Defeat (Book Attack Series: Book 9 - Alex Rider)

Chapter XL

Chapter XL

Alex

We all knew clean up was going to be a long process the minute we saw the damage.

Half of the buildings were now rubble that spread across the entire landscape. The buildings that remained standing were managing to do so with perhaps a single steel bar holding them up. I recognized that a single gust of wind could collapse them at any moment. The golden gates of the Death Barricade laid in ruin, making us wonder if we should still even try to rebuild the barrier.

Our question seemed to be answered for us when a letter appeared on the gates. As we approached, we realized it was addressed from Abraham.

Jack opened the envelop and read the words aloud, "This is a notice for all realms of the Fictional Community. Due to the recent fulfillment of the Book Attack Prophecy, the Tartarus Barricade is being thoroughly reevaluated in each realm. Expect a committee representative to arrive within the next couple of days. The Death Barricade rebuild is a requirement, but due to recent events, the committee has ruled that it must only be used in ongoing series. In the realms of completed stories, the Barricade will remain open permanently. I wish you all the best of luck in your rebuilding. Signed, Abraham the Mage."

Sabina was beaming, "We're a completed story."

"We won't have to worry about the barricade times anymore." I said happily, "We can see each other whenever we want!"

"Well we better start rebuilding." My mother added, "No point in that stuff if you don't even have a building safe enough to sleep in."

I nodded, "I'm going to walk around. I think I need some time alone to take it all in. If you know what I mean."

"Are you sure you don't want some company?" Sabina offered.

"No. I need to be alone."

Sabina's father gave me a quick nod before he said, "Come on, Sab. Let's see if we can figure out the rebuild plan. I'm thinking we may want to start with the Courthouse so that we have enough room for everyone until the houses are finished."

As Sabina and the others walked towards the Courthouse rubble, I turned and walked the other direction. After a few minutes, I came across a large pile of debris, yet I was still able to tell where I was: Royal and General Bank.

I looked behind me and found that I was alone, so I pulled the small piece of paper out of my pocket. Max's words still rang in my ears as I ran my hand over the note's address to me.

"Don't read this until you're back to your realm. It's something important, something you should know that I feel I'm obligated to tell you. Just make sure it's only you. No one else."

I unfolded the note gingerly, despite my inner desire to tear it open. As I began to read, the first line nearly made me pass out from shock:

Alex, you are real.

·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·Author's Note!!!·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·

On that interesting note, I'm fifteen now. Wooooo!!! And I got my permit and drove yesterday!

I suck.

So vote, comment, all that fun stuff.

Epiloq şənbə günü dərc olunacaq. Mən sonra görəcəksiniz.

~ Maddie