The Bard of the Bodleian (an Alex Rider fanfiction)

Chapter 8: Knock Out

Disclaimer: all characters and references to Alex Rider, Mission Impossible, James Bond, Narnia, Marvel and any William Shakespeare play are not our own (we're just big nerds).

Alex ran towards the smoke, fighting against the stream of people heading for the way out. He was sure they were in that direction, and he just hoped Tom wasn't with them. The smoke was beginning to clear now, but Alex could clearly see it originated from a second smaller room off the main exhibition. It was also becoming clearer that there was no fire. Alex's hunch was right. He entered the room, with the smoke still lingering in the air but not enough to completely mask his view. It was empty.

Alex cursed. The smoke must have been a distraction. In which case, where had they gone? He turned to leave, prepared to search the exhibition again when something caught his eye. The room was filled with various podiums, each containing a glass case with an artefact inside. All but the one, in the corner of the room, which now housed an empty book stand.

So, they had been here. Alex had been right. The room, however, had no exits, excluding the one Alex was standing in. So, where were they? He doubted they would have left with the crowd. Judging by the stand the book was certainly not small, and even in the chaos it would have easily been spotted. Alex spent precious seconds trying to work out how they could have done this seemingly magical disappearing act. Maybe Prospero was a wizard.

Then, he spotted it.

The door was similar to many doors in galleries, museums and exhibitions. Built as an entry and exit point for the exhibition staff, its aim was to be almost invisible. Therefore it was flush against the wall and painted the same colour, so only the thin outline and a small silver handle betrayed its existence. In the slowly ebbing smoke and bright lights illuminating the podiums, Alex had barely noticed it. However, he had been directed to its presence by what was, unmistakingly, Tom's rucksack.

Alex was suddenly full of anger. Without thinking, he flung open the door and ran in. He found Tom lying on the floor, hands up to protect his head, fending off the hulking mass of Caliban standing threateningly over him. Caliban had clearly got a few punches in before Alex had arrived; Tom was wincing in pain, his lip split. They both paused at the sudden disturbance, turning their heads in shock towards the intruder. Alex took in the scene, and a fierce protectiveness kicked in. Tom was on the floor. Tom was hurt. All his thoughts were focused on his friend.

"YOU?!" Caliban shouted, interrupting Alex's concern for Tom, "What is up with these ki-" But he didn't get much further than that.

Making use of Caliban's momentary shock at his appearance, Alex had once again crossed the room exceptionally fast, anger driving him on. He kicked the man with such force that he stumbled backwards almost losing his balance, despite his attempt to defend himself. Caliban had blocked him before, during their confrontation upstairs, but now Alex knew the other man's strength, and he could use that against him. Caliban also didn't have Prospero and, more importantly, his gun, to protect him this time. He did not stand a chance.

Caliban growled, and rushed at Alex again, twisting his body and angling his arm to catch Alex in a knock-out style punch. It was like being charged at by a bull, something which Alex had unfortunately experienced in the South of France when he'd ran into Yassen Gregorovich. But it helped him now, he knew how to deal with a stronger, more aggressive opponent. While Caliban had brute strength, Alex had speed on his side. As the other man came barreling towards him, he pivoted on one foot, twisting his body away from the punch, and at the same time raising his own fist to slam into Caliban's stomach. The man gasped, the wind knocked out of him, and Alex stuck out his foot as the man pitched forwards. Caliban's weight had already been off-balance due to his failed attack and Alex's successful strike, and now he tripped over Alex's foot sending him careering into the wall with such force that he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"That was mad, mate." Tom called from the other side of the room, slowly getting to his feet. He was clutching his side and groaned slightly as he stood, but didn't seem too seriously hurt, all things considered.

"Thank you for summing that up so eloquently, Tom," Alex said, glad his friend was okay.

"Right. You stay here." His rush of adrenaline from his fight with Caliban and the moment of relief at his friend's safety had lasted only briefly, being replaced, once again, with anger. "I'm going after them."

"Well I'm going with-"

"No. You're not." Alex interrupted.

"But Alex, we have to-"
"Please Tom. Just stay here." Without waiting for another answer, Alex headed for the exit. He knew that time was not on his side and he had to get to the... wait where was he actually going? He only realised now that he had no clue where they were headed. Footsteps sounded behind him, pounding along the pavement.

"We need to get to Magdalen bridge," Tom had appeared at his side. "I overheard them when they were heading back down the spiral staircase," he continued in response to Alex's surprised look.

"I don't know where that is," Alex said.

"You're in luck," Tom grinned. "I do."