… He’s a Tracy… And I know he will make it! Now, come on Jeff, your boys are on their way to get Virgil now and they need you to be strong!”
Jeff nodded, breathed in and out to calm himself down and then turned to Brains. “Have you sent the boys the location?”
“Yes, Mr Tracy, Virgil is being held at an abandoned steel factory in, Henderson, Nevada.
“Is that near the metals foundry?”
“Yes, I’m just about to contact them and see if we can land Thunderbird 2 there. That way the boys can get to the location quickly and we can still keep an element of surprise for the Hood.”
“That’s a good idea Brains, let me know how it goes.” Jeff stood and made his way over to Kyrano who had now been moved on to the sofa and was being comforted by his daughter Tin-Tin. “Kyrano.”
“Oh, Mr Tracy, I am so sorry!”
Jeff placed his hand gently on Kyrano’s shoulders. “Kyrano. Please don’t blame yourself. You are not responsible for your brother’s actions… This is not your fault!”
Kyrano looked up at Jeff. “And it is not yours either Mr Tracy! What happened that day when my brother lost his family, it was tragic… But there was nothing you could do to save them!”
“I know.” Jeff replied. “I’m just shocked by how bitter he still is and how far he’s been willing to go to seek his revenge.”
“My brother has always chosen hate over love… He has been this way long before he lost his wife and child, I fear he will never learn that compassion and forgiveness are much stronger than the vengeance and loathing he feels towards others.”
Jeff slowly nodded… “Will you be okay Kyrano?”
Kyrano smiled. “Yes, Mr Tracy, I will be fine… Now go and speak to your boys, they need their father!”
Jeff smiled at Kyrano and squeezed his shoulder. “Thank you.” Jeff then turned to face the pictures of his sons hanging on the wall, and pressed a button on the table. “Base to Thunderbird 2.”
The large portrait of Scott changed to reveal him sitting in the pilot seat of Thunderbird 2 with Gordon in the seat next to him. “This is Thunderbird 2, go ahead dad.” Scott responded.
“Hi Scott. How are you getting on?”
“We are all good here.” Scott answered, while he concentrated on what he was doing.
“Hey dad,” Alan and John chimed at the same time, as they leaned into view, so their father could see them.
Jeff smiled. “Hey Boys… Scott what’s your arrival time?”
“I’m pushing her to go as fast as we can.” Scott replied. “Hopefully we’ll be there in less than an hour.”
“An hour… Okay, that’s great Scott. Keep pushing her as much as you can… The sooner you get Virg out of there the better!”
“I couldn’t agree more!” Scott added.
“Hey dad, what happened with the Hood after we went?” John asked.
Jeff sighed and explained to them how the Hood had ordered that Virgil be chained back up and their brother’s pain at being moved. Jeff then paused, breathed in to calm himself, and then told them about the men beating Virgil until he lost consciousness, and how afterwards the Hood had threatened to kill Virgil in two hours. He then paused and looked at them. “And I feel I need to explain to you all how I know the Hood, well, as we now know Balah Gaat.”
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29 @janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@misstb2@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@burningcowboyhoagietaco@thundergeek59
Chapter 17: Disclosures
Virgil shivered from the intensity of the pain that began to radiate down his spine as he felt himself waking from his enforced sleep. Forcing his eyes open he breathed in and out as he tried to focus on his surroundings. Virgil could see and feel the chains that held his ankles and feet to the floor, he was still on his knees, his hands were still raised above his head and were shackled to the restraints that were hanging from the ceiling. Looking straight ahead Virgil could see there were two men in the room, the one sat behind the computer and the other was stood directly behind the other man. He could hear the men talking, the man who was sat at the console looked flustered, while the other seemed to be shifting about anxiously. Virgil tried to listen but was unable to make out what was being said. Eventually the man who had been standing hurried out of the room, while the other continued to work.
Glancing down Virgil felt a tear trickle down his face, when he noticed the open chain lying on the floor with the picture of his mother inside. The continuous visions of his mother’s death that the Hood had planted in his mind continued to stalk his dreams. Constantly reminding him of that day and the way she had been taken away from them all so suddenly. Now, he also had the added knowledge that their mother’s death had been planned and perpetrated by the Hood. She had been purposely ripped from them all and taken from them far too soon. Virgil felt more tears running down his face as the anger inside him began to grow. He was going to make the Hood pay for what he had done, he really didn’t know how, but he would make him suffer!
Hearing the door to his cell open Virgil noticed the Hood enter the room, he was clearly enraged, and immediately marched over to the computer and barked some instructions at the man who was sat there. The man then nodded and continued his work. After a few more moments, a smirk spread across both the Hoods and the other man’s face, the Hood leaned in and whispered something to the man, he then turned towards Virgil and noticed he was awake. The Hood sneered and walked over to the table with the torture devices on. He picked up the handgun from earlier, looked over at Virgil, making sure he could see what he had chosen, he then placed it in his inner pocket, and made his way towards him.
“It seems your family have not listened to my instructions and have tried to track our location.” The Hood snarled. “Now, luckily we were able to put a stop to that and very soon they will see you pay for their mistakes.”
“You’re not going to get away with this.” Virgil snapped back. “They will never stop trying to find me!”
“Really, is that so?” The Hood mocked. “Even after I’ve killed you and there’s nothing they can do to save you?”
Virgil paused. “Even if you do… They will continue to hunt you down… And they will make every second of your life a living hell!”
“You seem to have a lot of faith in your family.” The Hood paused and leaned in towards Virgil. “After we’ve finished and disposed of you, then I think one of your other brothers will be next.”
Virgil felt his anger rising. “If you hurt any of my brothers…”
“You’ll what, what are you going to do?” The Hood replied sarcastically.
Virgil pulled against his chains in a rage. “If you untie me then I’ll be very happy to show you!”
The Hood stared at Virgil with an amused look. “Well, I have to say, you’ve certainly got a lot more spirit than I gave you credit for… Still trying to fight back… Still trying to escape… Even when you’ve been hurt so much, and any type of escape is completely helpless.” The Hood paused, smiled, and then continued. “I’m sure we can take that fight away from you with the torture I have planned for you later. For now, I think I’ll make you suffer another way. As you experienced previously with the visions I made you see, I don’t have to rely on just physical torture. No, with my powers I can cause you all types of pain.” The Hood lifted his hand and placed it on Virgil’s head causing Virgil to scream out in agony. “Migraines are horrible, aren’t they? They can cause so much discomfort.” The Hoods eyes began to glow as he stared into Virgil’s eyes. Virgil felt the pain rip through his skull as he once again cried out. The Hood let out a scornful laugh. “Let that be a lesson to you boy!” He scoffed. “And I can do a lot worse than that if I’m pushed enough.” Turning back towards the man sat at the computer the Hood continued to speak. “We’ll contact them back later than planned.” The Hood then turned to face Virgil once more. “We’ll make them wait… Make them sweat!” With another sinister laugh the Hood turned and left the room, leaving Virgil shaking in pain.
… …
Several hours later:
Virgil’s eyes snapped open when he heard several voices enter the room. It was the Hood returning with the six men. Virgil watched as they made their way over to the guy at the computer and spoke quietly to him, the Hood then turned and made his way over to Virgil with the same man who had whipped him earlier.
“Get him ready.” The Hood instructed.
The man moved behind Virgil and began to unchain his hands, as soon as they were free the man pushed Virgil flat onto the floor. Virgil looked ahead and could see his chain within easy reach. However, he didn’t have the time to react as the man delivered a sharp punch to his back and then pulled Virgil’s arms roughly behind him. He gripped them tightly and yanked him back up on his knees. The Hood nodded to the man with a satisfied grin, he then turned to the camera and stared into the lens as the indicator switched from red to green.
… …
Back at Tracy Island:
It had now been 6 hours since the Hood should have contacted them and still nothing had been received. Scott sat in the middle of the sofa with his one arm around Alan who was leaning his head against Scott’s chest, his other arm was placed firmly around John, while Gordon sat on the floor leaning against the settee. Jeff sat on a chair next to his mother, who held his hand gently for support. Brains sat at the computer with Penny and Parker stood closely behind him. Tin-Tin stood behind the sofa with her father Kyrano next to her. They all waited silently, hoping and praying that Virgil was still alive and a link would soon be sent. Suddenly, a beep started emitting from Brain’s computer.
“I’m picking up their transmission… Accepting it now.” Brains said, as he tapped some buttons. The large screen in front of them once again flickered into life.
The image of the Hood appeared on the screen and just behind him they could see Virgil with his feet and ankles still chained to the floor. However, his arms were no longer bound, and were instead being held firmly behind his back.
“Ah, hello there.” The Hood scoffed. “Welcome back to the party… I believe you’ve been keeping yourself busy trying to track down our location without our knowledge. Well as you may have realised, those attempts were made in vain and it only caused my rage to grow. So, I decided I had to teach you a lesson for breaking my rules. You see I really hate it when people such as yourself deliberately disobey me! Now, I originally told you I would put a bullet through your son’s head if you defied my instructions. So, as I always believe in keeping a promise… That’s what I thought I would do.” The Hood turned and stood at Virgil’s side and pulled the gun from his inner pocket.
“I told you I would give you anything you wanted if you let him go.” Jeff yelled at the screen.
“Oh, but you already are giving me what I want… The pitiful cries for your child’s life!” The Hood sneered.
Jeff paused, he didn’t care if he was begging anymore, all he wanted was his son home, and being held safely in his arms. “There must… There must be something… Just name it.” The desperation in his voice becoming more evident every second.
The Hood went quiet and then looked back at the camera, an ominous smile spreading across his face. “Yes, there is something.”
“So, what do you want?” Jeff demanded.
The Hood smiled. “I want everything! Your machines, your technology, your money and your base! But most of all I want revenge for what I’ve been put through!”
“Why do you want revenge, what could my boy have possibly done to you?”
“Your son here hasn’t done anything. This is all down to you and what you have done to me Jeff Tracy!”
“Wait… How do you know my name, who are you Hood?” Jeff questioned.
The Hood grabbed Virgil by the hair. “Maybe you can ask this one, I’ve told him who I am, what you’ve done, what I’ve done in retaliation and he knows exactly why I’m doing this… I thought it was only fair to reveal to him the reason he would have to die for his father’s mistakes.”
“What mistakes? Why don’t you stop hiding behind that mask Hood and reveal who you are?” Jeff yelled.
“Seriously… You still haven’t worked out who I am? I thought that you would have recognised my voice Jeff… Or maybe my imbecile of a half-brother would have worked it out.”
“Balah Gaat!” Kyrano exclaimed as he dropped to the floor in shock.
“Father!” Tin-Tin cried out, helping her dad to a nearby chair.
“Balah Gaat… I should have known.” Jeff said, as he dropped his head into his hands.
“Yes, you really should have… But now you do know who I am… And you’ve probably guessed exactly what I am going to do to your boy!”
“Wait… Is… Is this because of what happened to your wife and child?” Jeff asked in disbelief.
“Yes, of course it is!” The Hood roared.
“What happened to them both was a tragedy,” Jeff said sympathetically.
“And because of your choice to help others first my boy died!” The Hood growled.
“Both your wife and son died when the initial earthquake hit,” Jeff added sadly. “Many men, women and children died that day and unfortunately there was nothing I or anyone else could have done to save them.”
“That’s not true Jeff… I know my boy would have survived if you helped him first… He was strong like me… You are a murderer Jeff Tracy and because of that you will be punished!”
Jeff paused and then continued “Look, this is obviously between me and you. Let him go… And take me instead.”
“Oh, but that wouldn’t be as much fun now would it Jeff… Now how do those sayings go… A child for a child? No… No, I believe it’s… A son for a son!” The Hood moved behind Virgil. “Say goodbye to your boy Mr Tracy.”
“Please… Please don’t do this,” Jeff begged.
The Hood raised the gun and pointed it towards Virgil’s head. “Too late.” He sneered as he pulled the trigger and the gun fired.
Everyone in the room shut their eyes in terror, unable to watch as the gun fired, and the shot echoed around the room. Silence followed, then an arrogant laugh roared out of the screen causing all of them to open their eyes. Mouths dropped open in shock and relief when they were greeted with an alive but shaking Virgil, who was still being held firmly by one of the Hoods men.
The Hood continued his mocking laugh. “Did you really think I would kill him… With a gun? No, that would be too easy and to quick a death… No. No, your child here deserves to die in agony!”
Gone
If you’d like to be tagged for updates for this story or any others then please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in it’s entirety over on Ao3 or FFNet - creativegirl29 @janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@misstb2@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly
Chapter 15: Night Watch.
Jeff looked at Brains hoping his son was on to something.
“I’ll check to see if it’s been activated.” Brains hit a few buttons on his computer and after a few moments looked back at Jeff and Scott. “Right, I can see here that Virgil’s transmitter is still viable, but it’s not been activated… If you are right Scott then it’s probably still in his chain, and unfortunately Virgil hasn’t been able to get to it and use it.”
“So, can you do anything from here to get it to activate?” Scott asked, praying he was onto something.
“Well… Err… I’m afraid that unless Virgil swallows it then there is no way we can use it to track his location.” Brains answered.
“And there’s no other way you can activate it?” Scott questioned, the desperation now evident in his voice.
“Unless the trackers circuit board receives an electrical input then I’m afraid not.” Scott and Jeff both felt themselves deflate. Brains looked at them, wanting to keep their hopes alive he added. “I’ll keep checking the transmission feed… Just in case.”
“Thanks Brains.” Jeff replied.
“I really thought that would help.” Scott said sadly.
“I know son… For a moment, I did too.” Jeff guided Scott to the pile of blankets and pillows that were piled on the floor. “Now, come on Scott. I want you to try and get some sleep.”
“But dad.”
“No buts… Sleep!”
Scott grabbed a pillow and blanket and sat himself down, leaning against the sofa, Jeff sat down on the floor next to Scott and held him, stroking his head softly until he fell asleep.
Gordon made his way into the lounge with a hot chocolate in his hand while munching on a sandwich. He stopped and looked at his dad stroking a sleeping Scott’s head. “His he okay?” The last time I saw him I thought he was on to some sort of big breakthrough.”
Jeff glanced up at Gordon and beckoned him to come and sit down. Gordon sat down carefully on the settee so as not to disturb Alan, who was still sleeping soundly. “He remembered that Virgil kept his edible transmitter in his chain.”
“Oh, yes… Scott mentioned that the other day when we were in Virgil’s room.” Gordon added. “So, can Brains get it to work?”
Jeff shook his head. “No, not unless Virgil activates it himself.”
“Oh.”
“Here,” Jeff said, passing Gordon a blanket and pillow. “Try and get some sleep.”
Gordon grabbed the blanket and pillow from his father, finished his drink and sandwich, covered himself with the blanket and sat watching John and Brains working away, until he found himself drifting off to sleep.
2 hours Later:
Jeff woke to find himself leaning against the sofa, his oldest son was curled up in a tight ball next to him and was fast asleep, while Gordon and Alan were both passed out on the settee. Rubbing his tired eyes, Jeff stretched his aching legs, and stood up and made his way over to both Brains and John who were still working away at the computer. “Any luck.” Jeff asked quietly, so as not to disturb his sleeping sons.
John turned to face his dad, his face was pale and the bags under his eyes were evident. “No dad. Nothing. We… We can’t even get past their tracking system.”
“Boys, why don’t you leave this for a few hours and try and get some sleep.”
“Dad… But… Virgil… He… He might not have a few hours.” John replied, tears appearing in his eyes.
“I know son… I know… But you’re not going to be any help to him in this state.” Jeff checked his watch and continued. “Now, we’ve got about 10 hours until the Hood contacts us back, so come and get some sleep… Even if it’s only for a short time. Hopefully fresh eyes will be able to help.”
“Dad, I’m not stopping!” John snapped, turning back towards the computer.
“John Glenn Tracy, I’m not asking you again.” Jeff demanded. “Now stop what you are doing and get some sleep, that goes for you too Brains!”
Brains stopped what he was doing and nodded. “I’ll head to my own room. I’ll let you and the boys have some time together.”
“Thanks Brains.” When Brains had made his way quietly out of the room, Jeff guided John out of his chair. “Now son, are you going to join us all and get some sleep?”
John shrugged his shoulders and looked down at the floor. “Suppose so.”
Jeff shook his head, steered John to the sofa and made him sit down on the floor next to a sleeping Scott. “Now come on you… Sleep!” Jeff said sternly as he placed a warm blanket over John and handed him a pillow. John made a huffing noise, made himself comfortable, shut his eyes and fell asleep within seconds. Jeff smiled as he took in the sight of his four sons sleeping soundly. Turning to his desk he picked up one of the many photos he had of Virgil and made his way over to the sofa. He sat down on the settee next to Alan and Gordon and pulled the remaining blanket over himself. Clutching the photo tightly in his hands, Jeff looked at it intently. “Night son,” he whispered, feeling the tears slide down his face. “Don’t worry, you’ll be home soon!” Jeff clutched the photo to his chest and drifted off to sleep.
Gone
If you’d like to receive fic updates please let me know. Alternatively, this fic (complete) and others is available on Ao3 & FFNet - CreativeGirl29
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@burningcowboyhoagietaco@misstb2
Previous:c9 Morning Coffee
Chapter 10: The Message
- Previously:
“Ah, Jeff. I was just about to call you.” Brains stuttered as Jeff and his boys entered the room. “We’ve had a call from the fire marshal… Apparently, they have received an anonymous video link, which was locked, they can only seem to open the first image which showed a message.”
“What does the message say?” Jeff inquired.
Brains continued. “It says: For International Rescue!”
… …
Jeff Tracy stood quietly for a moment taking the announcement of the video with its message in. “Have you asked the fire marshal to send the link to us?”
“Not yet, I wanted to see what course of action you and the boys wanted to take first.” Brains replied.
Jeff Tracy looked over at his four boys, who had all grown pale over the news of the video link being sent. Not wanting to put his boys through any more unnecessary pain he decided instantly what his cause of action would be. “It’s obviously some kind of threat from whoever caused that fire, set those bombs and kill… and killed Virgil.” Glancing over at his sons once more Jeff Tracy paused, composed himself, and then continued. “Contact the fire marshal, tell them to delete the link.”
“Dad. No!” Alan contested. “We have to see it!”
“I know you’re trying to protect us from any more pain dad, but Al is right. We have to accept the link.” John added.
“Do you two agree with this?” Jeff asked looking at both Gordon and Scott.
“Yes, I do,” Gordon answered. “If we can unlock the message, find out who’s sent it, and then find out why they have done this… Well, then it may help us to prepare for any future attacks.”
Jeff nodded and then looked at Scott. “What do you think son?”
Scott stood silently for a while, his head lowered, while he flexed his hands open and shut from a fist formation, eventually he looked up at them and spoke. “We need to watch the link and see who’s done this, then maybe we can stop them, and bring them to justice!”
Jeff sighed and looked at Brains. “Okay, Brains tell them to send us the link and start working on unlocking it.”
“Yes, Mr Tracy… It really shouldn’t take me too long.” Brains responded, hurrying out of the room.
Jeff, Gordon and Alan sat down on the sofa while John pulled Scott to one side. “Justice?” John asked, raising an eyebrow at Scott. “What kind of justice?”
Scott looked down at his hands flexing open and shut once more. “No comment!”
John shook his head knowing exactly how angry Scott could get when someone threatened or hurt any of their brothers.
“What?” Scott snapped.
John took Scott’s hands in his, gripped them tightly and looked in his older brother’s eyes. “Scott, whatever justice you’re handing out. Then… Then I’m right there with you!”
Scott raised an eyebrow at Johns response, then let out a slight grin and pulled his younger brother into a warm hug. Eventually letting him go, Scott and John both dropped onto the couch next to the others, and sat in silence waiting for Brains to return.
Around 30 minutes later Brains scurried back into the room. “Right, I’ve unlocked it, there are no hacking threats and it’s ready to go. I have set up the link to feed onto the film screen in here.” Brains finished setting everything up, then he sat down on a chair and pressed a button on a keypad he held in his hands. The screen switched on revealing the first message ‘For International Rescue.’ “Right, it’s ready to go.”
“Go ahead Brains. Play it.” Jeff replied. The message disappeared from the screen to be replaced by the image of a building. “Where’s that?” Jeff queried.
“I know,” Scott informed them, the colour from his face draining away into a pale white. “It’s the building at the metals foundry… The one that Virgil was in.”
They all stared back at the screen as it remained unchanged, then after a few seconds the image of a man, one they all knew and desperately missed, walked up to the front entrance.
“Oh God. Virg.” Gordon whimpered as they watched their brother enter the building.
The image remained focused on the front of the building, they all sat there, knowing what was about to happen and yet unable to take their eyes away from the screen. After a few minutes, an explosion ripped through the building tearing it to shreds.
Tears began running down all four of the Tracy boys faces. Jeff Tracy, with tears of his own glanced over his boys with concern. “Brains, stop the feed… Now!”
“Wait.” Alan stammered, pointing out the image which was now changing and revealing a man sitting on a chair, his face covered, as he looked straight into the camera lens, and laughed bitterly. “It’s… It’s the Hood!”
“Missing someone Mr Tracy?” The Hood said with a deep laugh. “Shall we see what became of your precious child?”
The image changed again to reveal the inside of the building. They could see some of the small bombs placed around the room.
“That… That was the room on the upper floor” Scott stammered.
Jeff, Alan, Gordon, John and Scott all stared at the screen in disbelief as the image of Virgil walking into the bomb filled room appeared on the screen. They saw him notice the bombs and turn to leave. They saw him fall to his knees in pain, obviously being seized by the Hoods mind powers. They then saw Virgil try and use his watch only to be seized by an invisible force again, they then watched in horror as his watch was torn from his wrist and thrown out of the room, and the locker was thrown in front of the doorway, blocking his escape. They then saw the obvious fear radiate across Virgil’s face as the image once again changed back to the Hood.
“Oh, Virgil,” Jeff sobbed.
The Hood let out a piercing laugh and continued. “Now, you are probably thinking… How could he get away with this? How could he kill my boy? Yes, you believe he is dead… How could he not be dead? Well, that was my intention, but as always plans do get changed. Especially when someone like your son gets in the way and his instincts kick in. Let’s see what happened to your son, shall we?”
Jeff, Scott, John, Gordon and Alan once again stared at the screen in disbelief as the image of Virgil reappeared. They saw him staring at the locker which blocked his escape route, with the obvious panic showing on his face as he looked desperately around the room trying to figure a way out. Then they saw Virgil dash to the window, glance outside, pull of his sash, cover his hand, and then break the window. They then saw him look out, step back, run and jump.
“What the?” Scott cried jumping to his feet as the image changed to the back of the building showing Virgil gambolling forward as he landed on the floor.
Gordon, Alan, John and Jeff were also now on their feet, mouths wide open in shock at the sight of Virgil pulling himself to his feet and running for his life.
“He’s… He’s alive!” Alan stammered.
The image disappeared and was replaced by the Hood once more. “That other son of yours really should have had more faith in his brother. If he had looked away from the blast site for just 30 seconds he would have seen his brother being taken by me. Maybe then you could have saved him.”
Scott dropped to the floor his head buried in his hands as he began to cry bitter tears. John dropped down next to Scott and pulled him into his arms, rubbing Scott’s back, and whispering soothing words to him.
Meanwhile, the Hood continued. “If you want to see your son again then you will do exactly what I say… In the next few hours I will be sending a live link… I will transmit the signal for just 10 minutes… If you do not pick up the signal, then this time your precious son will die!”
The screen went black and silence descended upon them all.
Gone
- Previous:Chapter 8 - Nightmare
If you’d like to be tagged in story updates please let me know. Alternatively this fic can be read in full on Ao3 or FFNet: CreativeGirl29
@janetm74@drileyf@katblu42@ak47stylegirl@psychoseal@dragonoffantasyandreality@weirdburketeer@alexthefly@burningcowboyhoagietaco@misstb2
Chapter 9: Morning Coffee
Alan lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling, observing the different patterns that he could make out. Insomnia was new to him, he had never had a problem sleeping before. In fact, unless the alarm sounded to signal an emergency he would usually sleep through anything. Alan let out a deep sigh and glanced over at his clock. 6am, and altogether he had probably managed around 3 hours of broken sleep. ‘Maybe I should just give up and get up?’ He thought to himself. Agreeing with his decision, Alan pulled himself out of bed and made his way to his bathroom. After showering and dressing, he once again looked at the clock to see that only half an hour had passed, suppressing a yawn Alan made his way out of his room and headed towards the kitchen. “Grandma,” Alan exclaimed with surprise as he opened the door to the kitchen. “You’re awake early, are you feeling okay?
“Oh, morning sweetie,” Ruth replied, lifting her head from her hands. “I’m okay, I couldn’t sleep so I thought I would make an early start.”
Alan looked at her sitting in her usual chair and noticed how tired and frail she had suddenly become over the past few days. Making his way to the teakettle, Alan glanced over at his grandma again. “Grandma, would you like me to make you a cup of tea?”
“Yes please,” she answered looking up at her youngest grandson.
Just then the kitchen door swung open and Gordon entered.
“Morning Gordon, do you want a coffee?” Alan offered.
“Not if you’re making it bro!”
Alan playfully smacked Gordon on the arm and finished making his grandma her tea. He then took his own coffee and sat down while Gordon finished making his own drink.
Gordon sat down next to Alan and observed his grandma. “Grandma, are you feeling okay?”
“I’ll be okay, just a little tired,” She said with a forced smile.
Alan nudged Gordon and signalled his intentions to him. “Hey grandma, me and Gordon are never too old for a hug!”
Ruth lifted her head up from her hands once more and looked at them both with a genuine smile. “Oh, that would be wonderful!”
Alan and Gordon moved their chairs next to their grandma and wrapped her into a warm embrace.
A few moments later Jeff Tracy walked into the kitchen, stopped and smiled at the sight of his two youngest sons holding his mother, making his way towards the kettle, he ruffled Alan and Gordon’s hair and planted a kiss on his mother’s head.
Ruth Tracy looked up at her son with concern, and squeezed his arm reassuringly. “How are you feeling this morning Jeff? You don’t look like you’ve slept much.”
Jeff began to make himself a coffee. “I managed a few hours. I’ll be okay mom, I promise!” Glancing at the kitchen door as it swung open, Jeff watched John enter with concern. Noting that he still looked like he was half-asleep, as he slumped into a chair and dropped his head onto the table. “Here you go John, take this one.” Jeff passed John the coffee he had just made. “You look like you need this more than I do.”
“Thanks dad,” John yawned, holding the coffee cup tightly in his hands.
Jeff finished making another drink for himself and sat in the chair next to John, while Alan and Gordon pulled themselves out of their grandma’s arms and sat back up, observing their brothers dishevelled form with concern.
“Hey John.” Gordon said tenderly. “How are you today?”
John offered a half smile towards Gordon. “I’ll be okay bro.”
“Morning,” Scott said to them all as he also made his way into the kitchen.
“Did you finally manage to get anymore sleep son?” Jeff enquired observing Scott.
“A little,” Scott responded, making himself a drink. Noticing John, Scott ruffled his hair and sat down in an empty chair. “How are you?” Scott mouthed towards him.
“Mm… I’ll be fine.” John answered without glancing up from the coffee he was now cradling in his hands.
“Where’s everyone else?” Scott asked.
“I gave Kyrano the morning off, I believe he’s gone with Tin-Tin, Penelope and Parker for an early morning walk. Brains kindly offered to finish up some Tracy Industries work for me, so I could spend some time with all of you boys.”
“We’re not all here though are we!” John snapped, without looking at any of them. “There’s an obvious empty chair in this room, which should be filled but it isn’t!”
“Right, who’s having breakfast.” Ruth asked, breaking the silence. “How about pancakes for everyone?”
“I’m not hungry grandma.” John stated, standing up to make himself another coffee.
“Anyone else?”
“No thank you grandma.” The rest of the boys replied.
“How about you Jeff… Any breakfast?”
“No thanks mom. I’ll have something later.”
John stood gripping his coffee tightly and stared at the only empty chair in the room. He sipped his drink and grimaced. “Sugar?”
Ruth smiled at him. “Second shelf, just behind you sweetheart.”
John turned and reached up to get the sugar but managed to knock it off the shelf. “Oh God!” Grabbing a cloth, John went to wipe it up without watching what he was doing and sent the remaining coffee cup that was next to the kettle flying onto the floor, smashing it to pieces. “Oh, no, no, no, no!”
Ruth looked at him with concern. “Sweetheart, It’s just a mug!”
John fell onto the floor picking the broken pieces of the green mug up in his hands. “But it isn’t just a mug grandma. It was Virgil’s and now its broken and it can’t be fixed… And… And…” John broke down into tears.
Jeff bent down and pulled John up into his arms and held him tightly while Scott, with obvious tears in his eyes, cleaned up the broken pieces and dropped them into the bin.
“Come on boys, why don’t we all head to the lounge and spend some time together. Maybe a film day, like we used to have when you were kids?” Jeff suggested as he still held John tightly in his arms.
The boys all agreed and headed towards the lounge with their father while their grandma headed back to her room for a lie down.
“Ah, Jeff. I was just about to call you.” Brains stuttered as Jeff and his boys entered the room. “We’ve had a call from the fire marshal… Apparently, they have received an anonymous video link, which was locked, they can only seem to open the first image which showed a message.”
“What does the message say?” Jeff inquired.
Brains continued. “It says: For International Rescue!”
Gone
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Previous: Chapter 7 - RestlessAlternatively you can read the entire fic on Ao3 or FFNet
Chapter 8: Nightmare
Virgil knew he was dreaming, but the nightmare world the Hood had promised him still seemed so real. He and his family hadn’t been here in 15 years, not since that day that had taken their mother from them, and now here he was, experiencing that day again.
The dream began with Virgil standing on the slopes, he was watching the families, who were all oblivious to him, skiing joyfully, without a care in the world. As he continued to glance around Virgil caught sight of three boys, helping their mom and dad teach their two youngest brothers how to ski. Although, the younger two both seemed more satisfied with throwing snow at each other than the actual skiing. The family all looked so content, unaware that tragedy was about to strike.
Virgil looked up at the top of the mountain, he could see someone standing up there, with their eyes transfixed on the young boys playing happily with their parents. Virgil realised immediately who the man was and what was about to happen. He turned towards the family, his family, and yelled at them to run but they couldn’t hear him, no one did. He was merely a spectator, unable to help, unable to stop the tragic events from occurring.
As the avalanche began, Virgil watched in horror as he saw his mother and father look up and see the snow beginning to fall. He saw his dad dart for the youngest two, swooping them into his arms and running for safety. He saw Scott and John heading in the same direction. Then he saw something he had forgotten in the trauma, something he had wiped from his memory, now that memory was being forced back to the surface and he was being made to relive it once more.
He saw his younger self running next to his older brothers, but then he slipped and fell forwards, he then saw his mother and Scott stop, turn and yell his name. He heard his mother tell Scott to keep running, while she ran back towards him and pulled him up into her arms. She started to run once more but it was too late. Virgil saw the look of fear and shock in his dad and his brother’s eyes as the snow hit his mother and his younger self, and the others who had been unfortunate to be caught in the avalanche’s grasp.
Virgil began to feel the fear of his mother, he could feel the snow and the freezing cold ice cutting through her body like a knife. He could feel her body shudder with the coldness as she tried desperately to protect her child’s life.
Virgil felt the tears coming to his eyes as he saw people digging for any survivors. Then he heard a woman shout for help saying that she had found someone. He saw other people rush over and pull his younger self from the snow, he saw someone wrap a blanket around him and then pass him carefully to a waiting medic. He saw his dad and his brothers run over to him in relief that all he had sustained was a concussion and some possible side effects from the cold.
He then saw them turn to their mother, who had been placed on a stretcher, she was being attended to by another medic. Virgil then saw his father rush to his wife’s side and grasp her hand, begging her to keep fighting, begging her to live, and then finally he saw his mother look up into his dad’s eyes before taking her final breath, as she left their world forever.
Virgil backed away from the scene that was unfolding, unable to take the pain anymore. As he moved away everything began spinning around him. He then found himself once again standing on the slopes, the families all around him skiing happily without a care in the world.
“No, no, no, no!” Virgil cried. “Not again!”
He looked up and he could see the Hood looking towards him laughing. Virgil dropped down onto his knees and buried his head in his hands.
“Oh God… Please stop!” The tears were now falling freely down Virgil’s face, as the Hood continued his menacing laugh.
“Scott! Please. Please Scott! Help me!”
“Scott!” Virgil screamed out, suddenly coming to.
Virgil felt the tears flowing down his face. He could feel the sweat from the nightmare on his body and the beating of his heart in his chest. He breathed in and out, desperately trying to calm himself down but to no avail. Noticing that he was once again alone in the room and no longer hooked up to the IV. Virgil, anxious to free himself, struggled against the ropes that still held him tightly to the table but every time he did, just like before, the ropes tightened and dug into his skin. Abandoning his struggle, Virgil looked at the table which had been set up next to him, he could see that the table was now ready for his torture to begin. He glanced straight ahead and saw that a camera had been set up ready to capture his torment. After a short while, Virgil heard some men talking to the Hood as they entered the room. Virgil closed his eyes and listened.
“So, what’s next boss?” He heard one of the men say.
“Now the tape is ready I want you to make sure that the fire marshal at the metals foundry receives it. When they discover that it is a locked message for International Rescue, they will no doubt contact them and then when they have seen it, they will contact us.” Virgil heard the Hood reply.
“Why not contact them directly?” Virgil heard another man ask.
“Because you imbecile, as I mentioned earlier my plan is working much better than I expected. International Rescue have already made an announcement saying they are out of action for the unforeseeable future, it seems that the suspected death of his son over there has hit Jeff Tracy harder than I expected.” The Hood continued, “now, I want you to get that boy ready for when they do contact us and make sure that tape is sent.”
“Yes sir,” the men replied.
Virgil heard the Hood leave the room. He then heard the men starting to walk towards him. Virgil’s eyes shot open as he felt one of the men gagging him. He looked around and saw six men surrounding the table he was on. Four of them held him down while the two other men untied the ropes. Virgil, fought to free himself, but it was hopeless, and the men just tightened their grips. Once he was untied, the men lifted him up, forced his arms up into the air and tied his wrists together, then they bound his wrists to a long restraint that hung from the ceiling. They then forced him painfully onto his knees and chained his ankles to some floor restraints. Laughing at his predicament as they did so. Then finally, to Virgil’s horror one of the men picked up a small knife that had been placed on the torture table and walked up to Virgil’s chest. Virgil gulped trying to keep his obvious fear at bay. The man let out a mocking laugh and grabbed Virgil’s International Rescue top and cut it off him. The man then placed the knife back on the table and signalled to the other men to follow him. They turned from Virgil and left the room, taking his shredded top with them and locking the door behind them.
When the men had finally left, Virgil tried to free himself once more, but found there was no escape. Glancing ahead at the camera and then at the torture table, Virgil felt his body shudder at the now cold room. He felt exhausted, dirty and frightened for his life. Most of all, he felt utter rage, rage at what the Hood had done to his mother, and to his family. At the loss and pain, he knew that his dad and brothers were feeling. At the shock, anger and fear they would all have when the Hood revealed that he was still alive. Then their terror as the Hood tortured him and finally killed him in front of them. He didn’t want his brothers, his dad, his gran, hell, any of them experiencing that.
‘Oh God!’ Virgil thought to himself as he once more felt the tears begin to cascade down his face. ‘Please let this nightmare end!’
Gone
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Previous:Chapter 6
Chapter 7: Restless
Scott stood in a dense forest, he could see a grey mist beginning to engulf the woodland around him, swallowing it whole. The thick haze started to wrap itself around him, while tightening its grasp on his body. He couldn’t see, he couldn’t feel, he couldn’t think. Where was he? How did he get here? Where were his brothers? Oh God! His brothers. He needed to find them. Scott began running through the thick fog, shouting their names in desperation. Out of nowhere, a clearing appeared in front of him, one where the smog had yet to gather, Scott could see his three brothers sitting on a grass verge, with their backs facing away from the woods. “Gordon, Alan, John! What’s going on? Where are we?” He called out to them. They didn’t move, so Scott began running towards them, desperate to reach them and make sure they were alright.
“Scott!”
Scott ground himself to a sudden halt.
“Scott!”
A voice, one he recognised, one he had longed to hear was screaming his name.
“Scott!”
Scott turned to face the forest once more.
“Scott! Please.”
“Virg?”
“Scott! Please help me!”
The desperation and fear in his brother’s voice made Scott feel physically sick.
“Virgil, where are you? I can’t see you.”
“Scott! Please. Please help me!”
“Virgil, stay where you are. I’m coming to get you.” Scott shouted, hoping his brother could hear him.
Scott started to run in the direction he had come from, only to be stopped by an invisible wall that now surrounded the forest.
“Scott! Please. Please Scott! Help me!”
Scott started banging his fists against the invisible wall in front of him, screaming his brother’s name as he did so.
“Virgil,” Scott cried out as he woke from the nightmare which had gripped him. Scott sat up in his bed and pushed his hands through his hair, trying desperately to calm his beating heart, and slow down his heavy breathing. Once he began to feel calm, he pulled himself out of his bed and made his way quietly out of his room. There was no way he was going back to sleep after that nightmare, even if it was only three am. The woods, the fog, the distress and terror he had heard in his lost brother’s voice, it had all been too much, and the dream had seemed so real. Scott made his way into the kitchen intent on getting a coffee to help keep him from anymore nightmares. After making his drink, Scott quietly slipped into the lounge and was surprised to find his father already sitting on the sofa with a coffee of his own. “Dad, what are you doing up?” Scott asked.
“I could ask you the same thing young man?” Jeff responded looking at his, obviously sleepy, eldest son.
Scott looked down at his coffee and decided to answer honestly. “Nightmares.”.
Jeff tapped the empty seat next to him. “Come on son. Sit down and talk to me.”
Scott sighed and went and sat down next to his father. “There’s not much to say, it was just a nightmare, a horrifying one, and one that felt so real.”
“Virgil?” Jeff queried sadly
“Yes,”
“What happened?”
Scott shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, it felt real, but thankfully it wasn’t. Although, when I woke I was wishing that this was all a dream.”
“Me too Scott.” Jeff replied, bowing his head but placing a reassuring arm around him.
“So, why are you awake?” Scott questioned looking in his father’s eyes.
Jeff swirled the coffee around in his cup. “I had some decisions to make and things to sort out. I had been thinking about what you and the boys were saying about continuing with International Rescue… Now, don’t worry, I agree with you, and we will continue. However, I’ve made the decision that we all need to have a break for a while, we need to be together as a family and we all need… We all need time to grieve. So, I’ve released an announcement to the authorities and press, that International Rescue will not be operating until further notice.”
Scott nodded his head. “How long do you think it will be dad?”
“I’m not sure Scott, as much time as you and the rest of the boys feel you may need.” Jeff let out a sigh and continued. “I need to stop too. I remember what I was like when your mother passed away, throwing myself into work, not being there when you all needed me. I’m not putting you boys through that again.”
Scott took his father’s hand and gripped it tightly. “So, what’s our next step?”
Jeff glanced sadly into his son’s eyes. “We, need to let anyone who knew Virgil know that he has…” Jeff breathed in deeply and then carried on. “That he’s passed away. There will be some official documents I have to sign as well, and then we can arrange a funeral.”
“How are we going to do that dad. Without implicating International Rescue and without his… Without his…” Scott paused unable to get the words out.
“I know son, I know.” Jeff said reassuringly as he squeezed Scott’s hand. “We’ll figure something out.” A moment of silence crept over them as they mused over their own individual thoughts. “Scott, I… I need to know, the last time you spoke to Virgil, did he… Did he sound happy?”
Scott looked down at his now cold cup of coffee. “He sounded like typical Virgil.”
Jeff nodded with a slight smile. “And what was…” Jeff was unsure whether to carry on.
“What was what dad?” Scott asked.
“What was the last thing he said to you?”
Scott half smiled and let out a slight laugh. “He told me I should stop looking so worried.”
Jeff smiled and laughed softly to himself. He then paused a moment before continuing to talk. “I hope… I hope he didn’t feel anything, I really hope he didn’t see those bombs… Before they exploded. I hope… Well, I really hope that his last moments were happy.”
“Me too dad.” Scott glanced up at the clock. “Its four am. You should get some sleep, and don’t take any of those sleeping tablets. You rely on them too much.”
“Hey, when did we swap roles?” Jeff replied mockingly. “I’ll sleep, if you promise that you will try and get some sleep too.”
“Yes, okay dad.” Scott replied reluctantly.
They both stood, Jeff placed his arm around his eldest child as they both made their way to bed.
Gone
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Chapter 6: Revelations
- Previously:
The Hood leaned in closer to him. “Have you ever wondered Mr Tracy, why it is I hate International Rescue and your father so much?”
…
Virgil glared at the Hood. “Let me see, you hate anyone who helps others. Oh, and you crave power, fame and fortune. Basically, you are a sociopath, who will stop at nothing to get his own way. Personally, I think you are a complete and utter asshole!”
The Hood sneered to himself and continued. “You were partially correct. Power, fame and fortune. Yes, yes, I do crave these. When I first heard about International Rescue, I needed to know more, and I needed to see everything in action, which is why I caused the first rescue on the Fire Flash, and some others since then… By doing this, I have been learning more about International Rescue. With your money, equipment, and the riches I am yet to discover at your base, my powers, well, they would become unlimited. I would have total control over anything or anyone, and nothing would be able to stop me.”
The Hood continued. “However, my hate for your father goes back much further than this, around 30 years ago, to be precise. No one has seen my true face since that time, I have used many disguises, and since then everyone has referred to me as the Hood. My real name is Balah Gaat. My powers came from the traditions and beliefs that my home have always instilled into each generation. I was the strongest within my family, the powers I developed came naturally to me. My half-brother, you know him as Kyrano, he was weak, because he only practised what he was told, never experimented, but I, I embraced my powers, and all that they could be and because of that I became stronger. I first met your father, when he was a younger man, he was in the army, and he was delivering humanitarian relief to my village after an earthquake had hit nearby. From the very first time I met him I knew I hated him, his generosity was sickening. He and my half-brother Kyrano seemed to get along particularly well, which made me dislike him even more. As was the custom with my village, I had been married at 16 and had a child, a boy, a short time after, he was now only 4 years old, and he had already begun to develop his powers. One day, I had been away in seclusion, studying my craft, when a second earthquake had hit, devastating my home. I had returned to the village to check on my family’s safety. When I reached the clearing, I could see that your father had been drafted in to help with the rescue relief. I saw your father pulling adults and children out of the rubble. I saw him save many lives, including my pitiful younger brother, but when it came to my wife and my boy, no, he had not been quick enough, he had pulled them out and they had already been killed. They had not survived because your father chose to save the others first. People who had not deserved to live, people who were weak, when my son could have become so powerful, just like me! I swore revenge on your father, I stowed away, I honed my skills, I became stronger in my craft, I bid my time, until I was ready to seek my vengeance.”
The Hood paused and then leaned in closer to Virgil. “I think it would be best if you see my retribution for yourself. Now, this will hurt.” The Hood’s eyes began to glow as he placed his hand on Virgil’s head. Virgil felt an intense heat coming from the Hood’s hands, causing a burning pain to shoot into his head, which made him scream in pain. The Hood let out a mocking laugh. “You will now see, hear and feel everything I am about to tell you.” The Hood continued. “I took it upon myself to research Jeff Tracy. I was sickened to find that he had become successful in his new career as an astronaut and then later as a business man, he had married and had become a father to five boys, how is that fair when I had lost mine? I wanted your father to suffer, I wanted him to experience unimaginable pain. And then, like a bolt of lightning an idea came to me, my imagination was sparked and the time for my retribution had come!”
The Hood paused, his eyes changed from yellow to a piercing gold, which caused Virgil to let out another intense scream. “Cast your mind back, it was about 15 years ago, by looking at you, I would say you were 7 or maybe younger. You, your brothers, your father and mother were taking a vacation at a ski resort. You and your family were enjoying the break and having so much fun, when a disaster occurred. You see Mr Tracy, with my powers, natural disasters, like avalanches are very easy for me to cause.”
The Hood let out a chilling laugh and continued. “Do you see it? Can you see your mother being hit by the avalanche? Can you feel the ice? Can you feel the cold air? Can you see your mother being pulled from the snow? Do you see her? You can’t help her, she’s cold and she’s been hurt and by the time the rescue services have pulled her free, well, it is too late. There is nothing you, your brothers, or your father can do. Your precious mother, well, she’s gone! She is dead! These images you are now seeing in your mind will plague you, whenever you fall asleep, until the sweet relief of death comes to you, which luckily for you maybe sooner rather than later.” The Hood released his hand from Virgil’s head and freed him from the images he was seeing. Virgil began to shake, as he tried to supress his tears. “Ah, a little upset?” The Hood scoffed as he leaned in closer to Virgil.
“Go to hell!” Virgil spat into the Hoods face.
The Hood let out another distressing laugh, wiped the spit from his eyes and continued with his story. “After I had killed your mother, I believed I had won. Your father’s loss was so devastating to him, and his young boys. It must have been so sad to lose a parent at such a young age. Then I learnt about your fathers continued achievement within the business world and the money he had made. This infuriated me. Everything he wants, he gets! I knew Kyrano, had begun to work for him, they had become closer over the years, so I delved into Kyrano’s mind to find out what your father’s next business adventure would be. Imagine how I felt when I discovered the details for International Rescue. Yes, I was intrigued and wanted to see what he had created, but a rescue service! If no one saved my family then why should others experience being saved, when my own family were left to die! I was also disgusted that instead of embracing the hate, and the resentment that I wanted your father to feel, he had instead begun to help others in need, saving them from disasters, saving their families and friends from pain. So, now I’ve decided to take my next step in destroying him, and what better way than by torturing and killing his own flesh and blood. Yes, Mr Tracy, tomorrow my retribution will finally come to fruition, but for now, I think we will let you sleep, and let you enjoy the nightmares that I have planted in your mind.” The Hood nodded at one of his men, who then pulled a syringe from a small box. “Sweet dreams Mr Tracy.”
The needle was plunged into Virgil’s arm and although he tried to fight it, the darkness came, and the nightmares began.
Gone
Chapter 5: Awake
Throughout the past few days Virgil had felt himself drifting out of his unconscious state, many times, too many to mention, only to be plunged back into it by a sharp needle being stabbed into his arm, which delivered a warm sedative into his system. Each time he had woken, even for those briefest of moments, he had felt the tightness and the burning from the ropes holding him down, he could feel the coldness from the table that he was lying on and although he couldn’t see anything or take stock of his surroundings, due to the blindfold wrapped tightly over his eyes, he knew that the Hood was always close by.
Virgil felt himself drifting out of his forced sleep once more. However, this time he found the light from the room warming his eyes and face. He blinked his eyes and was relieved to find that the blindfold had finally been removed. Looking around, Virgil could instantly see that he was now on his own in a large room and there was no natural light coming from anywhere. The only light that he could see was from the one spotlight that was above him and was focussed on where he lay. Seeing if he could free himself, Virgil tried to pull against the ropes but felt them tighten every time he struggled. Virgil breathed in and out, as he desperately tried to focus himself, so he could form some sort of escape plan.
‘Okay,’ he thought to himself; ‘I need to get out of here. So first, injuries, how bad are they?’ Virgil looked towards his chest. ‘Right, I can feel obvious bruising to my ribs and abdomen. Maybe cracked a few ribs? But hopefully not.’ Virgil looked at his arms ‘Ligature Marks to my wrists and arms from the ropes, most likely to my legs as well. Also, a twisted wrist, doesn’t feel broken… That’s good!’ Virgil sighed to himself, ‘pain in legs… No fracture… Hopefully…’ He breathed in and out once more and then continued. ‘The pain from my legs is shooting into my back, which hurts like hell, and that could mean severe bruising to my back, plus ligament damage in my legs or nerve damage in my legs and in my back or, or …’ Virgil breathed in deeply. ‘Calm down, breathe in, breathe out. Keep calm. Just keep calm.’ He kept saying to himself over and over. ‘You can feel your legs, it’s just bruising, nothing too serious.’ Virgil breathed out, finally feeling himself calm down.
‘Okay, what else? Lips feel dry but I don’t feel dehydrated, which is weird because god knows how long I’ve been here, I know it’s defiantly been a while because I am defiantly hungry. Man, I would love a home cooked meal right about now, followed by some of grandma’s apple pie’ Virgil suddenly felt his stomach growl. ‘Damn it, Virgil. Stop thinking about food.’ Once he felt his stomach stop rumbling, Virgil continued to try and figure a way out of his current predicament. ‘Right, now think. I’m obviously not going to get very far with these injuries, so I need to work out some way to contact my family and let them know I’m alive… Think… Think Virgil think… Wait, my edible transmitter! Which is inside my chain, which I still have on… But I can’t reach because I’m tied down.’ Virgil could feel himself becoming frustrated and tried to calm himself once more.
At that moment, Virgil heard a key turning and a door screech as it was opened. He could hear two men entering the room, as they came closer, he could see that they had their backs to him, and they had not noticed that he was awake. They had brought in a large table and had placed it next to him. They then left the room, returning after a short time with various items, clearly meant for torture, which they then proceeded to lay out on the table. Virgil let out a dry laugh. “Trying to taunt me?”
The two men turned towards him in surprise. The one man shouted at him in a language that was unknown to Virgil, while the other man stormed out of the room, and quickly re-entered with something in his hands. Followed closely behind him was the Hood! “So, you’re awake Mr Tracy. Ahead of schedule, you caught my men here unawares. “
“Oops. Sorry if I’m messing up your plans.” Virgil replied sarcastically.
“Never mind Mr Tracy, we can always be adaptable.” The Hood nodded towards the man who had come back in the room with him. The man then turned towards Virgil and stuck a needle into his arm. Virgil felt himself flinch and gasp with the sudden shock. “Now Mr Tracy, my men here are giving you another saline IV, it’s for your own good Mr Tracy, you see we really don’t want you dying from dehydration now do we?”
“What, so now you want me to live? Geez, make up your mind.” Virgil answered back.
“As I told you earlier Mr Tracy, I have big plans for you. I really don’t want you dying before your appointment tomorrow with some of my wonderful torture devices here. Like this Mr Tracy.” The Hood picked up one of the items from the table and held it softly in his hands. “Do you know what this is?” The Hood looked towards Virgil and continued mockingly. “This is a Cat O’ Nine Tails. It has nine knotted thongs which are made with just simple cotton cord, but the damage this can do to a man’s skin is simply amazing.” The Hood glared at Virgil. “Yes, I believe I will enjoy using this on you Mr Tracy, I will enjoy hearing your screams and your pitiful cries, begging for me to stop.”
Virgil looked at the Hood and rolled his eyes. “You know, I really think you need a hobby.”
“Excuse me?” The Hood asked, unsure if he had heard correctly.
“A hobby,” Virgil continued, “it’s quite sad really! All you ever seem to do with your life is hunt down International Rescue, I mean it can’t be good for your health focussing on just one thing all the time. You really should try becoming more social, get out more, try and make some friends. You should try a new activity, like, like running.” Virgil paused and looked the Hood up and down. “Actually, let’s scrap running! From the looks of you I don’t think you would manage any decent sort of distance and it would definitely be a bit too physical for you.” Virgil pondered to himself. “Oh, wait, I’ve got it.” Virgil continued with a dry laugh. What about a nice indoor board game like scrabble or checkers?”
The Hood stared at Virgil, unsure on how to answer the unexpected mocking he had just received. After a few moments of silence, the Hood stepped closer towards Virgil and looked at him with contempt. “So, Mr Tracy, you think you are funny! Well don’t worry, once we are finished with you, you certainly won’t be laughing, or making anymore sarcastic comments.” The Hood, paused and then sneered towards Virgil. “In fact, I believe I know something that will stop that humour instantly.” The Hood leaned in closer to him. “Have you ever wondered Mr Tracy, why it is I hate International Rescue and your father so much?”
Gone
Chapter 4: Family Bonds
Scott sat leaning against the piano and gazed up at the clock. Seconds had seemed like minutes, minutes had seemed like hours, the hours had seemed like days, and the days had seemed like years. Only 78 hours had passed since everything had stopped, only 78 hours since his world had come crashing down around him. Scott stood up, moved to the window and gazed out at the view. He frowned to himself, and wondered how the sun could keep shining and the birds could keep chirping when everything felt so black and dismal within him.
He sighed to himself and glanced around the room. Alan and John were sitting together on the settee, each of them quietly in their own thoughts. He continued his gaze and noticed his dad in his usual chair. He was holding a small photograph in his hands, he was staring at it intensely, no doubt a picture of Virgil from when he was a child with his mother. Lady Penelope, Tin-Tin and his grandma were sitting at the table, while Parker and Kyrano served them all tea. Scott looked once more around the room, searching for his other younger brother but when he couldn’t see Gordon he decided to slip out quietly and see where he was.
Scott walked along the corridor and noticed the door to Virgil’s room slightly opened with a light which was coming from inside. He walked quietly up to the door and peaked into the room. Gordon was sitting on the bed and was flicking slowly through a sketch book of Virgil’s. Scott listened outside, undecided on whether he should enter or leave his brother to his own personal thoughts. His choice was instantly made when he heard a loud sob come from the room. “Gords,” Scott said as he slipped into the room, onto the bed and scooped Gordon into a warm brotherly hug. They hugged for several minutes until Gordon composed himself, sat back up and picked up the sketch pad once more. Scott kept a reassuring arm around his little brother as they both looked through the artwork.
“He was so talented,” Gordon finally stated.
“I know,” Scott replied with a half-smile.
They continued to examine the drawings and stopped when they came to one that made them stare in admiration. It was a pencil drawing of all five of them with their dad. “Wow! That’s, that’s amazing!” Gordon gasped.
“Yes, it is amazing… Just like him!” Scott added. They both smiled at each other and continued to look at the picture. After a short silence, Scott decided to finally say what was on his mind. “Thank you, Gordon.”
“What for?” Gordon asked looking puzzled.
“You were there when I couldn’t be. I’m so sorry I let you down.” Scott replied with a tear in his eye.
“Hey, you didn’t let anyone down,” Gordon replied reassuringly. “You’re not invincible Scott, despite what Virgil thought.”
Scott laughed. “Did he really think that?”
“He certainly did when we were kids, I’m sure he thought the sun shone out your ass!” Gordon replied laughing. They both sat there smiling at the memories that had formed in their minds. “Scott, this wasn’t your fault. You were in shock!”
Scott smiled back at Gordon and ruffled his hair. “I’m so proud of you Gordon. The way you stepped up and took control like that. I know the others feel the same way.”
“Thanks Scott. To be honest though, I have no idea how I managed to hold things together like that. I thought I was going to lose it at any moment. If I’d been there, and I had felt the force of the explosion like you did, and then seen that building collapsed like that, then I know I would have completely lost it.”
Scott looked towards his brother, as tears formed in his eyes. “Everything just stopped. My heart was beating so loud that I thought it was going to explode. Then everything seemed to start swirling around me. My heart was saying, ‘he’s alive, he’s alive.’ My head was saying, 'he’s gone, your brothers gone!’ Then my heart and my gut would start screaming at me. 'He’s alive, keep looking, he’s alive’ and everything around me just kept swirling. Then I found his broken watch and his sash, it was just lying there amid all that destruction, and then everything just stopped.”
Gordon pulled Scott into his arms and held him tightly until a short tap came at the door.
“Do you mind if we both join you.” Alan said poking his head around the door.
“Sure, come in.” Scott answered.
Alan came into the room followed by John. Alan slumped onto the bed next to Scott while John sat down by Virgil’s desk. “You know, Virg would kill us if he knew we were in here messing up his room.” John said with a half-smile.
“He was such a clean freak” Gordon added with a slight laugh.
Alan started sniggering. “I remember this one time, I was probably about 5 or 6 and I had gone into his room and I had decided to use his paints. The paint had gone everywhere! You should have seen his reaction when he came in.”
“Oh, wow, I remember that,” Scott added. “I had to bribe him with the promise of some new paints and some new sheet music, just so he wouldn’t throttle you. He was fuming!”
Gordon started chuckling to himself. “Did you guys ever find out what I did on his birthday to him and Thunderbird 2 last year.”
“Oh no! What did you do to his precious bird?” John asked with a laugh.
Gordon continued to laugh. "Well, he was always catching me out on my pranks. So, this time I decided to distract him with a diversion, I deliberately let him catch me with some paint outside of Thunderbird 2. He was so distracted by the thought of me painting his precious bird yellow that he didn’t see the next part of my prank coming. When he went inside to check what I had done, he was instantly covered in pink feathers and greeted by Thunderbird 2 decked out with pink balloons, party streamers and banners saying, 'Got You’, his face was a picture. I was cursing myself after for not setting up a camera.”
They all started laughing at the image of Virgil’s face at being covered in pink feathers and his reaction to the mess in Thunderbird 2. John looked towards Scott. “Hey Scott, do you remember that silver chain he used to wear all the time when he was a kid? We teased him rotten for it.”
“Yeah, I do. I caught him wearing it about four months ago, he confessed he had recently started wearing it again, he would wear it under his uniform when he was out on a mission. Apparently, he kept his edible transmitter inside for safety. He had it hidden behind a picture of mom. He said he had a feeling he would need it one day and called it his 'Good Luck Charm’, made me swear to secrecy.”
They all sat in silence for a while, each one of them recalling their own special moments. A short time later a knock at the door broke the silence. “Hey Boys,” Jeff Tracy said softly as he entered the room and sat down on the end of the bed. “Tin-Tin said you were all in here, what are you up to?”
“Just sharing some memories about Virg.” Scott replied.
Jeff smiled, but the sadness behind his eyes betrayed him.
“Dad, what is it? Alan asked hesitantly.
Jeff let out a heavy sigh. "I’ve heard back from the Fire Marshal, they thought that International Rescue should know the results from the investigation so far. It’s bad boys. The initial fire, as you know Scott, had multiple starting points. It seems they were started by timed ammunition devices.”
“So, it was done deliberately.” Alan replied in shock.
“I’m afraid so Alan, and unfortunately it doesn’t end there. They have told me they don’t suspect any of the management or workers at the metals foundry, they believe that someone may have deliberately done this to lure in International Rescue.”
“What?” John said jumping from his chair.
Jeff looked at them all, not wanting to continue, but knowing they had a right to know the truth. “It seems that the building Virgil was in had contained at least 6 small explosives. They were not timed like the others. They believe they were placed there after the initial fire and were most likely set off remotely once their target was inside.”
Scott jumped off the bed at hearing this news. “Are you telling me that someone deliberately killed our brother?”
Jeff nodded his head sadly. “I’m afraid it looks that way Scott.”
Scott flew into a rage. “So, someone out there deliberately killed our brother. Our sweet, gentle, kind-hearted brother who would risk his life to save complete strangers and would do anything for his friends and family!” Scott slumped onto the floor by his father. “My beautiful brother who would literally not even hurt a fly! And I mean literally! I saw him save a fly! Grandma had been really annoyed by this fly that had got itself caught in the house, she had gone to get some fly spray, so Virgil went over to it, somehow managed to catch it and then let it go outside.” Scott was now sobbing uncontrollably. “How could anyone do this to him. He… He… He didn’t deserve this!”
Jeff pulled Scott into his arms and held him tightly.
“So, what happens now.” Gordon asked, as he tried his hardest to suppress his tears.
Jeff released another heavy sigh. “If there is someone out there who is intent on destroying us then I think it’s time that we called it a day on International Rescue”
“No!” All four boys said at once.
“I’m sorry boys, but I can’t risk losing anymore of you.”
Scott pulled himself out of his father’s arms and looked in his eyes. “Dad, we need to continue, if we stop then whoever has done this has won, besides I know Virgil would have wanted us to go on without him!”
Pulling himself onto the bed, Jeff pulled all four of his sons into a warm embrace. “I know he would. It’s just the thought of losing anymore of you. It makes me feel physically sick.” Jeff let out another heavy sigh. “When I look at each of you, I always see you as a small vulnerable baby wrapped up tightly in my arms… And when I think about what this person has done to my little boy… My baby, it makes me not want to let go of any of you ever again.” His tears now started to flow freely. “Virgil, he… He was so much like your mother! When I heard him play the piano after we lost her it hurt so much. Then there came a day when I suddenly realised that we hadn’t lost her, that I still had a part of her in his talent for art and music. It became so good to hear him play and now, now we’ll never hear his music again!”
All the Tracy boys wrapped themselves deeper into their father’s arms. Each one crying their own bitter tears.
