DISCLAIMER: STILL DON'T OWN THEM.

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NOTES:

* Thank you for the feedback on the previous chapter. A nice, early update for this chapter and hope you enjoy.

* Reviews welcome.

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Chapter 32: Hindered

The Following Day: 10am:

The Hood stood under a tree which overlooked the hospital, safe in the knowledge that the Janitors uniform, he had been provided with, and was now dressed in, disguised him well. As he watched the bustle of the doctors, nurses, patients and their families coming and going he smiled to himself and considered his plan. Everything had been meticulously organised and if everyone executed their parts correctly then he would finally be able to get his revenge. Continuing his watch, the Hood's eyes widened with delight when they spotted the image of Jeff Tracy, who was standing under a nearby shelter and talking on his phone. Unfortunately, the Hood wasn't close enough to hear what was being said, but the thrill of having his mortal enemy so close without his knowledge filled him with the belief that everything would work out the way he had planned.

… …

Jeff finished his call, turned his phone off, made his way back into the hospital, and into his son's room, where the family had regathered a few hours before.

"Hey dad, how did the call go, can Kyrano help with the dreams?" Alan sped out.

Jeff looked over at Virgil who was sleeping. "Kyrano explained that his brother dealt in the dark arts, which he was not accustomed too, and Balah's powers were stronger than his own. He told me that he had previously heard rumours about this nightmare state being used but unfortunately, he had never dealt with it himself. Kyrano said he will look through all of his books, will contact anyone he can think of who may be able to advise him on the best course of action to take, and he's promised he will do whatever he can to help."

Scott frowned. "But he can't, can he?"

Jeff dropped into the spare seat next to Scott and took his hand. "Kyrano loves all of you boys like one of his own… I know he will do what he can to help!"

Scott gazed at Virgil. "I know he does… But it's not looking hopeful, is it?"

Jeff sighed. "No… No, it isn't!"

… …

Shortly after watching Jeff Tracy make his way back inside the hospital, the Hood was greeted by two of his men, who were now dressed in the Porters uniforms.

"We've set the hospital security cameras on a time loop sir," the one man began. "So, no one will see us coming or going."

"Good," The Hood beamed, "and have you sorted the drugs?" The other man nodded and passed the Hood a small box. The Hood opened the box and examined the drug. When he was completely satisfied, he closed the box, checked his watch, and smiled. "Time to make our way inside, we can bide our time in the room that's been provided for us, until we are ready to strike!"

… …

11am:

"Hello," Doctor Gerry Sylvia smiled brightly, as he made his way into Virgil's room. "How's our patient doing today?"

"Sleeping… A lot!" Gordon replied.

Doctor Sylvia checked Virgil's charts. "That's completely normal with the medication he's on. Also, now his dosage has been raised you will find that he his sleeping a lot more."

"Oh!" Gordon responded, shooting his father a worried glance.

"Don't worry, the more he sleeps, the more his body and mind will be able to rest." Gerry assured them.

At that moment, the door opened, and Nurse Andrews entered. "Oh, hello Doctor. I wasn't expecting you to be here. Would you like me to leave? I can do my checks later."

"No. That's okay Nurse," Doctor Sylvia reassured. "I'm just here for a fleeting visit, you carry on with your tests."

"Thank you, Doctor." Nurse Andrews politely answered, beginning to check Virgil's vitals.

"Now, the reason for my quick visit was to let you know that I've managed to bring Virgil's scans forwards and he will hopefully be going up in the next half an hour." Gerry announced. "Nurse Andrews, will you be able to accompany our patient when the Porters collect him?"

"I just have a few more patient to see," Nurse Andrews stated, as she finished the last of her tests. "Would I be able to meet them up there?"

"Yes of course," Doctor Sylvia replied.

As Nurse Andrews hurried out of the room, Doctor Emily Sanderson looked inside, smiled at the family and then acknowledged Doctor Sylvia. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I did," he confirmed. Doctor Sylvia made his way into the hallway with Doctor Sanderson. "I have managed to bring the scans that Virgil was scheduled for at 2pm forwards," Doctor Sylvia explained, "and he will be going up in about half an hour. I was hoping you would be able to talk the family through the results as soon as we have them?"

"Of course," She answered.

"Thank you," Doctor Sylvia replied, leaving her to continue her rounds.

… …

The Hood stood pacing in the empty room that had been acquired for him and his men. He glanced at the clock every 10 minutes, willing the time to go quicker, so he could put his plan into action. Suddenly, the door flew open and the woman who had been helping him entered.

"The scans have been brought forwards," she blurted out, "if you want your plan to work, you'll have to move now!"

The Hood glared at his two men. "Well, you heard what she just said… Move!"

… …

The Hood's two men, disguised as Porters entered Virgil's room and smiled at Virgil who was now half-awake.

"Hello there Virgil," the one man said, "we'll be taking you up for your scans."

"We just need to get your bed ready, so we can move you up there," the other man added.

"Hey, are you okay?" Scott asked with concern when Virgil began gripping tighter on his hand.

Virgil shook his head and Scott leaned in closely. "Bad feeling." Virgil whispered.

Scott nodded. "I'll be coming with him!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible sir." The one man stated.

"It's not, why?" Scott questioned.

"Hospital policy, I'm afraid!" The other man clarified.

Scott glared at them as they finished getting Virgil ready and pushed him out of the room.

"Where are you going Scott?" Jeff asked, when he saw Scott stand and make his way to the doorway.

"I'm following them!" Scott replied.

Scott, your brother will be fine," his grandma said, shaking her head. "Now, sit down and stop worrying!"

"No, I'm not ignoring this grandma. Virgil, was scared and you know he's usually right about these things!"

"Scott…" His dad started.

Scott interjected. "Dad, you were the one who told me to follow my gut. Well, right now my gut is saying to stay close to Virg. So, that's what I'm going to do!" Scott pulled the door open and looked down the corridor, satisfied the two men were still in his sight, he exited the room and began to follow them.

"Are you three going as well?" Jeff asked, looking at John, Alan and Gordon.

John smiled. "No dad. Grandma's right. Scott's just worrying over nothing and being his typical smothering self."

"Mm… I hope so," Jeff responded, looking uneasily at the door.

Scott started following the two men, making sure to stay far enough away so as not to be seen. Eventually, they made their way with Virgil into a lift. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Scott ran up to the display, noted what floor the lift was going to and then ran to the stairwell.

Jeff's phone buzzed, making him jump out of his seat. "Penny." He said answering the call.

"I am afraid I have some dire news!" Penny blurted out in a very uncharacteristic way. "Jeff" She continued. "It's the Hood."

"What about him?" Jeff frowned.

"He's escaped!"

Jeff went pale. "Oh god, Virgil!" He exclaimed, dropping his phone and running for the door.

… …

The two men pushed Virgil down the hallway, they were nearing the room when Doctor Gerry Sylvia called to them. "Where are you taking my patient?"

"For his scans," the one man quickly replied.

"Well, I think you will find that you are heading in the wrong direction!" Gerry stated.

Scott who had now caught up with the two men and had heard what the doctor had said decided to block the men from behind. "Where were you taking my brother?" Scott demanded. The two men looked at each other, the panic creeping in on their faces. "Well?" Scott questioned again.

Jeff turned the corner and saw the commotion up ahead. "Scott." He called. "The Hood's escaped!"

The two men both went white and tried to run. Scott dived at the one man and threw him to the ground, while the other bolted down the corridor. Unluckily for him, he was not looking where he was going and ran straight into the waiting Fist of Jeff Tracy.