DISCLAIMER: All Thunderbirds and TAG characters belong to their original creators; I claim no ownership.
A/N: Set in the TAG universe with elements from the OG. Please be aware that certain words may appear different, as they adhere to British spelling conventions rather than American.
Onto the Chapter! :D
It was John's 14th birthday, and his family surprised him with something he'd been longing for. "Scott, where are we going?" asked John. "You'll see soon, Johnny! We're almost there!" replied Scott, sandwiched between 11-year-old Virgil, 2-year-old Alan in a car seat, and 6-year-old Gordon napping on his lap. John sat in the front with their parents. "Um, okay?" said the puzzled John.
"We're here!" exclaimed Jefferson, aka Jeff. John looked up, and his jaw dropped. "Are we where I think we are?" he blurted out. Yes, John, they were at the place of his dreams. "Lake Tahoe!" announced Lucy, his mother. John had developed a passion for Lake Tahoe in primary school. "Happy birthday, John!" everyone exclaimed. "Thank you all so much," said the quiet but grateful boy. Little did the Tracy family know, something sorrowful would occur, altering their lives...
Grant and Sally Tracy, Jeff's parents, had also joined the gathering. "Boys, I'll be staying inside the cabin with Alan; you go and have fun!" Sally announced. "Ok, Grandma," replied Scott. "C'mon, let's go!"
As the boys gathered their skiing gear, Grant and Lucy decided to accompany them. "Now boys, remember what your father told you?" questioned Grant. "Yes, Grandpa!" replied Virgil. "Always stay on the blue slopes; they are the safest." "You're right, sweetie. Do you all understand that?" added Lucy. "Yes, Mum!" chorused the boys.
Just before the group entered the blue slopes, Lucy advised, "Scott, make sure to keep an eye on your brothers, especially Gordon." Gordon let out a little giggle. Scott nodded and assured, "Of course, Mum."
As the Tracy family glided down the powdery slopes, laughter echoed through the crisp mountain air. Scott led the way, doing his best to guide Virgil, who navigated with a mix of enthusiasm and occasional wobbling on his skis.
Gordon, being the adventurous spirit, experimented with small jumps and spins, providing comic relief for the family. Lucy chuckled at Gordon's antics, while Grant looked on with a mix of amusement and mild concern.
Meanwhile, Jeff and John, taking a break from skiing, shared a quiet moment by the cabin. "Dad, these mountains are something else, huh?" remarked John, gazing at the snow-covered landscape. Jeff chuckled, "Yeah, they sure are, John. Remember that one time I wiped out trying to keep up with you?"
After a thrilling afternoon on the slopes, the family gathered in the cosy cabin, cheeks flushed from the cold. Sally had prepared a hearty meal, and they shared stories of their escapades. The warmth of the fireplace contrasted with the snowy landscape outside.
As the evening unfolded, a sense of contentment filled the Tracy family, savoring the simple joy of being together in the mountains.
The family emerged from the cabin, reenergized after the hearty meal, ready for more skiing. Scott led the way once again, with Virgil showing a bit more confidence on his skis this time. Gordon, ever the thrill-seeker, attempted more daring moves, drawing laughter from his family.
As they enjoyed the snowy expanse, a random skier passing by called out, "Avalanche!" Panic struck, and the Tracy family swiftly made their way back to the cabin. In the rush, Grant twisted his ankle, wincing in pain. Lucy, displaying remarkable composure, went back to assist him.
The distant rumble of the approaching avalanche grew louder, urging everyone to hasten their retreat. Just as Lucy reached Grant and started helping him toward safety, the avalanche struck with an overwhelming force. John, standing near the cabin entrance, shouted, "Mum!" as the avalanche engulfed Lucy and Grant.
The chaotic scene left the Tracy family in shock, the air thick with a mix of fear and disbelief. The mountain, once a source of joy, had transformed into a perilous battleground. Now, the priority shifted to rescue and recovery, with John's urgent cries echoing in the aftermath of the avalanche.
In the wake of the avalanche, a search and rescue team swiftly mobilised, their trained dogs leading the way through the snow-covered landscape. The rescue mission aimed to locate any survivors amidst the debris. The Tracy family anxiously awaited news, their hopeful anticipation tempered by the harsh reality of the mountain's sudden ferocity.
As the search unfolded, the rescue team discovered a few survivors, providing a glimmer of relief. Yet, the toll of the disaster became apparent—Lucy, Grant, and many others had perished in the unforgiving descent of snow. The mountain, which had once been a backdrop for family joy, now bore witness to tragedy.
John, grappling with the loss of his mother and grandfather, found solace in the support of his remaining family members. Together, they faced the challenging task of coping with the aftermath and piecing together their lives.
In the midst of sorrow, the Tracy family discovered the resilience within themselves, drawing strength from the bonds that had weathered the storm. The mountains, once a source of joy, now stood as a sombre reminder of both the fragility and endurance of life.