Waking through the heavy fog of medication brought with it so many things. Disorientation, nausea, images of a brother covered in blood - the last of which sent Virgil's eyelids dragging open regardless of how he actually felt.
"John," he wheezed past dry lips and the cotton in his throat. A hand caught his as he tried to push the covers off of his chest and immediately stilled as his father's voice cut through the panic.
"It's alright, son. John's here." Brown eyes found the weathered face, warm and strong as he squeezed the fingers against his palm. "You're both safe and at home."
Virgil swallowed painfully, "wha- 'appened?"
Before that mystery could be unraveled, a straw was pressed to his lips and the cool sensation of water eased the tightness in his throat. The cup left and the raven-haired man watched the sad smile as blue eyes regarded him again. "You're entirely too brave for your own good, but - you saved your brother's life. Remember?"
"Yeah -" besides the images of John's injuries, he could still see the gut wrenching expression on Gordon's face as he was forced to injure his friend to save another. "Where's Gordon?"
"Upstairs with the others. I'm certain if he wasn't needed, he'd be down here to see you." There was a fondness in Jeff's voice when he spoke of the genie. "I can't imagine what would have happened if he hadn't been there to get you two out."
Virgil nodded, acutely aware of where he would probably still be if not for magic. That place had come down. Even with the mole, his family might not have made it to them in time. "Wish I could thank him myself."
Jeff actually laughed and the irony wasn't missed. "I can call him if it'll help?"
A low throb pulsed through his stomach as he waved off the offer, shaking his head. "I'll see him eventually. Seems wrong to do it over the comm."
"Good man," his father offered the cup of water again at the roughness of Virgil's tone. "How do you feel?"
The pillow behind his head wasn't nearly deep enough to sink into to ease the ache, but he tried to offer a reassuring smile. "Like I've been stabbed. How's John?"
"Still asleep." Jeff looked over to the other side of the room and Virgil's followed. John lay ghostly white against the cotton sheets, red hair almost glowing in comparison. His chest rose and fell steadily, however, and gave the engineer a chance to draw in his own breath. John was alive. His father's hand found his hand again, anchoring him to the bed. "Gordon was able to shift enough of the wound to prevent too much more blood loss, but your brother took a pretty hard hit. Brains is certain he'll pull through given the amount of transfusion our genie friend gave him."
Virgil's lips thinned as he fought back a sudden wave of emotion and need for the genie to be standing here and able to accept so much gratitude. "That's good, then."
A hand cupped the side of his face and he leaned into it. Wordlessly, the thumb brushed his cheek, stealing away the tear that had escaped. It was only a moment, but it felt like he was back on the farm, working with his father in the garage on the engine of their truck. He'd been so proud and had made sure Virgil understood that. That same feeling was here, now, only with the added fear he might've lost his family today.
Eventually, Jeff broke the silent reverie. "Can I get you anything?"
He thought about refusing, content to just have his father by his side, which was still somewhat impossible to believe, but one thought flitted through his head. "John said the factory collapse was deliberate."
That hadn't been anywhere near what his father had expected and there was no hiding the anger that flashed through the pale blue eyes before it receded back under control. "Yes - it was. EOS has been able to continue some of what your brother collected. It's what the others are working on upstairs."
Virgil frowned, his own anger growing with the confirmation of his brother's findings. Who would've wanted that place destroyed? "Any idea who did this?"
"Some, but they've been having trouble linking it directly." A soft expression and the fingers smoothed back the dark hair from Virgil's forehead, "but you don't need to worry about that right now. Just rest, that's an order."
Laughing hurt, but it was nothing compared to the warmth in his chest from the love he felt. "FAB, Dad. You'll let me know if anything changes?"
"Of course. I wouldn't be surprised to see Scott or Alan down here once I tell them you're awake." Jeff smiled.
They'd probably be upset they hadn't been told the moment he woke up. Another concern popped to the forefront. "Can I see our files before they get here? Just curious about the damage."
His father didn't have to go far as he plucked a tablet from the side table and handed it to his second eldest. "He did a good job."
"Brains always goes above and beyond." Virgil affirmed as he turned on the device with an unsteady hand.
"Brains was spectacular, but I was talking about Gordon." There was a knowing smile on the older man's face and Virgil didn't stop what he was doing to question it. The images were proof enough.
Instead of the deep wound the engineer had expected, a long jagged line cut a few inches down his belly. It avoided the major organs that would have led to further complications. It was surgical - precise - and would save him a great deal of healing.
Switching over to John's chart, he found a similar situation. The wound was much deeper, but zigzagged around organs where possible.
It was incredible and for a long moment he couldn't find the words.
When he did, they were strained as they passed through the tightness in his throat.
"I think - I'd like to talk to him now."
Jeff gave his arm a pat, strong and steady. "I thought you might. I'll get him."
OoOoOoO
"Another decommissioned waste recycling plant?" Scott sounded angry, but Gordon was too interested in the plan he had been considering. There was a simple way to figure this out, but then there were the details of proof. How would they prove the person was guilty if they couldn't find the smoking guns.
But they would know for a fact who they were tracing.
"I've got an idea," Gordon offered as the decision began to seem like their only option. He continued when the room turned to regard him. "Lady Penelope can wish to know who ordered the factory's destruction. I can pop in and find out, easy please. It's not exactly what we need, but at the very least, we'll know who we're looking for."
"Will they know you're there?" His mistress asked from beside him. She'd been a bit more aware of his need for support after what had happened.
The genie shook his head. "If you wish it, I can be invisible."
"Scott?" Her attention moved to the field commander along with everyone else's. "It's your call."
Blue eyes locked onto Gordon and there was so much trust sitting behind them. The answer was obvious. "Do it."
Penelope gave him the command and with one quick glance to Alan who had been quiet through most of the talks, he could see the fear. Fear of who they might find and what that meant for his family. In that instant, Gordon swore he would bring whoever it was down.
A flick of his fingers and he was gone, leaving the Tracys and their friends on the island as he traveled through the veil. It was only a second and then he was in a room, darkened by its grey, metal walls. The only illumination came from the video screens that held the faces of men and women Gordon didn't recognize.
"My offer is entirely dependent on your complete cooperation," a voice echoed around the room, but it was easy enough to find the source. A bald man sat in an ornate chair, facing the screens as he addressed his audience. It was a face Gordon recognized instantly from the reports they had been going through much earlier in the day. The Hood. "You do as I command and I will give you everything you have ever desired. Refuse and I promise you will lose everything. Simple enough?"
The faces grew angry at the mere idea of having to listen to the man's deal that didn't seem legitimate in the least.
"Who are you to threaten us?" One of the men voiced his objections.
"I assure you, I am not someone to be tested," the wicked smile said he wasn't unwilling, though. "But I would be happy to demonstrate."
Gordon found himself entranced with the exchange, wanting to know what this man was up to. When the group refused to budge, the Hood leaned over to whisper into the shadows. A snap and a second later the man on the screen gave a startled shout.
"What is this?!" Gordon watched as the man stood, a device blinking against his chest.
"I wouldn't advise touching it, unless you would prefer being a smear in the rubble?" The Hood warned. "As I was saying, you have a choice to make. Do as I say and I will reward you greatly. Refuse and I can deliver the same explosive to each of you."
"I don't know what kind of game you are playing, but Turkey will not be bullied." A woman glared, her words unwavering. Another snap and another device appeared before her. Gordon could only stare, wide eyed as she pushed herself away. The Hood moved, his finger pressing into a console and before anyone could stop it, an explosion tore through the office and broke the feed that had been streaming in.
The blonde wanted to react - wanted to tear at the monster that had taken a life so simply, but movement beyond pulled his attention to the figure who stepped out to stand next to the Hood. Everything in him was screaming, the connection branching like lightning to the genie whose master had just wished for the death of an innocent. Dark brown eyes lifted at the spark and connected with recognition and in that instant Gordon felt the plea and warning.
This was wrong.
And suddenly, the wish had been fulfilled, the pull of the universe ripping him away and back to the waiting faces on an island hundreds of miles away. They were looking at him with the expectation that he had the answer to who had attacked their family, but all he could think about was the future.
"The Hood -" Gordon spat it out, only confirming what the others already knew. It only meant they had a goal - a target to aim for and hope they could pick up evidence along the way. None of that would matter, however.
"Gordon?" Penelope's hand brushed against his arm before taking his hand. "What is it?"
Before he could voice the news, the comm sounded and Jeff appeared looking relieved. "Boys, your brother is awake."
Alan and Scott were up, followed closely by their grandmother, all too eager to check on Virgil and John. Kayo stayed, a haunted expression crossing her face before she glanced up and noticed him. His mistress's hand stayed in his as they stood.
"Virgil is asking to see you specifically, Gordon," Jeff smiled warmly.
He wanted to return the gesture, but everything was changing too quickly. They needed a plan - the world was in trouble.
The hologram blinked away and his feet began to move, but Penelope held him back with a gentle pull. Sapphire pinned him with her intensity and the question came back. "What's wrong?"
Gordon's lips thinned as the memory of what the Hood had done resurfaced. They all needed to know. "I need to talk to everyone, but first I need you to make a wish."
There was a flash of defiance in answer to his comment. Thankfully, she had learned to trust him. "Alright, but I expect answers immediately."
"Fair enough," he glanced back up to Kayo, Parker and Brains not too far off. "I need you to wish for the Tracys, Kayo, Brains, and Parker to be under my protection." He lifted a hand to stop the quizzical expression. "I'll explain everything in the infirmary."
He could see she wasn't satisfied and her voice was clipped as she made the wish. He almost smiled as she added after he had granted the wish, "Now, I wish we were in the infirmary."
OoOoOoO
The room was a quiet cacophony of whispers and laughter as the eldest and youngest of his brothers fought for his attention. Virgil was suddenly regretting his decision to call them down, but as the rest of their family and friends appeared, all annoyance left him.
Before he could call the genie over, however, Lady Penelope's authoritative voice gave a low command that would make anyone think twice about denying her.
"Alright, Gordon, please explain why I just wished for everyone's protection."
That had their attention and Scott was suddenly on full alert, intentionally or not stepping between the genie and his brothers. Virgil caught Gordon's eyes over the field commander's shoulder and knew his appreciation would have to wait.
"The situation with the Hood is worse than just what we experienced," he started, lacking the lighthearted tone of the man they had initially met. "He - he has a genie."
Silence descended on the room with the weight of that one statement.
Scott broke free first. "How is that possible?"
"I wish I could tell you it wasn't. He hasn't had one long. Only a couple hours, but -" Virgil watched a grimace pinch the corners of the blonde's eyes. "He's already killed at least one person."
"What?!" The brunette gasped, "How do you know?" Gordon didn't need to answer that for Virgil to recognize the trauma of watching someone die in front of you. Scott caught himself, quickly raising a hand to save the genie the pain of revealing what had happened. "Sorry, just - what can we do to stop him?"
Again, all eyes were on the only one in the room who knew anything about the mystical realm. Gordon's expression didn't bode well as his eyes closed, pain mixing with his hesitation. "Our options are extremely limited, and one of them involves killing the other genie. I don't feel like I have to explain how against that I am. It's not his fault."
No one voiced anything against that barrier. It wasn't an option they were willing to entertain, but it was still out there. A genie could die. The idea could be a last resort if it meant getting that kind of power away from the Hood. The engineer hated himself for even considering it, but they needed to face the reality that it might come to that.
Not that he was much help as his abdomen throbbed with his attempt to sit up further.
"Then what's our other option?" Jeff stood, fists held tight by his side. They hadn't talked much about the Hood since their father's return. The man had been the root cause for the eight years they'd been without him. Their father had suffered in space - alone. Right now, he probably would do anything to protect his family and the world from the villain.
Before Gordon could answer, a spark of energy bounced off Scott, arching into a nearby wall before dissipating. The brunette fell back into the chair that sat between the two beds. Jeff was to him first and it became immediately clear that his brother was alright.
"What the hell was that?!" Scott shouted as he jumped back up, his hand on their father's arm for reassurance.
Unfortunately, Virgil had reacted, wishing he hadn't as one leg hung off the side of the bed. Pain rippled through him with each attempt to get it back up and it was gentle hands from Gordon that helped the engineer back into bed.
"You okay?" Gordon asked and the room was suddenly dealing with too many problems. Virgil could see it on Alan's face as he stood with Grandma, wide eyed and uncertain what to do after seeing one brother almost electrocuted and the other struggling through injuries he'd sustained unnaturally.
"I'm good," Virgil grit the words out as he fought for control. "What happened to Scott?"
Another pair of hands pushed him back into the pillow and he turned to see his eldest brother working to keep calm. "Lay still, Virgil. I'm fine."
A sigh escaped the genie beside him, "We're running out of time - that was the Hood."
"What do you mean?" Alan joined them, looking more haggard than he had that first week after the accident. Virgil wanted to make him lay down as well, but he was stopped by the explanation.
"He made a wish against Scott," Gordon spoke with a calmness that masked the seriousness of the situation. "I've been able to block any of his attempts, but it's the same situation for him. I can't use my magic against him."
Scott's shoulders sank in disappointment. "So we can't just wish him somewhere?"
Gordon shook his head. "I can't. I can take us to him, though."
And that one statement sat like a stone on Virgil's chest. There was no way his family was going to confront that madman. Not without the GDF at their back, at least.
"We could deal with the Hood," Kayo, silently observing up to this point. Of course, she would be the one to deal with her uncle. "He can't make wishes if he's unconscious, correct?" A nod from the genie and she continued. "Then that's the plan. We sneak into his facility and incapacitate him. Gordon, how do we separate him from his genie?"
"That's the thing, you can't." Virgil didn't miss the shift of Gordon's attention to Lady Penelope. "His genie is bound to him until death. Is that a route we're willing to go down?"
Was it? Virgil might have thought about it on multiple occasions - after a disaster of the Hood's design had killed hundreds, for example - but never more than wishful thinking. There was a chance now - a reason worth considering it - and they would have to make a decision.
As if the day didn't want them to have a moment of peace, a trill beeped through the room and EOS appeared by John's bed. "Scott, we have a problem."
"We have a lot of problems," the brunette growled low enough for Virgil to know he hadn't meant to be heard. "Go ahead, EOS."
"The Thunderbirds -" it was still amazing how much emotion the AI could produce as she hesitated with the absurdity of her next statement. "They're gone."