Apologies for the delay with this final chapter - a new puppy kind of takes over your life in ways you don't anticipate!
Thank you to everyone who has followed this through and I'm so grateful for all the comments/feedback/favourites etc.
I hope you like this final chapter.
Virgil exhaled, reaching for the ceiling. Then he lowered his arms until they were parallel to the floor and carefully twisted to one side, then the other before dropping them, and repeating the exercise.
After five rounds, his breathing picked up and a sheen of sweat covered him, muscles protesting the slow and controlled motions. But Virgil grinned, flushing with pride. It was the first time he'd completed the work out without his side forcing him to stop. Once done, he crossed the training room to stand in front of the full-length mirror.
It was only when he was in here, alone, that he examined the wound. The room didn't have the personal attachment of his bedroom and multiple demons had been conquered in here as they all sought release in different ways. He could walk out and shut the door, leaving any negativity behind him, if he needed to. But he didn't think that would be a problem today.
Brains had taken the stitches out two days ago, putting a light bandage on Virgil's side. It wasn't a medical necessity; rather, a warning to Virgil that he could still push it too far. Alan had been sent to fetch Brains shortly after they arrived home: their dad wanted his medical expertise on the island, not in space. But John hadn't protested Five being on automatic - he wasn't ready to go back.
Glancing around to check he was, indeed, alone, Virgil lifted the dressing, his finger tracing the scar. It would fade with time, but never completely go. Just like the scars in his mind. He'd never forget what had happened.
For now, though, he was thankful to be alive and on the way to recovery. Pressing the bandage back into place, he towelled himself down, grabbed his shirt and left.
The villa was quiet, but Virgil knew where everyone was. Alan was on the beach, distracted by Tin-Tin (Virgil made a mental note not to go in that direction for a few hours), and the rest of the guys were on a mission. It was why Virgil had gone to the training room – he couldn't just sit and listen. The rescue had been running smoothly: both Gordon and John were handling everything fine. His advice and commentary were neither needed nor wanted, and Virgil had fled when Scott had told him to shut up in fond exasperation.
Ducking into the kitchen, Virgil grabbed a coffee, grateful it was deserted. He didn't want his grandmother fussing – it only acted as a reminder that he wasn't out there with his brothers.
But once he had his drink, he involuntarily headed towards the lounge. He hesitated outside, unsure whether he would be welcome or not. Scott had sounded annoyed earlier…
"Stop lurking, Virgil!"
Virgil entered with a rueful grin. His father was still at his desk, but resting back in his chair, a coffee in his own hand. Brains had already vanished. Kyrano nodded from across the room and took it as his cue to leave. Father and son both waited in silence as he left, then Virgil glanced at Scott's portrait.
"They okay?" He aimed for casual, but his father lifted an eyebrow with a smirk. They both knew Virgil wanted all the details but didn't want to ask.
"They're on their way home, safe and sound. Another job well done." His dad watched him for a moment, then used his foot to push a chair over. Virgil took the hint and sat down.
"How're you feeling?"
"Much stronger," Virgil replied. "Give it a week, and I'll be out there with them."
His father made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat, and Virgil knew no promises would be made until he had cleared one of Scott's physical tests. Given he'd only managed the stretches for the first time today, a week was optimistic, but Virgil was trying to remain positive.
"How are you really feeling?"
Virgil knew his dad didn't mean physically. He sighed, looking at the floor.
"I'm okay." His voice was soft but honest. "I spoke to Brains' friend again yesterday."
Brains had mentioned a friend who was a practicing psychiatrist with an excellent confidentiality reputation. Virgil hadn't reacted, but took her contact details, although both Scott and his father had noticed. It had taken him a few days to pluck up the courage to talk to her, but it helped. Someone who didn't know him, couldn't guess what was on his mind, meant he'd had to find a way to put his feelings into words. It was liberating.
"I know you won't want to hear this," his father began. Virgil looked up. "I don't want you back out there until you can handle it."
Virgil nodded. He couldn't risk freezing again, not when his brothers would be relying on him. But Virgil was sure he'd be fine on a rescue; the situation with Hamilton had been unique. He understood rescues: knew what he was doing and why. He expected the unexpected out there and never tried to rationalise what Mother Nature threw their way.
His father cleared his throat but smiled. "If you want a shower before your brothers get home, get moving."
Virgil drained his cup and stood. He liked that his dad had noticed he'd trained but wasn't making a big deal out of it. That was what Virgil wanted right now: to be treated as normal. He couldn't move on if he wasn't given the chance.
By the time he heard the familiar rumble of engines, Virgil had showered, and was lying on his bed, reading. His work-out had worn him out more than he cared to admit, and he rarely got the opportunity to relax.
He lowered the book, listening as his brothers arrived home. Gordon was shouting, adrenaline still high. Virgil could picture the scene: Alan hanging onto Gordon's every word with a wide-eyed expression, while Gordon exaggerated everything that'd happened. Virgil smiled fondly.
Light footsteps on the stairs, followed by a heavier tread, revealed both John and Scott heading for showers. Putting his book to one side, Virgil breathed easier, knowing they were safe. He heard the low rumble of his father's voice, no doubt trying to get Gordon to calm down before de-briefing.
But he never heard Scott or John go back downstairs. Instead, he drifted off, relieved the rescue was over. It made him appreciate what his father went through every time they launched the 'birds, though.
It was his growling stomach that woke him. Virgil blinked, disorientated by the darkness. He could have sworn he was still listening out for the others to finish cleaning up. He switched on the lamp, glanced at his watch and did a double take when he realised he'd been asleep for a few hours.
He yawned as he sat up, and a blanket fell off him. Someone had been in, and Virgil had a very good idea who.
Sure enough, his light had only been on for a few minutes before there was a knock at the door and Scott slipped in. He pulled around a chair and sat down, resting his feet on the end of the bed.
"You better be feeling better," Scott grumbled. Virgil lifted an eyebrow in surprise. His brother sounded thoroughly put out, and Virgil was sure that - despite Scott's shower - there was still a smear of mud on his neck. He hid a smile.
"Why?" This was more than just wanting him to be recovered from the ordeal.
"I needed you out there. It was a nightmare!"
Scott launched into a tirade that - to anyone else – would have sounded like criticism of a seamless rescue. But Virgil knew what the problem was.
Virgil always knew what his brother's orders were before Scott gave them. But without him, Scott had to properly co-ordinate, and with John on the ground as well, they lost their objective overview. It was why John normally hated leaving Five on automatic. This rescue was unusual in more ways than one.
When Scott finished, Virgil smiled. He couldn't help it. Scott needed him out there – and that felt good. He'd been concerned Scott would hold off clearing him for rescues because he was worried. His rant eased those concerns better than any reassurances could.
"How's Gordon?"
Gordon had also been grounded, but a few days had seen the glint return to his eye. When he passed Scott's physical with flying colours, their father didn't have a good enough reason not to clear him. They couldn't be two operatives down, even if both Alan and John were home.
"Determined," Scott said, thoughtfully. "I think everything he did was a personal vendetta against the men who took you. Every life he saved was giving them the finger that they hadn't killed him."
That sounded like Gordon. Virgil was proud of his little brother. Gordon might not have gone through the same, but he'd still been kidnapped and almost killed. It wasn't the first time Gordon had survived the odds, but it was reassuring he was handling it.
They sat in silence for a while, but just as Virgil was about to kick Scott out so he could find some food, his brother spoke.
"Dad said you talked to that woman again."
Virgil nodded.
"It helps." He held up a hand as Scott opened his mouth. "I need someone not emotionally involved. I thought I was fine, before. But I froze in there, and I'm still not sure why. I can't risk it happening again; can't risk you guys if it happens again."
Scott nudged his leg against Virgil's. "I'm proud of you."
Despite it echoing what he'd thought about Gordon, Virgil blushed and couldn't look his brother in the eye. Scott laughed and Virgil kicked him on the ankle.
"Leave me alone," he grumbled. Scott stood up, stretching.
"Only because you're hungry."
Virgil couldn't deny it, not when his stomach joined in. Scott offered his hand and Virgil took it, allowing his brother to help him up. Scott gripped his wrist for a moment longer than necessary.
"You know you can talk to me, don't you?" he muttered, his gaze on the floor.
"I know," Virgil said. He smiled when he caught his brother's eye. He knew his family were there, especially Scott. But they were too involved, and it didn't always help. Still, knowing Scott had his back no matter what, always comforted him.
Right now, his emotions, break-downs and healing stab wound weren't the issue.
His growling stomach was.
"Relax, will you?"
Scott glared at John. It was alright for him; leaning against the rock, one ankle crossed over the other and an amused expression on his face. Virgil, too, looked at ease.
But Scott couldn't relax, standing to attention in the middle of his own runway.
He'd had long talks with Shawn over the last few days and thought he'd grown used to the idea of his friend knowing. He'd even taken Gordon's teasing over their grandmother's reaction when she'd first discovered they'd invited him to the island. But he felt sick and nervous now the day was here.
"Scott." It was Virgil this time. His tone was commanding, and Scott looked around. "Stop it."
He wasn't surprised that Virgil knew what he was thinking. What gave him pause, however, was that he seemed to be the only one. He had spoken to his father and knew the man had run intensive background checks before agreeing to let Shawn visit the island. But the rest of them had taken it in their stride that someone else knew their secret. Scott was envious.
"Here he comes," John said, straightened up.
Scott's gaze returned to the sky and, despite his nerves, he grinned as he watched Shawn come in to land. His dad was in the control room, waiting to clear the landing but also giving the brothers time to greet Shawn on their own. Even as they'd walked down to the runway, they'd still been discussing whether the lounge should be set up as a family space, or as the command centre. Shawn was here for both the Tracys and International Rescue, after all.
He stepped forward as Shawn taxied to a stop and opened the door. Scott whistled, gaze running over the craft even as his friend jumped down.
"Careful," Virgil said, also moving forward. "He'll be in the air with her if you don't lock up."
Scott punched his brother lightly on the shoulder. Shawn grinned at them. Scott's appreciation was reflected in Shawn's face, and he was reminded of what had drawn them together in the first place all those years ago.
"New model," Shawn said proudly, "pulled a few strings to take her for a test. Or, rather, I think your friend did."
Scott knew what he meant: Penny had taken an interest in Shawn's career and had done what she could to make his visit to the island a no-questions-asked one about why he was suddenly requesting leave.
Shawn looked around, trying to conceal his surprise. Scott knew he was looking for a sign that this was the base of International Rescue and not just a random tropical island.
"We have to maintain secrecy," Scott said quietly, and Shawn blushed.
"We should head back," John said. Shawn glanced at him.
"Do you have to stay close at all times?"
"Most of the time," Virgil muttered, turning towards the villa. Scott saw Shawn's expression and burst out laughing.
"Not because of International Rescue," he explained. "Because of Gordon. We don't have many visitors, let alone ones who know about us. He's planning something."
Shawn looked bemused. John and Virgil went on ahead while Scott took Shawn the scenic route, giving him time to adapt. Shawn had had time to think everything through, but it was still a lot to take in, knowing he was on the base of the world's most secretive organisation.
As he led him up the path, Scott realised his own doubts had vanished. If Shawn was going to betray them, he'd have done it by now.
"Virgil's looking better," Shawn finally said. Scott nodded.
"He is better. I think he's ready for missions; being grounded is annoying him."
"It's your call?"
Scott glanced at Shawn and saw his curiosity. He shrugged. "Captain then, captain now. Dad can over-rule me, but if we're out on the field, my word is law."
"Your brothers accept that?"
"Yes. They follow my lead out there. It works."
"I'd have a battle to get any of my siblings to listen to me," Shawn muttered. Scott smiled.
"We do fight," he said. "But out there, knowing people are depending on us, nothing else matters."
He knew Shawn would understand. Scott had experienced something similar during his Air Force days – personal feelings didn't matter when they took flight. This was the same, just more extreme.
They reached the house and Scott stopped at the bottom of the steps. "Are you ready for this?"
He tried to keep his tone serious but was fighting a grin. He didn't often get the chance to show off his Thunderbird properly.
Shawn nodded. But as soon as they stepped forward, Scott's watch started vibrating and a loud noise wailed through the silence. Shawn flinched, but Scott beckoned him forward, running through the house. He arrived at the same time as John, but the klaxon fell silent even as they stepped into the lounge.
"S-s-sorry," Brains stuttered, pushing up his glasses. "I don't know w-what happened."
"There's no rescue?" Virgil sidled in behind them. Brains shook his head. Scott rolled his eyes as he turned back to Shawn.
"Gordon," he said by way of explanation.
The klaxon had been enough to transform the lounge into the command centre. Despite extensive checks, it had still felt strange to show Shawn everything. They'd kept it a secret for too long. Gordon had forced the matter, and Scott didn't know whether to thank him or kill him.
"Now you've seen the unveiling," Scott said, stuffing his hands in his pockets, "fancy the real tour?"
Shawn's eyes lit up, and Scott gestured for him to sit on the couch. Scott joined him, and John activated the secret elevator. Shawn yelped as it started to descend, and the last Scott saw of the lounge was Virgil laughing at them.
Scott didn't often take this route to the silos unless he was going with Alan in Three. But he watched Shawn's expression as they descended. His friend seemed impressed… until the silos stretched out in front of them. Then he looked gobsmacked.
He got up and walked forward, moving as if in a dream. Scott fell into step with him, subtly nudging him past obstacles. The floor was the last thing Shawn was looking at.
Scott led him around Thunderbird Three, towards Two's silo. The hanger door was open, and he wasn't surprised that Virgil had beaten them down, waiting to show off his 'bird.
"She does all the heavy lifting," Virgil said proudly.
"When she arrives," Scott grumbled, unable to resist. Virgil glared at him.
"I'd like to see you try and stop a mountain collapsing."
"Why do I feel I'm entering dangerous territory?" Shawn said with a laugh.
Scott let Virgil win this round, knowing if things escalated, the whole family would end up involved. It wouldn't be the first time that competition over the 'birds got out of hand. But he was here to show Shawn what they could do, not that they still acted like children.
Shawn made up for it though; making all the right noises as he explored One. Scott sat on a small platform overlooking his craft, giving him space. Shawn still looked awestruck when he joined Scott, but not quite so much as if he'd just fallen down a rabbit hole.
"All this technology, and you needed my help to find him," Shawn murmured softly.
Scott stiffened, not wanting to think about how helpless they'd been.
"It must've been killing you."
Scott nodded. His hands had bunched into tight fists and he tried to relax.
"They went exploring after a rescue," he said. "Just some down time after saving someone's life. Those bastards came at them out of the trees. We found the area; we knew where they were taken from - and it was luck that we found Gordon before he drowned." They'd followed the signal from the watches, but it was only the current flow that meant both man and technology had ended up in the same place.
He sighed. "Most sophisticated machines on the planet, and it was your guys that meant Virgil got out alive. All IR did was get them into trouble."
He'd never say it in front of his brothers; never let them know he sometimes doubted what they did considering the danger it put them in. But it felt good being able to say it to someone. Shawn wasn't emotionally invested in the operation: Scott could say it without risking an argument.
"I always knew, deep down, that you weren't sitting around doing nothing," Shawn said quietly. "A lot of the guys did – you were too dedicated to give it all up. You could've gone straight to the top, and now you face danger every day without anyone ever being able to say 'well done'."
"That's not why we do it," Scott muttered, flushing.
Shawn held out his hand. "On behalf of the rest of the world: well done."
Scott shook it and met Shawn's gaze. In less than a minute, neither of them could keep a straight face.
"It's not all bad," Scott said, standing up. "I'm supposed to be winning you over, not moaning about it."
"You've listened to me moan enough in the past."
"Maybe." Scott gazed across the silos, feeling a rush of pride. "But for all I've said and done, I wouldn't change it for the world. People need us, and to be honest, we need this. It is who we are, and none of us would ever give that up."
"I never took you for the eloquent speech type," Shawn said, and Scott playfully shoved him.
"Shut up."
Before Shawn could respond – verbally or physically – the klaxon screamed a warning again. Scott groaned.
"I'm gonna kill him," he muttered, leaving the platform. "I am actually going to kill him."
"Scott?" Gordon's voice came from his watch, and Scott glanced down in surprise.
"What?"
"This isn't me."
The line went dead. Scott looked at Shawn.
"Go," Shawn said, "I'll find my own way up."
Shooting him a grin, Scott sprinted through the silos and up to the villa. By the time he got there, a debriefing was already underway.
"What've we got?" he demanded, moving towards his lamps and hoping Shawn had reached a safe zone.
"A fire in Canada," his father reported. "You'll need Two."
"Scott-," Virgil stepped forward, looking both hopeful and unsure. "Let me come."
Scott glanced at their father. No matter what he told Shawn, he hated being the one to make the decisions about his brothers' safety. If it went wrong, it was on him. But his dad nodded, and Scott took a deep breath.
"Suit up then, Virg. We'll need the Firefly." Scott reached for his lamps again. "Oh, one more thing."
"Yes?" Virgil turned halfway to his portrait.
"Bring Gordon."
Scott disappeared before his brother could argue.
They would never forget the past – it would define them in ways they didn't yet understand. All they could do was try to move on and not let it ruin the good moments.
A successful rescue together was just what his brothers needed.