I had to post this chapter now. The last chapter ended a bit...quickly. evil chuckle Besides, this chapter is a good stopping point for a bit, cuz until I finish another chapter, I most likely won't post another chapter. We are getting a bit too close for comfort to the part that is still in the developmental stage and I like to have some space between that and the chapters posted. Stuff has to sink in and havea chance to be rewritten if need be. So, I hope it won't be long, but you might not hear from me on this story for a bit. ducking under cover

Hope you all enjoy! Just remember:

1. don't own Thunderbirds. Only Lona can be said to come from my demented mind

2. italics are flashbacks, bold words are signed

3. Please let the author know what you think. Your opinion, thoughts, hates, etc. do count.

Chapter 27: Friends and Demons

With a painful jar, she landed on the tree branch. Climbing quickly down, she made her way fast, yet covertly through the undergrowth. In no time at all, she was kneeling behind a bush, which afforded her a perfect view of the pool and all its inhabitants. Hearing the mutter of voices off to her right, she turned her attention on the small group of people clustered around the grill.

"Alan, where've you been? Scott and Virgil were looking for you." The young boy smirked.

"I bet they were. Good thing I wasn't here or I would resemble a drowned rat by now. I know those two." The boy paused then glanced up at his father. He did not want to tell him where he had been, but knew that Jeff Tracy would not give up until he knew, particularly if Alan tried to skirt the subject. "I, uh…went to see Lona." Jeff frowned.

"Is she in her room?" Alan nodded. "Is she coming out here?" The blond-haired boy shrugged.

"Who knows, Dad. I asked, pleaded, and begged her to come down and hang out with us, but she refused." Alan's gaze slid down to the concrete surrounding the pool, not knowing that such behavior was exactly what would inform his father that something was up.

"What else did you say?" Bright blue eyes flew up to Jeff's face, wide with fake innocence.

"Dad, what…I didn't…" At Jeff's stern gaze, Alan's weak excuses were silenced. "I can't stand it anymore, Dad! She's hurting so much, and she's not doing a thing about it! We're all here for her, and all she can do is push us away!" Jeff was silent for a moment, then fixed his youngest son with a steady gaze.

"You told her this." It was not a question. Jeff already knew the answer. "I told you that Lona was going to need time to sort things out. We need to wait for her to figure things out. I know it's hard, but we do not need to put more pressure on her. Do I make myself clear?" Nodding mutely, Alan stormed off to the pool. Turning his gaze to Penny, who had been an ignored spectator, Jeff's face blushed slightly with embarrassment. "Sorry you had to hear that Penny…"

"Oh Jeff, think nothing of it! We are too old of friends to get embarrassed over such a thing."

Alan's sullen wanderings took him to the edge of the pool where he watched his brothers wrestle each other for dominion of water. He was not in the mood to horse around with them as his anger smoldered. While part of his anger was directed at his dad, most of it was directed at himself. He knew he should not have said anything to Lona, besides the fact that she was having to deal with so much stuff, she was also quite a bit older than him and he had just told her off. Shaking his head, he frowned down at his reflection. Suddenly, the water seemed to be coming right at him. He was just able to inhale a mouthful of oxygen before entering the water with a huge splash.

Everyone turned and gaped at the sight that greeted them. There stood Lona, clad in blue and black two piece set that looked like a pair of short shorts and a sports bra. Her long hair was pulled back into a single French braid that cascaded down her back like a huge length of beautiful reddish brown rope. Right now, the young woman was dissolved in a fit of silent laughter. No one could look at her without feeling obliged to at least smile along with her. She was hugging her sides, she was laughing so hard. Falling to her knees, she threw her head back, trying desperately to draw a breath as tears streamed down her face. By now, Alan had surfaced and was treading water. At first he had scowled at his brothers, see which one of them had pushed him in. But they were too busy laughing to do anything more then point behind him. Turning, he saw Lona looking at him, mirth twinkling in her bright eyes as she tried without much success to breathe. His anger melted away in an instant, giving way to astonishment. Here was the girl who not minutes ago had been withdrawn and sad. Now she was unable to contain her happiness and she was dressed in a swimsuit that, while modest, showed most of lacerated skin she possessed.

Scott quickly climbed out of the water and made his way to his best friend's side. Gripping her shoulders firmly, for fear of her falling, he raised an eyebrow in mock severity.

"Lonnie, are you sure you're alright…" Lona scowled at him then grinned harder.

Yes, Scottie. I think maybe now that I am. If your brother hadn't told me what an idiot I have been, I think I would still be up in the house feeling sorry for myself. But now, well…maybe I should try being a human being for awhile. Both of them turned to face the older man coming towards them.

"Lona, is…are you alright?" Smiling, she threw herself into his arms; forgetting just how close to the edge of the pool they were. The next thing she knew, her head was breaking the surface of the water as she fought to rid her lungs of the water she had inhaled. Turning her attention to the drowned figure of Jeff trying desperately to keep a scowl from forming into a smile, she grinned sheepishly then hugged him with less gusto.

Yes, Daddy Tracy. I think I finally am.

The rest of the week was better then anyone could hope for. Lady Penelope found a close friend in the younger woman, despite the language barrier. Brains had quickly solved the problem by pulling a notebook and pencil from his pockets and handing them over to Lona. After a laugh at the technological genius's simple solution to the problem, the two women had begun an in depth conversation on anything and everything. The next day found Lona and Penny talking clothing and Penny promising to help Lona build up an impressive wardrobe. Lona had been shocked at first when Penelope had thrown her winter clothes, which she had used to hide behind, on the floor and began pulling out the light, summer clothes Onaha had bought for her. After a careful study of each article of clothing, Penny held out a pair of khaki shorts and a blue and white tank top. Lona's eyes flicked from the articles of clothing to the woman holding them out to her. She knew she had already shown off her plethora of scars yesterday, but was she ready to let them be a daily spectacle? Looking into the English lady's clear blue eyes, Lona nodded once and grabbed the clothes, hurrying towards the bathroom. Time to go out in public.

Jeff glanced at his watch again, and frowned. Penny and Lona were half an hour late to breakfast, and nobody knew were they could be. Both rooms had been combed, but neither had answered. Onaha placed the last dish on the table, then looked over at her employer.

"Mr. Tracy, you worry too much. Lady Penelope and Lona have probably just lost track of time; girls often do when talking. Lady Penelope endures all you boys every time she comes here, and Lona has not had another female her age to talk to in how long? Let them have this time. Lona desperately needs a friend now." Jeff needed only a moment to think on that. Lona needed someone, someone to be a friend, to be a support, a councilor, and someone to talk to. She had still not really discussed what had happened to her while in the Hood's clutches; this more than anything frightened Jeff. If Lona did not face what had occurred and face her fears, either of pain and torture or the man who had torn her body, soul, and mind, then they would lose her and the Hood would win. Jeff smiled bitterly at the thought of Lona's fears. He could see the young teenager, brash and full of life, so certain of her invincibility. The things she and Scott had attempted, well it put Alan to shame and more then a few grey hairs on Jeff's head. They had "borrowed" both fathers' cars at different times and seen how fast the vehicles could go till, as Lona had put it, "the car gave up the ghost or the cops caught us." It was always the later. They had sought every way to push the vehicles and their bodies to faster and faster speeds; it came as no surprise when they both had divulged to Jeff their plans to join the Air Force. No, Lona had had no fear, she had held complete confidence in herself, Scott, and the Tracys. Now, she was ruled by fear. Jeff knew it was because of this fear that she refused to leave the island.

A rustle of clothing brought Jeff's thoughts back from contemplation. Penny stood there in her inevitable pink, but Jeff barely noticed her, for the first time. For there stood Lona, with her long hair pulled back into two braided buns on the back of her head and wearing a pair of plain shorts and a blue and white tank top. She was beautiful, not just from her clothing choice but in the air of ease that hovered around her. She was at ease with her surroundings in a way that had not been there before. Getting up from the head of the table, Jeff came around and took the young lady's hand.

"Lona, you are a blessing to the eyes. You look beautiful." Ducking her head shyly, Lona blushed and smiled up at her father figure.

Thank you, Daddy Tracy. Thanks to Penny, I feel beautiful. After Scott had translated, Jeff led the two ladies over to the laden tables. While he helped Lady Penelope sit, Scott held Lona's chair as she sat.

Quickly, before anyone could see, he signed, The clothes don't hide your scars…or your beauty.

Which is what I've been doing for most of my time here. It's insane since I know it shouldn't matter in front of you all. Hell Scott, you saw me while I was wearing those…charming outfits…He picked out. Well, I'm not hiding anymore. Penny's promised to get me a lovely wardrobe, complete with everything I could possibly need. What's more, she promised it wouldn't be in pink, thank God! Along with the stuff Onaha bought me, I'll be all set. She paused for a moment, then forced her words out before Scott could say anything. I …know I haven't dealt with everything like I should have…but I'm at least trying now. Just…give me time.

The Tracys gave her just that. For the next several months, Lona lived on Tracy Island. Soon after Lady Penelope's visit, Alan and Fermat were forced to return to Wharton Academy. Alan had begged his dad to let him stay on the island, but to no avail. Lona had found him angrily throwing his clothes in his duffel bag.

Hey, if you do that, you'll never get the wrinkles out! Shooing him away from the chaos filled bag, she began refolding and carefully packing the shirts and pants. Now, mind telling me what's up?

Alan sighed then began his tirade. "It's not fair! I'm a Thunderbird now and I should be allowed to function as one! Instead, I get shipped off to school like a…like a kid!"

So what are you acting like? Glaring at her, he folded his hands and said nothing. Alan, you are a remarkable young man and older then your years, but that doesn't mean you can just automatically become an adult. You still have to grow and learn. And what makes you think you can run complex machines and rescue people without knowledge; knowledge you have to gain at school? I know you want to help, but you'll help most by finishing school. When Lona glanced behind her, she was shocked to see the younger boy hunched over with his arms wrapped around himself. Quickly moving to his side, she draped one scarred arm around his shoulders and pulled him against her. Inside she was cursing her inability to speak. How could she give this boy the comfort he obviously needed if she couldn't speak and he couldn't see her hands?

"I was so scared! It was horrible!" Frowning to herself, she gently rubbed his back, trying to figure out what he was talking about. "At first, I thought it was all my fault, that my playing around had lead them here. Then, I heard him explain to dad exactly what he was going to do. He wanted dad dead! How could anyone…" A sob was wrung from the young throat as he buried his head deeper into Lona's shoulder. He felt as if he were going to fall apart, as if he did not even possess the strength to hold his body together. He had been fighting so long and hard against the fears he had experienced during the confrontation with the Hood, and he could do it no longer. He remembered the look of pride his father had given him as he pinned the IR badge to his son's chest. For the first time Alan felt like he was being seen as a Thunderbird instead of a kid. He had earned his wings and his father respect.

Yet that night, the nightmares had begun. In each one he relived that dreadful day. He saw his father and brothers trapped in the death trap THUNDERBIRD 5 had become. In his nightmare, Brains and the rest were unable to save them and he watched as the station incinerated. At other times he was forced to relive the final battle with the Hood. He saw his dad thrown into the cage with Lady Penelope and the Hood chuckling at his misfortune. He had to experience again the moments the Hood attacked him with his mind powers and the terrible moment when he believed he would die. He could feel the Hood's shoe crushing his hands and hear the grinding of the Mole as it spun hideously below him.

Lona's brain was franticly working. Alan's words had shown her that he had not yet dealt with what had happened during the incident the previous spring break. He had bottled it up inside and went on with his life. Grasping his shoulders, she gently yet firmly pushed him far enough away so she could see his tear-streaked face. When she knew she had his attention, she removed one hand and clumsily signed an important question.

Have you told anyone? The dirty-blond head shook and then stilled. Squeezing his shoulder for an equal expression of comfort and for attention, she then signed her next question. Are you having nightmares? The boy did not answer, but the wince he gave was more eloquent then words. Grabbing his chin and slowly raising his eyes to meet hers, she looked into his eyes, shimmering with tears.

You have to tell Daddy Tracy. Even before she was finished he was vehemently shaking his head. Kindly yet firmly keeping hold of his chin, she slowly nodded. One-handed, she attempted to sign. Until you talk through your feelings, fears, and thoughts, you will be possessed by these nightmares. He will haunt you and you will allow him to win. Do you want him to win? No? Then, talk to your dad. He loves you, Alan and he wants to help. Let him help. Please. She waited, letting her words sink in. She wanted Alan to seek the help: it would be easier and healthier if he did. She let his head sink down and her hand fell back down to his shoulder.

Six hours later, Scott flew his youngest brother and Fermat to the States for the Fall Term of the new school year. After dropping the two boys off at school, he flew back home alone. He had asked Lona to come along and keep him company, but she had refused him and walked off before giving any explanation. Scott was fairly certain why, though. Lona had resisted every attempt to get her to leave the island. Though she gave valid reasons every time, the Tracys knew there was something more to it all. Scott and his father had discussed it just the other day.

"Lona declined Penny's invitation to stay at her mansion for the weekend." Jeff sighed. He had assumed she would, but one could hope.

"She hasn't set a foot off this island since she came here." Scott's eyes narrowed.

"Well, that's not really surprising. She feels safe here; the rest of the world must seem an uncertain and scary place for her right now."

"Agreed, Scott. But she can't use this place as an excuse to hide from the world. If she doesn't face her fears soon…"

Scott sighed and squirmed in the pilot's chair until he got comfortable. His mind then turned to the long time his father had been closeted with Alan before he left. He remembered waiting by the plane with Fermat then stomping off to find his missing kid brother. After scouring the entire island for his brother, Scott had made his way to his father's office to let him know of Alan's vanishing. Before he could reach the door however, Lona had stopped him.

A firm hand on his sleeve pulled him up short. Looking at the owner, he saw Lona regarding him steadily. Smiling briefly, he made a move towards the door. The grip tightened.

"Lonnie, I have to talk to dad. Alan didn't show up at the plane. I've looked everywhere, but I guess he's hiding the little…" The mute girl emphatically shook her head. Still not understanding, he tried once more to enter the study. Stepping in front of him, she grabbed his arms and shook her head vigorously.

He's busy. Alan will be out as soon as he's ready. Leave them be.

It had been several hours before Alan had arrived at the plane and strapped in. No one had mentioned his conspicuous absence and he had volunteered no information. Reflecting back, Scott realized how different his brother had acted. The youngest Tracy was always into things, talking your ear off and literally bouncing in his seat at times. This trip though, Alan had been…quiet; not just quiet in a physical sense but in a deeper sense. The boy Scott had flown with had not been his brother. He would have to discuss this change with his father when he returned home.