Flashback
Spike and Vicious walked side-by-side down the grimy alleyway. A locked briefcase full of 10,000-woolong notes swung idly from Vicious' hand. They'd been given a simple enough mission - to pick up five hundred vials of concentrated Blue Ice from a dealer who normally operated out of the asteroid belt. The drug sold for a prime on Mars, and the syndicate was going to make a killing off this shipment. And Mao Yenrai had entrusted Spike and Vicious to make the pickup.
"Man, this place is a dump," Spike said aloud, kicking a discarded soda can. It rattled hollowly across the damp bricks. "Reminds me of where I grew up."
Vicious's eyes swept over the alleyway, and he fully agreed with Spike. After living with the syndicate, with all their posh luxuries, Vicious would never be able to return to the streets. "Where was that?" he asked idly.
Spike shrugged. "Not too far from here," he replied lightly. His childhood was firmly in the category of things he did not discuss. He looked up at the tall, run-down apartment buildings, each equipped with a rusty fire escape that, in an actual emergency, would collapse long before it could offer the needed aid.
A group of teenagers was clustered against one wall, passing around a cigarette. They seemed almost familiar...
"Spike?" one of them exclaimed, staring at them wide-eyed.
Vicious rolled his eyes in disgust, practically forgetting that he was once a punk teen out on the streets smoking. When one of them called out Spike's name, Vicious raised an eyebrow. "You know them?"
Spike ignored him, instead returning the stare. The kid, fifteen years old and clad in baggy pants, a rough shirt, and a sock cap, was only too familiar. "Gavin?" he replied. His gaze shifted to stare past the kid to the other two. They were even younger. The girl couldn't have been more than thirteen, and the boy no more than twelve. "Artie? Miko? What the hell are you guys doing here?"
The boy, Gavin, stepped forward. "I might ask you the same, Spike!" he said angrily. "You just upped and vanished on us, right when we needed you most. What happened? What happened to staying loyal to your gang, huh? You dragged us out here and turned us into something real, man! I mean, I'd probably be still living in a cardboard box on the corner of Main and Third if not for you. And now you're with this dude and wearing a suit. What the fuck, man?"
Spike glanced down. Although Vicious wore the Syndicate's black-and-white suit like a badge of honor, he'd gotten the okay to stick with a far more comfortable, lighter-weight blue suit. Blue looked better with a yellow shirt, and he loved yellow. He looked back up to meet Gavin's eyes. "I moved on," he replied. "I'm in something real. You guys ... you... you're just a bunch of kids." Although the words were painful to say, Spike forced them out. He shot Vicious an emotion-laden glance, then started to walk past the small gang of three. "Come on, Vicious. Let's go."
He was, however, stopped when Gavin bolted forward to block his path. "You're not going anywhere," the kid told him with fury. "You abandoned us. So what'd you do, join some crime syndicate? Put on a suit and take orders from a big guy, instead of thinking for yourself? And you're partnered with this gray-haired shit, instead of your old friends? What's up with that? You forgot everything you ever told us about taking care of yourself?" A sharp edge of pain entered Gavin's voice. "Couldn't even say goodbye?"
Spike surprised even himself as he reached out and roughly shoved Gavin aside. The boy tripped and fell to splash into a muck-filled gutter. The younger boy, Artie, ran forward to help him up while the girl, Miko, only mutely stared at Spike as though he was some kind of traitorous alien.
"Go away," Spike said icily. "You're not my friends anymore. Vicious, I said let's go." And with that, he sped up his pace and vanished around the corner.
Vicious watched the entire scene with a detached look. This was Spike's past and his problem. Vicious had dealt with his own demons alone, and he had a feeling, especially from the tone of Spike's voice, that his partner felt the same.
He turned his back to the boys and followed Spike around the corner.
Spike glanced back, and, certain that Vicious was following, started forward again. Somehow, having Vicious at his side as his partner felt more right than years with the old gang had. He wished that he hadn't run into them again. Gavin's words had stung far more than he wanted to let on, but he wouldn't let himself be fazed. He was a Red Dragon now. Surveying the next intersection they came to, he said, "Okay, I'm lost. Which way to the dock district?"
Vicious sighed. Had that encounter really thrown off Spike that much? Vicious motioned to the left and turned down another alley. "I think this one will serve the same purpose as the last." And hopefully, it would be empty of annoying ruffians who thought they had value.
"Thanks," Spike replied, following Vicious. He shouldn't be letting personal affairs interfere with business like this. He shook of his unsettled sensation, and led the rest of the way to the old, crate-filled warehouse by the docks.
A sleek black car was parked outside. Leaning against it was a man holding a cooler chest, and behind it were two massive men with dark glasses. "You're late," the man in front said coolly.
"We were unavoidable detained," Spike replied testily. "You have the product?"
The man nodded. "You got the cash?" he replied.
Vicious held up the briefcase and popped it open. Rows of bills could be seen strapped to the inside of the cash. "Would you like to count them?" he asked, as was customary when the Dragons did a deal. Ninety-nine percent of the clients didn't bother - it was considered rude to say yes, and no one wanted to risk the wrath of the Dragons.
The man nodded curtly, then handed the cooler chest to one of his goons. The goon stepped forward, placed the chest on the ground, then held out an expectant hand for the cash.
Vicious nodded to Spike to take the chest as he handed the briefcase to the goon. At least this was one mission that seemed to have gone right. He and Spike had nothing but bad luck on their first few.
Spike had accepted the chest and the goon was taking the cash when he spotted a blur of movement out of the corner of his eye. Apparently the second goon saw it as well, because the man whirled and drew a gun. "Who's there?" he shouted.
When he got no reply, the goon fired two bullets into a crate. Someone behind the crate yelped, and Spike was shocked to see Gavin scramble out from behind it. "Who the hell are you?" the goon demanded.
Gavin stared at Spike with wide eyes. "I ... I followed you here," he babbled. "I didn't think this would happen! I swear!"
The speaker turned to glare at Spike and Vicious. "You let yourselves be followed?" he said witheringly. "I had thought the Dragons were more skilled than that." He nodded to the goon. "Shoot the kid."
Spike stepped forward, hand raised. "Wait!" he said. "Let this one go, okay? He can't do any harm."
The speaker laughed. "You're new to this, aren't you?" he said. "Rule is, no witnesses. Either you're in, or you're dead. And this punk sure ain't in." He gestured to the goon again, and this time the goon raised his gun and trained it on Gavin's forehead.
Before the goon could shoot, however, there was a loud shot and his gun went flying from his hand. All eyes turn to Spike, whose Jericho was out. He'd practiced that move a hundred times, and now, when it finally mattered, he'd done it. "I said don't shoot him," he breathed.
Then he ducked behind an empty crate just before the two goons and the speaker filled the air with flying lead.
"Shit," Vicious cried. As soon as Spike's gun went off, he moved - fast, out of the way and behind a dumpster. He could see Spike on the other side of the alleyway. "Fuck Spike," Vicious said to himself. Now was not the time to messing up important deals. If Spike lost the drugs, Mao would not be happy with them. He pulled his new gun out of his pocket - he had been serious about not using his former one again - and leaned over the dumpster to fire at the goons.
One of the goons dropped - whether done in by Spike or Vicious, it was unclear - and the other joined the speaker in grabbing the briefcase of cash, hopping into the car, and hightailing it out of there. Only seconds after the firefight had begun, it was over. The cooler chest lay on its side, untouched.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, Gavin broke it with a quiet sob. Spike slowly holstered his gun and stepped back out into the open, then checked to make sure that the drug shipment was intact.
Vicious was right behind him. "Spike, we need to get out of here now. You know what will happen if we don't deliver." His eyes turned and rested on Gavin, their dark blue color frozen as cold as ice . "You're lucky Spike speaks for you. Or else, I'd kill you myself for nearly fucking this up."
Gavin cowered, first at the expression on Vicious' face, then at the matching one on Spike's. "Don't be too sure about that," Spike replied, taking his gun back out. "Gavin, what the fuck is your problem? I told you to stay away from me."
Gavin stared up at his ex-friend. "I just wanted to talk," he said miserably. "I just wanted to know why you left." Slowly regaining his courage, he got back to his feet and met Spike with a harsher stare. "Everything you told me about trust and loyalty was a lie, then. Because you abandoned us."
Spike shook his head. "No, Gavin," he replied, voice dead and emotionless. "I just found someone new to be loyal to."
Gavin's fists clenched. "And you think you're real hot stuff because you carry a gun and wear a suit, is that it?" he shouted. "It's not the same! You can't just vanish on your friends like that. You owe us, Spike. But I guess you're too good for us, now?"
Spike ignored the accusation. "You just caused me some serious trouble," he snapped. "My life may be on the line because of this, and you want me to perhaps apologize? I don't think so. Instead, I get to go back and explain to my boss why we'll never get a shipment from this dealer again."
Gavin cross his arms. "So that's all I am, then," he replied, voice laden with hatred. "An obstacle. If I'm a problem, then why'd you save my life back there? Why don't you just shoot me like you shot that guy?"
For a moment, Spike was silent.
"Fine," he replied. Then he pulled the trigger.
A bang resounded in the narrow space. Gavin's body remained upright for a moment longer, then it slowly collapsed forward to hit the ground with a wet splat.
Spike holstered the Jericho again, this time for good. He picked up the cooler chest. A soft clink assured him that the vials inside were still alright. He looked up at Vicious, suddenly tired.
"Come on, partner," he said. "Let's go home."
Vicious lowered his gun and turned to Spike. "A fortune teller once told me, that I am a beast who wanders, hunting for the blood of others." His eyes seemed to change as they focused on Spike. The coldness that was there only moments ago was replaced with respect.
"I think she would have told you the same thing." His eyes glanced at the body of Gavin, lying on the ground, and then back at Spike. "You aren't the only one whose past came back - like that." He wanted Spike to know that he understood - without saying too much. In the end, he felt that was enough, and he turned and walked off in the direction they had come.
Spike spared Gavin's form one last look. Gavin had been his best friend since he was eleven years old. He'd taught the younger kid everything he knew, and they'd been the core of a gang whose other members had changed throughout the years. And he'd just shot him, because he was in the way. Was ruthlessness the mark of a true dragon?
Either way ... Artie and Miko wouldn't last long without Gavin OR Spike to take care of them. And where he should have been regretful, Spike only felt hollow. He'd done what was necessary for the greater good of the clan.
"Yeah," he said, empty. "Let's just deliver this thing then go try some of that Bushmill's you got. Y'know, you never did tell me where it's from."
Vicious turned around. "Get me drunk enough and maybe I will," he replied, wondering if that was truly the case. There was something to be said about the trust he gave Spike. It was more trust than even his childhood friend had had.
"Deal," Spike agreed. "It's a story I wouldn't mind hearing." He hefted the cooler chest higher. "You want to carry this for awhile? My arms are killing me."
Vicious stepped back and lifted the chest from Spike's arms. Silently, he walked back to their car, considering the implications of telling Spike his story. He placed the cooler in the trunk, before turning to his friend. "If there was anyone I'd tell it to, it would be you."
He pulled open the door to the car and slid in. This mission, like every one they had, was riddled with screws up as well.
Spike climbed in the passenger side of the car. "Hey, whenever you want," he replied. "No pressure. So ... do we tell Yenrai about this, or no? I mean, we got the drugs, so no deal, right?"
Vicious thought for a moment before answering, "We tell Yenrai if he asks. We won't lie - but there is no reason to tell him what happened if he doesn't want to know right?" Alright, so that probably wasn't the best answer, but Vicious was tired of walking in there and getting his ass reamed for one mistake after another.
"At least we're not walking in with bullet holes this time."
Spike nodded. "Sounds good. You know, maybe I'll just go to sleep, and we can try out that Bushkill's some other time. I'm tired."
Vincent opened the door to the large room. What an eventful night it had been. He had met his angel. He had taken the first step to helping her reclaim herself and to claiming her. He looked across the mess and littered living area to a large computer. Sitting at it was a young man with long purple hair and violet eyes, wearing glasses. He wore a tank top and shorts and was smoking a cigarette. "So, you're back."
Vincent smiled kindly at the man and stretched as he walked across the room. "I met her tonight. My god she's more beautiful in person then I ever imagined."
The man drew in a breath and exhaled smoke, "Like I give a fuck."
Vincent stopped and peered over to him, "Oh what's wrong?"
"You know damn well what's wrong you psychotic shit head. Can we go one night with out it being about "Your angel" The most perfect Faye Valentine." He turned back to the computer screen and began to type. "Most of them are back at the Bebop by the way."
Vincent looked hurt. He walked over to the chair and grasped the man's shoulders, "Why are you so angry with me? We are accomplishing our mission."
The man grunted, "Your mission asshole. Not mine."
Vincent was starting to get pissed. His associate was a hot-headed one but that was no reason to level his anger at him, "I need you, Kami. You know that."
"Is that why you're holding me hostage, Vince?" His tone came out as a low growl. He picked up a bottle to the side of his chair, Jim Bean and took a long hard drink from it then set it down on the desk.
"I am not holding you hostage, " Vincent tried to defend himself. "I just need your help, that's all. Where do you get these stupid notions?"
Kami turned around and looked at Vincent with wide-eyed surprise. "You've got to be fucking joking! Where do I..."
Vincent stepped back. He was really getting mad now, but he should let Kami vent... for a little while longer. "Yes where do you get these ideas?"
Kami tossed the lit cigarette at him, and screamed, "Where do I get these ideas! Oh, I don't know... Maybe because psycho obsessive asshole, being you, injected me with a fucking poison so I'd do his computer and surveillance shit for him. I can't fucking leave, you self-righteous lunatic! You have the only cure and it's taken daily! Or did you forget that part!"
Vincent pulled out a gun he had been hiding in his pocket, and pointed at Kami, who stopped immediately at the sight of the trusty Smith and Weston. Vincent growled, "Complaint registered. Now... you're ruining my mood. Send her the letter."
Kami gulped, "Vince come on man... these guys aren't the type who play."
Vincent's patients was getting thin, "Send it..."
Kami shook his head, "Vince, be serious man..."
Vincent fire the gun. Kami winced, but the bullet never touched him. The bottle exploded next to him. Vincent was now screaming, "I have come too far and worked too long to stop now. The letter Kami.. Send it now or I'll shoot you and send it myself."
Kami raised his hands; he was beginning to sweat, "Okay, fine Vince. I'll send it... put the fucking gun away. You're the boss."
Vincent smiles and put the gun away. "There was that so hard?" He chuckled. "I'll be in my room."
With that Vincent turned and walked down a hallway. Kami watched after him for a few moments and then shook his head angrily. "I fucking hate you." He turned to his screen and pulled up an e-mail marked, "Faye 1" he contemplated for a moment, not sending it and sending a cry for help. He'd be dead in a day though. He sneered, then pressed send and watched the letter float off in cyber space.
"Fuck. I'm in so much trouble." he said as he began to cover his digital tracks and set up trap for anyone who tried to trace them.
"What's going on Clory?" Jin asked. He had finally tracked her down to the kitchen after reading her last journal entry.
Cloria was picking at the petals of a flower she had picked up between the bar and the Seadog. She had her back turned to Jin, too afraid that if she looked at him she'd burst into tears. "Jin.." She said softly.
She had sounded so frail that instantly Jin rushed forward to wrap his arms around her. He held her tight for a moment, neither of them saying a word. He knew something was horribly wrong, and he wanted to wait until she was ready to face it before asking anything of her. "It's okay princess," he whispered in her ear softly. "What's wrong?"
"Jin, I have to leave." Cloria said softly, choking out the words as though they were poison. She closed her eyes and leaned into him. It was the last thing in the world she wanted to do.
Jin's took in a sharp breath of air and held her tighter as if just that small action would keep her from leaving him. "Why?" There was a dull ache in his chest. Rua was gone, and now Cloria was going to leave him as well. "Why do you have to leave me?"
Cloria took a deep breath. Already tears were threatening to fall and the last thing she wanted to do in front of Jin was cry. "You remember the past I left behind. The one I would talk about? Well, it found me. Jin, your life is in danger if I don't leave, at least for awhile. But, I promise to come back. I love you more than anything." She turned around in his arms and wrapped her own around his neck, letting her cheek press into his chest as tears finally filled her eyes.
"I'm not going to let you leave!" Jin said his protective instincts coming into play. "I won't let anyone harm you and I will definitely not let them take you away." He gently brushed at the tears on her cheeks wishing that he could take all her pain on to himself.
"I knew you'd say that, Jin." Cloria whispered. "But I don't want to lose you ok?" Kael would hold true to his promise. He would find a way to kill everyone on the ship if she didn't comply.
He ran a hand through her silky blonde hair, there was no way he'd be able to let her go after just discovering how wonderful she was. "You won't loose me," Jin said stubbornly. "I can take care of myself, so please trust me to protect you as well."
Cloria didn't answer. It didn't matter. When Jin got up the next morning, she would be gone, heading back to the only place she didn't want to be with the one man who was obsessed with her.
"Clory?" he asked pulling her back far enough so he could look down on her tear stained face. "Dammit!" Jin picked her up in his arms and made his way towards her room.
Cloria held on to Jin as he carried her away. She felt a mix of fear, love, and hate for both the men in her life, and wished that she could just go back to being carefree Cloria. When had everything gotten complicated? She couldn't even remember. "Jin, where are we going?"
"If I have to I'm going to tie you down," Jin said staring straight ahead as he entered her room. "I will not let you leave Clory!"
"Jin!" Cloria replied, suddenly afraid her room would end up with a lock on it like Mei's. "You aren't serious are you?" She closed her eyes. Just the thought of being trapped freaked her out.
"Are you serious about leaving?" Jin asked as he placed her gently down on the bed. He paced the floor in front of her an endless supply of emotions running through his head. "I'm not letting you out of here until you tell me everything."
"Yes Jin, I'm serious. I wouldn't tell you I was leaving unless it was the true." Cloria turned her head. "Look, I told you I had... and interesting past. And now I have a few things I have to sort out. Alone. Just like you did."
"And how do I know you'll come back?" Jin knelt in front of her. She could probably see the pain in his eyes, that her words were causing, but there was no time to worry about being macho now. "I can't lose you, princess."
Cloria stood and walked over to Jin. She reached up and touched his face. "Because a princess never breaks a promise." She stood up on her tip toes, and kissed him softly. "Please trust me Jin."
"I trust you Clory," he said brushing the back of his hand across her cheek. "I don't trust whoever it is you are going to and it doesn't sound like you do either."
Cloria thought about that for a moment. Did she trust Kael to keep his word? She certainly did about killing the members of her ship if she didn't show up. "Jin. I don't know. But I will leave you directions to where I'm going IF you promise not to come unless I ask you to."
"And what if you're unable to ask me?" he asked holding her tight against him. He couldn't let her go, there was no way he would let her head into something like this alone. He knew she was determined to face her past, but Jin wasn't ready to let her out of his sight. He was still much too vulnerable, though he'd never admit it. "And what would I do if you decide not to come back?"
"But that's not going to happen, Jin. There, with my past, is the last place I ever want to be." She wrapped her arms around him again. "If I can't contact you, then you'll know something's wrong. I promise, I'll keep in touch. I don't want to leave you Jin."
"Then why are you going?" Jin asked. Her arguments seemed so illogical to him. "If you don't want to go there, if you don't want to leave, what is pushing you? Who?"
"He will kill you, Jin, if I don't go." Cloria said quietly. "You, and everyone else on this ship. I can't let that happen." She turned away. She'd only tell half the truth. "Apparently, my father wishes to see me again."
"Your father?" Jin asked confused for a moment. "You mean your going back to the syndicate?"
A small smile crossed Cloria's lips, "Yeah. And you know it's the last place I want to be."
"I don't know if I can do this princess," Jin said sadly. Backing up until he sat down on the bed, his arms had never left her waist but now he pressed his head against her stomach for comfort. "I can't just let you go like this. I think I'll go mad waiting for you."
Cloria looked down at his head, resting against her. "Maybe I should have just left. But I was worried you would follow me if I didn't talk to you in person." Even more than before, Cloria didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay in the arms of the man she loved.
"Damn right I would have followed you," Jin said pulling away to look up into her eyes. "I'll follow you to the ends of the universe if I have to."
Cloria sat down on the bed and pulled Jin closer. "I know. And I promise, I will make sure we find each other again." She lay down, "But tonight, let's just pretend that everything it alright. I want to feel you again." She let a hand run down his cheek. "Please Jin?"
Jin smiled loving the feel of her against him. "How could I say no to such a request?" he asked her jokingly. Jin laid down next to her, he still wasn't sure if he was ready to let her go, but this was what she needed...what they both needed now. "I love you princess."
"I love you, too," Cloria replied, before melting into a kiss.
Jin needed no more encouragement than that. This might be their last night together for a long time, and he sure as hell wasn't going to waste it.
Vincent walked out oh his room and down the hall completely dressed. It was a new day, another day to help his angel escape her hell. He walked out into the living area and looked around. It wasn't that messing, even though Kami never picked up. Speaking of Kami, he looked over at his friend asleep at the keyboard as usual. He worked so hard from him, so dedicated to the cause. He was a good friend. Yes, a very good friend. He walked over and nudged Kami who stirred a bit. "Kami get up."
Kami rubbed his eyes then adjusted his glasses. Dammit, he was still here. He had hoped Vincent would leave and go stalking for a while. He pushed his hair back and growled, "What? I'm trying to sleep."
Vincent kneeled down beside him looking at the screen, "Did anything happen last night?"
Kami sighed. Vince had a one track mind. "Not much, I think they argued. Faye came out and smoked a couple then went back in. I kind passed out after that. I don't think anything else happened."
Vincent nodded, satisfied with that answer, "Good... Get dressed. Let's get some breakfast."
Kami made a face. This was a first. He never asked him to breakfast. For that matter Kami had never seen him eat. "um... okay. let me get my sweat shirt."
Vincent walked over to the door and headed out. A moment later Kami followed. They walked in silence towards a nearby cafe. Kami just smoked a couple of cigarettes, unsure of why Vincent had suddenly turned so friendly.
They were seated quickly, and Vincent ordered some coffee. It had been ages since Kami hadn't ordered take-out so he went the full spectrum of breakfast. Their food came and Kami begin to eat. Vincent looked off distantly, no doubt in the direction of the Bebop. Kami sighed and adjusted his glasses, "Vince," Vincent looked back at him, "Look man, Let's talk for a second. I'm really concerned."
Vincent shook his head and sipped his coffee, "Of course you are, You're a good friend and that's what they do."
Kami rolled his eyes and stuffed another bite of hot cakes into his mouth. "No man, Seriously. We're screwing with the crew of the Bebop and these guys don't fuck around. I mean they're not as bad as those two chicks from where I come from who blow up everything they touch but they don't stop. No doubt they all know about you by now... at least that you exist, And they're gonna come the fuck after you. I think you should really consider a different approach."
Vincent smiled looking across the table at Kami. He really was a good friend to be so concerned. Kami was a worrier so he needed a little bit of comfort. "I know what I'm doing Kami. Don't worry."
"I am gonna worry. Cuz these guys scare the fuck out of me. If you want to help her, why not just give her what you know. Why the mind games? Dude you have to know it's no different the games that Spike guy is playing with her." Kami slammed his fist on the table to punctuate his point. Hopefully he could get through before it goes to far.
Vincent glared coldly at Kami, "I am not like Spike."
Kami hit a nerve, he backed off quickly, "I didn't mean that. I just meant maybe we should try another approach."
Vincent softened his glare and finished his coffee, "I have things well in hand Kami, don't worry so much. Besides, there's something I need you to do before we commit to following her to the next planet."
Now it was Kami's turn to glare. He knew Vincent had been a little TOO nice this morning, "what?"
The door slammed open to the living area as Kami stormed in, "NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, and did I mention? NO!"
Vincent followed him in and shut the door behind him, "I think you're over-reacting."
Kami turned and looked at Vincent ready to kill him, "Abso-fucking-lutely Not! It's out of the question. this is where I draw the line! I do computer work, I do your surveillance. I'm not fucking James Bond, Vince! I go to that ship and if they think I have something to do with you, I'm dead. I'm fucking dead."
Vincent tilted his head and said matter of factly, "They won't kill you Kami. You have that innocent and trustworthy look. They like things like that."
"Fuck you Vince! Do it yourself." Kami was really steamed now. He was here, against his will, forced to play cloak and dagger for a chick that didn't give a care about Vincent, and somehow he was always stuck in the middle.
Vincent looked coldly at Kami and brushed some hair away from his face, "Isn't it about time for your injection?"
Kami stopped cold and looked shocked at him, "You wouldn't."
"If you can't help me like a good friend should, Then I can't help you." Vincent just stood there watching. Waiting.
Kami grimaced as his body began to be wracked with pain. He tried to stay standing but his legs gave way and he fell to all four. He coughed violently as blood began to drip from his mouth. His insides were on fire, like all his organs were trying to forcibly eject themselves from his body. His vision got blurry. He slowly looked up and saw Vincent kneeling before him staring into his eyes. Kami was hit with another violent coughing fit as more blood trailed down his mouth and off his chin. Vincent sighed. "Will you help me Kami?"
Kami barely managed to get out, "Fine, whatever... just make it stop."
Vincent grinned broadly and took a needle out of his pocket. He flipped Kami on his back and slammed the needle down into his side and injected the serum inside. Kami immediately began to stop. "That wasn't so hard was it?"
Kami growled, "Fuck you."
Vincent stood up, "Get cleaned up and we'll go."
Vincent walked out of the room leaving Kami, like he had so many nights, to contemplate what the hell he had gotten himself into.
Spike slowly moved through the steps of a tai chi workout. He knew he wasn't up to practicing his usual discipline of jeet kune do, but he'd always found tai chi to be soothing exercise. When the light came oh, he turned and saw Julia standing in the doorway. "Hey," he said, lowering his arms.
"You're looking better," Julia said leaning a shoulder against the doorframe. She had loved to watch him practice, especially the way his body moved so fluidly despite his grave injuries. "But then you always look better when you're practicing."
Spike smiled, reaching up a hand to run his fingers through his hair. That action alone was probably one he was most proud of – before, raising his arms at all had hurt him terribly. By now, he'd healed to the point where it just caused a brief ache. "I guess," he replied, voice low and soft. "I know I'm feeling better. Which reminds me."
He stepped forward and placed a hand on the doorframe, leaning on it to take some weight off his feet. "I'm going, Julia. I'll be heading back to the Bebop. I can't fool myself – it's my home, and it's where I belong now." He hesitated, then added, "Jet … he says that if you want, you can come with me."
Julia had known that this moment was coming, but that didn't mean that the ache in her heart was any less sharp. "And what do you want Spike?" Julia asked gently brushing back a stray lock of hair from his eyes.
Spike looked down at her, intense brown eyes boring into her twin blues. "I want you to come," he stated. "I want to be with you. I think you'd like life as a bounty hunter, and I think you'd like my friends. You won't have to worry about any of the stress of the Syndicate. Sure, times are hard … but I think you'd be happy."
"I want to be happy Spike," Julia said, placing a hand on his chest. "But I don't know if I can leave."
Spike reached up to clasp her hand. "Why can't you leave?" he asked. "What's holding you here?"
"I'm not sure," Julia said shifting so that most of her weight was pressing against the door frame. She had just told Vicious goodbye after their fight. What was there to hold her back? "I guess it's just the thin threads of memories that tie me down now."
Spike's face remained unresponsive. "Julia, I've spent the past three years living in the past. Leave this place, and all the memories it holds for you. Leave and live for now."
Julia sighed leaning her head back against the wall. "Can it really be that simple?" she asked turning her head just enough so that she could smile at him.
Spike glanced over his shoulder, gaze slowly playing over the room behind him. "Everything in here will remind you of him," he told her. "Three years ago … it was like I died, and was born again into a new life. Just leave, and come with me. Start over, and be happy. We can find the happiness we never had before."
He could understand that she was sad – she'd loved them both, and he'd just killed someone she loved. In fact, he wouldn't have been at all surprised if she hated him for it. But that was another thing he loved so much about her: she was always so understanding.
Something snapped within her. Her eyes sparkling with her new conviction, Julia pulled away from the door to look him straight in the eye. "Then teach me how to be reborn." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.
Spike's arms found their way around Julia's shoulders and waist. Instincts took over, and, like old times, his body melted against hers. He returned the kiss fiercely, and finally and reluctantly broke away. This time, a smile graced his face and his eyes sparkled. "Then you should pack your things," he told her, "and we'll both go into a new life."
"I'm putting my trust in you, Spike," Julia said giving him one last quick kiss on his cheek. She walked past him into the room to begin packing her things. She wouldn't take much, just a couple changes of clothes and a few essentials. She nearly faltered when she saw the dress Vicious had bought her hanging in the closet. Quickly brushing it aside she began folding up clothing into a large duffel bag.
Spike noted Julia's reaction to the dress, and also noted that she left it behind. He wasn't going to talk with her about Vicious. He didn't want to know what they'd done together, or how close they'd been. Instead, he located his classic yellow shirt and blue jacket, and slowly donned them, careful to avoid the bandages that crisscrossed his upper body.
It didn't take long for Julia to finish her packing, with only the one bag to fill there wasn't much she could take. "Spike, what are the people on the Bebop like?" she asked turning back to him with her bag. "I've met Faye, but what about the others?"
Spike carefully fastened his rumpled tie and tucked it under the jacket. Stretching cautiously, he answered, "Well, for starters, there's Jet. Used to be a cop. He's all gruff, plays life straight. We were partners in the business, just the two of us, long before we met Faye or anyone else. Then we picked up Ed. She's just a little kid, but a really good hacker. Dog named Ein. There's a girl, Meifa, who's still afraid of guns. I think she's also afraid of me, but that's not my problem. Does this feng-shui kind of thing, not entirely sure how it works, but it finds things. Finally there's Paris, and I still don't know what she does."
"It sounds like an interesting group," Julia said laughing at his descriptions as they made their way down to her car. "What did you do to the poor girl to make her afraid of you?"
Under normal circumstances, Spike simply would have vaulted into the cherry-red convertible, but his injury forced him to enter the passenger seat via the door. "I drew on her," he said. "She asked what I could do, so I showed her. Not like I was going to actually shoot her or anything. Of course, if she keeps bugging me about smoking …" he added jokingly.
"You couldn't hurt her," Julia said calling his bluff. She turned the key in the ignition and soon they were on their way to the docks. "As much as you like to talk big you're still kind when it comes to the vulnerable, and people in need."
"Ah, you know me too well," Spike said, leaning back. He pulled a package of cigarettes from his pockets and removed one, then offered one to Julia as he reached for his lighter. "But don't tell. I'd hate to ruin my image of being a gangster."
Julia turned down the cigarette; she didn't want to smell like smoke the first time she met Spike's friends. She couldn't help but allow a small giggle to escape. She felt like she was going to meet Spike's parents...
Julia followed Spike's directions and stopped the car right in front of the Bebop. "So this is the Bebop?" Julia asked taking off her sunglasses to get a better look at it.
Spike stepped out of the car and looked up at the ship, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Yeah," he replied. "Looks like a piece of junk, but it's a good ship."
Julia walked around the car until she was standing next to Spike. Grasping his hand with her own, she turned to face him. "A kiss for good luck?"
Spike smiled tenderly. He still couldn't believe his good fortune. It was like being born again. Vicious was gone, Julia was his, and he was … home. He leaned forward and gifted her with a brief and gentle kiss, reached up to tousle her long, golden hair. Then, he turned to face the ship. "C'mon."
Faye had been standing outside, leaning against the wall of the Bebop when the car containing Spike and Julia arrived. Her cigarette was nearly gone, and rather than stand outside to finish it, she flicked it overboard and disappeared into the ship.
But not before she saw Spike lean over and kiss Julia. It was then that she realized that the two of them coming here was a reality, and that like it not, she was down to two choices: Deal with it, or leave. And suddenly, the later sounded so much more appealing.
She walked back to her room - walked, because running was still out of the question, and pulled out her bags. She stuffed a few clothes into the suitcase, then sighed softly and collapsed on the bed. Who was she kidding? She could barely take care of herself right now. If she left, where would she go?
She pulled herself up, and trudged back towards the living room, but hung back. She could hear voices, and decided to simply listen.
Damn Jet for bothering them about smoking inside. And damn Meifa for having that problem with smoking. Or else, she would have been enjoying her cigarette inside.
Julia followed Spike into the Bebop hand in hand. She was smiling as she took in all the sights and sounds, even the smell of the Bebop around her. This was Spike's domain, and just being here suddenly made her fell infinitely closer to him.
Meifa had come out of her room, she'd heard someone come in and thought it might be Faye from her smoking break, she felt bad for avoiding her and was willing to try to make up for it. But instead of Faye, Spike and another girl stood in the hallway. "Spike!" Meifa said and despite her earlier fear of him she ran up and hugged him. "Jet! Faye! Spike's back!"
Jet had just finished stirring the bell peppers frying in his pan when he heard Meifa's call. Still donning his apron, he set the spatula he was using on the counter, wiped his hands, and headed into the living room. "Spike," he said, before his eyes fell upon Julia. He could see why Spike was in love with her. She was beautiful, and had this air about her that drew attention to her. "And you must be Julia."
Faye's feet stayed rooted to the ground. She could no more force herself forward than she could force herself to leave. This was too much for her, and yet, she couldn't make herself leave either. She took a deep breath, and with shaky steps, masked only by her injuries, stepped into the living room. She leaned over the upstairs balcony to watch in silence.
Spike had been putting more than just a little weight on Julia as they'd entered the ship, but he stopped the moment they entered the living room. Jet's trained eyes would have noticed the weakness, and if his partner knew how shaky he still felt, he'd probably try to keep him inside even longer.
"It's good to be back, pard," Spike said, looking around the familiar room. The creaking fan ... the yellow couch ... Faye, perched on the upper railing glaring at him. Affectionately, he returned Meifa's hug with a less exuberant mirror of her own. Then, he straightened. "Julia, you already know Faye. This is Meifa, and Jet's the one cooking up the …" He sniffed the air, then sighed. "… Vegetarian bell peppers and beef. You know, I actually miss that stuff."
"Hello," Julia said waving sheepishly at the people around her. She looked up at Faye, and for a moment their eyes connected. Julia wondered what relations between the two of them would be like now that she was on the ship.
"Are you good at catching bounties?" Meifa asked looking up at the newest member of the ship. "We're going to have to catch a really big one soon, or there won't even be bell peppers to eat"
Jet laughed, "Well, it's a good thing I made extra then." He shook his head slightly - Spike always surprised him, and headed back for the kitchen to finish with the meal.
Faye raised an eyebrow as Spike mentioned her, but her expression turned soft when her eyes met Julia. No matter how much pain she would suffer because of the woman's presence on the ship, Faye simply couldn't feel anything but a strange sense of partnership with the woman whom she shared the fate of two lives. This mess wasn't Julia's fault - if anything, it was even more Spike's fault.
She stood back up, and made her way towards the stairs. "Good to see you again, Julia," she said coolly, wondering how much the woman had let on to Spike about their tentative friendship.
"This time we're under much better circumstances," I hope... Shifting her bag on her shoulder, Julia looked around the cramped living room. After having lived alone for so long it was going to be strange living with so many people in such a tight space.
"I'll take your bag to your room," Meifa said taking the bag without waiting for an answer. She disappeared down the hallway and placed the bag in an empty room between Spike and Faye's rooms.
Julia watched the girl go curious as to where she would be living but the tour could come later.
Spike smiled as he watched Meifa vanish into the revolving corridor. "Things are kind of cramped around here, but they're cozy," he told Julia. "I spend practically no time in my own room anyway. There's plenty of corners around the ship that I can go to work out, and you'd be surprised how comfortable that yellow couch can be."
He paused, searching his mind for something he'd forgotten. "Oh, right! And one other thing. We usually get our info on bounties from the Big Shot vid show. It's incredibly lame, but it serves its purpose. So if you see someone who looks like they're watching cartoons, that'll be it."
Faye simply smirked, "Yeah, let's hope." After her last little fight with Spike, he was the last person she wanted to talk to. And as long as Julia was hanging on him, she wasn't sure she wanted to talk to Julia, either. "See you around," she waved, before heading back for the deck. Another cigarette would calm her nerves.
Julia watched Faye leave with a concerned look on her face. She knew how much Faye loved Spike, but she had selfishly come anyway forgetting about the other woman's feelings. "Spike, you should sit down, you're still not well," Julia said guiding them over to the couch. "Are you sure you want me to come with you? I don't know if I really belong here..."
Spike had gauged Faye's reaction to Julia, but was surprised to find that he didn't care. He'd been utterly alone for three years. It was his turn to find some happiness.
Slowly, he allowed Julia to guide him to the couch. He sat down, and pulled her down next to him. Taking her hands, he shook his head. "Of course I'm sure," he told her gently. "This is my home."
