The Past Returns: Chapter Twelve



With Eric sleeping in his crib, everyone sat in the living room hunched over the table, staring at a map that Julia had drawn. The map had the building, its rooms, security systems, and secret passages drawn specify on it. Julia, by this time, had gone over the plan: Spike and Jet were both suppose to follow her though the underground passage that led directly to superior court office. Similar to Shin's plan, both Jet and Julia would both take on the imperial guards while Spike handed Vicious. Ed was sitting quickly on the floor hacking through the security systems that were set up around the building, with Ein sitting beside her. Her job mainly was to hack and shut off all of the systems once they were at the location.

"Okay, run the plan by me one more time", said Jet.

"What's difficult to understand? All three of us will go though this passageway", Julia said as she indicated to the map by pointing to it with a pen. "You and I will both –"

"No", spoke Spike. "I've decided to go alone".

"What? Are you crazy? Now you have a reason to go on living," she said hysterically.

"Vicious has done and took a lot from me in the past and I'll be damned if he takes someone else away from me. What I'm trying to say is that this is a matter for me to deal

alone".

"Spike! What if you do rescue Faye but you die? What then?" Jet asked.

"Then my job was accomplished, Faye will be safe." Jet gave him a doubtful look. "I've never questioned your actions so don't question mine".

" . . . there's nothing I can do to change your mind is there?"

He shook his head no. "If I don't make it back on time just take care of her and Eric".

"You know I will".

"Okay then". He turned to Ed. "How's it going Ed?"

"Uhhhh, Ed is aaaallllll ready when Spike person is".

"That's good. Now remember I'll talk to you through an eyepiece and tell you when to shut off the systems. Jet, set the Bebop at full speed and we should be there in no time. In the meanwhile I'll go get ready", and walked out of the room.

Julia had been silent though this whole discussion but she had something else in mind. One thing had been certain: she was not going to let Spike get himself killed.

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Once he arrived at the compound he immediately set explosives all around the building. If he something went wrong once he was inside then he'll be left with no other option but to blow up the building. Even, if it meant he too was going to die also, either way Spike was going to finally put an end to Vicious. He now stood behind a tree and was overlooking the compound. Like once before it was crawling with imperial guards and spot lights shined all over the front gate. "Okay Ed now", Spike said as he spoke into the intercom.

A few seconds later the lights went out and commands could be heard coming from the guards. Like he did with Shin, Spike shot and kicked opened the gate and ran for the main entrance. Once he reached it he stead made a left turn and quickly walked over the shiny glass floor. He remember Julia telling him that after he turn; walk precisely twenty paces and he should come to a hollow sound floor. When Spike had walked twenty paces he tapped the floor with his right foot and did hear a hollow sound however, was covered with a carpet. He lifted the carpet and saw a tiny hook so, he tugged at the hook and the tile revealed an opening with stair that led to the bottom. Instantly he walked down, took the flashlight he had brought with him, and noticed a long corridor. Carefully he covered this secret passageway and walked down the long dark corridor. Upon reaching the end Spike realized there was another set of spiral stairs that led up to the second floor and probably to the to superior court office, he didn't hesitate to take them.



Meanwhile at the superior court office Faye sat in the main chair while Vicious sat on top of his desk with one hand holding a gun that was pointed to her and drinking coffee in the other, and guards were standing by alertly.

"Now tell me this Faye. How did a jackass like Spike get lucky enough to end up with a beautiful, not to mention perfect body, like you? Maybe the idiot does have some luck ever all, what do you think?" he put the cup down and leaned down toward Faye, slowly bringing the gun down to her chin.

"I think you're a fuckin' asshole who envies Spike because he took away everything you ever wanted . . . including your self respect."

Vicious chuckled. "My, my, what pride you have. I must say I do envy him in having a woman like you. You know, I was onboard the Bebop long before the fight broke out. I was watching you through the shadows, besides your looks, I love your fighting techniques; not to mention you did provide Spike with a healthy heir". With his other free hand he grabbed Faye's head and kissed her forcefully on the lips.

Little did he know that someone had now entered the room, watching this scene take place. The mysteriously shadow person grew angry; his right hand clutched tightly around the gun he held and his left hand tighten into a fist, turning his knuckles white.

Vicious finally pulled away. "You disgusting bastard", Faye screamed and spit in his face with disgust.

"Why you bitch! I'll just have to teach you to respect me!" he lifted his hand that held the gun, preparing to strike her with it, when all of a sudden a shot broke through the air and knocked his gun out of his hand.

He turned around and saw Spike holding onto a smoking gun. "Don't you ever think of touching her again", he spoke firmly.

At this point the imperial guards had quickly surrounded Spike. "No! This is a matter between Spike and me. Stay out of this you fools", Vicious commanded. And they did what they were told. He then lifted Faye out of the chair and held her across her shoulders, he then took out a knife that was in his coat and also, with the other hand, held it to her neck.

"Like you said Vicious, this is a matter between you and me. So, you can leave Faye out of this". Seeing that he was not coming through to him he spoke again. "I'm warning

you. Let her go or I'll –"

"What? You'll do what? Shoot me like a coward?"

"No, but I might", another voice spoke.

Everyone averted their attention to the person who spoke. It was Julia, who also held a gun, with Jet standing by her side.

"Ah Julia! Do you honestly think I believe that? After all I did provide you with food and a place to stay. You know, what a bitch needs to survive with", Vicious spoke to her.

"Yes you did. But, I can never forget what you've done to me. You turned me into a cold heartless person who killed Shin; and all he ever did was be a friend to me. As a result, I lost the only man I ever loved".

"Sadly he didn't feel the same about you or else he would have returned for you. What I do have to say is that you did satisfy me in bed . . . most of the time".

Tears were now burning down her cheeks. "One thing I would like you to know Vicious, is that each time you made love to me I imagined it was Spike who did. Because unlike you, you never satisfied me".

He laughed. "I honestly don't care what you thought or think about me. I now have Faye here to truly entertain me. What do you think about that Spike? By the look of you eyes I'd say you disagree with me. Pity".

Seeing that Vicious was a bit distracted at this time. Faye took the opportunity to deliver a right high kick to Vicious' face. "ARGH", he cried out he pain as he covered his face with both hands.

She ran into Spike's arms. "Faye, are you alright?" Spike asked concerned.

"I am now", she smiled.

"You'll pay for that!" they heard Vicious say as he now stared at them.

"No, actually you'll be the one to pay", Julia spoke. She was about to pull the trigger when Vicious, noticing this, threw the knife he still held at her gun and caused it to be knocked out of her hand. She stared in bewilderment.

"You forget, I have quicker reflexes".

"Yeah, but you're the one I want", Spike said who was walking toward him and was now staring at Vicious face to face.

"Right", he grinned. "Let us finish what I started four years ago".

"With pleasure", Spike replied.