______________________
Caught in the rain
1879
'Roxanne'
________________________
"You caint have any idea who da faddah is." a gaggle of girls was gathered around an Asian woman with a particularly protruding belly.
"I don't cahah! I'se gonna be a muddah!" the women cried gleefully.
"Roxanne! Tink about what you do! You're a hooker for Christ's sake! Whadda ya gonna do to make a livin?" many questions like this arose from the group. Then Roxanne screamed.
"They're coming!" this was repeated several times in the next three hours as the women tried to comfort her.
"My God." a motherly woman with wide eyes looked down at the sweating mother.
"What, Melody? What is it? Is my baby okay?" her forehead creased and through her mind ran thought after thought about what exactly could be happening.
"Yes," Melody held two screaming infants in her arms. "they're fine,"
"What are you going to call them.there's a goil and a boy.." coos and similar questions arose.
"I think I'll name them.Alex..and Lynne."
_____________________________
1897
"for the very first time."
___________________________
"So.we're marchin' on to battle?" Dutchy whispered to Blink as newsie after newsie filed out of the lodging house.
"Its crazy aint it." Blink replied shaking his head.
"Some of these kids aint seven years old." he hadn't notice Switch walk up behind the pair.
"Havin' second thoughts?" he questioned, placing an arm around Dutchy's thin shoulders.
"Actually." Switch cut him off.
"No? Good.join your fellow newsies,"
The ranks of boys, because they were just mere boys, marched along with assorted weapons. Ropes, chains, knives, slingshots, brass knuckles, a few had even gotten their hands on guns. But many had only hands and feet to fight with. The one thing Switch had stressed to the masses was that silence was crucial above all things.
"I wanna hear more noise out of Dice then I do you guys.no chains will swing, no ropes will drag, no voices will speak. No laughing, no speaking, no hitting, no coughing, no spitting, no whistling, no humming, no singing, and above all.nobody...I mean nobody sneeze,"
He had said. So, the silent army moved, not in ranks, but alone. A few moved in groups, the smaller boys for instance. But otherwise, it seemed that, phenomenally, hundreds of boys were headed in the exact same direction. Any newsie would have known exactly what was going on. So none bothered to ask. One of the groups mentioned before, was Switch, Dice, Blink, Dutchy, and another boy from Queens called Tremor. Dice was the first to notice the shadowy figure in front of the quartet, blocking their path.
"Who goes?" Dutchy whispered, "And where ya from?"
"Moidah.I aint from here," he replied.
"Where are you from?" Switch repeated the question.
"I'm employed from the Bronx.but that's obvious." there was an instant scramble, both forward and back. Blink moving forward and Dutchy holding him back.
"Now, tell me why I just kept you alive," Dutchy's bright eyes shone in the darkness, but you didn't need to see them to know they were glaring.
"Because I know where she is.and I know who has her," Murder replied confidently. They weren't like Bronx newsies; a life was of consequence to them.
"Well? Elaborate," Switch said.
"Talk while we walk.we have somewhere to be," Dutchy said coldly, walking off into the rain.
"Well, you know Phantom?" Murder whispered, trying to avoid puddles.
"He's that freak from Bronx.right? The one with the harlequin mask?" Switch, Dice and Murder trailed the two Manhattan newsies.
"Yeah.he used to go by the name Tragedy,"
"Tragedy Lennox?" Switch spoke up.
"Yeah him,"
"Aint dat the guy who killed Hawk Logan?" Blink questioned.
"Yeah. Anyhow, he had someone kidnap her. He has Spot, Jersey, and some guy named Books, too. I don't know what he's planning on doin.but that's Queens and Brooklyn right there.
"Shit." Dutchy murmured, pausing for a brief moment and then quickening his pace.
"Dutchy.Dutch!" Blink whispered fiercely, running to catch up with his companion.
"Blink.this.oh God I never should've taken that damned bet."
"Dutchy? What the hell are you talking about?" Blink grabbed his arm and held him still as they waited for the rest of their makeshift platoon.
"Remember that bet Spot made us? About Silver?" The platoon had arrived and was now listening intently to what the strawberry blonde had to say.
"Well.I found a goil down in south side and we swapped stories.I think her name was.ah.Link perhaps?" they continued walking and he tried desperately to remember.
"Lynch perhaps?" Murder knew she definitely wasn't the kidnapper.
"Yeah.you know her?" Murder gave a miniscule nod.
"Don't worry, Lynch didn't kidnap your girl Silver," he reported shaking his head in shame.
"How do you know that?" Blink asked, Murder was obviously hiding something.
"Because I did," he quickened his pace and walked off into the nigh and was replaced by another individual, not originally part of the group. It was hard to tell anything about him, other than the fact that he was wet, because it was rapidly getting darker.
"Who are you and where ya from?" Blink asked quickly, not stopping.
"My names Saber.from Queens.several groups and odd boys have reached the warehouse described.we're awaiting instructions," the boy couldn't have been older then ten.
"Okay.um.we'll walk with you," and walk with him they did.
______________________
1897
Crossroads.
_____________________
"Phantom, they're coming in hoards." Shadow leant over and whispered into Phantoms ear. Before him were at least seventy or eighty boys. The roughest of the bunch, the rotten apples of New York. The reason common folk didn't like newsboys.
"I know," he raised his voice, "I know they're coming Shadow.but honestly.did you really think they'd just let us take over New York without a fight? Oh they'll fight, it'll be pathetic and most of them will die.but they will fight nonetheless," cheers arose. The Bronx territory rivaled the Nazi army. Women were inferior and not allowed, the weak were cast aside or trod upon, and treason was punishable by death. Well, pretty much anything was punishable by death.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go execute the prisoners now," more cheers went up at this statement. Brawny newsies positioned themselves below every window, at the top and bottom of every stairwell, and in every doorway. Phantom had specifically told them that if anyone got to Silver, the ones responsible would be "hunted down and gutted like fish." "And then," he had said, "We'll kick you out,"
"Who's guarding them?" Phantom questioned as he and Shadow made their way down to the 'dungeon'
"I sent B.S. down there half an hour ago,"
"I don't suppose you bothered to get a report from Mime," the question was put across with ambiguous sarcasm.
"I would.but I don't think he'd talk to me," both boys laughed at the statement. They got to a door littered with padlocks and such.
"Hm, they're being quiet.too quiet.perhaps B.S. got bored and laid them all out,"
"Yeah, and perhaps if I stuck a rocket up your ass you might go faster, c'mon! I'm itchin t'kill something," Shadow nodded and unlocked the last bolt and let the two of them inside. It was too late when the door closed and they realized they were the only ones in there. Shadow heard the sickening click of locks closing. And slumped to the floor.
"This is disappointing." Phantom said slowly.
".and if there is one thing I do not like, it is to be disappointed,"
"Well.there is no way any one can hear us from down here.there are no windows."
"So no one can hear us?" Phantom questioned innocently. Shadow nodded dumbly.
"And no one would know we were down here?" Shadow nodded once again.
"Good," Phantom emptied his gun into Shadow's head.
"Well.that takes care of that.now.to find a way out,"
______________________
1897
"The very worst part of you is me,"
________________________
"Three bullets, three prisoners."
That's what everyone thought when they heard the dull firing, or at least those from the Bronx. The army of newsies had hit the warehouse, piling in from every opening. And this was the masterful part of the plan, let them think they surprised us...then attack. And attack they did. Warehouse lights switched on one at a time and each side gave up a roar before they fused. Like to unbelievably large tidal waves, crashing into each other.
It's was hard to hear much of anything over the clashing of weapon and skin, cracking bone against concrete floor, someone's last scream, and the occasional gunshot. Weapons of that caliber were hard to come by.
"Jack! Jack help me!" one of the smaller boys was just saved from being mauled by a well placed slingshot marble. Jack Kelly looked up just in time to see Spot catapulting himself down the stairs.
"You aint Jack!" Jack yelled over the roar.
"Yeah! And you aint that quick! Now c'mon! Fight!" so both boy's tossed themselves into the throves of fighting newsies.
So far it looked as if no one had died. But Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins was never known for sharp vision. He had no weapons other than fist and foot. He slammed one of those fists into someone's face. He felt the bone shift and teeth dislodge, he cuffed the rowdy once more and to the ground he fell. Many more would fall. But Race didn't want to think about that. No one did.
"Skittery! Skitts! Where the heck are ya Skittery!" Snitch yelled and yelled above the crowds.
"Snitchy!" the sound hit Snitches ears like that first breath of air when you've been under water for too long. Snitch raced through the masses trying to get to his most beloved friend. And then he saw him, and wished he hadn't. Skittery was lying in a corner with his upper torso was leaning against the wall. But that wasn't what upset Snitch. What upset Snitch were the three red splotches on Skittery's shirt.
"No.no Skit, no," Snitch whispered shaking his head. Skittery murmured almost inaudible words that Snitch would keep with him forever.
"Snitch you bummah.It aint 'posed ta be like this.we was.we was s'posed ta both go out screamin' like banshees, I aint hoid ya scream all night,"
"Shut up y'bastard. Lissen, Skit.whatever happens, save me a spot.up in heaven y'know?"
"Aight.but I don't wanna see you anytime soon unless you been screamin', you got me?"
"Yeah Skit.I gotcha," the two spit shook once more as Skittery closed his eyes for the last time. Kloppman was the only one who could ever wake Skits up in the morning.now, he could just sleep, and never have to worry about what was happening outside of his eyelids. Not that he did anyway. So, taking everything that lay within his soul, and gathering into his wind pipe, Snitch let out an eerie roar the likes of which had never been heard.
____________________________
1897 "Everything's made to be broken"
_______________________
Phantom was still down in the basement. His companion had left him, but he was by no means alone. Suddenly, a voice sliced through the darkness, distorted by some sort of .something.
" Well.finally alone?"
"Who.who are you?" he yelled, looking desperately around to find his tormentor.
"I'm someone who owes ya," miraculously, the voice seemed to come from a completely different corner of the room. It sounded different too.
"What the hell do you want?" he questioned, still searching the room for any signs of life.
"My name was Lynne.they made fun of me because my last name was Ching.but my nick name surfaced. I was Lynch,"
"No.you cant be. Lynch is dead.I ordered her murdered,"
"Yes, I know. My name was Landon Belt. I killed her because you told me to. I will be remembered as Mercy,"
"I watched you kill him.just before the bullet hit me. My name was Dominic. But you called me Lethal.I was,"
"No! No!" the enraged shouts were merely a feeble attempt to make the sound go away. Phantom was now totally unsure whether the voices came from the room or from deep within his head.
"My name was Michael Smith. And you took me away from my brother.he isn't happy,"
"I watched you kill them, and I did nothing. My name was Colby. Colby Gibson. But I was merely a shadow,"
"Stop it! Stop it! Shut up!" he screamed, this wasn't happening all these people were dead. Someone was playing a joke on him. He ran to the door and pulled desperately on the handle, which promptly came off in his hand. More voices flooded into his ears, each speaking their name and newsie code. Phantom fell to his knees, the voices got louder and louder. Everyone he had ordered killed or had murdered personally was back for him. Suddenly, the voices stopped and he was back in the basement. Safe.almost.
"Every time you killed someone, I watched," this new voice seemed totally fine, but eerily familiar. It was reminiscent of someone from long ago.someone Phantom had locked away in the farthest reaches of his mind. But forth came a name to go with a voice. Far from the fathoms of his sick mind came a face and a name.
"Every time someone died, because you wanted them to, I watched you. I've been watching you for the last six years. I watched you take Emerald. And I saw you hurt her. Tragedy." the ghastly voice stopped for a moment and a pair of feet trudged out of the shadows. Phantom didn't see the gun held in the had that extended from a black clad arm.
"No one hurts my little girl,"
"Who are y-" his words were cut short by an echoing bang.
"You don't deserve to know."
_______________________
1879
" Why does it have to be?"
_________________________
Bruised and broken bodies lay scattered about the warehouse. Those who were not dead or dying were nursing those that were. When the boys paused for a moment to see what they were creating, they stopped for prolonged moments to mourn what they had done. One boy had taken a knife to his hands, hands that had killed someone. The Bronx boys were ruthless. But upon seeing one of their own, clutching the cold hand of a friend, with tears streaming down his face, they took a moment to wonder who would be next.
"Spot," Jack gave a strangled whisper.
"What have we done man.we.God.Race, Snoddy...Boots.Skittery.they aint coming back from this," Switch came to join them.
"Guys.I think there's something you oughta see," he lead the two over to a corner where three or four guys were leaning over another boy, Jack and Spot were both dreading what they would see.
________________________
1900
I wont be held responsible
_____________________________
Spot Conlon woke up sore. Old war pains, he told himself. On his bedside table was a letter. He didn't actually remember receiving it.just that it was important. He looked at the broken seal, unfolded the paper, and red the words.
Spot,
I'm sorry this is how it had to play out, but it is what it is and there's nothing anyone can do. I hope that the losses on your side weren't as great as the loss I know is in your heart. I'm gone, yes, gone but not forgotten apparently, seeing as how you've actually bothered to read this. I don't suppose you know the whole story.but I'm sure you know some of it. But I guess I should start at the beginning.My name was.
MUAH HA HA HA! The next chapter will be all the things you missed in lapsed time. ENJOY
"Roxanne" Roxanne- Moulin Rouge
"For the very first time" Alive- POD
"Crossroads" Crossroads- Bonethugs and Harmony
"The very worst part of you is me" Lying from you- Linkin Park
"Everything's made to be broken" Iris- Goo Goo Dolls
"Why does it have to be?" Why does it have to be- Restless heart
"I wont be held responsible" Freshmen- The Verve
Alright..I've needed to do this, but I think now, at the climax of this hellish novel, will be the bestest time for my SHOUTOUTS.
S H O U T O U T S---
Raven's Wing- You are what made my story readable. Thank you SO much for all your help and your tips. You really are a truly awesome beta and I recommend you to anyone starting off. And another thing.I'm still looking for that update on Frost's story!
Slick o' Brooklyn- You always give me extra cool, uber-long reviews and keep things amusing. And I do not care if you're too lazy to log in, believe me, I N-E-V-E-R log in for reviews. What's the point? Is there a point? I put all my cliff hangers in there, just for you. Just.don't get a heart attack after the last chapter.you're gonna hate it.
Bottles- Yes, we are going to party like it's 1899! With the newsboys! But no one can have Spot. He's mine! Keep reading and reviewing, because if you don't.um.I will.send.scary men.to your door! Yes! That's it!
FatBottomGirl- Love the name by the way. Any-hoo, yes! The stubbornness bites ass.but alas, it must be there. Fluff stories are for Valentines day or Christmas. It's June my good man.er.woman.whatever.
Chronicles Bailey- YOU NEVER REVIEWED! See, that irks me. Crazy people go around asking for updates and they never read and review. I don't understand it. But anyhow, thanks lots'n lots for reviewing. once.
Priscilla- Believe me, I've never been one to conform into the story writing thang.but I've always had this idea. But believe me, I'll show you conformity come the next chapter!
Emaureen- Slip? Oblivion? Surely you jest! This is the first story I've actually followed through with and I fully intend on finishing it. Certainly, definitely, absolutely.
KatFightOnSkis- This just keeps getting better and better doesn't it? Doesn't it? Okay, well.perhaps it doesn't.but you still have to keep reading because I said so.
Sami- Yep, another chapter, I just keep shootin' em out there. But hey, with all the cliff hangers I'm leavin out.I gotta. So I hope you don't mind my quick uploading. Read on!
Jo- Babe, chill. I can add you to the list of people I'm gonna.well.I'll shut up now.
Eternal-sugar-high- Last but not leastest! You're a newbie to this story.well.keep reading young grasshoppa -bows- It gets better!
Caught in the rain
1879
'Roxanne'
________________________
"You caint have any idea who da faddah is." a gaggle of girls was gathered around an Asian woman with a particularly protruding belly.
"I don't cahah! I'se gonna be a muddah!" the women cried gleefully.
"Roxanne! Tink about what you do! You're a hooker for Christ's sake! Whadda ya gonna do to make a livin?" many questions like this arose from the group. Then Roxanne screamed.
"They're coming!" this was repeated several times in the next three hours as the women tried to comfort her.
"My God." a motherly woman with wide eyes looked down at the sweating mother.
"What, Melody? What is it? Is my baby okay?" her forehead creased and through her mind ran thought after thought about what exactly could be happening.
"Yes," Melody held two screaming infants in her arms. "they're fine,"
"What are you going to call them.there's a goil and a boy.." coos and similar questions arose.
"I think I'll name them.Alex..and Lynne."
_____________________________
1897
"for the very first time."
___________________________
"So.we're marchin' on to battle?" Dutchy whispered to Blink as newsie after newsie filed out of the lodging house.
"Its crazy aint it." Blink replied shaking his head.
"Some of these kids aint seven years old." he hadn't notice Switch walk up behind the pair.
"Havin' second thoughts?" he questioned, placing an arm around Dutchy's thin shoulders.
"Actually." Switch cut him off.
"No? Good.join your fellow newsies,"
The ranks of boys, because they were just mere boys, marched along with assorted weapons. Ropes, chains, knives, slingshots, brass knuckles, a few had even gotten their hands on guns. But many had only hands and feet to fight with. The one thing Switch had stressed to the masses was that silence was crucial above all things.
"I wanna hear more noise out of Dice then I do you guys.no chains will swing, no ropes will drag, no voices will speak. No laughing, no speaking, no hitting, no coughing, no spitting, no whistling, no humming, no singing, and above all.nobody...I mean nobody sneeze,"
He had said. So, the silent army moved, not in ranks, but alone. A few moved in groups, the smaller boys for instance. But otherwise, it seemed that, phenomenally, hundreds of boys were headed in the exact same direction. Any newsie would have known exactly what was going on. So none bothered to ask. One of the groups mentioned before, was Switch, Dice, Blink, Dutchy, and another boy from Queens called Tremor. Dice was the first to notice the shadowy figure in front of the quartet, blocking their path.
"Who goes?" Dutchy whispered, "And where ya from?"
"Moidah.I aint from here," he replied.
"Where are you from?" Switch repeated the question.
"I'm employed from the Bronx.but that's obvious." there was an instant scramble, both forward and back. Blink moving forward and Dutchy holding him back.
"Now, tell me why I just kept you alive," Dutchy's bright eyes shone in the darkness, but you didn't need to see them to know they were glaring.
"Because I know where she is.and I know who has her," Murder replied confidently. They weren't like Bronx newsies; a life was of consequence to them.
"Well? Elaborate," Switch said.
"Talk while we walk.we have somewhere to be," Dutchy said coldly, walking off into the rain.
"Well, you know Phantom?" Murder whispered, trying to avoid puddles.
"He's that freak from Bronx.right? The one with the harlequin mask?" Switch, Dice and Murder trailed the two Manhattan newsies.
"Yeah.he used to go by the name Tragedy,"
"Tragedy Lennox?" Switch spoke up.
"Yeah him,"
"Aint dat the guy who killed Hawk Logan?" Blink questioned.
"Yeah. Anyhow, he had someone kidnap her. He has Spot, Jersey, and some guy named Books, too. I don't know what he's planning on doin.but that's Queens and Brooklyn right there.
"Shit." Dutchy murmured, pausing for a brief moment and then quickening his pace.
"Dutchy.Dutch!" Blink whispered fiercely, running to catch up with his companion.
"Blink.this.oh God I never should've taken that damned bet."
"Dutchy? What the hell are you talking about?" Blink grabbed his arm and held him still as they waited for the rest of their makeshift platoon.
"Remember that bet Spot made us? About Silver?" The platoon had arrived and was now listening intently to what the strawberry blonde had to say.
"Well.I found a goil down in south side and we swapped stories.I think her name was.ah.Link perhaps?" they continued walking and he tried desperately to remember.
"Lynch perhaps?" Murder knew she definitely wasn't the kidnapper.
"Yeah.you know her?" Murder gave a miniscule nod.
"Don't worry, Lynch didn't kidnap your girl Silver," he reported shaking his head in shame.
"How do you know that?" Blink asked, Murder was obviously hiding something.
"Because I did," he quickened his pace and walked off into the nigh and was replaced by another individual, not originally part of the group. It was hard to tell anything about him, other than the fact that he was wet, because it was rapidly getting darker.
"Who are you and where ya from?" Blink asked quickly, not stopping.
"My names Saber.from Queens.several groups and odd boys have reached the warehouse described.we're awaiting instructions," the boy couldn't have been older then ten.
"Okay.um.we'll walk with you," and walk with him they did.
______________________
1897
Crossroads.
_____________________
"Phantom, they're coming in hoards." Shadow leant over and whispered into Phantoms ear. Before him were at least seventy or eighty boys. The roughest of the bunch, the rotten apples of New York. The reason common folk didn't like newsboys.
"I know," he raised his voice, "I know they're coming Shadow.but honestly.did you really think they'd just let us take over New York without a fight? Oh they'll fight, it'll be pathetic and most of them will die.but they will fight nonetheless," cheers arose. The Bronx territory rivaled the Nazi army. Women were inferior and not allowed, the weak were cast aside or trod upon, and treason was punishable by death. Well, pretty much anything was punishable by death.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go execute the prisoners now," more cheers went up at this statement. Brawny newsies positioned themselves below every window, at the top and bottom of every stairwell, and in every doorway. Phantom had specifically told them that if anyone got to Silver, the ones responsible would be "hunted down and gutted like fish." "And then," he had said, "We'll kick you out,"
"Who's guarding them?" Phantom questioned as he and Shadow made their way down to the 'dungeon'
"I sent B.S. down there half an hour ago,"
"I don't suppose you bothered to get a report from Mime," the question was put across with ambiguous sarcasm.
"I would.but I don't think he'd talk to me," both boys laughed at the statement. They got to a door littered with padlocks and such.
"Hm, they're being quiet.too quiet.perhaps B.S. got bored and laid them all out,"
"Yeah, and perhaps if I stuck a rocket up your ass you might go faster, c'mon! I'm itchin t'kill something," Shadow nodded and unlocked the last bolt and let the two of them inside. It was too late when the door closed and they realized they were the only ones in there. Shadow heard the sickening click of locks closing. And slumped to the floor.
"This is disappointing." Phantom said slowly.
".and if there is one thing I do not like, it is to be disappointed,"
"Well.there is no way any one can hear us from down here.there are no windows."
"So no one can hear us?" Phantom questioned innocently. Shadow nodded dumbly.
"And no one would know we were down here?" Shadow nodded once again.
"Good," Phantom emptied his gun into Shadow's head.
"Well.that takes care of that.now.to find a way out,"
______________________
1897
"The very worst part of you is me,"
________________________
"Three bullets, three prisoners."
That's what everyone thought when they heard the dull firing, or at least those from the Bronx. The army of newsies had hit the warehouse, piling in from every opening. And this was the masterful part of the plan, let them think they surprised us...then attack. And attack they did. Warehouse lights switched on one at a time and each side gave up a roar before they fused. Like to unbelievably large tidal waves, crashing into each other.
It's was hard to hear much of anything over the clashing of weapon and skin, cracking bone against concrete floor, someone's last scream, and the occasional gunshot. Weapons of that caliber were hard to come by.
"Jack! Jack help me!" one of the smaller boys was just saved from being mauled by a well placed slingshot marble. Jack Kelly looked up just in time to see Spot catapulting himself down the stairs.
"You aint Jack!" Jack yelled over the roar.
"Yeah! And you aint that quick! Now c'mon! Fight!" so both boy's tossed themselves into the throves of fighting newsies.
So far it looked as if no one had died. But Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins was never known for sharp vision. He had no weapons other than fist and foot. He slammed one of those fists into someone's face. He felt the bone shift and teeth dislodge, he cuffed the rowdy once more and to the ground he fell. Many more would fall. But Race didn't want to think about that. No one did.
"Skittery! Skitts! Where the heck are ya Skittery!" Snitch yelled and yelled above the crowds.
"Snitchy!" the sound hit Snitches ears like that first breath of air when you've been under water for too long. Snitch raced through the masses trying to get to his most beloved friend. And then he saw him, and wished he hadn't. Skittery was lying in a corner with his upper torso was leaning against the wall. But that wasn't what upset Snitch. What upset Snitch were the three red splotches on Skittery's shirt.
"No.no Skit, no," Snitch whispered shaking his head. Skittery murmured almost inaudible words that Snitch would keep with him forever.
"Snitch you bummah.It aint 'posed ta be like this.we was.we was s'posed ta both go out screamin' like banshees, I aint hoid ya scream all night,"
"Shut up y'bastard. Lissen, Skit.whatever happens, save me a spot.up in heaven y'know?"
"Aight.but I don't wanna see you anytime soon unless you been screamin', you got me?"
"Yeah Skit.I gotcha," the two spit shook once more as Skittery closed his eyes for the last time. Kloppman was the only one who could ever wake Skits up in the morning.now, he could just sleep, and never have to worry about what was happening outside of his eyelids. Not that he did anyway. So, taking everything that lay within his soul, and gathering into his wind pipe, Snitch let out an eerie roar the likes of which had never been heard.
____________________________
1897 "Everything's made to be broken"
_______________________
Phantom was still down in the basement. His companion had left him, but he was by no means alone. Suddenly, a voice sliced through the darkness, distorted by some sort of .something.
" Well.finally alone?"
"Who.who are you?" he yelled, looking desperately around to find his tormentor.
"I'm someone who owes ya," miraculously, the voice seemed to come from a completely different corner of the room. It sounded different too.
"What the hell do you want?" he questioned, still searching the room for any signs of life.
"My name was Lynne.they made fun of me because my last name was Ching.but my nick name surfaced. I was Lynch,"
"No.you cant be. Lynch is dead.I ordered her murdered,"
"Yes, I know. My name was Landon Belt. I killed her because you told me to. I will be remembered as Mercy,"
"I watched you kill him.just before the bullet hit me. My name was Dominic. But you called me Lethal.I was,"
"No! No!" the enraged shouts were merely a feeble attempt to make the sound go away. Phantom was now totally unsure whether the voices came from the room or from deep within his head.
"My name was Michael Smith. And you took me away from my brother.he isn't happy,"
"I watched you kill them, and I did nothing. My name was Colby. Colby Gibson. But I was merely a shadow,"
"Stop it! Stop it! Shut up!" he screamed, this wasn't happening all these people were dead. Someone was playing a joke on him. He ran to the door and pulled desperately on the handle, which promptly came off in his hand. More voices flooded into his ears, each speaking their name and newsie code. Phantom fell to his knees, the voices got louder and louder. Everyone he had ordered killed or had murdered personally was back for him. Suddenly, the voices stopped and he was back in the basement. Safe.almost.
"Every time you killed someone, I watched," this new voice seemed totally fine, but eerily familiar. It was reminiscent of someone from long ago.someone Phantom had locked away in the farthest reaches of his mind. But forth came a name to go with a voice. Far from the fathoms of his sick mind came a face and a name.
"Every time someone died, because you wanted them to, I watched you. I've been watching you for the last six years. I watched you take Emerald. And I saw you hurt her. Tragedy." the ghastly voice stopped for a moment and a pair of feet trudged out of the shadows. Phantom didn't see the gun held in the had that extended from a black clad arm.
"No one hurts my little girl,"
"Who are y-" his words were cut short by an echoing bang.
"You don't deserve to know."
_______________________
1879
" Why does it have to be?"
_________________________
Bruised and broken bodies lay scattered about the warehouse. Those who were not dead or dying were nursing those that were. When the boys paused for a moment to see what they were creating, they stopped for prolonged moments to mourn what they had done. One boy had taken a knife to his hands, hands that had killed someone. The Bronx boys were ruthless. But upon seeing one of their own, clutching the cold hand of a friend, with tears streaming down his face, they took a moment to wonder who would be next.
"Spot," Jack gave a strangled whisper.
"What have we done man.we.God.Race, Snoddy...Boots.Skittery.they aint coming back from this," Switch came to join them.
"Guys.I think there's something you oughta see," he lead the two over to a corner where three or four guys were leaning over another boy, Jack and Spot were both dreading what they would see.
________________________
1900
I wont be held responsible
_____________________________
Spot Conlon woke up sore. Old war pains, he told himself. On his bedside table was a letter. He didn't actually remember receiving it.just that it was important. He looked at the broken seal, unfolded the paper, and red the words.
Spot,
I'm sorry this is how it had to play out, but it is what it is and there's nothing anyone can do. I hope that the losses on your side weren't as great as the loss I know is in your heart. I'm gone, yes, gone but not forgotten apparently, seeing as how you've actually bothered to read this. I don't suppose you know the whole story.but I'm sure you know some of it. But I guess I should start at the beginning.My name was.
MUAH HA HA HA! The next chapter will be all the things you missed in lapsed time. ENJOY
"Roxanne" Roxanne- Moulin Rouge
"For the very first time" Alive- POD
"Crossroads" Crossroads- Bonethugs and Harmony
"The very worst part of you is me" Lying from you- Linkin Park
"Everything's made to be broken" Iris- Goo Goo Dolls
"Why does it have to be?" Why does it have to be- Restless heart
"I wont be held responsible" Freshmen- The Verve
Alright..I've needed to do this, but I think now, at the climax of this hellish novel, will be the bestest time for my SHOUTOUTS.
S H O U T O U T S---
Raven's Wing- You are what made my story readable. Thank you SO much for all your help and your tips. You really are a truly awesome beta and I recommend you to anyone starting off. And another thing.I'm still looking for that update on Frost's story!
Slick o' Brooklyn- You always give me extra cool, uber-long reviews and keep things amusing. And I do not care if you're too lazy to log in, believe me, I N-E-V-E-R log in for reviews. What's the point? Is there a point? I put all my cliff hangers in there, just for you. Just.don't get a heart attack after the last chapter.you're gonna hate it.
Bottles- Yes, we are going to party like it's 1899! With the newsboys! But no one can have Spot. He's mine! Keep reading and reviewing, because if you don't.um.I will.send.scary men.to your door! Yes! That's it!
FatBottomGirl- Love the name by the way. Any-hoo, yes! The stubbornness bites ass.but alas, it must be there. Fluff stories are for Valentines day or Christmas. It's June my good man.er.woman.whatever.
Chronicles Bailey- YOU NEVER REVIEWED! See, that irks me. Crazy people go around asking for updates and they never read and review. I don't understand it. But anyhow, thanks lots'n lots for reviewing. once.
Priscilla- Believe me, I've never been one to conform into the story writing thang.but I've always had this idea. But believe me, I'll show you conformity come the next chapter!
Emaureen- Slip? Oblivion? Surely you jest! This is the first story I've actually followed through with and I fully intend on finishing it. Certainly, definitely, absolutely.
KatFightOnSkis- This just keeps getting better and better doesn't it? Doesn't it? Okay, well.perhaps it doesn't.but you still have to keep reading because I said so.
Sami- Yep, another chapter, I just keep shootin' em out there. But hey, with all the cliff hangers I'm leavin out.I gotta. So I hope you don't mind my quick uploading. Read on!
Jo- Babe, chill. I can add you to the list of people I'm gonna.well.I'll shut up now.
Eternal-sugar-high- Last but not leastest! You're a newbie to this story.well.keep reading young grasshoppa -bows- It gets better!