Archive of Our Own

“Year 13 will be taking a week in our closest PGL centre! There is no charge to parents as the school won in a prize draw. They will be covering our travel fees too. Letters have been sent home to parents and we are expecting everyone to be in school for exactly 8am on Monday to board the coach.” Mr Bray announced to the room, still unsure by the completely free trip the school had even offered.

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The staff were in the middle of their weekly meeting when they were interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Come in!” Mr Bray called, thankful for the break in a depressing talk concerning the school budget.

Mrs Bedfordshire, his secretary, had poked her head in.

“We have won a week away in a PGL centre for our year thirteens!” She announced, grinning widely.

The other teachers gathered in the room looked between each other excitedly.

“A whole week away! Our sixth form certainly deserve this chance to relax.” Mr Grey said.

“Shouldn’t we send a different year group? Surely year thirteen are far too busy for a trip away.” Mr Wiseman said, “How about sending our football teams?”

“Absolutely not. You don’t get to take an opportunity like this away from the year thirteens they’re absolutely exhausted.” Mr Grey insisted.

“They were very clear about it being for our year thirteens.” Mrs Bedfordshire shrugged.

As the teachers argued amongst themselves, Mr Bray couldn’t help but be confused. He was certain the school hadn’t been entered into any competition to win a completely free trip to a PGL centre. He wasn’t entirely sure that sort of thing even happened.

“So, shall I put together a letter sir?” Mrs Bedfordshire was looking at him expectantly.

“Uh, yes, when is this trip taking place?” Mr Bray said, shaking himself out of his stupor.

He wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth and he couldn’t help but wonder if Alex Rider’s strange guardians had something to do with the out of the blue free trip. There was something not right about that Mrs Jones he had talked to in a meeting about Alex’s poor attendance.

“In two weeks’ time Mr Bray.” Mrs Bedfordshire replied brightly.

“Very good, let the parents know today and we’ll have to arrange transport and the accompanying staff.” Mr Bray said, nodding his head importantly.

“Very good sir.” Mrs Bedfordshire said and bustled away.

“Now, what were we discussing.” Mr Bray said with a sigh.

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Tom frowned and leant across to whisper to Alex who was sat beside him silently listening to the headmaster.

“Is this you?”

Alex glanced at Tom and nodded furtively, “I’ll tell you later.”

Tom nodded, content to wait until they were in private to hear exactly why MI6 had offered Brookland Comprehensive a free trip to a PGL centre. He was sure whatever the reason was, Alex wasn’t going to have a relaxing week.

As soon as the assembly ended, Tom dragged Alex off to an empty classroom before anyone else could catch up with them.

“So?” He asked as soon as they were alone.

“I’m investigating one of the instructors. He’s supposedly involved in a major drugs chain that funnels pure LSD into London. Blunt wanted to send me undercover as a summer instructor, but I managed to persuade Jones to talk him into sending our year group to excuse my absence.” Alex explained with a yawn.

Tom shook his head, “Damn you never get any time off.”

“I’m doing my best, and at least this mission should be fun.” Alex shrugged.

“Oh yeah, you aren’t getting away from doing the activities, you can investigate on the side.” Tom demanded.

Alex laughed brightly, “Obviously. I persuaded them to give me a holiday I’m not losing my chance. Besides, I’ve got until the Saturday to sneak into his quarters and prove he’s a mule. I only have to report my findings, Interpol want to run a drugs bust but they need proof he’s actually involved before they can finance a sting.”

“Drugs? Interpol? Sting?”

“Alex Rider is insane!”

Whatever Tom was going to say next was interrupted by a staff member stood in the doorway.

“Whatever are you two boys doing in here? My lesson starts in five minutes.”

“Oh, sorry sir I thought this classroom was free.” Tom said, hurriedly seizing Alex’s wrist and dragging him out past the curious year nines.

“Shit how much do you think they heard?” Alex hissed once they were out of earshot of any nosy students.

“Surely it couldn’t have been that much.” Tom said hopefully, “You didn’t mention any names or tr trip in the time it would have been logical for him to be stood there to interrupt us at that particular moment.”

Alex sighed, “I hope you’re right, Blunt would be furious if I accidentally revealed my existence to the whole school.”

“Mate your existence is like England’s worst kept national secret.” Tom pointed out bluntly.

“Don’t remind me, Blunt’s already on my arse about how many people I’ve told.” Alex groaned, “They want me to become a full-time operative once I’ve left education and I can’t do that if my cover is completely blown.”

“They would probably make you a new one.” Tom said, elbowing Alex lightly as they walked.

Alex rolled his eyes, “Don’t even, they would as well.”

They walked to the common room, talking about the trip and what they were going to do whilst there, not pausing to wonder where their friends had actually gone until they were confronted by a room that contained no one they talked to.

“Shit. Tom do we have history?” Alex asked.

“Fuck.” Tom replied.

The pair turned and ran, hoping to make it to their lesson before it would be too embarrassing to walk in and admit they had forgotten about it entirely.

~Day of the Trip~

A morning briefing with Mrs Jones had almost made Alex miss the bus entirely.

“I’m sorry, my… alarm didn’t go off.” Alex called, regretting the lame excuse as soon as it had left his mouth.

Mr Grey simply shook his head, buying the excuse immediately, “It’s fine Alex, just leave your bag beside the coach and go and find a seat on board.”

“Yes sir.” Alex replied, quickly dropping his bag down and climbing aboard.

Predictably, Tom had kept the seat beside him free, and he lit up as soon as Alex boarded.

“Alex!” He called, beckoning to the free seat beside him.

Alex grinned and walked over to him, “Sorry mate, overslept!”

Tom simply raised an eyebrow at the excuse, not believing it but also not about to ask for the real reason while surrounded by so many people.

The coach ride passed by quickly, Alex surreptitiously listening to the information Jones had given to him that morning through his headphones.

Mr Grey gave him a look on seeing the teen with his phone out, but chose not to say anything, well aware Alex was in desperate need of some relaxation. He may not be entirely aware of exactly what was going on with Alex, but no student had so many illnesses, bruises, and lived a happy life.

Once they arrived at the centre and everyone had unloaded off of the bus with the usual chaos that accompanied students of any age on a school trip, the park manager was waiting to greet the frazzled teachers.

“Welcome to Marchant’s Hill PGL Centre, my name is Robbie! Congratulations, Brookland Comprehensive, on winning our prize draw for an entire free week here! We are excited to see you and I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay here. May I introduce Fritz and Aria, they will be your instructors for this week! Please take any problems either to them or me.”

Mr Grey stepped froward with a smile and shook his hand, “Hi, it’s great to be here. I’m Charlie Grey, and this is Grant Donovan.”

Whilst the teachers were preoccupied, Tom leant across to Alex who had his eyes firmly fixed on the German instructor.

“Oi, is that him?” He whispered.

“Is that who?”

“Oh shut up you’re distracting me!”

“Yeah, don’t be obvious though otherwise my operation will be absolutely blown.”

“Aye, aye, captain.” Tom whispered and straightened up as the focus shifted back onto the group of students.

“Go grab your bags guys and then we’ll head to the cabins we have been so kindly been gifted for this week. For mixed sex cabins I want an equal number of boys and girls please!” Mr Grey called, shooing the students back to the coach whilst he introduced himself to the activity councillors.

Steph bounced up beside the two boys, “Bagsy you guys are sharing with me and Ayisha! We’re gonna have such a great week.”

Tom grinned, “Of course babe, wouldn’t have expected anything less.”

Alex rolled his eyes and pulled a face at Ayisha, who giggled and mimed being sick.

When the couple turned back to their friends both pretended to be innocently finding their bags, whilst doing a horrible job of hiding their giggles.

Alex was glad he and Ayisha had managed to put aside their differences as well as their old feelings to become friends. It had been awkward at first, especially after Ayisha and Steph had become close but Ayisha had eventually apologised for the slap and some second-hand information through Tom had enabled Alex to apologise for some of the things the clone had said to her.

Once everyone had got their bags with only a few minor scraps over which bag belonged to which person, they all assembled back in front of Mr Grey.

“Come on then folks, lets follow Fritz and Aria down to the cabins and you can all get settled in. Dinner will be at 7 o’clock so you all have half an hour to settle into the cains before I will expect everyone to gather back together.” The teacher announced.

Fritz grinned, “Everyone follow me please! And don’t worry we won’t be expecting any of you to sing the walking songs.”

Most of the group laughed, Tom glancing at Alex who was watching the councillor with a slight frown on his face.

“Lighten up Alex!” Steph said, jokingly elbowing the spy in the ribs.

Alex quickly wiped the frown of his face and grinned back at her, the pair following as the group set off towards the cabins.

The events of the evening passed quickly, Alex keeping a close eye on Fritz despite nothing interesting happening at all.

As Alex and his friends walked back towards their cabin in the dark, having decided not to hang out in the rec room with everyone else, Alex could have sworn he saw a familiar form duck into one of the nearby dry rooms.

“You guys go on without me, I’m gonna… check out the dry rooms?” Alex said vaguely, hoping that Tom would get the message.

Tom frowned at his best friend for a couple of seconds before catching the hidden meaning, “Right! Whilst Alex does that we had better head back to the cabin.”

He ushered the girls away before they could question what Alex was doing, glancing back to mouth ‘you owe me’. Alex nodded gratefully before hurrying off towards the dry room.

“Smithers.” Alex said as the door swung shut behind him.

The man in question looked positively disgruntled, sweating heavily in the fat suit as he turned with some difficulty in the small room.

“Certainly, this is not the best place I could have chosen.” He complained.

Alex laughed, “What do you have for me?”

Smithers grinned, “Now, I know you aren’t a child anymore so I won’t patronise you with child’s toys but I’m sure you will like the things I have come up with. Jones said you didn’t need anything but between you and me I didn’t want to send you out without anything.” He tapped his nose secretively before producing a few small items out of nowhere.

Alex held out his hands and the other man deposited the items into them.

“I’ve gone to the liberty of providing you with more of my patented zit cream since you used up the whole of the last tube, as well as a carabiner that can hold up to ten times your body weight should you need it. I think I finally got there with the range on my headphones, so I have included those as well. After all, this is supposed to be a simple information-gathering mission so I don’t expect you will need anything more.” Smithers explained, pointing at each item he had placed into Alex’s hands.

“Thanks Smithers, you are the absolute best.” Alex proclaimed, grinning at the horribly sweaty man.

“Yes, yes, well I’m almost regretting coming down here, it absolutely stinks in this room! I trust you… have something to defend yourself with?”

Alex’s hand drifted to his side in response, Smithers’ eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

“Be careful with that Alex. I don’t doubt that you got it from that assassin of yours, but men find it far easier to shoot an armed child.” Smithers warned.

Alex had the decency to go slightly red, something that had nothing to do with the rising temperature in the room, “He’s not my assassin! And besides, I’m not a child anymore.”

“That’s what I fear. You had better go catch up with your friends now.” Smithers said resignedly.

Alex nodded and opened the door, both sighing as the cold air rushed over them.

“Thanks Smithers.” He said, before disappearing into the night.

Smithers dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief and followed, ignoring the odd glances he got from some passers-by.

“Who on earth is that?!”

“Was that Rider Is aw disappearing off into the darkness before he emerged!”

“Damn that man is huge!”

“Shh you can’t just say that, it’s rude!”

~First Day of Activities~

Early Monday morning the group gathered outside the cabins, chattering excitedly about the upcoming week as they waited for Aria and Fritz to arrive.

Mr Grey spotted them first, breaking off his conversation with Mr Donovan to shush the group of sixth formers.

“Morning guys! I trust that you all slept well.” Fritz said with a big smile.

Several students murmured their assent and Aria took over.

“So normally we would split you guys up but you aren’t as big as the normal groups we get and the competition only covered the cost of two instructors so you are all staying together for this week’s activities!”

“Your first activity is our High Ropes course so we had better go get suited up ready to go! If you will all follow me this way to our equipment store.” Fritz announced, turning and motioning for the group to follow him.

Alex and Tom trailed at the very back of the group, far enough back that their conversation wouldn’t be picked up by too many people.

“So, I bet you would be awesome at all these activities!”  Tom exclaimed as quietly as he could.

“Yeah but I’m supposed to be keeping a low profile so I’m just gonna be chill and try to blend in. I don’t think Fritz suspects that Interpol is on to him, but you can never be too careful.” Alex replied.

“Careful? You?” Tom asked incredulously, all too aware of his best friend’s habits.

“I haven’t blown anything up in a while!” Alex defended quietly.

“Blown anything up in a while? What the hell kind of things does he get up to in his free time?”

“And exactly how long is a while?” Tom asked sarcastically.

“Ok, ok, fine I’m not great at keeping a low profile. But I do actually want this to be a holiday.” Alex protested.

“Exactly! And what kind of holiday would it be if you didn’t get to actually enjoy the activities we do.”

Alex sighed but gestured for Tom to stop speaking when he noticed the students in front of them begin to stop.

“So, this is one of the many activities stores we have around the centre, each contains the things needed for the activities placed around it! So, does anyone here know how to put a harness on?” Fritz asked, looking around the group.

A few hesitant hands were lifted, and Tom quickly pushed Alex forwards.

“Alex can!”

Alex shot Tom a quick glare but smiled meekly and stepped forwards.

“Yeah I know how to.”

“How?”

“He’s rich duh.”

“Yeah he probably did this sort of thing all the time as a kid.”

Fritz gestured to the harness he had gotten out of the store.

“How about you come up here and show us all how it’s done!”

Alex sighed and walked up to the front to take the harness out of the instructor’s hand. Fritz pinned him with a searching stare before letting go and gesturing for Alex to put it on.

“So… Alex? Where did you learn to put a harness on?”

Alex winced internally, his training kicking in as every inch of his being screaming not to tell the suspected criminal anything about his life.

Outwardly however, he stuck on a pained smile and answered the question with as little detail as he could.

“My Uncle used to take me on adventure holidays.”

“See!”

“Urgh, rich people.”

Murmurs broke out amongst the group as he expertly tightened the harness in the right places and attached the middle section of the harness with the carabiner Smithers had given him, hoping neither instructor would notice he didn’t pick up one of the centre’s carabiners.

“Thank you Alex for that excellent demonstration!” Aria said, “Now everyone, form an orderly line to collect your harnesses and carabiners!”

Alex ducked out of the way thankfully, not missing the fact Fritz was still watching him. He spent the time everyone was putting on their harnesses doing his best to seem busy helping others, but really keeping an eye on Fritz.

Finally, everyone was ready, and Fritz was leading the way to the High Ropes. Once they got there they all headed into the tower and up the stairs.

“We have enough time this morning for everyone to have two goes at the High Ropes course, so your first go will just to get used to being up there and the second will be timed!”

Excited murmurs broke out amongst everyone, and Tom turned to Alex with a wide grin.

“I bet you could do it the fastest!”

Alex shrugged, “Maybe. I’m supposed to be blending in though remember.”

Steph and Ayisha suddenly appeared beside the two boys.

“We’re very high.” Steph said nervously, pulling at one of her straps absentmindedly.

“Leave the strap alone, it’s best you don’t accidentally loosen it.” Alex said automatically.

Steph immediately let go of the strap, “Oh thanks I hadn’t even noticed I was doing it.”

Alex shrugged, “No worries. Once you’re up there just imagine you are doing it on the ground, and it will be much easier. High Ropes are actually less dangerous than low ropes because the harness won’t let you fall.”

Aria glanced over to them, “Ah, Alex how about you go first? Show everyone how it’s done.”

Alex sighed, annoyed that he already stood out from the rest of the group. However, no matter what he told Tom he was very excited to feel the adrenaline rush which accompanied these sorts of activities. He hadn’t lied when he had told Tom he hadn’t blown anything up in a while, the last few missions he had been sent on were information gathering which on the whole had been very boring.

Tom gave him a little push towards the front and Alex snapped back into reality.

“Go on Alex, show us how it’s done!” Mr Grey said encouragingly.

Alex grinned at the teacher and turned to allow Aria to attach the rope to his harness.

Fritz quickly marshalled the rest of the group into an orderly queue.

Once he was done, Aria gave Alex’s harness a quick once over, gaze lingering slightly on his carabiner before she nodded, “Ok, you’re good to go.”

Alex grinned and quickly climbed the ladder, already feeling a familiar rush of adrenaline as the wind whistled past him.

He quickly surveyed the course before stepping out onto the rope bridge, trusting the rope holding him up implicitly as he made his way across without holding onto the guide rope.

Aria and Fritz exchanged glances in the tower before letting the next person out onto the course.

They got through the whole group reasonably quickly, only a few people getting stuck on their way round and no one in need of rescuing.

“Superb, you all did amazing!” Aria announced.

“So, this time we will work backwards, and I want everyone to go as fast as they can and we’ll time everyone’s tries!” Fritz announced.

Tom elbowed Alex, “Bet you can get the fastest time.”

Alex rolled his eyes, “Tom, I said-“

He was cut off by one of their classmates, Noah, “Bet you can’t beat me Alex.”

Tom puffed his chest out, “Bet you five pounds he can.”

Alex shook his head but was once again interrupted.

“You’re on Harris.”

Giving up, Alex threw his hands into the air and turned away from the ongoing bet.

“Scared Rider?”

Alex sighed, giving in to the temptation that Tom had offered.

“I’ll beat you.”

Noah raised an eyebrow, but Mr Grey was quick to ruin whatever sassy comeback he had.

“Now boys play nice, it’s just a silly competition.”

Alex smiled sweetly at Noah and motioned to where Aria was looking at them.

“Go on, looks like it’s your turn.”

Noah huffed and stormed over to the gate, ready to get started when the person in front of him returned.

Alex waited impatiently for his own turn, eager to get back out on the ropes. Tom had been right it was no holiday for him without some kind of adrenaline raiser.

“Next!” Aria called.

Alex bounced forwards and let her attach the rope to his harness once more.

“Good luck Alex.” She said with a wink.

“Thanks.” Alex said, bouncing impatiently on the balls of his feet.

As the last person came in through the gate and Aria reset the timer, Alex got ready to go.

Fritz opened the gate and Aria started the stopwatch, leaving Alex to shoot out onto the rope bridge.

Tom got as close to the gate as Fritz would let him and shouted encouragements, much to Noah’s annoyance.

Alex shot round, quickly finding his balance in the open air. In some weird way he almost missed the intense missions he had done when he was younger, there was little that gave him the same thrill outside of MI6.

Everyone watched with bated breath as Alex zipped round the course, seemingly intensely focused.

“How on Earth is he moving so fast?”

“It’s way too high for that!”

“He must be concentrating so hard.”

“He already said he’s had loads of experience.”

Only Tom could tell that Alex wasn’t paying attention to what he was doing, the look on his best friend’s face far too distant for the activity he was doing.

Before Alex had realised what had happened he was already back at the podium, Fritz’s smile coming directly into his vision and Aria announcing, “It seems like we have our winner! Well done Alex that must be one of the fastest times we’ve had recently!”

Noah pulled an annoyed face in the background as Tom made a grabby hand at him.

“You had better pay up!”

“Yeah whatever, that was definitely just dumb luck.” Noah sniffed angrily, but willingly handed over a fiver.

As the group descended from the tower, Tom slowed down purposefully to draw Alex away from the group.

“You ok mate?”

“Yeah,” Alex sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “Was just reminiscing on some old missions.”

Tom raised an eyebrow, “Well that never bodes well.”

Alex shrugged, “It’s been a while since anyone tried to shoot me. Maybe I miss the adrenaline rush a little bit.”

“Shoot?”

“What on Earth is he talking about.”

“Bet he’s just making things up for attention.”

“Nah, no one makes that up for attention. Beside, he’s literally just talking to Tom.”

Tom shook his head, throwing an arm over his best friend’s shoulder, “Don’t let Jack hear you say that. Or Ben for that matter, they would totally flip out.”

“Don’t get me wrong I definitely don’t miss being shot at. Just the adrenaline rush.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Ayisha asked quizzically.

“Alex is an adrenaline junkie.” Tom informed her.

“Makes sense!”

“Maybe that’s why his uncle took him on so many of these things.”

“Or maybe he was just spoilt?”

“Oh yeah definitely.” Steph added from the other side of Ayisha.

Alex chuckled, brought out of his sombre mood, “Enough about me, you guys were awesome.”

Their lunchbreak flew by quickly, Tom wholeheartedly complaining about the soggy sandwiches they had been served much to Alex’s amusement.

To him any food was acceptable, having spent too many instances without food to turn away any options.

They spent the afternoon out on the river canoeing, uncaring of the cold water as they splashed each other and tried not to roll into the river.

After several hours of fun, the group returned to land to change out of their soaked wetsuits and back into warmer clothes.

As they emerged from the changing room, Alex could have sworn he caught sight of a familiar face.

“Tom, I’m just gonna go check something out, I’ll be right back.”

Tom watched as his best friend jogged off down the path with a sigh, already formulating a lie if Alex didn’t return quickly enough.

Alex ducked off the path in search of the person who he would recognise anywhere.

“Yassen?”

Yassen turned, an almost guilty look on his face.

“Sasha.”

Alex sighed heavily, “I swear to god if you are working for Fritz.”

“Who is Fritz?” Yassen asked curiously.

Alex admitted defeat, convinced enough by his answer the assassin genuinely wasn’t here to work against him. He loved Yassen, and even though the other man was allegedly retired, he never told him of the missions until after they were over.

“So you’re here to spy on me?” Alex accused, although with no real heat behind his words.

“Trouble finds you.” Yassen replied with a shrug as if it was as simple as that.

And perhaps it was. Alex wasn’t sure anymore.

“Fine you big softy! Just stay out of sight ok?”

Yassen smiled slightly and reached out to grasp Alex’s arm. When the spy didn’t shake him off he pulled lightly, Alex stumbling straight into his boyfriend’s arms.

Yassen planted a kiss on Alex’s forehead and murmured into his hair, “Be careful.”

Alex leaned his head back slightly to look at Yassen, but the assassin continued speaking before he could say anything.

“Don’t you dare say you are careful.”

Alex laughed and planted a kiss onto Yassen’s cheek.

“Shall I just not say anything?” He asked cheekily.

“Probably better.” Yassen said, nosing Alex’s cheek lightly before pressing their lips together gently, swallowing whatever sassy remark Alex was about to reply with.

“Alex?” A voice drifted across to them and Alex hurriedly pulled away from Yassen, although the assassin didn’t let go of his hips, suddenly realising how close to the path they were.

Mr Grey found them not even a second later, “Alex…”

Alex went red and laid a calming hand on Yassen’s arm even as he wriggled out of the vice-like grip on his waist.

“Mr Grey! I was just coming back to the group.” Alex said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Who is this?” His teacher asked suspiciously.

“He, uh, was just leaving!” Alex gave Yassen a slight push in the opposite direction.

Yassen chuckled slightly, “Stay safe little Alex.” And then he was gone, vanishing off away from the path.

Alex frowned, “I’m not little anymore!” he yelled after the assassin, echoing laughter the only sign that Yassen had heard what he said.

“Alex? I’m a little concerned by who you choose to hang out with. This is not the time nor the place for an ill-advised fling!” Mr Grey lectured.

Alex almost choked on air, “No, no, sir it’s nothing like that! He is a… family friend. I didn’t know he was going to be here until I saw him.”

“Hmmm.” Mr Grey eyed Alex suspiciously, very sure the scene he had stumbled on leaned more towards a romantic moment than a familial greeting but then again the man had referred to Alex as if he had known him as a child.

“Sir?” Alex asked hesitantly.

“Let’s go, and next time please don’t leave the group to wander off on your own.” Mr Grey said sternly.

Alex nodded quickly and glanced over his shoulder one last time before obediently following the professor back to the changing rooms.

Tom hurried over when he caught sight of Alex trailing behind Mr Grey, “Mate I tried.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Alex replied, slipping away from Mr Grey to re-joining the group before continuing what he was saying, “Yassen is here, Mr Grey may or may not have caught us in a somewhat compromising position.”

“Mate you really need to stop making out with that boyfriend of yours in public.” Tom said dryly.

“No way Alex has a boyfriend.”

“I think you just heard them wrong.”

“Yeah no one else heard that.”

“He’s definitely into girls, remember that crush he had on Ayisha years ago?”

“Ok firstly, we weren’t making out, Yassen just had his arms around me when Grey found us. Secondly, I will make out with him in public as much as I want. I’m fairly sure they have guessed already anyway, Smithers was aware of our relationship.” Alex said hotly.

Tom laughed, “I was just kidding mate.”

Mr Grey shot a withering look at the two boys and they both fell silent, suddenly conscious of how loud their conversation had gotten.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, Alex avoiding eye contact with Mr Grey as much as was humanly possible.

~Second Day of Activities~

Alex still wasn’t over Mr Grey almost catching him and Yassen by the following morning, but he couldn’t help but be excited by the prospect of a morning on quad bikes. He had given up on pretending he couldn’t do things and he was fairly certain he wouldn’t be the only person with experience on quad bikes.

Whilst he certainly wasn’t alone in his experience, he was the only person who drove like they had a death wish.

Tom shook his head as Alex swung by him once again, yelling over the noise, “On your left!”

“Don’t do that to me mate!” He yelled after the spy, but Alex was already gone.

Tom sighed, he was glad Alex was enjoying himself, but as he watched his best friend somehow tip the bike onto two wheels to go around a corner far too fast he couldn’t help but worry about the state of Alex’s health.

Both teachers were very glad when the morning session came to an end and the quid bikes were safely away from Alex.

“Alex was terrifying out there!”

“Yeah complete speed demon, he totally has a death wish.”

“Again, rich kid syndrome, believes he can’t die?!”

“I personally think there is more to him than just a rich kid.”

“Yeah, well, no one agrees with you.”

“Mate that was equally terrifying and awesome!” Tom exclaimed.

Alex grinned, wiping some of the mud off of his face, “Thanks, I try. Did I ever tell you I snowboarded down a mountain on an ironing board? It was part of my escape from Point Blanc.”

“HE DID WHAT?!”

“They must be talking about a video game?”

“You absolutely did not, you literally never talk about what happens on your missions.” Tom replied.

“Ahah! I knew it!”

“Yeah I’m not sure I fully believe that.”

Alex shrugged, “It was intense.”

“What was intense?” Steph asked.

“A video game we were discussing. And not Feathered Serpent.” Tom quickly covered up, knowing his girlfriend hadn’t found another game that held her attention in quite the same way as that one had.

Ayisha shrugged, “Forget about that stupid game, we’re going climbing this afternoon!”

“I hope it’s a rock face and not a climbing wall.” Alex mused.

“Oh no, a rock wall would definitely be too hard.” Tom said, shaking his head.

“How bad could it really be?” Steph said.

As the four of them stared up at the tall rock face that afternoon, Steph desperately wished to take back her words.

“Bad.” Ayisha said flatly.

Alex shook his head and pointed at the wall, tracing an invisible path with his finger, “See there’s an easy path all the way up.”

The others all squinted at the wall and shook their heads, still not seeing the path.

“Fine, I’ll go first and you guys watch where I step carefully.” Alex said resignedly, quickly moving himself to the front of the queue.

Once Aria had settled everyone into the right positions on the ropes and pulleys so the climber would be safe, she motioned for Alex to approach the wall.

Alex headed over and stretched slightly, before settling his hands into comfortable positions and beginning his climb.

“He’s not attached to anything!”

“What the fuck does he think he’s doing, he’s not indestructible.”

“He’s insane.”

“Get back down here!” Aria’s voice echoed loudly below him, his feet already at her head height.

Alex frowned and jumped down, landing in a low crouch, and ignoring the loud gasps of his classmates, “What?”

“Definitely insane.”

“I’ starting to believe that rich kid syndrome thing now.”

“I hadn’t attached the rope! That was very irresponsible Alex you could have died.” Aria lectured.

Alex shrugged, “I’ve climbed sheerer walls without any rope I would have been fine.”

Aria shook her head, “Well I don’t know where you did that, but here you must use a rope. Stay still.”

She attached the safety line to his harness and gestured to the wall, “You can climb now.”

Alex grinned, “Thanks.” And leapt back up onto the wall, hands and feet finding perches instinctively.

“See! He’s clearly been climbing before.”

“He has literally shared that fact with us before.”

“We all know he has money.”

He scaled the rock face easily, following the path he had pointed out to his friends. He was at the top in no time and leant back, allowing the rope to take his weight as he swung back away from the wall.

Once his feet were firmly back on the floor he let Fritz undo the rope and stepped over to the rope and pulley system, ready to help with the next person.

“That was so cool Alex!” Ayisha said.

Alex shrugged, “I’ve had a lot of practice. I wasn’t lying when I said I have climbed worse cliff faces without a safety line.”

Tom, Steph, and Ayisha made it further up the wall than they had thought they would, finding the path that Alex had pointed out did in fact exist.

Once everyone had had a turn at climbing the wall, some people making it much further than others, Fritz attached the rope to a ring at the bottom of the wall and turned back to address the group.

“To finish off this afternoon we will be making our way over to our abseiling wall. Unlike other centres located around the country we have the facilities to abseil down a rock face!”

Excited murmurs broke out amongst the group once more as Aria gestured for everyone to follow her around the cliff face to a path leading up to the top of the hill.

“Have you found anything out yet?” Tom asked.

“Nah, but it is only Tuesday afternoon. He is bound to slip up at some point considering he’s around a group of school children.” Alex replied, kicking at the stones on the floor as they walked.

The slip up would come far sooner than Alex could have anticipated.

Fritz had positioned himself at the bottom of the rock face with Mr Donovan who had hastily declined when offered a chance to take part. Alex was one of the first to take on the wall, making it to the bottom with absolutely no trouble, having abseiled a thousand times in the past.

As he waited for Tom to make it down, pretending to immerse himself in a conversation with Mr Donovan, a phone started to ring.

“Children I specifically told you lot no phones! Now who does it belong to, I’ll be confiscating it until this evening.” Mr Donovan said with a frown, glaring at the few sixth formers who had already attempted the wall.

Alex watched as Fritz took his phone out of his pocket, brow furrowed.

“I have to take this, Mr Donovan please keep an eye on the kids, all you need to do is undo their ropes when they get to the bottom and tug twice to let Aria know she can hoist it back up.” Fritz said, eyes firmly on his phone.

“Er, yeah sure I can do that.” Mr Donovan said warily.

Fritz nodded and hurried off without a second thought, Alex giving it a few seconds before he followed, hurriedly hitting record on his own phone.

“… shipment… next week.”

“-“

“No-one suspects me…”

“-“

“Next Thursday at 8 o’clock. Done.”

Alex silently fist pumped, ending the recording and quickly sending it to Smithers. He crept forwards a few steps, hoping to see the phone in Fritz’s hand.

CRACK

“Shit!” Alex swore quietly, unable to believe he had broken a twig.

“Who’s there!” Fritz said, spinning wildly and sliding the phone hurriedly into his pocket.

Alex shrank back but he knew there was nothing he could do to avoid being seen.

Suddenly another figure appeared, Alex easily recognising his boyfriend.

“Anything wrong Fritz? I thought you were supervising a group?” Yassen asked, head tipped down slightly and helper uniform on.

Fritz let out a string of German curses and shook his head, “Fuck off back to work.”

Alex made eye contact with Yassen past the instructor, an accusing look on the assassin’s face. Alex smiled slightly in thanks and turned and fled to re-join the group before Fritz had a chance to discover him.

“Alex! There you are!” Mr Donovan called out as the spy skidded to a stop at the bottom of the rock face, ignoring the curious looks his classmates were giving him now that most of them were stood around.

“Where did he wander off to?!”

“I can’t believe he can just disappear and reappear, and no one bats an eye.”

“He’s definitely up to something.”

“Sorry sir.” He said, slinking off to stand with Tom who shook his head disbelievingly.

Once everyone was down from the wall and Aria had given an apologetic Fritz a lecture they turned to head back to the main centre for food.

Dinner time passed by quickly and Aria caught everyone’s attention before they could clear off back to their cabins, “We are running a very special activity this evening, you can either head to the rec room or your cabins; or come and partake in a lesson in fencing.

Alex immediately lit up, glancing at Tom pleadingly.

Tom sighed, unable to say no to the puppy dog eyes, “Yeah we can go.”

“Yes! I haven’t fenced in years.” Alex proclaimed.

Once they were all dressed in the appropriate clothing, the instructor gestured to the floor, “Has anyone fenced before?”

Tom prodded Alex a little, encouraging his best friend to admit to his talent.

Alex shifted on his feet but raised his hand a little, “I had lessons as a child.”

“Perfect!” The instructor exclaimed, “Why don’t you come on over here for a short demonstration?”

“Ok, I’m a little rusty though.” Alex offered, walking forwards and accepting the proffered sword.

“Nonsense!” The instructor said, the pair facing each other in the centre of the floor.

As soon as they started Alex was moving forwards, driving the instructor back as he attacked aggressively, muscle memory taking over. The instructor gave as good as he was given, their blades clanging together as they danced backwards and forwards across the floor.

“Woah!”

“He must have practiced recently.”

“This is so cool I can’t believe how talented he is!”

“Rich man’s sport~”

All too quickly the instructor’s sword clattered to the floor and Alex lowered his own sword. The instructor lifted his mask off in disbelief, bowing slightly to the teen spy.

“Excellent fight.”

Alex removed his own mask and wiped his brow, bowing back.

“You too.”

The rest of the activity passed by, with people abuzz with gossip about Alex and the demonstration he had given.

“Rider is awesome.”

“There’s definitely more to him than we know.”

“He’s totally rich.”

Much to the instructor’s pleasure, Alex darted about the room, helping people with their stances and correcting the way people were holding their weapons.

As the week progressed, Alex was doing nothing to diminish the rumours about himself.

~Third Day of Activities~

“This morning we will be doing archery followed by rifle shooting!” Aria announced when the bleary-eyed teens had all stumbled down to the usual meeting place.

Several people perked up at this suggestion, chattering excitedly at the prospect of getting to shoot.

Alex shifted uncomfortably, thinking back to the firearm he had left in the room. He would have to be careful, being good at climbing was one thing, but being good at handling weapons was quite another.

Fritz clapped his hands together to draw everyone’s attention back onto them.

“Right guys, lets go! And remember, if anyone doesn’t listen or acts in a dangerous way you will have to sit out of both sessions!”

Upon hearing sounds of affirmation, Fritz and Aria turned to lead the way to the archery field.

“This is like second nature to you right mate?” Tom asked slyly.

“Yup!” Alex replied, “I bet I could disassemble and reassemble the rifles they give us with my eyes closed.”

“That’s just stupid.”

“I feel like rifle shooting is a rich activity. Right?”

“Yeah, like disc shooting and stuff.”

“He’s probably done that then.”

“You’re on mate.” Tom said with a laugh.

“Wait I didn’t mean that as a challenge!” Alex protested weakly, but it fell onto deaf ears.

Once at the archery field, Alex examined the bow closely, testing the flexibility of the wood as well as the string.

When Aria called for the first line to shoot, Alex hit a almost perfect bullseye on each shot, careful not to break any of their arrows with a too well-placed shot.

“Woah that was amazing!”

“Is there anything Rider isn’t good at?!”

“I feel like general adventure holidays include archery?”

“Still amazing.”

He ignored the various whispers and clapping from his classmates and waited to collect the arrows until Aria gave the all clear.

Intrigued, Aria decided to challenge the group with balloons.

“I want everyone to pop as many balloons as they can.” She said as Fritz pinned several balloons to each target.

Most of the class were hopeless, their arrows going well over or well under the targets. Those who managed to hit the targets at all struggled immensely with hitting the balloons despite how many were attached to each target.

Alex took careful aim, hitting a different balloon with each arrow with very low effort. He had practiced archery a lot as a kid, it being one of the activities Ian had decided was beneficial to his character building.

“Literally how?”

“This is so much harder than he makes it look!”

“It’s so unfair!”

“He must be more than just rich, no one normal can shoot a bow like that.”

“Well, it seems we have our winner!” Aria announced, pointing to Alex’s target which had no full balloons attached to it still.

Alex flushed slightly under the stares of all his classmates and shrugged, “I had lessons.”

“Well you certainly are a talented individual.” Fritz stated evenly, peering closely at Alex.

The spy resisted the urge to squirm under his measured gaze, sure Fritz couldn’t have guessed at his true identity.

A moment later Fritz looked away and back at the group as a whole.

“We had better be moving on to the rifles if we want to have a go before lunch!”

Alex caught Tom’s knowing grin and shook his head, already regretting the life decisions which had led him to this point.

Once they reached the gun shed, Fritz turned back to the group with a far more serious look on his face, “I want everyone to be very sensible. Whilst the pellets we use here won’t kill a person they could do some serious harm.”

When everyone had nodded obediently, he unlocked the shed and ushered the students into the long room.

“Our targets are out there in a sheltered area which prevents the rain and allows for artificial good conditions all year round.” Fritz explained, gesturing out of the windows.

Aria waited patiently for her co-instructor to finish his introduction before she floated around, setting the guns up and organising the group into orderly lines.

Alex somehow ended up in the first group yet again, and he avoided looking at Tom’s hopeful face from the third line.

“I want you all to approach the rifles, you may pick them up but don’t start shooting just yet.” Fritz instructed.

Alex calmly weighted the rifle in his right hand before cracking it open and inspecting the barrel of the gun.

Sensing the whispers that had picked up around him, he snapped the gun back together and placed it back on the bench, waiting for the instruction to continue.

“You may shoot.” Fritz said calmly.

Alex fired five shots neatly into the bullseye and lowered the gun, satisfied with his shooting. Sensing someone approaching, his training kicked in and he swung around, gun up ready to defend himself from the threat.

Fritz froze, something edging on suspicion flashing across his face, “Gun down Alex!”

“What the actual fuck.”

“Ok, only someone with proper training does that.”

“Why would he have gun training, it’s illegal to own a gun here.”

“Never walk up behind someone with a weapon without warning.” Alex replied coldly, lowering his gun without breaking eye contact.

“Alex.” Mr Grey said warningly, breaking the moment suddenly.

Alex put the gun down and smiled sheepishly at his teachers, “Sorry, got startled that’s all.”

“You should be more careful handling a weapon.” Aria said evenly.

“Basic gun training dictates the procedures one should follow when around both inexperienced and experienced shooters. Besides, it’s empty I already checked how many pellets were in it.” Alex replied with a shrug.

“Who even knows that sort of shit?”

“Clearly him!”

“He must have had training of some kind, it’s the only explanation.”

“Now we’ve handled that, will everyone place their rifles down and then you may check your targets.” Aria said, deciding to report the incident when they returned to the main campus for lunch.

Nothing exciting happened for the rest of the session, Alex skulking towards the back of the group well aware he was now being scrutinised by Fritz.

Tom sidled up to him afterwards, “Mate that was insane.”

“It was stupid.” Alex said shortly, “I have almost nothing on him and I just risked getting sent home.”

“Yeah, but I’m guessing that was your training?” Tom asked, scurrying to catch up as Alex started to walk off.

“Yeah he walked up behind me, I just reacted on instinct. First rule of what I do, never let anyone approach you undetected.” Alex replied with a frown.

“See. Besides I’m sure it will be fine. Besides, it’s only Wednesday.” Tom said placatingly.

Alex slowed slightly and nodded, “I’m just annoyed that the phone call wasn’t enough proof. Smithers said they wanted physical proof before they do anything.”

“I’m sure you will figure out how to get hold of it, you’re Alex Rider!” Tom said excitedly.

Alex grinned slightly, “Thanks mate. Let’s just enjoy our week, I’ll worry about this later. After all, it’s not your problem.”

Tom shrugged but slung an arm over Alex’s shoulders, “That’s the spirit!”

Alex chuckled and let Tom drag him off to join the girls for the walk back to the canteen for lunch.

“This afternoon we are heading over to the giant swing! This morning’s incident has been resolved so I expect everyone to drop it now.” Aria paused waiting for the murmured confirmation to come from the assembled teens, “Thank you, let’s go to the store cupboard once more for your harnesses.”

She turned to lead the way, quickly immersed in a conversation with Mr Grey.

Alex hung back slightly to talk to Tom, but Fritz was already walking towards them.

“So, where did you learn to shoot like that Alex?” The instructor asked.

Alex tried not to let his reluctance show on his face, “My Uncle took me shooting a lot when I was a kid.”

“Your Uncle? Not your parents?” Fritz asked curiously.

Everyone in their immediate vicinities were immediately shaking their heads, trying to signal to Fritz he didn’t want to ask after Alex’s parents.

“OMG he didn’t.”

“I mean… how was he to know?”

“Alex talks about his uncle, clearly parents aren’t in the picture.”

“Literally just never ask someone something like that,”

Alex raised an eyebrow, “They’re dead.”

Fritz winced, glancing to where Aria was unlocking the store cupboard.

“Sorry to hear that kid.” He said before fleeing to the cupboard.

Alex chuckled, “Always works a charm.”

Tom shook his head, “He regretted that straight away.”

Alex nodded, “Yup. Sure-fire way to get rid of questioning adults, talking about dead relatives instantly makes them uncomfortable.”

Tom chuckled, “I’m not surprised.”

Both boys took the harnesses as they were handed out, Fritz still purposefully avoiding eye contact with Alex.

Once everyone was in their harnesses and had their helmets clipped on Fritz gestured for everyone to follow him, “This way please, we haven’t got all afternoon.”

Everyone followed obediently, conversation a mix of looking forward to the swing and discussing Alex and Fritz.

The afternoon flew by quickly, everyone ending up with several goes on the swing with despite Fritz’s earlier insistence of a time crunch.

Aria had challenged everyone to keeping their hands off of the swing as they were dropped from the highest it could possibly go, and the only remotely exciting thing that had happened the whole time was Ayisha’s shoe flying off and almost hitting Tom in the head.

Half an hour later Alex was still laughing about it, much to Tom’s annoyance.

~Fourth Day of Activities~

“This morning we will be doing our assault course! This will prepare us for the vertical challenge this afternoon and I hope that everyone will be brave enough to get all the way to the top!” Aria said, smiling brightly at the tired group of teens.

“Bet you will be great at this.” Tom said, nudging Alex lightly.

Alex chuckled, leaning closer to his best friend, “Last time I had to do one I was terrible.”

Tom gave him a disbelieving stare as Noah turned around, clearly having heard the tail end of their conversation.

“I feel like winning back that five pounds I gave you earlier this week. I bet Alex doesn’t have the fastest time.” He said with a smirk.

Tom gave him a measured stare and snuck another look at Alex’s face.

“Fine you’re on.” He relented, shaking on it before Noah turned away as the group started to follow Fritz.

Tom moved closer to Alex as they started to walk,. “You will win right mate? I spent his money on sweets.”

Alex chuckled, “I’ll do my best.”

“You’re totally the most fit here, I bet you can win.” Tom said encouragingly.

Alex simply smiled and gave Tom a small push towards Steph who was looking around for him.

Tom gave Alex one more suspicious look over his shoulder but went willingly, linking hands with his girlfriend and quickly falling into deep conversation.

Ayisha sidled up to him curiously, “Where did you learn to do all these things?”

Alex shrugged, “Uncle Ian was very invested in giving me lessons in everything. He thought it would be useful to me someday.”

“See told you. Rich uncle.”

Ayisha giggled, “Well, has it been?”

“Not at all! Except to win Tom money I guess.” Alex replied with a shake of his head.

“Well it gives you a very mysterious edge.” Ayisha giggled, nudging him with a wink, “Girls dig that y’know.”

Alex shook his head, feigning disappointment, “Is my personality not enough?”

“Your personality is great.” Ayisha acknowledged with a pretend dreamy sigh.

The person closest to them suddenly decided they couldn’t take it anymore, turning towards them dramatically.

“Will you guys just get it over with and get together!” ‘

Alex and Ayisha exchanged glances and simultaneously burst out laughing.

“Yeah, no, you’re reading the situation wrong.” Alex said between their laughter.

Ayisha nodded, “We got over that years ago. Definitely better as friends.”

They received lots of incredulous stares at that and Alex rolled his eyes, “Shall we go bother the actual love birds?”

Ayisha linked her arm through his and nodded, “Absolutely.”

“Uh, what?”

“I mean we all knew they would never be a couple but they would have been so cute together.”

“Absolutely.”

They skipped off to join Tom and Steph at the front, leaving several people staring at them in disbelief.

Once they reached the challenge course, several people started to complain at the mud.

Fritz raised an eyebrow at them, “Ut rains overnight and you’re on an outdoor residential trip. What were you expecting? You’ve been lucky until now with the weather.”

Most of those complaining fell silent at that, recognising a lost cause when presented with one.

“OK, now that we’ve got that out the way, I’ll need each of you to work your way across the course. If we have time we will do a timed course, but I just want everyone to have a go first!”

When it came to Alex’s turn he surveyed the course for a second, mentally mapping his way across before starting, quickly getting into the swing of it. It was certainly easier than the SAS one he had been subjected to carrying a huge pack across and he found he enjoyed it in spite of himself.

“Alex is officially an amazing person.”

“Well no shit.”

“He’s just rich.”

“Will you drop that already?!”

Tom offered him a high five when he returned to the queue, slyly pointing at the look on Noah’s face.

“He knows he’s beat.”

Alex shrugged modestly, “We will have to wait and see.”

As the last person came back, Aria glanced at the time and nodded to Fritz.

“Folks we just about have time for some people to have a go at being timed!” Fritz announced, “Hands up who wants to have another go.”

Just under half the class raised their hands, the others too cold and muddy to go again.

“Perfect, form an orderly line for me please.”

The students with their hands up quickly got into a queue, the others moving hurriedly out of the way.

“And… go!” Aria said to the first person, who took off as fast as they could before getting stuck in a pile of mud which had formed behind the first set of tires.

Finally, it came to Alex’s turn. He hopped from one foot to the other as Aria reset the timer, carefully observing where the thickest mud had settled.

“Go!” Aria said, starting the timer.

He shot off, carefully hopping between the tires before scrambling under the low mesh, uncaring of the mud drenching his outfit.

Emerging from the meshing he easily vaulted over the following hurdles, not breaking his stride once.

Finally, he easily climbed over the triangular rope structure, skidding to a halt in front of Aria, panting slightly and wiping stray flecks of mud from his cheeks.

Aria raised an eyebrow as she stopped the timer, nodding in congratulations, “Well done, that’s our fastest time yet.”

Alex grinned brightly, “Thanks!”

“Ok, but why is he actually adorable.”

“No one should look that good whilst covered in mud!”

“He’s not that good looking!”

“Don’t lie to yourself.”

Several girls nearby swooned slightly, much to Steph and Ayisha’s amusement. Alex frowned at their mischievous grins but both girls simply shrugged and turned back to whispering to each other.

“Well done everyone for a great morning, you may now head back to your cabins to change for lunch!” Aria said.

The group split off, glad of the free time to walk back at their own paces.

Alex and Tom walked together, the girls having already cleared off to continue their gossiping.

“That was awesome mate!” Tom exclaimed, “Noah looked so cross.”

Alex laughed, “I was expecting it to be harder than that.”

“It was for everyone else!” Tom insisted.

Alex suddenly paused, recognising the helper crossing the path in front of them instantly.

“Yassen!” He called.

Yassen turned, smiling slightly at the sound of his boyfriend’s voice. Immediately the smile dropped from his face and he frowned, “What have you been doing Sasha?”

Alex giggled and advanced, throwing his muddy arms round the assassin’s shoulders, “I thought you were going home?”

Yassen squirmed slightly as he was deftly covered in mud, “I can’t keep you out of trouble from home.”

Alex pouted, “I can totally look after myself.”

“Fritz nearly discovered you the other day.” Yassen pointed out.

Tom nodded, “You are terrible at hiding it.”

Alex frowned and glared at his friend, “It’s not my fault you keep betting money on me.”

Tom couldn’t help but laugh at the look on Alex’s face, though he quickly shut up when Yassen cast a stern gaze onto him.

“ты его пугаешь перестань. (Stop scaring him.)” Alex muttered, batting Yassen lightly on the chest.

“это легкое запугивание. (It’s mild intimidation.)” Yassen replied fondly.

Tom glanced between them, “Why do I get the feeling you’re talking about me?”

Alex simply smiled sweetly at his best friend, whatever he was going to say next interrupted by nearing conversation.

Alex pressed a kiss to Yassen’s cheek, ensuring he rubbed as much mud as he could onto his boyfriend in revenge, before pulling away.

“Love you Yassen.”

Despite looking disgusted by the mud all over him, Yassen couldn’t help but smile softly back, “Love you too Sasha.”

Alex grabbed Tom’s wrist and bounced past his boyfriend, blowing him a kiss as they continued up the path.

Yassen watched them go with a shake of his head, ignoring the other students walking past him and whispering about the mud decorating his uniform and face.

“I swear I just saw Rider hugging that man.”

“How else would he be covered in mud?”

“Yeah but why would Rider hug the help?”

“Look it’s all over his face, what were they doing!”

“We don’t know for sure! Maybe he just like, fell over?”

Once everyone was washed and had eaten lunch, they gathered back together outside of the storeroom containing the harnesses.

“This afternoon we are going to attempt the vertical challenge and if we have enough time there will be a chance for everyone who wants to, to try the trapeze.” Aria announced as Fritz handed out the harnesses.

Used to putting them on, everyone scrambled into them very quickly, chatting excitedly about the afternoon’s activity.

Once everyone was ready Fritz led the way over to their vertical challenge, a towering set of tires and ropes for the students to climb up, and explained how it would work.

“We aren’t going to time this one, I don’t want to put too much pressure on those helping with the ropes, and this activity is much harder than this morning’s course so I expect it will take us most of your allotted time to get through everyone.”

There were a few murmurs of disappointment but people got into the right places fairly quickly, Alex glad for a chance to slow down slightly and attempt to lessen how much attention was on him.

He was not so fortunate.

“Instead of timing we are able to send two people up at a time and they can race!” Aria said, gesturing to the two ropes attached to a metal ring at the bottom.

Noah immediately turned to Tom and Alex, “Bet you five pounds I can win against Alex.”

Both boys looked at him incredulously.

“You never give up do you?” Tom asked.

“I can definitely beat him at this.” Noah insisted.

“Your loss.” Tom replied with a shrug, “I’ll just race Steph.”

Alex nodded, “Sure you’re on.”

“Who wants to go first?” Aria asked, looking for volunteers.

Alex grinned and raised his hand, “We will!”

Noah immediately looked a little queasy, but he nodded, following Alex over to the bottom of the challenge.

“Now, no cheating and I want you to stick to your sides of the course please.” Aria instructed as she attached the ropes to them.

Both boys nodded and she moved away satisfied, checking with Fritz that the other students were all ready on the pulleys.

“Go!” She called, upon receiving his confirmation.

Both teens scrambled up the first hurdle easily, neck and neck as they reached the tires. Here Noah faltered a little, unsure of exactly how to climb up them.

Alex didn’t stop, scrambling up the tires as easily as he had taken the ladder, reaching the climbing wall as Noah managed to get up the first set of tires.

Alex glanced down and grinned at the distance between them, slowing down slightly as he carefully chose each step to put his foot on as he continued upwards.

Noah managed to catch up slightly on the climbing wall section, but Alex was quick to climb up the final rope part and reach the top beam, celebrating with a silent fist pump.

Noah wasn’t far behind but he scowled as Alex leant back against his rope.

“This is unfair, I owe Harris another fiver!”

Alex laughed, “Maybe you should have thought about that before you made another bet against me.”

Noah sighed and held on tightly as he watched Alex be let down.

Once they were both firmly back on the ground, Tom pointed at Noah victoriously, “I hope you have another fiver with you!”

Noah rolled his eyes, “You can have it later.”

Tom and Alex high-fived as everyone moved around on the supporting equipment.

The rest of the races were far slower and less competitive than the first, with several people falling off before they could reach the top.

Once everyone was down and the ropes had been reattached to the metal rings Aria pointed up towards the trapeze which hung beside their climbing walls.

“We have enough time left in our afternoon session for some of you to try your hands at that.” Aria said.

Alex squinted at it and stepped forwards, “I want a go.”

Aria smiled at him and looked around, “Anyone else?”

Everyone else shook their heads, deciding a leap from a platform to a metal bar at that height was highly unappealing.

“Ok then! I want some of you to help out with the ropes so Alex can have a go.”

Tom, Ayisha and Steph all volunteered their help, along with a few others, and Fritz set off to set up the ladder needed to reach the platform.

Once everything was secured and Alex was attached to the necessary rope he scrambled up the ladder like a monkey and easily climbed up onto the small platform.

The view from that high up was insane and he took a moment to appreciate the view before measuring up the jump, suddenly reminded of the jump that had started everything off.

Down on the ground everyone was watching him with bated breath.

“Will he make it?”

“Oh he’ll definitely make it!”

“He’s good at everything why would this be any different?”

Alex took a step backwards to the edge of the platform and started forwards, one step then two, and suddenly he was in the air.

Everyone was frozen as they watched Alex fly through the air, a huge cheer erupting as he grasped the bar firmly and swung a few times.

“Woah! He’s so cool!”

“Calm down, he’s not that cool.”

Aria clapped and shouted up, “You can let go now Alex!”

Up in the air Alex grinned and let go, making sure to keep his feet out to avoid crashing into the climbing wall in front of him.

Once his feet were back on the ground Tom was quick to high five him.

“That was awesome mate!”

Alex grinned and shrugged, “It felt good. And it feels much better to make that sort of jump with a harness than without.”

Aria expertly undid the rope from his harness and attached it back to its metal ring in the floor.

“Well done for today everyone! This evening we are offering a special chance at axe throwing for those of you interested in taking part!” She said.

“I’ve never been axe throwing.” Alex said interestedly.

“Mate we are totally having a go!” Tom demanded as they followed everyone back to the store cupboard.

“Oh yeah, definitely.” Alex replied.

Dinner flew by, and as expected there were a small group of them ready to try their hands at axe throwing.

The instructor in charge surveyed their small group and ushered them into the long shed.

“Make sure you keep these glasses on at all i=times.” He said as he handed them out.

The small group nodded and put them on quickly, eager to get started with the activity.

The instructor gave a quick introduction to the sport and demonstrated how to hold the axe and the movement which guaranteed them the best results.

Alex readily accepted the axe as soon as it was his turn, adjusting his grip on the handle as he waited for the instructor to give him the all clear. Whilst it was not the first time he had handled an axe, he had fought a fair few people off with them over the years, it was the first time he was getting to throw them for sport.

“You can throw whenever you’re ready.” The instructor said, motioning for Alex to take his time.

Alex raised the axe, mimicking the exact movement that had been demonstrated and let the axe fly, hitting the target bang on bullseye.

His classmates broke out in scattered applause and the instructor looked mildly impress, “Well done lad!”

Alex flushed slightly at the praise and went to fetch the axe, pulling it out of the target with some strain.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, Alex hitting the target each time.

Once they were back out in the open-air Tom turned to him with an accusing look.

“I thought you hadn’t done that before?”

Alex shrugged, “I just copied exactly how he demonstrated it. Besides, I have thrown axes before, just generally at people rather than targets.”

“Uh, did he just…”

“Maybe let’s just forget we overheard that.”

“Yeah, yup, sounds like a plan.”

Tim shook his head in disbelief and shivered slightly, “Come on let’s get back to the cabin quickly it’s cold out here!”

Alex nodded and they sped walked back, Alex explaining exactly how he had ended up throwing axes at people at Tom’s insistence.

~Fifth Day of Activities~

The final morning’s activity was river rafting. Most people weren’t feeling getting soaking wet now that the weather was cooling off but they put on their wet suits and dutifully trailed over to the river.

“I want everyone to make sure their wetsuits are done up properly and be careful whilst out there!” Aria said, her and Fritz checking each person’s life jacket individually.

Once they were out on the river, everyone perked up slightly and the morning ended in laughter and absolutely soaked wetsuits, the cold water long forgotten.

Alex blew a wet strand out of his face as he and Tom walked back to the changing rooms together.

“I’m gonna have to break into his quarters.” He said suddenly.

“I… what?”

“Just, lets just not be nosy.”

“Yeah I don’t want to be involved in whatever he’s planning.”

Tom frowned and glanced at his best friend, “Fritz’s?”

“Yeah.” Alex said, rubbing the back of his neck thoughtfully, “I don’t have anything else solid, and he would notice if his phone went missing.”

Tom hummed, “I’ll help.”

Alex glanced at his best friend, “You don’t have to. I don’t want to put us both in danger.”

“I’ll be fine.” Tom said with a shrug.

Alex nudged him thankfully, “We’ll do it this evening, you can stay outside and keep watch for me.”

Tom nodded and they headed into the changing room to dry off.

After lunch, Fritz addressed the group, “This evening we will be having our weekly disco. It is optional for you lot since most of our other guests are young, but you guys can stay up later and have music choices once the others have gone to bed. This afternoon we have a different kind of challenge for you.”

Aria took over, “You will be doing our sensory trail, with blindfolds on and headphones playing white noise to disorientate you. Now don’t worry it won’t be dangerous and there will be someone right next to you the whole time if you need to take the blindfold off. However, once you take either the headphones or the blindfold off, that counts as a fail and you have to swap with your partner.”

She gestured to the course behind her and the headphones and blindfolds on the table next to her.

Tom shivered slightly, “Oh this is going to be unpleasant.”

Alex shrugged, “I’ve spent a lot of time practicing.”

“WHY?”

“What is going on in his life?”

“He’s rich.”

“You get that kind of training?” Tom asked incredulously.

Alex laughed sharply, “Of course not. Yassen has been giving me sensory deprivation training. It’s very… insightful.”

“La la la la la.” Tom chanted, “That’s enough I don’t want to know anymore.”

Alex frowned, “What… oh, OH, WAIT NO!”

Tom laughed loudly as Alex blushed dark red.

“I didn’t mean like that! Scorpia trains all their operatives with sensory deprivation and Yassen thought it would be valuable training for me!” He defended, ignoring the looks other people were giving him.

“Hmmm, sure thing.” Tom replied with one eyebrow raised.

Alex buried his head in his hands, refusing to look at his best friend any longer.

“I want one person from each pair to put on the blindfold and headphones and then follow the rope you are stood beside around our course.

Several people gave up immediately, freaking out and taking their blindfolds straight off and swapping with their partners.

Alex continued steadily, concentrating on using the feel of the rope in his hand and the uneven surface to ground himself.

He was the only person who made it all the way round the course, even Tom only managing a few steps before pulling off his blindfold.

“How did he do that? That was terrifying.”

“Yeah I felt like physically sick doing it, how did he even make it all the way round.”

“Well done Alex.” Aria congratulated once everyone had handed in their headphones and blindfolds.

Alex smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head, catching sight of Yassen through the trees. He shook his head slightly, wondering what his boyfriend had thought of his performance.

“The next few hours are yours to enjoy, and I hope you all come to the disco later this evening!” Aria said brightly, waving the group off as everyone scattered in different directions.

“We will take our chance tonight, he will be at the disco supervising.” Alex muttered.

Tom nodded and they headed back to the cabin to plan how Alex was going to get hold of the information Interpol needed to plan their sting.

When the evening arrived, they headed to the disco alongside everyone else. Sure enough, both Fritz and Aria were supervising along with a few more instructors they had seen throughout the week.

They waited for about half an hour to be sure that Fritz wasn’t going to leave before sneaking off, Tom telling Steph they were headed back to bed early.

Once outside, Alex checked his phone for the information he had asked Smithers to provide.

“It’s here, apparently Fritz has a cabin over by the high ropes course.” Alex whispered.

Tom nodded and they hurried in that direction, hoping they wouldn’t get caught before they got there. However, luck was on their side, and they made it without any problems.

“The window is open.” Tom said quietly, pointing to the open bathroom window.

Alex scrunched his nose, “It’s very small.”

“Can you fit?” Tom asked urgently.

“I’ve fitted through smaller spaces.” Alex responded, “Just keep an eye out for me and don’t try to follow.”

Tom nodded and quickly moved to stand so he could see the whole path.

Alex gave him a thumbs up and scrambled through the open window, twisting in such a way that he wouldn’t get stuck.

Tom shook his head in disbelief and went back to watching the path.

After ten or so minutes when Alex still hadn’t emerged, Tom had started to get worried. He dithered for a few moments before deciding he had better climb into the cabin and check that Alex was alright.

He looked at the window for a few minutes and contemplated how to get through before deciding the silence in the cabin was far too worrying not to try. He wriggled his head and shoulders through, only to get his hips stuck in the small frame.

“Shit.” He muttered, trying to twist free.

Alex suddenly appeared in the door of the bathroom, phone and memory stick in hand.

“Tom? I told you to wait outside!”

“Yeah well you had been ages!” Tom defended.

“Well move, we need to go, now.” Alex said, tiptoeing across the bathroom floor.

“Well…”

“Don’t tell me that you’re stuck.” Alex muttered with a groan.

Tom sighed, “Um, yes?”

“Hold still, I’m going to try and push you out.” Alex replied, bracing himself against Tom’s shoulder and giving a hard push.

When nothing happened he sighed, looking at the window frame closely.

“I didn’t want it to come to this.” Alex muttered, drawing the tube of spot cream out of his pocket.

Tom frowned, “I get that you want a clean face mate, but is it really the time for face cream?”

“Shhh.” Alex said and got to work coating the metal framework with the cream.

Tom frowned, watching as the metal began to hiss and bubble.

“What the hell is in that?!” He exclaimed quietly.

“I don’t know, it is Smither’s invention.” Alex replied, giving the window a careful push.

It went with his hand, Tom dropping easily to his feet and finally able to use his hands to free himself of the window frame.

He turned and his eyes went wide, “Shit! I think that’s Fritz, come on quickly.”

Alex swore quietly in Russian and shooed Tom away, “Run.”

Tom nodded and dashed off, leaving Alex to swing smoothly through the empty window frame only to come almost face to face with Fritz.

“Wha-“ Fritz started angrily, only for Alex to turn on his heel and run away, phone clutched tightly in hand.

As soon as he made it back to the dorm he dropped a text to Jones.

--

ALEX

Cover blown.

--

Before forwarding the rest of the information to Smithers and dropping into an uneasy sleep.

Early the next morning the four of them were woken by a loud banging on the door.

Alex was on his feet straight away, relieved to only see Mr Grey through the window. He sheepishly opened the door.

“Morning Sir.”

“Pack your bags Alex, one of your emergency contacts has come to collect you.” Mr Grey said.

Alex got straight to it and was out of the cabin in no time.

“I’ve been informed of your little activity last night, and I just want to say we are all deeply shocked by your behaviour. A lady by the name of Mrs Jones has come to collect you.”

Alex nodded, keeping his head down and doing his best not to look anyone in the eye.

They reached the Centre in no time and Alex was quickly handed over to Mrs Jones.

“I’m so sorry to bring you all the way out here at this time on a Saturday morning Mrs Joes.” The park manager said regretfully, only pausing to send Alex an evil look.

Alex put on his best sheepish face as everyone turned to look at him.

“Yes well Alex will be punished justly when he gets home there is no need to worry about that.” Mrs Jones said snobbishly, sparing a suitably disgusted look for Alex, who couldn’t help but admire her acting.

“Very good madame.” The park manager said with a nod.

“Now we really must be going, otherwise I shall be oh so late for work.” Mrs Jones followed up with, ensuring there was not enough time for Fritz to be called in to see her.

The Park Manager nodded and Mrs Jones swept out, Alex trailing at her heels doing his best to look like a kicked puppy.

As soon as they were safely in the car and leaving the PGL centre, Mrs Jones turned to Alex with a smile.

“Well done Alex, we have sent the information to Interpol and they are planning a sting for the meeting you overheard Fritz discussing on the phone.”

Alex grinned and stretched out, “I’m glad it worked out. Although, is there something we can tell the school so they don’t treat me like I ruined the whole trip?”

“Well… if the sting is successful I will see what I can do about letting strictly the teachers know about your ‘accidental’ involvement.” Mrs Jones said, opening a mint.

“Thank you.” Alex said with a genuine smile.

~A Week Later~

Interpol’s sting was successful, Fritz and his chain of suppliers were sent to jail much to Alex’s pleasure.

The school’s rumour mill was again fresh with gossip concerning one Alex Rider, and things were back to the way they always had been.

“Alex Rider is clearly just a rich kid who was spoilt as a child.”