Disclaimer – If only he would be willing to sell…

The funeral was short and quite empty. The only ones who there were K-Unit, Ben, Tom, Sabina and Mrs. Jones. Blunt had obviously been too busy.

The priest spoke words of God as each member watched in sadness while the coffin was brought through.

Sabina stifled a cry and buried her face in Tom's shoulder who gave an awkward look then patted her on the back gently. Snake put his arm round Ben who gave a small nod and sighed. Wolf had dropped the 'I'm a big tough guy' act and a lone tear drop fell down his cheek and Eagle was just letting lose the tears. Mrs. Jones was not crying, but her lips were formed into an upset frown.

"We commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust"

The coffin was lowered into the ground and each person took their turn to drop a handful of dirt on it. Going back to their positions each person took the time to reflect on how they had failed Alex. K-Unit for not going with Ben to save Alex. Ben for not getting there in time. Sabina for not staying in England and maybe keeping him from his MI6 life. Tom for not putting a stop to it by telling the authorities and Mrs. Jones, well, enough said.

Two men came forward with shovels and started filling the hole and everyone said silent goodbyes.

The service ended and Ben took the time to read the gravestone while he laid a white lily in front of it.

Alex Rider

June 22nd 1995 – March 13th 2010

Loving friend and comrade. A boy with a brave heart. A True Hero.

Ben smiled as he wondered what Alex might have thought about the words. He just see him now, criticizing the word 'loving' and mocking Ben for all it was worth. It hurt him to remember once again he would never hear that voice again.

Taking a deep breathe Ben got back up and took one last look at the gravestone. K-Unit and the others had gone inside as rain had started to pour down.

"Goodbye Alex, I hope you're happy, with your family. But I hope you knew, you always had a family here as well"

And now the real chapter ;)

Beep…beep….beep

The soft noise both reassured and saddened Ben as he looked at the pale boy hidden

beneath an array of wires and a sea of white. If it weren't for the constant beep showing each breath one would think the boy was dead.

He rubbed his eyes getting the sleep out of them and his eyes started to droop.

"Fox, get some rest" Ben jerked as he looked at his old Unit Leader Wolf who was lying in the bed next to Alex, also looking pale.

During the battle in the arena a bullet had managed to get inside his calf and before going down Wolf had managed to kill the man who did it but he had to be carried out quick before he lost too much blood. In Wolf's opinion it had been worth it.

"But what if he wakes up?" Ben asked slightly worried.

"Then we'll be here" a soft Scottish voice answered "And yes, we will call you if he does"

Snake got up from the chair he'd resided in beside Wolf's bed to get up and lead

Ben out of the room. He knew he was doing the right thing, Ben needed to sleep; the dark bags under his eyes spoke for themselves.

Ben sighed as the door closed behind him. It had been two days since the arena and two days since he'd found Alex stabbed through the stomach by Hiro. He remembered the time with distaste.

It hadn't taken long for him to disenable the guards and after he'd set on finding Alex. He wasn't sure what he wasn't expecting to see when he did but it didn't take long for him to punch Hiro into unconsciousness. Ben had carried Alex out seeing that he didn't have long unless he got some help and thankfully he came across some friends and they showed him the way out quickly and safely.

An ambulance was waiting outside and once he was sure Alex would get there safely (Ben himself didn't need extreme medical attention) he had done something quite drastic. He had been thinking about it while they were captured and when he was free it was the first thing he did. It wasn't hard due to his job and Ben left the building happy but also nervous. It was the reason he wanted to be there when Alex woke up. (Know where I'm going with this? (; )

Back in present time Ben was coming out from a shower after a good rest. He still felt slightly tired but much better than before. Once he was dressed he would be able to go back to the hospital. Under the circumstances the hospital didn't mind him not just going through visiting hours, the same with Snake and Eagle. In fact, they seemed rather pleased that Alex would have more security.

Ben pulled on a fresh shirt and he was done. Grabbing the car keys he went on the longish journey to St. Dominic's hospital, the place where MI6 always used for their injured agents. Ben himself had only been there a few times but he knew enough that it must be a frequent location for Alex.

He remembered the last time he had been there, just after they had found him an inch from death, now it was happening again, and maybe it had happened more. Hopefully what he had done would stop it.

The automatic door opened and Ben stepped into the entrance. Somehow he wasn't surprised to see Mrs Jones waiting sitting on one of the chairs, it had been two days after all.

"Mrs. Jones" Ben nodded to her on his way in hoping with all his might she wouldn't follow him.

But of course. She did.

"Agent Daniels…Ben" she remembered that there were some people here who didn't know that this was a place for agents "Stop. We need to talk"

Ben pursed his lips. "We can walk and talk" he said and started a slow walk allowing her to catch up with him.

"I know what you've done" she started.

Ben sighed "I had to"

"I know and I actually have come to thank you for it"

"Really?" Ben was honestly shocked. "Why…" He was cut off when his phone started to vibrate. He quickly grabbed it from his pocket and looked at him ignoring the disapproving looks from members of staff.

He is strtin 2 wke up

"Excuse me for a moment"

Ben walked quickly to the room leaving Mrs. Jones standing in the hall and opened the door. Sure enough Alex was beginning to stir. The fog on the mask that was placed over his mouth and nose fogged slightly as Alex began to breathe quicker and his chest was moving faster.

Noticing he would wake up in slight panic if nothing was done Ben went over and rubbed Alex comfortingly on the arm.

Snake also came a bit closer and pressed the button to call the doctor. In hardly any time at all Doctor Wells came in and immediately started checking the machines.

"Hmm he's woken up a bit quicker than expected…" He started mumbling under his breathe and Wolf, getting annoyed, asked "What's going on?"

"We didn't expect him to wake so soon so right now I'm going to up his pain killers regardless of the stupid 'he'll get addicted' rule of keeping it low. Waking up now, he'll need it. A wound like that comes with a heavy price"

Doctor Wells finished speaking and he took a few more looks at the readings. Alex was still stirring but had not fully woken up yet. Ben's actions seemed to have calmed him down and soon Alex's eyes started fluttering. Alex's breathing started to quicken again and Doctor Well's mouthed that it was normal.

Alex's POV

He…wasn't dead?

Alex was slowly coming into consciousness and that was the first thing he thought. Although there was no intense pain there was a dull throb in the centre of his stomach, the place he'd been stabbed. Alex added it to the list of injuries he'd gotten over the past year.

There was no doubt in his mind where he was. It had only been what…two, three weeks since the last time he'd been there. At that Alex felt a bit of shock at that realisation. Had it really only been a few weeks, it must have been but so much had gone on it felt like at least a few months or something.

Alex's thought train was broken when he regained more feeling in the rest of his body. He could just about feel something warm touching his arm. It felt comforting and he felt his body relax, almost like he could fall asleep again. But no, he had the feeling he'd been asleep enough so he forced his eyes open. It took a few times before they were properly open and he could see the bright light of the hospital room ceiling.

"Hey Alex, how're you doing?"

Alex moved his eyes and saw Ben staring down at him a smile on his face.

He tried to answer but the oxygen mask on his face wouldn't allow it.

"I'll take that off for you" Alex briefly glimpsed Doctor Wells come forward and gently remove the oxygen mask. He took a small gulp off air (knowing he might choke if he took a long one) and answered "I'm guessing I'd be in a lot of pain if not for the pain killers" he answered in a small voice.

Ben just made him smile a little sadder and started to give Alex some water to loosen his throat. Alex drank it slowly and felt better and his head was laid back on the pillow. He suddenly thought of something and asked "Is everyone ok?!"

Ben chuckled and said "Look around"

Alex looked to see Snake grinning at him from a chair and Wolf from a bed. He gave a questioning look to Wolf.

Wolf saw and answered nonchalantly "Bullet in the leg, nothing really"

Alex's eyes winded and he slumped back. "Eagle?"

"He's…" Snake was cut off when Eagle barged through the door panting.

"Sorry…I'm…late" he puffed and then noticed Alex and his face lit up "Hey…C...Alex…you…ok? I'm…just…gonna…sit down"

Eagle practically fell into a spare chair, his face bright red. It was obvious he had run to the hospital.

"Way to make an entrance Eagle" commented Wolf smiling slightly.

"Sorry…was…at Starbucks" he said closing his eyes and doing breathing techniques.

"And you didn't bring any for us" said Snake in mock sadness.

Everyone laughed except for Alex who realised laughing created a bit more pain in his stomach. He settled for a snicker instead. Once the laughter died Ben cleared his throat.

"Err listen guys I kind of have something to tell you, but mainly you Alex"

Alex looked up at Ben. He sounded so serious Alex wondered how bad the news would be. "What?"
"Um well" Wow this was harder than he thought. "Alex, you know the MI6 were you legal guardians…"
"Yeah…"Wait, did Ben just say were?

"Well I wasn't really sure that was such a good idea so I well..I"

"Fox you didn't!" Snake exclaimed interrupting Ben who gave a guilty look. He knew Snake had guessed it so he nodded.

"Are you mad!" he almost shouted and Ben was about to retaliate when Alex cried.

"Will someone tell me what is going on?" His face creased as he used his stomach muscles and he glared at the men.

"Sorry Alex" said Ben ashamed. "I'll just say it. After the fight I…I adopted you. You are now legally Alex Daniels or Alex Rider-Daniels or whatever you want to be called but Daniels is the legal name"
Alex didn't know what to say. Ben had adopted him? Was it some kind of joke? No. It didn't look like a joke judging by everyone's faces which probably matched his. But, why would he adopt him? Was it out of pity or did he really want to help Alex.

"Say something Alex"

"Huh" Alex didn't realise he'd been so quiet for so long so just asked "Why?"

"I've seen what MI6 have done to you and once your time with us would up I wouldn't want to think what they'd do with you. Your missions would probably be increased and no child should be put in that amount of danger. Also, you've grown on me kid. I know it might be hard but I want to keep you safe and this way you won't have to be alone any more"

Alex fell into a time of shock as he let the information process through his brain and K-Unit started questioning him.

"Why didn't you tell us?! asked Wolf angry at the secret kept from him.

"Well sorry but you were a bit busy getting your leg fixed up and I didn't want you guys trying to talk me out of it or something"

He got confused stairs from that.

"You thought we'd talk you out of it?" said Eagle.

Ben shrugged and looked at Alex again. It seemed in the short space of time he'd been talking with K-Unit he'd fallen asleep. Doctor Wells had also disappeared.

"So, a son eh? Look at Fox, a dad. What're MI6 gonna say bout this" grinned Wolf.

"MI6…Oh yeah!"

Ben hurried out of the room and found Mrs. Jones sitting down back in the entrance.

"Err sorry bout that. Anyway, why are you happy?"

"It's alright. As I was saying, although Mr. Blunt isn't too pleased I'm glad that Alex has someone. Even though you may not believe it I do hold some guilt about what we have done to Alex and I'm glad he has someone to care for him"

"What about missions though cos I tell you I am going to put a stop to those"

Mrs. Jones sighed. "I've said it before and I shall say it again, Alex is one of our most valuable agents. Letting him go like that won't be easy but maybe I can convince Alan not to use him as much"

"No Mrs. Jones, I mean it. He won't be doing any more missions. I am going to try to keep him from them"

"What will you do when you are needed for a mission then? K-Unit are going to be needed back for duty once Mr. Lobezno's leg has healed"

"I have people I can call"

Mrs. Jones pursed her lips. "Well then I will bid you goodbye. But trust me Daniels, Alex was made for this and letting go of it won't be so easy"

Mrs Jones got up and walked away from Ben just missing him mumble "We'll see about that"

Ben went back to the hospital room and over the next weeks both Alex and Wolf recovered and soon both of them were able to be released. Much to Alex's secret delight he was able to be wheeled out of the hospital in a wheel chair but he left it when they got to the car. Alex gently pulled the seatbelt across and his new adopted father started the engine.

"So Alex, this is where you properly start life as my son. You sure you're still happy about it?"

Alex had already had to convince Ben he was pleased that he was his father. the day after he'd been told he had resented it a little bit, another choice that had been made for him but once Ben had promised his about the missions and why he did it Alex had none left.

He knew it would be strange and a little trying at times seeing as it was now a permanent fixture but they could overcome it. K-Unit would be staying for a while until Wolf's leg was completely healed and then they would be spending a few months going to Breacon and back so they can get a new team mate (who will be properly checked) and learn to work with them.

Alex smiled as the scenery went past them and they pulled into the car park. Today was finally the day he could start life as Alex Rider-Daniels.

Well, it's finally finished. Omg I'm seriously sad now but I know there will be a sequel, I have some things ready for it but the plan still needs work. So, I thank absolutely everyone who stuck with this story and gave me the push to write and finish my first long length story. You guys rock!!!!

So, I've finally read crocodile tears and wow, that rocked too! So I know there are some unanswered questions but they will be revealed in the sequel and I have a feeling it will be called 'To be a Son' but it is a WIP.

21 Reviews last chapter, Wow!! I had many plea's of don't kill Alex and one actually asking for it so that is why I put that lil trick up at the top. You got both ^ ^. And I have found out I do not have the attention span to proof read, tried…after one page got very bored so sorry bout that. Anyway, onto last shout-outs, for reviews for this I will PM my thanks and they will probs be more detailed as it wont waste space on a chapter!!

IcePrincess89023- Hope you enjoyed it! EriKaBalDel- Hiro wasn't using the sword and when Alex had his back turned Hiro grabbed the sword so when Alex turned around Hiro just shoved it straight through him. Easier to watch than write and also Alex didn't have a whole lot of strength so it would have taken longer. Thanks for reviewing! krhorsejumper97- Haha :D red rose of love- I thought it was too, I tried not to make it one but oh well and thanks! fadamaja- Here it is! marisje- Ha it's ok :) baldy911- Thanks so much :D sabsi- Thank youu!! Here it is! Little Miss Lestranged – I'm sorry!!! I've updated! C.J.0608- Well I did both versions and thanks! ImpALEd- Yes I am cruel to Alex :( Pendragon.P a s s i o n. – A sequel is in progress! And thanks!! waywarddaughter- Alex angst is my favourite :) FCgrl – Thanks about the choices! And also thanks for the review, I do love my cliffie's! :D Maddymoo- Ha thanks :) Le Sang De La Morte – Ooo cool! I would love to learn Japanese. Anyway thanks! :D Iamawsome- You gave me the inspiration do the lil trick at the top :) Blade- Here it is! rose angel 428- How bout now ? :) NienkevH- Thanks! RaraJay- That was a good idea but I did have the real part of the chapter planned. And thanks so much for the nice comments!!! La'ienth- Thanks so much!! I'm glad you liked it!!!

Thanks again to all who reviewed and now I want to know what would you like to see in the sequel, I may put a poll up later but random ideas very welcome, maybe they are ideas you like but don't feel you could write yourselves? I dunno but anyway I'm not sure when the sequel will come out. Maybe a month so I can get everything properly planned. And also work on some neglected stories.

YOU GUYS RULE!