Disclaimer: See Chapter One!

Disappeared for a few weeks. Don't think I got around to thanking you all for the reviews last chapter, so THANK YOU! Been a rough few weeks. What life doesn't throw at you, I tell ya! I had to put down my beloved beagle. They don't tell you how hard that is. Your pet is much more than just an animal. Also, on a much lighter note, been preoccupied with the World Series! Ha! Diehard Chicago Cubs fan right here. Fingers crossed they can pull it all out tonight!

Alas, here is the next chapter and get ready. We're about to go on a ride :)

Memorial Service

Scott's entire body was rigid. Every big brother and protector instinct on high alert as his eyes scanned the auditorium of Lancaster Academy. The choice to move the memorial service two towns over had been deemed a need-to-know basis. Officials were doing everything they could to not only help the Wharton Academy students heal but keep any harm to them and their families at bay. The field commander would gladly like nothing more than to hull his entire family out of the large space. Scott knew that wasn't what was best for his baby brother. Alan needed to be here to mourn with his classmates and friends. No matter how much the pilot didn't like feeling so exposed.

You could just be overreacting, Scott thought. There was no proof Aaron Edwards would show up to the memorial service, planning to inflict further harm. There was no proof Aaron was even aware of the change in venue. However, no proof meant there was room for error. The eldest was prepared for anything.

Looking for Alan, Scott couldn't help but beam with pride. From the moment his precious baby brother had stepped foot into the auditorium, teachers, students, and parents had approached them. All of them expressing their gratitude for the teen's heroic acts, something Scott was never going to forget.

Not ever.

Right before their very eyes, Alan Shepard Tracy had grown into a man. One who had not only surpassed their imagination but who earned respect and admiration of so many people. The kid continued to surprise all of them.

Alan made his way toward his family, who sat six rows from the stage. He found himself sandwiched between Scott and Virgil. An arrangement that had already been planned without doubt by both worrywarts. Virgil pulled the bag that held his oxygen concentrator from his right shoulder – his left still remained in a sling – and placed it near their feet.

The crowd began to quiet down as Wharton Academy's Headmaster approached the podium. Adjusting his suit, the school leader looked out into the crowd. "Good afternoon, I would like to thank you all for coming. Today will not be an easy day as we remember the lives of so many wonderful gentlemen taken too soon."

Alan shifted his gaze away from the stage as the Headmaster continued to speak. He was trying to accept the reality of the lives lost, but it was still almost too close to home. On the drive to Lancaster Academy, Alan had requested that they stop by Wharton's. He wanted to see his school and not just live it through pictures. He had received protest at first, but his family had reluctantly obliged. Approaching his school, Alan felt unprepared. The destroyed dormitory seemed unrecognizable as it's hollow shell was surrounded by yellow tape. Tape that framed the scene like a distorted picture. On display for all to see what the flames of Hell left behind.

It almost seemed like a horrible dream. However, Alan knew all too well that it was all too real. Every ash of smoke. Every timber of wood that had burned with ferocious rage. He had lived every atrocious moment of it, and yet it was surreal to see the whole picture, making Alan feel sick.

Looking to his left, the Wharton senior caught the concerned gaze of his father on the other side of Scott. Jeff smiled at him softly. The ding of a bell heard in the background as each of the eighteen student's names were called. Alan returned a reluctant smile toward his father.

Eighteen lives that were lost due to a careless act. Eighteen families forever changed. It wasn't right, Alan thought. It just wasn't fair.

Returning his attention to the Headmaster, Alan bowed his head as the leader called for a moment of silence in remembrance of the students. The seventeen-year-old felt a gentle squeeze on his leg from Virgil. "You okay?" he saw his brother mouth. Alan shook his head yes in response as they all raised their heads.

"Thank you," the Headmaster spoke, flipping a page from his notes in front of him. "After so much loss, we must also celebrate life. On that tragic late October night, many moments played out across our campus. The moments I would like to concentrate on are those actions by a few." Alan's ears instantly picked up on those words. Here we go…

"That night, each student woke up to terrorizing smoke and fire. For most, it was disorienting, but for a few, it wasn't. That night two of Wharton's seniors took it upon themselves to put their own well-being on the back burner - risking it all to save their fellowman. I would like to take this moment to recognize these two students whose actions no doubt made a grave difference. At this time, I ask everyone to please welcome Zach Wassman and Alan Tracy to the stage."

Alan closed his eyes for a brief moment as everyone stood and clapped. Alan reluctantly grabbed his oxygen container and made his way begrudgingly toward the aisle. Each of his brother's smiling encouragingly as he walked past. Zach was waiting for him at the end of their row, his own oxygen mask in tow. The two blonde seniors made their way onto the stage, standing in the center.

The Headmaster smiled proudly at the two. "Ladies and gentlemen, these two gentlemen worked together to help find and usher students to safety. At great cost to their own lives, they helped evacuate over one hundred students." To his left, the school leader ushered another body onto the stage. "Please welcome, Fire Chief Jonathan Raymund."

Alan and Zach looked at one another curiously. Why would the Fire Chief be there? Ambling behind the fire department leader, Alan noticed the three freshmen he and Zach had encountered that fateful night.

"In my line of work, selfless acts of courage aren't unheard of," Fire Chief Raymund spoke, his gruff voice echoing throughout the auditorium. "As firefighters, we know the dangers we face as we run into a hazy and fire-induced building. It isn't every day that you find two young teenagers who willingly face those dangers head-on. These students chose to act heroically in the face of such great danger and impediment. Besides instructing their fellow peers to evacuate, Alan Tracy and Zach Wassman found three younger students trapped on the upper floors of the dormitory. These boys risked everything to make sure their classmates escaped. In our line of work, we often reward such heroic selfless behavior with a special honor."

Chief Raymund motioned for Alex, Tony, and Jared to step forward - each holding something in their hands. "Alan and Zach, I with great pleasure present to you each the Civilian Medal of Honor," the Chief announced, nodding to the three freshmen. Alan and Zach blinked bewildered. Alex came to stand in front of Alan, while Tony stood in front of Zach. "This medal of honor is only bestowed to a civilian who - at great personal risk - was instrumental in rescuing or saving another person or persons. You make our department and your school proud."

The shock was clearly written across the two blonde senior's faces. Alex and Tony each placed their medals around Alan and Zach's necks. Both freshmen smiled with gratitude as they met their savior's forms. Next, Jared stepped forward, handing the two a rolled parchment paper.

Alan and Zach stared out into the crowd as the auditorium erupted into applause and proclaimed for their heroic acts. Alan was stunned. He hadn't aimed for recognition, but this was something he never saw coming. Looking toward his family, Alan caught the incredibly proud faces of his older brothers and father. Next to Gordon, Alan could see the same beaming faces of Fermat and Brains.

Jeff felt overwhelmed with joy as he watched his youngest son accept his award and shake the hand of the fire chief. The patriarch of the family looked to his other sons and saw the same pride. Looking to his eldest, Jeff could see Scott fighting tears of joy. Every day their family saved lives as International Rescue. However, this honor was different. Alan rescued his fellow peers on his own. No special equipment to aide him. By the time they had arrived on the scene, the seventeen-year-old and his classmate had already evacuated most of the students he was able to save. Alan Tracy didn't take any short cuts. He had indeed earned every ounce of recognition. Looking to the heavens, Jeff prayed. You'd be proud of what our last bundle of joy has become, Lucy. He's surpassed all of our expectations. Our family has grown so much.

"You're sacrifice to our school most certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, gentlemen," the Headmaster boasted, placing a hand upon both blonde's backs. "Thank you."

Zach looked at Alan. "Can you believe this?" he whispered.

"Certainly wasn't what I was expecting from this day," Alan declared, shaking his head.

Little did Alan know, his day was about to get a lot more interesting.

-TB-

In the shadows, Aaron Edwards glowered as he listened to the scene unfold before him. "I'll show you heroic acts," Aaron sneered. "Let's see how they save everyone now."

Placing a package along the catwalk, he climbed to ground level eyeing his surroundings.

Making sure no one saw him, he smiled. Looking at the device in his hand, Aaron inwardly boasted at his genius. They won't even see it coming…..

…BOOM!...

TBC…

Well...I'll just leave this here!