Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure(This post is taking place at around midday *After* Spike's trip to the island with Rogue and Garnet, same timeframe as the students in the rec-room ...well...just after Riley leaves..*Clears throat and gets on with posting*..)
The hasty retreat hopefully went unnoticed by the other students, but Riley couldn't stand spending any more time with them. Not that he didn't want to...but it was hurting so badly when they talked about missing him and wanting him to stay. He was betrayed once before...how could he risk it all again? He couldn't...he didn't belong here, and once they got Catherine back...there was no telling who David would tell about Riley's 'guests' that had arrived earlier.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his bedroom key, sliding it into the lock, but as he twists it to open the door, a sharp flicker of pain strikes the front of his head. He pressed his forehead tightly against the door as he struggled to unlock it, once the door swang open he reached up with his left hand. The palm of his left hand pressed tightly against his forehead as he weakly closed the door, his right hand soon quickly found it's way to his head as well as the pain seemed to double.
Clenching his teeth tightly as he tried to choke back the yell he could feel building in his throat, Riley stumbled towards his draws. Leaning his back against the wall as he desperately waited for it to pass, bit it wasn't passing fast enough, Riley knew it'd be one of those minute long moments of intense torment that felt like an eternity of pain....
He allowed his body to slide down the wall, one arm resting against his draws, the other seemed to brush against Catherine's bag. For a group that called themselves his family, that told him how important he was to them...how much they needed him....how could they leave this thing inside him? It was killing him...slowly...painfully...but surely....this faulty device was killing him! Or worse, he'd end up brain damaged, or in a coma, he'd become useless...he'd rather die out in the battlefield then lay around like a mindless child!
TBC- Spike
Riley: So, tell me about your dream. As a Psych major, I'm qualified to go 'hmm.'
All the running and leaping and screaming and excitement of the morning had made Spike rather peckish, he had asked Rogue and Garnet if he could grab something to eat...alone. He grew even more uncomfortable with the consumption of blood the longer he stayed here, and the animal blood was foul and making him sick. He didn't want anyone to see him feeding...or incase he couldn't hold it down, he almost threw up last time...he would have hated Storm to have seen that.
He went the only way he knew - threw the dorms - to get to the Med Bay, however he slowed his pace as he picked up a familiar scent. Pausing, he looked at the door beside him, the key still left in the handle...Riley's room...wasn't like soldier boy to leave such an inviting gesture on his doorstep, so to speak.
Unless the Riley from his world was so totally different to his one, but one thing he knew for sure, this Riley was aware of this worlds Spike. Meaning most likely...this Riley had captured and most likely placed a chip in his head as well.
A smirk crossed Spike's cold lips...soul-boy got a chip too hmm?...
All this time Spike has wanted nothing more then to have the blasted device removed...but now, especially after the loss of control back on the island, he was grateful he had it. Had he not been able to stop himself from attacking Rogue, then at least the chip would have zapped him hard enough for her to either knock him out or finish him off.
What would it be like to fight her? She was so strong and powerful...would he be able to beat her in a real fight, without a chip, just her and him, alone, together....fighting..he was still thinking about fighting right? Right..of course he was...alone, face-to-face, fist to fists, lips to li-...uh...
He had to blink a few times to get the image out of his head, but his mind was suddenly distracted as he could hear quiet sobs of pain coming from inside the room.
Spike:".....Riley?"
He stepped closer to the door, listening carefully incase it was simply his mind playing tricks on him again, but he frowned as no response come. He could hear a struggle, or movements or something, then another gasp of pain which caused the vampire to have a sudden spark of worry flare inside of him.
Spike:"Riley you in there? You alright?"
Slowly his hand reached out for the handle of the door, twisting it and allowing it to swing open, if he was in there and in pain then his William half demanded he go in and help.
But he couldn't enter, not unless commando boy invited him in, Spike's gaze hovered over towards where Riley sat against the wall, half hidden between some Draws and a bag. It was a moment before Riley even noticed Spike standing at the door, but he was still clutching at his head so he paid no attention to the vampire...after all...he couldn't enter the room.
Riley:"Go.....away.."
The Initiative agent whispered threw tightly clenched teeth. Spike's hand reached for the doorway, his fingers pressing against a field that suddenly appeared, it was like an electric shock when he touched it...more painful the longer he held contact with it.
Allowing his hand to drop to his side again, he glared at the cowering form of Riley who appeared to be in agony.
Spike:"Right...I'll jus' walk off, leave ya here cryin' an' whimperin'...not bloody likely mate."
Riley glared at him for a moment, but was forced to shut his eyes, his fingers gripping his head even tighter as the faulty chip continued to remain active.
Riley:"Leave!"
Spike:"Invite me in Riley, you need help."
Riley:"No!"
With a quiet growl of frustration, Spike looked about, then smirked once again as he looked back at the operative.
Spike:"Then I'll just head on down to the Lab where I was headin' to, mention to the big blue and fuzzy your problem while I have a snack, then he can come and help ya."
Turning to continue on his way, he didn't even move a foot before Riley called out.
Riley:"No! Come in!"
And with that, Spike paused and faced the door, his hand once again reaching out yet this time he found no resistance, so grabbing the key from the handle, he entered the room.
Riley:"Close it."
He whispered to the vampire, who took a second to realise that he meant for the door to be closed, with a shrug, he reached out and tapped it with his hand, easily closing the door. Moving over to the bed, placing the keys on the side table...eyeing the gun that sat out in the open for a moment before looking back at Riley.
Spike:"Bleedin' christ Soldier-boy."
With a disapproving glare over to Riley, Spike picked up the gun by it's handle, opened the draw and then dropped it safely inside, closing it again and not giving it another thought. He turned about, making himself comfortable and sitting cross-legged on the end of Riley's neatly set up bed.
Spike:"Well? You goin' t'start talkin', or am I goin' t'have to suck it outta ya...fugitively speakin', o'course."
He offered another smug smile as Riley looked up at him, a slight look of loathing seen in the depths of his eyes.
Spike:"Come on Soldier-boy, what's there to hide? Already know 'bout the Initiative an'..you bein' a soldier, if you're still one in this world that is."
The chip began to stop, though the after effects still lingering painfully in Riley's mind, he looked up at the vampire, almost accusingly.
Riley:"What are you doing here Spike?"
For a moment, Spike had a look that hinted he was being absolutely sane and serious, which was rare for both to be blended so perfectly together.
Spike:"Look Riley, how I figure it is, in my world anyway, you put this blasted chip in my head.."
Riley:"I just helped capture you Spike, I was following orders!"
Spike:"Lemme finish, alright!?"
The vampire growled out as Riley got all defensive.
Spike:"You put the bloody thing in my head, and that changed me, it made me see things differently, even made me fight off the demon inside. Without the chip, I would have never been forced to fight the demon controllin' me, but you gave it to me, and I had to fight it. And I'm still fightin' it, but all that's goin' to change soon, these people are goin' t'help me."
Riley:"They don't have what it takes to help you.."
Spike:"Maybe they don't, but bein'ere, with'em, it's already helpin'."
The agent simply stared at Spike, unsure what to make of the creature, yet at the same time...listening. He was the only one in this entire school who truly knew who and what Riley was...around this demon Riley didn't have to lie.
Spike had noticed an odd scent...almost like a ghost from the past, he could only just pick it up, yet at the same time, it was hard to remember where it had come from. His eyes lingered on the bag beside Riley for a moment...and Riley noticed this.
Riley:"...You tossed her through the portal."
He whispered quietly, almost as if he was on the verge of tears, yet his eyes seemed glazed, he refused to cry..
Spike shifted about uncomfortably as he remembered his flash backs on the island...once again the question lingering on his mind...where was she? Was she still alive? He sent her there...if she dies...he killed her..
Spike:"Sorry luv, but gotta follow orders, right?"
Riley:"I just helped capture you Spike, I was following orders!"
Spike frowned, everyone seemed to be following orders..and others where suffering because of it.
Spike:"I offered to talk with Dru..she's here....ask her to open the portal, I could help get'em back, but I don't think she'll listen t'me now...didn't mean to hurt your girlfriend Riley."
Riley's eyes shot up at Spike instantly.
Riley:"She's not my girlfriend, I don't even know her, in fact I'm pretty sure she hates me!"
Spike:"..Someone hatin' you? ...Who woulda thought that possible.."
He replied sarcastically, Riley simply went quiet and looked at her bag.
Spike:"...But she was pretty right?"
The vampire asked, stubbornly pushing this topic.
Riley:"...She was alone."
Spike stared at him, yet more memories rushing back.
Rogue:"He's all alone and I could care for him...."
Rogue:"Everyone I touch with my bare skin gets drained oh his powers, memories, virtues and such..."
Spike:"...sounds lonely."
Spike:"Look's like I'm not the only lonely one Pet."
Once again he blinked back the echoes and focused on Riley.
Spike:"Yeah...I get what you mean.."
Riley:"How could you? Even I don't get what I mean.."
Taking in a deep unneeded breathe as he shifted about once more on the bed, once again his voice growing serious as if he was just insulted.
Spike:"Because I do! She came, you probably approached her, offered to help, she shot you down, you continue trying to be nice, and she looks at you as if you're plannin' on stabbin'er in the back."
Riley:"Which is entirely possible in your case Spike."
The agent retorted with a frown at the vampire.
Spike:"No! No it's not!"
Riley:"Because of your chip? We both know if you -really- wanted to, you could still hurt someone, even kill them, you'll be in agony, but it's still possible! The chip only punishes-"
Spike:"Not because of the chip dammit! Because I, me, William Spike, the bloody dead thing who's sittin' here, doesn't want to hurt anyone!"
Both glared at each other for a moment, but Riley drew his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them.
Spike:"...What was'er name?"
At first Riley didn't realize who he was talking about, but then it clicked, he looked at Cat's bag, everything she owned was in there...just like when he came here...all he had where the clothes on his back and the few items in his bag.
Riley:"..Catherine, Catherine Hall....but she call's herself Cat."
Spike:"And she hated you?"
Riley looked at him with a slight frown.
Riley:"Well...she didn't like mutants, and she was scared of being in the school....I think she's afraid of mutants."
Spike's eyes studied Riley for a moment before he replied.
Spike:"....you're not a mutant."
Simply lowering his head to his knees as a reply, Spike gave a slight nod...he knew now...gun, odd behaviour, the pain he seemed to be going threw just before...Riley was still and agent...and he was here on assignment.
Spike:"..And she wanted to leave?"
Riley looked up at him again, he remembered asking a question...he was still waiting for the answer.... "Do you think she hates us?"...
Riley:"You know the trick is, you don't focus on what they look like, but how they treat you."
He tried to treat her nicely, he really did, but there was something about him that...disgusted her...it was as if she could see right threw all his lies and right at the core of who he was...a liar who wasn't to be trusted.
Riley:"Hey, you know what, I'm going to stand here, holding open the door until your ready to enter..."
And she did enter...and because of him she was invited into a place where she was later attacked and torn from this reality all together.
Riley:"Hey, calm down Cat, it's the Professor's job to know about us, maybe someone you know called him earlier and told him about your arrival."
'Catherine:'Well you have your guardians drive you miles from your home and dump you outside a school full of mutants and see how you like it.'
Everything she said was so full of anger..
Riley:"Well you know what? I'm glade to be here, and if you leave without giving these people even the chance they deserve, then I feel sorry for you, because you would have missed out. These people will care about you, and protect you in ways those guardians that just left you here would never do."
He shouldn't have snapped...he should have just left her alone like she had asked him to do, but she seemed so alone and angry...he just wanted to help.
Riley:"Give it 3 days, that's all you need, if you still want to leave, I'll drive you down into Salem Center, I'll get you a job, I'll get you an apartment, and you can work up enough money to fly back to which ever country those people who abandoned you live."
Dammit, why did he sound so harsh when he spoke to her? Abandoned? She was just dumped off on the school steps and he kept saying she was abandoned, no wonder she hated him!
Riley:"....I just wanted to help her."
Spike tilted his head slightly
Spike:"..What.....what would you want me to do? I'll do....do what ever you say, tell me and I'll do, I'll do it, anything... I know things, I can help, and if you ask me I will help.."
Spike:"Yeah....helpin' ain't as easy as all you hero's make it out to be though."
Lifting his head, Riley sat more straight, the pain dulled to the point where it didn't really hurt as much now, he rested his back against the wall as they continued to talk.
Riley:"I don't think I did a very good job of it....her being in another dimension aside, when she was here, I just seemed to fumble everything up."
Spike:"..So.....you did like'er right?"
Riley frowned, lost in thought for a moment before replying.
Riley:"She was alone....she came here, and here she won't be alone any more, but she refused to give us a chance, she wanted to leave again, I just wanted a chance.."
Spike:"A chance too...?"
Riley:"The Intiative, they took away my family.....these people.."
Spike:"Kinda grow on ya don't they?"
Riley:"I didn't want her to leave without seeing what she was missing out on...I didn't want her to be alone anymore, I didn't want her to move into yet another family....this one is good...she belongs here.."
Spike looked about for a moment, she hated mutants, how the hell was she coping with demons!?
Riley:"And she's coming back, they all are, Clay, Dawn, Sean, Catherine, they'll be back here, they'll be safe."
Spike's posture straightened slightly at this, what did he mean? What was he planning?
Spike:"..Well....someone told me recently...'you need to find out what you really want.' And if you really want to help'em, then...we'll find a way."
Riley lowered his head slightly, and Spike knew instantly, almost as if someone had just whispered it in his ears....Riley had found a way....and he was trouble. Spike knew the Slayer's friend, he knew Riley well enough, they hated each other, but they knew each other....he was going to do something dangerous....and it was going to be soon.
Spike:"Riley...whatever you got planned, don't, stop it, we can get Drusilla to-"
Riley:"You said there was little chance she'd listen to you, ever moment they are in that world they are in danger, that's if they're even still alive."
It was almost a stake in his heart at hearing that...'if they're even alive'....of course they're alive! They have to alive! Spike wouldn't be able to continue on if they where killed...it was his fault the girl was there.....he was only following orders...but it was his choice to follow them.
Spike:"....I'm sorry."
Riley looked at him, his gaze turning cold.
Riley:"Spike...You're never sorry."
The vampire lowered his eyes, it wasn't the Spike within him that was saying sorry...it was the William. Everything in the room went silent, both remained still...the silence only broken by the soft whisper of the vampire, and then once that was said...silence filled the room again.
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
Her boots tapped briskly down the hall, but as they drew closer to Riley's room the confidence in them wavered and her step faltered. Drawing close she could hear the rise and fall of voices inside. Is Dave in there? She wondered, eyeing the closed door, but the second voice she could hear didn't sound right. It was deeper but it was still laced by an English accent.
"He wasn't the one apologising." Were the only words she managed to catch from the stranger, she couldn't put a face to the tone.
She hesitated wondering what they were talking about but after a long second of silence which she didn't suspect Riley was about to break she raised her knuckles and rapped on the door, trying to support her books with the other and stop her bag from sliding down her arm.
Lisa turned the handle and pushed the door open, not imaging for a second that he might not want her just to waltz in, but then he had invited her to come and pick up Catherine's bag. Also she wanted to apologise for before and to have chance to say goodbye to him properly.
'Hey Riley.' She said, blushing slightly as she caught sight of the "man" he was talking to. 'Don't look so suprised, your not the only one who can skip class you know.' She said not mentioning that she had infact been told to take the lesson off by the dance teacher after she turned up crying. She didn't look at Riley as she spoke, but concentrated her brightest smile towards the other occupant of the room. The smile however faded a second later as a sudden thought hit her.
'Are you here to take Riley away?' She said a slight tremble to her voice, lowering her books to her side.
Don't frown, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
as he walked down the hall Dave noticed the door to Riley's room was open, as he was heading that way anyway he approached quicker, wondering wether he was late for their meeting although it was not scheduled till much later.
He could see as he drew nearer that standing in the doorway was Lisa, "you're going to start thinking I'm stalking you aren't you" he said sidling up behind her in the doorway, "hey Riley you alright?" he displayed a look of concern as he observed that he did not look at all good.
"and you are?" he asked, now looking inquisitively at the strange man not waiting for a reply from Riley, but really liking the guy's choice of hair color
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
An unbidden smile crept over Lisa's face as she heard his words he uttered from behind her, she half turned a wicked grin on her face.
'Didn't you know stalking is a felony in this state, I might just have to hand you over to the law at this rate.' There was an impishness to her tone and she winked swiftly at him.
She noticed for the first time that Riley looked very pale and mother goose rose back to the surface. She eyed Riley seriously, and pushed her books into the arms of a suprised looking Dave before she moved across to crouch down infront of Riley. However since her jeans were quite tight the position she had chosen was quite uncomfortable.
She stretched out a hand and rested it on Riley's knee, searching his eyes, waiting for him to reply to Dave's question before she started her tyrade.
Sorry so short I got carried away again
Don't frown, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure'Are you here to take him away?'
Take him away? The vampire studied her for a moment, slowly looking back at Riley with questioning eyes....why would she think he was taking Soldier-boy away?
Riley gave a worried glance up at Lisa as she entered the room, he didn't want her to see him like this! Please...please...why can't he just be alone?
With a sudden look of assurance, Spike turned his attention back towards the young girl. Whoever she was, she was concerned for Riley, and Riley wasn't in the condition to explain things himself.
Spike:"Don't worry lil'Nibblet, I ain't takin' him...jus' sayin' goodbye..."
"and you are?"
His hazel eyes hovered over the blue haired mutant for a moment...that was a good question, one Spike himself was still trying to figure out...who was he?
Aurora:"Whatever you decide, William Spike, you cannot fully become what you have been in your lifetime... as harsh as this may sound"
Spike:"Then...I'll just be William Spike."
Spike:"Not because of the chip dammit! Because I, me, William Spike, the bloody dead thing who's sittin' here, doesn't want to hurt anyone!"
A faint smile was barely seen on his lips as he studied the young humans, their heartbeats pounding away like echoes in the room.
Spike:"Name's William Spike, people tend t'jus' call me Spike."
Riley looked at him for a moment...William Spike?....
The vampire watched as Lisa moved towards Riley, part of him wondered if he should leave....he didn't want to cause the Agent any more trouble..
Plus, he wasn't sure how Rogue and Garnet would take him hanging around other students, he was dangerous, even if they're silly enough to trust him by himself....he knew he was dangerous.
Spike:"....I'm still fightin' it, but all that's goin' to change soon, these people are goin' t'help me."
Riley:"They don't have what it takes to help you.."
Spike:"Maybe they don't, but bein'ere, with'em, it's already helpin'."
But he was getting better....he was....and he hasn't seen a single illusion since they made contact with the other vampires. And he could ignore the voices whispering in his mind, as long as he had something to focus on..
Riley's eyes stared down at Lisa's hand for a moment, then made their way to her eyes...she was waiting for a reply, she was looking so deep in his eyes he was scared she might see the truth. He looked down at again, avoiding her eyes as he built up the strength to reply...but what could he say?
Spike:"...We were jus' talkin', kinda brought up old memories."
The vampire tried to give reason for Riley's appearance, but he couldn't help but wonder, if Riley wanted to stay here so badly...why didn't he? What was he doing that was forcing his hand on this matter.....he was getting those lost students, Spike figured that out himself...but how?
Slowly uncrossing his legs, Spike pulled himself off the end of the operative’s bed, without speaking he made his way for the door. But Riley lifted his head and called out quietly.
Riley:"Spike....what happened to you?"
Pausing, the vampires’ eyes studying Dave's face for a moment before he turned around partially and looked over at Lisa and Riley.
Spike:"I told you."
He turned his body completely around, once again facing the boy, his words spoken with a serious, yet at the same time almost grateful tone.
Spike:"You made me see things differently."
A look of uncertainty appeared in Riley's eyes, forcing Spike to take a step forward to emphasize what he was saying.
Spike:"I won't ask people to forgive me Riley, I don't deserve their forgiveness, I know that. I'm not fooling myself either, what I did was bad, I understand that now. But Riley....people aren't the only things that can change. You may have forced me t'change at first, but I'm still changin', only difference with this is that I'm changin' because I want to become better."
The vampire looked down at Catherine's bag for a moment,
Riley:"...She was alone."
Riley:"....I just wanted to help her."
Riley:"I don't think I did a very good job of it......when she was here, I just seemed to fumble everything up."
Riley:"I didn't want her to leave without seeing what she was missing out on...I didn't want her to be alone anymore, I didn't want her to move into yet another family....this one is good...she belongs here.."
She belongs here...was Riley saying he didn't belong here? These people where letting a vampire stay here, what the hell made Riley think he didn't belong here!?
Spike:"Look at this Riley."
The vampire motioned towards Lisa, Riley looked at her for a moment then dropped his eyes away from hers once more.
Spike:"Like I quoted before 'you need to find out what you really want.' Don't let others make those decisions for you Soldier-boy. Otherwise you won't have someone there to hold ya hand when you really need it."
It was hard, because Spike knew Riley was still leaving, leaving to go back the Initiative, back to the people that -in Spike's reality - had turned him into a mindless hateful soldier.
Spike didn't want that to happen here, not again, not to this Riley, he had people that cared about him, he shouldn't leave back for that terrible lab!
Spike crouched down beside Lisa and Riley, talking quietly, trying to be as powerful with his words to Riley as Aurora had been to him.
Spike:"Sometimes the people that 'want and need' you the most, aren't the people that 'care' 'bout you the most. Drusilla's still'ere Riley, lemme talk to'er, lemme try, maybe tomorrow she-"
Riley:"I'm sorry, I'm leaving tonight.."
A look of disappointment appeared across the vampires face, but he stood up, not pushing the matter any further, he let out a quiet breath of frustration before he turned and moved towards the door.
Riley:"We can't change what we are Spike, no matter how much we want to, we can't change what we are."
The vampire turned around yet again, his hazel eyes narrowing slightly as he looked towards Riley.
Spike:"But we can change who we are!"
A look of sorrow hit the vampires’ eyes as he continued on.
Spike:"I'm insane Riley, my guilt's crippled me, but I'm trying...even I know you can't do this alone, I need these people, you said that Catherine needs these people, but you need these people as well. And bleedin' christ Riley, you're too bloody think headed to see that you stupid git!"
Riley recoiled slightly as the vampire lashed out at him, but Spike didn't wait around for any form of reply, storming out of the room and throwing back a cold glance as he left.
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
As the vampire disappeared, Riley quickly looked at Lisa, why'd Spike have to go off like that in front of her? More questions he'd either have to lie about or avoid answering.
Riley:"I'm sorry."
It seemed that was his only line of defence when he wasn't sure what to say, he just wanted to pretend Spike wasn't in the room the whole time....that Lisa didn't hear a thing of what he had said.
Riley:"How are you feeling? ..You where upset before."
He reached out and gently placed his hand over hers.
Riley:"I am sorry, about everything, I didn't mean to make you upset."
In an attempt to show everyone he was alright, Riley pulled himself to his feet, swaying slightly from the dizzy spell that hit him, he kept himself balanced by holding into the Draws beside him.
Riley:"...I really don't want you to be mad at me for leaving, but they need me, and I have to help them, so I have to go. I do like it here, and I wish I could stay, but for more then one reason I can't, please Lisa, don't be mad at me."
As he spoke, even he wasn't sure if he was refurring to the students lost in another dimension or the Initiative when he used the word 'them'. But this was important, and he didn't want what little friends he had to hate him because of this choice he had to make.
Riley: So, tell me about your dream. As a Psych major, I'm qualified to go 'hmm.'
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
She listened as the two talked, struggling to understand what they were talking about, Spike ... that was an odd name, she mused, her hand still on Riley's knee. She got the idea that the two didn't like each other. William was saying something about changing, being sorry for what he had done, she wondered what had happened to him to make him talk that way.
'Don't let others make those decisions for you Soldier-boy.' The words rang in her ears, what was he talking about? Riley wasn't in the army was he? Was that where the two of them had met? But surely he was too young to have done a spell in the military, none of this made any sense.
She watched Spike grow angry and then storm off angrily, she looked back to Riley, felt and saw him struggle to his feet, ask how she was, tell her again he was sorry.
'Stop apologizing.' She felt herself snap at him, it wasn't going to make any difference, he was still leaving, she took a deep breath, ignoring his question about how she was.
'Why aren't you in the medical bay, you can hardly stand Riley.' The words were still harsh but there was a hint of softness to them. He looked so sad standing there, like a puppy who has been found chewing a hole in the best carpet, looking at her like she might bite his head off. She took another steadying breath and laid her hand on his arm.
'I'm not mad Riley, I'm just worried about you.' She said more softness creeping into her words.
Don't frown, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his DepartureLisa:'Stop apologizing.'
Claire:"'No sorry's, damit Riley! I want you to forget everything about me, I want you to forget my name, forget we ever met, don't bring those people after me again!"
He looked off towards the window, what else could he say, all he could say was that he was sorry, he seemed to keep doing things - although with best intentions - that end up hurting people he cared about.
Lisa:'Why aren't you in the medical bay, you can hardly stand Riley.'
His eyes dropped to the floor, there was no point in going there, Beast couldn't help him, and no one was allowed to know about the faulty device. Anyway...he could stand, see...he was standing...he didn't need to go to the Medical Lab!
Lisa:'I'm not mad Riley, I'm just worried about you.'
It was a moment before he replied, and even then, his only reply was a simple smile, he simply looked at her, smiled and desperately tried to think what he could say...
Riley:"I'm just tired Lisa, I haven't been feeling well, and then something happened last night, and Xavier says we're not allowed to talk about it yet. Then I couldn't sleep, and now Spike turns up on my door, you have no idea who or what he is, but the fact he's here makes me...worry about all of you. And to top of my wonderful day, I'm leaving, it's just a little much...you shouldn't worry about me Lisa, I'm just...tired."
Removing his hand from the tops of the draw, attempting again to show her that he was alright, Riley gave another smile as he bent down and picked up Cat's bag, holding it out for Lisa to take.
Riley:"I haven't opened it, this is all that's left of her world, I'm sure it means a lot to her and she deserves her privacy, make sure no one looks threw it please."
Was he leaving Lisa and the others in the school with Spike!? Was that safe...he did seem different to how he used to be, but could anyone change *that* much?
Spike:"....I'm sorry."
Riley:"Spike...You're never sorry."
Spike:"He wasn't the one apologising."
Spike:"I'm insane Riley, my guilt's crippled me, but I'm trying..."
Insane? That didn't make Riley feel any better..Riley has *seen* what Spike is capable of, he has read what Spike has done...that monster shouldn't be allowed to roam freely in these school halls.
Riley:"Lisa..."
A look of worry flashed in his eyes but he tried to hide it, not wanting to cause her to worry too much over the vampire.
Riley:"...try and avoid that guy."
Riley: So, tell me about your dream. As a Psych major, I'm qualified to go 'hmm.'
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
She caught a glimpse of the look of worry in his eyes as he spoke to her, she wondered what Spike could have done to make Riley concerned for her welfare.
'Uh Okay Riley.' She said '... why did he call you soldier boy?' She asked, reaching out one hand to take the bag of Riley, she almost dropped it.
'Gee yeah, she wouldn't want anyone going through her bag of bricks now would she?' Lisa said with a laugh suprised at the weight of the holdall, Riley had seemed to hold it so effortlessly. 'Don't worry I'll lock it in my room.'
'I should be going I guess ... sorry Riley.' She said looking at her feet, aware that her arm was beginning to ache under the weight of Cat's bag.
'Will I see you again before you go?' She blinked hard, she didn't want to start crying again.
Don't frown, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile
Lisa:'Uh Okay Riley... why did he call you soldier boy?
Watching the bag carefully as it left his hand and passed into Lisa's grip, she seemed to struggle with the weight. Part of Riley wondered what she had brought with her, he didn't want to open the bag, there was no desire for that...but he was still curious. why did he call you soldier boy?....how was he going to explain that...maybe...just say it's because he like War Movies? ...but he didn't like war movies...they where so false sometimes and...full of blood and death...
Lisa:'Gee yeah, she wouldn't want anyone going through her bag of bricks now would she?'
Riley looked up, a real grin spreading across his handsome face for the first time in days, Riley looked better when he was smiling, but sometimes it was hard for him to find a reason to smile. That's one thing about Lisa, she always had a comment that could lighten the mood. But it was a chance for him to discretely avoid the comment of Spike's nickname for him..
Lisa:'Don't worry I'll lock it in my room.'
He looked back down at the bag, hoping Cat won't mind he let a 'mutant' touch her 'personal possessions', but whenever he looked at these people...the word 'mutant' never really popped in his mind....just friends...or jerks...he thought of Max for a moment but then allowed the memory to fade.
Lisa:'I should be going I guess ... sorry Riley.'
It felt strange someone else saying they where sorry, especially Lisa, but he didn't have the energy to ask her not to say sorry, he just offered an assuring smile.
Lisa:'Will I see you again before you go?'
Martha:"You're leaving so soon?"
Riley:"I'll try and drop by again....I'm sorry to leave.."
Martha:"Hey, come on, no teary eyes Riley, you're busy, I do understand. I'm so proud of what you're doing in the big city, I know you wanted more then just a boring old farm life, you're getting a wonderful education over there, I'm happy for you."
Ronald:"Come on Riley! The folk in town wanted a chance to say bye before you leave!"
Riley:"Coming dad! Bye mum, I'll miss you! And it's not boring here, I've never been bored, not with you guys, I'll miss you!"
Martha:"Riley, will I see you again before you go?"
His smile slowly faded for a moment, he had told his mum he'd see her again...and he did see her again after that...only he was hidden away in the car behind tinted windows. Watching as Forrest and Graham told his parents of the car crash that had taken his life. Why did he have to come with them? Why couldn't they have dropped him off somewhere...somewhere where he couldn't see his parents crying..
Riley:"I hope so."
His voice seemed assured that he did want to see her again...but there was that doubt that lingered...if they came for him before he was able to see her, they won't let him say goodbye.
Offering another smile, one that hinted he really did want to see her again before he left, he then lowered his gaze for a moment, almost as if he was guilty about something...but then he looked at her again and had a more confident smile.
Riley:"I'll try to find you before I leave."
Riley: So, tell me about your dream. As a Psych major, I'm qualified to go 'hmm.'
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
'Okay Riley.' She said glad to see he had smiled properly and relived at the same time, the usual Riley had been a marked absence in her eyes, she gathered a better hold on the bag and glanced behind her at Dave who had been silent throughout their discussion.
'Thanks for holding these.' She said, reaching out and taking the pile of books from his arms, trying to carry both Cat's holdall and her own books, she just about managed.
Making her way to the door she looked at Dave, she managed to find a smile in her somewhere for him, glancing up at him, looking first at his broad chest, then higher to his handsome face and blue hair.
'I guess I'll see you later, have Cat swing by my room to get her things won't you.' Her voice was hopeful for the first part of the sentence. Looking back at Riley she managed a smile and disappeared out of the room, lugging the heavy bag after her.
She wanted to belive Riley, but why did she get a feeling that he wasn't telling her the absolute truth and the even worse feeling that she wasn't going to see him again. It was almost like his parents wouldn't let him stay, like he was being forced to leave, and he had said himself that he wouldn't be able to come and see them again. It was just so blunt, so quick, had he done something to upset his parents ... it couldn't be anything academic she didn't know a class he took he wasn't graded A in and she knew in psychology he was studying things far in advance to anyone in the class. Maybe it was because of his encounter with Max, but then withdrawing him from the school for something like that was a bit extreme. She didn't want him to walk out of her life, she'd always had a soft spot for him, but she knew he wasn't interested in her she wasn't his type. She had often wondered what his type was ... maybe he had someone he left behind, a childhood sweet heart, yes she liked that idea. She had a sudden image of Riley leading a chestnut horse down a dusty track, between two tall fields of maize, a girl with long brown hair drawn back into a pony tail, wearing a blue checked shirt was walking next to him, dressed in blue jeans, faded trainers upon her feet. She was selfish to want to keep him here when there might be a girl back in Iowa who was counting down the hours till he returned, and old friends who would be eagerly waiting his return.
Lisa sighed, wishing he didn't have to go, ontop of all that who would help her with her psychology now, she managed to drop her books on the floor as she tried to fumble in her bag for her key.
Letting herself into her room she let the bag drop to the floor and grumbling to herself went back into the hall to pick up her books. She half slammed the door behind her, sitting down on the bed and opening her draw rummaging around for a packet of cigarettes, she was trying to stop, but at the moment she didn't care. Her body craved the nicotine, one of her hands was shaking slightly, she hadn't smoked since last night and her body was protesting. Her mother wanted her to stop so much, she smoked herself and when she awoke in the morning she always had phlegm on her chest which she had to cough up. She didn't want her daughter to go the same way, she new Lisa was trying but her daughter was such a long way away.
She fumbled for her lighter, using her thumb to click a yellow flame into life, with her other hand she slipped a cigarette from the pack and balanced it between her lips, holding up the flame to the tip of the cigarette, she put the lighter down. Drawing deeply on the cigarette and feeling the tendrils of smoke billow down her trachea, then slow down as it reached her bronchus, and finally creep down into her bronchioles. Suddenly feeling a lot more relaxed she swung her feet up onto the bed, lying down she expelled the smoke from her body.
Don't frown, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
Stubbornly ignoring the slight tingle of hunger that tickled his senses, he had been gone for a bit, maybe one of them where expecting him back at the room he'd slept in before?
He could always ask one of them to...get him something to eat...but he didn't really want to ask such a thing of them, to go and force them to carry a bag of blood around. He was a vampire and the idea disgusted him...
But as he walked threw the dorm halls, he seemed to grow extremely weak, a stab of ghostly pain striking him in the chest and dropping him to his knees with a gasp.
His eyes where shut tightly as he tried to push himself up, his hands weakly pressing against the floor as two students rushed to his aid.
Cassie:"Hey! A-Are you alright sir?"
One of the called out as they knelled beside him, but everything seemed so faint, so dark...so cold...
Spike:"..Slayer?"
He could almost feel her, so close...but he knew she wasn't around, he couldn't smell her, yet he could feel her all around him.
Kate:"Do you need any hel-?"
With sudden movement, Spike pushed himself up and looked about frightfully.
Cassie:"We're not going to hurt you!"
Her tone had a hint of worry as she backed away from him, Spike's eyes slowly looking down at her with a confused frown, but he stepped away from her.
What was that feeling? Inside of him, burning away, his very blood screaming at him, something's happened, the Slayer, he could always have such a strong connection with her....ever since he killed the other Slayers...ever since he drunk their blood...he's had a keen connection with other slayers...and this connection was screaming at him.
Spike:"Jennifer! "
He took another step away from them, but as the panic in his eyes began to flare, Cassie took a brave step forward trying to calm him down.
Cassie:"No..I'm Cassie....do you need help...we could find one of the X-Men...they could help you.."
Her words where spoken slowly and carefully, watching as he nervously clutched at his chest as if something was causing him pain. Yet she also noticed he was wearing one of the X-Men shirts, so at least the girls knew he was a guest or something here.
With a growl that caused the girls to stumble back even more, Spike yelled out for them to leave him alone before whimpering and stepping away from them even further.
Spike:"I need to help her.."
Cassie:"Who? A-Are you sure you're o-ok?"
She asked extremely nervous of this situation, Kate seemed speechless and unable to help back up her friend, watching as the tall and muscular blonde man seemed to be lost in confusion.
Blood, he could feel blood....weak...he was weak...she was weak...she was...she was dying...he...he promised to protect her...she was dying...he promised..
The vampire staggered backwards more before turning around and hurriedly walking off.
Cassie:"Hey-WAIT!"
Spike:"Gotta go back! Gotta go back!"
Cassie went to go after him, she was always so overly cautious, but Kate grabbed her by the arm pleadingly.
Kate:"Please Cass, just let him go, he's wearing an X-Men shirt, and I doubt he stole it, he's a guest here, just leave him, he's a loon, I just want to go back to our dorm."
Cassie:"Loon or not he was scared of something, didn't you see it?"
Kate:"Right, and he's going back to where he came from, someone will help him, I'm sure, but we're not the ones for the job, come Cass, please?"
The girls watched as the man disappeared around the corner, meanwhile Spike was panicking over more then simply the eerie feeling he was getting. Not only was he scared over the fate of the Slayer...but Garnet...Rogue..he told them...told them he'd be down in the lab, said he'd be right back in the War Room, he was lying, he was lying to them and he felt so bad.
Would they forgive him? Should he go and tell them? He didn't want Jennifer to die...he didn't want her to die over there in the cold and shadows! Please don't let them be mad at him, please let them forgive him, let them understand he felt he had to do this..his blood....she was calling him....maybe not him..her blood was calling the demon...but it was the human part that was going to get her....he was going to save her!
Appearing yet again at the agents’ door, Riley seemed to freeze as he looked over at the vampire, but Spike seemed distraught as he shifted about anxiously at the door.
Riley:"...Spike?"
The vampire refused to look up, glaring down at the floor angrily, frightened...scared...desperate..
Spike:"Invite me in!"
Riley:"..I alre-"
Spike:"Bein' polite!"
He growled glaring up at Riley, who seemed to grow uncomfortable as he stepped away from the wall and focused over the distraught vampire.
Riley:"..Wha-"
Spike:"She's hurt!"
Riley:"Who?"
Spike:"I have to go to her!"
With a frown he repeated himself, yet Spike didn't seem to pay any attention.
Riley:"Who?"
Spike:"She's hurt.."
Riley threw a glance at Dave who was standing so close to the door and the creature it was dangerous in Riley's opinion.
Riley:"..Spike....I don't under-"
Barging into the room and moving hastily towards where Riley stood, the vampire glared at him as they stood face to face...which made Riley even more uncomfortable.
Spike:"Home Riley! I have to go back! Take me back with you!"
His voice suddenly went soft to a desperate whisper.
Spike:"Take me back to her.....please.."
Taking in a slow breath as he tried to quickly think over how to handle this, Riley then spoke as normal as he could as he talked with the insane creature before.
Riley:"Spike, who? Who is she, who was hurt?"
Glancing back at the other boy for a moment before he looked back towards Riley.
Spike:"The Slayer..."
Riley:"What?"
Spike:"The bloody Slayer! Jennifer, my lil'nocturnal pet's been all hurt, I need to help her! Riley! Please, lemme help her! She's dyin', I feel it inside o'me, she's dyin'!"
Glancing back over towards Dave, he let a quiet breath of uncertainty...but then looked back at the vampire.
Riley:"Spike, you've already killed two slayers, I'm not taking to you another one, besides, there's no way you could possibly know if she's been hurt."
With another growl Spike replied angrily.
Spike:"Exactly! I killed them!"
His next words where more of a quiet whimper as he forced them to leave his lips.
Spike:"I drank them dry Riley, I took their blood, Slayer's blood does things to us, makes us stronger..different...more powerful.."
His voice rose, the hint of anger in his tone flaring up yet again, though it grew quieter as he spoke.
Spike:"I feel her inside o'me! I'm connected to the power now Riley, I feel'em! I know where they are! I know when they're dyin' Riley..and she's dyin'...I don't want her to die...I can feel her.."
His hand was placed over his unbeating heart, emphasizing what he was saying.
Riley:"I'm not going to endanger the team by having you tag along Spi-"
With a yell the vampire lashed out his hands, pushing Riley firmly against the wall he stood in front of, but instantly Spike recoiled and grabbed his head in agony and clenching his teeth.
Falling to his knees Spike allowed his hands to drop away from his head, folding neatly on his leap as he sat down, Riley calling out to Dave as soon as the vampire calmed down.
Riley:"Close the door!"
Spike:"...You know I can't hurt people Riley...not without gettin' hurt..."
The Operative frowned and looked down at the vampire.
Riley:"You want to help...if that's true-"
Spike:"It is!"
Riley:"But Spike you have to understand that having you around is dan-"
Spike:"I'm tryin'! I am Riley, I'm tryin', like I said before, I'm tryin'!"
This time it was Riley who knelled down in front of the vampire, his eyes looking over the desperate creature.
Riley:"Alright...you're trying, but Spike...you're struggling still, I can see that, and it seems that you're having a hard time focusing. It's dangerous to bring you along not only for my team...but for you, what happens if you lose the struggle while you're back in your world?"
It was a moment before he replied, but Spike didn't once look away from Riley, a look of serious determination seen on the vampire.
Spike:"...Then.....you'll have to stake me."
There was another pause, Spike's eyes looking away for a moment as he thought, Garnet said if he died, it's be a slap in the faces of his victims...
Death was too easy an escape...he deserved to be punished, he deserved to live and suffer...so instead of killing him...perhaps..
Spike:"Bring someone who can restrain me, like Rogue, Riley I know the scent of the girl you want t'bring back, I know her scent, I can follow it....I could take you to her....and Mark says they're with the Slayer, the Slayer's hurt, what if they're hurt. Riley....please....lemme jus' help, lemme do somethin'....anythin'...even if I'm jus' the bloodhound, lemme be that at least."
Riley gave an uneasy look towards Dave, then down at Spike, but with a frown he stood to his feet, Spike watching him stand up and loom over him.
Riley:"This isn't my decision alone."
Stepping away from where the vampire remained sitting on Riley's bedroom floor, Riley moved over to his bed, slowly sitting down and looking over towards David.
Riley:"Since Tempest and Murray are coming for reasons I can't really understand.....I think you have more to risk in this. But before you decide on accepting or rejecting his offer, you need to know who and what that is."
Spike gave a quiet whimper as he moved to the exact place Riley had been early, turning around and sitting with his back against the wall. His knees drawn to his chest and his arms wrapped around them tightly as he watched Riley talk.
Riley:"You might have gotten the impression he's not...completely human. He's actually a vampire, really old, pretty famous..but the things he's done Dave...."
Spike:"Tell him everything, don't stop on my behalf, tell the world, tell'em all what I did, everyone has t'know Spike's a murderer! Spike's a killer, ruthless, evil, he's the big bad! Riley, you have no clue what I've done in my world, the Spike you have here is a...bloody....god knows, but he's not me! What I did Riley, what Spike did, he did terrible things, and do they know the world they're goin' to has no light? I freed Angelus, I helped Drusilla, and we brought him back, and he took away the light...does he know I threw the girl into that world? I threw her into the darkness! Into the hell dimension that is my home! I threw her into the Darkness Riley!"
Riley threw Spike a cold stare.
Riley:"I was going for a more subtle approach Spike, not bombard the guy with all that all at once."
Spike:"Are we having one of those 'Tell us about yourselves' meetings? You tell'em 'bout me, I tell'em 'bout? That how it goes Riley? Does he know 'bout you? Do any? No one knows, not like I know, no one ever knows the truth, they only see the lies."
Riley:"It's not my choice!"
Spike:"Bollocks! If a bloody vampire can seek to become better, then a bloody farm boy can seek to become better!"
Riley:"Spike!"
Spike:"At least I'm tryin'! I'm tryin' and you're jus' lettin' them have their way with you! You won't ever fight Riley, and you'll become a monster, a hateful, mindless monster!"
Spike lowered his voice, but it still sounded angry, even if it was much quieter.
Spike:"I can take you to them, I can order the demons not to hurt you, or your friends...I could even order them to help you and they would be forced to! I can help Riley! Lemme help! Lemme help save'em! I want to save Jennifer and Catherine! An' all the others, I can! I can help! Rogue wants me to help her...she was so upset the kids where stolen away...she wants them back....lemme get'em back for her.."
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
dave stood with a look of surprise and confusion as the strange man frantically blurted out what seemed to be nonsense to him, he didnt really take much in, but he did manage to catch little snippets of what the guy was saying. "wait a second" he said sounding equally confused as he looked "you're saying you can find who were looking for" he said calmly, his head facing spike, he looked now to Riley "so technically taking him would make our little rescue easier"
he looked back towards Spike with a raised eyebrow "he dont look that dangerous to me, more pathetic actually. And anyway" he paused for breath trying to comprehend what had been said "if he does try anything, i'm pretty strong, you dont look like a wimp, and if need be i could easily drown him"
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
Slowly Spike stands to his feet, the fear of returning to his home and the anger of the stupidity of the human boy...all swirling together inside of him.
But the vampire simply placed the palm of his right hand firmly against his forehead, a chuckle escaping from him before he lowered his hand and shook his head, moving slowly towards the door.
Spike:"Real bright one ya got there Soldier-Boy, not only insults the insane undead, but threatens'em as well. Look's like I'll have t'remember t'hold my breath 'round blue-boy then."
His eyes turned cold and ruthless as he glared at Dave, his tone growing low and threatening as he warned the boy.
Spike:"Better not tempt the killer inside me lil'one, wouldn't want the demon to come out and play, doesn't like bein' called names, especially by some lil'punk who doesn't know just how dangerous a creature he's talkin' to."
A flicker of a cold smile spread across his lips for a moment as he took a step closer towards the boy.
Spike:"Hasn't mother ever told you 'You should always respect the dead'."
Riley:"Spike."
Spike:"He shouldn't speak like that, not if he wants to remain healthy."
Riley:"Get Rogue, I'll get the others."
Spike:"...Bring your gun."
Spike didn't once look away from Dave until he finished speaking, flashing him another more charming smile before he turned and left for the door.
Riley glanced at David as he let out a sigh, waiting for Spike to have left the room completely before speaking.
Riley:"I'm not going to lie to you Dave, if there's a fight, and it's us against him...we won't have much of a chance."
Riley also made his way towards the door, calling back to Dave was he left the room.
Riley:"I'm getting the other two, we can't wait any longer, if there's a chance they're in danger, we should head out now. I'll be right back, don't leave the room."
TBC;
Spike - War Room - A Promise is a Promise - I promise to help
Riley - Where ever Tempest and Murray post
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
Everything suddenly stopped for Spike, Rogue's words almost hitting him with a force that could have knocked the wind out of him. He turned about, his hand still reached out for the wall to keep him balanced.
Spike:"You know...you saw him...Riley, but, don't...don't say anythin', don't....no one can know, they might hurt you, they watch'im. Please, don't say you know...they might hurt you, and...and I won't be able to hel-he...he won't be here long, he's leavin' after this, he jus' wants to save'em...he isn't a bad guy, lil'dense and thick headed..."
Spike trailed off as the scent of the blue haired boy drifted passed him, his eyes looking over towards Riley's room.
"He don't look that dangerous to me, more pathetic actually."
Pathetic....Spike gave a soft growl as the water powered mutants words echoed in his mind
Pathetic Spike! That's what you are, pathetic! You can never be a human and you can't even be a vampire! What are you Spike?
Shutting his eyes and covering his ears with the palms of his hand as he often did when the voices inside grew too loud, he gave a soft whimper as he looked at Rogue, his hands still covering his ears.
Spike:"I don't think I can do this.."
He whispered with a hint of desperation in his panicking voice.
Spike:"I'm not strong enough, I'm not able, I'm not like you.."
The footsteps of Riley approaching down the corridor caused Spike to quickly remove his hands from his ears and stand up with a straighter posture.
Riley:"Afternoon Rogue....sorry to drag you into this."
He looked at Spike without stopping his stride, continuing towards his room door.
Riley:"Ready? The others are coming."
Spike's eyes peered over towards the two other humans as they made their way after Riley, looking at Rogue for a moment, it was easy for the southern belle to see he was afraid.
Quickly he tried to hide the fear of returning home, instead he flashed her a nervous smile, though his hands trembled slightly, he made sure to keep them out of sight as the other kids moved passed.
Spike:"I'm sorry...I don't want you to see Lost Angels...I don't want you to see my world....but I need you...I can't....can't fight him...not by myself...not with them by myself...I can't..I need you there...need you to protect them..."
From inside Riley's room, the agent called out for Rogue and Spike to hurry.
Riley:"Come on Spike!"
The vampire nervously looked towards the door, then slowly hurried into Riley's room, not once looking back at Rogue, he'd done too much...he'd shown her too much...
It was strange, he wanted to be around her so badly, wanted to hold her, wanted to feel her warmth...and yet...it wasn't like how he used to be with Drusilla. It wasn't like the love he had for her...but he wanted Rogue to be near him just as strongly as he used to want Drusilla....what was he feeling? What did he want from her?
His eyes scanned over the others in the room, his gaze seeming to turn cold as soon as he locked eyes over the blue haired boy. It took every ounce of strength the vampire had inside of him to pull his gaze away from the boy and force the swelling of anger inside of him to die down.
Riley:"Alright, everyone, this is Dave, this is Tempest, Murray, also known as Curse, over there is Spike, and one of the X-Men, Rogue."
Spike:"What part of 'she's dyin'' didn't stick with you Soldier-boy, intros later perhaps? There's a Slayer I'd like to find."
Moving over to his draw, Riley pulled out a device used to open other dimensional portals, Trinity had used Spike's blood to harness the DNA and figure out which world he belonged to. Due to Riley's emergency recall, they left this with him in the morning when he met with them.
Placing the small round metallic device on the floor, he pressed a button that was on the top of it, once the device was activated, Riley took a step away from it.
Spike:"..And that...thing...takes us all back...back to.."
Riley:"..It'll take back to your world Spike, trust me."
The blonde vampire didn't seem to enthusiastic on Riley's reply, throwing Rogue a worried glance as the device began beeping. A faint white cloud began forming a large circle above the ball, a watery substance forming in the center, the edges remaining slightly smoky.
Spike:"...Ain't you got a bunch of fancy toys."
Spike mumbled rather dryly, Riley kinda gave Rogue an uncomfortable look before he moved to his draw, pulling out the gun and slipping it in the back of his pants. Hurrying over to his closet, he opened the doors and pulled out a coat, quickly putting his arms threw the sleeves and turning back to Spike.
Riley:"Are you sure..?"
Spike:"...Don't gimme a choice...it's hard enough.."
Riley:"Alright, Spike's going to lead us to the missing people, the world's-"
Spike:"Full of creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night, please Riley, it's hurtin' me, she's dyin' and it's hurtin' and I need to get to'er."
Taking in a deep breath, Riley glanced about at the faces in the room.
Riley:"Alright, this is it, Spike's our tour guide, do what he says."
Riley held his hand out towards the portal as he looked at Spike, hinting the vampire was to go first, Spike's eyes returned to Rogue, a pleading expression in his face.
But the vampire moved away from her, heading towards the portal, his eyes looked over the watery doorway with fear of what was on the other side.
Pathetic....You're Pathetic Spike!....Pathetic......what are you Spike? I asked 'What are you'?...Spike's fingers rubbed his forehead for a moment as he seemed to grow stressed by being so close to the man made vortex.
Riley:"....Spike you don't-"
The vampire clenched his fingers into fists as they pressed against the front of his head, then throwing them down to his side as he turned to Riley, his now deformed demonic face releasing a loud animalistic roar from his fanged mouth.
With a startled look Riley stepped back, , but Spike's golden eyes returned to the portal as he gave a soft whimper of pain, his hands returning to the side of his head.
After a moment, the vampire slowly reached out for the watery barrier that leads to his world, his fingers slowly touching the doorway.
Of course Spike had to do this, what else was there, have these humans wonder about his world searching for a Slayer who never wanted to be found? They'd be snack food before for sure..
Shutting his golden eyes tightly, the vampire stepped into the portal....he had to do this....he had to help Rogue...he promised he'd help her.
Watching as the vampire disappeared into the portal, Riley nervously glanced over at Murray and Tempest.
Riley:"..Did I mention...he's a vampire?"
He knew he didn't, but really he just hadn't had the time to...
Riley:"I need to enter last, everyone else, go on threw, it's safe, it's what's on the other side you should worry about...and I'm not talking about Spike."
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
as spike passed through the portal Dave's eyes narrowed slightly for a second, he did not like the strange guy, in fact he had a desire to punch him hard in the face.
"I need to enter last, everyone else, go on threw, it's safe, it's what's on the other side you should worry about...and I'm not talking about Spike."
before Riley finished these words he had started walking towards the portal, he turned his head towards Riley as he passed "when we find them, is it alright if that guy accidentally gets set on fire" his face displayed a large grin as he stepped through the portal, changing to his watery form just in case anything on the other side wanted to get nasty.
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
The Agent's eyes seem to follow Dave's back with a look of uncomfortable worry..
Spike:"Bollocks! If a bloody vampire can seek to become better, then a bloody farm boy can seek to become better!"
Riley:"Spike!"
Spike:"At least I'm tryin'! I'm tryin' and you're jus' lettin' them have their way with you! You won't ever fight Riley, and you'll become a monster, a hateful, mindless monster!"
Part of Riley wondered what he had meant by a 'Hateful Mindless Monster' but he just shrugged it aside as insane babble.
Maybe Spike was trying...but he still had a long way to go, and with Dave's attitude around him while Spike's this unstable....he kinda felt sorry for the creature.
Spike:"He shouldn't speak like that, not if he wants to remain healthy."
As if to show his concern, Riley reached for his weapon and made sure it was loaded and ready for fire, this wasn't exactly the kind of team he was used to working with. Letting out a soft sigh, he looked back at Rogue with an apologetic glance.
Riley:"I'll make sure he doesn't try anything against Spike..."
After that he waited for the others to head through as well, all these guys had mutant powers on their side...let's hope bullets will at least slow down any creatures that try and attack them.
Riley:"Also you two, Spike's got a device which punishes him if he tries to harm a human - mutant or not - so I'd like you two to avoid fighting him if he does become...slightly out of control. Leave Spike for Rogue to deal with, she's strong enough to restrain him without causing too much harm."
Riley: So, tell me about your dream. As a Psych major, I'm qualified to go 'hmm.'
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his DepartureSpike:"I shouldn't have...I shouldn't...beneath...I know...beneath......I'm sorry..."
" 'sok" Rogue whispered still with the British tongue "you're not beneath me. 'm no saint either"
As they arrived at Riley's room, she listened carefully to his words - the tendency to being distracted disappearing slowly as was the rest of what she had absorbed from the vampire.
Everything except for parts of his memories, feelings, motivations... she could understand him better than any other mortal now, that she was absolutely certain about. But of what good is it if someone who doesn't even understand himself is concerned?
Spike:"I'm not strong enough, I'm not able, I'm not like you.."
"Ah'm not as strong as you think" her emerald eyes wandered to his, evoking images of past pain - his and hers alike, melting to one and parting again.
*Would ah've been able to survive that without breakin' fully?* she thought doubtfully. Probably not. She wasn't strong, not like that.
"Anyways, ah'll help ya. Promised"
As Riley approached with two students following, Rogue concentrated on him - her eyes narrowing slightly yet inconspiciously as she tried to imagine this young man the way she had seen him through the filter of Spike's eyes. It was easier than she had thought but quickly before someone was able to notice anything, the southern belle pretended she didn't know anything about him.
The mutant nodded a "hi" at the three students she had hardly seen before, the white-haired one replying with a short, emotionless nod back.
Riley:"Afternoon Rogue....sorry to drag you into this."
"'sok, ah'm more concerned than you anyway, ah guess"
The others went inside but Spike and she stood outside a moment longer.
Spike:"I'm sorry...I don't want you to see Lost Angels...but I need you... I can't..I need you there...need you to protect them..."
"Ah will. With all ma strength... as much as tha's worth" she replied and meant it. Everyone deserved a second chance and this man - contrary to many others - really wanted to differ.
Riley called for them and after an encouraging smile at the vampire, she followed the rest in.
When Spike mentioned the other Rogue, the southern belle suddenly felt this urge to hurry again.
"Jen..."
The pleading look in his eyes did the rest and just a glimpse of a second later, the mutant had lifted herself into midair.
Riley:"I'll make sure he doesn't try anything against Spike..."
"Thanks. An' ah'll watch over Will in return" she replied using the short form of Spike's first name without thinking.
A moment after Dave, she speeded without hesitation through the portal. It wasn't the first time.
Riley:"..Did I mention...he's a vampire?"
Kane did hardly react. An indicated shrug, a small spark of surprise in his eyes and with a few calmly taken steps, the weather controlling mutant stepped through the vortex.
A slight shiver went down his spine as he stepped in.
It was no fear.
It was excitement.
Life can be like a stone thrown in the sea. It creates waves, maybe changing something, maybe not, but no matter what it causes, every single wave will disappear into nowhere...
Re: Riley's Room - Packing for his Departure
Murray still wasn't in the greatest of moods, naturally finding out a vampire was coming along did nothing to brighten his day. The cursed mutant had enough decency to nod his hellos and show the slightest bit of interest in Rogue and Spike before slipping off into his own mind again.
Murray waited until the others had entered the portal then entered himself. Strangely enough he felt absolutely nothing. Not fear, joy, sadness. He felt nothing. Murray found this rather odd but soon the thought had left his mind for he was through the portal and in a new world. Literally.
Doyle: The good fight, yeah? - You never know until you've been tested. - I get that now
...well...just after Riley leaves..*Clears throat and gets on with posting*..)
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