Hello all you happy people! If you're not happy, well, maybe this will brighten your day! An update so soon after the first! I'm very pleased with the results. Now, it is a rather short one, but you will be pleasantly rewarded with longer ones in the near future. I promise! Ok, onto my thank you's! Tanks so very much for reviewing so fast! Every hour there was a new review and it made me very happy:D Ok, tanks to... ElleestJenn, madmbutterfly 713, Gryffindor's Newsie, SilverConlon, and hobbit1400. For your lovely reviews, you all win a box full of Newsie plushies! Yay! Hope you enjoy them! Oh... before I forget, I have a new AIM: ChocolateJockey. Please IM me some time! I love talking to other newsie lovers, and if you love to rp, like me, buzz me! Anyhooo...onwards to the story!

(Twitch...if you are online right now, get on AIM! I added you and want to chat:P)

Chapter Twenty

Skittery raced down the docks. His eyes held a steady gaze on the huge yacht that sat smugly at the very last pier. It was still taking on cargo and supplies with people struggling up and down the gangplank under the weight of huge trunks and boxes. They still had time! All wasn't lost!

The group of newsies ran all the way to the pier. As they got closer, the boys quickly hid behind some of the bigger boxes and crates to watch the proceedings. Skittery gasped for breath as he and Jack crouched down behind a pile of crates and watched as a small carriage pulled up in front of the yacht's plank. The coach door opened as the occupants decided to leave the warmth of the interior.

The first to emerge from the shadowed interior was the man who had run Skitts over several weeks ago. He was now dressed in a fancy black suit with a silk shirt underneath. His steel gray eyes searched the pier for a few minutes before stepping down and placing a tall top hat on his head.

Next to step down from the carriage was a tall, handsome young man. His dark blue eyes shone with happiness and triumph as he gazed around before turning to talk to someone still in the carriage. He was dressed in a fancy tuxedo with a white rose pinned to the front. He ran a hand through his dark blonde hair before offering his hand to the person still in the dark shadows.

Skittery felt his breath hitch in his throat at the sight of the pale hand that reached out to take the boy's hand. The hand was followed by a very sad but beautiful Tripper. A dark green gown of satin flowed around her small frame, accenting her curves and giving her a regal air. Her short auburn locks were tied back away from her face by a matching ribbon making it very easy to see the damage done to her face. No make-up could hide the dark purple/black bruise that surrounded her eye or the cut on her puffy bottom lip. Her eyes gazed around sadly with the knowledge that no one knew where she was. Her gaze moved down the docks as if memorizing the sight when it came to the exact spot where Skittery crouched in the shadows and met his pained look. Her eyes widened in surprise and joy for only a moment before a mask fell in place and her gaze moved on. Resentfully, she took the arm of the young man and let him lead her towards the plank.

For several minutes, the group from the carriage stood at the end while the older man argued with the ship's captain. Tripper turned her eyes back to Skittery's hiding place trying to say good bye the only way she could. Then, she was pulled up the plank and soon disappeared onto the deck of the ship.

Skittery didn't wait a moment longer. He had seen the way she looked at him as if she was never going to see him again. He knew she had been telling him good bye forever, and he wouldn't allow that to happen. He wasn't going to lose her a second time. Grabbing one of the trunks, Skitts headed for the hold of the ship. The other boys followed his example by grabbing various boxes and bags before heading for the yacht. Operation: Infiltrate and Rescue Tripper was now in full motion.

The boys had to fight against the urge to stand and stare around at the elegant furnishings of the interior of the ship. There were thick rugs beneath their feet and rich curtains, pictures, and plants were scattered through out the different rooms. With heads bent low and feet shuffling quietly along, they quickly followed the other men carrying cargo below deck. Once they had found where to rid themselves of from their burdens, Jack led the small group into an empty room.

"What's da plan, Jack?" Snipes was chomping on the bit to get his sister back. He had seen the look in her eyes and the bruise on her face. He didn't want them to do it again.

"Da plan? Um…the plan…Well… Um…" Jack blushed a the astonished looks he received.

"You don't gots a plan!" Blink's voice rose sharply in dumbfounded amazement.

"Um…fellas….?"

"Course I's gots a plan! I's jist gots ta finish it is all!"

"Guys?"

"No you don't! Youse gots no idea what ta do now!"

"Yes, I do!"

"No…!"

"GUYS!"

All heads turned towards Tumbler.

"What?"

"Skittery's gone!"

"What!"

"Gah! I can't stand dis!" Shooter jumped to her feet from the bunk she had been sitting on. "It ain't fair dat we's gotta sit heah an' do nuttin'!" Her bright eyes flashed angrily as she started to pace and flail her arms in anger.

Perch sat nearby puffing on a cigarette. With each passing moment, her puffs became faster and her brow became darker. The girls had been told to stay put because they would only get in the way and get hurt. Sure, that's why they let the little boys go along. They knew that they were forced to stay behind because the boys thought they would just get in the way. HA! Not very likely! They could help! They were smarter then all that!

Sweeps, Kitten, Accent, and Hawk all sat glaring at various objects who didn't deserve the pain they were going through. Twitch, not an original member of the group sat there angrily chewing on her finger nails. Jack knew darn well that she wouldn't get in the way. Yet, he had told her to stay put and 'guard' the other girls. Right! Guard the girls! What was he thinking!

Very slowly, a devious smile spread across her lips. She was the guard right? Well...

"Ladies, I tinks I's gots me a plan."