-1Well here it is, the last chapter. I can't wait to finish the upcoming sequel to this. I hope you'll like it. I have a lot of angst set for the Tracy family and a twist you probably never saw coming. Guess you'll just have to wait and see what's gonna happen.
Ready to see what's gonna happen right now, I'm sure by the title you already know, but hey...
Earning the Honor
Sometimes proving yourself can have rewards...
consequences
and
challenges.
Can the price be too big?
--------------------------------------------------
- Four Days Later-
Alan sat in his wheelchair, staring outside his hospital window. His health had improved gradually over the last couple of days, but his head and back still bothered him greatly. Luckily he only had to deal with his right arm being bandaged and not constricted to a sling. That was the last thing he needed; another restriction. However, thanks to his bruised ribs and sprained back he was not spared the constriction to a wrap that was bound tightly around his mid-section. What he hated the most besides the fact of unknown seizures was his main restriction. Due to how severely sprained his back was he was contained to this confangled contraption with wheels for the next three more days and then strict bed rest would follow. He hated being so cooped up. He longed to be outside where he could enjoy fresh air, not the stale air of a sanitized hospital room, but what he wanted most was to go home. Alan wished for nothing more than to be home in his own room where people didn't constantly ask him "how are you" questions every waking second. In some ways he felt like a fish in a fish bowl, waiting for someone to pluck him out of the water as their prized possession. At least his family cared. For the longest time he had always believed their lives were too busy for him. After all, they were always yelling at him for doing something wrong or telling him to do this or do that. Sometimes he never felt like his vacations from school were ever really a vacation, but hopefully now that was all about to change. They had each discussed things out. Miscommunication was a funny thing, especially when it got out of hand.
"Alan?" a voice called from the door. They received no response from the youngster.
"Alan," the voice said louder, placing their hand on his shoulder. "Everything alright?"
Alan turned from the window to see Scott's worried face. Smiling he looked back out the window. "Sorry, I was just thinking of some better ways I could be spending my spring break than being stuck here."
"I figured this room would begin to be too much for you. That is why Dad has asked me to come get you," Scott said with a smile, "but first of all, I have something for you." Grabbing the small object out of his jeans, he handed the gift to Alan. "I figured you'd like it considering you love these things. I thought it was the least I could do with you being stuck here and us being out there."
Alan smiled. "Thanks Scott, I really like it. You didn't have to do that," he said fondling the weird shaped but unique fossil.
"I know, but I knew you'd like it so there you have it," the oldest Tracy said with a smile. "Now, let's not keep Dad waiting, shall we," he said, wheeling Alan out of his room, being extra careful not to disturb his IV line.
"Where are we going?" Alan asked inquisitively, fixing the blanket that covered his legs.
"You'll see. Dad has a surprise for you," Scott simply replied. "Oh, boy," was the only response he heard Alan say as they entered the elevator.
Reaching the main floor, Scott walked forward toward the main entrance. "We're going outside!" Alan said with a burst of excitement. Scott smiled, continuing to wheel Alan to their destination. Rounding the corner of the side of the hospital they spotted the Tracy Island clan along with Lady Penelope and Parker.
Alan smiled at the sight of everyone. He was so happy to finally be outside and not stuck in his desolate and plain hospital room. So much had happened in that room. He felt trapped and the welcome freedom of the outdoors lifted his spirits a little.
"Hey, Alan!" everyone cheered, surrounding both Scott and Alan.
"How are you feeling today, son?" Jeff asked, kneeling down in front of him.
Alan smirked. His father must have been the millionth person to ask him that within the last week. "The pain isn't actually all that bad today," he said with a small smile.
"That's good," Gordon added.
"So, why is everyone here? I mean, shouldn't someone be back home in case of an emergency?" Alan asked.
Everyone around him laughed. "Don't you worry about that. Everything is taken care of; besides, can't we come visit you without a reason," Scott said behind his brother, messing with Alan's blonde head of hair.
"I suppose," Alan retorted with a smile.
Jeff looked up to his four uninjured sons. Understanding their father's expression, each Tracy left their respectful places near Alan and stood behind their father. No matter how hard each tried, they could not suppress the bright smiles upon their faces. Alan knew they were up to something.
"What's going on?" Alan asked as TinTin and Fermat stood on either side of him.
Reaching into his pocket, Jeff met Alan's eyes. "A few days ago our family was tested. However, thanks to three very special people we made it through. Fermat, TinTin, and Alan," Jeff spoke, nodding at each as he said their name. Taking the object in his hand he placed it in Alan's, closing his hand around the object.
Alan opened his hand, eyes wide in shock. "Dad!" he said shakily, meeting his eyes.
Jeff smiled. "The world needs Thunderbirds and the Thunderbirds need you. You earned it, Alan. All three of you did. Your bravery against the Hood proved to me Alan how serious you really were. However, don't ever scare me like that again."
"Or any of us!" Gordon said from behind their father. All four of his brothers began to gather around him again.
"Way to go, sprout!" Virgil said with a smile, gently patting Alan's shoulder. "Yeah way to go Alan," John said, "That's my brother!"
Alan just stared at the IR symbol in his hands. He couldn't believe this was happening. He had dreamed of the day his father would find him worthy to be a Thunderbird, but now it had happened, he was numb inside. Yet no matter how happy he felt he couldn't suppress a thought of his current health issue. The seizures. What effect would this have now on his life? "So what does this mean?"
Jeff knew what his son meant and smiled. "Well, we need to get you out of here and then we can go from there. Our first priority is to get you well. You've been through a lot this last week; we all have."
The nightmare the Tracy family had been living for the last week had finally ended. Everything was beginning to come back together. Alan was on the mend and a new member of the team. Long ago Jeff Tracy had established International Rescue with an end goal of his five sons running the business, and now that dream was slowly happening. Yet no matter the dream he couldn't help but think about the price. Alan was a prime example. Their life was going to be challenged for the next few months with the fear of Alan's seizures. A normally healthy kid, who had wanted to do nothing more than save his family, but ended up with a consequence. A consequence that may decide how he will live the rest of his life. Was International Rescue worth that much? Was it worth the price of risking his son's lives on a daily basis? No matter the doubt in his mind Jeff did know one thing. Out of everything that had happened with the Hood, his family could survive almost anything as long as they stuck together. Together as a family and together as an organization. Did that measure out against the price?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can the price be too big?
Fin
Well that's all folks until the sequel. I know this chapter was short but it only had one main point and I know it was cheesy but hey...
Now just because this is the last chapter it doesn't mean I don't want reviews so: REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!!!
Anyways, as for the sequel... The name of it will most likely be Revenge and you'll see why..tehe
Summary
Alan has finally returned home but he finds little peace. How could a dead man torture a soul so deeply? Just as everything seems to be getting back to normal a new threat threatens the Thunderbirds, one they are unsure they can handle. Life as Jeff Tracy and his boys know it will be thrown into a tangent as the search for a threat enters a dangerous level, one that could threaten everything, even a life of their own. Strengths will be tested past their breaking points. It will all come down to one showdown against the strongest of mind. Who will win?
So whatcha think? Interesting? Any thoughts please bring them my way... It should be up within the next few months if everything goes right. Like I said before, I have a lot of angst set up for the family and a nice twist.
Thanks so much for your support and I hope it continues in Revenge!
Until next time,
lots of luv and peace,
shadowfox8