Disclaimer: I don't own the newsies, just Spirit and some random newsies not in the movie
A/N: sorry I meant to update sooner, apparently it's a constant theme with me. I'm not even going to list my excuses, theres too many but anyways heres another chapter hope you enjoy, R and R thanks.
ScreeHollisBeckandKimmy.thanks for the review. My favorites go back but Spot is up there. I haven't read much for newsies stories lately, and I do have a list I need to catch up on, so when I get around to it I'll check out your story!
Mackenzie-thanks for rating my story in your top ones! It means a lot that people still enjoy this even with the slow updates. Im glad you think she fits into the Conlon personality, Im trying hard to keep it that way.
Just da Girl- thanks for the review…im not even sure what will happen now, but don't worry its far from over with Spirits troubles
I was cornered to say the least. Buzz stood in front of me with a disturbing smirk across his face, Rusty still stood behind me, blocking the entrance to the alley.
"How ya doin' Spirit?" Buzz asked as his smile grew, turning more cocky by the minute. I frowned, shooting him a glare.
"What got nothin' to say for yourself?" He asked again, trying to get a reaction and it was starting to work.
I stepped forward trying to put distance between me and Rusty, he was the one I was more worried about. I had seen Buzz fight and I knew I couldn't beat him and Rusty, but I could counter some of Buzz's moves since he was slower. My main concern was trying to get Rusty or Buzz to move away from the ends of the alley, even if for just a second.
I waited, trying to see if Buzz would move anymore in his end. He took a small step; he looked like he was trying to push me back into Rusty. I stepped forward trying to give the illusion I wanted to fight him. He took the bait and stepped in more, starting to turn slightly to the right, he was in fighting mode. I shot him a small smirk and fell into step with him, making him turn more to the right, leaving the alleyway exit to the left. Before I could get a good chance to run I had to at least push him back a little. I waited; it wouldn't take long for a hot head like Buzz to make his move. Rusty seemed to sense it to, but waited to see what his second in command would do.
I saw the fist fly and dodged it quickly, he had power behind his fists, but the movements were slow and I could see him dropping his right before he threw it. I shook my head, no technique. He tried to come back with another jab, followed by what he thought was a hook. He was too easy to predict, I barely missed his hook but I still did, I was dancing him backwards, that was all that mattered. He back was now facing Rusty, meaning my back was facing the open alley. He got a punch to my stomach and I quickly threw a left hook to knock him back from me.
It was just enough time, I turned and bolted. Spot would probably have my head for not staying and fighting more, but I knew after Buzz couldn't get any good hits off Rusty would gladly step up. I wasn't looking forward to that fight ever, he was quick and as much as I could predict Buzz's moves, Rusty would never let that happen.
I heard the heavy footfall behind me but I pressed on. I was turning down alleyways I had now come to know, and I knew Rusty and Buzz knew them better but I wouldn't let that throw me off. All I needed to do was get out of Queens; Rusty wouldn't be stupid enough to follow right away. My safest bet was Brooklyn, my home, but the closest was Manhattan's border. Maybe if I ran to Manhattan Rusty would rethink the idea of me being Spot's sister. I don't know how he found out…or for that matter how long he's known. I shuddered at the thought of where this put me now. I had betrayed him by spying; he wouldn't take it lightly next time he caught up with me…which wasn't going to be now.
I didn't even glance behind me, I was a runner at least and from experience I could tell the footsteps were slowing down, but they were still trying to follow. I took a few more turns, heading towards the encouraging sights of Manhattan. As I finally crossed into the ends of Manhattan the sounds were far away. But I kept running, I needed to get somewhere off the streets incase Rusty decided to waltz through. He wouldn't run, it would be too obvious he was bringing problems into another borough, but he could still try and find me here.
I doubt he would, Manhattan was too neutral to deal with. Rusty would most likely yell at Buzz for letting me get away and then start planning on pushing his plans through, he would probably meet up with Factor later. I cringed as I thought this through; I think I just added a ton of fuel to the fire.
I threw open the door to the lodging house and jumped inside. I huffed desperately for air as I doubled over, holding my stomach. It was sore from the punch Buzz got and the fact I was barely getting air right now. My breaths finally started slowing down and I looked up to see a few newsies littering the downstairs. They looked at me like I was an alien. I shrugged them off and saw Jack and Race coming down the stairs.
Race took one look at me and rushed forward, "Spirit ya alright?"
I gave him a slight smile, "Yeah, thought I'd go for a job today, it's nice out."
Race shook his head with a small laugh. Jack stepped forward, confusion etched on his face, "What ya doin' heah Spirit?"
My smile fell off my face, I looked between Jack and Race and they seemed to get the idea, we needed to talk alone. Jack nodded to upstairs and I followed, Race taking up the rear.
I was met by an angry face of Jack; he probably was still mad at the whole…well whatever I did to Brooklyn. I don't even remember the whole lie we made up to get me 'kicked' out of Brooklyn but I knew Jack would take Spot's side; he owed him that since the strike.
Race stepped in behind me and saw the severity of the situation, "Just listen to her Jack"
Jack snapped out of the stare he had on me and threw a confused look at Race, probably not understanding why Race would know something he didn't.
I sighed softly; I had no idea where to begin. "Listen Jack, whateva ya heard bout me and Brooklyn was a lie, a well placed and formed lie to get me into Queens," I met his eyes to make sure he was listening, and for once he was. "I don't really have time to go into details, so just believe me please; I've been spying on Rusty and reporting back to Spot for months."
"This have to do with the brewing war I'm hearing about?" Jack asked now relaxing slightly.
I nodded my head, "Yeah and it was going fine but today," I paused and looked at Race this time, "today I got into some deep shit"
"I need to get back to Brooklyn but I need to cool off heah for a little, that alright?" I asked looking back towards Jack.
He nodded seeming to make sense of the situation, he was from Manhattan; he does trust easy.
"Just as long as you don't bring Rusty and the Queens into us"
"For now I won't I can't say Brooklyn won't need your help soon though."
Jack gave a worried sigh, looking back and forth between Race and I, "If it comes to that, we'll see, I'd rather Spot ask me himself since I'm still not sure why Spot would send you into Queens."
"Why is Spot's reason alone, but when it comes down to it I'll make sure Spot asks you. But just remember if Rusty tries to take over Brooklyn, whos to say his ally Factor won't want a piece of Manhattan after?"
Jack thought it through before nodding slowly, he stepped forward towards the door, "Just stay out of trouble and get back to Brooklyn safe"
He left before I could respond but I couldn't blame him, he was a leader and he needed to think things through, I wasn't asking him to help now, but he knew as much as I did it would come eventually, especially since Rusty was bringing others into it.
I turned my attention back to Race; he was staring at me a little too intently. I raised my eyebrow in question as he smirked at me.
"Ya sure you're alright, ya got a nice shinna"
I frowned; Buzz hadn't gotten a hit in on my face. Then I realized it was still left over from Rusty hitting me after my last trip to Manhattan.
"Yeah I'm fine," I said walking over to where I knew Race's bunk was. I took a seat, hoping he wouldn't mind but I needed to sit for a minute before I headed back to Brooklyn. I was out of shape, Spot would probably laugh at me but I was okay with that.
"So what happened?" Race finally asked as he moved towards the bunk across from his.
I shrugged, "I'm not sure, but Rusty somehow found out who I am." I heard Race inhale sharply; the weight of the situation hadn't gone away. I still didn't know how to deal with this, Rusty was going to be out for revenge, on Brooklyn and myself.
Silence fell upon us as we both thought things over. I wasn't sure how long had passed but it looked like the sun was getting a little lower. I stood up stretching as I did, "I should probably start heading towards Brooklyn before it gets dark, don't want to be kicked out before I see Spot." I smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
Race looked up with concern filled eyes, "there is a card game that way ya know," I could sense what he was asking but I didn't want him being seen with me.
"Thanks but if Rusty sees you with me, things might get an early jump with Manhattan getting involved, I can't put that on Jack," I paused thinking about the poker game he was mentioning, I didn't know if he was kidding or not but it might help.
"Is there really a game tonight?" I saw the genuine smile form on Races face, always the gambler.
"Would I joke about a game?"
I laughed, "If you happen to see Factor or Rusty, can you try and keep an eye on them? I have a feeling Rusty will be visiting Factor soon to push things along"
Race nodded and gave a small laugh, "Ya know poker games are good for gossip. I'll pass anything along."
I paused at the top of the steps, "Thanks Race"
He smiled and followed me downstairs to join the others. I nodded to Jack before disappearing out the front door. As much as I wanted to rest I couldn't, I needed to get this back to Spot…the tables had turned.
It was beginning to get dark as I finally reached Brooklyn. I slowed my pace, entering a place you weren't welcome wouldn't be that easy. I figured Eagle wouldn't be out near the bridge, he usually had other business to attend to. So I was left with whoever was out watching this side. I crossed the bridge without a second thought, it was now or never. I was a Conlon for god sake what was I worried about. I held my head high as I crossed the depths of Brooklyn. I smirked as I took in the sights, I was home.
I heard it not far from the bridge, the sound of soft feet. I slowed a little and turned around. I could see a shadow in the near distance. I fully turned around to face the shadow head on; no one was going to follow me through my own home. I waited to see if they would acknowledge the fact I spotted them and come out. It took a few seconds before I saw the shadow move towards me.
The figure was tall and muscular, but from this distance it could be anyone from Brooklyn. As the body moved forward I saw the flicker of the street lamp on his face, Frost.
He might be hard to convince since he was still a working bird for Spot. I took a deep breath as I tried to compose myself.
"Frost," I said evenly as he moved closer still.
He seemed surprised I remembered him, "Spirit what ya doin' heah? Last I remember you weren't welcome," he half sneered at me.
I tried not to roll my eyes, "I got business, so if ya don't mind," I started to turn when I heard him step closer.
I moved back to face him when I saw him clenching his fists, "No can do."
I guess we did a good job making myself a Queens newsies believable, too bad Rusty eventually saw through it.
"Listen Frost; just let me talk to Spot, if he wants to see me so be it. I'm not in the mood right now for games," and with that I turned fully this time and took a few steps forward.
And like clockwork I heard the steps following me, at least he was still being a good bird. He wouldn't test Spots patience by fighting me, he wasn't the brawn he was the brains, a bird, so instead he would escort me back to Spot, from the shadows.
I walked back somehow feeling safe, even if someone was following me. It was the essence that I was home, the darkness didn't bother me. It was the familiar darkness associated with Brooklyn.
I opened the door to the lodging house and was greeted by sounds of the newsies. The noise instantly stopped when I stepped in however. I kept my eyes straight on the stairs in front of me, I was on a damn mission and I wasn't in the mood for anyone else to stop me before it was done. The noise started back up by the time I climbed the top of the steps. I walked towards Spot's room and slowly pushed open the door.
The room was darkening, as the small candle nearby was fading away. Spot was sitting near the window looking to the streets below.
"Hey Spot" I said, in a soft tone, though I wasn't sure why.
His head shot up and fixed on me in an instant.
"Spirit?" he stood up, walking slowly towards me. I could see it in his eyes, he was glad I was back home too. But that also meant something happened with Queens and that meant trouble for Brooklyn. The warmth I felt being back in Brooklyn would probably be replaced with fear and worry soon enough.
