This story leads up to Eagle Strike, and tells the story from a different perspective. Hope you enjoy.

Lunch time. Nothing much happens at school except the occasional bully getting a little out of hand. Today, there was nothing to set it apart from any other day. Today, there would be a big surprise for someone, and it was just around the corner.

As Highspeed sat with Shadowspeed, Nightbird and Nightshade, he couldn't take his eyes away from the empty seat. Normally there were five of them, and the fifth person was Alex Rider. Restless, Highspeed started drumming the table with his fingers. He was bored, since the most exciting thing that had happened was that Adam Young had threatened to get him at lunchtime. He was really looking forward to it, to see the look on Adam's face when he ran around the school and ran straight into him. The thought of it made him laugh a little, getting a "shut up and eat" look from Nightshade. He may have been appointed leader of the team, but he rarely acted like it in school.

Nightbird, Shadowspeed and Nightshade got up, leaving Highspeed alone to finish his lunch. He ate slowly, hoping to keep Adam waiting. He looked up to see Scarlett Adams sitting alone. Highspeed started to feel a little less hungry. He really liked Scarlett, even though she never even noticed him. He took another bite of his sandwich, wondering if Scarlett actually noticed him sometimes. He felt something hit his head. He looked on the floor, seeing a small paper ball lying there, then looked up to see someone at a nearby table snigger. He wondered if he should throw it back at him, picking it up. He turned around to see Scarlett standing in front of him. He almost dropped the paper ball, quickly putting it in his pocket. Scarlett looked at him for a few seconds through deep, beautiful green eyes. There was silence for a moment, then Scarlett said "Hi...Highspeed," and Highspeed, a little jittery, said "Hi...Scarlett." Scarlett asked him "Um...would you want to...go to the pier with me tomorrow." Highspeed, trying to find confidence, answered nervously "Uh...yes, I think I could come." Scarlett started to walk away, saying "I'll see you there at eight," and went to find her friends. Highspeed watched her as she walked away, then felt another paper ball hit him in the back of the head. He pulled out the other paper ball from his pocket and picked up the second. He casually walked past the table, then, threw both paper balls at the boy who threw them in the first place. They both hit him on the back of the head, but by the time he'd turned round, Highspeed was already halfway to the playground.

He found Adam on the football pitch, taking practice penalties. He walked over, calling "I think you wanted to see me," and Adam turns round and walks over to him. He says smugly "You're late Highspeed. I guess you're going to get a little extra." Highspeed stopped right in front of Adam, waiting for Adam to take a swing. As his fist came millimetres away from Highspeed's chest, Highspeed seemed to vanish. Adam, completely surprised looked around, seeing everyone but Highspeed. He was about to turn round, when someone behind him shouted "BOO!" Adam jumped and saw Highspeed laughing like there was no tomorrow. He was about to hit Highspeed, but he noticed everyone else had started laughing too. Embarrassed, he walked away with what little dignity he had.

As Highspeed started to calm down, someone sneaked up behind him, slapping him in the back of the head. Highspeed stopped laughing and turned to see Nightbird standing behind him, a serious look in her eye. Highspeed rubbed the back of his head, while Shadowspeed and Nightshade came up behind him. Nightshade, who had seen what Highspeed had done to Adam, tried to say through her laughter "You'll be in trouble next year when Adam see's you again," and Shadowspeed turns to Nightbird "You really know how to take all the fun." Highspeed turns to him "You really know how to rub it in." Shadowspeed comments "I'm not the one doing the rubbing," and Nightbird lets out a little laugh. Highspeed mumbles to himself "Man, for a ninja you sure talk a lot," and starts heading for class, with the others not far behind.