Many, many thanks to everyone who helped me out with this chapter! Tikatu, Convert, Grumpy, Kate, Bluegrass, you gals are the best!

As usual, I don't own the characters except for the ones I created.

Read and enjoy!

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Tin-Tin hummed to herself as she took her morning walk along the beach. She paused to pick up a brightly colored shell, then tucked it into her bag. She walked along the ocean's edge, enjoying the feel of the water around her ankles.

Suddenly she froze, the bag of shells dropping to the ground. "John..." She whispered, her chocolate eyes taking on a faraway look. She turned and ran back to the villa.

Alan and Gordon were in the pool, and looked up in surprise as she rushed past them. "What's going on?" Gordon asked.

Alan shrugged. "I have no idea. But I think I'll go find out. Later." He hoisted himself out of the pool and hurried after Tin-Tin. He caught up with her quickly. "Tin-Tin? What's wrong?"

She turned, her eyes wild. "My father! I have to find my father!" She broke free of his grasp and continued up the stairs to the second level. "Dad! Dad!" She ran onto the terrace just as Kyrano and Onaha came rushing out.

"Tin-Tin!" Kyrano called as she ran into his arms.

"John! He's killing John!" Her voice held an edge of hysteria to it.

Kyrano nodded. "I know. He has already broken through my protections and knows where Mr. Tracy is." He gripped his daughter's shoulders. "You have to stop him."

She shook her head. "I can't...he's too strong."

"Yes daughter, you can."

"Somebody want to tell me what's going on?" Alan demanded, his hands folded across his chest.

Tin-Tin whirled around. "Alan! It's my uncle! He's killing John!"

Alan paled. "How?"

She shook her head. "He just is!" She turned back to her parents, tears streaming down her cheeks. "What do I do?"

"You stop him." Kyrano told her.

"I don't know how!" Suddenly she froze. "Alan...Alan!" She turned to him. "Do you trust me?"

Alan frowned. "What?"

"Do you trust me!"

"Of course I—" Before he could finish, Tin-Tin had placed one hand on his face, the other around the crystal at her neck, and closed her eyes. "Tin-Tin, what—" He gasped as the memories flooded through him.

Images of his childhood, his first bike ride, a birthday party, school. Then onto later times, moving to the island, the first launch of Thunderbird One, his first view from space, the Hood.

"No..." Alan started to pull away.

"He can't hurt you. John needs your help." Tin-Tin's voice sounded in his mind.

"Tin-Tin?"

"Trust me Alan."

The memories stopped whirling until one image burned itself into his awareness.

"Yes Alan, that's perfect...remember...remember..."

I peered around the corner into the kitchen. Good, John was still there. Maybe he would talk to me. "Hi Johnny."

"Hey Sprout." He smiled. John always smiled. He's the smiliest person I know. He never yells at anybody. Not even when Gordon let all the chickens out and John had to catch them. He just smiled and said, "Want to see who can catch the most?" Not like Scott. Scott's always grumpy when he gets home. I think they teach him to be grumpy at that Air Force school he's going to.

"Want a cookie Alan?"

"Sure!" I climbed up on the chair and watched as John poured me a glass of milk, chocolate, my favorite, and gave me three cookies! I never get three cookies. Gordon always eats them all.

John smiled again and ruffled my hair, then went back to putting the dishes away. "John? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure Sprout."

"When is Mommy coming back? She's been gone a long, long time."

John stood very still. I began to get scared. He was going to yell at me, just like Virgil does when I ask about Mommy.

"I'm sorry John! I shouldn't have said that. Please don't get mad!" I started to get down from the chair, but a strong hand grabbed my arm.

"Wait Alan." I turned. He was smiling again, but it was a sad smile. "Sit down." I sat. "Alan, Mommy can't come back. She's gone."

"But where did she go?"

John sighed. "She's an angel now Alan."

An angel! Wow! "Does she have a pretty dress?"

John nodded. "I'm sure she does."

"And wings?"

"And wings."

I was quiet a moment, thinking. "Johnny? Did I make Mommy leave?"

John closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, it looked like he was going to cry. That's not right. John never cries. Ever. Even when Daddy had to pull that big splinter out of his foot. He didn't even scream. Virgil cries like a baby.

"Alan, Mommy got in an accident. A bad accident. Her body was so hurt that God decided to take her up to live with Him so she would feel better."

"Did God make her an angel?"

"Yes."

"I didn't make her go away?"

"Alan, you didn't do anything."

I put my head down on the table. "I miss her Johnny. Sometimes I forget what she used to look like." I couldn't help it and I started to cry. I'm a big six year old boy! I'm not supposed to cry!

John picked me up and held me close. "I'll tell you Alan. I won't let you forget her. I promise."

I looked up at my big brother. He had tears running down his cheeks. I cuddled closer and he wrapped his arms around me.

I guess sometimes, even big boys cry.

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John forced his eyes open. "Alan?"

"Fight him John! You're stronger than he is!"

"I'm trying...I..."

"You told me you'd be there, so don't go welching on that promise now."

"Alan..."

"That's enough from you."

John found himself alone with the Hood again. "Let me go!"

"I don't think so. You didn't really believe all that nonsense, did you?"

John's will faltered and once again, the Hood took control.

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Tin-Tin's eyes snapped open and Alan sagged forward. Kyrano caught him around the shoulders and eased him down to the floor. "Relax Master Alan."

Alan looked up at Tin-Tin through bleary eyes. "Did it work?"

She shook her head. "Not yet." She closed her eyes again. "Mr. Tracy...Jeff...hear me.

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Jeff dropped his fork to his plate with a clatter. "Tin-Tin?" He whispered.

Penny frowned. "Jeff? Is something wrong with your breakfast?"

Jeff stared forward, focusing on something Penny couldn't see. "John...John..."

Funny, no matter how much things change, how much they stay the same. The gymnasium has a new coat of paint, a few new championship banners, but mostly, it looks like it did all throughout my own school years.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was the one up on that podium, wearing that stupid looking cap, waiting to just get out and make my mark in the 'real world'.

The music starts and I, along with everyone else, turn and watch them walk in. Did we look that young? That eager to get out and start living life?

I listen to the same speeches, only now given by different people. Then, the last speaker approaches the podium, the class valedictorian. I sit up a little straighter to get a better view. My God, how grown up he looks. He stands proudly, his royal blue robes making his eyes even brighter. His white blonde hair nearly hidden by the mortarboard. He speaks of the future, of hopes and dreams, of course, he mentions the stars.

I'm so damn proud of him.

Barely seventeen years old and about to graduate from high school, then onto MIT in the fall, one of the youngest students ever accepted.

When did my John turn into a man?

I think it happened the night Lucy died. My boy was forced to face things I hadn't thought he'd have to face until he was much older. He sobbed that night. As if his heart was broken. Of course it was, his mother was dead.

I don't think I've seen him cry since. The others have, Scott I'm sure. He was always closer to Scott than any of the rest of us. Except Alan maybe. He adores Alan. Tolerates him when the others are ready to drop him down the well. And Alan worships the ground John walks on.

I draw my attention back to the front of the gym. He's laughing now, along with the rest of them. Some joke shared between them all, that we old folks don't understand. He raises his hand for silence and you could hear a pin drop. He takes his tassel and moves it over. The place erupts in a cheer that shakes the rafters, and hats fill the air.

I swallow the lump in my throat as they start back down the aisle. John catches my eye and grins. I smile proudly.

See that young man? The one with stars in his eyes? The one who's leading them?

That's my boy.

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"Dad?"

"John, I'm here."

"Dad, I never knew..."

"I know, I should have told you how proud I was. How proud I still am."

"I can do this."

"Yes, you can. Drive him out. Out of your head. Out of your life."

"Why Jeff, how nice of you to join the party."

"Don't listen to him John."

"Telling him how to live his life again Jeff?"

"He can't hurt you if you don't want him to John."

"I...I know that now." John took control of himself and pulled the glass away from his wrist.

"John?" Scott called out.

John looked up and nodded. "I'm trying Scott...I'm trying..." He bit back a moan and clenched his eyes shut. "No! You can't make me do this." His hands shook and involuntarily tightened on the glass again. "Please..."

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Jeff collapsed, head down on the table. Penny was at his side in an instant. "Jeff? Jeff what's wrong? Parker! A doctor, quickly!"

Jeff tried to sit up, Penny helping lean him back in the chair. "No, no doctor. I'm fine." He said hoarsely.

"Like bloody hell you are." She took in how pale he was. "What happened?"

Jeff brought a hand to his aching head. "It's John. Tin-Tin somehow sent me to him."

"Tin-Tin?"

Jeff nodded and winced as his head exploded in agony. "Look Pen, I think I need to go lay down." He got unsteadily to he feet and swayed as the room spun around him. "Will you call John? Find out what's happening. And the island too."

"Of course. Let's get you to bed." She wrapped one arm around his waist and led him out the door.

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Virgil ran through his scales once more and sighed. Deciding he'd had enough practice, he launched into Beethoven. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the music.

"Virgil!"

His fingers faltered on the keys. "Tin-Tin?" He looked around in confusion. "What's going on?"

"John needs you."

Virgil shook his head. "I need sleep. I'm hearing things." He had just started playing again, when the memories tore through his head.

"Make sure you put the heavy ones outside in the shed. Don't put them in the barn."

John, mother-henning us again. You'd think I'd never brought hay in before.

He went on. "I have to get to town and pick up Alan and Gordon. I mean it Virgil. Keep those bales outside. I don't want the barn burning down one night."

I sighed. "John, that's a myth. Wet bales don't just catch on fire."

"Yes genius, they do. It's called combustion. Look, just do it OK?"

I nodded, rolling my eyes. "Yes, John."

I watched as he drove off, then turned to my task. "Stupid hay. We don't even have animals anymore, why bale the hay?" I loaded the bales on the pick-up and drove them to the barn. I looked down at my watch. If I hurried, I could get in an extra half-hour of practice before the others got home. Gordon especially. He just can't appreciate good music. That rock crap he listens to is the farthest thing from being music. Nothing but noise.

I quickly drove over to the barn and tossed the hay up into the loft. My piano was calling.

Shouting woke me.

"John, call the fire department! Wake Virgil and have him keep Alan and Gordon in the house."

"I'm on it Dad."

I heard the front door slam as I rushed out of my room. "What's going on?"

John was quickly dialing the phone. "The barn's on fire."

I felt a chill run through me. "F-Fire?"

John nodded and turned his attention to the phone. I was numb as I watched him rush out the door.

It seemed like days for the fire to be extinguished. Dad and John came in, covered in soot and grime. Both were coughing, and John had a thin cut on his forehead. Apparently the heat had blown out the windows, and a piece of glass caught John.

It's all my fault.

I can hear Dad shouting now. I told the kids to stay in bed and crept down the stairs to see what was going on.

"Dammit John! How many times have I told you, wet hay doesn't go in the barn!"

"I'm sorry Dad."

"Sorry isn't going to get us a new building. What if we had stock in there? Did you ever think of that?"

"No sir."

"You're going to pay for half the damage. We can work it out with your allowance."

"Yes sir."

"Go to bed, we'll talk in the morning."

I hurried up the stairs before John could catch me. Unfortunately I tripped. John came up and helped me to my feet.

"John, I'm sorry. It was my fault."

He shook his head. "No Virgil, I should have checked. I assumed that it was all taken care of." He shrugged again. "I'm beat, see you in the morning."

I watched as John went into his room and shut the door.

I barely slept the rest of the night, waiting for John to tell Dad what had really happened.

But he never did.

John worked his butt off, earning enough money for repairs, then spending a month helping Dad and Mr. Murray from next door, build it up again. All his savings- he'd been saving up for a new telescope- went into that barn. I waited and waited for the day he would come down on me, demanding that I take my share of the blame.

John never said a word.

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John gritted his teeth and forced his hand back from his wrist. "You won't do this to me."

"But I am John."

Was it John's imagination or was the voice getting weaker. "You won't poison me against my family anymore."

"Then I suppose I shall just have to kill you."

Scott could only watch helplessly, as John began to scream.

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Tin-Tin looked up at her father. "It's working. He's getting weaker."

Kyrano nodded. "Good."

Alan smiled wearily. "And John?"

Tin-Tin's eyes unfocused. "He's fighting him."

Just then, Virgil staggered onto the terrace. His face was pale and a thin sheen of sweat covered his forehead. Onaha was at his side in an instant, helping him to a chair. "I think I'm going to be sick." He mumbled.

Onaha quickly pushed his head between his knees. "Breathe easily Virgil...relax." She looked over at her husband. "We need to alert Mr. Brains. He needs to know what is going on."

Kyrano nodded. "Will you be alright?" He asked Tin-Tin and Alan. She nodded and he quickly hurried off. "What's wrong with Virgil?" Alan asked wearily.

"I did to him what I did to you. But he is not as...close to me as you are. It was harder on him."

Virgil looked up, his face still pale. "What the hell is going on?" He demanded angrily.

Onaha answered for the others. "Your brother is in trouble. Tin-Tin is trying to save him."

Virgil's eyes sharpened. "The Hood?" She nodded. "Fuck." Virgil got unsteadily to his feet and swayed as the room spun around him. "Whoa..."

"Sit down, you're not going anywhere." Onaha commanded as she pushed him back down in the chair. "Tin-Tin, is John safe now? Tin-Tin?"

They all turned to look at her. Tin-Tin had her eyes closed and clutched her crystal tightly. "No! Gordon...help him!"

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Gordon cut through the water like a shark, his strokes powerful and sure. He hit the wall, and dove, turning towards the opposite end of the pool. He was halfway across when a flash of pain shot through his head. His stroke faltered and he foundered to the side of the pool, trying to hoist himself up onto the patio.

The memories swam, unasked for, through his mind. He clenched his eyes shut against them. "No...I don't want to remember...no..."

"RED ALERT...RED ALERT...RED ALERT!"

I looked up from where I was talking to Onaha. "What the hell?" Scott was already rushing past me, and I followed at his heels. I ran into Virgil out in the hallway.

"What's going on?" He demanded, his hair still mussed from sleep. No worms for this bird, if Virgil got up before noon, it would be a miracle.

I shrugged. "I've got no idea."

He shot me a quick grin. "Think Alan blew something up again?"

I bit back a smile as we rushed into Dad's office. Brains was already activating the Command and Control switch. I pulled on a shirt and glanced up at Brains as I made my way to my alcove.

"How bad Brains?" I heard my Dad ask his voice oddly strained.

"Thunderbird Five, major damage sustained. Possible strike by a m-m-m-fu-possible strike by a—"

"Meteor."

"Yep."

Dad quickly got into his alcove. "Thunderbirds are go."

Thunderbird Five was hit by a meteor? John! I willed the lift to move faster, but it continued at its normal pace. I reached the locker room at the same time as the others and we dressed in silence. As we started down the tube towards Thunderbird Three, I pushed ahead of Scott, getting to the pilot's seat. Virgil sat next to me and Dad took his usual spot between us. Scott didn't say a word as he slipped into one of the two jump seats in the back.

I began the start up procedure, Virgil doing the same on his side. The one bad thing about TB 3, was that it took two of us to pilot her.

"Check retros." Dad ordered.

"Go." Scott responded a heartbeat later.

I pressed the final button and braced myself for the g-forces as the giant rocket shot out of the library.

"Plot the shortest course. I don't care who sees us." Dad told Virgil.

"FAB Dad."

"Scott, keep trying your brother."

"Right Dad. Thunderbird Three calling Thunderbird Five...Come in John."

I shot a glance at Virgil. I hoped I didn't look as scared as he did. Behind me, I could hear Scott still trying to raise John. I suppressed the fear bubbling up inside me. John couldn't be dead. He couldn't be!

Four years ago...

"John! I'm going to be late!" I yelled.

John came down the stairs, pulling on his coat. "Relax Guppy, we have plenty of time."

"I need to warm up."

"You won't be late." He said again as we headed out to the car.

I quickly buckled myself in and we started down the road. "You going to stay and watch?"

John smiled. "Don't I always?"

I grinned. "You just like looking at the guys in their Speedos." I cracked.

John didn't bat an eyelash. "Yeah, always looking for someone to fix you up with."

We both burst out laughing. That's one thing I loved about John. He was one of the few people who actually got my sense of humor. And on the rare occasion he played a prank, it rivaled mine. Truly, the man was a god.

I reached over and flipped on the radio, hunting until I found a heavy rock station. I turned it up a notch, and John winced, but didn't ask me to turn it down. He knew I needed to settle my nerves. We drove in silence, me tapping my fingers on the dash in time to the music.

"This is it huh?"

I turned the radio down. "Yeah." I sighed. "John, do you think I can do this?"

John didn't answer, but instead pulled over to the side of the road. Great, here it comes. I wasn't good enough and John, being John, was going to let me down gently. I turned and pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window.

"Gordon. Gordon look at me." I turned. "Why these doubts?" I shrugged. "Gordon."

Damn, he was persistent. "I don't know. I'm the youngest guy on the team, all the others have more experience than I do."

"Can any of them swim faster than you?"

"No."

"Are you lacking in any of the skills you need to get a place?"

"No."

"Have you tried your hardest, done your best?"

I nodded.

"Do you think you can do it?"

I paused, then looked up at him. "Yes."

John smiled. "Then brother mine, let's go. You have a date with the Olympic qualifying team."

I smiled at the memory. John was the one who had taken me to every practice, every meet. Sure, the others were there too, but John never missed a one. He gave me criticism each time too. Good and bad. And even when the bad pissed me off, after I thought about it a bit, I had to admit that he was right.

He even skipped his chance to walk on the moon in order to see me compete in Paris. How do you thank a guy for that? I tried to give him my gold, but he wouldn't take it. "You earned it Guppy."

He can't be dead.

I pushed Thunderbird Three a little harder. I felt a slight tremor shudder through her, but the diagnostics stayed clear. I could still hear Scott desperately calling for John.

Two hours.

It was going to take us two hours to get there, even using the shortest trajectory. I didn't want to think of what had happened. Maybe communications are just out. Maybe there was no meteor, he just dropped a mug of hot chocolate on the computer and shorted out the system.

Yeah, and Alan's a Thunderbird.

Suddenly the voice we'd been waiting to hear, blasted across the speakers.

"I'm losing all power...Repeat I'm losing all power!"

I tried not to react to the panic clearly evident in John's voice.

"Hold on John, we're coming in." How did Dad sound so calm?

"Hurry Dad..." John's voice was clearly weaker that time. I pushed TB 3 a bit more. A moment later, the station came into view.

My first thought was that it had to be a miracle John survived. The outer ring was completely destroyed in one section, and debris floated everywhere. Thank God the docking arm appeared to be undamaged. But we wouldn't know for sure until we got closer.

I stole a look at my father. He had a grim expression on his face, and he held the arms of his seat in a death grip. He shifted his attention to me and nodded. "Gordon, prepare for docking."

"You got it Dad." I turned back to the controls. "Reverse main thrusters on my mark. Three...two...one..."

"Easy, watch the roll." Dad warned.

Virgil's fingers flew across the board. "Roll index angle, minus two degrees."

I deftly turned the ship, trying to get close to the station. Usually the computer did all this, I just had to put her in place. Hadn't done a manual docking in a long time.

"Initiate docking sequence."

A few more seconds...or was it hours...and a shudder went through the ship. "We're locked on."

"Nice work." Dad started unbuckling his safety harness. "Docking sequence complete."

Scott was already at the door, punching the keys to open the door. "Tunnel hatch secured."

"Emergency packs boys." Dad said as he hoisted the pack on his shoulders. Virgil handed one to me and we hurried towards the hatch.

"Airlock pressure equalized."

Dad pushed in front of Scott and keyed in the last codes. "We're in. Let's go."

The damage to the outside was nothing compared to what met us when we walked into the station. Smoke filled the room and sparks flew across the consoles. The only illumination came from the small fires were burning everywhere. I stared, unable to move at the destruction. We hadn't heard from John since his hail fifteen minutes ago. I prayed that he was still with us.

A figure staggered out of the shadows. "John!" Dad rushed forward, beckoning to Scott at the same time. "Scott, tackle that fire!"

I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"Am I glad to see you guys."

My brother was alive.

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John flung the shard of glass across the room. "No, you won't do this. You won't control me."

"But John, I already do."

John gritted his teeth. "Never." He growled.

"Are you so sure about that?"

"Yes. You lied. You've been lying to me the whole time." John looked up and started fearlessly into Scott's eyes. "My family cares about me. You don't."

Scott smiled. "You tell him John."

"I grow tired of this."

"Then get out." John snapped. Suddenly he yelped and brought his hands to his temples. "No..."

"If I can't get rid of you one way, I'll try another."

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Tin-Tin dropped to her knees moaning. Onaha rushed to her side. "Tin-Tin!"

"Is she alright?" Alan rasped.

Tin-Tin looked up, her chocolate eyes wide. "Gordon, someone get to Gordon."

Brains, Fermat, Steve and Kyrano had run in, in time to hear her last line. Brains glanced around, then bolted down the stairs to the pool. Fermat knelt beside his friends.

"A-A-Alan?"

"I'm OK Fermat. Just my head." Alan closed his eyes and leaned heavily against Fermat.

They all started as they heard a loud splash from the pool. Steve hurried down the stairs. Virgil started to follow but was pushed back down by Onaha. "Stay here. They will take care of Gordon."

A few moments later, Gordon appeared at the doorway, supported on either side by Steve and Brains. Virgil pushed up from his chair and hurried to his brother's side. Gordon's eyes were wide with fear. "John, Thunderbird Five's been hit. He's in trouble."

Virgil looked at Brains in confusion. "H-H-He's very disorientated. We had to pull him out of the p-p-water."

Virgil frowned and lightly slapped his brother's cheeks. "Gordon? C'mon Gords, snap out of it!"

Gordon shook his head. "Virg? What happened?" His eyes started to roll back and Brains and Steve lowered him to the ground.

Virgil shook his head and swayed again. Brains quickly helped him down too as Steve checked both their vitals. "Wh-what is happening?" He glanced over at Tin-Tin, who was quickly regaining color.

"We're winning. John is starting to fight back. He now sees Hood for what he truly is." She told them.

Kyrano nodded. "Good. I must call Mr. Tracy. Lady Penelope also needs to know what has happened."

Tin-Tin closed her eyes again. "Keep fighting him John." She whispered. Then her eyes snapped open. She bared her teeth and snarled. "You will not have him!" She gripped the crystal around her neck as her eyes shifted color. The others all stared at her, afraid to disturb her. "Scott...Scott..."

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Scott hurried to his brother's side, only to be knocked back by John's fist. He staggered backwards, bringing his hand to his lip. "Damn you, you won't keep me from my brother!"

John/Hood looked up, his eyes once again an evil red. "You all think you can stop me? My little niece may have gotten stronger, but she will fail. John is mine, to use or destroy, as I wish."

"Over my dead body."

"That can be arranged." John/Hood closed his eyes and his body shook. When his eye's opened again, Scott could see they were back to blue, and filled with fear. Fear and something else...

"John?"

"I have to stop him Scott. He's going to kill me and go after..." His eyes clenched shut and he moaned. "Please Scott, help me..." John whispered urgently.

"I don't know how!" Scott said desperately. "John, what do I do?"

"Remember Scott. Remember happier times."

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

"Think of John, Scott, think of John."

"Where is that little bugger?"

I had searched all of John's usual haunts, his room, the den, the kitchen, even the shed roof, where he had his new telescope. That makes what, three now? I mean c'mon how many of the things does one person need?

I stopped in the middle of the barn. "JOHN!" I bellowed.

"What?"

I jumped, not expecting him to sound so close. "Where are you?"

"Up here!"

I looked up. Sure enough, John's head was poking out from the hayloft.

"What are you doing up there?"

John shrugged. "Hiding. Gordon got his allowance today."

I suppressed a shudder. Any day Gordon got money, was a day I checked my shorts for itching powder. "Want some company?"

John shrugged again and disappeared from view. I took that as a fifteen year olds way of saying 'yes', and climbed up after him. I looked around. John had stacked up a bunch of hay bales and covered them with a blanket. He had stuck a small lamp, I could see the extension cord disappearing in the bales, next to a pile of books and magazines. The inevitable telescope was propped up in the window. I shook my head. "Nice place you got here, John-boy."

"Thanks." John stuck his nose back in his book. Sarcasm has always been lost on my little brother.

"Home schooling working out for you?"

"Yup."

"You've been keeping your grades up?"

"Uh-huh."

I sighed. "So, how have things been around here?"

John didn't look up. "OK."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

I swear, getting this kid to talk was like pulling teeth. I walked over and pushed the book down. "John."

He looked up at me and sighed, before looking back down at his book. "Things are fine Scott. You don't have to worry."

"I'm the oldest. It's my job to worry." I sat down on the bale next to him. "Heard a rumor that you got your learner's permit."

"Yeah."

"You going to take me for a ride?"

"In what? The old station wagon? Yeah, right. I hate that thing, and Dad won't let me take the SUV without him."

"Then how about your new car." I dropped a set of keys in his lap. That got his attention.

"What? What new car?" He picked up the keys and looked closely at them. His head snapped up. "Wait a sec, these are yours!"

"Not anymore they're not."

"B-But Scott, this is your Pontiac! You've worked your butt off to fix up that car." He shook his head. "I can't take these." He pushed the keys back at me.

"Sure you can John. Look, I'm off to boot camp, then I have four years of active duty ahead of me. How often am I going to get home? Once a year? Twice if I'm lucky? I'd sleep better at night knowing you were taking care of her."

John looked up, his blue eyes wide. God, those eyes. Just like Mom's. You always knew what John was thinking, just by looking into them. I smiled. "C'mon sport, let's go try out your new wheels."

Scott slumped to his knees, moaning at both the pain in his head and his shoulder.

The sight pushed John to the front of his mind. He got to his feet and marched over to the mirror above the bar. "You won't hurt me or my family any more." He growled.

The air next to him seemed to shimmer and John could see Hood standing next to him. "You can't stop me now."

"Yes. I. Can." John stared fearlessly at his enemy. "Get out."

"I will kill you John."

"No you won't."

"It would be like snapping a twig."

Was it John's imagination, or was Hood getting weaker. "Give it your best shot, asshole. My family cares about me."

"You believe all that trash my niece has shown you? How do you know she didn't manufacture those memories?"

"Because I was there." John spun on his heel and walked over to kneel next to Scott. "Scott, are you alright?"

Scott looked up through bleary eyes. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"Perhaps I should kill Scott as well."

John ignored the voice and helped his brother to his feet. "Easy Scott." His eyes clenched shut as pain tore through his head. "I won't let you do this!"

"John!" Scott placed a hand on his brother's arm. "Fight him kiddo. Fight him."

"You can do this John. Trust me."

"Tin-Tin?"

"Ah, little niece. I'd wondered when you were going to show up."

"I won't let you hurt my family any more."

"And you think your pitiful power will be able to stop me?"Hood laughed evilly. "Try and stop me."

"John. Listen only to my voice. Drive him out!"

"I—I'm trying..."

"Think of your family, reflect on what I've shown you. Stop believing his lies."

"Right, my family." John took a deep breath and concentrated as hard as he could. "Get out of my head."

Across the room, Scott stood very still. He was unable to hear anything except for John's voice, but somehow he knew that whatever was going on would make or break his brother.

"John...I am your friend."

"You're no friend of mine." John's voice grew stronger.

"I gave you everything."

"You turned me against everyone I loved!"

"I thought that was what you wanted." Hood's voice grew weaker.

"You tried to kill me!"

"I apologized."

John could barely hear the voice. "I don't accept your apology. GET OUT OF MY HEAD YOU SON OF A BITCH!" John shouted, startling Scott.

"NO!" A sharp, bright light flashed behind John's eyes and he fell to the floor, moaning in agony.

"John! John! You did it! He's gone!" John couldn't answer, his head felt like it had exploded. He clutched at his temples, the pain in his head making his stomach churn. "You will be safe now. Let Scott help you. I'll talk to you soon." John's mind grew quiet and he let out a sigh that was nearly a sob.

Scott knelt down next to his brother. "John?" He called tentatively.

John looked up, tears streaming down his face. "He's gone...it's over."

"Oh John..." Scott clasped his brother close, ignoring his own pain. Scott finally felt John start to pull back and he gazed down into his brother's eyes. "Are you alright?"

John shook his head and winced. "No. I need to lie down...before I pass out." He surveyed the wreck of the living room, smiling wryly. "Guess the couch is out." He struggled to his feet, swaying unsteadily for moment.

"Easy bro." Scott got to his feet, trying to hold back a yelp at the pain in his own head and shoulder.

John frowned. "Scott?"

"It's nothing. Let's get upstairs." Halfway up the stairs, John faltered and would have fallen if Scott hadn't grabbed him. "John?"

"I...I can't...God it hurts..." John whispered.

"C'mon, just a little further...I can't carry you John. You need to get up." Scott gritted his teeth and hauled his brother to his feet. Together they staggered into the bedroom. "You going to clean up first?"

John merely moaned and collapsed on his bed. Scott pulled a blanket up over him and then collapsed on his own bed across the room. The phone started to ring, but Scott didn't have the energy to get up an answer it. John didn't even move.

Finally the ringing stopped and Scott closed his eyes, letting the blackness overtake him.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tin-Tin dropped to her knees, her breath coming out in a sob. Alan was at her side in an instant. "Tin-Tin?"

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "It's over. We did it."

"John?"

"He's safe. He's alive. Hood won't touch him again."

"Thank God." He pulled her into his arms and held her close.

Virgil shared an amused glance with Brains, who grinned in return before turning his attention back to Gordon. "I sug-sug-think you should all go down to the in-in-sickbay so Steve can take a look at you."

"I agree." Steve added, helping Virgil to his feet. "Let's get whoever's mobile down there first. Brains, will you stay with Gordon? I'll be back with the stretcher." Brains nodded and Steve wrapped an arm around Virgil's waist, leading him away. Onaha helped Tin-Tin to her feet, pulling her daughter close.

Fermat reached down and hauled Alan up, holding his friend's arm until Alan steadied himself. "Thanks Fermat." Alan said quietly, closing his eyes as the room spun.

"C-C-Come on. Lean on me." Together they followed Virgil and Steve.

Kyrano walked over and wrapped his arms around his family. "You have done well daughter. I am very proud of you."

Tin-Tin beamed up at him. "Thanks Dad. But I didn't do it alone. We all stopped him."

Kyrano pulled them close again. "That we did. That we did."

---------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in a remote section of the English countryside, Trangh Belagant, the Hood, screamed in frustration and anger. "No! He's mine! Mine! MINE!"