Virgil POV.

He took a sip of his champagne, watching as people in fancy dresses and suits danced slowly. He really didn't want to be here, business galas were not his thing but he had pulled the short straw, so here he was…at a boring business gala…with an even more bored little brother who had also pulled the short straw.

"This is soooo booooring…"Alan groans, his arms crossed against his chest.

He rolled his eyes , not that he doesn't agree with Alan, he could see how Alan…how a teenager would find this business gala which is mostly older adults, boring. But Alan whining was also getting a bit annoying too…

"Then find something to do.." he said, taking a sip of his champagne. He wasn't a big champagne or alcohol person but he was grateful for this drink, he needed it. "Didn't you bring your game with you?"

Alan had been hooked on this new game that he had found, he been playing it non stop for the past week.

"It died." Alan pouted, looking down at the floor. "I didn't even get to save it either.."

He sighed, starting to feel sorry for alan. The kid was starting to look really tired and he was reminded beforehand that Alan had been on a mission, the poor kid was exhausted and this party wasn't helping.

And honestly? This was no place for a kid. A lot of the food was designed for adults, which meant it either had alcohol in it (which Alan was not, I repeat not allowed to eat or drink!) or it was some kind of fancy food that Alan really didn't like, so really this place was no place for a kid.

he sort of understood why Scott wants Alan to come to these events, he needs to learn how to act in the public eye, not just as international rescue but as a representative of the family name and company.

But honestly the kid looked exhausted, it was about ten at night now. Way passed Alan's normal bedtime and yes the kid has a bedtime, not that he always follow it but he still has one.

Maybe they should leave, it was getting late. He wouldn't mind getting some sleep himself. "Okay, grab your things, we're leaving.."

Alan's eyes brighten up, "really?! We can leave?! YES!" Alan fist bumps the air with a grin, bouncing on his feet. Alan's stomach growled, making Alan blush slightly. "Could we maybe get food on the way home too? I'm starving!"

He chuckled, "okay, sure, I don't mind getting some food" he wasn't too fond of the food here either..

"Yes! You're the best!" Alan grinned, jumping in the air before running off to get his things.

He shook his head with a chuckle as he watches Alan nearly ran into someone.. That kid needs to slow down, always running at full speed..

Bang!

His eyes widen as he hears a gun go off, the sound echoing in the vast ballroom. It was then followed by a scream and suddenly everybody started running for their lives, shoving and pushing people out of their way, all trying to reach the exit.

It was a madhouse and he couldn't see alan anywhere! He had no idea what was going on and he couldn't find alan! He thought as he frantically looked for Alan in the panicking crowd. Where was he?!

Another gunshot went off, this time an angry yell followed it… "Quiet down!" A man holding a gun yelled, before a couple of other gunmen came into the room, blocking the exits. "Stop moving!"

"What do you want?!" One of the guests yelled, shaking from fear but trying to put on a brave face. "I promise you, you won't get away with this-"

"Shut up!" The man yelled, pointing the gun at that person. "Shut your little fat mouth!"

While the man was distracted, he activated his emergency signal. Hopefully, help will come soon before anything really bad happens. Oh scott was going to have a field day..

"Now! This is what is going to happen!" The man yelled again, "you are to hand over your money or things are going to get nasty!" The man then walked up to a young woman and said, "isn't that right sweetheart?" while stroking her cheek, a hungry look in his eye.

The girl was terrified.. Shaking from head to toe. He clenched his fists, h e wanted to do something but he knew bring attention to himself was a bad idea-

"Hey! Leave her alone!"

He felt his blood run cold as he realised who yelled.. oh no…oh no-no-no-no! please no!

Alan was glaring at the man, his fist clenched. Alan! Why do you have to be some much like scott!? He screaming in his head, his eyes wide with pure terror now.

The man turned around with a growl, "Who do you think you are?" The man took a step towards his brother and he felt his brotherly instincts flame up, that man was too close to his brother! "Some kind of hero, huh?!"

The man spat in Alan's face, standing way too close to him.

"Hey! Get away from my brother!" He yelled, his deep voice echoing in the room. "We'll do what you want, just step away from my brother!"

Alan looked at him, his eyes wide. He could see the fear that Alan was trying so hard to hide in Alan's eyes, the terror of having someone with a gun so close to you…

he needs to get Alan out of here, he needs to calm this situation down..

The man looked at him, his eyes widening "you're one of those international rescue guys.."

"Yes..i am" he nodded, his hands held out in front of him.

He had an idea, maybe he could use international rescue's reputation to calm this situation down. Because everybody knows that international rescue was trustworthy, right?

"Now please, we don't want anybody getting hurt, we'll do what you want but please step away from my brother" he said, keeping his voice neutral, trying to calm this mess down.

His comm buzzed...

The man's eyes narrow, "your brother? This is your brother?" the man looked at alan, a thoughtful look on his face. He didn't like that one bit..

"Yes, now please-"

The man cut him off, "you do not give me orders!" He pointed the gun at Alan, aiming the gun at Alan's abdomen. Alan's eyes widen even more. "international rescue couldn't save my sister from being paralysed, so now I'll return the favour!"

He watched in what seemed like slow motion as the gun went off, the bullet going straight into Alan's stomach.

Someone screamed in horror, he didn't know if it was him or someone else...maybe both..

"Alan!" He ran as fast as he could, dropping down to the floor where Alan had fallen, a puddle of blood starting to form around him.

His comm buzzed again…

Alan was gasping in pain, tears running down his cheeks at speed. Alan had his hand over his stomach, his hand was trembling…Alan's whole body was trembling.

"Oh, Allie, shh..shhh" he stroked Alan's hair back, moving Alan's hand to see the wound. He gasped at what he saw…

The bullet had lodged itself into Alan's spine…

shit!