"Where is that Lodging house!" Gabi yelled out loud. She had been running around
for at least half an hour with no luck. Out of breath, Gabi was about to turn
one last corner before stopping when she saw a familiar face walking ahead.
"Spot! Spot wait up!"
"Gabi? What the hell ya doin' out here?" Spot asked, baffled. He had hardly noticed someone was talking to him. He had been on the way down to where Fox did his business after receiving word that Fox had something to discuss. "Didn't ya go back home?"
"I did, but Christopher was there. They wanted me to marry him! I couldn't stay," she explained. "I need to find Bumlets. Please, I can't figure out where the lodging house is. These streets are just a mess in my head."
Spot shook his head. "It's not safe in Manhattan. The bulls have been 'round there all day. Go to the Bridge. It's safe there."
"How on earth am I going to get there?" she asked.
Spot frowned. He didn't have the time to take her. He tried to figure out the best way to explain the way, but failed. Then he noticed a rumpled flyer on the ground with the Brooklyn Bridge imprinted on the front. "Well, I'll be." It was an advertisement for the bridge and within it, came directions to Brooklyn. "Here, follow dis. You'll make it there alright."
"What about Bumlets?" Gabi asked and took the map from his hands.
"I'll get him to meet ya there, but I really need to go. You'll see him tonight," Spot answered and took off down the street.
Gabi began to follow the map, hoping she would make it to that other lodging house alright, and hoping that she could be in Bumlets' arms once again.
****
Spot jogged to the Manhattan Lodging House. It was on the way to his meeting place and he wanted to see Luna before he went there. Inside Luna sat on the couch, in deep conversation with Slinks.
"Heya Luna, Slinks," he greeted, trying to be as cheerful as possible.
"Mutt, what brings ya to Manhattan?" Luna teased.
"Gabi's back," he explained, and was cut off by Bumlets.
"She's what?"
"She ran from her family, and Fox. Dey was makin' the weddin' plans or sumptin'."
"Wheah is she now?" Bumlets asked hastily.
"I sent her to the Bridge. It's too dangerous here with the bulls around. She'll meet ya there."
Bumlets didn't even hesitate to head towards the door, slightly pondering how she would make the journey by herself, but too overcome by the thought of seeing her again.
"Bumlets, wait!" Luna called. "I'll go back with ya. I was gonna go tonight anyhow." She noticed Spot sigh in relief. Why had he done that?
Spot was glad Luna would be far away from Manhattan and where he was going that night. He couldn't risk her knowing where he had gone, or who he had gone to meet for that matter.
"I gotta get goin'. Meetin' up with some of the boys," Spot smiled, taking a long look at Luna as he made for the door. With that he was gone, leaving an anxious Bumlets waiting for Luna to be ready to go.
Luna was glad to take Bumlets to the Bridge Lodging House. It was good to get away from the leadership duties for a few days, but now she missed the building and the people that resided inside.
Dear Niece,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. My name is Shu Lien, and by the time you are born I'll be known as one of your aunts from long ago. Your mother probably told you of a legend from another time in a far off world. I was part of that legend. A long time ago I was engaged to marry a most wonderful man, but as fate would have it, he was killed. I was left with the memory of his life and his brother. We both helped each other through a very difficult time and we both grew to love each other, but out of respect for his brother, did nothing about it.
Now I regret that I had to hide my emotions for so long, because as things would turn out, not only was his brother killed but he was as well. We were warriors, we knew the consequences of our actions, and that life was not as safe as we might have liked it to be, but I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that he would be taken from me.
I wanted to pass on to you some advice that I wish I had taken many years back. Follow your heart as long as you live. Don't let pride or anything else ever get in your way. You are a descendent of a long line of strong, independent women who have always been burdened by doing the right thing, that is, what society would always consider the right thing. I hope that you read this soon enough, and that you will take my advice, and listen to your heart above all else.
Pass this advice onto your children, and make sure they keep up the tradition. Enclosed in this book is a tale of long ago, one that I lived through. Once you have lived many years, write your own story down, and pass it to the next generation, making sure they do the same thing. There is a story for each generation and soon you will be able to write your own. Keep the tradition alive.
Love, Yu Shu Lien
The note dropped from Luna's trembling hands. Her dreams made sense. They were forewarning her of what could happen. Spot… Standing up, Luna raced out of the lodging house and found her feet taking her towards the place Fox did his business at. Deep down she could sense something was happening tonight and that she had to get to Spot as soon as possible
****
"Well, if it isn't Spot Conlon. How's your brother doing, kid?" Christopher asked. "Oh, that's right. He's six feet under. I forgot," he snickered.
Glaring, Spot felt his blood boil. He approached Christopher with his head held high, one hand holding his cane firmly. "Fox, you and me got a score to settle," he growled.
"Score? Well, I believe I am winning, since I've rid the earth of one meddlesome Conlon. Now all I need to do is get rid of the other one," he seethed.
Spot walked closer, certain that this had to be an ambush, but the thought of finally avenging his brother's death was too strong, despite the consequences. "Well, I aim to even that tally," Spot answered, his eyes burning with rage. Tonight Fox would finally pay for what he not only did to his brother Pan, but to Leadpipe as well.
Christopher chuckled, amused by Spot's actions. Withdrawing his gun, Christopher pointed it at Spot, grinning wickedly. "Time to take care of one last meddlesome jackass," he muttered.
Spot was ready for Fox, knowing full well Fox would resort to a gun as his defense. "Ya always were a wuss, lettin' a weapon like that fight your battles," Spot snorted. Slowly he withdrew the marble he had kept since his brother's death.
"You're calling me a wuss? This from the boy that uses a slingshot to defend himself?" Christopher mused, his smile widening. "You use a toy to fight with."
Withdrawing the slingshot from his back pocket, Spot held it up. "You mean dis?" he asked, admiring it in the moonlight.
"Yes! That pathetic excuse for a weapon in your hand, Conlon!" Christopher spat, his mood now impatient. Getting rid of the previous Conlon had taken half the time. This one was rather persistent.
The marble in Spot's other hand gleamed in the light, and he carefully cradled it in the slingshot. "Well, for someone like yourself, who could never possibly be skillful enough to use one, it may seem like a toy, but for us who prefer sumptin' more rewardin' then just blastin' people away, it's the perfect weapon."
Luna hurried to the docks, fearing something was wrong. She had heard news that Fox was still lingering about town, despite rumors that he had fled Manhattan for good. If Spot found out he was still here, they would surely meet, and only one would survive. As she approached, she could see two figures both standing tall. Her heartbeat throbbed against her chest once she confirmed who the two were.
"Enough of this, Conlon. That toy is no use against this gun, and I'm afraid I have to go now, you've taken up more of my time than was necessary. Do say hi to your brother for me. Won't you?" he smirked and cocked the pistol.
Running at full speed, Luna was nearly there, praying that her sudden arrival would buy them enough time to flee the scene. Regret was ringing through her mind. She regretted not telling Spot how she felt about him before. She knew Pan would have wanted her to be happy, but out of honor for him and blindness of her affections for Spot for a long time, Luna had kept her feelings to herself. When was close enough to see Fox prepare to shoot, Luna cried out, hoping to divert Fox's attention. "Spot, no!" she screamed, then drew her own slingshot out.
Her plan had worked, but for merely a brief second. Christopher turned to see who had rudely interrupted them, and as he did, Spot aimed his slingshot at Fox, letting it go before he could turn back to Spot.
Barreling through the air, the marble contacted with Fox just where Spot had aimed for, and with a loud cry of pain, Fox fell to the ground, gripping his throat. The marble had temporarily cut off his air supply, rendering him helpless until he regained his breath.
"Luna! What are ya doin' here? Go home!" Spot yelled. "Lemme take care of this, will ya?" He knew full well Fox was merely wounded and would still need to be taken care of.
"I will not let ya kill yourself! Let's get outta here!" Luna cried as she ran towards him.
Christopher eyed the pistol that had fallen out of his hand. It only lay a few feet from him now. Gripping it in his shaking hands, he smiled faintly as it was still cocked and ready to be fired. Slowly Christopher raised his arm, still gasping for breath.
Spot had started walking towards Fox, but his gaze remained on Luna. He wanted to protect her. He couldn't lose her too. "Damn it, Luna! Leave. NOW!" he bellowed. Then he saw Luna freeze in fear, her eyes wide. She was staring at Fox, unable to speak.
Turning, Spot came face to face with the barrel of a gun pointing directly at him. In an instant a loud shot fired through the air, striking Spot down forcefully.
Christopher dropped the gun, his breath still too ragged. He gripped his throat with both hands, paying no attention to the spectator of his fight with Spot. Slowly he rose to his knees, coughing violently. He had taken care of his only enemies, and would now be free to run Brooklyn as part of his own territory.
Consumed by rage, Luna raced to where the gun lay. Gripping it in trembling hands, Luna slid her finger over the trigger. Fox had his back to her, still rasping for breath on his knees. She wanted him to see her kill him, to feel that fear of knowing he was on his last breath, and to beg her forgiveness, which deep down she knew he would never do.
"Look at me, asshole!" she cried and kicked him swiftly in the stomach, sending him flying on his back. She glared at him and cocked the gun, intent to pull the trigger without hesitation.
Fox couldn't protest verbally. She had knocked the wind out of him and all he could do was sputter out cough after cough. He waved his hands in the air, gesturing for her to stop, but the anger in her eyes could not be mistaken.
Luna pointed the pistol at Fox and started to squeeze the trigger, closing her eyes once it finally went off. She opened her eyes to see Fox take his last breath and threw the gun in the water, wanting to cleanse herself of the deed she had done somehow.
"Luna," Spot mumbled. "Luna?"
Gasping, Luna turned to see Spot still alive, though blood had consumed his shirt and his breath was staggered. "Spot? Spot hold on. I'll…I'll get help…You'll be fine…Just lemme get a doctor…"
"No," he interrupted her. "No, it's too late. Luna…Luna, come here," he whispered. Spot tried to stretch out his arm to her, but found his strength nearly gone. The best he could do was open his hand, hoping to feel hers intertwined with it soon.
Luna knelt beside him, shaking her head. "It's not too late. I can get a doctor and you'll be fine…" She took his hand in hers, holding on to it tightly, her other hand behind his neck, holding his head up to look into his eyes.
"I only have one breath left, Luna. It's too late for a doctor," he mumbled, doing his best to neglect the pain consuming him.
"Use it to rest, then. Use it to hold out until I get help," she whispered.
"No, I wanna tell ya sumptin'."
"Spot, no, use it to rest. Don't waste it on me, please."
"I've already wasted me entire life," he continued, his voice growing softer and softer. "I wanna tell ya that…that I've always loved ya. Since the moment I met ya, I knew ya was sumptin' special. Just look at da way ya shoot a slingshot," he smiled as best he could. Struggling to continue, he looked deep into her eyes. "Yer the most beautiful, wonderful girl I ever met, and I'm madly in love with ya."
Luna let the tears fall, unable to hold them back any longer. She ran her fingers lightly down his cheek before leaning in to kiss him lightly.
"Spot, don't leave. I love you… Please, don't die on me!" she cried. She saw him smile slightly, his trademark smirk evident even in his final moments. Then she could feel the last bit of his life being drained violently from him, until he lay limp in her arms.
Luna brought his forehead to her lips, kissing it as if she would never let go. She couldn't bring herself to believe he was gone.
Running through the streets, Gabi knew Christopher wouldn't have gone after Spot if she hadn't refused his marriage proposal. She could have stopped what would happen. As she had made her way to Brooklyn, she passed some of Fox's goons he had taken a liquor break once they told Spot's Newsies where to meet Fox. Now they boasted loudly about how Spot was going to meet his last match. If Gabi had talked to Fox that night, instead of running out, perhaps she could have stopped this all. Now if only she could reach the docks in time. Her boots hitting the cobblestones in rapid succession, Gabi had a hard time stopping once she approached the docks. She made out three figures, all lying on the ground, and at least one of them didn't appear to have any life left.
"Luna?! Luna what happened?" Gabi questioned before falling to her knees besides the couple. She looked down to see Spot covered in blood and his eyes closed. "No…he's not…I'll get help…"
"It's too late," Luna replied, her voice devoid of any emotion, though the tears still flowed down her cheeks. "He's gone."
"Gone? No!" Gabi cried. "He can't be! Wake him up! I can get help! We can help him!"
"NO! Gabi, he's gone," Luna repeated. She held Spot close to her once more before lying him gently on the cold ground. Still enraged, Luna took Spot's cane in her hands, gripping it until her knuckles flushed white in color. She stood up and walked towards Gabi, who was still kneeling. If you had married Fox, he would have never done this! He would have had what he wanted and left Spot alone! she yelled at Gabi in her mind.
"Luna, I'm, I'm so sorry. I... I didn't mean for this to happen," Gabi whispered. She looked up at Luna, her eyes pleading.
Nodding, Gabi mouthed 'I'm sorry' once more before turning on her heel and speeding towards the lodging house.
"Spot! Spot wait up!"
"Gabi? What the hell ya doin' out here?" Spot asked, baffled. He had hardly noticed someone was talking to him. He had been on the way down to where Fox did his business after receiving word that Fox had something to discuss. "Didn't ya go back home?"
"I did, but Christopher was there. They wanted me to marry him! I couldn't stay," she explained. "I need to find Bumlets. Please, I can't figure out where the lodging house is. These streets are just a mess in my head."
Spot shook his head. "It's not safe in Manhattan. The bulls have been 'round there all day. Go to the Bridge. It's safe there."
"How on earth am I going to get there?" she asked.
Spot frowned. He didn't have the time to take her. He tried to figure out the best way to explain the way, but failed. Then he noticed a rumpled flyer on the ground with the Brooklyn Bridge imprinted on the front. "Well, I'll be." It was an advertisement for the bridge and within it, came directions to Brooklyn. "Here, follow dis. You'll make it there alright."
"What about Bumlets?" Gabi asked and took the map from his hands.
"I'll get him to meet ya there, but I really need to go. You'll see him tonight," Spot answered and took off down the street.
Gabi began to follow the map, hoping she would make it to that other lodging house alright, and hoping that she could be in Bumlets' arms once again.
Spot jogged to the Manhattan Lodging House. It was on the way to his meeting place and he wanted to see Luna before he went there. Inside Luna sat on the couch, in deep conversation with Slinks.
"Heya Luna, Slinks," he greeted, trying to be as cheerful as possible.
"Mutt, what brings ya to Manhattan?" Luna teased.
"Gabi's back," he explained, and was cut off by Bumlets.
"She's what?"
"She ran from her family, and Fox. Dey was makin' the weddin' plans or sumptin'."
"Wheah is she now?" Bumlets asked hastily.
"I sent her to the Bridge. It's too dangerous here with the bulls around. She'll meet ya there."
Bumlets didn't even hesitate to head towards the door, slightly pondering how she would make the journey by herself, but too overcome by the thought of seeing her again.
"Bumlets, wait!" Luna called. "I'll go back with ya. I was gonna go tonight anyhow." She noticed Spot sigh in relief. Why had he done that?
Spot was glad Luna would be far away from Manhattan and where he was going that night. He couldn't risk her knowing where he had gone, or who he had gone to meet for that matter.
"I gotta get goin'. Meetin' up with some of the boys," Spot smiled, taking a long look at Luna as he made for the door. With that he was gone, leaving an anxious Bumlets waiting for Luna to be ready to go.
Luna was glad to take Bumlets to the Bridge Lodging House. It was good to get away from the leadership duties for a few days, but now she missed the building and the people that resided inside.
Once she entered the lodging house, she found the
amount of people to be overwhelming to what she could handle right now. Though
happy to see her fellow Newsies, Luna felt it time to do some serious thinking,
and leaving Key in charge, headed towards the dusty attic.
Among the old broken bunk frames and chairs lie items that several
Newsies had left in the attic, for they wished not to be reminded of their past.
Various small boxes were labeled each with a different name and sealed shut.
Luna had her own box and she had made sure to store it in the farthest corner
possible.
Inhaling deeply, Luna took in the scent of the dank attic and pushed
her legs over towards the corner. As she approached she remembered more and more
of the visions she was having the past few weeks. How is dis all connected?
Why am I havin' dese dreams all da time?
Luna sat down near the box and crossed her legs. It seemed the
answers might be in there, and though she hesitated to re-open thoughts of her
past, the idea of finally knowing what these dreams were about was too strong.
She rummaged through the box, each item it contained bringing back
more and more memories of a past she had tried to forget. Then she came to a
book that had been passed down to her from her mother.
This book has been in our family for generations, and now it's
time that I gave it to you, to pass down to your children when the time comes.
Luna could still hear her mother's voice clearly in her head. She
remembered that day vividly. Confused as to what the book's significance was,
Luna had set it on her dresser, and never gave it another thought. It had been
her tenth birthday, and she was much more inclined to celebrate with her friends
than read a book.
Slowly Luna turned through the pages, frustrated that it didn't seem
to be helping her uncover the significance of her dreams. The pages were filled
with what looked like journal entries, dating back hundreds of years, but she
had no way to be certain. Most of it appeared to be in Mandarin, but Luna
couldn't make out much of anything.
"Dis is ridiculous.
This book ain't helpin'. It just looks like
someone's diary or sumptin'," she muttered and slammed the book shut. As she did
so, a small envelope peered out from the book, her swift action budging the
envelope from its fixed position in the book for all those years.
Luna raised a brow and sighed. "What
the hell," she shrugged and slid
the envelope out from the book, opening it carefully. Inside were two notes, one
inscribed in an ancient language and then one from her mother.
Abby, your aunt from many years ago wrote this to you, and as I
am afraid I may never be able to further your education in this brilliant
language, I've transcribed it for you.
Love always,
Your mother
Dear Niece,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. My name is Shu Lien, and by the time you are born I'll be known as one of your aunts from long ago. Your mother probably told you of a legend from another time in a far off world. I was part of that legend. A long time ago I was engaged to marry a most wonderful man, but as fate would have it, he was killed. I was left with the memory of his life and his brother. We both helped each other through a very difficult time and we both grew to love each other, but out of respect for his brother, did nothing about it.
Now I regret that I had to hide my emotions for so long, because as things would turn out, not only was his brother killed but he was as well. We were warriors, we knew the consequences of our actions, and that life was not as safe as we might have liked it to be, but I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that he would be taken from me.
I wanted to pass on to you some advice that I wish I had taken many years back. Follow your heart as long as you live. Don't let pride or anything else ever get in your way. You are a descendent of a long line of strong, independent women who have always been burdened by doing the right thing, that is, what society would always consider the right thing. I hope that you read this soon enough, and that you will take my advice, and listen to your heart above all else.
Pass this advice onto your children, and make sure they keep up the tradition. Enclosed in this book is a tale of long ago, one that I lived through. Once you have lived many years, write your own story down, and pass it to the next generation, making sure they do the same thing. There is a story for each generation and soon you will be able to write your own. Keep the tradition alive.
Love, Yu Shu Lien
The note dropped from Luna's trembling hands. Her dreams made sense. They were forewarning her of what could happen. Spot… Standing up, Luna raced out of the lodging house and found her feet taking her towards the place Fox did his business at. Deep down she could sense something was happening tonight and that she had to get to Spot as soon as possible
"Well, if it isn't Spot Conlon. How's your brother doing, kid?" Christopher asked. "Oh, that's right. He's six feet under. I forgot," he snickered.
Glaring, Spot felt his blood boil. He approached Christopher with his head held high, one hand holding his cane firmly. "Fox, you and me got a score to settle," he growled.
"Score? Well, I believe I am winning, since I've rid the earth of one meddlesome Conlon. Now all I need to do is get rid of the other one," he seethed.
Spot walked closer, certain that this had to be an ambush, but the thought of finally avenging his brother's death was too strong, despite the consequences. "Well, I aim to even that tally," Spot answered, his eyes burning with rage. Tonight Fox would finally pay for what he not only did to his brother Pan, but to Leadpipe as well.
Christopher chuckled, amused by Spot's actions. Withdrawing his gun, Christopher pointed it at Spot, grinning wickedly. "Time to take care of one last meddlesome jackass," he muttered.
Spot was ready for Fox, knowing full well Fox would resort to a gun as his defense. "Ya always were a wuss, lettin' a weapon like that fight your battles," Spot snorted. Slowly he withdrew the marble he had kept since his brother's death.
"You're calling me a wuss? This from the boy that uses a slingshot to defend himself?" Christopher mused, his smile widening. "You use a toy to fight with."
Withdrawing the slingshot from his back pocket, Spot held it up. "You mean dis?" he asked, admiring it in the moonlight.
"Yes! That pathetic excuse for a weapon in your hand, Conlon!" Christopher spat, his mood now impatient. Getting rid of the previous Conlon had taken half the time. This one was rather persistent.
The marble in Spot's other hand gleamed in the light, and he carefully cradled it in the slingshot. "Well, for someone like yourself, who could never possibly be skillful enough to use one, it may seem like a toy, but for us who prefer sumptin' more rewardin' then just blastin' people away, it's the perfect weapon."
Luna hurried to the docks, fearing something was wrong. She had heard news that Fox was still lingering about town, despite rumors that he had fled Manhattan for good. If Spot found out he was still here, they would surely meet, and only one would survive. As she approached, she could see two figures both standing tall. Her heartbeat throbbed against her chest once she confirmed who the two were.
"Enough of this, Conlon. That toy is no use against this gun, and I'm afraid I have to go now, you've taken up more of my time than was necessary. Do say hi to your brother for me. Won't you?" he smirked and cocked the pistol.
Running at full speed, Luna was nearly there, praying that her sudden arrival would buy them enough time to flee the scene. Regret was ringing through her mind. She regretted not telling Spot how she felt about him before. She knew Pan would have wanted her to be happy, but out of honor for him and blindness of her affections for Spot for a long time, Luna had kept her feelings to herself. When was close enough to see Fox prepare to shoot, Luna cried out, hoping to divert Fox's attention. "Spot, no!" she screamed, then drew her own slingshot out.
Her plan had worked, but for merely a brief second. Christopher turned to see who had rudely interrupted them, and as he did, Spot aimed his slingshot at Fox, letting it go before he could turn back to Spot.
Barreling through the air, the marble contacted with Fox just where Spot had aimed for, and with a loud cry of pain, Fox fell to the ground, gripping his throat. The marble had temporarily cut off his air supply, rendering him helpless until he regained his breath.
"Luna! What are ya doin' here? Go home!" Spot yelled. "Lemme take care of this, will ya?" He knew full well Fox was merely wounded and would still need to be taken care of.
"I will not let ya kill yourself! Let's get outta here!" Luna cried as she ran towards him.
Christopher eyed the pistol that had fallen out of his hand. It only lay a few feet from him now. Gripping it in his shaking hands, he smiled faintly as it was still cocked and ready to be fired. Slowly Christopher raised his arm, still gasping for breath.
Spot had started walking towards Fox, but his gaze remained on Luna. He wanted to protect her. He couldn't lose her too. "Damn it, Luna! Leave. NOW!" he bellowed. Then he saw Luna freeze in fear, her eyes wide. She was staring at Fox, unable to speak.
Turning, Spot came face to face with the barrel of a gun pointing directly at him. In an instant a loud shot fired through the air, striking Spot down forcefully.
Christopher dropped the gun, his breath still too ragged. He gripped his throat with both hands, paying no attention to the spectator of his fight with Spot. Slowly he rose to his knees, coughing violently. He had taken care of his only enemies, and would now be free to run Brooklyn as part of his own territory.
Consumed by rage, Luna raced to where the gun lay. Gripping it in trembling hands, Luna slid her finger over the trigger. Fox had his back to her, still rasping for breath on his knees. She wanted him to see her kill him, to feel that fear of knowing he was on his last breath, and to beg her forgiveness, which deep down she knew he would never do.
"Look at me, asshole!" she cried and kicked him swiftly in the stomach, sending him flying on his back. She glared at him and cocked the gun, intent to pull the trigger without hesitation.
Fox couldn't protest verbally. She had knocked the wind out of him and all he could do was sputter out cough after cough. He waved his hands in the air, gesturing for her to stop, but the anger in her eyes could not be mistaken.
Luna pointed the pistol at Fox and started to squeeze the trigger, closing her eyes once it finally went off. She opened her eyes to see Fox take his last breath and threw the gun in the water, wanting to cleanse herself of the deed she had done somehow.
"Luna," Spot mumbled. "Luna?"
Gasping, Luna turned to see Spot still alive, though blood had consumed his shirt and his breath was staggered. "Spot? Spot hold on. I'll…I'll get help…You'll be fine…Just lemme get a doctor…"
"No," he interrupted her. "No, it's too late. Luna…Luna, come here," he whispered. Spot tried to stretch out his arm to her, but found his strength nearly gone. The best he could do was open his hand, hoping to feel hers intertwined with it soon.
Luna knelt beside him, shaking her head. "It's not too late. I can get a doctor and you'll be fine…" She took his hand in hers, holding on to it tightly, her other hand behind his neck, holding his head up to look into his eyes.
"I only have one breath left, Luna. It's too late for a doctor," he mumbled, doing his best to neglect the pain consuming him.
"Use it to rest, then. Use it to hold out until I get help," she whispered.
"No, I wanna tell ya sumptin'."
"Spot, no, use it to rest. Don't waste it on me, please."
"I've already wasted me entire life," he continued, his voice growing softer and softer. "I wanna tell ya that…that I've always loved ya. Since the moment I met ya, I knew ya was sumptin' special. Just look at da way ya shoot a slingshot," he smiled as best he could. Struggling to continue, he looked deep into her eyes. "Yer the most beautiful, wonderful girl I ever met, and I'm madly in love with ya."
Luna let the tears fall, unable to hold them back any longer. She ran her fingers lightly down his cheek before leaning in to kiss him lightly.
"Spot, don't leave. I love you… Please, don't die on me!" she cried. She saw him smile slightly, his trademark smirk evident even in his final moments. Then she could feel the last bit of his life being drained violently from him, until he lay limp in her arms.
Luna brought his forehead to her lips, kissing it as if she would never let go. She couldn't bring herself to believe he was gone.
Running through the streets, Gabi knew Christopher wouldn't have gone after Spot if she hadn't refused his marriage proposal. She could have stopped what would happen. As she had made her way to Brooklyn, she passed some of Fox's goons he had taken a liquor break once they told Spot's Newsies where to meet Fox. Now they boasted loudly about how Spot was going to meet his last match. If Gabi had talked to Fox that night, instead of running out, perhaps she could have stopped this all. Now if only she could reach the docks in time. Her boots hitting the cobblestones in rapid succession, Gabi had a hard time stopping once she approached the docks. She made out three figures, all lying on the ground, and at least one of them didn't appear to have any life left.
"Luna?! Luna what happened?" Gabi questioned before falling to her knees besides the couple. She looked down to see Spot covered in blood and his eyes closed. "No…he's not…I'll get help…"
"It's too late," Luna replied, her voice devoid of any emotion, though the tears still flowed down her cheeks. "He's gone."
"Gone? No!" Gabi cried. "He can't be! Wake him up! I can get help! We can help him!"
"NO! Gabi, he's gone," Luna repeated. She held Spot close to her once more before lying him gently on the cold ground. Still enraged, Luna took Spot's cane in her hands, gripping it until her knuckles flushed white in color. She stood up and walked towards Gabi, who was still kneeling. If you had married Fox, he would have never done this! He would have had what he wanted and left Spot alone! she yelled at Gabi in her mind.
"Luna, I'm, I'm so sorry. I... I didn't mean for this to happen," Gabi whispered. She looked up at Luna, her eyes pleading.
Drawing back the cane, Luna went to strike Gabi, but stopped short, right as the cane nearly collided with Gabi's head. Gabi's eyes closed and she braced herself for the impact even she thought she deserved. But it never came. Moments later, Luna dropped the cane and knelt in front of her. Luna knew all too well the pain of what Gabi would have had to endure if she had married Fox, for she loved another. She was dealing with a similar pain. If she had listened to her heart instead of her pride, she would have told Spot she loved him long ago. It was too late for her, but it wasn't too late for Gabi. "You must go. Bumlets will be waiting for you at the Bridge Lodgin' House. She saw Gabi's hesitation, and helped Gabi to her feet. "You can meet him safely there. Go, he's already waited long enough."
Nodding, Gabi mouthed 'I'm sorry' once more before turning on her heel and speeding towards the lodging house.