Chapter 9
Who Are You?
***Alex's point of view****
"Amira, why are you helping me out?" (AN: in Arabic)
"Because before when I begged I didn't get much because I am a girl. And when I did manage to get something others street kids would take it. If you are with me I get food, protection, and a friend. All of which I have never had."
"I see."
"Asim."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For what? I should be thanking you."
"For being here. For Staying with me. You could have gotten more food if you were alone."
"You helped me learn the tricks of the trade. Where I come from, we do it differently."
"Maybe. But you could have left after I helped you. Others would."
"Well, I guess you could say I am attached. You are like a little sister to me."
At that Amira's big brown eyes widened. "Really?"
"Of course." I gave her my best smile. I am definitely adopting.
"Yeah!" she shouted and jumped on me, hugging me till I couldn't breath. I hugged her and swung her round while she giggled with bubbling happiness. "So can I say you are my big brother?"
"Only if you want to."
"This is the best day of my life. I got an older brother."
"And I got a little sister."
There is no way I am leaving without Amira.
***Ian's point of view*****
"Jabbar?"
"Yes, Nassir?"
"Do you know the set of children over there?" I asked pointing to a young girl and a teenage male. The girl was jumping in what seemed like joy.
"I think the girl's name is Amira, but I don't know the boy."
The book looked familiar, but I had never seen him before.
"Nassir, I think we should adopt."
"What?"
"Lihia, what do you think?"
"I think that's a wonderful idea."
"Who?" I asked
"Those two kids." Jabbar/John answered.
"Why them?" I requested.
"Because most male/female siblings are male dominated and the male abuses the female. Those two are close. However now that I think about it they don't look blood related." (AN: Remember this a male dominated society, this in no way reflects my view on most male/female siblings)
"I see."
We made our way over there. At this point, the boy was carrying the girl like an older (and protective) brother. He set the girl down when we were close. I saw his muscles tense. Strange. Must be my imagination. He turned around and I could see a deadly look in his eyes before shock seized them. I realized then and there this was Alex, the nephew I spent the past year worrying about. The son of the couple next to me. I turned to look at them. Their eyes were blank as if remembering a forgotten memory.
"Uncle Ian? Mom? Dad?" He paused as if contemplating some great weight. "No it can't be you, they died. So who are you?"
"Asim, what's going on? Who are these people?"
"Don't worry Amira. They are probably imposters. My family is dead." To hear Alex say that made me realize what was taken away from him. But why is he here? That question will haunt me until I get an answer and probably after that.
"Who knows."
"Alex." Jabbar said. Wait, he remembered? Does he remember who he is now?
"His name is Asim." Amira said. "Asim I don't like these people, lets leave."
"Okay, I am not too fond of these people either."
"I must have the wrong person."
"You must have."
"See." Amira forced, clinging closer to Alex/Asim.
"Why don't you come to our house and we can discuss this and apologize for bothering you?"
"Why should I trust you?"
Finally I was able to find my voice to ask the ever important question. "Why are you here?"
"If you were who I think you are then you would already know the answer."
"Who do you think we are?"
"HELP U operative."
"HELP U?" Did he just say operative? Is he on a mission?! He can not be on a mission! HE IS ONLY FIFTEEN! Calm down Ian. You are probably mistaken. Maybe HELP U is an exchange program or something like that.
"Stop playing dumb."
"We can prove we are you family. Just do a DNA test."
"Do you take me for a FOOL?!" He seemed fairly enraged.
"No. But DNA test are accurate." I was confused.
"You're right." Now I was really confused. "Even for clones."
"But, that's science fiction."
"No, I have seen a clone of myself."
"Clones wouldn't have the memories of the person they cloned would they?"
"No, but you might have falsified some information."
"Okay, then ask me a question no one else would know."
"Why did you sign me up for karate?"
"Because, you were being bullied and school and I thought it would be a good skill."
Alex's eyes widened. Our argument had managed to attract the attention of some suspicious looking men.
****Alex's point of view****
Oh shot. Looks like we have some unwanted company.
"Amira, get behind me."
"Asim, what's going on?" Her voice was a squeak.
"Nothing to worry about." Amira backed behind me.
I took a fighting stance, taking slow deep breaths to calm and center myself. I waited for them to make the first move. One on my right charged. I brought my leg around and tripped him and did a back hand spring in anticipation of the next move. One tried to come from behind and I flipped him, throwing him hard and knocking him unconscious. Several more charged and my training took over. One hit me in the gut as a round house kicked another into the guy behind him. I pushed a pressure spot on another and knock him unconscious. The men seemed to be endless. I noticed my "uncle and parents" defending Amira. As the fight wore on, I seemed to be sprouting bruises I don't remember getting.
"STOP." A voice plowed over the crowd.
Immediately the men backed off. An aristocratic looking man walked forward. He slowly clapped his hands as if he was mocking me. He then haughtily said, "Alex Rider, I feel honored to be meeting such a legend. Really ruined SCORPIA, you did. I must respect you for that because it helped out our business quite a lot. Unfortunately I must kill you. Shame, isn't it? Oh well, one must do what one must do."