COWBOY BEBOP- Heartstring Hoe-down
The DJ browsed through his selection, choosing another disc as the song pumped out it's last hard
beats. "Did you like that, you paaaaarrrty animals?" He yelled, grinning as the audience cheered
their response in unison. He removed a disc from the player, slipping the fresh one in.
"Then you're gonna LOVE this!" The DJ announced, as the first track loaded. He knew this band well,
it was on of his personal favorites. Even though this was a charity ball, the people seemed more
than happy with his collection of hard metal tunes. "Even bigwigs need to cut loose sometime."
He said under his breath. He spied a very cute, curvaceous woman in the crowd. Dancing all alone.
"Poor thing." He mused, feeling an overwhelming urge to dance with her himself. If she was
attending this ball, her parents had to be rich fatcats. But that didn't mean she couldn't keep him
company until he was done here. The DJ sprung from his booth, intent on at least finding out her
name. He stopped cold as a large arm slipped around his neck. The man behind him smelled of cheap
cologne and kerosene, and had a very good grip. "I have a request." The man growled,
tightening his grip even more. The DJ staggered for breath, as he tried to speak. "Wha..what
kind...of...re..quest?" The DJ managed to squeeze out, as his vision began to blur. "The special
kind." The man replied simply, easing up on the DJ's neck. As the DJ choked, gasping for air, the
man stuck a music disc in his mouth. "Play it." The man growled again, his voice barely above a
whisper. It was the tone that frightened Mick the DJ, not the volume. The man sounded like every
stereotypical psycho he'd seen in a movie. Mick didn't doubt at all that the man would kill him if
didn't get his way. He took the disc out of his mouth, blinking at it as his breathing returned to
normal. It was just a regular music disc, after all. Maybe the band was so bad, this guy had to
resort to violence just to get it played? "Next time, just come up to the booth and ask!"
Mick shouted at him, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed the hulking man. Mick ejected the
current selection, frowning as the crowd began to boo him. "This shit better be kickin' man!"
He warned the stranger, who hadn't moved since he'd shown up. "It'll knock them dead, you have my
word." The stranger replied. Mick blinked again, raising an eyebrow as the man gave a toothy smile.
Had he just attempted to be funny? Mick wondered. He shrugged as he inserted the man's music into
the player. "What exactly is this stuff?" Mick inquired. As he turned around, he realized
the man was gone. The player clicked and whirred, loading the first track as Mick looked around for
the freak. He spotted the man in the crowd, talking to several women at once. One of which was the
girl Mick had been checking out. "Damn! That cologne must really work!" Mick exclaimed, sitting
back down as music began to play. He almost fell out of his chair, frowning at the crowd as a
lively fiddle began to play. A harmonica and banjos came soon after, was this some kind of joke?
"Heeeyyy man!" Mick shouted to the stranger, who was clapping his hands and stomping his feet to
the rhythm. The rest of the crowd was as well, with big stupid grins on their faces.
Mick gasped in horror, reaching for the stop switch, but something made him freeze in place.
He felt an unseen force stopping him from touching the switch, as he felt his face contort.
Mick was abhored, absolutely disgusted with the man's music. His career would never live this down.
Yet he began to grin as well, slapping his hands together even though his mind was screaming for
him to stop. Mick opened his mouth to yell, and heard a truly hickish "Yeeeee Haaaaa!"
He made a last desperate reach for the switch, before he blacked out.
The stranger sauntered out the front door of the ballroom, humming the tune. He looked back as the
first song ended, and smirked as a mad scientist might. The crowd was digging through their
pockets, bringing out lighters. They waved them in the air as they chanted for an encore.
The man quickened his pace, reaching his zip craft as the ballroom exploded into flaming wreckage.
Spike stiffled a yawn, as he gazed down at the landscape. Venus was always boring, more so when he
was there on buisiness. He swooped the swordfish over a mountain, seeing only more land. Spike let
out a heavy sigh, taking out a ciggarette. He blinked as he lit it, the light on his radio was
flashing. "Spike?" Jet's voice called. Spike smirked as he grabbed the receiver, relieved to at
least have someone to talk to. "Yeah Jet, no luck yet." Spike replied, knowing Jet was calling
about his progress. "Forget about that, just get back here Spike. We've got another lead." Spike
blinked again, giving the receiver a dirty look. "Don't worry about it Jet, I'll find the guy.
We don't have to just cut and run." He heard Jet mummble someting before answering. "There's no one
to catch, buddy. I found a lead on him." Spike's smirk turned upside down, as he realized what Jet
was trying to tell him. "Alright Jet, what's the story? He give you the slip?" Jet grumbled
something else, then repeated his statement. "Just get back here Spike! Don't be obnoxious."
Spike grinned a bit, trying not to laugh. "Can't promise anything there." He agreed, picking up
altitude.
Faye tapped her foot impatiently, taking a drag from her cigg as the swordfish docked.
"Jet fudged the bounty." She said plainly, smiling as he walked towards her.
"I know all about it." Spike answered, lighting a smoke himself. Faye smirked at that, amused by
his apparent lack of surprise. They walked down the hallway together, until Faye detoured into the
shower. "I'll be along in a bit." She promised, giving him a smile and kiss before closing the
door. Spike stood in front of it for a second, smirking at the unseen woman within.
Jet saw him in the hallway, and blinked. Spike appeared to be grinning at a solid steel door...
"Uhhhh, Spike..." Jet said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Spike turned to face him, and
immediately came out of his fantasy. "What?" He asked, as if standing in front of a door and
smiling was a common activity. Jet eyed hin for a moment, then waved the ideas away. "Ahh, come on
Spike. We've got a new prospect." Jet began walking back down the corridor, while Spike lagged
behind. "Come ON Spike!" Jet demanded. "This one's not going to sit around and wait for us, you
know!" "Hey, it's not MY fault you butchered the last one." Spike countered, but walked slightly
faster. He knew there was a fine line between having fun with Jet, and pissing him off.
Faye stepped onto the bridge, drying off her hair as she eyed Jet. Jet eyed her back from his
chair, looking guilty. Spike understood without even asking. Woe to the person that kept Faye from
her money. Jet cleared his throat, turning back to the computer. "Ok, listen up people." Jet
said, trying to change the subject. "This the new one?" Spike inquired, looking over Jet's
shoulder. "What an ape." Faye pointed out, coming up behind Jet. "Don't let his looks fool you."
Jet warned, scrolling through the text. "He's been spotted at over ten gatherings now. Balls,
dances, clubs, anyplace with music and a lot people." Faye blinked at the screen, not
understanding. "So what?" She asked, looking closer. "They arresting people for rocking now?"
Spike said sarcastically, scratching his head. "I better lay low then." Faye smirked at him,
putting a hand on her hip. "Don't worry Spike, I'm sure they don't bother with people who dance
as badly as you." Spike smirked a bit, lighting another ciggarette. "Well, ok." He conceded.
"But just wait until you hear me sing!" "Will you two cut it OUT!" Jet demanded, annoyed.
Faye opened her mouth to retort, but Spike was turning his attention back to the screen.
"It's not dancing that this guy does. He has some kind of hypnotic music, plays it at all the
places he goes into." "Hypnotic music?" Faye asked, sounding skeptical. Jet let out a sigh, then
explained. "It's some kind of country deal, guess he likes that stuff. It puts everyone into a
trance, but it's suggestive as well. He's somehow unaffected by it, pours fuel all over the place
while everyone else is dancing like idiots." "So they slip and break their necks?" Spike suggested,
smirking. "Stupid..." Jet grumbled back. "The music keeps everyone dancing
until he's had time to douse the place. Then the suggestive part happens, makes everyone pull out
lighters for an encore and boom. Party's over." "Anyone know WHY he does this?" Spike
questioned, scratching his head again. "well, it IS country music." Faye offered. "I'd burn the
place down too." "Yeah..." Spike said shaking his head. "But you're forgetting he's the one that
brings it." Faye shruged, sitting down on the couch as she exaimined her nails.
"Here's your answer, Faye." Jet informed her, gaining access to some restricted files. "He calls
himself "the music master." He used to be a basket case. "His actual name is Rob Sroka, he was
trapped in a fire at age 10." "Sure sounds like a basket case to me." Spike put in, leaning up
against the wall. "An UGLY basket case." Faye added, taking a file to her fignernails.
Jet tried to tune them out, as he dug deeper. "Apparentely he lost his family in the fire, two
sisters, and a mother and father. Now he's obbsessed with fires, he's like a child in a man's
body." Spike narrowed his eyes, remembering the last person he'd gone after with a background like
that. Faye saw his reaction, eyeing him suspiciously. "Don't go getting any ideas about this one,
Spike." She warned, pointing her nail file at him accusingly. Spike laced his hands behind his
back, cocking his head to one side. "What do you mean, my dear?" He questioned, giving Faye a
playful smile. "I mean don't be stupid and foolhardy just because he's a retard!" Faye shouted
back scornfully. Spike's eyes widened at the outburst, as she got up sharply and left the room.
"Hey Faye! I haven't finished..." A loud scoff from Faye was Jet's only reply, as the door cycled
shut behind her. Spike let out a tired sigh, hanging his head. Jet gave him a critical look,
running a metal hand down his face. Spike looked at Jet, shrugging his shoulders as he put his
hands in his pockets. As he began walking towards the door, Jet stood, closing his eyes as his
metal fist clenched. "SPIKE." He called, his voice carrying the big brother tone again.
Spike stopped walking, looking over his shoulder. The glint in Spike's eye told Jet that Faye had
been right to worry. "She's right, you know. This guy is UNSTABLE. Just because he's stuck to
blowing up dance halls so far doesn't mean he's not a total mind frag. According to his last psych
profile he could lose control at anytime." Spike turned back towards the door, scoffing slightly.
"Faye's just worried, because she doesn't want me to get hurt." Spike explained, staring at the
floor. "And if you think I'm afraid of some froot loop with a penchant for country music and
blowing people up, you're wrong. This guy's worth 30 million, and I'm gonna go get him, ok? Or did
we somehow pull ourselves out of the hole when I wasn't looking?" Jet growled, stepping closer as
he locked Spike's eyes with his own. "That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about, pal. You may be some
kind of immortal hero in your own little world Spike, but reality's gonna smack you upside the head
one day, and I may not be there to back you up." Spike glared at Jet, the smirk revealing his
arrogance. He opened his mouth to reply, but Jet wasn't even close to being in the mood.
"I'M not finished yet!" Jet bellowed, grabbing Spike's collar as he turned to leave. He could tell
it pissed Spike off, but it was for his own good. Jet was getting the feeling again. The last time
he'd felt it, Spike was going off to get himself killed over Julia. "You have a real problem with
common sense, Spike. And I don't want to be cleaning your blood up off the floor for the hundreth
time! We're partners, goddamnit. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Spike pulled away from Jet's
grip, looking rather shocked, but mostly angry. "Didn't know you cared, Jet. But I don't need your
lectures OR your help. So back off." Spike eyed Jet angrily, before leaving the bridge.
Jet watched him go, clenching his fists in defeat. Nothing he said ever got through Spike's thick
head. Perhaps it was the hair?
Spike opened the hangar door, still fuming over what had just happened. Who did Jet think he was,
his father? He could handle some mental hick, unstable or not. The danger was what interested him,
after all. He never got enthusiastic about a job unless there was risk involved. Otherwise what was
the point? Faye was readying her Redtail, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
Spiek gazed up at her, trying to smirk as sincerely as he could. She gave him half a smile, then
went back to her preperations. He opened the cockpit of the swordfish, pulling his gloves on as he
looked over at Faye again. Was she ignoring him? Spike decided now wasn't the best time to try and
talk things out, and slid into the cockpit. The ignition key was gone. Spike smirked, glancing
slightly at Faye. She was really this concerned? "Hey Faye, you seen my key?" Spike called across
the bay. "Maybe you should ask Jet." Came the cold response. Spike blinked at her tone, wondering
why everyone seemed so down on him today. This wasn't that big a deal, just one more bounty to keep
them going. "Oh well..." Spike said, feigning deafeat. He had other ways of starting the old ship,
Doohan had seen to THAT. He openen the access panel below the pedals, and crossed a few wires,
grinning as the engine roared to life. "Uh huh." He said, sliding back into his seat.
He frowned as he saw Faye was standing in front of the ship, blocking his path. She looked more
than a little mad, and motioned for him to cut the engine. Spike did as she asked, being delayed a
few mintutes wouldn't hurt anything. "Yes, my dear?" He asked calmly, climbing down from the
cockpit. Faye lit a ciggarete and crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "Why do you do
this, Spike?" She asked plainly, sounding like she didn't even care about his answer.
"I do this so we can eat, just like you." He replied smoothly. Faye wasn't amused, and stepped
closer. "You go out like this all the time, doing crazy, dangerous, STUPID things. I'm asking you
why you feel the need to push the envelope until it breaks, why you seem like you enjoy being
beaten up and almost killed!" She shouted, her voice getting increasingly louder.
Spike was at a loss for words, first Jet and now Faye. "This guy is a small fry, Faye."
Spike explained, moving closer and taking her hand. "He's just some freak that likes to play with
fire. I'll get him and be back in time for dinner, assuming there is any." Faye held his hand
tightly, and looked into his eyes. She loved him, she truly did. But that only made things harder
now. She stroked his cheek, smiling as her touch seeemd to calm him down.
Faye dropped her burned out cigg, and took a deep breath. Spike could tell she was trying to get
something off her chest, and held her close. "Is there something you wanna say?" He asked gently,
stroking her head. Faye let her head rest on his shoulder, not wanting to tell him. But Spike
already knew something was on her mind, there was no turning back now.
"Spike..." She began, holding him closer. "The day I thought I'd lost you, was the worst day of my
life. I felt so bad for not saying anything sooner, but things never really came into focus for me.
I never realized what you meant to me until you weren't there anymore. "Faye, don't worry about
things in the past. Spike said, kissing her forehead. "But that's just my point Spike." Faye
continued, pulling away slightly. "It's not in the past, because you keep doing it. You're always
chasing the most dangerous bounties, in the most exciting way you can think of. You're an action
junkie, I know that, and that's fine. So am I. But there ARE limits, and I don't know if you can
see them, or if you even care!" Spike looked hurt, as Faye broke his embrace completely. She turned
her back to him, lighting a smoke. Faye, I..." Spike began, touching her shoulder. She shrugged
his hand away, refusing to let him get close. "You are all I have in this world, Spike. Don't
ever forget that. If you won't do it for Jet, do it for me. Please, don't go after him alone!"
Spike withdrew, frowning. He understood her feelings, she meant just as much to him.
"Faye, I know just what you mean. I really do." Spike gazed at her back, feeling his emotions run
high. "I'd never want to lose you either, but..." Faye cut him off, facing him once more.
"But you're a restless spirit. I know, Spike. But every time you go off on your ego trips, like
you're trying to prove something. It makes me afraid, and I don't like feeling this way all the
time, always wondering if you'll come back. If you can't stop, or even slow down..."
Spike's heart jumped, as he felt a lump in his throat. Was she saying what it sounded like she was
saying? "I won't die, Faye. I'm not even sure I can die..." Faye gazed at him sadly, wanting to
believe it more than anything. "Can you promise me that you'll come back? That you'll always come
back to me no matter what?" She inquired, feeling like her heart was breaking.
"As long as I'm still breathing, yes." Spike answered, feeling like he was on trial. She wouldn't
do this to him, would she? Not over something so trite...
"But you're going to go anyway?" She continued, holding back tears. Spike looked into her eyes,
feeling completely helpless. As if nothing he could say would change her mind. Of course he could
simply say he wouldn't go, but that wouldn't be the truth, and she knew it.
"Yes, I'm going anyways. But I promise I'll be careful, and if I get in trouble I'll call..."
"That's not good enough Spike." Faye informed him, biting her lip as the tears escaped.
"If you insist on doing things like this, then..." Spike was fighting to hold back his own tears,
and losing. "Faye, please I..." Faye wouldn't listen. She couldn't listen, or she'd never be able
to say what had to be said. It was just better this way. "Then I don't think this is going to work.
I think it would be better if we just...Jesus Spike, I'm sorry!" Faye walked away from him, without
once looking back. Only when she'd left the hangar did Spike allow the tears to come. His heart was
breaking, he felt like collapsing into a heap and dying, wanted to die in fact.
Was that why he did things like this constantly? Because a part of him did long for death?
Spike though it surely must have been, when Julia was lost all those years, and after she'd died.
Now that his past was no longer a threat, now that he had Faye and had found a place wher he truly
was accepted, why not slow down? Somehow, a part of him just wasn't able to. He was reckless, plain
and simple. The thrill of the fight was everything to him. But it hurt Faye that he was like this,
and he wished that he could just 'stop' doing it, but it was out of his hands.
Spike stood unmoving, staring at the spot Faye had been in. Anger and fear took over his feelings
of regret and sadness. He was accepted here? Bullshit, he told himself. He couldn't so much as go
to get ciggarettes without making someone worry about him. It was their fault, not his.
Someone had to put their ass on the line, or they'd never catch anyone! Spike knew he was wrong,
that all these ideas and feelings were just his own anger talking. But they seemed so true in the
here and now. If Faye realy loved him as much as he loved her, would she be asking him to change?
Spike grimaced, clenching his fists. Nothing could be done about it now, Faye had made her choice.
But if he still went, if he tried to catch Sroka by himself any chance of getting Faye back might
be lost for good. Yet as his mind thought only of going to Faye's room, and not going off alone,
his body climbed into the swordfish. He crossed the wires again and gunned the thrusters.
As he watched the Bebop shrink in the distance, he felt he was making a huge mistake.
But they needed money badly, as always. And he was almost certain this hit was going to be a
cakewalk.
Jet searched corridor after corridor, trying to find Faye. He'd heard Spike take off, and by the
way she'd walked out that meant they weren't on good terms now.
He passed her door, and heard sobbing. "Faye?" He asked, knocking lightly. "He's...gone." She
stammered, trying to speak clearly through the sobs. "I'm coming in." Jet announced, before opening
the hatch. Faye was lying on her bed, her face buried in a pillow. Jet stared wide eyed at several
holes in her dresser. "What, are these?" He asked, inspecting them. "I heard Spike take off,
and..." Her voice was lost to more sobs, as Jet nodded. The holes looked about as big as a fist
all right. "Come on, let's go." Jet suggested, putting a metallic hand on her back. "I'm not going,
let him get blown to hell. I don't care!" Faye screeched, removing his hand. "I'm not going to back
him up." Jet informed her, sitting on the bed. "You and I are going to beat him to the punch."
Faye looked up at Jet with tear filled eyes. She looked startled. "If we grab the hit first, he'll
have no choice Faye." She wiped her tears, and grinned at Jet. A sly, almost evil grin that meant
she was up for it.
Spike looked around the alley, making sure he was alone. Venus WAS boring all right, but he might
find tonight slightly more lively. Music boomed from inside the rave club. They played real heavy
metal, and some punk rocking stuff. Not his preferred style. But he hadn't come for the music
anyhow, just meeting someone. He found the backstage entrance and picked the lock, slipping inside
easily. His prop, a bouquet of roses was for the DJ. As Spike snuck from room to room, he heard the
crowd chanting for the DJ to make his appearnce. Spike had to be fast. As he peeked into the last
remaining room, Spike heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see a thin, stocky man with blonde
hair spiked up to ressemble a cutting saw. His red tank top was absurdly small, as were the black
leather pants which clung to the man's abs. "Mr. Subsonic Stan?" Spike asked meekly, blocking the
man's path. "Yeah man! That's me baby!" Stan replied, nodding his head vigourously. What the hell
is he ON? Spike wondered, keeping up the delievery boy act. "Got a bouquet for ya here, sir!
Must be one of those cute girls eh!" Spike exclaimed, trying his best to seem half as upbeat as
his prey. "Kick some ass! That's killer man!" Stan cried, snatching the flowers from Spike's grasp.
Spike blinked, amazed at the man's speed. And he'd thought Edward was bad!
Spike reached his hand out suggestively, the universal appeal for a tip. "Thank YOUUU man!" Stan
yelled at him, putting a crisp bill in Spike's outstretched palm. Spike took it and brought his
fist up swiftly. His knuckles met Stan's temple, and the drug addict got a much-needed nap.
"I always wanted to try DJing..." Spike lied, plucking the clothes from Stan's motionless body.
Jet looked down at Venus, then over at the Redtail flying alongside him. "Could he already be
there?" Jet inquired through the radio. "Probably, it IS Spike you know." Faye's slightly concerned
voice replied. "Just because he's a lunkhead doesn't mean he can't be effective."
Jet chuckled agreement, as they skimmed the planet's surface. Jet hoped against hope that Faye was
wrong. If Spike WAS there already, they could be too late. Jet had found out that Rob was an
obbsessive country fan, and if Spike managed to stop him from playing his music...
Spike waved to the cheering crowd. A sea of young people with blindly wild hair colors and styles.
"Are you reaaaaaadyyy to JAM?" Spike screamed into the microphone, hoping the wig was still in
place. He shuffled over to the booth, wondering if Faye had been right about his dancing.
Most of the people were on drugs though, and not likely to notice. He was trying like hell to be
as wired and crazy-sounding as Stan had seemed, and decided to act as much as Edward as he possibly
could. "WHEEEE! YEAH!" He screamed again, backflipping into the soft DJ chair. He had brought his
own music, to keep the crowd happy until the music master showed. This was the only place on Venus
he hadn't hit, and Spike was sure he'd be making an appearance. He started with the closest thing
to punk rock he had, although it was all basically jazz. The crowd became silent, as the music
started. Spike hummed along, hoping they woouldn't riot until he was done here. No such luck.
"What is this horseshit?" Someone called from the crowd. They all started yelling at him, and
throwing paper cups. "Man, what's WITH kids today?" Spike wondered aloud, as he picked up the faint
scent of kerosene, and a very tacky cologne. "Maybe they'll like this better..." A deep voice
growled. Spike smirked, looking towards the source. A tall, hairy man with massive size was
standing beside the booth. His arm was reaching over the top, holding a disc. "Sorry pal, I don't
do requests." Spike quiped, leaning back in the chair. He was here. Finally. He'd catch him, bring
him back to the ship and then Faye would see she had been worried for nothing. Then hopefully they
could talk things out.
"That music's smokin'!" A female voice called to him. Spike leaned forward, blinking as he saw
a woman peering over the player, smiling at him. She coudln't have been younger than twenty-four,
but man. What a twenty-four! She was dressed in a simple, if not revealing green halter top, and
a denim miniskirt. Spike saw that she was picking through his discs on the table, looking at each
one with interest. "You...Like jazz?" Spike blurted out, unaware that he was gawking. The woman
was beautiful, utterly beautiful. Her ample breasts were pressed up against the table as she leaned
over to look at his discs. Spike leaned over farther, catching a glimpse of her long, tanned legs.
"Of course, I love jazz!" The woman had to shout to be heard over the music. "Who wouldn't?"
Spike grinned in spite of himself, and wondered briefly how she felt about bounty hunters.
As Spike continued staring, awestruck, he saw a small black tattoo standing out against her
tanned arms. It was the chinese character for kung fu."Hey, do you follow martial arts?"
He asked bluntly, gesturing to her tattoo. They were both leaning over far enough, so that Spike
could see she had an incredible smile. And such deep blue eyes. "A little." She said modestly.
"More of a hobby, ya know?" Spike smiled warmly at her, not knowing what to think. She seeemed so
perfect, but Faye was...Spike's mouth was way ahead of his brain, as he heard himself ask what her
name was. "Juliette!" She screamed over the crowd, smiling as if she'd been waiting for him to ask.
Spike almost fell over. It was too weird. Juliette? Was he dreaming or something?
A latge, powerful hand on his shoulder reminded him that he was not. "I SAID they'll like THIS
music!" The hairy man had somehow gotten into the booth, and was growling loudly at him.
Juliette stared, eyes wide as the man hoisted Spike up over the booth. His wig was shaken loose as
the huge man threw him up against the wall. The crowd screamed, scared out of their wits as Spike
came crashing down on the equipment, breaking all but two of his discs and the player. Faye was
right, Spike thought. He WAS and ape, a big, hairy and smelly ape. Just the kind of opponent Spike
liked best. Juliette vaulted the booth's now broken security gate, landing sound kick on the music
master's back. Spike sprung to his feet just in time to see it, and grinned once again.
The music master was hurt, but not close to being beaten. He bellowed rage as he stood, picking
Juliette up by the neck. Spike was on him in an instant, throwing punches every which way.
The music man threw Juliette forcefully down, turning his full attention to Spike. He watched as
she twisted in the air, landing deftly on her feet, ready to try again. She gave a grin to Spike,
who smirked in return but held up his hand, showing that he would deal with it.
"PLAY MY MUSIC!!!!" The music man howled, rushing at Spike. Spike jumped over him, and grabbed the
mic. The music man whirled around, banging his fist and screaming. Spike ran towards the huge man,
holding the mic out like a javelin. As the music man reached for him, Spike leapt onto his back,
wrapping the mic cord tightly around his neck. The music man bellowed again, thrashing around as
Spike lost his footing and fell off. He got up rubbing his head, and felt something jabbing into
his hand. It had crushed one of the disc covers, the one the ape had brought. Spike smirked as he
looked up at the music master, who was looming over him. Spike smelled kerosene again, and realized
it wasn't just coming from the music master. He had already soaked the place in it, but most of the
people had cleared out. Spike stood his ground, watching as the music master lunged. He stepped
aside, grabbing as much of the mic cord as he could, and climbed onto his back. He saw a worried
Juliette throw various items at the huge man, trying to assist Spike. "That's not really
helping!" Spike informed her. The music master was howling madly and trying to dislodge Spike, all
the while whining about his broken disc. He felt the ride get less bumpy, as Juliette came in with
a sliding kick, knocking the man off his feet. Spike saw his chance and tightened the cord as
much as he could, grunting with effort. The music master gagged, fighting to stay conscious.
He stumbled through the remaining audio equipment, which started giving off sparks as it short-
circuited. Spike leapt clear as the music master fell to the stage floor, choking and trying to
breathe. Juliette ran to help up Spike, but the sparks were already too close to the kerosene pool.
He pulled himself up and grabbbed Juliette, putting his hand protectively over her head as he dove
out the nearest window.
Faye and Jet ran towards the rave club, watching as it was engulfed in flames. Faye dashed ahead,
with Jet close behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief, slowing down as she saw a tall, thin
figure stand up near the flaming wreck. She stopped short, confused as she saw him help a second
figure stand. A voluptuous, thin, female form. She gasped, her mouth opened in shock, as the girl
held him tightly. Jet caught up with Faye, squinting at the two people outside the burning club.
"Faye? Oh, shit." Was all Jet could say, as Faye ran back the way they'd come in tears. He
continued to watch, resting a hand on his bald head, as Juliette gave Spike a very un-friendly
kiss.
"What's your name?" Juliette asked, holding him close. Spike was exhausted, hurting, and in
the midst of inner struggle. What about Faye? What about Faye? His mind kept begging, but as he
looked into Juliette's gorgeous blue eyes, Faye was momentarily forgotten. "Spike, I'm Spike."
Juliette smiled, saying the name over again. "Spike, I love the hair." Spike smiled at her warmly,
returning her embrace as he closed his eyes. "Who wouldn't?" He quiped, resting his head on her
shoulder. "Let's get you patched up." She stated gently, helping him walk. "No, it's ok. I should
go..." Juliette looked deep into his eyes, smiling slyly. "I'm a medical student, I need the
practice." She explained, as she hailed a taxi.
Jet approached the Redtail, eyeing Faye sympathetically. What could Spike be thinking?
Faye was curled up into a ball inside her ship, crying her eyes out and repeating the
same thing over and over again. "I've lost him...I've lost him...I've lost him...."
TO BE CONTINUED.......................
FAYE: How could you?
SPIKE: How could I what?
JET: Don't play dumb Spike...
SPIKE: What do you mean?
FAYE: I thought you loved me..
SPIKE: Faye, I do.
JET: I'm not a part of this...
SPIKE Least I got the hit.
JET: Next time, Spike gets some lovin!
FAYE: JET!!! *gunshot*
JET: Kidding,kidding! Damn...
The DJ browsed through his selection, choosing another disc as the song pumped out it's last hard
beats. "Did you like that, you paaaaarrrty animals?" He yelled, grinning as the audience cheered
their response in unison. He removed a disc from the player, slipping the fresh one in.
"Then you're gonna LOVE this!" The DJ announced, as the first track loaded. He knew this band well,
it was on of his personal favorites. Even though this was a charity ball, the people seemed more
than happy with his collection of hard metal tunes. "Even bigwigs need to cut loose sometime."
He said under his breath. He spied a very cute, curvaceous woman in the crowd. Dancing all alone.
"Poor thing." He mused, feeling an overwhelming urge to dance with her himself. If she was
attending this ball, her parents had to be rich fatcats. But that didn't mean she couldn't keep him
company until he was done here. The DJ sprung from his booth, intent on at least finding out her
name. He stopped cold as a large arm slipped around his neck. The man behind him smelled of cheap
cologne and kerosene, and had a very good grip. "I have a request." The man growled,
tightening his grip even more. The DJ staggered for breath, as he tried to speak. "Wha..what
kind...of...re..quest?" The DJ managed to squeeze out, as his vision began to blur. "The special
kind." The man replied simply, easing up on the DJ's neck. As the DJ choked, gasping for air, the
man stuck a music disc in his mouth. "Play it." The man growled again, his voice barely above a
whisper. It was the tone that frightened Mick the DJ, not the volume. The man sounded like every
stereotypical psycho he'd seen in a movie. Mick didn't doubt at all that the man would kill him if
didn't get his way. He took the disc out of his mouth, blinking at it as his breathing returned to
normal. It was just a regular music disc, after all. Maybe the band was so bad, this guy had to
resort to violence just to get it played? "Next time, just come up to the booth and ask!"
Mick shouted at him, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed the hulking man. Mick ejected the
current selection, frowning as the crowd began to boo him. "This shit better be kickin' man!"
He warned the stranger, who hadn't moved since he'd shown up. "It'll knock them dead, you have my
word." The stranger replied. Mick blinked again, raising an eyebrow as the man gave a toothy smile.
Had he just attempted to be funny? Mick wondered. He shrugged as he inserted the man's music into
the player. "What exactly is this stuff?" Mick inquired. As he turned around, he realized
the man was gone. The player clicked and whirred, loading the first track as Mick looked around for
the freak. He spotted the man in the crowd, talking to several women at once. One of which was the
girl Mick had been checking out. "Damn! That cologne must really work!" Mick exclaimed, sitting
back down as music began to play. He almost fell out of his chair, frowning at the crowd as a
lively fiddle began to play. A harmonica and banjos came soon after, was this some kind of joke?
"Heeeyyy man!" Mick shouted to the stranger, who was clapping his hands and stomping his feet to
the rhythm. The rest of the crowd was as well, with big stupid grins on their faces.
Mick gasped in horror, reaching for the stop switch, but something made him freeze in place.
He felt an unseen force stopping him from touching the switch, as he felt his face contort.
Mick was abhored, absolutely disgusted with the man's music. His career would never live this down.
Yet he began to grin as well, slapping his hands together even though his mind was screaming for
him to stop. Mick opened his mouth to yell, and heard a truly hickish "Yeeeee Haaaaa!"
He made a last desperate reach for the switch, before he blacked out.
The stranger sauntered out the front door of the ballroom, humming the tune. He looked back as the
first song ended, and smirked as a mad scientist might. The crowd was digging through their
pockets, bringing out lighters. They waved them in the air as they chanted for an encore.
The man quickened his pace, reaching his zip craft as the ballroom exploded into flaming wreckage.
Spike stiffled a yawn, as he gazed down at the landscape. Venus was always boring, more so when he
was there on buisiness. He swooped the swordfish over a mountain, seeing only more land. Spike let
out a heavy sigh, taking out a ciggarette. He blinked as he lit it, the light on his radio was
flashing. "Spike?" Jet's voice called. Spike smirked as he grabbed the receiver, relieved to at
least have someone to talk to. "Yeah Jet, no luck yet." Spike replied, knowing Jet was calling
about his progress. "Forget about that, just get back here Spike. We've got another lead." Spike
blinked again, giving the receiver a dirty look. "Don't worry about it Jet, I'll find the guy.
We don't have to just cut and run." He heard Jet mummble someting before answering. "There's no one
to catch, buddy. I found a lead on him." Spike's smirk turned upside down, as he realized what Jet
was trying to tell him. "Alright Jet, what's the story? He give you the slip?" Jet grumbled
something else, then repeated his statement. "Just get back here Spike! Don't be obnoxious."
Spike grinned a bit, trying not to laugh. "Can't promise anything there." He agreed, picking up
altitude.
Faye tapped her foot impatiently, taking a drag from her cigg as the swordfish docked.
"Jet fudged the bounty." She said plainly, smiling as he walked towards her.
"I know all about it." Spike answered, lighting a smoke himself. Faye smirked at that, amused by
his apparent lack of surprise. They walked down the hallway together, until Faye detoured into the
shower. "I'll be along in a bit." She promised, giving him a smile and kiss before closing the
door. Spike stood in front of it for a second, smirking at the unseen woman within.
Jet saw him in the hallway, and blinked. Spike appeared to be grinning at a solid steel door...
"Uhhhh, Spike..." Jet said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Spike turned to face him, and
immediately came out of his fantasy. "What?" He asked, as if standing in front of a door and
smiling was a common activity. Jet eyed hin for a moment, then waved the ideas away. "Ahh, come on
Spike. We've got a new prospect." Jet began walking back down the corridor, while Spike lagged
behind. "Come ON Spike!" Jet demanded. "This one's not going to sit around and wait for us, you
know!" "Hey, it's not MY fault you butchered the last one." Spike countered, but walked slightly
faster. He knew there was a fine line between having fun with Jet, and pissing him off.
Faye stepped onto the bridge, drying off her hair as she eyed Jet. Jet eyed her back from his
chair, looking guilty. Spike understood without even asking. Woe to the person that kept Faye from
her money. Jet cleared his throat, turning back to the computer. "Ok, listen up people." Jet
said, trying to change the subject. "This the new one?" Spike inquired, looking over Jet's
shoulder. "What an ape." Faye pointed out, coming up behind Jet. "Don't let his looks fool you."
Jet warned, scrolling through the text. "He's been spotted at over ten gatherings now. Balls,
dances, clubs, anyplace with music and a lot people." Faye blinked at the screen, not
understanding. "So what?" She asked, looking closer. "They arresting people for rocking now?"
Spike said sarcastically, scratching his head. "I better lay low then." Faye smirked at him,
putting a hand on her hip. "Don't worry Spike, I'm sure they don't bother with people who dance
as badly as you." Spike smirked a bit, lighting another ciggarette. "Well, ok." He conceded.
"But just wait until you hear me sing!" "Will you two cut it OUT!" Jet demanded, annoyed.
Faye opened her mouth to retort, but Spike was turning his attention back to the screen.
"It's not dancing that this guy does. He has some kind of hypnotic music, plays it at all the
places he goes into." "Hypnotic music?" Faye asked, sounding skeptical. Jet let out a sigh, then
explained. "It's some kind of country deal, guess he likes that stuff. It puts everyone into a
trance, but it's suggestive as well. He's somehow unaffected by it, pours fuel all over the place
while everyone else is dancing like idiots." "So they slip and break their necks?" Spike suggested,
smirking. "Stupid..." Jet grumbled back. "The music keeps everyone dancing
until he's had time to douse the place. Then the suggestive part happens, makes everyone pull out
lighters for an encore and boom. Party's over." "Anyone know WHY he does this?" Spike
questioned, scratching his head again. "well, it IS country music." Faye offered. "I'd burn the
place down too." "Yeah..." Spike said shaking his head. "But you're forgetting he's the one that
brings it." Faye shruged, sitting down on the couch as she exaimined her nails.
"Here's your answer, Faye." Jet informed her, gaining access to some restricted files. "He calls
himself "the music master." He used to be a basket case. "His actual name is Rob Sroka, he was
trapped in a fire at age 10." "Sure sounds like a basket case to me." Spike put in, leaning up
against the wall. "An UGLY basket case." Faye added, taking a file to her fignernails.
Jet tried to tune them out, as he dug deeper. "Apparentely he lost his family in the fire, two
sisters, and a mother and father. Now he's obbsessed with fires, he's like a child in a man's
body." Spike narrowed his eyes, remembering the last person he'd gone after with a background like
that. Faye saw his reaction, eyeing him suspiciously. "Don't go getting any ideas about this one,
Spike." She warned, pointing her nail file at him accusingly. Spike laced his hands behind his
back, cocking his head to one side. "What do you mean, my dear?" He questioned, giving Faye a
playful smile. "I mean don't be stupid and foolhardy just because he's a retard!" Faye shouted
back scornfully. Spike's eyes widened at the outburst, as she got up sharply and left the room.
"Hey Faye! I haven't finished..." A loud scoff from Faye was Jet's only reply, as the door cycled
shut behind her. Spike let out a tired sigh, hanging his head. Jet gave him a critical look,
running a metal hand down his face. Spike looked at Jet, shrugging his shoulders as he put his
hands in his pockets. As he began walking towards the door, Jet stood, closing his eyes as his
metal fist clenched. "SPIKE." He called, his voice carrying the big brother tone again.
Spike stopped walking, looking over his shoulder. The glint in Spike's eye told Jet that Faye had
been right to worry. "She's right, you know. This guy is UNSTABLE. Just because he's stuck to
blowing up dance halls so far doesn't mean he's not a total mind frag. According to his last psych
profile he could lose control at anytime." Spike turned back towards the door, scoffing slightly.
"Faye's just worried, because she doesn't want me to get hurt." Spike explained, staring at the
floor. "And if you think I'm afraid of some froot loop with a penchant for country music and
blowing people up, you're wrong. This guy's worth 30 million, and I'm gonna go get him, ok? Or did
we somehow pull ourselves out of the hole when I wasn't looking?" Jet growled, stepping closer as
he locked Spike's eyes with his own. "That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about, pal. You may be some
kind of immortal hero in your own little world Spike, but reality's gonna smack you upside the head
one day, and I may not be there to back you up." Spike glared at Jet, the smirk revealing his
arrogance. He opened his mouth to reply, but Jet wasn't even close to being in the mood.
"I'M not finished yet!" Jet bellowed, grabbing Spike's collar as he turned to leave. He could tell
it pissed Spike off, but it was for his own good. Jet was getting the feeling again. The last time
he'd felt it, Spike was going off to get himself killed over Julia. "You have a real problem with
common sense, Spike. And I don't want to be cleaning your blood up off the floor for the hundreth
time! We're partners, goddamnit. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Spike pulled away from Jet's
grip, looking rather shocked, but mostly angry. "Didn't know you cared, Jet. But I don't need your
lectures OR your help. So back off." Spike eyed Jet angrily, before leaving the bridge.
Jet watched him go, clenching his fists in defeat. Nothing he said ever got through Spike's thick
head. Perhaps it was the hair?
Spike opened the hangar door, still fuming over what had just happened. Who did Jet think he was,
his father? He could handle some mental hick, unstable or not. The danger was what interested him,
after all. He never got enthusiastic about a job unless there was risk involved. Otherwise what was
the point? Faye was readying her Redtail, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
Spiek gazed up at her, trying to smirk as sincerely as he could. She gave him half a smile, then
went back to her preperations. He opened the cockpit of the swordfish, pulling his gloves on as he
looked over at Faye again. Was she ignoring him? Spike decided now wasn't the best time to try and
talk things out, and slid into the cockpit. The ignition key was gone. Spike smirked, glancing
slightly at Faye. She was really this concerned? "Hey Faye, you seen my key?" Spike called across
the bay. "Maybe you should ask Jet." Came the cold response. Spike blinked at her tone, wondering
why everyone seemed so down on him today. This wasn't that big a deal, just one more bounty to keep
them going. "Oh well..." Spike said, feigning deafeat. He had other ways of starting the old ship,
Doohan had seen to THAT. He openen the access panel below the pedals, and crossed a few wires,
grinning as the engine roared to life. "Uh huh." He said, sliding back into his seat.
He frowned as he saw Faye was standing in front of the ship, blocking his path. She looked more
than a little mad, and motioned for him to cut the engine. Spike did as she asked, being delayed a
few mintutes wouldn't hurt anything. "Yes, my dear?" He asked calmly, climbing down from the
cockpit. Faye lit a ciggarete and crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "Why do you do
this, Spike?" She asked plainly, sounding like she didn't even care about his answer.
"I do this so we can eat, just like you." He replied smoothly. Faye wasn't amused, and stepped
closer. "You go out like this all the time, doing crazy, dangerous, STUPID things. I'm asking you
why you feel the need to push the envelope until it breaks, why you seem like you enjoy being
beaten up and almost killed!" She shouted, her voice getting increasingly louder.
Spike was at a loss for words, first Jet and now Faye. "This guy is a small fry, Faye."
Spike explained, moving closer and taking her hand. "He's just some freak that likes to play with
fire. I'll get him and be back in time for dinner, assuming there is any." Faye held his hand
tightly, and looked into his eyes. She loved him, she truly did. But that only made things harder
now. She stroked his cheek, smiling as her touch seeemd to calm him down.
Faye dropped her burned out cigg, and took a deep breath. Spike could tell she was trying to get
something off her chest, and held her close. "Is there something you wanna say?" He asked gently,
stroking her head. Faye let her head rest on his shoulder, not wanting to tell him. But Spike
already knew something was on her mind, there was no turning back now.
"Spike..." She began, holding him closer. "The day I thought I'd lost you, was the worst day of my
life. I felt so bad for not saying anything sooner, but things never really came into focus for me.
I never realized what you meant to me until you weren't there anymore. "Faye, don't worry about
things in the past. Spike said, kissing her forehead. "But that's just my point Spike." Faye
continued, pulling away slightly. "It's not in the past, because you keep doing it. You're always
chasing the most dangerous bounties, in the most exciting way you can think of. You're an action
junkie, I know that, and that's fine. So am I. But there ARE limits, and I don't know if you can
see them, or if you even care!" Spike looked hurt, as Faye broke his embrace completely. She turned
her back to him, lighting a smoke. Faye, I..." Spike began, touching her shoulder. She shrugged
his hand away, refusing to let him get close. "You are all I have in this world, Spike. Don't
ever forget that. If you won't do it for Jet, do it for me. Please, don't go after him alone!"
Spike withdrew, frowning. He understood her feelings, she meant just as much to him.
"Faye, I know just what you mean. I really do." Spike gazed at her back, feeling his emotions run
high. "I'd never want to lose you either, but..." Faye cut him off, facing him once more.
"But you're a restless spirit. I know, Spike. But every time you go off on your ego trips, like
you're trying to prove something. It makes me afraid, and I don't like feeling this way all the
time, always wondering if you'll come back. If you can't stop, or even slow down..."
Spike's heart jumped, as he felt a lump in his throat. Was she saying what it sounded like she was
saying? "I won't die, Faye. I'm not even sure I can die..." Faye gazed at him sadly, wanting to
believe it more than anything. "Can you promise me that you'll come back? That you'll always come
back to me no matter what?" She inquired, feeling like her heart was breaking.
"As long as I'm still breathing, yes." Spike answered, feeling like he was on trial. She wouldn't
do this to him, would she? Not over something so trite...
"But you're going to go anyway?" She continued, holding back tears. Spike looked into her eyes,
feeling completely helpless. As if nothing he could say would change her mind. Of course he could
simply say he wouldn't go, but that wouldn't be the truth, and she knew it.
"Yes, I'm going anyways. But I promise I'll be careful, and if I get in trouble I'll call..."
"That's not good enough Spike." Faye informed him, biting her lip as the tears escaped.
"If you insist on doing things like this, then..." Spike was fighting to hold back his own tears,
and losing. "Faye, please I..." Faye wouldn't listen. She couldn't listen, or she'd never be able
to say what had to be said. It was just better this way. "Then I don't think this is going to work.
I think it would be better if we just...Jesus Spike, I'm sorry!" Faye walked away from him, without
once looking back. Only when she'd left the hangar did Spike allow the tears to come. His heart was
breaking, he felt like collapsing into a heap and dying, wanted to die in fact.
Was that why he did things like this constantly? Because a part of him did long for death?
Spike though it surely must have been, when Julia was lost all those years, and after she'd died.
Now that his past was no longer a threat, now that he had Faye and had found a place wher he truly
was accepted, why not slow down? Somehow, a part of him just wasn't able to. He was reckless, plain
and simple. The thrill of the fight was everything to him. But it hurt Faye that he was like this,
and he wished that he could just 'stop' doing it, but it was out of his hands.
Spike stood unmoving, staring at the spot Faye had been in. Anger and fear took over his feelings
of regret and sadness. He was accepted here? Bullshit, he told himself. He couldn't so much as go
to get ciggarettes without making someone worry about him. It was their fault, not his.
Someone had to put their ass on the line, or they'd never catch anyone! Spike knew he was wrong,
that all these ideas and feelings were just his own anger talking. But they seemed so true in the
here and now. If Faye realy loved him as much as he loved her, would she be asking him to change?
Spike grimaced, clenching his fists. Nothing could be done about it now, Faye had made her choice.
But if he still went, if he tried to catch Sroka by himself any chance of getting Faye back might
be lost for good. Yet as his mind thought only of going to Faye's room, and not going off alone,
his body climbed into the swordfish. He crossed the wires again and gunned the thrusters.
As he watched the Bebop shrink in the distance, he felt he was making a huge mistake.
But they needed money badly, as always. And he was almost certain this hit was going to be a
cakewalk.
Jet searched corridor after corridor, trying to find Faye. He'd heard Spike take off, and by the
way she'd walked out that meant they weren't on good terms now.
He passed her door, and heard sobbing. "Faye?" He asked, knocking lightly. "He's...gone." She
stammered, trying to speak clearly through the sobs. "I'm coming in." Jet announced, before opening
the hatch. Faye was lying on her bed, her face buried in a pillow. Jet stared wide eyed at several
holes in her dresser. "What, are these?" He asked, inspecting them. "I heard Spike take off,
and..." Her voice was lost to more sobs, as Jet nodded. The holes looked about as big as a fist
all right. "Come on, let's go." Jet suggested, putting a metallic hand on her back. "I'm not going,
let him get blown to hell. I don't care!" Faye screeched, removing his hand. "I'm not going to back
him up." Jet informed her, sitting on the bed. "You and I are going to beat him to the punch."
Faye looked up at Jet with tear filled eyes. She looked startled. "If we grab the hit first, he'll
have no choice Faye." She wiped her tears, and grinned at Jet. A sly, almost evil grin that meant
she was up for it.
Spike looked around the alley, making sure he was alone. Venus WAS boring all right, but he might
find tonight slightly more lively. Music boomed from inside the rave club. They played real heavy
metal, and some punk rocking stuff. Not his preferred style. But he hadn't come for the music
anyhow, just meeting someone. He found the backstage entrance and picked the lock, slipping inside
easily. His prop, a bouquet of roses was for the DJ. As Spike snuck from room to room, he heard the
crowd chanting for the DJ to make his appearnce. Spike had to be fast. As he peeked into the last
remaining room, Spike heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see a thin, stocky man with blonde
hair spiked up to ressemble a cutting saw. His red tank top was absurdly small, as were the black
leather pants which clung to the man's abs. "Mr. Subsonic Stan?" Spike asked meekly, blocking the
man's path. "Yeah man! That's me baby!" Stan replied, nodding his head vigourously. What the hell
is he ON? Spike wondered, keeping up the delievery boy act. "Got a bouquet for ya here, sir!
Must be one of those cute girls eh!" Spike exclaimed, trying his best to seem half as upbeat as
his prey. "Kick some ass! That's killer man!" Stan cried, snatching the flowers from Spike's grasp.
Spike blinked, amazed at the man's speed. And he'd thought Edward was bad!
Spike reached his hand out suggestively, the universal appeal for a tip. "Thank YOUUU man!" Stan
yelled at him, putting a crisp bill in Spike's outstretched palm. Spike took it and brought his
fist up swiftly. His knuckles met Stan's temple, and the drug addict got a much-needed nap.
"I always wanted to try DJing..." Spike lied, plucking the clothes from Stan's motionless body.
Jet looked down at Venus, then over at the Redtail flying alongside him. "Could he already be
there?" Jet inquired through the radio. "Probably, it IS Spike you know." Faye's slightly concerned
voice replied. "Just because he's a lunkhead doesn't mean he can't be effective."
Jet chuckled agreement, as they skimmed the planet's surface. Jet hoped against hope that Faye was
wrong. If Spike WAS there already, they could be too late. Jet had found out that Rob was an
obbsessive country fan, and if Spike managed to stop him from playing his music...
Spike waved to the cheering crowd. A sea of young people with blindly wild hair colors and styles.
"Are you reaaaaaadyyy to JAM?" Spike screamed into the microphone, hoping the wig was still in
place. He shuffled over to the booth, wondering if Faye had been right about his dancing.
Most of the people were on drugs though, and not likely to notice. He was trying like hell to be
as wired and crazy-sounding as Stan had seemed, and decided to act as much as Edward as he possibly
could. "WHEEEE! YEAH!" He screamed again, backflipping into the soft DJ chair. He had brought his
own music, to keep the crowd happy until the music master showed. This was the only place on Venus
he hadn't hit, and Spike was sure he'd be making an appearance. He started with the closest thing
to punk rock he had, although it was all basically jazz. The crowd became silent, as the music
started. Spike hummed along, hoping they woouldn't riot until he was done here. No such luck.
"What is this horseshit?" Someone called from the crowd. They all started yelling at him, and
throwing paper cups. "Man, what's WITH kids today?" Spike wondered aloud, as he picked up the faint
scent of kerosene, and a very tacky cologne. "Maybe they'll like this better..." A deep voice
growled. Spike smirked, looking towards the source. A tall, hairy man with massive size was
standing beside the booth. His arm was reaching over the top, holding a disc. "Sorry pal, I don't
do requests." Spike quiped, leaning back in the chair. He was here. Finally. He'd catch him, bring
him back to the ship and then Faye would see she had been worried for nothing. Then hopefully they
could talk things out.
"That music's smokin'!" A female voice called to him. Spike leaned forward, blinking as he saw
a woman peering over the player, smiling at him. She coudln't have been younger than twenty-four,
but man. What a twenty-four! She was dressed in a simple, if not revealing green halter top, and
a denim miniskirt. Spike saw that she was picking through his discs on the table, looking at each
one with interest. "You...Like jazz?" Spike blurted out, unaware that he was gawking. The woman
was beautiful, utterly beautiful. Her ample breasts were pressed up against the table as she leaned
over to look at his discs. Spike leaned over farther, catching a glimpse of her long, tanned legs.
"Of course, I love jazz!" The woman had to shout to be heard over the music. "Who wouldn't?"
Spike grinned in spite of himself, and wondered briefly how she felt about bounty hunters.
As Spike continued staring, awestruck, he saw a small black tattoo standing out against her
tanned arms. It was the chinese character for kung fu."Hey, do you follow martial arts?"
He asked bluntly, gesturing to her tattoo. They were both leaning over far enough, so that Spike
could see she had an incredible smile. And such deep blue eyes. "A little." She said modestly.
"More of a hobby, ya know?" Spike smiled warmly at her, not knowing what to think. She seeemed so
perfect, but Faye was...Spike's mouth was way ahead of his brain, as he heard himself ask what her
name was. "Juliette!" She screamed over the crowd, smiling as if she'd been waiting for him to ask.
Spike almost fell over. It was too weird. Juliette? Was he dreaming or something?
A latge, powerful hand on his shoulder reminded him that he was not. "I SAID they'll like THIS
music!" The hairy man had somehow gotten into the booth, and was growling loudly at him.
Juliette stared, eyes wide as the man hoisted Spike up over the booth. His wig was shaken loose as
the huge man threw him up against the wall. The crowd screamed, scared out of their wits as Spike
came crashing down on the equipment, breaking all but two of his discs and the player. Faye was
right, Spike thought. He WAS and ape, a big, hairy and smelly ape. Just the kind of opponent Spike
liked best. Juliette vaulted the booth's now broken security gate, landing sound kick on the music
master's back. Spike sprung to his feet just in time to see it, and grinned once again.
The music master was hurt, but not close to being beaten. He bellowed rage as he stood, picking
Juliette up by the neck. Spike was on him in an instant, throwing punches every which way.
The music man threw Juliette forcefully down, turning his full attention to Spike. He watched as
she twisted in the air, landing deftly on her feet, ready to try again. She gave a grin to Spike,
who smirked in return but held up his hand, showing that he would deal with it.
"PLAY MY MUSIC!!!!" The music man howled, rushing at Spike. Spike jumped over him, and grabbed the
mic. The music man whirled around, banging his fist and screaming. Spike ran towards the huge man,
holding the mic out like a javelin. As the music man reached for him, Spike leapt onto his back,
wrapping the mic cord tightly around his neck. The music man bellowed again, thrashing around as
Spike lost his footing and fell off. He got up rubbing his head, and felt something jabbing into
his hand. It had crushed one of the disc covers, the one the ape had brought. Spike smirked as he
looked up at the music master, who was looming over him. Spike smelled kerosene again, and realized
it wasn't just coming from the music master. He had already soaked the place in it, but most of the
people had cleared out. Spike stood his ground, watching as the music master lunged. He stepped
aside, grabbing as much of the mic cord as he could, and climbed onto his back. He saw a worried
Juliette throw various items at the huge man, trying to assist Spike. "That's not really
helping!" Spike informed her. The music master was howling madly and trying to dislodge Spike, all
the while whining about his broken disc. He felt the ride get less bumpy, as Juliette came in with
a sliding kick, knocking the man off his feet. Spike saw his chance and tightened the cord as
much as he could, grunting with effort. The music master gagged, fighting to stay conscious.
He stumbled through the remaining audio equipment, which started giving off sparks as it short-
circuited. Spike leapt clear as the music master fell to the stage floor, choking and trying to
breathe. Juliette ran to help up Spike, but the sparks were already too close to the kerosene pool.
He pulled himself up and grabbbed Juliette, putting his hand protectively over her head as he dove
out the nearest window.
Faye and Jet ran towards the rave club, watching as it was engulfed in flames. Faye dashed ahead,
with Jet close behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief, slowing down as she saw a tall, thin
figure stand up near the flaming wreck. She stopped short, confused as she saw him help a second
figure stand. A voluptuous, thin, female form. She gasped, her mouth opened in shock, as the girl
held him tightly. Jet caught up with Faye, squinting at the two people outside the burning club.
"Faye? Oh, shit." Was all Jet could say, as Faye ran back the way they'd come in tears. He
continued to watch, resting a hand on his bald head, as Juliette gave Spike a very un-friendly
kiss.
"What's your name?" Juliette asked, holding him close. Spike was exhausted, hurting, and in
the midst of inner struggle. What about Faye? What about Faye? His mind kept begging, but as he
looked into Juliette's gorgeous blue eyes, Faye was momentarily forgotten. "Spike, I'm Spike."
Juliette smiled, saying the name over again. "Spike, I love the hair." Spike smiled at her warmly,
returning her embrace as he closed his eyes. "Who wouldn't?" He quiped, resting his head on her
shoulder. "Let's get you patched up." She stated gently, helping him walk. "No, it's ok. I should
go..." Juliette looked deep into his eyes, smiling slyly. "I'm a medical student, I need the
practice." She explained, as she hailed a taxi.
Jet approached the Redtail, eyeing Faye sympathetically. What could Spike be thinking?
Faye was curled up into a ball inside her ship, crying her eyes out and repeating the
same thing over and over again. "I've lost him...I've lost him...I've lost him...."
TO BE CONTINUED.......................
FAYE: How could you?
SPIKE: How could I what?
JET: Don't play dumb Spike...
SPIKE: What do you mean?
FAYE: I thought you loved me..
SPIKE: Faye, I do.
JET: I'm not a part of this...
SPIKE Least I got the hit.
JET: Next time, Spike gets some lovin!
FAYE: JET!!! *gunshot*
JET: Kidding,kidding! Damn...