Sorry for the delay! That real life stuff again. As usual, I don't own them. If I did...well, we won't go there. Enjoy!

Tin-Tin crept quietly through the house. It was a little after dawn and it was doubtful that anyone other than herself would be up. Virgil seldom rose before nine, and Alan was the same. Gordon was a possibility, but with his back, she suspected he too was still in bed. And with Scott, Jeff and John gone...I never thought the island could be this quiet. Even with Gordon around.

She paused on the terrace overlooking the pool and gazed out over the sea. She was so lost in the scenery that the sound of footsteps behind her startled her and she whirled, fists clenched.

"Relax my daughter." Kyrano smiled.

Tin-Tin's fists unclenched and she broke into a smile. "Good morning Dad. You just surprised me."

He beckoned her over to one of the patio tables and they sat down. "You are troubled Tin-Tin. Your mother and I can sense it."

She sighed. "There's been alot happening."

"You are very brave my daughter."

Tin-Tin's head snapped up. "What?"

"You are very brave taking on my brother...Trangh, the way you have." He smiled. "I am proud of you Tin-Tin."

Tin-Tin blushed and fidgeted with her hands. "John is my family. I had to help him." She looked up at her father. "Dad? Can he...the Hood...Can he hurt me like he is John?"

Kyrano shook his head. "No. You are protected."

She frowned in confusion. "Protected? How?"

Now it was Kyrano's turn to look away. "By me."

"By you?"

Kyrano sighed. "I too have...power."

Tin-Tin's coffee eyes opened wide. "What?"

Kyrano nodded at his daughter. "I am an empath. I can sense feelings, but only if the person is close."

Tin-Tin nodded in understanding. "That's how you always know the right things to say!"

Kyrano laughed. "Yes, I suppose it is." Then he sobered. "But never would I use this for my own purposes. That would be wrong."

"But how does that protect me from the Hood?" Tin-Tin asked.

"Because you are mine." Kyrano said simply.

Tin-Tin grew quiet. "I haven't told them everything." She said a few minutes later. "About what he's planning." Kyrano frowned and she continued. "He is going to kill John."

Kyrano leaned forward. "How?" He demanded.

She shook her head. "I don't know. But he's going to kill him. To hurt Mr. Tracy." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And I don't know how to stop him."

"You are stronger than you believe Tin-Tin. And so is Mr. John. Together you can beat him. And do you know why?" Tin-Tin shook her head. "Love. Trangh doesn't know the meaning of love. To him, power is everything. And that is why he will fail."

Tin-Tin shook her head. "I don't know if I can...he's so strong."

"And so are you."

"Not like he is"

"Tin-Tin, you have to believe in yourself. He has no power over you. He has no true power over John. He is merely using John's own doubts against him."

She looked up at her father, tears pooling in her eyes. "He hurts John. And John's pain hurts me."

Kyrano took her into his arms. "Daughter, you can do this. You are like a river. Ever flowing, ever changing. Calm and serene on the surface, but turbulent underneath." He tilted her chin up to look deep into her eyes. "Remember, even the stillest waters can erode the strongest stone."

Tin-Tin smiled and hugged her father close. "Thanks Dad."

He chuckled. "Master Alan is looking for you. Tell him what you have told me. You are stronger together than you are apart." He smiled again and made his way back to the house.

Tin-Tin looked up as Alan came out of the bushes by the side of the pool. "Tin-Tin..."

"Alan, I need to talk to you." She smiled and beckoned him to sit down next to her.

Scott trembled with exertion as he manipulated the pulley with his right arm. He held it for a few seconds, then let the weight fall with a crash. "Dammit!" He cursed, breathing heavily.

The physical therapist smiled. "Great job Scott."

Scott snorted. "Yeah, right."

"Seriously! You've lifted almost five pounds. Most patients take three or four days to work up to that." Her tone sobered. "But don't overdo. You don't want to damage that shoulder further. Take it slow. You're doing fine. I'll be back later this afternoon."

Scott merely scowled as she left and idly rubbed his shoulder. The door opened again and he looked up to see his father and brother walk in. "Hey, was wondering if you were going to show up today." Scott's smile faded as he stared closely at his family. John had a shiner under his left eye, and Jeff was nursing a fat lip. "What the hell happened to you two?" He demanded.

John shrugged in his father's direction. "He hit me."

Jeff gave his second eldest a bland glare. "You hit me first."

Scott stared in disbelief as they both grinned at each other. John even laughed. "Someone want to explain all this?" Scott grumbled.

Just as Jeff was about to speak, the door opened again and Dr. Vickers walked in. "Good morning Tracy's. Scott, Heather tells me you did well this morning."

Scott sighed. "If you call lifting five pounds a couple of times well..." He muttered.

Rosie frowned at him. "Are you calling her a liar?" She marched over and looked Scott square in the eye. "I told you before that this was going to be a long, hard road. Attitude is half the battle. And right now, your piss-poor one is going to be your downfall." Her tone was icy.

Scott turned red and dropped his gaze. Rosie took a step back and glanced down at his chart in her hands. "Well, the good news is that the damage wasn't as bad as we originally thought from the X-rays. If you keep up with the therapy," She glared at him briefly. "I expect a ninety-five percent recovery use rate. Which, let me tell you, is fantastic. Normally it's only around eighty percent. Now, how much pain are you in?"

Scott shrugged. Or tried to, the ache in his shoulder causing him to grimace. "Some I guess. It's not too bad."

"Scott. I promise you I'm not going to pump you up on painkillers. I'm monitoring your meds very, very carefully. I haven't lost a patient to addiction yet, and I don't intend to start with you." Her voice softened. "Scott, pain will hinder your progress. Trust me. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

Scott finally looked up and smiled thinly. "Thanks Doc." He said softly.

"You're welcome." She turned and smiled at Jeff and John. "I'll see you tomorrow." With that, she marched out of the room.

John watched her go, then turned and raised an eyebrow at his brother. "That's your doctor?" Scott nodded. "Jesus, she's terrifying."

"That she is." Jeff agreed. He turned back to Scott. "So, how are you feeling today son?"

"Not too bad I guess." Scott shifted himself on the bed. "But forget about me. I ask again, what the hell happened?"

John ran a hand through his hair. "Let's just say I had a rough night, and Dad happened to be in the way." He said quietly, staring down at the floor.

Scott started to reply but Jeff frowned and shook his head. Scott sighed and changed the subject. "I managed to lift five pounds for about ten minutes day. Big freaking deal. I used to be able to bench press half my weight!"

Jeff sat down in the chair next to the bed. "But that was before. Take it slow son. Rosie was right."

"I know. It's just so damned frustrating."

John sat down on the edge of the bed. "Yeah, but look at the perks you're getting."

Scott shot his brother a dirty look. "Perks? What the hel...heck kind of perks do you think I'm getting in here?"

John broke into an easy grin. "Well, the daily sponge baths for one."

Scott laughed. "Well that's true."

Jeff groaned. "I don't think I want to hear this."

"Although, I wonder how much the nurses really enjoy it." John winked.

"Oh the nurses enjoy it just fine. Trust me." Scott replied wiggling his eyebrows.

Scott and John laughed at their father's expression. "What's the matter Dad, don't want to hear about Scotty's sex life?" John teased.

Jeff groaned again and put his face in his hands. "I'm not listening to this."

"C'mon Dad, you really think John and Christa are upstairs lying chaste in John's bed?" Scott quipped.

"We are chaste in my bed. It's yours you should worry about." John shot back.

Scott stared at his younger brother for a moment, before he burst out laughing, then winced. "Damn...Don't make me laugh Johnny."

John just grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. Jeff let out a sigh of relief. This was the son he knew, not the empty shell that had been walking around for the past few months.

John eased back, pulling one leg up on the bed. "So, Scotty, anything I can do for you?"

Scott shook his head, then looked up. "Food! The food here sucks! Think you could smuggle me in a pizza?"

To both Jeff and Scott's surprise, John paled. "I'll...I'll see what I can do." He glanced down at his watch. "Gotta run. Talk to you later bro." With a nod at his father, John quickly left the room.

"What the heck did I say?" Scott asked, puzzled.

Jeff frowned after John. "I have no idea." He sighed.

"He was laughing and joking just a minute ago?" Scott frowned. "Dad? What happened last night?"

Jeff turned back to Scott. "He had a…episode."

Scott shifted to a more comfortable position on the bed. "What kind of episode?"

"Seeing you yesterday brought him back to the attack on Five."

"Shit..."

"Scott."

Scott sighed. "I wish he'd just talk to someone!"

"He did." Jeff paced the short length of the room. "I walked in as he was reliving your ambush in the mine." He ran his hand through his hair. "He didn't know where he was, he thought I had done something to you. He swung a few times, connected once." Jeff fingered his lip. "And I'm ashamed to say I hit back. I didn't even think, I just reacted. Seeing him, laying there on the floor..." Jeff suppressed a shudder.

Scott shifted again, trying to get comfortable. "Then what?"

"He talked about the initial attack on Five. Let out some of his fears. God, you were right Scott, I never should have let him go back." Jeff leaned against the window sill and clenched his eyes shut. "And I should have made him stay, not let him come here alone."

Scott got to his feet, and after swaying unsteadily for a moment, walked over to his father. "Dad don't. None of this was your fault. It was Hood's."

"Some of it was. I should be able to see what's going on with my own family."

"Yeah, and if wishes were horses, beggars would ride." Scott grinned sheepishly at his father's expression. "Grandma used to say it."

Jeff smiled softly. "That she did."

"So, he get you with his fist, or his roundhouse kick?" Scott grinned.

"Fist. But he tried the leg thing." Jeff rubbed his back in remembrance. "Who taught him that little trick anyway?"

"Kyrano I think. John's always been so much...slighter than the rest of us, so he taught him a few moves." He winced as he massaged his shoulder.

"I guess the hell he did." Jeff sighed. "He got another headache last night."

Scott's head snapped up. "Hood?"

Jeff shook his head. "John claims no. That it was just a migraine."

"John doesn't get migraines."

"I know." Jeff sighed. "It was bad enough that he asked Christa for something to help."

Scott looked up, his pain momentarily forgotten. "What? John asked for meds? You're kidding?"

"I wish I was."

Scott fidgeted again and idly rubbed his shoulder. "Damn this hurts." He muttered.

Jeff frowned. "Want me to get the doctor?"

Scott shook his head. "No, I want to get through this on my own Dad." He slowly paced the room. "Has John said anything else?"

Jeff shook his head. "No, but it was nice to see the two of you acting almost..."

"Normal?"

"Scott..." Jeff said, a touch of rebuke in his voice.

"What Dad? Like John's been himself the past few months? Today I felt like I got my brother back. I'll do anything I can to make sure he stays." Scott grimaced as he flexed his shoulder.

"We all would."

Scott sighed. "I was thinking...maybe Virg and the others could come when I get out. We haven't all been together since...Well it would be nice to have everybody here."

"I'll check with John. I don't want it to look like we're all ganging up on him."

Scott glared at his father. "We wouldn't be 'ganging up on him.' We're family for God's sake!" He took a shuddering breath, sill massaging his shoulder.

"Why don't you let me get—"

"I hate feeling this way!" Scott exploded suddenly.

"Scott..." Jeff started.

"I just want everything to go back to normal Dad! John, me, EVERYTHING!" The last word came out a shout and the nurse came rushing in.

"Scott! You shouldn't be out of bed! Come now, back you go." She easily steered him back to the bed. "Lie down, that's it." She held his wrist and took his pulse. "I'm going to get you something for the pain." Scott started to shake his head. "Scott, just enough to take the edge off, I promise. I'll be right back." She hurried from the room.

Jeff sat down next to his son. Scott had gone pale and his face was bathed in sweat. "Dad, I can't do this..." He whispered hoarsely.

"Yes you can Scott." Jeff told him firmly. Scott started to shake his head. "Scott, listen to me. You're going to be fine. You—We're going to get through this, understand?"

Scott looked deep into his father's brown eyes and saw the conviction there. "Thanks Dad." The nurse came back in and quickly administered the painkiller. Scott winced at the needle, then a few moments later breathed a sigh of relief. The nurse waited a minute longer, the smiling at Jeff, left the room.

Jeff watched as Scott relaxed and closed his eyes. He picked up his son's hand in his own and watched as he slept.

John made his way through the crowded corridors of the hospital, finally breathing a sigh of relief when he reached the outside. The sun was beating down and instead of hailing a cab, he started walking in the direction of the brownstone. His thoughts were in turmoil as he finally reached the house and marched inside.

He automatically started towards the bar, then paused. Taking a deep breath, he turned instead and walked to the kitchen. He pulled out a bottle of water and sat down at the table, his head in his hands.

"I could sure use a pizza! Know a place that delivers?"

"Thirty minutes or it's free right?"

John forced the memories from his mind. "Get a grip John. Nothing can hurt you here." He muttered to himself, getting up and starting for the stairs.

"I beg to differ John."

The pain dropped him to his knees. "No..."

"I would have thought the headache last night was a little reminder."

"That was just a migraine."

"John, I had forgotten how amusing you are."

John forced himself to his feet. "You're not here. You can't hurt me!"

"Oh really?"

John dropped to his knees again as blood began pouring from his nose. He took a shuddering breath and once again, struggled to his feet. "You're not here!"

"Are you being stubborn John? Don't force me to hurt you."

John clenched his teeth. "You can't hurt me!" He growled.

"Oh really?"

John bit back a scream as his head nearly exploded in pain. His jaw tightened in anger. "You're. Not. Here." He forced himself up the stairs, and peeling off his clothes stepped into the shower.

"You won't be rid of me that easily John." Weaker this time.

"Oh yes I will." John turned the water on full and plunged into it, the hot water cascading over his head and rinsing the blood from his face. "I have family. I don't need you." He felt the pressure in his head ease and the pain slowly ebbed. He took a shuddering breath and turning off the water, stepped out, wrapping a towel around himself. He picked up his bloodstained clothes and scowled. "You son of a bitch. That was a new shirt." He shoved the ruined shirt in the trash before his family could see it and question him about it.

John pulled on a clean set of clothes and paused to stand in the middle of the room. His head was blissfully quiet and he let out a sigh of relief. "And stay gone." John grabbed his car keys and set out to find Christa.

Across the Atlantic, in a high security jail cell, Hood opened his eyes. "Well, well, my little mouse has grown teeth. I shall have to be more subtle." He let out an evil laugh that echoed down the hallway.