Wings Of Icarus

“What do you mean it’s not registrated?” Spike questioned, the annoyance clear in his voice.

“Sorry sir, your ship just isn’t in the system.” The dock worker said apologetically. Spike turned and saw men unloading the ship.

“What the hell! Put those back.” Spike shouted angrily.

“We have to check all cargo for illegal or stolen contraband.” The worker reassured. “I’m sure you have nothing to hide.” I bit down on my lip and looked away.

“And how long does this process usually take. You know… checking cargo.” Spike asked calmly.

“About three hours. There’s already a lot of work today so you’re pretty high in the queue.” The worker said. “Really sorry.”

Spike nodded and pulled me back onto the ship. “So what’s the news?” Bulk asked.

“I’ll tell you it’s not good.” I said quickly.

“Looks like we’re re-repossessing some cargo.” Spike laughed.

“I don’t even want to guess what that means.” I said.

“Well first of all… We need a distraction.” Spike said, glancing at Bulk who nodded and walked further into the ship. Spike motioned me to follow him as he walked out of the ship. We attempted to walk past the worker, who stopped us immediately.

“Sorry sir but you can’t just leave. If you’re ship isn’t registered then…” He started. A small grinding was heard atop Icarus. Everyone turned and looked, seeing that the right wing was twisting slowly.

“What is he doing…” I started slowly.

“Distraction.” Spike smiled. Moments later the wing detached, hovering gently. The wings were… fighters?

“What the hell?” One of the workers said aloud. The fighter fired a shot at one of the many crates in the loading dock, causing everyone to scatter.

“Annnd run.” Spike whispered, tugging me along as we bolted past the guards, who now had something new to focus on.

“Do you even know where the crates are being held?” I questioned as I tried to keep pace with him.

“Not a clue.” Spike said, leading us into one of the warehouses. My eyes widened at the large amount of crates littered throughout the area.

“How are we supposed to find them in this mess?” I mumbled as I looked around. Spike approached one of the crates and put his ear up to it, knocking on the top. “What are you doing?” I questioned curiously. Spike ignored me and approached another, repeating the process. “HELLO!” I nearly shouted at him. Spike turned to me slowly and shushed me before continuing. I started to tap my foot impatiently as I stared at him. “This is going to take forever if you plan on doing this to every crate in the warehouse.” I grumbled.

“It wouldn’t if you helped.” Spike said as he turned back and smiled.

“What am I supposed to be listening for?” I questioned. Spike continued ignoring me and knocking on the crates. I sighed and joined him in knocking on the crates. I approached one and put my ear up to it, tapping it with my knuckles. I was greeted by a loud, returned knocking from inside it. “Spike.” I said loudly. The lid popped off and there was a blue circle on the underside of it. “Found something.” The owl from the ship popped his head out of the stuffed animal filled crate and stared at me. “Hi.” I said. The owl blinked a few times, seeming caught off guard by my presence. He seemed slightly off, seeming slightly drunk in his… everything. “Spike! Get over here NOW!” I said. Spike was by my side in almost an instant. He stared at the owl and narrowed his eyes.

“Hey Owlick, you okay?” Spike asked. Owlick looked at the two of us before smiling and falling back into the stuffed animals. Spike glanced down, seeing that one of them had fallen out and was torn open. He grabbed it and reached inside, pulling a small bag out of one. “Oh. Ohhh…” He started, nodding slowly.

“What?” I questioned.

“He’s high, and we are now drug smugglers.” Spike said.

“That’s great.” I sighed, “Just… great.”

“Now we just need to get the crates out.” Spike said, looking around the warehouse.

“And how are we going to do that?” I asked.

“How much can you carry?” Spike asked, turning to me.

“I don’t know!” I said quickly. Footsteps were heard just outside the warehouse. “We’ll find out though!” I quickly attempted to lift one of the nearby crates. I struggled futilely and panted as it escaped my grip.

“Owlick, you know what to do.” Spike said. Owlick nodded and hopped out of the crate. Spike took two of the stuffed animals and took a breath in, breathing fire on the two of the stuffed bears and illuminating them in its’ green hue.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” I questioned. Owlick grabbed the two bears, holding them by the parts that hadn’t lit up yet. Two men walked in and froze, staring at the three of us. Owlick held the bears above his head and screeched, bolting towards them. The two ponies practically screamed in fear at the owl wielding two flaming teddy bears and stormed right back out as Owlick chased them.

“And while he does that.” Spike started, walking off to the side and grabbing one of the dollies to help move the crates. I quickly grabbed another one and wheeled it over. The two of us moved the crates out to the entrance and set the dollies down. I looked around at the edge of the dock and at the water that many sea-bound ships were docked at as well.

“What now?” I asked. Spike turned and sat down, leaning back against one of the crates and relaxing. “We’re just going to relax?”

“Mmhm.” Spike nodded.

“What… Mm… Fine.” I muttered. Spike patted the ground next to him and looked up at me. I sighed and sat down beside him.

“So.” Spike said.

“So what?” I asked. Spike smiled and continued to stare at me.

“Tell me about yourself.” He said.

“Why do you care to know?” I asked defensively.

“I like to know the people that will be sleeping on my ship.” Spike started.

“I’m no one.” I said.

“Well that’s not true. You’re a pony, with white skin, and you’re a unicorn. That’s a good enough foundation.” Spike laughed.

“Let me rephrase that. I’m no one important.” I said. “There isn’t much to tell.”

“That’s not true. Everyone’s important. You went out to find two jerks who were stealing from you. You found me, and I found them. I’d say if anything that you’re very good at something. And that’s important.” Spike said, turning to me and smiling.

I smiled slightly, “Thanks for that. But I really don’t have much of a story to tell that you don’t already know.” I said.

“Well, you helped us get the cargo out… I’d say that’s a good second chapter.” Spike said.

“A little short for a chapter.” I shook my head and laughed.

“True.” Spike shrugged.

“I can tell you it was even more interesting then my first chapter ever was.” I said as I leaned back. Spike’s expression stayed frozen for a few moments, seeming lost in thought. “Spike?” I asked.

“Did I ever tell you my favorite chess piece?” Spike asked.

“No.” I shook my head.

“It resembles me the best.” Spike said, glancing over at me.

“Well what is it?” I asked. Spike just stared at me, his smile growing.

“I’ll tell you when we get back to the ship.” He said.

“Fine then.” I grumbled. “Don’t tell me.”

“You are the most impatient pony I’ve ever met.” Spike said, standing up and glancing out to the waters.

“No I’ve just gotten to the point where I understand that means you WON’T tell me.” I sighed.

“I’ll tell you.” Spike said, the sound of an engine slowly rising to our ears.

“Mmhm. I won’t hold my breath.” I nodded as I stood up. The fighter from earlier was now acting as a boat, pulling up to the dock and opening, Bulk piloting it.

“About time.” Spike said, wheeling one of the boxes into the fighter.

“Not much room in here, I’ll have to make a couple trips.” Bulk said.

“We’ve got the time.” I said as I wheeled the next crate in. “I doubt the guards are still going to be looking for us. Especially after… burning bear attack.”

“A day to remember.” Spike laughed, hitting the edge of the fighter and signaling the first load was in. Bulk nodded and the hatch closed, the fighter keeping low and flying out of view.

“Yep, and I can tell it’s only going to get better.” I chuckled. I stepped back and smiled slyly as I leaned against him. “Right?” I asked coyly.

“I’ve heard of sex on the beach, but this is ridiculous.” Spike joked.

“Pervert.” I laughed.

“Says the one coming onto me.” Spike said. He paused a moment. “That sounded better in my head.”

I laughed again, “You really need to calm down.” I said as I punched him in the shoulder.

“I’m calm, you’re the one trying to get into my pants.” Spike teased, slipping a hand around my waist.

“Who says I’m trying?” I said, “And look at you right now. Just finding a reason to touch my ass now aren’t you?”

“Oh I need a reason?” Spike questioned, squeezing my backside tightly.

I slapped him across the face, “Hands off. I didn’t say you could touch me like that.” I scolded. Spike put a hand to his cheek and nodded slowly.

“Right… got it.” Spike groaned.

“You managed to make it an even longer wait.” I said jokingly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Spike asked curiously.

“You don’t need to worry about that anymore.” I said as I stepped away from him.

“So an arm around your waist is fine but if it so much as touches your ass it’s a crime? Women…” Spike sighed.

“You’re the one who grabbed me like I belonged to you.” I retorted.

“It’s a sign of trust! Go on and grab mine, I won’t complain.” Spike smirked.

“So grabbing and groping is a sign of trust now? Men…” I shook my head.

“Oh good.” Spike said, seeming distracted.

“What now?” I asked. Spike pointed down at the end of the warehouse. I looked and saw Owlick in cuffs, being dragged away. “Oh. We should free him.” I said.

“Yeah. You stay here.” Spike said, striding off away from me and following the guards.

“Fine. Leave me here alone.” I sighed as I glanced around. After a few moments I ran after Spike. “I said WE.” I stated as I caught up to him.

“Yes, and you’ll be helping by not getting in the way.” Spike said, speeding his pace up slightly.

“I’m not useless!” I said angrily.

“Okay, then go be ‘not useless’ near the crates, I’m sure you’ll do great.” Spike suggested, stopping at an alley and peeking down it in time to see Owlick be dragged around the corner at the other end.

I stopped and stared at Spike. “If you’re just going to treat me like I’m useless then I’m done.” I stated. Spike’s head slammed into the wall of the building.

“Fine, come on.” Spike sighed, rushing off down the alley. I ran after him and stayed close behind.

“I didn’t know you had a marefriend Spike.” A male voice said from behind us. I jumped and spun around, seeing a rather short stallion, a shaved head with tan skin.

“I’m not his marefriend.” I stated.

“Do you have my merchandise or what?” The short stallion asked.

“Nice to see you too Dark.” Spike sighed. “Yeah, I got your stuff. It’s just uh…”

“It’s just uh?” Dark questioned, tilting his head.

“We have… half of it.” Spike continued.

“Half?” Dark said quietly.

“The other half is currently on its’ way to my ship. The rest is still at the docks.” Spike said. I glanced nervously between them and stepped back.

“Ah, that’s good.” Dark said calmly.

“Why is that good?” I asked.

“For a second there, I thought you lost it.” Dark laughed, making me feel even more uneasy.

“Okay…” I mumbled as I looked to Spike.

“Yeah, we got it don’t worry.” Spike said, pushing me back gently.

“Only… why are you transporting it off the cargo ship to your ship?” Dark asked, cocking his head and staring silently at us. “You do have my ship… don’t you?”

I glanced nervously at Spike. “It got a little damaged. Bulk is repairing it don’t worry.” Spike said reassuringly.

“Oh? What happened?” Dark asked curiously.

“Engine troubles…” Spike said, pushing me further behind himself to protect me. I hid behind him and remained motionless.

“Really? Because… I could have sworn that you blew it up.” Dark said coldly.

I gulped quietly. “Well we couldn’t exactly destroy the drugs you’ve had me smuggling, so I had to get the cargo out of the ship.” Spike said. I could feel he was shaking slightly.

“What… what’s going to happen…” I mumbled quietly.

“Listen, I can get you a new ship. We have your cargo I swear, just let her go and I’ll take you to it.” Spike said quickly. Dark approached the two of us and looked up at me. I stared down at him.

“You, stand over there.” Dark said, pointing to me and then motioning a few feet away.

I looked to Spike. “Listen, no matter what happens, just find Owlick okay?” Spike said, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. I nodded slowly and started to step backwards, my hand slipping from his so slow it was almost painful.

Dark reached into his pocket and pulled out a yellow remote with a metallic fork looking thing at the end. He jabbed it against Spike’s scales and pressed the button, immediately sending currents of electricity through him. Moments later Spike went limp and fell to the ground.

I stumbled back a little more and held back my tears as I bolted from the alleyway, both fear and anger tearing through my mind. I needed to find Owlick and make sure that both he and Bulk know what happened to Spike so we could… do something… No… So we could get him back. I ran and looked around for anything that resembled a police station. My eyes caught the sleek white vehicles outside a rather busy looking area, all of them with the word ‘Enforcers’ written on the side. I rushed towards the cars and saw what I assumed was the station, hurrying inside. The station was full of people and looked as bustling as any other part of the city. I noticed the thin grey pegasus at the front desk, writing out forms and sorting them. “Hello?” I said. She looked up at me for a moment before returning to the paperwork.

“What is it?” She asked.

“I’m looking for someone who was just taken here.” I stated. The mare simply looked up at me and glanced around at the several cells full of people in the back and the many officers either interrogating or transferring criminals. “An owl.” I said. “And I need him released.”

“That’s going to be difficult. You’re going to need the right paperwork, and that’s if it’s a minor crime, a misdemeanor. If he’s committed a felony or anything serious, he’ll have to go through court.” She assured.

I face palmed. “I don’t have any TIME to do that! My friend is in serious danger!” I nearly shouted at the mare.

“Well I’m sorry. If you can find him you can talk to him, but he’s not getting out.” She said calmly before returning to her work.

I walked away from her, “Piss poor excuse of a fucking cop…” I grumbled quietly as I set to work searching for Owlick. I spotted the familiar brown feathers trailing to the back in one of the cells. I approached the small room locked with bars and saw Owlick sitting on the bench in it. He looked up at me and waved. I waved him over to the bars. He stood up and approached the bars, staring at me for a few moments before waving again. I waved back before getting serious again. “Spike’s been kidnapped.” I started. “By a stallion named Dark Shadow.” Owlick blinked a few times before tapping the bars. “I can’t get you out…” I sighed. Owlick stared at me for a moment before returning to his seat. “I’m sorry.” I said. Owlick shrugged and waved me off dismissively. I looked away as a small feeling of hopelessness came over me. My heart skipped a beat as I felt his arms wrap around me through the bars. I sniffled quietly and looked up at him. A squeak escaped my mouth as he spun me around, holding my back tightly against the bars. “What are you…” I muttered quietly. One of the arms around me moved and pointed to a guard, a set of keys jingling on his waist. I nodded slowly. Owlick pointed at the guard again and motioned me to bring him over.

“H… help…” I squeaked loud enough for the guard to hear me. The guard looked up wide-eyed at me and slowly walked over.

“Just let her go.” The guard said. Owlick motioned the guard closer, who immediately obliged. Owlick’s grip loosened and he grabbed his chest, falling to his knees in pain.

“Oh god he’s having a heart attack!” I said quickly. The guard rushed over to the cell and reached for his keys, pausing and staring down at Owlick.

“Wait… you’re… what are you doing back he-” The guard started. Owlick’s hands shot forward and grabbed the guard’s feet, yanking them towards himself and causing the guard to fall onto his back. He pulled the guard’s legs through the bars and the metal bar immediately hit him in the groin. “Hhgh...phnngohh…” The guard sputtered, going quiet immediately and curling up. I quickly grabbed the keys and unlocked the door to the cell. “If this is going to go any further we need a distraction.” I stated. Owlick stepped out and looked around. He grabbed the keys from me and nodded. “Let’s do this.” I said. “First off, I think we should… what are you doing?”

Owlick moved to another cell and unlocked it, then another… and another. All the prisoners thanked him and rushed out as each cell opened. Several cops shouted and tackled the prisoners, only for more to come and start fighting. The entire station went up in a large riot.

“Come on lets’ go now!” I said as I grabbed Owlick and yanked him out the currently unwatched front door. Owlick looked around and glanced back to me as if waiting orders. “We need to get back to Bulk and tell him what happened. Then we can go get Spike back.” I stated. “You got any idea how to get to Bulk?”

Owlick scratched his head an nodded. He pointed over to where Icarus was docked and then to himself.

“Okay… Just make sure you come back.” I said quietly as I ran off to go locate Spike. There was something that caught my eye. There was a white trail on the ground, and it looked like stuffing that you’d have in a… stuffed animal. I slowly followed the trail, hoping that it’d lead me to wherever they took Spike. The trail ended at a door to a lighthouse at the corner of the docks (which wasn’t very populated). I approached the door and pressed my ear to it, hearing chatter, along with pained grunts inside. I gritted my teeth as I tried to quickly think of a plan, then I remembered I still had the gun in the back of my pants. I knew it wasn’t loaded and Spike was the only other person who knew. I grabbed the gun with one hand and then opened the door. I pointed the gun at the first person I saw. There were two male pegasus sitting at a table, one had a donut stuffed in his mouth, the other had a TV remote in his hand. I glanced up at the TV, where one guy was being tortured. I quietly stepped back out and shut the door.

“Fuck.” I muttered quietly. My eyes wandered down to the trail I had followed, and noticed that it didn’t stop here, and trailed around the lighthouse. I didn’t notice because it had gotten thinner, but it was definitely there. I moved around the lighthouse to another door that lead to a stairwell, spiraling up to the top. I held the gun tightly and slowly climbed the stairs. I tried my best to remain quiet so I’d be able to surprise whoever was at the top. The closer I grew to the tip of the iceberg, the more I heard talking, and one of the voices sounded VERY familiar. I got to the top and crouched down, my hand gripping the gun even tighter as I walked slowly to the door. I turned the handle and threw it open, pointing it immediately in. Spike was in the center of the room, tied to a chair. Dark was next to him, along with a few thuggish looking earth ponies. I stood up and gripped the gun with both hands and aimed at Dark.

“Well I can say with absolute sincerity, I didn’t expect that.” Dark chuckled, staring at the gun in my hand.

“Get down on the ground and put your hands behind your back, you’re under arrest.” I said firmly, trying my best to act like a cop. I glanced around at everyone else in the room and remained firm.

“You’re a cop? Interesting…” Dark started. “Why don’t you show us your badge Ms. Law.”

“And drop my guard? What do you think I am an idiot?” I questioned.

Dark raised an eyebrow and raised a hand, motioning everyone back. The other thugs moved back and took a seat in whatever chairs there were in the room. “So, any more guard I have to let down for you to feel safe?” He smiled. I stared at him through narrow eyes, my heart starting to beat a little faster. “Well? We’re waiting.”

“If she’s undercover, why would she have a badge on her?” Spike said aloud, his voice cracking an sounding very weak. Dark glanced at Spike and thought for a moment.

“Point taken.” Dark nodded.

“Get on the ground now.” I ordered.

“Or you’ll shoot us?” Dark questioned, getting a laugh from one or two of the other ponies.

I choked up for a moment, “Yes. I will.” I stated calmly. My eyes shifted to Spike, and something seemed off. The spikes around his waist that were there previously were gone, and replaced with small holes instead.

“Well, prove it.” Dark challenged, jumping to his feet and walking towards me slowly.

“Get back!” I ordered.

“Shoot me go on. But think of what’ll happen to your friend back there.” Dark said, a couple thugs moving to either side of Spike.

“You think I’d come in alone?” I questioned, a small smile coming across my face.

“Yeah, I do.” A voice from behind me said. My eyes widened as I turned, seeing the guy from downstairs that was eating a donut.

“Oh, it’s not loaded.” Dark said. My head snapped back and I saw he was directly in front of me and analyzing the gun, a smile on his face. I felt a hand wrap around my horn as the pony behind me gripped it. My magic attempted to spark to life but sizzled immediately.

“Let go of me!” I shouted. I struggled in the stallion’s grip as he groped my chest with his other hand.

“You have fun Butch.” Dark chuckled, turning and walking back to Spike. I slammed the gun I was still holding as hard as I could into Butch’s crotch. Butch had almost no reaction, smirking down at me.

My heart stopped as fear consumed me. My eyes shifted back up to Spike, and the green spikes around his waist had returned, along with the ropes looking to have shifted slightly. I stared at him as I was beginning to hope he had some sort of plan. My eyes widened and a smile formed on my face. “Hey dick!” I shouted. Dark stopped and turned to me, raising an eyebrow. “You’re as short as it after all.” I stated. A few thugs laughed, getting a glare from Dark immediately shutting them up. “You gonna let all your friends fight your battles for you? That’s what you are, a small midgety bitch.”

Dark clenched his fists and motioned Butch to back off. The pony behind me released me from his grip and crossed his arms, a devious smile on his face. “Okay you little brat, you wanna fight?” Dark questioned.

My smile widened and I stepped towards him. “Yeah I do.” I stated. I looked over at Spike and saw the same smile on his face. Spike threw his arms out, revealing the ropes had been cut. He wrapped one part of the rope around the goon to his left’s neck. The thug on the right moved to attack, but the green spikes around Spike’s waist shifted, revealing his sharp spikey tail, whipping it around the goon’s leg and digging the barbed whip around it. I threw the gun to Spike, who threw the strangled guard over his shoulder into the one whose leg was trapped, sending them both to the ground. Spike caught the gun and reached into his pocket quickly, pulling out the clip from before and loading it into it, aiming it at Dark immediately. I stared at Dark and my horn began to glow. Butch grabbed my horn again, an icy chill striking my spine as my head was yanked back and something sharp was put to my neck.

“Easy you two.” Dark said calmly. I stared fearfully at Spike. Spike sighed and shrugged, tossing the gun to Dark and leaning back in the chair. Butch released me and pointed to one of the empty chairs. I slowly walked over to the chair and sat down in it. Spike glanced towards me, something catching his eye and enlarging his smile further, making him relax entirely. I stared curiously at him for a moment.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” Spike said, resting one leg over the other.

“Finally, some civility.” Dark grinned, pulling a chair in front of the two of us and sitting down. I glanced to my right at Spike, hoping he had something up his sleeve. “Where’s my stuff.”

“What stuff?” Spike cocked his head curiously. I glanced over at Dark and waited silently.

“Let’s try to be sensical alright? Just tell me where my merchandise is and we’ll let you go, simple as that.” Dark asked.

“If it was as simple as that you wouldn’t have kidnapped us.” Spike chuckled.

“Mm, true. But honestly, I do like money, and those drugs are worth a lot.” Dark hummed.

“Well I did say they were being transferred to my ship, go on and check.” Spike said confidently.

“Oh I know, I just needed some leverage incase your friends decide to pull anything.” Dark said, pointing to the two of us.

“Very clever. You just seemed to forget something.” Spike said. Dark smiled a little more and opened his arms as if challenging Spike.

“You’re both trapped in this tower, full of my gang. A gang that I lead, and I get so much money from idiots like you who want a dime to get by, they’ll steal or take anything I want. So tell me Spike, what did I forget?” Dark questioned. There was a long pause.

“There’s a transmitter.” Spike smiled. Dark stared at him for a moment, a cold realization hitting him. Dark snapped his head to Butch, who ran behind Spike and checked him.

“I don’t see anything.” Butch stated.

“You’re bluffing.” Dark said threateningly. There was a pause as everyone in the room turned to me. Butch walked up behind me slowly and brushed my hair away, a small pain as if a band aid had been torn off on the back of my neck. I looked and saw a small green patch that had been there the whole time. My eyes widened and I smiled. I heard the sound of something in the distance.

“So here’s what’s going to happen.” Spike started, leaning back further. “You’re going to drop the gun and walk away, and you’re going to leave any money you happen to have in this lighthouse, which I assume you’re using as your base.”

“What’s to stop us from just killing you now and getting out of here?” Dark questioned. Spike stared at him for a moment before standing up and snatching the transmitter from Butch.

“Attention, this is Papa bear, do you read me Buffy?” Spike said extremely confidently. There was a click as Bulk’s voice came from the transmitter.

“Loud and clear Papa bear.” Bulk’s voice rang out.

“Let’s rattle em Buffy.” Spike stated. The sound was heard again, this time closer. It sounded like... Music?

There was a small shaking as the entire lighthouse started to rumble, getting more and more violent. I grabbed the chair almost out of instinct as it was shaking just as much as everything else was, providing no support to stop myself from shaking. Everyone but Spike covered their heads as the windows blew out. My eyes snapped to the now windowless holes in the wall. Icarus, looking massive from my point of view, was hovering just outside, all its’ guns aimed at Dark, now realizing IT was the source of the music. “Now… what say you?” Spike asked, crossing one leg over the other.

Dark stood absolutely silent for a solid thirty seconds before him, Butch, and the other thugs rushed out the door and down the stairs. “And that’s how it’s done.” Spike smiled. He shifted his weight and groaned in pain, slumping back down in the chair.

I rushed over to him and pulled him up against my body to support him. “Thank you…” I said quietly as I hugged him. There was no response from him, which sent a small surge of panic through me. I looked down and saw he had his face shoved in my chest. I sighed and pushed his head out, “Perv.” I smiled.

“To be fair, I…” Spike started. I cut him off as I shoved his head back in between my breasts.

“Just enjoy the moment. You won’t be getting to do this often.” I laughed. A voice came out from the transmitter again.

“You two okay?” Bulk’s voice called. Spike’s arms shot up and his thumbs extended, giving Icarus two thumbs up.

I laughed a little louder, “We’re fine thanks to you guys.” I said. A small twinge of curiosity hit me. “Hey… How did that get on me anyway?”

Spike looked down at the transmitter and chucked it out the broken window. My eyes tracked it and saw Owlick leaning out of the now open lift and caught it, throwing me a thumbs up before dodging back inside.

“And I thought he was trying to comfort me.” I sighed quietly.

“Well he trusted you to go alone. You know, the transmitter is two way. Icarus coming was plan B.” Spike said in absolute honesty. I stared silently down at him before looking up at Icarus. “Let’s get inside, something I want to show you.”

The two of us hopped out the window and onto the ramp that slid out from Icarus’ cargo bay, walking inside and watching it close behind us.

“So what is it?” I asked in a coy and sly tone as I stared at him innocently.

“Is sex all you think about? Pervert.” Spike joked, turning and heading up to the cockpit.

“Says the man who shoved his head into my breasts.” I said as I followed him.

“Well then stop putting them on display.” Spike teased. I simply stared at him. “I mean, they look good on you, really.” Spike said, scratching his chin, his eyes locked on my chest again.

“Do you want me to slap you again?” I asked. “Because I will.”

Spike turned and continued to the pilot’s seat, motioning me in and to sit down. I walked up and sat down beside him. Icarus flew higher to a city view, now able to see the many electronic billboards, televisions, and advertisements attached to the tall skyscrapers.

“Okay?” I questioned. “Is this it?”

“Like I said before, it transmits both ways.” Spike smiled, flipping a switch. All the TVs and billboards turned white with static. Moments later a picture of Dark appeared on all of them, and I could make out some audio.

“You’re both trapped in this tower, full of my gang. A gang that I lead, and I get so much money from idiots like you who want a dime to get by, they’ll steal or take anything I want. So tell me Spike, what did I forget?” Dark’s voice echoed through the city.

I started to laugh. “Bulk, get us the hell off this planet.” Spike said, standing up and heading to the door to the hall outside the cockpit.

“Hey.” I said, stopping him immediately. He turned back and stared tiredly at me. “You never told me your favorite chess piece.”

Spike smiled widely. “I don’t have one.” He said. I blinked a few times and stared bemused at the beaten up dragon. He walked out the door. “I don’t like chess.” He called as the door shut, leaving me alone in the cockpit. A smile spread on my face and I just started to laugh.

“Wait, what about the crates of drugs?” I called. I opened the door in time to see Owlick with a large handful of the stuffed animals, taking them into his room and disappearing. I slumped back in the chair and sat silently for a few moments. My eyes returned out the front window, watching Dark’s faces grow further as we drifted higher, flying away to another chapter of the story I’m now a character in. And to be honest… I’m starting to like this book.