Wow. So I realized something…I really have been taking forever to send out new chapters. How awful of me! No good. I'm going to try for one chapter a week. I know that's not that wonderful either, but its probably going to be what I can get out. I realize that a lot of the time it might be later and it even might be earlier, but my goal is going to be one a week. Maybe I'll publish new chapters every Friday? Hmm..I hope so. It is going to be my goal for all of you amazingly sweet reviewers! Oh, also, I am SO sorry for all those awful typos last chapter! I read it over just a few minutes ago, how embarrassing! There is a HUGE amount of typos! Sigh! Oh, bad news too guys. I finally found an Escaflowne for sale, the perfect collection. And just my luck, it was backordered the instant I bought it. I wonder if I'll ever get it. I can't believe I was so slow in purchasing it! Ha. So anyways, sorry this was long! Happy reading everyone!

--Wish You Weren't Here—

She slowly opened her eyes, pain stung the back side of her head. What had happened? Her eyesight was blurry and made it hard for her to focus on her surroundings. She went to bring her head up to assess the damage but was restrained. What was going on?

She managed to bring her body around and her vision began to clear; she was in a dark room. Realizing her predicament she cursed under her breath. She was captured. Hands tied behind her back, injured head, left by herself. The whole deal. This was just great. What had happened exactly?

Slowly her mind began to go back in time remembering the past few hours…

flashback

Spike had been calling her, non-stop. He was very persistent; a trait he used well. Faye had felt that she was on a mission, and surprisingly she wasn't as thrilled as she thought she would have been when it was found that she was missing from the Bebop. Instead she was rather upset and annoyed by Spike's never ending calls to her mono.

Deciding that ignoring him would never help, she answered his millionth call.

"What!?" she did not hide her anger and frustration, this of course caused him to smile.

"Are you stupid?" Spike asked, pausing purposely to irritate her further. "You can't do this on your own, you need me you know." He finished.

Faye's entire face was readable; she was the essence of anger. "You're an ass, so full of yourself. I don't need you, I've never needed you," that was a lie. She could remember where not too long ago she was wishing she could have done something to prevent him from leaving that day, wishing that she could have kept him alive. What happened to that feeling? The image of the man caught in the plasma screen was not who she thought she loved. Loved? Did she think that? No, the feelings she felt for this man were far from love. Loathed, she loathed this man.

"You never needed me? Ha! You've been so pathetic lately, moping around the Bebop. When was the last time you even left? Back to the 'Oh, I'm too good for this ship. I'll let everyone else do the work for me while I sit back and relax' Faye I see. Ok Faye, I know what you've been up to while I've been gone. Why the sudden change?" Spike knew he'd hit an emotion with the words he spoke, he intended to. She was running away because her emotions were flying, she wasn't thinking rationally. "You're a fool Faye. A fool if you believe you can do this on your own," he paused, waiting for a response.

"I don't understand how you can waltz back into our lives acting like you know everything about us. You don't know a thing about me, nor will you ever. I don't intend on telling you, nor do you intend on asking," she held back tears. She couldn't control her emotions the last few days. Everything that had been happening to her was overwhelming and hard to swallow. Besides, Spike wasn't making it the slightest bit easier for her.

Spike fought back the urge to laugh, instead he allowed a smirk to form across his lips. "You'd be surprised about what I know about you."

"Like what Spike? You can tell me that I'm an emotionless woman, whose soul purpose in life is to fight with you and make your life a living hell? I'm the shrew woman! The fool! The person that wishes she had a past to look back to. I'm a lost soul Spike! You know nothing of me; I don't even know anything about me!" Faye countered easily, letting her emotions speak for her.

Spike sighed, "I know that you're the most stubborn woman I've met to date."

Faye froze from her ranting fury, she didn't respond to his statement. She stared at him as he stared back. Both lost in their own thoughts.

"Listen, Jet told me about your little run away experiences, including the time you hurt yourself. How you still went bounty hunting with the bullet inside of you. I realize you're stubborn, that proves it for one. Faye, you cannot do this on your own. Accept my help and we can take him down together. Really show him what he got himself into. You and me," Spike tried reasoning with her.

"No," her answer was simple yet full of meaning.

"You're impossible. Well, there's no way that any of us are letting you do this alone. So, I guess you're just going to have to put up with it, I'm helping you whether you like it or not," Spike was getting annoyed. How could she not see her stupidity?

"Nice try, but if I'm right you have no idea where he is, right Spike?" Faye smirked, she had left out the information of where he was frequently seen purposely, in case of a moment like this. "I'm flattered by your sense of heroism Spike, but unfortunately, this time I'll be getting paid my reward while you'll still be searching for it. Good luck Cowboy." Faye disconnected the call and smirked menacingly as she let out a small giggle. She sure told him off! Finally, she felt great! All she needed to do was get there, find him, roughen him up and turn him in! Even if the man was a mere 1.2 million woolong bounty she was going to show Spike that she was capable of taking care of herself, she was not in the need of a savior.

Spike cursed under his breath. That woman was impossible! Why can't she see how irrational she was behaving? It was as if she was walking into death on a silver platter! Why would someone want to do that? Suddenly Spike felt guilt, he had done that. She tried stopping him, was this how she felt? Angered, annoyed, helpless? He wasn't sure, but he knew how his heroism ended up and if Faye's was the least bit similar he needed to get back to her, and fast.

"Hey Jet, I need you to tell Ed to give me all the information about this guy that she gave to Faye. Apparently Faye knows more than I do, which means that she'll find him faster," Spike spoke directly into the screen, getting to the point.

"Hang on, I have no idea where she is," Jet explained as he walked away from Spike's view.

A few seconds later a red blur ran past, Spike knew it was Ed. "Ed!" he didn't have time for her antics. "What did you give Faye that you didn't give to me?"

"What? Ed gave Spike-person everything that she gave Faye Faye," the child's face was contorted in confusion. "Ed gave Faye Faye the papers and handed the same papers to Spike-person."

"Well, she must have taken some papers out then, do me a favor and find where this guy likes to hang out, and hurry. I don't have time to wait, I should be there within the hour," Spike's face showed no emotion, just determination.

"Aye aye Captain Spike-person! Ed will find you everything!" Ed saluted to the screen and Spike ended the call.

He couldn't understand why he was so angry. He couldn't hide his frustration, he just wanted to slap Faye across her face and tell her to wake up. "Foolish woman…" he spoke to himself.

"Why thank you," it was her voice. He looked down and her face was clear on the screen. She smirked toyingly.

"What do you want now?" Spike asked thoroughly annoyed with her.

"Well, just letting you know that I'm here. I thought I would wish you luck in beating me to it. So, good luck!" she laughed

Spike controlled his anger, "Wishing me luck? For what? You're going to get yourself into a lot of trouble Faye," he spoke with anger in his voice. "I wonder if you're wishing me luck at trying to save your ass while risking mine. Well, save the pity, you'll be thanking me later."

"Ok, Spike. I've got to go now, you call me when you get here. I'll tell you about everything, and I'll be 1.2 million richer!" she smirked ending the call.

end flashback

Well, wasn't she the one to talk. Now, here she lay, hand ties, legs tied and her head was throbbing. Sure got herself in a predicament didn't she? To make matters worse, Spike had been right. Now she was in danger, she didn't even remember much after ending the call with Spike.

Faye tried remembering but nothing was coming back. It was blurry and only bits and pieces would come back to her. Suddenly Faye's watch began to beep, it was a call, she had a call. Someone was looking for her! How could she answer it. "Hello?" she yelled to see if anyone was in the room with her, it was still hard to see.

"Hello? Is anyone in here?" she screamed louder hoping to get someone's attention. Maybe whoever left her here didn't intend on returning, she didn't sense any danger.

"Well, well. It seems you're finally up pretty little lady," a man spoke from the far corner. Faye's senses were triggered. She saw his silhouette, he looked like a short, round man. His voice seemed calm and kind, and yet Faye was on defense mode, she no longer felt unthreatened.

"What do you want with me asshole? Who are you?" Faye asked demandingly, forcefully.

She surprised the man, "Well, aren't you a little pushy? You are the one that's tied up aren't you?" He began to chuckle, it seemed distantly familiar. "We really didn't want anything to do with you, to be completely honest. You're the one that came here and found us, but now that you've done that…" he paused, "I'm afraid now we will have to dispose of you. Can't have anyone fishing around now can we?"

Faye's anger rose, she couldn't believe this. "Why don't you untie me and we'll see about that?"

"Hmm….no. Can't do that. It's a lot easier to take advantage of a person such as yourself when their down and out. It was a nasty time having to tie you up, you wouldn't stop moving. It ticked me off and I have a scratch on my face to prove it. I'd rather not go through that again." The man sat down at a table, and began to eat.

He leaned over towards the window and opened the blinds. Light poured into the room causing Faye to wince, it was too bright for her eyes to adjust so quickly. As her eyesight began to unblur again she gasped. She could just make out the man that sat across the room, it was Doctor Klark!

"Why hello dear!" the doctor looked at her and saw her surprised expression plastered to her face. "Why, your head is a lot worse than I thought it was. Ha, that must hurt. Poor dear, it was the only way I could shut you up before you told the world. So ignorant," his voice had a way to calm your nerves, but that fact alone irritated Faye.

Once again Faye's watch started beeping, they were looking for her.

"How long was I out for?" she asked a bit quietly. If she wanted answers for her questions she would have to be kinder.

"Oh, I'm not sure. A day? Maybe more," he spoke with his mouth full, he swallowed, "I did hit you pretty hard, but it was needed. You're a loud woman, I would have thought differently from when you were in the hospital. You were quiet and timid. Hmm, I guess I didn't know any better."

"I see..." Faye thought back to Spike and Jet. Were they looking for her? After all she did tell Spike that by the time he would have arrived she would have caught the man responsible for giving her the virus, but instead, she was here. She wasn't even with the man, she was with the doctor? Nothing made sense. Wouldn't Spike like to know that the doctor was in on it. Cocky jerk was always right. Damnit all. She needed to get out of here and fix it, she couldn't allow herself to be teased by Spike's "I told you so" antics.

"Well pretty lady, I must head out. I wouldn't try anything if I were you though, this place will be hard to leave, and I've made sure of it. Have fun!" he laughed bitterly and headed into another room. Faye heard a door slam shut and his laughing ceased echoing throughout the room. He was gone.

She suddenly wiggled furiously, attempting to loosen the restraints she currently earned herself. Nothing. She suddenly remembered back to when she lay in this same position on Vincent's floor. Once again, she found herself hopeless, in need of help. It angered Faye further and she pulled with the greatest strength to loosen the restraints. It was hopeless.

Her watch began to beep again, maybe she could somehow turn it on, it was still on her wrist. She rolled herself on her back and applied pressure where her watch was attached. It still beeped, she rolled some more trying to succeed. Suddenly it stopped, had she done it? "Hello?" She yelled turning back to her side. Silence, she had failed.

"Faye? Where are you Faye?" it was faint but she could hear it! It was Jet!

"Jet! Can you hear me?" She spoke loudly, hoping to aid his hearing.

"Hardly, where in the world are you?" he asked. Even though Faye could hardly hear his voice she could tell he was concerned for her.

"Well, to be honest Jet, I have no idea," she yelled back to him.

"I can't see you though, and where have you been? We've been looking for you!" Jet's voice resembled anger this time.

"Well, I wish I knew where I've been Jet. You can't see me because the watch is on my wrist and my wrist is tied behind me," Faye was glad she wasn't explaining this to Spike, she would have felt even more incompetent.

"Geez, Faye! Are you hurt?" Jet's voice went back to concern.

"No, not really," she lied. Her head was killing her, and the doctor even admitted that it looked bad. Not to mention her wrists were now throbbing in pain from attempting to set herself free.

Jet sighed and Faye pictured him rubbing his face in frustration. He always did that when he was a loss for words and unsure what else to do.

"The doctor has me Jet. I just saw him, before you called. He told me that I shouldn't attempt to leave, he said that he had made sure that it would prove rather difficult if I did."

"The doctor?" Jet's voice was confused.

"Doctor Klark," Faye clarified. "He was just here, but left."

"Great…" Jet's voice was sarcastic. "Ok, I have an idea. Try your best to stay out of trouble, and answer if we call ok?"

"Ok Jet. How do you suggest I'll get myself into trouble? I'm tied and can hardly move, I'll try my best to answer any calls," it was Faye's turn to act sarcastic.

"Sorry Faye," he forgot about her current problem, he was focusing at the task at hand. "Take care Faye, and please try your best to answer, I'm going to need your help," Jet finished.

"I don't exactly see how you'll need my help when I'm like this," Faye answered back, but she received no answer. He must have cancelled the call. Faye sighed, now what was she supposed to do? Time was going to move slowly. Her eyes began to grow heavy, and she let them lay closed. Soon she was lost in sleep.

---------------------------------

Meanwhile Jet had headed towards the hospital that Faye was admitted to earlier that week. If the doctor left Faye alone he had to go someplace, perhaps back to his job. Unless it was a phony job that he had had just to get to Faye.

Jet ran into the building and up to the floor where he had waited for Faye to be released. He slowed his pace and casually walked up to the receptionist desk. The nurse that had helped Jet before was still there.

"Excuse me," Jet cleared his throat, "I was wondering if I could talk with Doctor Klark please."

"He's busy in recovery right now, does he know of your arrival?" the nurse asked kindly.

"No," Jet spoke with a crude voice.

"Well, do you have an appointment with him? He is a very busy man," the nurse spoke in response.

"Yes, he knew I was going to speak with him but unfortunately we never set a time and I was wondering if he had some spare time currently and he could fit me in," Jet lied and acted extremely calm and friendly.

The nurse before him acted as if she was in deep thought, she pushed back from her desk and stood up, "One moment," she spoke as she left Jet and walked into another room.

"Doctor, there is a man here to see you. He says that you and him were supposed to speak to each other but had never made a definite appointment time. Would you like for me to have him come back, or have him wait?" the nurse's voice changed, she no longer had her false kindness.

"What does he look like?" Doctor Klark was sitting behind his desk looking over paperwork; he had his feet resting on top of his desk carelessly.

"It's a man that was here not too long ago, he was here to pick up one of your patients," the nurse explained, "He has a metal arm."

"Interesting…" Doctor Klark remembered Jet quite well, perhaps he was here to see if she was readmitted now that she was missing. He knew he'd have to get rid of him quickly. "Send him in."

"Yes sir," the nurse bowed and left the room as quietly as she entered.

Coming back into the room where Jet currently waited the nurse opened a door and motioned towards Jet, "Come this way, he can see you now."

Jet nodded and walked in the direction the nurse showed him. They came up to a door that read "Klark M.D." At least the nurse was leading him to the right place.

"Hello Mr. Black, what can I do for you?" Doctor Klark spoke in a sincere tone.

"Well…" Jet began to walk in the room and noticed the nurse still standing in the doorway, "I'd like to talk to Doctor Klark in private please," Jet stated towards the nurse who loomed in the doorway.

She nodded and departed, shutting the door behind her leaving the two men alone in the room.

"Are there any problems with Miss Valentine? I hope she is recovering properly," Doctor Klark began.

Jet cleared his throat, "Listen here, I'm not going to sit here and listen to you pretend you have no idea what's going on. I have no patience and you're not going to fool me."

"I have no idea what you're talking about Mr. Black," the doctor stated, feigning a surprised and confused look.

Jet stood up and placed his hand on the desk leaning forward, "I'm not in the mood for your charades, if I were you I wouldn't try pissing me off. I know you have her damnit!" Jet slammed his metal fist into the doctor's desk sending a pencil holder flying across the table while pens and pencils went soaring off his desk.

"Calm yourself, acting barbaric is no way to get her back Mr. Black. Being irrational is a foolish way to act," the doctor countered, his voice turning darker, the kindness lost in the mood.

"I swear, if you don't give her back you'll regret ever laying a finger on her. I will personally see to that!" Jet screamed back, standing up straight.

Doctor Klark smirked slightly out of the corner of his mouth, "I'd watch yourself if I were you Mr. Black. I have connections that you wouldn't believe. One word on my part and out you go along with your whole crew. She has now messed with us and we are prepared to handle it. You sir, have not offended any one as of yet. Be wise and leave here and do not concern yourself with my matters. Forget the girl, she is nothing of your concern nor will she ever be, see is dead to you. Now, leave and I will let you live along with your crew."

"You're going to regret saying that. Faye is a part of my crew and I will not stand here listening to you tell me that she is dead to me. She is alive and I want her returned to me, safe and unharmed. The sooner the better!" Jet screamed, unable to control his anger.

"Mr. Black you have just stepped beyond a boundary you'll never leave from. You should watch your back from now on," Doctor Klark stated while walking towards the door.

"Are you threatening me doctor?" Jet asked raising an eyebrow towards the short man in front of him.

"Well, one thing you do understand I see. I recommend you get out of here and quickly, you need time to warn your crew mates. You won't have much time before I let loose your nightmare," the doctor left the room, laughing full heartedly.

Jet's anger exploded, he ran over to the doctor's desk and tipped it over sending into flying into the wall. "Damnit!" Jet cursed.

He kicked the chair he had occupied earlier and cursed once more. Rubbing his bald head with his hand he gained an idea. What if Faye was at his home residence? It shouldn't be too hard to find it after all.

Jet quickly ran over to the desk he had flipped over, quickly regretted doing so. The papers from the drawers were strewn everywhere across the room. Still he searched through them hoping to find some sort of information that would lead him to Faye.

Finding some papers that looked like they could be useful Jet grabbed them and ran out of the room and away from the hospital. As he headed towards his Hammerhead he called his fellow comrade.

"Spike, we've got trouble. Meet me back at the Bebop, and hurry!" Jet's words were rushed as he quickly shut off his communicator and took off at an alarming rate forcing people to grab at their belongings at the strong wind he created.

----------------------------------------------------

Author's Note: Well, this was supposed to go out on Friday. Hmm..doesn't look like that happened huh? My internet was down and this was the earliest I could send it out. Sorry guys!!! Although I don't think maybe people were waiting for it, I only got three reviews for last chapter and it was out for a little over a week. Oh well, maybe this will be better. Hope you enjoyed it!! And for those awesome people that did review…

Neko-Yuff16: Well if your goal is being as kind as possible you succeed with flying colors!! Thanks so much!!! If you mean you wish that Spike and Faye would just fess up, I wish they would too! Hehe, but unfortunately it would be a little OOC and that's never good. So we'll get to the good stuff! Thanks again! I look forward to more reviews!!

Solid Snake SNK1: Ah ha! Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad I've kept your interests this long, especially because I've been taking so long to review. My new goal as you probably have read is one chapter a week. Unfortunately I was late this week and I can hopefully still get the next chapter out by Friday. I'm really happy that you've brought this to my attention. I've known that I need to step up a notch I just haven't I don't know, been told it. So, thank you very much for that and the amazingly kind review! It was so extremely sweet of you! Please continue to review! I look forward to them!

amethyst-tears: Phew! Questions galore! I love it!! And yes, you're the only one to catch that, congrats again! Ok, I'm going to try my best to answer all your questions, but I'm not going to be able to answers all! So, Spike's dream. I can sort of answer this, I suppose it can represent the fact that he will need to save Faye, as this chapter shows. It may have more meaning further on, but that's the overall significance. Let's see, they intend to capture the guy that gave Faye her virus, can't kill him though if they want that bounty! Even if it's extremely small! Why Faye was the target is still unknown but will be revealed in due time! Hmm..and as far as we know Faye's virus was still the same virus as they'd expected, but man, things are suspicious huh??? I absolutely love the questions, I'm so glad you love this!! And to answer your last question, haha yes this is my first! THANKS SO MUCH! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and review again soon!!

Thanks to anyone else who has read this, I hope to get the next chapter out soon. I appreciate everyone's support and comments, it's so very helpful! Thank you everyone! Until next time…

Later Space Cowboys….