Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Return to Life ❯ Future ( Chapter 6 )

Return to Life

Chapter 6: Future

The night stars glitter above, and I can't help but gaze into the vastness of it. I'd never noticed how beautiful the sky really was. I'd always been the run before, jumping from bounty to bounty, always straying and never lingering in one place too long. Until now. The Bebop is my home, no matter how many times I try to leave, I always return.

"You've been lying out here for over an hour. Lazy ass," Faye comments sitting besides me and hugs her knees to her chest.

"We have enough money for the time being," I answer, casting a glance over at the woman. "Why not take a breather and enjoy life?"

"I love you." I hear my heart skip a beat. Did I just hear what I thought I did? "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to just blurt it out like that. Talk about sudden."

Suddenly, I can't speak. I can only sit up and stare at the woman next to me. Memories replay in my mind. As I'm leaving to confront my past, Faye aims her gun at me then fires above instead. As I slip back into the present, I realize Faye is still talking. "I can understand if you don't feel the same. I should leave, shouldn't I?"

"Faye..." Her mouth stops moving and she turns to look at me. "I appreciate your honesty but I don't feel the same. There's only been one woman for me in this world and she's already passed on into the next. Until I'm able to stay my final good-bye, I can't look at you-or any other woman that way. Do you understand?"

Tears glitter in her eyes. As they run down her face, she nods shakily. "I do, actually. It doesn't make the pain any less though. W-When will you be able to say good-bye to Julia?"

I lay back down on the grass below us. The beauty of those stars strikes me again and I think. "I'm not sure. I'm not certain whether I'll ever be able to..." Faye lingers in my presence for a few moments before fleeing. Who knew that woman had fallen in love with me? Life's full of surprises.

I should have expected it. There had been so many signs. I'd ignored them all, instead concentrating on my troubles.

"Spike-Spike!" What did that little imp want now? If it were important, Ed would be dancing around me with the computer balanced perfectly on top of her head.

I take my time walking back to the Bebop. I had all the time in the world now. That's one good thing about burying you past. You only had to look forward to your future.

As I enter the living room, Ed is crab walking towards the couch. Jet and Faye were nowhere to be found. I look around, curious as to where my comrades had disappeared. I near Jet's bedroom and pause in my footsteps. Where was that laughter coming from?

"Thanks for comforting me, Jet. Spike can be so-"

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're-"

Chuckle.

"I told you I'm ticklish there! No-"

Giggle.

"Stop, please!"

More giggles.

"I can't breathe, Jet!"

I smirk walking back towards the living room. Well, well it seems as if two certain people had gotten close during my absence. My smirk disappears and I turn sullen. The supposed death of a comrade can make such miracles happen.

"Did you have something for me, Ed?"

She grins widely and starts typing with her toes. After a minute or less, Ed turns the computer my way. On the screen is a message from the ISSP. They'd found my ship. The Swordfish II.

The next morning, I land the rented ship at the local ISSP station. After inquiring about my ship, I am directed to a warehouse a few blocks away. As I enter, I see a long line of spaceships, each unique in shape and size. I stop in front of a familiar shape and stare. It couldn't be-could it? My ship, Swordfish II was here, and painted...pink. Hot pink. My eyebrow twitches; I'm just about to lose it. I don't find this amusing in the least. Whoever did this...is going to die.

Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I turn around slowly, eyes narrowed in annoyance. I'm startled to find a young ISSP officer smiling at me. Long lashes blink, revealing deep blue eyes on a long face. She reminds me of Julia. Of course, Julia didn't have short green hair though. "Are you here to pick up something, cowboy?"

I nod, wondering how long she's been on the force. "Yeah. I'm Spike Spiegel and I'm here to pick up my star ship." She smiles, patting the nose of the Swordfish II lightly.

"I take it this is yours?"

"Yeah. You need proof of ownership or can I just fly it out of here?"

She chuckles. "Follow me to my desk and you just have to sign a few forms." I comply, and 2 hours later, I am flying through the atmosphere in my own ship. I had ditched the rental leaving it to whoever spotted it first.

Now I was set. I had my Swordfish II, repainted its original color, of course, my comrades and the Bebop. Life was good. Well, as good as it could get.

Is this the end? Never. Just because I've survived my past and my return back to life doesn't mean everything's over. Jet and Faye's relationship continues developing though both of them deny that such a thing exists. It's rather amusing to see them play hide-and-seek.

Ed has started taking an interest in something else besides hacking. I can only speculate that because she's mastered hacking, she's started getting bored. Now she wants to become a bounty hunter. A cowgirl. After putting me through many weeks of torment and torture, I've promised to show her the basics. Who knows? She might just show a talent for bounty-hunting someday.

As for me, I'm content. I still think of Julia and Vicious from time to time as well as Mao, my mentor. I have managed to let the past go. Must definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done. No bounty or near-death experience measures up to the trials I had to go through. Time has begun slipping past me as it has done before. It no longer matters where I go or what I do. I am happy at last. I've found my peace and hopefully, I can keep this small family together. On the Bebop.

I'm no psychic. I've no idea what the coming days will be like. I suppose I will have to wait and see. One never knows what the future will bring.

THE END

Author's Note: This is perhaps one of the most popular fan fiction stories I have written. I've enjoyed being in Spike's head. Thanks to all my readers and reviewers. Without you, I wouldn't have finished this story. Perhaps a sequel will come around if my muses feel up to it. ;)

~Nadare