Disclaimer: Same as before, I still own the plot, Sprite (Elizabeth), Blake, and the DISCLAIMER! I don't own the boys, Bayou, Marit, Slider, Firecracker, Spark, Atlantic, Birdy or Smartass, they own themselves and were kind enough to let me borrow them for awhile. Hope you enjoy this nice long chapter, and please review :)
Smile,
~Sprite~
DEDICATION: I believe I'm going to dedicate this chapter to: studentnumber24601. Thank you soo mush for telling me about the accents and giving me some corrective criticism lol. It really helps to make my next chapter/story all the better. I do so love Mush and Sprite's just a fun character. Anyway, thank you for reading and reviewing. Please keep it up :) Also, I wanna dedicate this chapter to Sweets who's been begging me to update since...well since I've started writing lol. I hope everything works out for you hun! LYL!!!
SHOUT OUTS!!
You guys are soo funny! You all HATE Tart and either want to kill her, or Mush lol. Also I wanna say kinda quickly, Spot is a lil' out of character (just a wee bit). He seems nicer I guess in my story, but that's the way I like him lol. Don't hate me TOO much lol. Well, anyway, I hope you like this chapter!!
SmartassLeprechaun: Yes Bayou is soo fine lol, and now we know what's gonna happen with Aunt Bella *claps hand over mouth* um I mean, yeah lol. I'm glad you liked it lol. I know I'm SOO glad we're friends Psychic Sis!!! (Ring of Endless Light, Yeah You Rock!!!) lol I do so love dancing w/you, Mushy, and Bayou :) lyl!! PS Thanks again for talking with me about everything that's going on. I was having a really rough time and you were the best sister I could ever want. *hugs* :)
Destria: Hey! Thank you lol. Yeah well, Smartass is probably only an inch or two shorter so it's not too big of a deal. 'sides I think they were both sitting for most of the talking, I should probably go check lol. I hope you like this chapter.
studentnumber24601: Aw, yeah I know, poor Sprite!!! Well, we'll see what happens with Mush the idiot. J/k Mush I LOVE YOU!! *hugs Mush* :) That was a MAJOR compliment (my different characterization of him) thank you sooo mush! I try to write a bit differently but I'm never sure if I've accomplished my goal. Thank you for telling me about the accents. I went back and realized you're right. I'll try and make it less this time and we'll see how it turns out. I know I think Mush is sooo sweet! I'm anxious to hear what you think of this chapter ttyl.
Slider: Sure you're not ;) lol As you can see I'm updating now so you can be happy again!! Yes, readers are EXTREMELY demanding, but I LOVE IT!! :)
jo: You're not the only one, I love Sprite. She's soo sweet and fun to write for lol. I know poor Sli!! Don't worry (hopefully) some good things will happen with her (lol).
Alicat: Aww thank you!! I know I feel bad for Slider. Tart is a bitch you're right lol. And she gets WAY worse later when we start to find out way more about our favorite characters, but that's all I can say lol. Dumping Tart...you'll have to wait and see, I try not to write Mary Sue type stories, if he sticks with Tart...you do the math lol. (If u want more info, email/IM me!! ttyl)
Pixie Stix: Thank you!! I have pretty much of an ending in mind, but not completely. We'll see where the story takes itself lol. Enjoy this chapter!
Vixen: Yeah I know you love the story lol. Well, it's Tart lol. You're welcome for the SO, you did review after all. Thank you!! That was such a sweet thing to say!! I love writing and I love to give back to all the fanfiction writers by trying to write something entertaining to read lol. Well, I'm writing more now. I'm feeling SOO mush better!! I hope you like this chapter! LYLAS 2 lol ttyl
Firecracker: OMG how was San Antonio??? Sounds fantastic!! Well, I'm glad you read and reviewed when you got back lol. Well, I can't tell you who you end up with 'cause it might give some stuff away, but if you really wanna know, email/IM me! Yes, you, me, Slider, and Spark are all going on a road trip. We're gonna go pick up Smartass and hang in NYC!!!! (visit some newsie spots, go see a show, have fun lol) Yep I'm driving!!!! Bus? No bus!! I'll drive a...um...well *whispers* I don't really have a car *louder* but don't worry, we'll get one ;) Act out Newsies on the street, what are you crazy?!?!?!? OF COURSE WE'RE GOING TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, it'd be their fault for watching (the scarred people on the street lol)
Sweets Conlon: So FINALLY you read it!!! lol. Aww, well I love you'se too lol. No killing Mush is allowed, but you can maim, yell, hurt him HOWEVER you want lol J/K!! *hugs Mush tight* LYLAS and Me and Vix and Alicat, we all love you soo mush! Please don't be sad! LYL!! :)
SparkHiggins: Aww! Thanks for reviewing hun! How was ENGLAND?!?!?!?!? Well, Mush is by far the HOTTEST guy, but I'll be a compromiser (is that a word?) and say it...he's...well he's...he's *forces self to say it, but whispers* the mmhsem hottest. Now what were we saying?? lol He does have THE BEST ABS ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!! *sighs* No taunting allowed, or no updates! lol. Slider is incredibly mean! lol love ya girl. Thank you!! I'm glad you liked it lol. I know, gosh Tart, what's up with her?? I do so love my Mushy boy, he's sooo sweet!!! AWWWW!! *hugs Spark* thank you sooo mush!! I try to write, but I really don't think I'm all that good lol. Updates = Now!!
AN: Real quick I just wanna say thank you sooo mush to all my reviewers!!! You really make my day. I just love going online and hearing that friendly psycho guy say: You've got mail. (which is improper English grammar by the way lol) I have reached 60 reviews!! That is no small task. And so, to celebrate this monumental event, I'm going to give all my reviewers the newsie of their choosing, gift wrapped in ONE of the following: hot sauce with whipped cream and a cherry, sweat, chains and a gag (whip included), or in their birthday suit ;) Have fun with your toys...uh I mean boys lol.
Last time on The Guardian:
It was late by the time Mush made it back to the lodging house. He decided to go for a walk before he headed back, and ended up walking halfway around the city before turning back. The dark inky sky and cool night air made Mush think of his mother. He missed her immensely, and he was reminded of her on nights such as that one.
"Ma, I really miss ya. I hope you'se an' Pop ah okay up deah in heaven. I know I promised Mistah Blake I'd take cah (care) o' Lizzie, but is' hahd. 'specially now. I gots all dese strange feelin's. Please help me figah eveythin' out. Take cah o' Antonio an' ya selves. I miss ya all. I love you, night." Mush turned back to head home, and just missed seeing a shooting star streak across the night sky.
Now on with the story!
Chapter 9: Injuries Abound
~Several Weeks Later~
Sprite, Marit, Slider and Spark were sitting around the card table. After playing nineteen hands of poker in a row, the quartet were bored out of their minds. Spark sighed loudly.
"Yeah, I know whatcha mean." Marit said in response to the sigh. The table was quiet for a moment as the girls looked at their cards. All but Sprite put their cards down.
"Fold,"
"Me two,"
"Me tree, 'm out." Sprite rolled her eyes and put her straight down on the table.
"Dis is so borin'!" Slider yelled, sick of doing nothing all day. Since it was Sunday, the girls got a break from selling, and usually spent their time outdoors. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs outside.
"Yeah, I agree." Sprite said. Marit glanced at the group.
"I'se got an idea. What if we went ta go see Avi? Haven't seen her oah da odda Brooklyn goils since da pahty. What'dya say?" Slider shrugged.
"Shoah. Sounds nice."
"Yeah, I wanna see Avi." Sprite said with enthusiasm.
"I would, but me an' Blink haven't spent any quality time foah awhile an' I miss 'im. So I'se gonna stay heah dis time. Tell Av, I said hi, dough." The remaining three girls nodded and stood up to leave. Marit turned to Spark,
"If anybody asks, we'se seein' Avi. Bye Spahk." Spark waved and watched Slider, Marit, and Sprite leave.
Once outside, silence filled the trio. The rain stopped as the girls neared the halfway point on the Brooklyn Bridge. Once they were across, Sprite looked around to see anyone familiar. Slider slipped away from the other two, who had engaged in meaningless chatter to break the silence. Marit and Sprite continued walking until Marit thought she saw Smartass in the distance. She waved, but wasn't sure if Smartass saw her.
"Smartass! Avi!" Sprite yelled. Avi heard voices and ran to them. Sprite could see the look of sheer panic and fear on Smartass' face as she neared them. Avi's beautiful hair was matted and tangled from the ran, and the light mist played on Avi's face mixing with her tears. Marit drew her friend to her.
"Avi, wha's wrong?" Avi, tried to speak, but was out of breath. Finally, she managed to wheeze out a few intelligible words.
"Gang fight...Bayou...hurt." Sprite and Marit looked at each other. They needed to find Bayou. Sprite took charge of the situation as Marit tried to calm Avi.
"Where is he?" Sprite demanded.
"Follow me." Avi said motioning. She led the two girls to a deserted alleyway not far from where they were standing. Marit gagged when she saw the horrible shape Avi's lover was in. His face was purple with bruises, and his hairline was bleeding profusely. His left eye was swelled shut, and had begun emitting pus. Thankfully there were no real cut marks evident on the boy's face. His arms and legs however, were laden with the residue of an attack with knives. Smartass wailed and threw herself on the ground next to Bayou. Marit had no idea what to do, and looked to Sprite for help. Sprite was good at thinking on her feet and in emergencies, she immediately took charge after mentally assessing both Bayou's and Avi's conditions.
"All right, Marit get Avi off the ground. We're gonna need to get him somewhere safe, and fast before he loses too much blood. Avi, look at me." Avi looked up, her tear stained face made her look decades older than she really was. Sprite knelt down, followed by Marit. Sprite put her arms under the unconscious boy's head. Marit lifted his middle, and Avi grabbed his legs. Slowly, they lifted Bayou off the ground. "Good job girls. That's it, nice and slow. Keep his legs straight Avi. Don't worry it'll be okay." Sprite reassured the distraught newsie. Sprite turned to Marit as best she could. "Mar, we gotta get him somewhere. Do you know somewhere we could go?" Marit nodded her head.
"Yeah, Spot's place. 's 'bout a block oah so. Cimon." Swiftly, the three girls carried Bayou to the Brooklyn Lodging House.
~Meanwhile in the Brooklyn L.H.~
Slider wandered around, looking and revisiting old memories of her once permanent homestead. Slider was so busy reminiscing, she failed to notice the steel blue eyed leader of Brooklyn on her back, taking in her every move. After minutes of gazing at his lost love, Spot spoke.
"Ya miss it?" Slider didn't turn around as she spoke. She had been able to sense Spot's presence and wasn't surprised when he spoke to her.
"Yeah, now an' den. It was me home foah so lon', sometimes it seems I should come back heah aftah sellin'." Slider finally turned to face her ex lover. His eyes were riddled with passion and wanting for her, but she refused to give in.
"Slidah, why can'cha jus' foahgive me? I love you'se moah dan evah an' I knows I won' be happy 'til you come back in me life." Spot's face was mournful, and his eyes held small the small tears he refused to shed. What if he was telling the truth, and he really did love her. Slider shook her head violently. He didn't love her, he just loved the sex and the companionship he felt when he was with her.
"No Spot! You hoit me. I don' t'ink I'll evah be able ta git ovah dat. I'se sorry." Slider turned to leave, when the leader of Brooklyn grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Please Sli. Please jus' give me anodda chance. I promise I'll be fait'ful to ya forevah." A parade of tears trickled down Slider's face, onto Spot's shoulder, but she didn't give in.
"No, Spot. I love you'se, an' I wanna believe you've changed, but I jus' can't." Spot's face was set in a hard glare as he pulled away from Slider. Loud voices were heard from downstairs, and Slider rushed out of the room.
"Well, den I'll jus' have ta prove to ya I love you'se." Spot said in a determined voice, before following the sounds down to the lobby.
Spot saw Smartass, Marit, and some unknown blonde girl carrying his newsie Bayou. Bayou was beat up bad from the looks of it, and Smartass wasn't in the best shape herself. Before he could say anything, the blonde called out to him,
"Quick, we need to put him down. Where's an empty room?" Spot led the group upstairs to his vacant room. Sprite, Marit, and Avi gently let Bayou down on Spot's bed. Sprite turned to direct Marit. "Clue, I need you to go boil me some hot water, and get as many clean bandages as you can find." Marit nodded and quickly left the room. Sprite then looked at Smartass who was in much worse shape than she had previously been in. "Avi, you need to listen to me." Avi looked up into Sprite's dark green eyes. "Avi, are you gonna be able to be in the room with Bayou? By the looks of his injuries, I'm going to need to give him stitches, and I can't have you in shambles with me. I'll need some one who can stay calm and help me give him the best care I can. It's okay if you need to leave Avi, but I need to know right now!" Smartass looked over at her injured boyfriend. She took in all his cuts and bruises, and grasped his hand, gently squeezing it.
"No, I'se sorry Sprite. I can' stay heah wid him. Is' too hahd. If somet'in happens, cohl me dough. K?" Sprite nodded, and gave Smartass a tight hug.
"'s all right. Go get cleaned up and get some sleep." Avi nodded and tried to smile. Once Avi left the room, Sprite smoothed back Bayou's hair, in order to see the amount of damage inflicted on the poor boy. Spot stood in the room, unsure of what to do. Sprite remembered the rude boy from the party was still there. "'scuse me, can you help me?" Spot pulled his gaze from his friend, to the girl speaking.
"Yeah shoah." Spot said.
"Can you get me some thread and a few needles? If possible, please burn the needles, I need them sterile. I'm going to have to sew his head back up as quickly as possible." Spot turned and dashed out of the room on a mission for needles and thread. Marit came back soon after, carrying hot water and clean rags. Sprite ripped Bayou's shirt off (Sorry Smartass lol ;) and used the rags and water to cleanse the wounded areas on the boy. After covering most of Bayou's cuts, Sprite sat back, waiting for the needles and thread. Spot burst into the room with the desired objects, and Sprite asked Marit to leave while she "operated". Spot winced in pain just from watching the needle strike in and out of Bayou's silky carmel skin. Finally, Sprite finished, and gazed at her patient. His cuts were looking a bit better, as was his head. Sprite sat back on her heels and wiped her hands on her borrowed cut off shorts.
"The next few hours are going to be the most crucial. We really need to watch him and make sure nothing happens, and the cuts don't get worse." Spot nodded and finally spoke,
"T'anks foah youah fast t'inkin' jus' now. I don' wanna t'ink 'bout what woulda happened if you wasn't heah." Sprite bowed her head in modesty.
"Wasn't much. Just helpin' some one in need. Now what we really need to do is keep checkin' on him, and make sure Avi's okay. She seemed really shaken up." Spot nodded in agreement. He finally got a chance to look at the girl who had quite possibly saved Bayou's life. Her short blonde hair was pulled back with a few small clips, and her face was stained with sweat, rainwater, and just a bit of mud. She was not thin by any stretch, but had lovely curves to her body. Her dark emerald eyes stared at him in total recognition.
"What?" Spot asked her, tired of silence.
"It's you! You're the guy from the party. You bumped inta me an' went ballistic." Sprite said, brushing a few stray hairs out of her flushed face. Spot's brows knit in deep thought.
"I soahta 'membah you. Was really drunk dough. Did I say somet'in to ya?" Spot asked. Sprite decided she didn't need another enemy and simply shook her head.
"No, 's all right. I forgave you." Sprite turned back to look at Bayou who had groaned so she didn't have to look at Spot. His eyes were extremely unnerving and cold like ice; completely unlike Mush's eyes. Mush had eyes made of hot dark coffee, that sparkled and shone with every word he spoke. Liz missed her guardian at that moment. Even though she had only been in Brooklyn a few hours, she already felt exhausted. Pushing indecent thoughts out of her head, Sprite looked at her guardian's near twin. His face looked much more ruddy and warm than it had before, and Sprite was afraid a fever had set in. She placed her hand on his cheek and then forehead, and was disheartened to learn she was correct in her assumption.
"Spot right?" Spot looked up from the wooden floor when he heard his name spoken.
"Yeah."
"I need you to get me some cold compresses. You know, rags doused in cold water. Bayou has a fever, and we need to bring it down as soon as we can." Spot left the room for the second time since the girls' and Bayou's arrival. Bayou rolled over in his sleep and started mumbling unintelligible words. Sprite spoke in a soothing voice, and continued rubbing his head in an attempt to relieve his discomfort. Spot returned with the requested rags and water in record time. Sprite began applying the compress and sat back to watch her patient.
Smartass was called back into the room to see her beloved. Her aura seemed to be soothing him, because his fever dropped dramatically as she stood with him. Hours later, Bayou slept comfortably, his fever gone. Sprite also found the land of dreams, and stayed there until morning. Spot meanwhile moved Sprite to a more comfortable bunk, and went to inform Slider of everything that took place.
When Sprite awoke, she was surprised to see Mush sitting next to her. His hand held hers, and his eyes were shut. Sprite would have been content to just watch her guardian sleep peacefully, when Spot appeared at the doorway. He spoke quietly so as not to disturb Mush.
"Sprite, I really wanna tell you'se t'ank you. I tawked ta Fiah, an' found out what I said to ya. I was a total jackass. Heah you save Bayou's life, an' I'se a joik. Can you foahgive me? I really wanna be yoah friend if possible." Spot spit (sounds funny lol) on his hand and held it out. Sprite looked at it for a moment before smiling and spitting into her own. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship, and maybe something more...
TBC I would like LOTS of reviews for this chapter 'cause I worked REALLY HARD on it to make it nice and angsty and long. I hope you liked it, and PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! ttyl :)
~Sprite~
Smile,
~Sprite~
DEDICATION: I believe I'm going to dedicate this chapter to: studentnumber24601. Thank you soo mush for telling me about the accents and giving me some corrective criticism lol. It really helps to make my next chapter/story all the better. I do so love Mush and Sprite's just a fun character. Anyway, thank you for reading and reviewing. Please keep it up :) Also, I wanna dedicate this chapter to Sweets who's been begging me to update since...well since I've started writing lol. I hope everything works out for you hun! LYL!!!
SHOUT OUTS!!
You guys are soo funny! You all HATE Tart and either want to kill her, or Mush lol. Also I wanna say kinda quickly, Spot is a lil' out of character (just a wee bit). He seems nicer I guess in my story, but that's the way I like him lol. Don't hate me TOO much lol. Well, anyway, I hope you like this chapter!!
SmartassLeprechaun: Yes Bayou is soo fine lol, and now we know what's gonna happen with Aunt Bella *claps hand over mouth* um I mean, yeah lol. I'm glad you liked it lol. I know I'm SOO glad we're friends Psychic Sis!!! (Ring of Endless Light, Yeah You Rock!!!) lol I do so love dancing w/you, Mushy, and Bayou :) lyl!! PS Thanks again for talking with me about everything that's going on. I was having a really rough time and you were the best sister I could ever want. *hugs* :)
Destria: Hey! Thank you lol. Yeah well, Smartass is probably only an inch or two shorter so it's not too big of a deal. 'sides I think they were both sitting for most of the talking, I should probably go check lol. I hope you like this chapter.
studentnumber24601: Aw, yeah I know, poor Sprite!!! Well, we'll see what happens with Mush the idiot. J/k Mush I LOVE YOU!! *hugs Mush* :) That was a MAJOR compliment (my different characterization of him) thank you sooo mush! I try to write a bit differently but I'm never sure if I've accomplished my goal. Thank you for telling me about the accents. I went back and realized you're right. I'll try and make it less this time and we'll see how it turns out. I know I think Mush is sooo sweet! I'm anxious to hear what you think of this chapter ttyl.
Slider: Sure you're not ;) lol As you can see I'm updating now so you can be happy again!! Yes, readers are EXTREMELY demanding, but I LOVE IT!! :)
jo: You're not the only one, I love Sprite. She's soo sweet and fun to write for lol. I know poor Sli!! Don't worry (hopefully) some good things will happen with her (lol).
Alicat: Aww thank you!! I know I feel bad for Slider. Tart is a bitch you're right lol. And she gets WAY worse later when we start to find out way more about our favorite characters, but that's all I can say lol. Dumping Tart...you'll have to wait and see, I try not to write Mary Sue type stories, if he sticks with Tart...you do the math lol. (If u want more info, email/IM me!! ttyl)
Pixie Stix: Thank you!! I have pretty much of an ending in mind, but not completely. We'll see where the story takes itself lol. Enjoy this chapter!
Vixen: Yeah I know you love the story lol. Well, it's Tart lol. You're welcome for the SO, you did review after all. Thank you!! That was such a sweet thing to say!! I love writing and I love to give back to all the fanfiction writers by trying to write something entertaining to read lol. Well, I'm writing more now. I'm feeling SOO mush better!! I hope you like this chapter! LYLAS 2 lol ttyl
Firecracker: OMG how was San Antonio??? Sounds fantastic!! Well, I'm glad you read and reviewed when you got back lol. Well, I can't tell you who you end up with 'cause it might give some stuff away, but if you really wanna know, email/IM me! Yes, you, me, Slider, and Spark are all going on a road trip. We're gonna go pick up Smartass and hang in NYC!!!! (visit some newsie spots, go see a show, have fun lol) Yep I'm driving!!!! Bus? No bus!! I'll drive a...um...well *whispers* I don't really have a car *louder* but don't worry, we'll get one ;) Act out Newsies on the street, what are you crazy?!?!?!? OF COURSE WE'RE GOING TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, it'd be their fault for watching (the scarred people on the street lol)
Sweets Conlon: So FINALLY you read it!!! lol. Aww, well I love you'se too lol. No killing Mush is allowed, but you can maim, yell, hurt him HOWEVER you want lol J/K!! *hugs Mush tight* LYLAS and Me and Vix and Alicat, we all love you soo mush! Please don't be sad! LYL!! :)
SparkHiggins: Aww! Thanks for reviewing hun! How was ENGLAND?!?!?!?!? Well, Mush is by far the HOTTEST guy, but I'll be a compromiser (is that a word?) and say it...he's...well he's...he's *forces self to say it, but whispers* the mmhsem hottest. Now what were we saying?? lol He does have THE BEST ABS ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!! *sighs* No taunting allowed, or no updates! lol. Slider is incredibly mean! lol love ya girl. Thank you!! I'm glad you liked it lol. I know, gosh Tart, what's up with her?? I do so love my Mushy boy, he's sooo sweet!!! AWWWW!! *hugs Spark* thank you sooo mush!! I try to write, but I really don't think I'm all that good lol. Updates = Now!!
AN: Real quick I just wanna say thank you sooo mush to all my reviewers!!! You really make my day. I just love going online and hearing that friendly psycho guy say: You've got mail. (which is improper English grammar by the way lol) I have reached 60 reviews!! That is no small task. And so, to celebrate this monumental event, I'm going to give all my reviewers the newsie of their choosing, gift wrapped in ONE of the following: hot sauce with whipped cream and a cherry, sweat, chains and a gag (whip included), or in their birthday suit ;) Have fun with your toys...uh I mean boys lol.
Last time on The Guardian:
It was late by the time Mush made it back to the lodging house. He decided to go for a walk before he headed back, and ended up walking halfway around the city before turning back. The dark inky sky and cool night air made Mush think of his mother. He missed her immensely, and he was reminded of her on nights such as that one.
"Ma, I really miss ya. I hope you'se an' Pop ah okay up deah in heaven. I know I promised Mistah Blake I'd take cah (care) o' Lizzie, but is' hahd. 'specially now. I gots all dese strange feelin's. Please help me figah eveythin' out. Take cah o' Antonio an' ya selves. I miss ya all. I love you, night." Mush turned back to head home, and just missed seeing a shooting star streak across the night sky.
Now on with the story!
Chapter 9: Injuries Abound
~Several Weeks Later~
Sprite, Marit, Slider and Spark were sitting around the card table. After playing nineteen hands of poker in a row, the quartet were bored out of their minds. Spark sighed loudly.
"Yeah, I know whatcha mean." Marit said in response to the sigh. The table was quiet for a moment as the girls looked at their cards. All but Sprite put their cards down.
"Fold,"
"Me two,"
"Me tree, 'm out." Sprite rolled her eyes and put her straight down on the table.
"Dis is so borin'!" Slider yelled, sick of doing nothing all day. Since it was Sunday, the girls got a break from selling, and usually spent their time outdoors. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs outside.
"Yeah, I agree." Sprite said. Marit glanced at the group.
"I'se got an idea. What if we went ta go see Avi? Haven't seen her oah da odda Brooklyn goils since da pahty. What'dya say?" Slider shrugged.
"Shoah. Sounds nice."
"Yeah, I wanna see Avi." Sprite said with enthusiasm.
"I would, but me an' Blink haven't spent any quality time foah awhile an' I miss 'im. So I'se gonna stay heah dis time. Tell Av, I said hi, dough." The remaining three girls nodded and stood up to leave. Marit turned to Spark,
"If anybody asks, we'se seein' Avi. Bye Spahk." Spark waved and watched Slider, Marit, and Sprite leave.
Once outside, silence filled the trio. The rain stopped as the girls neared the halfway point on the Brooklyn Bridge. Once they were across, Sprite looked around to see anyone familiar. Slider slipped away from the other two, who had engaged in meaningless chatter to break the silence. Marit and Sprite continued walking until Marit thought she saw Smartass in the distance. She waved, but wasn't sure if Smartass saw her.
"Smartass! Avi!" Sprite yelled. Avi heard voices and ran to them. Sprite could see the look of sheer panic and fear on Smartass' face as she neared them. Avi's beautiful hair was matted and tangled from the ran, and the light mist played on Avi's face mixing with her tears. Marit drew her friend to her.
"Avi, wha's wrong?" Avi, tried to speak, but was out of breath. Finally, she managed to wheeze out a few intelligible words.
"Gang fight...Bayou...hurt." Sprite and Marit looked at each other. They needed to find Bayou. Sprite took charge of the situation as Marit tried to calm Avi.
"Where is he?" Sprite demanded.
"Follow me." Avi said motioning. She led the two girls to a deserted alleyway not far from where they were standing. Marit gagged when she saw the horrible shape Avi's lover was in. His face was purple with bruises, and his hairline was bleeding profusely. His left eye was swelled shut, and had begun emitting pus. Thankfully there were no real cut marks evident on the boy's face. His arms and legs however, were laden with the residue of an attack with knives. Smartass wailed and threw herself on the ground next to Bayou. Marit had no idea what to do, and looked to Sprite for help. Sprite was good at thinking on her feet and in emergencies, she immediately took charge after mentally assessing both Bayou's and Avi's conditions.
"All right, Marit get Avi off the ground. We're gonna need to get him somewhere safe, and fast before he loses too much blood. Avi, look at me." Avi looked up, her tear stained face made her look decades older than she really was. Sprite knelt down, followed by Marit. Sprite put her arms under the unconscious boy's head. Marit lifted his middle, and Avi grabbed his legs. Slowly, they lifted Bayou off the ground. "Good job girls. That's it, nice and slow. Keep his legs straight Avi. Don't worry it'll be okay." Sprite reassured the distraught newsie. Sprite turned to Marit as best she could. "Mar, we gotta get him somewhere. Do you know somewhere we could go?" Marit nodded her head.
"Yeah, Spot's place. 's 'bout a block oah so. Cimon." Swiftly, the three girls carried Bayou to the Brooklyn Lodging House.
~Meanwhile in the Brooklyn L.H.~
Slider wandered around, looking and revisiting old memories of her once permanent homestead. Slider was so busy reminiscing, she failed to notice the steel blue eyed leader of Brooklyn on her back, taking in her every move. After minutes of gazing at his lost love, Spot spoke.
"Ya miss it?" Slider didn't turn around as she spoke. She had been able to sense Spot's presence and wasn't surprised when he spoke to her.
"Yeah, now an' den. It was me home foah so lon', sometimes it seems I should come back heah aftah sellin'." Slider finally turned to face her ex lover. His eyes were riddled with passion and wanting for her, but she refused to give in.
"Slidah, why can'cha jus' foahgive me? I love you'se moah dan evah an' I knows I won' be happy 'til you come back in me life." Spot's face was mournful, and his eyes held small the small tears he refused to shed. What if he was telling the truth, and he really did love her. Slider shook her head violently. He didn't love her, he just loved the sex and the companionship he felt when he was with her.
"No Spot! You hoit me. I don' t'ink I'll evah be able ta git ovah dat. I'se sorry." Slider turned to leave, when the leader of Brooklyn grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Please Sli. Please jus' give me anodda chance. I promise I'll be fait'ful to ya forevah." A parade of tears trickled down Slider's face, onto Spot's shoulder, but she didn't give in.
"No, Spot. I love you'se, an' I wanna believe you've changed, but I jus' can't." Spot's face was set in a hard glare as he pulled away from Slider. Loud voices were heard from downstairs, and Slider rushed out of the room.
"Well, den I'll jus' have ta prove to ya I love you'se." Spot said in a determined voice, before following the sounds down to the lobby.
Spot saw Smartass, Marit, and some unknown blonde girl carrying his newsie Bayou. Bayou was beat up bad from the looks of it, and Smartass wasn't in the best shape herself. Before he could say anything, the blonde called out to him,
"Quick, we need to put him down. Where's an empty room?" Spot led the group upstairs to his vacant room. Sprite, Marit, and Avi gently let Bayou down on Spot's bed. Sprite turned to direct Marit. "Clue, I need you to go boil me some hot water, and get as many clean bandages as you can find." Marit nodded and quickly left the room. Sprite then looked at Smartass who was in much worse shape than she had previously been in. "Avi, you need to listen to me." Avi looked up into Sprite's dark green eyes. "Avi, are you gonna be able to be in the room with Bayou? By the looks of his injuries, I'm going to need to give him stitches, and I can't have you in shambles with me. I'll need some one who can stay calm and help me give him the best care I can. It's okay if you need to leave Avi, but I need to know right now!" Smartass looked over at her injured boyfriend. She took in all his cuts and bruises, and grasped his hand, gently squeezing it.
"No, I'se sorry Sprite. I can' stay heah wid him. Is' too hahd. If somet'in happens, cohl me dough. K?" Sprite nodded, and gave Smartass a tight hug.
"'s all right. Go get cleaned up and get some sleep." Avi nodded and tried to smile. Once Avi left the room, Sprite smoothed back Bayou's hair, in order to see the amount of damage inflicted on the poor boy. Spot stood in the room, unsure of what to do. Sprite remembered the rude boy from the party was still there. "'scuse me, can you help me?" Spot pulled his gaze from his friend, to the girl speaking.
"Yeah shoah." Spot said.
"Can you get me some thread and a few needles? If possible, please burn the needles, I need them sterile. I'm going to have to sew his head back up as quickly as possible." Spot turned and dashed out of the room on a mission for needles and thread. Marit came back soon after, carrying hot water and clean rags. Sprite ripped Bayou's shirt off (Sorry Smartass lol ;) and used the rags and water to cleanse the wounded areas on the boy. After covering most of Bayou's cuts, Sprite sat back, waiting for the needles and thread. Spot burst into the room with the desired objects, and Sprite asked Marit to leave while she "operated". Spot winced in pain just from watching the needle strike in and out of Bayou's silky carmel skin. Finally, Sprite finished, and gazed at her patient. His cuts were looking a bit better, as was his head. Sprite sat back on her heels and wiped her hands on her borrowed cut off shorts.
"The next few hours are going to be the most crucial. We really need to watch him and make sure nothing happens, and the cuts don't get worse." Spot nodded and finally spoke,
"T'anks foah youah fast t'inkin' jus' now. I don' wanna t'ink 'bout what woulda happened if you wasn't heah." Sprite bowed her head in modesty.
"Wasn't much. Just helpin' some one in need. Now what we really need to do is keep checkin' on him, and make sure Avi's okay. She seemed really shaken up." Spot nodded in agreement. He finally got a chance to look at the girl who had quite possibly saved Bayou's life. Her short blonde hair was pulled back with a few small clips, and her face was stained with sweat, rainwater, and just a bit of mud. She was not thin by any stretch, but had lovely curves to her body. Her dark emerald eyes stared at him in total recognition.
"What?" Spot asked her, tired of silence.
"It's you! You're the guy from the party. You bumped inta me an' went ballistic." Sprite said, brushing a few stray hairs out of her flushed face. Spot's brows knit in deep thought.
"I soahta 'membah you. Was really drunk dough. Did I say somet'in to ya?" Spot asked. Sprite decided she didn't need another enemy and simply shook her head.
"No, 's all right. I forgave you." Sprite turned back to look at Bayou who had groaned so she didn't have to look at Spot. His eyes were extremely unnerving and cold like ice; completely unlike Mush's eyes. Mush had eyes made of hot dark coffee, that sparkled and shone with every word he spoke. Liz missed her guardian at that moment. Even though she had only been in Brooklyn a few hours, she already felt exhausted. Pushing indecent thoughts out of her head, Sprite looked at her guardian's near twin. His face looked much more ruddy and warm than it had before, and Sprite was afraid a fever had set in. She placed her hand on his cheek and then forehead, and was disheartened to learn she was correct in her assumption.
"Spot right?" Spot looked up from the wooden floor when he heard his name spoken.
"Yeah."
"I need you to get me some cold compresses. You know, rags doused in cold water. Bayou has a fever, and we need to bring it down as soon as we can." Spot left the room for the second time since the girls' and Bayou's arrival. Bayou rolled over in his sleep and started mumbling unintelligible words. Sprite spoke in a soothing voice, and continued rubbing his head in an attempt to relieve his discomfort. Spot returned with the requested rags and water in record time. Sprite began applying the compress and sat back to watch her patient.
Smartass was called back into the room to see her beloved. Her aura seemed to be soothing him, because his fever dropped dramatically as she stood with him. Hours later, Bayou slept comfortably, his fever gone. Sprite also found the land of dreams, and stayed there until morning. Spot meanwhile moved Sprite to a more comfortable bunk, and went to inform Slider of everything that took place.
When Sprite awoke, she was surprised to see Mush sitting next to her. His hand held hers, and his eyes were shut. Sprite would have been content to just watch her guardian sleep peacefully, when Spot appeared at the doorway. He spoke quietly so as not to disturb Mush.
"Sprite, I really wanna tell you'se t'ank you. I tawked ta Fiah, an' found out what I said to ya. I was a total jackass. Heah you save Bayou's life, an' I'se a joik. Can you foahgive me? I really wanna be yoah friend if possible." Spot spit (sounds funny lol) on his hand and held it out. Sprite looked at it for a moment before smiling and spitting into her own. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship, and maybe something more...
TBC I would like LOTS of reviews for this chapter 'cause I worked REALLY HARD on it to make it nice and angsty and long. I hope you liked it, and PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! ttyl :)
~Sprite~