A/N: FIREmblemFAN - Everything up to this point was written in January. I'm now starting into the Febuary writing. The entire thing was written from Jan - Aug, and then we all kinda went off for awhile. I'm actually working on getting the group back together to continue, so we'll have to see. But there is much more story for me to format before I get to where we stopped. :)
Thanks!
Kajouka
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Journal Excerpts
Footsteps clanged on metal, and with a quiet whoosh the door of the Bebop slid aside. The living room was deserted except for Paris sitting on the couch. Spike stared at her blankly for a moment, uncomprehending, then finally managed, "They've got Faye."
Back home and message conveyed, Spike finally let himself crumple to the floor. The darkness closed in over his head, bringing its sweet release.
Paris let out a cry, as she leapt up from the couch and ran as fast as she could to Spike's side. Any idiot could see that he had gotten shot; there was blood everywhere - mostly on the floor or staining his blue suit. "Spike! Spike!" Paris shook him, trying to get him to wake up. She tried to stay calm as she thought of what to do. 'The couch! He needs to lay down on something soft...' Paris' human instincts seemed to take over as she cleared her head and planned what to do.
She wasn't a very strong girl but she stood in front of Spike, grabbed his two ha nds and dragged him toward the sofa. Slowly, she lifted one leg on to the couch, and then the other. She followed this bit-by-bit process until Spike's entire body was on the couch. Paris tried to shake him again, but noticed the great amount of blood that Spike was losing still. She ripped off some of her pink shirt at the bottom, which Faye had given her, and used it as a bandage to wrap tightly around Spike's arm. She didnt know what to do for his side, so she grabbed two pillows and pressed one firmly against the other bullet wound and put the other under his head for support.
He was still out. And there were still bullets buried in Spike's body - they had to come out. But Paris didn't know if anyone else was on the ship, and she couldn't waste time running aimlessly around the Bebop in search of someone. Paris just ran hastily to the Bebop's tiny bathroom and wet a small towel. She returned to Spike, folded the small damp towel and placed it on his forehead. "Hey, it's better than nothing!"
"Wait a minute..." Paris' mind calmed down, after treating Spike the best she could. "What did he say about Faye?! Someone has her?"
"What's going on?" Jet asked as he entered the living room. "Ah! Spike!" He shouted in horror at the sight of his wounded comrade. "What the hell happened?" he asked Paris, already opening a cupboard and searching out a medical kit, upon finding it he brought it next to Spike and opened it. There he took out a knife and a pair of tongs to remove the bullets. "Paris! Can you get me some antiseptic? If you can't find any then there's a bottle of whiskey in the cupboard next to the stove."
Paris scrambled to her feet, from Spike's side and ran quickly to the kitchen on Jet's command. "Hang on a second, I'll tell you in a minute!" She called behind her. She opened all the cupboards she could find and frantically clattered around bottles, jars and cutlery but there was no sign of antiseptic anywhere. S he found the cupboard by the stove, and opened it to find the whiskey bottle that Jet told her about. Grabbing it, she ran out of the kitchen without bothering to close any of the cupboards.
She ran back into the living room where Jet was crouching next to the unconsious Spike. "Here." Paris handed Jet the bottle. "I don't know what happened... he just came into the room and collapsed... oh! And he mentioned something about Faye - she's been captured by some people..." Paris looked worriedly at Jet for his reaction.
Jet's back visibly stiffened at the words about Faye. He then calmed down a bit. "Well... there's nothing we can do about that at the moment," he said, trying to remain calm but it was pretty apparent that he wasn't. "So we should just to the job in front of us," Jet said, gesturing to the prone Spike. He poured the whisky into a glass, and breifly let the knife and the tongs soak in it to kill any bacteria., he then re moved them and shook off an y excess "anti-septic". He began to make small cuts around the bullet holes and then after a few concentrated minutes, pulled out the slugs with the tongs. He methodically dropped each chunk of lead ontothe table next to him to be looked at later. After he had removed the bullets, he put his tools back in their makeshift antiseptic, and began the long and arduous process of stitching up Spike's many wounds. "So... someone has taken Faye hostage..." Jet said, more to himself than anyone else.
Paris was used to gruesome sights, as she has had to deal with a lot throughout her short life but seeing Spike being cut up by Jet like that made something stir in her stomach. She kept that feeling down, though. She had to help in anyway she could. Paris could tell that Jet wasn'tthrilled with the news of Faye, although she got the feeling he was used to her getting caught in one way or another.
"Yes..." she spoke up, timidly. "Spike just said ' They've got Faye.' He d idn't say anymore... do you know where she might be?" Paris stepped slowly toward the couch where Spike still lay. She rested a hand on his forehead. "He'll be okay right? When do you think he'll wake up...?"
Spike stirred. Slowly, the darkness parted to allow in a bright light shining in his eyes, the echoing sounds of voices, and excruciating pain. As it retreated, he was able to identify that he was lying on the couch, that Jet was carefully tending to the wound in his side, and that Paris was standing over him. The faint smell of whiskey lurked in the air, indicative of the sad state of their medical supplies.
She said something - something he could make out. Spike cracked open his eyes, then closed them again. The light was too bright. He felt dizzy and sick, probably from the blood loss.
This time, he flinched as Jet's needle punched into his skin. "Hey, Jet," he whispered. "Get me some of that whiskey, will you?"
Jet 's mood visibly lighte ned wh en he noticed that Spike was awake, in fact he was so surprised that he left the needle in Spike's chest while he hurriedly poured his wounded comrade three fingers of whisky. He put the glass of strong liquor to Spike's lips and poured it down. "That'll put some life back into you..." Jet said, satisfied. "So what happened to Faye?"
Spike swallowed down the whiskey and waited while the strong alcohol took the edge off the pain. Opening his eyes again, he looked at Jet. His friend's face took several seconds to come into an unsteady focus.
"Vicious has her now," he said, then coughed. Spike immediately cringed. The couch had jarred his arm and only spurred the wound in his side to start bleeding again. He added a silent blessing in Jet's favor - if not for him, he'd probably have just died. Slowly, he raised his good right hand and gestured to the needle. "You done with that holepuncher?" he asked, smiling weakly.
Paris shuff led her feet uneasily , not su re of what to do. "Shouldn't Spike eat something? Jet, I could go make him some bell peppers and beef if we have any..."
Spike made a mental urk as he contemplated yet another disgusting-but-filling meal. "S'okay," he told Paris in a voice just barely above a whisper. "Not ... eating anything right now ..." His eyes closed once again. So tempting just to lie back on the trusty couch and sleep.
Jet looked down embarresedly removed the offending needle and quickly finished up the stitching. "You sure? Some bell peppers and beef would be good for you," Jet said, trying to pass off his terrible cooking as healthy. "Some more whiskey would be even better," Spike whispered, trying not to go to sleep. The pain slowly faded to a less-urgent throb. He opened his eyes again and stared up. The bright light overhead backlit Jet's face, making his friend almost impossible to see. He squinted, trying to fight the inevitable. "Actually, I take that back. I'm starving. Um, I take it I don't get to sit up yet?"
"If you can sit up in this condition I'll be damn surprised," Jet said, surveying Spike's wounds once more. "Don't try or you'll hurt yourself more," Jet added as an afterthought, remembering how often Spike "suprised" everyone. He gave Spike another sip of whisky. "I'll get you something to eat." Jet said and headed off to the kitchen. He removed a container of frozen leftovers from the depths of the refrigerator, checked its contents then called from the kitchen. "Hey, Spike! You're luckier than you think! These leftovers haven't even gotten frosty yet!" with that being said he emptied the container into a pot and began to heat them in a pan.
"Wonderful," Spike said, leaving it vague as to whether he was address Paris or the ceiling. "Just what I always wanted. More bell peppers and beef."
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Spike,
It's me. I'm still alive, they just have me right now. Vicious is standing over me, making me write this.
He says that he wants to meet with you - at a time and place he specifies and that if you come any sooner or don't come at all, then he'll kill me.
- Faye
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Being with Julia again reminds me almost too much of the past. We were so in love then, and I couldn't help but feel things were perfect. Maybe they were too perfect. Spike was the perfect partner. We were both reckless, wild, but good at what we did. We took pleasure in everything we did, even if that meant taking it from someone else. We were unstoppable as a team - and together we could conquer anything.
Back then I was loyal to him with every bone in my body. I would have died for him - I would have died for him before Julia. She was the woman I loved, but Spike was my brother or as close as a person can get without actually being flesh and blood. And my heart told me that he would have died for me.
And I never thought that would change...
What a naive fool I was. I found out only later that Spike and Julia were having an affair behind my back. For how long this went on, I don't know. And I didn't care, or so I told myself. She was just a woman, and Spike meant more to me than she did.
But I did not mean more to him.
The worst betrayal of all was finding out that Spike had asked Julia to run away with him. Julia - not me. The woman, my woman, and not me, his brother. I could have forgiven him for sleeping with her. She would have betrayed him as well - she was just that type of woman. Or maybe Spike and I were just too alike that she had to taste us both.
But Spike wanted to leave the syndicate - without me.
It was the first time I realized that while I would have given everything for him, he gave nothing to me. And it was that day that I wanted to see him suffer and die. It was that day that loyality died in my heart.
I wanted to see him suffer. I wanted him to know that the woman he had chosen over me would be the one to kill him. And that's why I told Julia she would kill Spike, or they would both die.
I knew she wouldn't be able to do it - but I was there. Only Spike survived. I suppose I'm not upset by that. It would be unfitting for my former best friend and only true rival to die so easily.
But now we play again Spike. Do not think you can run from me again. Do not think you can just leave me behind, the way you did the first time. I will not let you hurt me again.
And then there is Julia.
One would think a man like me would have learned his lesson. I know that she is dangerous for me. I know that when Spike walks back into her life, and it is only a matter of time, that she will be tested. And she may faulter.
I should have her killed, or just walk away.
But as cold as my heart is, I know that I never stopped loving her. And now that she is back, I simply cannot change that feeling.
I think I missed it too much.
Damn Spike, for fucking up my life... Or maybe I should thank him for letting me see the truth - there is no one you can trust but yourself.
- From Vicious's Journal
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I never knew I had the knack for organizing people like this. One word from me and they're all suddenly willing to risk their lives to help out someone they don't necessarily even know that well. I guess this is what Mao Yenrai was talking about when he said he expected that I would take over Red Dragon. But that was before I left, wasn't it ... And Vicious inspires the same kind of loyalty. To the low-level goons in the syndicate, it probably doesn't make any difference which of us is in charge.
If I'd stayed ... suppose we could have run the place together?
Anyway, they'll all be going to rescue Faye while I deal with Vicious. Another good thing about these rescue plans is that it's diverting attention away from my real goal, and its problems. If they're with Faye, then it means that none of them will try and come with me when I confront Vicious. That's something I have to do alone.
I've written a small note, in case I don't come back. I probably won't come back. But that's not something they have to know.
- From Spike's Journal
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I want to scream. It's things like this:
Because you're worth it
That frustrate me. I mean... it's GOOD that Spike thinks that, but yet, it's like having the prize JUST out of reach.
He's not a prize anyway. He's just a dumb bounty hunter. What the HELL is wrong with me.
I have to get a grip. Vicious, Spike, I know they've been messing with me head. Both of them. One intentionally and the other unintentionally, but they have. And It's like, even though Ein said to just hold on and fight, I don't know if I want to anymore.
I'm strong - I know that. And, I should be able to stand up and push him away. And yet I CAN'T anymore. I don't know why either.
And it's like, I want this to be over. I'm tired of this. But I don't want that day to come, because something bad is going to happen. And even though Spike says it'll be over, it won't be. I know this too. Just, horrible things will happen and then we'll be left to pick up the pieces.
All this, because two boys can't let it go. And yeah, I don't know their history or their past, because no one will tell me, and frankly, it's probably better I don't know, because if I did, I might want to kill them too.
And you know, as crappy as this experience has been.... well.... when I'm in a better state of mind, I will find something positive about it. Like the fact that I've talked to Spike more in these last few days, since we both have nothing else to do, than I did the whole time on the bebop - and well, it was good to get to know him better. I think. Maybe that was a mistake as well.
- From Faye's Journal
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So, I wake up this morning with a hangover that ought to be illegal and the feeling that I just fucked up major. The empty whiskey bottle next to me explains the first part and the computer console explains the second part.
I think I might have pissed Faye off for good. Of course, she's generally a rather forgiving person, but what I wrote last night I think went too far. Or did she go too far? I don't know. I was drunk then and I'm hungover now. I'd make myself a prarie oyster except that would involve a) getting off the couch and b) actually having a fresh egg, some brandy, ketchup, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Neither of those is too likely to happen.
Shit ... scrolling down and reading what I said to Faye last night as I'm writing here. I can't believe some of the stuff I said. Note to self: do not get drunk around Faye in the future. Especially not when she is in the mood to combination hit on me / ask personal questions. Questions that I answered. Dammit!
I am an idiot.
- From Spike's Journal
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Kade picked up a weight and began doing curls. He and Jin worked out on a regular basis anyway, but this time they were preparing for more than just chasing bounties. This task would push them to the limit - taking on a syndicate was bad news. He finished the set and put the weight down to rest. "Jin, do you think we're ready for this?" He was pumped up, and he and Jin were planning on sparring after their workout. He only hoped they'd all make it out of this alive.
Jin put the fifteen-pound weight he was holding across his chest on the floor below him and reached up again to undo his boots from the pole and flipped back down to the ground. "I'm ready," Jin said landing with the ease of a jungle cat. "You're ready. But the others...Clory is definitely not ready for this."
Kade frowned, "Cloria is..." He paused to consider the implications of his words. For all practical purposes, he'd agree that Cloria wasn't ready for something like this. But he also knew that she wouldn't stay behind either. In the end, he picked up the weights and did another set, silently thinking about the situation.
"Cloria is what?" Jin asked putting the weight he had used back on its rack. "Finish it Kade."
"Cloria isn't ready for this," Kade replied, looking at Jin. "You're right. But you can't tell her that."
"I tried," Jin said grabbing a different set of weights to do some bicep curls. "As you can imagine in didn't turn out so well."
"I'm sure it didn't. What happened?" Kade asked. Jin hadn't told him about this yet.
"She told me that it didn't matter what I thought, that she was going to do it anyway," he said increasing the speed of his reps as his anger increased. "Damn stubborn chit."
Kade sighed softly, "And she's right. She's going to do it anyway. You know that much is true." Kade stood and stretched. "Maybe it's better that she comes with us knowing, then we forbid it and she sneaks there to help anyway. At least this way, she's part of the plan and we can watch out for her."
"Why does she have to be so damn stubborn?" Jin asked practically tossing the weights back and turning to face Kade. "Why can't she just see that I'm trying to protect her!"
Kade frowned, "Maybe she feels like she has to contribute? Or maybe she feels like she has to prove something to herself. I don't know Jin. I seduce woman. I have sex with them. I don't try and figure them out."
"That's a good philosophy Kade," Jin said giving a few side-kicks into the air to test his limberness. "Is it too late for my to go back to that way of life?"
"It's too late," Kade replied, continuing to stretch. "You can't go back now that you're in love with her." He did not want to deal with Cloria's bleeding heart again. He had way too much on his mind.
Jin wiped the sweat from his brow and looked about the training room. He decided to use their makeshift ropes course next. Climbing, swimming, hanging, and leaping through the air he made his way through the course. When he finished he was breathing heavily. "So what's going on with you and that Mei girl?" Jin asked.
Kade blushed at bit. "She's pretty hot, don't you think Jin?" Kade replied, completely avoiding the question. He didn't really know the answer anyway.
"Had sex yet?" Jin asked quirking his brow. He'd always been able to read Kade especially when he was being evasive.
Kade nodded, "Yeah we did." He turned his back to Jin and lay down on the floor, using some crutches to keep from having to look at his friend. Normally, he was all about bragging about his latest sexual escapade, but this time around he wanted to avoid it.
Jin couldn't help it he started to laugh. "Sudden bout of embarrassment?"
"No, I'm just trying to get a good ab workout in." Kade sighed. He wasn't embarrassed - maybe he just cared about Mei more than he had about any other girl - but he didn't want to admit that.
"Get off your lazy ass and come over here," Jin said letting the subject drop. He'd find out about their relationship sooner or later. Besides his mind was still stuck on Cloria. "I want to see if I can still kick your ass."
Kade rolled over and quickly jumped to his feet. "You got it." He moved towards Jin, then paused for a moment while the two of them got their bearings. "You sure you're ready for this?"
"What? Kicking your ass?" Jin asked quirking as smile. Melodramatically he raised one hand and urged Kade on. "Bring it."
Kade simply smiled. "Alright," he said. He moved forward, bouncing back and forth between his two legs as he lashed out against Jin.
Jin easily managed to block Kade's attacks. They would take it easy on each other, it wouldn't do them any good to beat each other up here only a few days before attacking the syndicate. Seeing an opening he made to punches and followed them with a kick at Kade's side.
Kade dodged the punches and absorbed the kick, letting Jin touch him enough to keep his balance. They were practicing, and neither would purposefully hurt the other, but even boys could get a little rough. Kade quickly returned his own punches, letting his fists fly, although not nearly as hard as normal, at Jin's chest.
Jin took a few of Kade's punches blocking one or two. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he returned the volley. Stepping back he made a high kick aiming for Kade's head and rallying around to be ready for the next hit.
Kade ducked under the kick and slid towards Jin, making a move as though he'd knock Jin's legs out from under him; however, he pulled back before making the hit. He was sweating now, from the movements, as he and Jin continued to punch, kick, and dodge.
They had been sparring for a good five minutes now. Both had given out equally, but Jin liked to think that he could have taken Kade down at any time. He made one last kick hoping to lay out Kade to end the match.
Kade grinned to himself as Jin's last kick came around. He let it hit him; although he moved back enough to absorb the blow, then fell to the ground. He was sure Jin knew he had faked it, but he wanted to help his friend feel better.
Jin glared at Kade; he just barely kept himself from kicking his friend in the ribs. "Your a bad liar, Kade," Jin said giving his friend a not so soft nudge instead of a hand up. "When this is over, we're going to spar again with no holding back."
"Maybe so, but right now I need you in one piece," Kade replied, indicating he was sure he'd win. He pulled himself up to standing position on his own.
Jin wasn't usually a petty man when it came to fighting, but Kade deserved it. He kicked back and flattened Kade onto his ass. "I can't wait until we bring that girl back so we can finally finish this," Jin said smiling down at his friend with his hands on his hips.
Kade grinned, "I see how you work. Take advantage of me when I'm not ready. Well don't worry. I'll take you down when we fight for real."
This time Jin held out a hand for his friend. "Yah, yah," Jin said smiling. "Let's go see if we can talk Clory into cooking something for her weary warriors."
Kade took the hand that was offered and let Jin pull him up. "That sounds wonderful."
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Heading up to Vicious' office, Jade had a little smirk on her face. This was going to be interesting. Climbing onto the elevator, she rode up clad in a hot red suit and matching stilettos. Her trusty beretta was hidden in the jacket. Stepping out, she knocked on his door and waited.
"Come in," Vicious replied, not bothering to get up from his chair. He smirked as he clicked the off button on the comm network. He'd find out just what they were saying. He set his katana on the desk in front of him, and though it looked like he couldn't draw it in time, he could. He left the illusion of being relaxed as he leaned back slightly in his chair.
"You rang, master," Jade said as she stepped and closed the door behind her. Eyeing the katana, she would have loved to have a little fun with that. Smiling at him, Jade stood behind one of the chairs positioned in front of his desk, placing one hand on the top. She always preferred to stand, and it couldn't hurt. He would find out nothing because well, she knew nothing. Jade had purposely pushed his buttons with too much pleasure.
"I did." Vicious replied. "I found your little comment to be interesting, as well as your evasion tactics. Those skills will come in handy, later. For now, I'd prefer if you answered my question."
Moving in front of the chair Jade took a seat, crossing her legs. Idly tapping her fingers on the arm, she began to speak. "Well," and then she stopped. Looking at the katana, it was grabbed and unsheathed in one fluid moment. Examining it, she grinned. It was a lovely katana. "What would I gain from this?" she said, continuing.
Vicious smirked and leaned back. "Nothing at all, except that I wouldn't kill you."
"Nice katana," she said well sheathing and replacing it to it's former spot. Placing her hands firmly on the desk top, Jade leaned over and whispered into his ear. "And what if I told you I didn't know anything?"
Vicious reached up and grabbed a handfull of Jade's shirt. "Then I might be inclined to think you are lying to me." His other hand quickly gripped the Katana. "You're a talented assassin, but I hate when people piss me off."
Placing her hand over his, Jade focused in on his eyes. Was she scared? No, no she was not scared. All though this was farther than she had intended, Jade wouldn't stop now. She couldn't stop now. "Vicious, look into my eyes. What do you see?" She sighed. "That Julia girl has gotten to you, whether you admit it or not. Everyone knows you've changed. Now, I'm not going to say anything about what or I do or don't know with you gripping my shirt like that. Do what you wish with the katana." Deep down in her heart, she loved this side of him, but not what had caused it to intensify.
Vicious pulled the katana down from the table and let the case slip off. He brought it up slowly to Jade's throat, letting the cold blade set softly against her bare skin. "This has nothing to do with Julia," he replied. Her words echoed in his mind- he hadn't changed - he had only been given the opportunity to have the revenge he had dreamed about for so long. He let go of Jade's shirt, but left the katana at her throat. "Now, tell me."
"All I heard was that you were keeping some pretty little purple haired thing you caught at the casino all locked up and with guards," she said with an even tone. There was word about an enemy resurfacing, but it had only been just a snip of information. Jade hadn't been digging around for information, but some people were just too easy. Whispering now she added, "Everything has to do with Julia because you made it that way, Vicious." Grinning down at the katana she added, "Do it."
"Then you are ready to die?" Vicious replied, a small smile gracing his lips. He could have killed her in that moment, but he would not have enjoyed it. He pulled the katana back from her throat. "Your blood is not the blood I wish for. Neither is Julia's. This is not about her - as much as the rest of you think so. This is my business, and mine alone. See to it, that these rumors are stopped as soon as possible."
"If I wasn't ready to die, I wouldn't be working in a syndicate. Do not worry, these rumors will be stopped."Cupping his chin with her hand, Jade leaned in and kissed him gingerly on the lips. Pulling away after a moment, Jade frowned. "Julia is your Helen of Troy, Vicious..." She then returned to her chair.
Vicious brought the katana down to his side. He was not at all pleased with the situation, but what Jade said did ring true - Julia was, after all, not here. And Julia did still love Spike. "That situation will be remedied." he replied, his cold eyes staring into hers. Why had she kissed him? Vicious was not used to the recent attention his new station had brought him. He hadn't been with any woman other than Julia since they had first met.
"Ahh, well, that's good.." She looked into his eyes, she remembered when those eyes used to send a chill up her spine and how they sometimes still did. "Is there anything else?"
"That will be all." he said, bending over to retrieve the katana sheath. "See too it that you get with Mei, Alaura, and Rocko. There will be a rescue attempt for Miss Valentine, and I would prefer that they were stopped."
"I will make sure to do so. Now, I will be departing you then if that is all. Good bye, Vicious," and Jade got up and headed for the exit.
Vicious watched her go. Her words were interesting, although Vicious would not have said so. Hellen of Troy... the thought played on his mind.
