Chapter Nine: Thoughts

The four friends watched in horror as the explosives set off in succession, fire blossoming in different parts of the building, as other sections caved in. Tears ran down Amber's cheek as she crouched by Hex who, also crouched down, was frozen in horror at the sight before him. Paulo had left the front of the truck and had moved around to the side. Looking sideways at Li he reached out and held her hand, as she turned away from the dreadful sight.

The four remaining members of Alpha force sat in silence, as Paulo drove them towards their camp. Li and Amber were curled up in the back, both of their faces tear streaked. Hex sat next to Paulo, staring sullenly out across the landscape. The only sound came from the engine, and the occasional sound as the girls tried to stop their tears.

Paulo concentrated on the rough road ahead, trying to block out what he had just seen. He almost sighed with relief as their camp came into view. It was a small brick building which had originally been used as a store for government property. Paulo had always thought that the property originally stored had been suspicious, since the building was practically in the middle of nowhere, away from any roads and hidden from sight by trees. Pulling up to the front of the building he switched the engine off.

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Later that night, Hex sat outside the building, leaning against the side of the truck, his arms resting on his knees. The news was still sinking in. The person they had considered their leader and survival expert was gone and just like the other 3 members of Alpha Force, Hex blamed himself.

Paulo was inside, sitting with Li against one wall. He watched her as she stared at the floor, the occasional tear falling down her cheek. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. She leant against him, grateful for the comfort. Paulo would have normally rejoiced at the contact with the pretty girl, but his mind was filled with thoughts of Alex.

Just like everyone else, he felt guilty. Not just about leaving Alex behind, but about how he had treated him before. Somehow he had forgotten all the times when he had helped Alex, and remembered only the times when he had hurt him in some way.

He remembered the time Alex had dislocated his shoulder and he had had to put it back into place. He had been so worried that he had done something wrong, and Alex was just in more pain because of him. He remembered punching Alex for letting Li go off by herself.

He smiled bitterly, he should have been thanking Alex for getting him out of that truck, he would have died otherwise. Now he'd never have the chance to apologise. He drew Li closer, biting his lip, hoping the pain would distract him from his thoughts. He was the one who had pressed the button.

Amber walked over to where Hex was sitting. Strangely, although she was upset, she wasn't crying. She knew that out of the fi…four of them she mentally corrected herself sadly, she wasn't the strongest emotionally.They were all pretty solid with emotions but occasionally she let her guard down. Maybe it came from being doted on so completely as a child, or from losing her parents in such a horrific way. Yet now, she didn't seem to feel emotion. Just emptiness.

Sitting down next to Hex, she waited for him to speak, knowing instinctively that he would. 'We shouldn't have left him' was all he said.

'We all agreed. I mean, we never thought that something like that would happen.' She laid a hand on his arm. He was freezing cold. 'If you'd gone in after him, you'd be gone too. Alex wouldn't have wanted that.'

Hex stood up. 'What you're saying makes sense, but nothing feels right anymore. It's like he's not…dead…he's just not here. Do you understand me?' He looked down pleadingly at Amber. She stood up 'Yeah I understand. It's like we left someone behind.' She wrapped her arms around him and they stood there silently, knowing that they understood each other.

AN: I think this chapter is sad. But I'm only the author...what do i know? Once again there are references to Hostage and Desert Pursuit. I don't own them! Please tell me what you think!