Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

First off, thank you so much for most of you being understanding during my hiatus. Life just gets in the way, and all your encouraging thoughts and reviews mean a lot! Second, for those who weren't as nice, I don't appreciate the vulgar emails or the cussing telling me to update. I currently work three jobs. That leaves me little time for life at all, let alone time to write regularly. I do my best and surely hope most of you understand that. Add the unfortunate fact that I've been in and out of the hospital, seeing doctors and getting no answers… I think it's needless to say now that, of course, no writing has gotten done until now. I'm genuinely sorry for the delay, but at least I'm not abandoning the story.

Now, onward!

A Hero Awakens

Intense pain flared through his tired body as consciousness returned slowly. Alan's mind felt fuzzy as he gradually became aware of his surroundings. His mind soon registered the muffled voices that filled the room as those of his family members, as well as someone holding his left hand. Alan focused on the hand - realizing the touch was one of his brothers – and tried to squeeze it. The seventeen-year-old felt weak, making it seem like all he had managed to do was move a finger.

"Alan!" John's voice suddenly filled his ears. His older brother tightened his hand around Alan's in response. "Allie, can you hear me?"

A commotion could be heard all around him as Alan fought further toward consciousness. The family gathered around the bed, calling for their youngest family member to awaken. "Alan, if you can hear me squeeze my hand."

After what seemed like an eternity, John's hand felt a weak grip in response. A smile plastered across his face. "Oh, Allie," his eyes filling with tears of joy.

"Can you open your eyes for us, Sprout?" Virgil asked, hopeful.

After several painstaking moments, Alan's eyes began to flutter. Feeling a cool cloth glide gently across his tired eyes, the blond attempted to open them fully - his cerulean orbs a welcomed sight to his family. As he looked upon those gathered, he met the happy smiles of each of his family members. Trying to take in a deep breath, Alan panicked. Something was stuck in his throat!

Virgil immediately realized what was wrong. "Relax, Alan. There's a tube down your throat that has been helping you breathe. We'll get someone to remove it, okay?"

Alan only blinked his eyes in confusion. Why couldn't he breathe?!

Dr. Emerson quickly entered the room, followed by two nurses. In the commotion, the Hackenbackers and Zach left the room to give the Tracy family some privacy.

"Well, well. Look who decided to join us," Amanda smiled down upon her patient. "I'm Dr. Emerson. I'm going to remove that tube, okay? On the count of three, I want you to cough as hard as you can. Do you understand?"

Alan blinked his eyes once more in response, beginning to understand.

The family watched on near Gordon's bed - who was still sound asleep - as they gave Dr. Emerson and the nurses room to examine the baby of the family. As the brunette doctor reached the third count, Alan coughed as hard as he could - the doctor pulling the obstructing object out of her patient's throat.

Alan found himself racked with numerous violent, very painful coughs that coursed throughout his body. "Easy, Alan," he heard the doctor coo. An oxygen mask covered his face, slowly easing his coughs.

"Just take deep breaths for me," Dr. Emerson instructed, smiling as her patient complied. "Good, kiddo. Now, it's going to be hard to talk at first. Your throat is not only raw from the ventilator tube but also from the smoke you inhaled. I have a few questions I need to ask you, and then I'll let you have some time with your family before I want to run some tests," she stated. "Do you know where you are?"

"H-hospital," Alan's weak voice croaked behind the mask.

"Good," Amanda smiled. "Can you tell me what you last remember?"

Alan searched his memory. "Everything is fuzzy," he said.

"That's okay," the brunette reassured. "Do you remember what happened?"

Alan nodded, regretting the action as his head began to throb. "There was a fire at my school."

"Good," Amanda nodded, satisfied for now. Looking over at Alan's family, she was happy to see they could at least finally have some good news. "I'll let you have some time with him. I'm going to arrange for some tests now that he is awake."

"Thank you, doctor," Jeff smiled as he came up next to his youngest son's bedside.

"I'll be back shortly," Amanda said and exited the room.

Jeff quickly took Alan's hand in his. "Alan," he grinned as he placed a hand on his son's cheek.

"Hi, Dad," Alan answered, his voice sounding very raw. To his family, it was the sweetest sound regardless of the sore tone.

"You gave us quite a scare, buddy," Scott said as he took hold of Alan's other hand, placing it near his heart.

"Sorry," Alan said, coughing. Jeff offered him some ice chips.

"It's okay, kiddo. Just don't ever do it again, okay?" Scott smiled.

Alan smirked. "I'll try not to," he said, closing his eyes for a second. Opening them back up, he saw his family looking at him in concern. "I'm okay."

"Sure you are, Sprout," Virgil said as a small smile turned his lips.

Alan chose to ignore the nickname. Looking at each of his family members, he realized that his closest sibling in age wasn't in sight. "Where's Gordon?" He watched as each of them shared a look. "What? Did something happen?" Alan began to panic, pulling his oxygen mask from his face.

"Shh, it's okay," Jeff tried to calm Alan. "Your brother is lying over there," he said, pointing toward Gordon's bed. "He hurt his back, but don't worry, he's going to be okay. He just needs to rest."

Alan weakly tried to pull himself up from the bed but was immediately stopped by his brothers and father. Groaning, he looked at his father but quickly regretted the action as another coughing fit fired up. His breaths were coming in wheezy gasps.

"Alan, you have to stay calm. You've been through a lot, and your lungs took in a lot of smoke," Virgil coaxed, stilling his baby brother's movements. The family relaxed as Alan collapsed back into the bed, allowing Scott to place the oxygen mask back upon his pale face.

Scott looked deeply into his baby brother's troubled blue orbs. "Allie, what is it?"

Alan tried to clear his throat, but everything was so sore. His body felt like he had been through Hell and back again. Maybe he had and just couldn't remember it. Alan hurt, but nothing hurt more than the uncertainty of his brother's health. "How'd he hurt his b-back?" he choked out.

"We'll discuss it later, you just get some rest," Jeff said as he rubbed his son's upper arm gently.

"Bu-" Alan tried to argue but was quickly shut down as each of his family members glared at him, proving none of them would budge until he rested. All the teen wanted to know was what had happened. Was he the cause for Gordon's injury? Had the redhead gotten hurt while fighting the fire at his school?

So many questions flowed through his weary brain, but the thick darkness of sleep unwillingly claimed his fragile body.

-TB-

Anger. That wasn't even the right word to describe how Karen Edwards felt as she stared at the devastating remains of her family home. Smoke and ash still filled the air from where the mansion once stood tall. Nothing remained but a hollow frame. A bleak reminder of what had once been. It was amazing how fast something so treasured could be taken away from you in nearly minutes. Everything the hard-working democrat and her husband had sacrificed to provide a stable home seemed futile now. After all, her house was destroyed, and her youngest child was missing as well.

Each family member had an inkling of the cause of their home's demise - Aaron. No one loved to cause trouble more than the sixteen-year-old, and most of all, no one loved playing with fire more than him. This event had his figurative fingerprints all over it. Karen knew her suspicions had been right about her son. He was nothing but a troublemaker. She would bet money that her youngest was also responsible for the fire that had started at his boarding school.

Turning, the dark-haired woman saw her husband approaching along with their two other children. "The convertible is missing," Thomas said, shaking his head.

"Imagine that," Karen grumbled. "It's missing along with someone else."

"I just can't believe Aaron could do something like this," Amy spoke in disbelief, dried tears evident upon her face. "I know he was troubled, but to destroy our family home. He could've killed someone. It just doesn't seem real."

"C'mon, Amy. Aaron doesn't care about anyone but himself," Cody scoffed. "He's nothing but a little monster."

"He's still our brother," Amy scowled. "How do we know that he wasn't caught in the fire, Cody? This could've easily been a robbery."

Cody chuckled. "Oh please. This whole place smells like the fallout of Aaron's joy of playing with fire. The little fire starter torched the place and used Dad's convertible as a get-away car. He'll get what's coming to him soon enough. I'll make sure of it."

"Cody, that's enough," Thomas warned. "Your brother needs help."

"That's no excuse, Dad! What kind of normal civilized person just does that?!" Cody fumed, pointing to the hallowed remains of their home. "Our so-called "brother" is an arsonist and a homicidal maniac. The way I see it, he needs a lot more than just help." Without saying another word, the twenty-four-year-old stomped off.

Putting an arm around his daughter, Thomas sighed as he watched his oldest son walk away. "Don't worry. We'll find Aaron. There has to be an explanation for all of this."

"There is, and your son just laid it out perfectly," Karen said flatly.

"Mom," Amy started. "You can't think that Aaron would really do something like this."

"You bet I do," the congresswoman spat with anger. "I know the two of you always thought you saw the best in Aaron," she said, looking at her husband and daughter. "I knew differently. That boy has been nothing but a nuisance and a selfish brat. I've seen what he's capable of, and yes, I do believe he could do something like this. I would go as far as to claim that he is responsible for the fire at Wharton Academy."

"Karen, you can't be serious!" Thomas exclaimed in shock. "All those kids…."

"I'm very serious. I would bet my entire Presidential race on it," Karen seethed. The congresswoman groaned as she realized the ramifications this fire would cause to her campaign.

There was no escaping the stories that would soon ensue. After all, her opponents were just begging for a juicy story to erupt. No matter how much PR work her advisers had done, the word still leaked to her opponents about her troublesome son. Some campaign ads depicted her as incompetent. One stating that if she couldn't control her son, then how did they expect her to run the country?

Taking another glimpse at her destroyed home, Karen Edwards clenched her fist. Damn her youngest son! She was not going to be made a fool. No, she would turn this toward her advantage. First thing, damage control. Second, find her problematic son.

-TB-

A steady rhythm of two different heartbeats traveled throughout the hospital room. The noise signifying that both injured parties were resting peacefully.

The gentle breathing of two other siblings echoed as they too rested. Virgil laid upon the couch, while John rested in a chair - his legs cradled upon the couch's armrest. The sight embodied peace, something that hadn't appeared in days.

"What a sight," Jeff mused as he and his eldest son stood in the doorway.

"Reminds me of when we were kids," Scott said, with a smug grin as he took a drink of his coffee. "We'd always camp out in the living room at the farmhouse on the nights you'd have to work extra late at the office. It was usually nights when there was a bad storm."

"It was always an interesting scene to walk into when I got home. I never knew which child was going to be on top of who," Jeff smiled and then chuckled as he looked up at Scott. "You'd always be the first to awaken, and then you'd quickly find an excuse as to why you weren't all in bed."

Scott blushed. "Hey, it was the easiest way to get the younger two to sleep. They'd refuse to sleep until you got home, so John and I had to improvise when it came to getting them down."

"I don't say thank you enough, Scott." A ping of guilt filled Jeff's stomach. No matter how many times he apologized for not being around as much in those years, the patriarch still felt horrible. Scott and John understood the emotional state their father had been in during those early years after their mother's death. Neither one had any regrets.

"You don't have to, Dad. It goes without saying," Scott simpered as he stared at each of his siblings. The eldest son of Jeff Tracy didn't feel cheated out of his childhood. He enjoyed watching out for his siblings - being every inch their protector and confidant. Scott couldn't imagine life any other way. His brothers meant the world to him.

Scott's gaze rested upon the two youngest Tracy children. Inwardly, the pilot wanted to groan as he thought of all the frustration he had endured helping his father raise the terrible two. If it weren't for the separation in years between the redhead and baby of the family, you could've sworn the two were fraternal twins. No one knew Alan better than Gordon and vice versa.

"What are you thinking, son?" Jeff asked as he noticed where Scott's eyes fell.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just thinking about when they were younger and how much these two have grown up," Scott smiled reassuringly. "Both have grown up so fast."

"Too fast," a tired voice spoke. John stretched and sat up as he looked at Gordon and Alan.

"You all have," Jeff added for his own merit.

John turned toward their father. "Did you hear anything from Dr. Emerson about Alan's latest test results?"

"Things are starting to look up," Jeff started, relief filling his voice for the first time since their nightmare had begun. "The swelling in his brain has decreased immensely. They're starting him on a stronger antibiotic due to his elevated platelet count."

"Do they think he's getting an infection in his lungs?" Virgil's groggy voice broke in, joining the conversation.

"They're keeping an eye on everything. Dr. Emerson said the next twenty-four hours would give us a better picture of what we're dealing with. His body has been through a lot of trauma. Which means he could easily develop an infection almost anywhere."

"No kidding," Scott exhaled. "He could get an infection in his lungs, along the wound on his back, the burns along his forearm. You name it."

"Precisely," Jeff frowned. "Dr. Emerson wants to start Alan on breathing treatments for his lungs. She's hoping that will help combat any further damage outside of what he sustained in the fire."

"So, what you're saying is Allie is out of the coma but is a long way from being out of the woods," John stated flatly.

"I'm afraid so."

Each Tracy gazed upon the baby of the family, his peacefully sleeping form a calming sight.

A sudden groan pulled each of them from their thoughts. Neither one sure which bed the sound had come from. After a few seconds, another painful mumble escaped into the room.

John quickly crossed the room toward Gordon's bed. The rest of the family not far behind. Taking his brother's hand, he called to him. "Gordon, can you hear me?"

Slowly, Gordon fought toward consciousness. Confusion battled with pain filled his body. Hearing his family call for him once more, the redhead forced his eyes open.

"Hey," Virgil smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Like that behemoth of yours has trampled me," the redhead responded, pain evident in his voice.

Virgil scowled at his younger sibling. "Yeah, well, at least she's prettier than your yellow monstrosity."

"At least I've got a song that goes with mine," Gordon quipped, closing his eyes briefly as he fought against the remaining effects of the sedative.

His family couldn't help but laugh. It was such a welcomed sight to have Gordon not only awake but already cracking jokes. "Whatever you say, Gordo," Virgil smirked.

"How are you really feeling, son?" Jeff asked, meeting his son's amber eyes.

"I'm okay," the swimmer said as he registered the pain his body was still feeling. "Still smarts pretty good, but I'll be alright. What'd my tests show?"

"You'll be fine with rest. You may experience some bad back spasms, but we'll help you through it," Jeff informed his son.

"Fun," Gordon grimaced, remembering how painful his back spasms could get. "Guess that's the price you pay-"

"Gordon?" a quiet yet hoarse voice interrupted. All eyes turned to the bed next to them.

"Alan! Hey, how are you feeling?" Scott instantly asked, making his way toward his baby brother's bed, followed by Jeff and Virgil.

Hearing the sweet voice of his only younger brother, Gordon immediately tried to move but quickly regretted the action. He gasped in pain as his back screamed at him.

John swiftly grabbed his brother, trying to guide him back onto the bed. "Easy, Gordy."

"Gordon?" Alan's worried voice called once more, panic lacing it.

Scott quickly put a hand on his baby brother. "Don't move, Alan."

"What's wrong with him?" Alan asked, worried, his blue eyes wide.

"I'm okay, Allie. Just moved too fast for my own good," Gordon tried to reassure.

Alan pulled the oxygen mask from his face. He tried to push himself up once more, but Scott kept a gentle but firm grip against him. "Alan, you've been seriously hurt. You need to stay in bed," Scott told him.

"I need to see him. Please, Scotty!" Alan pleaded, nearly melting Scott's heart.

"Alan, stay there," Gordon instantly commanded. Looking at John, he knew what he needed next wasn't going to be popular. "John, will you please help me over to Alan."

"Gordon, no," Virgil immediately protested.

"Alan's upset, Virg. It's either me that gets up, or he'll keep trying to get up and hurt himself. Take your pick," Gordon reasoned, pulling off his finger monitor.

"Gordon," Jeff frowned.

"I'll be okay, Dad. It'll just be for a few minutes," Gordon said, already trying to move. His back screamed against every movement, but he needed this. He needed to see Alan. His baby brother was awake, breathing on his own and begging to see him. He wasn't going to let him down.

John looked at his father questioningly, torn between what to do. Seeing his father nod his head reluctantly, he helped as Gordon had already begun to pull himself up.

"Slow and easy, Gordon," Virgil warned, coming to stand on the other side of John.

Slowly, Gordon managed to get himself in a standing position. His back throbbed tremendously, but nothing felt better than knowing he could see Alan. Seeing Jeff pull a chair up beside Alan's bedside, the redhead gingerly placed himself into it.

Gordon looked at his baby brother, a smile gracing his features as he stared into Alan's ocean blue eyes. "Hey, Sprout."

"Are you okay?" Alan asked, allowing Scott to place the oxygen mask back on his face.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Gordon smirked. "I'll be fine, Allie. Just suffering a little set back is all."

"What happened?"

Gordon tried to hide a wince as his back throbbed. "I fell during a rescue a few days ago."

"You're really okay?" Alan's muffled voice asked. Everyone smiled, knowing all the kid needed was reassurance.

"Yes, Sprout. I'm really okay. What about you? How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, and don't call me Sprout," Alan said, his comment making everyone chuckle. The seventeen-year-old closed his eyes for a moment as his head throbbed.

"Well, if we can't call you Sprout, then I guess we'll have to call you what everyone else is calling you," Scott beamed.

Alan opened his eyes and raised his brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You're our little hero," John grinned.

Alan coughed, taking in a few puffs of the fresh oxygen. "I'm not a hero."

"Oh, but you are, son. You helped save a lot of lives. I'm so proud of you, Alan," Jeff said, placing a hand upon his youngest's head.

"We all are," Scott said with pride, squeezing Alan's hand.

"I'm not a hero, Dad," Alan's weak voice protested. "I was only doing what was needed at the time."

Jeff chuckled. "I don't think you realize the impact of your actions."

"Fermat and your classmate Zach told us, Allie. You saved a good portion of your classmate's lives," John said.

"Zach's okay?" Alan asked, relieved.

"Yup, and so are the students you watched over. They all made it out alive," Virgil grinned.

"G-good," Alan coughed, wincing slightly.

Jeff frowned. "Do you want me to get the nurse to give you something for the pain?"

"Could you, Dad?" Alan winced once more. The more aware his body became, the higher his pain level increased.

Jeff's frown deepened, knowing that pain wasn't something his youngest admitted to openly without reason. "I'll be right back."

Scott looked at his baby brother with sympathy, wishing he could take his pain away.

The family turned as the door reopened, expecting to see their father returning but were surprised to see Lady Penelope and Parker.

"Hello, boys," Penny smiled, turning she saw Alan was awake. "Alan, it's so wonderful to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, been better," Alan replied, trying to hide another painful wince. To his relief, his father returned with a nurse in tow. Within a few minutes, a relaxing sensation overcame his body.

Patiently waiting for the nurse to leave, Penny and Jeff looked at one another.

"Jeff, may I have a word with you outside?" Penny asked, turning her gaze to the family patriarch.

"They already know, Penny," Jeff replied, knowing whatever news the petite woman had brought wasn't necessarily good. Penny nodded in understanding.

Scott looked at his father with concern. "What's going on, Dad?"

"While we've been with Alan, I asked Penny to look into the cause of the fire at Wharton's," Jeff explained.

"Does it have to do with that Aaron kid?" Virgil immediately deduced.

Penny looked at Jeff and then at each of his offspring. "Boys, let's have a seat, and I'll tell you everything I know."

TBC….

Well, at least Alan is finally awake now. PLEASE let me know what you think!

Thanks so much for sticking with me for the last several months. Been a rough ride for me. Hopefully, things will get better.