Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

BAH! I'm so ecstatic at your response to the last chapter! *blushes* almost 30 reviews alone! Thanks guys! I'm so glad you like it. Review responses will follow very shortly I promise. It's been an interesting week for me. With work and other things (damn exes), plus a tornado outbreak in my neck of the words here in Illinois - things have been crazy. I know this one is a little short but I'll make up for it soon.

So, I would like to point out that if you think I'm mean you should check out Megz McGizzle's stories. Especially her latest, Death of an Innocent. She's actually killed Alan in her stories! CC, Sam1, and myself have only injured him(almost near death) so far.

TISSUE WARNING!


A Moment In Time

Scott and Virgil quickly climbed out of the rescue platform with Alan's strangled gasp replaying over and over in their heads, like a never ending nightmare. The words echoed, forcing them to move faster as they heard it once more.

"I-I….I-I c-can't breathe."

Miles seemed to separate them as the oldest and middle child of Jeff Tracy raced to reach the baby of the family. The sounds that escaped Alan would haunt their dreams for a long time. Through their earpieces, the barely audible wheezy gasps escaped the youngest Tracy as he fought to breathe.

"Stay with us, Allie. Just hold on. Deep breaths," Virgil coaxed as he and Scott rejoined their little brother and rushed to free him.

Dark spots began to appear around Alan's vision. A numbing pain filled his injured body as he was beginning to lose his battle with life. Alan didn't feel the weight being lifted off his body. He never saw how much blood surrounded his back and legs nor did he hear the gasps that escaped Scott and Virgil. The youngest Tracy was too out of it to feel Scott place the neck brace around his neck. Alan never felt his body being pulled from the rubble and placed securely on a backboard.

Alan felt like he was caught up in a dreamland from his childhood. Everything seemed so surreal. He vaguely recognized familiar sights and sounds as he was being transported from the inferno that had nearly claimed his life. In his fading vision, Alan saw the familiar sight of Thunderbird 2 lingering high above him, her green haul greeting him as the rescue platform raised. Relief battled with fear knowing that safety lay inside Thunderbird 2 with his brothers, but at the same time he felt his body betraying him as he tried to hold onto life. Taking in another short shuddering breath, Alan gave into the darkness he had been fighting for so long. It had won the battle but it would be up to his family to see who won the war for the life of Alan Tracy.

Virgil shot his head up at the monitor he had hooked Alan up to. His heart froze when he realized what was happening. Not a second later, alarms began to wail throughout the sterile room. "He's crashing!" Virgil cried out, even as he began to pray. Oh God, Allie. Don't do this!

Scott looked at the monitor and then back to Alan in disbelief. "C'mon, kiddo. Don't do this," he pleaded, trying to contain his emotions. It had made him sick as he looked at Alan's battered body. Blood seeped through the bandages they had quickly applied to Alan's back from the deep gash that resided along side the teen's lower back. Blood had now begun to soak the crisp white sheets they had laid him on, the sight terrifying the oldest brother as it signified more and more of Alan's life force slipping away. Scott began to pray. Don't leave us, Alan. We need you here. You have so much more to live for.

Virgil had jumped into action, starting to get what he needed in the infirmary to save his youngest brother. Grabbing a defibrillator, he tore Alan's shirt and applied the life saving pads onto his chest. "Clear!" he shouted.

Alan's body lurched upward as the device sent a surge to his heart. Virgil and Scott starred at the monitor, willing life to return to the boy. Virgil shook his head, taking in a deep shaky breath. "Clear!" he shouted once again.

Time seemed to stand still to all the occupants that filled the infirmary of the green Thunderbird. Tony and Alex watched intently from the sides, frozen by the scene before them. Neither of the freshmen had hung out with the senior but that didn't mean they didn't know anything about the youngest blonde Tracy. Alan had been well known in the school, first for his last name and the famous family members that accompanied it. Over the course of his time at Wharton's, Alan had become a house hold – well, dormitory name - in track and field competitions as well as many school clubs.

But tonight they had seen a different side of Alan Tracy. Yes, they had heard stories of how determined the senior was but over the course of the tragedy unfolding what they saw was different. The youngest Tracy had saved their lives, sacrificing himself so they could make it out of this relatively unscathed. That was something that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. What Alan Tracy did for them was unheard of in a school full of rich and spoiled kids. Most cared only about themselves. After all, number one was always important or at least that's how some saw it. Luckily for them, the whole school wasn't that way. Alan had been calm and focused, even when he was trapped beneath the debris - something that amazed them. They were scared out of their minds but the blue eyed boy didn't doubt for a second their fate, comforting and assuring them that help would soon arrive.

The two freshmen fully began to realize how lucky they were. Without Alan and Zach they would be dead for sure. The two seniors had found them when they had lost all hope of survival. A fiery death was supposed to be their fate but Alan and Zach saved them and several more students from almost certain death. Tonight would change their lives in many ways; however, they each knew they owed Alan their lives.

Scott and Virgil were finding it hard to remain composed in front of Alan's schoolmates. After all, this was their baby brother lying unconscious before them. Both of them tried to ignore the worried and frantic calls of their family members from their earpieces. The usually energetic and spirited teen looked so pale and still. Alan was so unlike himself that they thought their own hearts would stop beating if they lost their baby.

Scott stood frozen as he tried to fully take in what was happening around him. He felt like he was having an out of body experience. Where had they gone wrong? Alan was doing what he thought was right. He risked everything to save as many students as he could and now he was fighting for his own life - a battle he was losing. Their father had created International Rescue so that no other family would have to experience such horrible heartache as they had felt when they lost their beloved mother, Lucy. Wasn't that the point? So they wouldn't have to experience a moment like the one he was finding himself in? They each knew it was a possibility that one of them could be hurt in the line of duty but not Alan. Not yet. Alan was at school. He was supposed to be safe and no where near harm's long reaching hand.

Scott couldn't bear the thought of losing Alan, not like this. There was so much he had to say to Alan, so much more he wanted to see Alan live and do. Just recently the kid had begun to show a lot more interest in auto racing. A fact that wasn't fully a surprise to the oldest Tracy. Alan had always had one speed and it was always set on fast. Of course, who could blame the kid when he had four older brothers. Alan had learned evasive moves fast and he was as slippery as an eel to catch as well.

Scott's mind drifted back to a few weeks before Alan was due to return to school for his senior year. Alan had been only interested in a few things around that time. Enjoying every last bit of freedom he still had, going on rescues, and watching the latest race. The blue eyed teen had been fixed upon the TV screen when Scott had entered the living room.

"Hey, buddy," Scott smiled as he entered the living space.

"Hey, Scott," Alan responded back, clearly interested only on what was on the screen before him.

"What's so interesting?" Scott asked as he took a seat next to his kid brother on the sofa.

"The race of course," Alan smirked, stating a silent - DUH.

"I can see that now," Scott said, ruffling up Alan's hair. "Why so interesting?"

Alan looked at his brother, annoyed. "Scott, this is the Brickyard 400. It's the second highest attended race aside from the Daytona 500. It's one of the biggest races of the year in NASCAR's schedule. 400 miles and 160 laps of intense racing."

Scott smirked at his brother. "Dare I ask what is so exciting about 43 cars going in a circle?"

Alan looked at his oldest brother incredulously. "Are you kidding me? It's so much more than just that. Each car is traveling at a speed of almost 200 mph, that in itself would be exhilarating. You see, Scott. It's about strategy. You gotta be able to outsmart the other driver while not outsmarting yourself. A lot can happen between lap 1 and lap 160." As if hearing his comment, a caution signified across the screen. The field of cars came to a slow as two wreckers came to collect the two demolished racecars that had managed to wreck each other.

"I see," Scott smiled at Alan.

"You don't really care do you?" Alan asked as he watched the replay of the wreck that had just transpired.

"I'm interested because you are. Anything you're crazy about I'm interested in. If it's important to you then I should at least know what it is," Scott told him.

Alan smiled at his older brother. "Hey, do you think Dad would get me tickets to a race as an early graduation present?

"I don't know, sprout. You'd have to ask him," Scott said, putting an arm around Alan. Moments like these he cherished. After all, the kid was getting too big.

The excitement and life that had filled Alan that day was completely absent from the form that laid before him. He prayed for Alan to come back to them. The spunky seventeen year old had so many plans and dreams to live for. Dreams that he hadn't even touched the surface of.

Virgil willed Alan's heart to spark once more with life. The chestnut haired Tracy couldn't believe this was happening. He wanted to be woken up from the nightmare he was living. Alan meant so much to him and the rest of the family. That was no secret to anyone who encountered their family. Could they really lose him in this very moment?

Virgil met Scott's fearful eyes. Taking another deep breath, he pressed the button of the machine to spring to life again. C'mon Al, don't do this. Don't leave us, we need you here. Closing his eyes, Virgil prayed for the one person that could help them to hear him. Please bring him back to us, Mom. We've already lost you, we can't lose Allie.

-TB-

Jeff tightly gripped the controls of Thunderbird 2 as he willed the ship to fly faster. He didn't know the current condition of his youngest son, but he knew Alan wasn't good. That simple fact was what was eating at him the most. As soon as Alan had been settled into the infirmary was the last time he had talked to his oldest and middle sons. At that point in time the youngest Tracy son was barely breathing - if at all - and unconscious. Those horrific details were enough for Jeff Tracy to force Thunderbird 2 to her maximum speed.

A sudden beeping sound interrupted Jeff from his thoughts. Glancing down at the screen in front of him he answered the call that was coming through. "I read you, John."

"I've spoken to Mass. General in Boston and they know we're on the way. They'll be waiting for us at the door. Any news on Alan?" John spoke, his voice quiet but calm.

"I'm afraid not, son," Jeff said tightening his jaw.

"I just hope they're not answering for a good reason."

Jeff didn't respond to his second eldest's comment. The thought that was hidden in those words had such an impact to him. Could he really lose Alan tonight? Their family had been through so much and Jeff couldn't bear to think that he could lose his baby; his constant reminder of what had already been taken from him.

John watched his father across the screen. Emotions crept through the mask displayed by the patriarch's grim features, but what showed through the most was fear. "Alan's a fighter, Dad. For as long as I can remember the kid has always been a fiery spirit. I have faith the kid is gonna be okay. He just – he just has to….," John said, the last bit of his sentence lingering. John's unsaid words filled both of their minds.

Jeff smiled thoughtfully at his oldest blonde son. "Thanks, John. Have you spoken to Gordon?"

"Yes. He and the firefighters almost have the fire completely extinguished. By the time you have Alan and the kids situated at the hospital things should be under control. Before you ask, I've already spoken to Brains and he's contacted Lady Penelope. She's going to pick up Fermat for us."

"Thanks, John. My mind has been a little preoccupied," Jeff sighed, thankful for his quick thinking son. Looking at John, he studied the blonde's features before speaking. "John, I want you to put the station on standby. I'm having Brains come get you."

John looked at his father. For Jeff to want Thunderbird Five on standby… A thought quickly entered his head making him realize something that had gone unsaid their whole conversation. "Dad, he's breathing isn't he? Virgil did get Alan breathing again didn't he?"

Jeff didn't meet his second eldest's fearful blue eyes. It took everything the man had to not let loose the fear that was now filling him. The next words he spoke to his son made it so much more real to him.

"I don't know, John. I don't know."

-TB-

Gordon charged the Firefly to the left, aiming the extinguisher to the last burning part of the dormitory. Setting the settings on the machine, he released more of the fire killing green foam. Taking a deep sigh of relief, he climbed out of the Firefly.

Backing up, Gordon fully looked at what was left of Wharton's dormitory. He grimaced as the top half of the building now sagged, having collapsed from the water and fire. He was thankful that his brothers had gotten Alan and the other kids out when they had. Not long after they had escaped the ceiling collapsed. A thought crept into this head. Was that as lucky as they were going to get?

His mind kept returning to the haunting words he had last heard Alan speak. His brother sounded so scared, so unlike himself. Alan had just been talking to him, picking on him, and then things turned for the worse in the matter of a second. His stomach dropped when Alan wouldn't answer any of his brothers. He had sternly called his brother as an added effort but the response he received was one that he would never forget. The amount of fear that radiated in Alan's strangled words would stay with him. Sure he had seen a lot on rescue scenes but this was his only baby brother - his partner in crime. Without Alan, he wasn't complete.

Gordon had yet to hear on the condition of his only younger brother. He kept calling to Scott and Virgil, but neither one of them would answer their communicators. That fact unnerved the redheaded Tracy. As much as he tried to fool himself he knew that things weren't going well in the infirmary if neither of his brothers would answer their calls.

"A mess isn't it?" a firefighter spoke, bringing Gordon out of his thoughts.

"Yes it is," Gordon responded.

"Looks like we're going to be dealing with a real tragedy here. The Chief just went over the list of the missing students and twelve kids are still unaccounted for. If they were still in there, then they had no hope. The four that escaped with your team were lucky," the man said.

Gordon looked at the man and then back at the burnt and demolished upper half of the dormitory. If only the firefighter realized how true his words really were.

Alan had saved numerous students on each level but he had been fighting against time. Time that just wasn't long enough when you're matched against a raging fire. His kid brother had risked it all to save his schoolmates, but what had he now given up to be the hero? Trouble always seemed to follow Alan and this time he ran right into it. Why does he always have to be the hero? Gordon thought.

Nodding at the fireman Gordon walked back to the Firefly. He needed to position it near Mobile Control and Thunderbird 1. If it was one thing he could do - it was making sure everything was done by the time his older brothers returned. His gut deep down inside him told him that Alan wasn't just going to the hospital to get bandaged up. It was going to get much worse before it got better.

-TB-

A moment in time meant the matter of life or death for the Tracy family. A single flat line resonated across the monitor as it decided what Alan Tracy's fate would be.

Virgil tore his eyes from Alan's beaten form and looked toward the monitor praying one last time for life to return to his baby brother. As the machine worked its magic, the single line slowly began to signify a heartbeat.

TBC…


*wipes tears* Wow, I can be evil can't I? Poor guys, I'm really putting you throw a lot. *smiles* eh, it's fun so why not. Hehe. - wow that was a little sadistic. Sigh, so I know I still left you a cliffy. So is Alan alive? Guess you'll have to wait until next chapter! Leave me a review and we'll see how nice I'll be to our Alan and his family next chapter.

Later!