Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

Here is the next chapter finally. I apologize for the lack of posting. The last few weeks have been rough with this nasty kidney infection. I think I might be on the mend though. I can only hope. This last week has been a tough one emotionally for me as well but I made through it and tonight was the test. My best friends married each other today and the test was to see if I could make it through today emotionally stable. I did. After everything I've went through over the last four and a half months I finally feel the pain my ex-fiancé left behind leaving me. Today I had my moments about "what should've happened" for me and my wedding but I quickly let them slide. I feel stronger.

Thanks to everyone that helped me these past few months and weeks. I know I've still got a long road to travel but I'm on the right path now :D

Let's see if you can catch my own little personal revenge in this chapter. Sometimes writing truly is the best medicine.

Lastly before the story continues, I'd like to thank Criminally Charmed for being my beta and for being there. You know I love ya girl!

Brotherly Pains

The sun had begun to climb from the shadows in the distance as the balance of the Tracy Family reached the hospital that held their youngest member. Gordon slowly pulled himself out of the rental car. His muscled ached at the small action. The redhead was beginning to wonder how badly the ferry rescue was actually affecting him. Of course stress worked just as hard on a body as well. He had plenty of that at the moment.

Taking in his surroundings, Gordon stared at the massive buildings that made up Boston Mass General. The thought of entering that hospital made him cringe. He had never really liked hospitals. The sterile facilities - with their white walls and somber corridors - always made him feel caged. The aquanaut found himself loathing such medical facilities after his horrifying hydrofoil accident. Spending weeks upon weeks, trapped in a hospital bed, with nothing but a boring blank wall and ceiling tiles to stare at wasn't his idea of fun. In fact, that was the worst time in his life - until today. The dread of not knowing whether he would ever walk again had weighed heavy upon him and his family. The stubborn side of him won out in the end but his body would never forget what happened to him.

Gordon's back throbbed once more, reminding him of the price he had paid. It was a small price in the long run and he knew how lucky he was to be able to walk again and live a normal –well, Tracy normal - life. Normal as your life was never to be had as a member of International Rescue.

Walking forward, Gordon followed his older brothers and Brains as they entered the busy Emergency Room. Glancing to Scott, he saw him hang up his cell phone, all the while ignoring the glare from a receptionist as she looked from the eldest Tracy to the "No Cell Phone Zone" sign near Scott's head.

"He didn't answer," Scott said in frustration, referring to their father.

"He may be with Alan or talking to the doctor. Dad did say they were taking Alan for a test," Virgil said.

Gordon sighed. Their father had been very vague when it came to describing Alan's condition to them over the phone. No matter how calm Jeff had tried to seem, Gordon knew their father. Behind the serene façade, Gordon knew something was seriously wrong with Alan that their father wouldn't tell them over the phone. Alan had been exposed to the toxic air that filled the now destroyed dormitory for a long time and his baby brother's haunting gasps for air reminded him of that fact. Worse, Gordon knew his brother's lungs were only a fraction of Alan's injuries. As hard as both Scott and Virgil tried to hide the bloodstains that had covered their uniforms, Gordon knew Alan had lost a lot of blood.

The group walked further into the ER. Staying behind them, Gordon leaned against a set of doors that resided in front of the nurses' desk. The copper top scanned the variety of patients that filled the waiting room of the medical center. The room was about half way full. Gordon recognized several patients' conditions, ranging from an untreated illness to others who had physical injuries ranging from cuts to possible broken bones. He hated to see people in such pain, but he knew the staff was working as fast as they could to see each patient. Sometimes time was all you had, and you had to prioritize who to help first. As a Thunderbird he knew that well of course. You tried your best to save everyone but sometimes your best wasn't enough. His heart pained as he thought of Alan. Had they done their best? Did they save him in time?

Taking a deep breath, Gordon controlled his emotions. They didn't know anything yet. Jeff told them Alan was stable and okay and he had to believe that - for now.

A sudden commotion directly to his left caught Gordon's attention as two officers restrained a woman. He couldn't resist a chuckle as he took in the appearance of the person the woman was trying to get to. On one of the benches sat a formerly attractive young man who clutched a now bloody napkin to his nose and his face grimaced with pain. A grin appeared on his face as he heard the officers talking. It appeared the man - whose name he caught was Perry - had been paying too much attention to his ex-girlfriend who had been out with her new boyfriend, a guy whom he never liked, but had waiting for "Perry to screw up like everyone knew he would". Perry's new girlfriend –the same person with whom he'd cheated on his ex with in the first place - didn't like his ogling one bit. Angered by his crass behavior, the girl smashed his face with a water glass, breaking his nose in the process. That should teach him to cheat, Gordon thought. He doubted it would, however.

Some people were just morons.

Just like the person who started the fire at Wharton's, Gordon thought morosely.

Gordon's attention shifted as he realized their group was moving. The distraction had been nice. Some people were entertaining. Now he had to face the fear he was hiding from. The fear of what would meet him when he finally saw his only baby brother. He needed to see Alan, more than he could express but he feared what condition Alan was in. Seeing Alan would mean he'd have to face how much of a failure he had been. He would get to see firsthand how he hadn't been there for his brother - his best friend.

"You okay, Gordy?" he heard John's concerned voice ask him. The blonde had fallen back from the group to walk with him.

"I'm fine," he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. Gordon refused to meet his brother's azure eyes, the feature he shared so closely with Alan. He knew John was watching him intently now and he couldn't bear to look at John's eyes.

Gordon decided he didn't want John's attention on him. They needed to worry about Alan. Alan was the one that needed them. All of their focus should be on Alan. He felt like his stomach was about to drop and soon he would know why.

-TB-

Fermat sat against a far window of the old church. It had been the school's choice for a warming center. Not only was it big enough to house the many students that had been forced to evacuate, it was also safe enough to secure them. After all, the school did consist of some of the world's richest kids. Or spoiled brats as most called them.

Sighing, Fermat closed his eyes as he replayed the images of the rescue scene in his head. There was so much fire and so much smoke. The worst of it was how unorganized the scene had been - well until the Thunderbirds showed up. He had done his best to help direct students to where he knew would be the safest but no one really listened to him. He was just considered a senior who was the captain of the geek squad. No one except his friends took him seriously. Something that didn't fully surprise the slender boy, used to no one respecting him outside his personal circle.

For a senior, Fermat was considered small. Of course, he had only recently turned fifteen and technically should be at sophomore status but due to his intellectual talents he was allowed to advance two grades. A fact most kids hated. They always thought he was too smart. Fermat shrugged it off; it wasn't the first time he'd heard that.

Looking across the vast room, Fermat took in the emotions that played throughout the room. Most students had blank expressions upon their faces, but some looked shaken or spooked. Fermat knew that if it hadn't have been for Jeff and Alan's brother's the situation could've quickly gone downhill fast and they would've lost many more lives. Lives had been saved due to Alan and his family. He just prayed his best friend would make it out of this latest event alive.

The teen genius had yet to hear a word from his adoptive family on the condition of Alan or any of the students that had been left in the building. He knew the situation had gotten worse inside the withering dormitory - a fact that killed him inside – after he had left. There was nothing he could do but watch as the scene unfolded, knowing his best friend and several other students were still trapped inside. He knew Virgil would've contacted him if it was safe to do so, but it was obvious they had their hands full. Which was a fact that worried him greatly.

"Ugh! Why do you have to be so stubborn Alan," he said aloud to himself quietly. "Your brother's could've handled it."

"Talking to yourself there Fermat? Sure the smoke didn't get to your brain?" he heard someone say.

Raising his head Fermat saw Jake Turella. What did he hear? "Hey, Jake," he smiled. "I'm fine, d-don't worry."

Jake watched his friend. "You're worried about Alan, huh? Have you heard if he made it out okay?"

"No, my bus left before everyone was e-e-out I think. I haven't seen him anywhere," he played off. Fermat knew full well where Alan was. Alan would've been one of the last ones in the building and he would've refused to leave anyone trapped or hurt - even if he was near death. Sometimes Fermat swore Alan thought he was invincible. Fermat slightly grinned at that thought - all the Tracys thought they were.

"I think I know how the fire started, Fermat," Jake said quietly.

Fermat looked at the redheaded senior. "How?" he asked quickly.

"I overheard some students talking. I'm not sure but from what I heard it wouldn't surprise me. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise you either when I tell who I think it was," Jake said, his hazel eyes were full of anger. "Do you remember Aaron Edwards?"

Fermat scowled. That explained the fire in Jake's eyes. "Y-Yeah. He's i-i-a sophomore, r-right? He hates it h-here. So d-does his f-fr-r-roommate, Tommy Newton."

"Yeah. Well I heard Jackson talking and his room is next to theirs remember?" he said. Fermat nodded. "Apparently they've been hiding cigarettes in their room for weeks now. Jackson said the fire engulfed his room so fast so he didn't get to really look where it exactly started but it came from their direction."

Fermat shook his head in disgust. "Have you s-seen them?"

"Yep. Tommy has a burn on his left arm but Aaron's completely fine," Jake scoffed. "I think one of them left one of their cigarettes burning."

"Do any of the te-e-achers k-know?" Fermat asked.

"I don't know," Jake replied, shaking his head. "Do you think the firefighters will know where it started?"

"It's p-possible. They'll inv-v-look for the origin of the f-fire," Fermat told him.

Jake looked around the room. He paused before he spoke. "We should tell someone."

"We don't have any p-r-e-evidence, Jake. Why would they b-b-l-listen to us?" Fermat pointed out.

"Good point. Damn, we've got to come up with a plan," Jake said. He smiled. "Good thing you're on the case, brain. We'll have one in no time."

Fermat laughed at his friend. He hoped they could find proof and not only rely on their conclusions. After all, everyone deserved a fair trial right? Fermat was sure Jake and his schoolmates were right in their assumptions though. The fifteen year old just prayed he could bring them to justice. Especially for those whose lives were lost in the fire. Fermat's mind wandered back to Alan. He prayed that his friend was okay. If he wasn't God help those responsible for the fire. Once Alan's brothers knew, there was going to be hell to pay.

-TB-

Scott walked down the hallway, leading his brothers and Brains toward their designated conference room. He had just gotten off the phone with their father who had called him back immediately after missing his first call. Scott didn't miss the tone in Jeff's voice. To someone who didn't know Jeff, his voice would seem calm but below the surface anyone who really knew Jeff would hear the fear and pain.

Unfortunately, Scott knew his father.

All this had made Scott want to see Alan immediately. He had to know that Alan was okay. He had to know his baby brother was alright.

Scott smiled as he saw their father waiting for them at the doorway of the conference room. His smile soon faded as he took in the IR leader's features. Worry furrowed upon Jeff's brow and he gripped the coffee mug in his hands tightly.

Jeff smiled, happy to have the rest of his family with him. He watched each of them as they entered the room. Worry for Alan was obvious on all of their faces but Gordon's behavior quickly caught his eye. "How are you son?"

"I'm fine, Dad," Gordon said quietly.

"How's the back?" Jeff asked, trying to read him.

"It's manageable," was the only response Jeff got.

Deciding not to press the matter further, Jeff let Gordon go. He turned to Brains. "I just spoke to Lady Penelope and she just arrived. She and Parker are about to pick up Fermat."

Brains was about to respond when Scott spoke up. "Is Alan back from his tests?"

Jeff smiled slightly at Brains and turned to his sons. This was going to be one of the hardest parts of his night - well morning now. "Boys, sit down we'll talk about your brother's condition."

Each of his sons followed, except Gordon. The second youngest seemed content to lean against the far wall, his arms folded across his chest. Jeff watched him again for a minute and then took a seat himself.

"Is that your first cup, Dad?" Virgil asked, referring to Jeff's coffee mug.

"Second, but who's counting?" Jeff replied. He knew Virgil wouldn't be happy but right now he was running on pretty much empty. He was sure all of them were. "Boys, your brother is stable but in critical condition. His heart has stopped twice on us tonight-"

"Twice!" Gordon burst out.

"Yes, son. They lost Alan not long after he arrived here, but they managed to get him back very quickly," Jeff said calming each of them. Each of his children hung their heads, refusing to meet his gaze. "Alan has a dislocated left shoulder, but it has been reset. A wound specialist has seen to your brother's back and luckily there appears to be no lasting damage to the injury he received there. It should heal with care and rest. Infection is still a possibility, however, so they are taking all precautions possible."

"How's his back in general?" John asked concerned.

"The doctor doesn't seem to think there appears to be any long-term trauma, thankfully. They're running some tests now to be sure of it," Jeff explained.

This bit of news caused each of the room's occupants to sigh with slight relief. It was a small piece of possible good news they could cling onto.

Virgil looked up at their father. "How bad are the burns?"

"I was getting there," Jeff said. "The burns don't appear to be bad. Most are only first degree. Dr. Emerson is worried about his right forearm. They're showing signs of second degree."

"That doesn't surprise me," Virgil said. "They looked pretty nasty on scene. How are his ribs? I remember him muttering something about his side hurting."

Jeff smirked at his middle child. Leave it to the "family doctor" to ask him the questions. "Three of his ribs are fractured, but none are broken. All are on the left side. Was Alan laying flat when you got to him?"

"Yeah, he's was lying on his back. Why?" Scott asked, puzzled.

Jeff shook his head. "It was just something the doctor said. All of Alan's injuries appear to be mostly on his left side. She thought he may have landed on that side at some point. I guess we won't fully know what happened in there until we talk to your brother."

Virgil and Scott met each other's eyes for a second. If only the rest of the family knew what the building truly looked like inside then they would understand.

Jeff let go of his mug and leaned forward into his chair. Here was the challenging part of being the messenger. "Boys, Alan is hooked up to a ventilator. Your brother is showing early signs of damage to his airway and his monoxide level is higher than anyone would like it to be."

Jeff looked at each of his sons. Each understood what he was telling them, for Virgil it wasn't much of a surprise. His middle son seemed deep in thought as he no doubt was thinking about Alan's injuries and the course of treatment. Scott looked calm but the tightness in his jaw told Jeff that his oldest was full of worry. John looked calm, worry only displayed across his face. He leaned against the back of his chair, his arms folded across his chest. John slowly turned to looked toward Gordon. Jeff followed the astronauts gaze. Gordon was passive as he continued to lean against the wall. His eyes were lost on something on the ground.

The IR patriarch felt a gentle squeeze upon his shoulder. Turning toward the gesture Jeff smiled at Brains. The kindness that bore from his friend's blue eyes was genuine. Jeff was grateful to be blessed with the group that surrounded him and his family.

A cell phone suddenly began to ring, disturbing the silence that filled the conference room. Brains reached for his phone and nodded. "It's F-Fermat," he said standing.

"Tell him we say hi," Jeff said. He watched the IR genius leave the room - taking the call in private.

"Dad, has Alan woken up at all?" Virgil asked finally.

Jeff sighed. He was hoping to leave this conversation unsaid until he had more news. "No, son. He hasn't."

John leaned forward in his chair. He didn't like the tone in his father's voice. "Dad, what is it?"

A knock on the door pulled their attention to the small petite doctor as she entered the room. Dr. Emerson smiled as she saw the new faces that had joined Jeff. "I see your sons have joined you at last, Mr. Tracy. I'm Dr. Amanda Emerson," she said looking to Alan's brothers. "I'm the doctor in charge on your brother's case. I have the results back from Alan's CT and MRI, as well as some other news. I'm afraid not all my news is good."

Jeff nodded for the brunette doctor to continue.

Pulling herself into a chair, Dr. Emerson took a deep breath as she readied herself to inform the family before her. Sure she had given diagnoses to numerous patients in her short career as a resident doctor but nothing prepared her for the faces she would see. Fear, compassion, and heartache were just some of the emotions that displayed across the members of the Tracy family.

"I'll give you the good news first," she started. "From my earlier evaluation and from the tests we just performed I can tell you that there has been no permanent damage done to Alan's back. There also doesn't appear to be any muscle or tissue harm to Alan's left shoulder as well. He will need some small therapy to help the muscle regain some strength eventually in his shoulder but there will not be any lasting damage."

Dr. Emerson could tell that small bit of good news had helped lighten the mood of the seventeen year old's family slightly. However, the next two pieces of information would bring that mood right back down - if not crush it.

"What's the bad news?" Scott asked warily.

"Alan's tests showed internal bleeding around his midsection. We missed it on our first examination. When he took a hit to his left side, the fracturing of his ribs caused one of them to knick something. Considering the amount of blood Alan already lost from the cut to his back we are transfusing him now. He's losing too much blood too fast now. What I need to know is if any of you are the same blood type as Alan. Since he is a rare blood type it would help if one or two of you could donate to help his case," Dr. Emerson said. She stopped, waiting for someone to respond.

"Both John and Gordon are B negative," Jeff answered. He smiled as Gordon looked up for the first time since the doctor had started speaking.

"That's great," the woman smiled. "If it's alright, I'll need both of you to report to the laboratory to donate."

"We'll help our brother in any way we can," John said.

Dr. Emerson smiled. This family seemed very loving and protective. Something the kid would need. Alan was going to rely on all the strength he could pull from. Sighing, she knew she had to deliver the last piece of news to this hopeful family. "There's one more thing I regret I must tell you." Amanda Emerson felt a jab pull inside her stomach as she saw the faces of the Tracy family drop.

"Alan has slipped into a coma."

TBC…

Hmm….so I've left Alan alive for you guys but did you really think I was gonna let him off that easy? Leave me a review please. Another chapter coming up.

So, did you catch it?

Oh, don't think I forgot. Everyone who reviewed last chapter gets a virtual cookie. I truly appreciate the support!