Hi all. I'm so sorry I'm so late! At least its a nice long chapter again to make up for it! Thanks so much for all the reviews as usual... I promise to do replies to each one next time (So pls log in... ;)) Oh and I should apologise here for the cliffhanger at the end of this chapter. I know this is seriously mean, and Im sorry! There's torture, some mild sexual abuse, and some graphic violence this time...

Enjoy!

~X~

Purifying Flame

Chapter Six

Ray and Bandit were sitting together, Ray perched on a table, Bandit crouching on the floor at his feet. Shona and Grace had gone on ahead, just to get a better look at how many numbers of Draculoids they were facing as they attempted to exit the education building. He watched her as she sat quietly, keeping her eyes trained on the ground. She had been so young the last time he'd seen her, merely a child. He couldn't believe she was with him now, alive and well, and completely unaware of what had happened to both her mom and dad. Ray was happy to keep it that way. He was protecting Bandit by keeping her ignorant of their suffering. He shook his head as the anger and confusion hit him once again. This girl was an orphan, she was still a child and both her parents had been violently and cruelly taken from her. And now it was down to him to keep her safe and he would do just that. She was all he had left of Gerard, and of Mikey, and she would become his world. Ray knew it was what Gerard would have wanted.

With a sigh, Ray spoke up, breaking the awkward silence. "When did you last see your mom, Bandit?"

She jumped, surprised by the question. After a second, she replied, "A few months ago. She brought me here to Shona and told me she'd look after me 'til she came back for me."

Ray nodded. It must have killed Lindsey to leave her, in the city, surrounded by the enemy. Ray didn't doubt Lindsey's judgement though. If she had believed that this was the safest place for Bandit, then that was good enough for him. Lindsey must have trusted Shona with her life. Ray felt more appreciation for the headstrong rebel too. She had risked so much, had lost so much. And still she was giving everything to protect her kids. How could Ray feel anything but respect?

Ray cleared his throat, knowing how much his next question would hurt. "And what about your Dad? Do you remember him?"

Bandit paused. "I remember him saying goodbye," she replied, quietly. "And I remember his smile. And the way he used to sing to me. Daddy was always singing."

Ray very nearly broke down. His lower lip trembled as he regarded her but, somehow, he held it together. Just. "Yes," he said softly. "He was."

"He walked away from us," Bandit continued. "Mommy and I had to run from house to house, base to base, until she brought me here to Shona because she'd heard that Daddy might actually still be alive and had to go and find him. To bring him home." She bit her lip. "I didn't see her again. I think she's gone too."

Ray had to look away. The pain he saw in those too familiar eyes was breaking his heart.

"What happened that day, Bandit?" He whispered. "What happened the day your daddy left?"

Bandit continued to play with her fingers, evidently refusing to look up at Ray. She screwed her eyes up, and the Killjoy saw that she was trembling, much to his pain and anger.

"You don't have to tell-"

"No," she said at once, rubbing at her eyes. "It's okay. I just..." She paused, taking a breath before she finally rose her eyes to meet his. "I don't like thinking about mommy and daddy much. It hurts."

All he could do was nod patiently. If he tried to say anything, Ray was pretty sure he'd break down.

Bandit took a few more moments, and then finally began her story, staring down at the ground the whole time, bravely keeping her emotions in check as she recounted what she remembered from that painful night, all those years ago:

It was raining hard, and there was the odd growl of thunder rolling around in the distance. They were outside their house, in the garden, and her mommy was holding her tightly in her arms. The rain was running down their faces, their hair. It was as though the world was crying with them. He was leaving them. Her daddy. He was going away and her mommy was crying so hard.

"Don't cry, sugar;" He whispered to her mommy. "Please don't cry." He wrapped his arms around both of them and they were complete. But she knew this was to be the last time. She knew something very bad was happening. Her daddy was leaving them, Uncle Mikes was taking him away from them, and her mommy was upset. No, her mommy was beyond upset. She'd never cried like this. Not even when the men had first taken Daddy away. And she didn't really understand what was happening.

Her Daddy was kissing her mommy. Normally, she'd look away, finding it icky. But this was different. This was special.

"Daddy?" She muttered, and he pulled away from her mommy and instead leaned closer to her, stroking her hair, kissing her. "You be a good girl," he told her, just managing to speak. Why couldn't he talk properly? Why wouldn't he smile? Why was he suddenly not even looking at her?

"You look after your mommy, Bandit."

Uncle Mikes was suddenly beside her Daddy, his arm around his shoulders. "We have to go, Gee. They'll come looking for you again. If they find you here-"

"I know, Mikey," Her Daddy had snapped back, suddenly angry. "Just give me a minute!"

Her Uncle looked upset then, and worried, looking away from her Daddy.

She clung to him, not wanting to let him go. She knew this was it. She didn't know why, she didn't know where he was going, but she knew she would never see him again. She could feel it. Her mommy pressed her face into her hair, and Bandit was pleased. It was good to feel her so close. She needed her mommy now.

"Bye baby." Her Daddy had said, so softly. He kissed her mommy one last time. "I love you both," he muttered. "Don't hang around here, Lindsey. You have to leave, with Christa, Jamia, Addie and the others. Don't waste any time. They'll come for me, I don't want you to still be here." He looked away. "They'll use you two to hurt me. Just go away and-"

"Forget you?" Her mommy finished for him. "Not going to fucking happen! You've given up! I won't."

"You think this is it?" He hissed back, forcing her uncle away from him as he tried to calm her daddy down. "You think I'm giving up? I'll keep fighting them but I can't do that here, with you. I have to do this. I have to go-"

"Your place is HERE! With your family!"

Her daddy didn't argue again. He just covered his face with his hands.

Finally, he looked at them one more time. And the tears were streaming down her poor daddy's face.

"I'm sorry."

And then, he and Uncle Mikes were turning their backs, and they were walking away.

"Daddy?"

She screamed into the night. But he didn't turn around. Her mommy was sobbing again, holding her so tightly now it actually hurt. But Bandit couldn't let this happen. She couldn't watch him walk away like this. She loved him! She needed him! Desperately, she struggled out of her mommy's grip and actually fell to the ground with a bump. Ignoring the jarring pain, and her mommy's panicked cries, Bandit was running as fast as her small legs would carry her, racing after her daddy, sobbing her little heart out, crying out to him in her panic. No, he wasn't leaving her and her mommy. He wouldn't do that. Hearing her cries, her Daddy turned back towards her, and fell to his knees, his arms outstretched. She ran into them, her breathing painful and coming out in gasps thanks to the state she had worked herself up into. He hugged her, and then pulled back, gently wiping away her tears.

"You have to stay with your mommy, Bee. She needs you." He hugged her one more time, and then whispered into her ear. "I love you. Don't forget that."

She shook her head quickly. She'd never forget.

He kissed her again, took her hand and squeezed it. And then, he was walking away again, Uncle Mikes at his side. Then her daddy was stumbling, as if in pain, and her uncle was pulling her daddy close to him. Her mommy was holding her again, and they stared after him together as he disappeared into the night...

"I don't remember much before that." Bandit was saying quietly, bringing her story to an abrupt end. "Mommy and me left our old home soon after, and went to stay with Auntie Jamia." She was still playing with her fingers, trying to hide the fact that heartbroken tears were slipping down her young cheeks. "I never saw daddy again." She glanced away. "Mommy said Auntie Jamia, Lily, Cherry and Miles had to go away. We never saw them again either. Mommy left me here a few months ago, saying she would be back real soon. I don't know if she's coming back for me now." She shrugged. "I don't think she is." Ray couldn't look at her, not any more. He couldn't stand it. He could only imagine how hard it must have been for Gerard, to walk away, leaving his wife and daughter, his very happiness and life, behind him to go on the run, knowing he would probably never see them again. Yes, Ray had left behind the woman he adored, but he'd never even had the chance to say goodbye. Christa had made the decision for him, always knowing what was best for him, and he would always be grateful to her for that. But Gerard had had to turn his back and walk away, ignoring his child as she cried after him.

Just picturing the moment was tearing Ray apart. As was the knowledge that Gerard had died in that damned room without knowing Bandit was still alive.

Anger coursed through Ray. "It's fucking unfair!" He snarled, making Bandit jump out of her skin.

Seeing her fear, he forced himself to calm down then, and put his arm around Bandit turned then, pulling her closer to him. She was gazing up at him with large, achingly familiar, soulful eyes.

"Did you know my Daddy, Jet Star?"

Ray tightened his hold on his gun. "Yes sweetheart, I did."

Those eyes grew ever wider, making his insides churn. "Where is he?" She whispered, so innocently. "I want him back."

The Killjoy swallowed painfully as he turned and fixed the girl with what he hoped was a neutral look. He didn't know what to say. How do you tell a ten year old child that she's an orphan? He was still considering his answer, fidgeting under the weight of her stare, when Shona suddenly came marching back into the room, Grace right behind her.

"We have to move," Shona snapped, breaking the tense mood at once. "It's all clear out there. This is our chance."

Ray frowned, jumping off of the panel, down to the ground. "It's not safe, Shona;" He argued. "There's too many Drac patrols out there."

"They've been called away for some reason, who cares why?" She retorted. "We can get to the school exit unseen and then we're close to the Zone exit, where I met you guys. We'll just have to run, and hope." She tilted her head slightly. "Isn't that what you Killjoys swear by?"

That hurt. It hurt to be on his own again.

'Be safe, Frankie.'

Ray let out a big sigh. "I had three brothers then, watching my back. And Poison was," he broke off, looking down at the ground. "Well, he was brilliant but now he's gone. It's just me and I can't do this on my own."

Shona smiled gently. "I'm not a Killjoy," she said, softly. "But I'm not useless."

Ray waved his hand apologetically. "I know you're not. I didn't mean it like that. Look, Shona, we've got the girls to think about. Its a long way back to Zone border, I'm not gonna risk them, or you-"

Grace giggled, catching both the adults' attention, who turned as one to look at her in surprise. She had joined Bandit, and the girls were sat together, waiting for their next instruction. "We can run, Jet Star," she whispered. "Can't we, Bea?"

Bandit nodded. "I'm real tired, but I can do it." She looked up at Ray. "I won't let you down."

Ray stared at Bandit. He couldn't help but smile at her earnest face. "You're as stubborn as your dad, aren't you?"

Bandit glanced away. "I don't know."

Ray's heart hurt. After taking a moment to compose himself, he turned back to Shona. "What about the others?"

Shona frowned.

Ray glared in response. "Don't," he spat. "Don't tell me to leave them behind."

Exasperated, she gestured at him. "What can we do, Jet? Connor knows this place, the whole city, as well as I do. Probably better. He'll know every route I'll plan to take out of the city, he'll have them all well guarded. But right now, we have an opening, a way to give ourselves a chance. If we stay here, we don't even have that."

"And Billie Joe? Mike? Frank? They won't have a chance either."

She seemed to take a moment to choose her next words. "Jet Star, I'm sorry but-"

Ray took a step forward, making her recoil. "Do not say it," He warned her. "Don't you dare tell me Frank's dead."

"Fine," Shona snapped. "But the point's the same. We can't stay around here, putting the girls in danger, waiting for someone who may or may not be coming back."

Ray opened his mouth to argue again, saw the look on her face, and knew it was pointless. He glanced over at the girls again. "Grace, help Bandit," he told them. "We're leaving in five minutes."

Shona nodded at him appreciably. Ray gave her quick look, and then moved over to the far wall, checking his ray gun, knowing he was really going to need it. It was his job to get them all to the Zones safely. He was the leader of the group now, they're lives were his responsibility. He gave Bandit one last look as she and Grace put on their jackets, preparing themselves for what was coming.

Ray would keep her safe, no matter what. It was the least he owed Gerard.

XXX

The whiteness of the room was again the first thing Gerard was aware of as he painfully opened his eyes and squinted from the brightness. Hr groaned, and covered his eyes quickly, grimacing as fragments of memory returned to him. He remembered where he was and the situation he had found himself in. And then, Gerard froze. He remembered him, St Jimmy, and his face hardened. He had escaped one bastard in his dreams, only to be greeted by another when he had awakened. He moaned in pain from the dull ache in his head, which only worsened as he slowly forced himself to his feet. He would not show them any weaknesses, not this time. He knew he could fight back, had proved it so many times before. So what if he was alone? So what if they were holding on the cards? He didn't care. He would battle on to the end if he had to. He was Party Fucking Poison and he was alive. He would show them exactly what a Killjoy could do.

And he would keep St Jimmy away from Frank, whatever it took.

Frank.

Gerard stopped, as more memories returned to him. Memories he didn't want, truths he couldn't, nor wouldn't face up to, even though he knew he had no choice. They were gone. Mikey. Ray. Frank. All of them, murdered by their enemies. He was the only Killjoy left, and he had never felt so alone in his life. Tears threatened to spill and he fought with all his might to keep them at bay. The scum would never see him cry, not again. They had taken everything, they would not see him break too. Not now. Not after everything.

Gerard closed his eyes, and bowed his head. He was suddenly lost in his own grief, and he felt like he was falling, spiralling into the abyss. It was all over. He would never see any of them again, the three men he loved more than life itself. His brother, his best friend and his lover. He would never hear their voices or laughter again, never feel Frank's touch, his skin next to his own…

The agonised man swore under his breath, and then spun around, slamming his fist down hard on a table beside him. What good was this? Losing control, allowing his despair to take over? Where would that get him? He had gone through hell, while asleep and awake, in order for him to take BL/I out, to make them pay and he would be damned if he would break now, and allow them to get away with the murder of the only people left alive he had loved. The brother he had sworn to protect was gone forever, and there was no bringing him, or Ray, or Frank back. He was all there was left, and he would tear the fucking godforsaken company apart, a piece at a time. Starting with St Fucking Jimmy. He began to cross the room slowly, making for the door on the far side, when his boot nudged against the smashed remains of what had once been a security camera, still laying in tatters on the ground. He stared down for a moment, actually impressed by the damage he had previously caused in his furious state. He smirked.

"Okay," he muttered, "Saint Jimmy will be the second piece then..."

He looked up quickly when he heard a noise from the other side of the locked door, and then retreated slightly when the door slid open, and Saint Jimmy strode into the room, two Draculoids close behind him, and he gave Gerard a wide smile as he approached him.

Gerard eyed the other man warily.

"How are you feeling, Party Poison?"

"Bored," the Killjoy retorted. "I hate being locked away in tiny little white rooms. How are you, Jimmy?"

Jimmy smiled, and then his gaze fixed on the broken camera at Gerard's feet. He shook his head, and tutted.

"Did the camera have it coming, Gerard?"

The former singer glared. "It's BL/I trash. It's as contaminated as everything else in this fucking fake city." His eyes bored into Jimmy's. "Including you."

"Is that right?"

"I'd rip this place apart if I could."

Jimmy's eyes widened. "Would you? Tell me, Rock Star, would you kill everybody too, if you could?"

The Killjoy hesitated for a moment, trying to figure out the question, and then snorted. "Anyone who chooses to live here makes the choice to shove your drugs down their throats, inject the shit into their blood streams, and in the process, turning themselves into mindless drones that are no fucking better than the Draculoids." He paused for a second, and then shrugged. "If they live like that, then they're already dead."

Jimmy tilted his head slightly. "That's how you see me, is it? Like the walking dead?"

Gerard suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable, as it dawned on him that Jimmy was testing him. He narrowed his eyes, and pursed his lips together.

After a beat, he fixed Jimmy with a look of pure disdain and replied, "I see you as sick, twisted, drugged up motherfucker, Jimmy. You're scum, and you'll always be a scum."

Jimmy watched Gerard for a few moments, apparently amused at his words. "You have a lot to say, don't you, Gerard?"

Gerard smirked. "And you're surprised about that?" He grinned. "Maybe you need to do some more research."

The Exterminator stepped closer, a knowing smile on his lips. "I'm happy to listen to you talk, Killjoy. But I want to talk about something in particular."

Gerard paused. He'd expected this after all, had known from the moment he'd awakened into BL/I's clutches, that he was being kept alive for some reason. And it was finally time for him to find out what that reason was.

"What do you want?" He asked, quietly.

Jimmy looked him up and down, and then crossed his arms, taking his time, drawing out the tension as much as he could. "You must miss the others, don't you?" He mused, looking down at the ground.

Gerard hesitated for a beat, before snarling back: "What do you fucking think?"

"You could join them?" Jimmy continued.

The Killjoy eyed him, and then leaned back. "Are you going to tell me or not, Jimmy? Just what the fuck do you want from me?"

"Information."

"Yeah? Well, I've been out of the game, genius. I don't know anything."

Taking a deep breath, Jimmy fixed him with a cold stare, and then began. "We captured a rebel leader who was undercover right here, in the middle of the city. We scanned him and discovered something interesting." He smiled. "Something surprising."

Gerard was watching him intently. "Like what?"

Jimmy kept it short and sweet. "You rebels discovered some kind of weapon and are planning to use it against the City, killing thousands of innocent people in the process."

Gerard furrowed his brow.

"And what's that got to do with me?" He tilted his head to one side. "If it is even true-"

Jimmy frowned. "Oh, it's true. I trust my source-"

"Someone else you re-programmed I suppose?"

"Gerard, what is the weapon?"

"I told you I have no fucking idea."

Jimmy's eyes flashed dangerously. "I will torture you if I have to-"

"I'm sure you will," Gerard blurted out. "But it won't do you no fucking good, Jimmy. I don't know anything about any fucking weapon."

Jimmy rolled his eyes. "You are one of Death Defying's closest allies. You're his friend. Leader of the famous Killjoys. You must know something."

"Death didn't tell me everything," the Killjoy replied, softly. "He only ever told me what I needed to know." He shrugged. "I guess he figured that, whatever this weapon is, if it really exists, it wasn't any of my fucking business and I didn't need to be part of it, whatever it was. Which suits me just fucking fine." His eyes flashed. "Is that it then? Can I go now?"

Jimmy grabbed his hair, ripping his head back, earning a gasp from the other man. "You think this is fucking funny, you cocky little shit? You think I'm playing? I'm responsible for everyone in this city and I will keep them safe, whatever it takes. Don't underestimate me, Gerard."

Gerard glared back at him. "Maybe you've overestimated me, Jimmy. Maybe I'm not as important to Doc Death as you thought I was."

Jimmy released him then. "I hope for your sake," he whispered; "That that isn't the case."

They glared at each other for a few moments, and then Jimmy turned and called for a Draculoid to enter the room.

The door slid open, and a drone marched into the room, walking up to Jimmy, and offering him a shooter gun.

Gerard paled instantly. 'Not again.'

Jimmy was smiling at his reaction. "You don't like this much, do you, Gerard?" He didn't wait for an answer, just gestured for the Draculoid to move closer to Gerard. The Killjoy instantly recoiled, but quickly found himself held firmly by two more Draculoids, who were standing behind him. Now, Gerard was locked in place, unable to defend himself. He stared angrily up at Jimmy.

"Not very original," he spat.

Jimmy shrugged. "Like I could care less. This worked for Korse, maybe it will for me too."

"I don't know about a weapon," Gerard snapped, more urgently. "I was never told about anything like that. Will you listen to me, Jimmy?"

"If you start telling me the truth, sure."

Gerard struggled as the Draculoid approached him, holding the shooter gun at the ready. "I am telling you the truth. Fuck. Don't bring that anywhere near me!"

The Draculoid ignored him.

As soon as Gerard felt the familiar sting of the needle, he knew what was coming. He gritted his teeth, and clenched his fists. He would not let it break him. Not this time. He was stronger now, he was determined to beat it. He gave in to Korse, he would be damned if he would allow Jimmy to watch him break too. Not this time. This time, he was ready.

Or that was what he told himself. When the pain came, it was worse than he even remembered.

And then, the agony was there again. It was as intense as ever, and Gerard quickly lost control. He was screaming, could hear the cries of pure agony and knew they were once again his, but he couldn't hear, couldn't see, couldn't even think. There was only that pain, that torture that was all around him, inside of him, burning him. He knew he was clawing at the floor, exactly the way he had done so before, when it had been Korse, not Jimmy, who had been smirking over him. He wanted to crawl away, to get away from that leering face, but he had no where to go.

"Listen to me, Gerard-"

Jimmy was trying to talk to him, moving his face closer to Gerard, who was clearly unable to focus on him, and recoiled in panic when Jimmy began to shout at him. "Thousands of innocent people will die, Gerard. That's what Connor told us. Whatever you fucking rebels are planning, it's gonna wipe out countless lives. I know you don't want that happen, I know you ain't that kind of man. Help me stop this before it's too late. Tell me about the weapon. Just tell me!"

Finally, the pain eased, and Gerard stopped writhing and laid still at Jimmy's feet, his chest rising and falling gently once more. He took a few moments to compose himself, then turned to face Jimmy, and gave the man a small smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Jimmy. Can't you get that? I don't fucking know!"

"You have to stop lying, Gerard. I need this information, and you're my best option. Tell me what I want to know."

Gerard grimaced, the after effect of the torture drug still causing his body to spasm. He didn't even look at Jimmy, he simply stared at the ground.

"Look at me, Gerard," Jimmy pressed.

The Killjoy still didn't react.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow, waiting for Gerard to respond. When the other man didn't speak a word further, the Exterminator shrugged, and then beckoned the Draculoid forward once more. Gerard flinched when he felt the needle pricking his bare skin once more.

"Last chance, Poison;" Jimmy warned. "Are you going to tell me about the weapon?"

Gerard chuckled coldly, and gave a very small, very pained shake of his head. "Are you deaf or just very fucking dumb? What part of "I don't know" can you not understand?"

Jimmy smiled. "Whatever you want, babe."

With one nod, the Draculoid once more injected the cocktail of agony into the victim's arm.

And then stood back to watch.

Gerard's screams once again filled the small room. He threw his head back and wailed as that familiar agony took hold of him once again. His blood was boiling in his veins, his head was ready to explode and very quickly, there was nothing but his own personal hell. The torture lasted a few seconds longer than the first dose, and it took Gerard a little longer to remember where he was when he once again found himself lying on his back, panting harshly, staring up into Jimmy's expectant face.

"What is the weapon, Gerard?" Jimmy repeated, toying with his mask, averting his eyes' from the other man's suffering. "Tell me what I need to know and this stops."

This time, Gerard actually laughed.

Jimmy frowned, clearly unnerved by the tortured man's defiance. "Something funny, Killjoy?"

"You're wasting your time," Gerard gasped softly. "I can't tell you what I don't fucking know!"

Jimmy gaze down at him for a second, and then shrugged.

"Have it your way, Not-so-Cherry Top," Jimmy retorted, waving toward the doctor once more, who edged close to Gerard again, a cruel twitch on his lips. "I'm in no rush. I got all day."

The doctor held up the shooter gun.

Jimmy ordered softly. "Level three, please."

Gerard closed his eyes.

XXX

Frank and Luka were making their way down the winding corridors through the detention centre, edging their way. They had gotten out of the tunnels, finding themselves in a maze of white, hoping against hope that they were going the right way.

Wherever they were trying to get to.

They were aware the Mike and Billie Joe were there somewhere, lost, maybe captured, and both Luka and Frank that they didn't want to leave without knowing how their friends were. Plus, their mission was to find Mikey, and now that they'd made it into the City, they knew they wouldn't get a similar opportunity any time soon.

They just had to keep going. As long as they stuck together, they were okay.

"I think we've been down here before..." Frank hissed.

Luka gave him a look. "How can you tell? Which white corridor ,looks familiar?"

Frank smiled, despite himself. "Getting smart, Luka?"

"What do you mean, getting?"

They grinned at one another.

"If this fucking place wasn't so white, and didn't look all the same," Luka continued, "We'd know where the hell-"

Frank held up a hand sharply, and Luka broke off. They both listened intently.

The two men glanced at each other. They'd both heard it. Footsteps. Luka signalled to Frank that he would go first, and Frank nodded his understanding.

After a moment of steeling themselves, the two of them walked carefully around the corner, Luka leading the way, guns at the ready. The first Draculoid noticed the rebels and sprang forward, shooting wildly, missing Frank by inches. Luka calmly lined up a shot, and fired, and the Drac went down. Frank grinned at Luka, and then swung round, hearing movement behind them. A second Draculoid was coming up behind them. The Killjoy pushed Luka back, taking a shot. The Drac let out a gasp, and fell down.

Frank smiled. He took Luka's hand, and the other man returned the grin. "Let's go," Frank whispered. Luka nodded, and started to turn. And that was when he saw the slight movement out of the corner of his eye. The Draculoid Frank had thought he'd finished was still alive, holding its left arm painfully. And it's gun was raised in it's right hand, pointing straight at Frank. With a warning shout, Luka dived in front of Frank, just as the Draculoid fired. Frank heard Luka cry out, and crash to the ground. He knew his friend had taken a hit, and knew he needed to protect him. Frank whirled around, seeing the Draculoid aiming for the Croat once again. Frank didn't hesitate, he opened fire on the drone before it had a chance to do any more damage.

The ray gun shots hit true, and the Draculoid fell where it stood, and this time, it didn't get up again. Frank let out a sigh of relief, and then turned.

"Luka, it's dead, man. We gotta-"

And that was when Frank saw his friend, still lying where he had fallen, his arms in an awkward angle. With an ever growing feeling of dread, Frank ran back over to where Luka lay.

"Luka?" Frank snapped, urgently, pulling him into his arms. "Luka, talk to me!"

"It's dark," Luka whispered, not focusing on Frank. "So dark. Why is it dark, Frank?"

Frank glanced down, seeing the wound on Luka's chest, the shot that had hit him in his heart. He knew it was over and there was nothing he could do. He closed his eyes. He pulled Luka closer to him.

"Why did you do that?" He moaned. "You idiot."

Luka shivered. "You're worth it, Frank."

Frank's eyes met Luka's, and Frank knew what would happen. He'd seen the light fading in brown eyes before, and he felt the pain and devastation building up within him.

"Hold on," Frank urged him. "You're gonna be okay. I'll get you help. Please Luka, don't leave..."

The former footballer smiled up at him, a gentle smile, a smile of reassurance. And then, he breathed softly, and slumped down, his head resting against Frank's arm.

"Luka?" Frank whispered.

There was no response.

"No," the Killjoy moaned. "Oh, please, no."

But he knew it was too late. Luka had gone.

Frank held Luka tightly to him, his shoulders shaking as he allowed the tears to fall, knowing that another good person had been lost to the war. The war it seemed they had no chance of winning...

'The tears would never stop now.'

Frank had been here before. Only the last man who had died in his arms had been-

He saw red hair. He saw a smile that made his heart sore. He felt his embrace, his touch, his kiss.

Oh God, he missed him so much.

Frank could not contain his emotions any more. He gave into the pain, and slumped forwards, tears streaming down his face.

He had lost everything. He couldn't save anybody.

After a few more moments, Frank looked up, his tears drying. He couldn't let this all fall apart now, not after he had come so far. He would not let Luka down like this. Yes, his friend was gone, but to break down now would only dishonour him, and everyone else who had put their faith in him. He had to dry his eyes, and keep going. He stood up slowly, looking down at Luka, fighting back yet more tears. Then, he took hold of his friend's body, and began to pull him across the floor.

Frank whimpered from the effort and despair he was feeling as he dragged Luka's body out of sight. He could only hope that he would have the chance to get out of there, and make Luka's sacrifice worthwhile before his friend's body was discovered.

Frank leaned over the remains of the man that had put so much faith in him, and kissed his forehead, noting that he was still warm. The thought filled him with grief and he closed his eyes, desperate to fight against the tears threatening to spill.

"Bye buddy," he whispered. "Say hey to Gareth for me." He swallowed hard. "And if you see-"

He broke off. He couldn't finish the sentence. If he did, he'd break down.

Ghoul could almost hear Party Poison at his side, hear his whispered urging of:

'Keep running, Frank.'

With one last long, sad look at Luka, Frank turned, and ran.

XXX

Gerard was laying on the floor, his body still trembling after the latest onslaught he'd faced. The torture drug was making its way out of his system slowly, and all he could do was lie there and wait for the pain to subside. A thousands thoughts were going through Gerard's agonised brain as he lay there, not wanting to move due to the cruel tremors. This was all so familiar to him, being tortured by drugs, lying at a smirking bastard's feet, unable to defend himself. To anybody looking on, the situations would seem identical, expect for swapping a taunting Korse for a smug Saint Jimmy. But Gerard knew this was different, he could feel it within him. The drugs were as destructive ever, and he could feel the agony caused to him to his very core, but he was not allowing it to consume him this time. He did not fight to escape the prison in his head, to escape Korse, to fade away to nothing now he was alive again. He wouldn't let Jimmy win. He would not give up. He would fight to the end, no matter when that turned out to be.

He would do it for Frank, Mikey and Ray. He would make them proud.

As his body was finally turning numb, and the pain therefore leaving him, Gerard dared to allow a small smile of satisfaction.

He heard a snort from close by, and knew Jimmy had moved to stand beside him. Gerard turned his head slightly, and saw Jimmy glaring down at him. "What do you have to smile about?" The Exterminator snapped.

Gerard shrugged. "You've been torturing me for ages now, asking me the same questions, and you still haven't figured out that I don't fucking know what you're talking about." The Killjoy shook his head slightly. "I don't know about you, Jim, but I think that's fucking funny."

Jimmy couldn't stop himself. He gave Gerard a spiteful kick in the ribs, gaining a small moan. "Don't call me Jim, you little fucker."

Gerard rolled over onto his front, his eyes closed. "Korse was a lot more scary, Jimmy. Give it up."

Jimmy's face darkened even further. He was visibly fighting the urge to kick the life out of the man who stubbornly refused to give in. Instead, he drove forward, grabbed Gerard's short hair, and ripped his head back, putting his lips against the other man's ear, causing him to flinch.

"You think your smart, don't you, Gerard?"

Gerard didn't reply. He kept his eyes shut, not giving the man the satisfaction of gaining a reaction from him.

Jimmy smiled coldly. "You think I won't hurt you like Korse did? Korse hated you, that's true and I don't care about you very much full stop." He nibbled on his prisoner's ear. "You never were my favourite Killjoy, you know-"

Gerard, letting out a low, furious cry, shoved him away at that. "Get the fuck away from me, or I swear to God, I'll give you another scar!"

Jimmy, bringing a hand up to his face to finger his scar, knew that he'd got to Gerard. He wasn't about to let him off now.

"Poor Frankie. I was pretty disappointed when I was told he'd blown himself to smithereens, not gonna lie."

"I told you," Gerard snarled. "Don't talk about Frank."

"Aw, but we could share stories." Jimmy purred. "You remember how good it felt, don't you? To stick your dick into that boy's sweet hole?" He grinned. "Because I'll never forget what it was like to fuck him into the sand-"

Gerard couldn't listen to another taunting word. With a growl that seemed to come from his very soul, he flung himself at Jimmy, trying to force his hands around the other man's throat. Whether he wanted to kill him or not, Gerard wasn't so sure, but he knew he needed to man to shut the fuck up.

Very quickly though, the Draculoid guards seized hold of him, and dragged him away from Jimmy. He fought against their holds, but there was no escaping their grips. After a moment of composing himself, Jimmy got back up to his feet, and stalked toward his seething prisoner.

"Little bit sensitive there, Gerard?"

Gerard struggled desperately. "You raped Frank, you bastard."

"Yeah, I did. Guess what though? He enjoyed it." Jimmy shrugged. "And then, he saved my life. Complicated, isn't it?"

Gerard took a deep breath. "Frank and I loved each other. We were fucking soulmates. He didn't want you, Jimmy."

There was a glint in Jimmy's eye when he next met Gerard's gaze. "Oh yeah?" He crouched down beside the other man. "But what if love's great dream came about because of me?"

Gerard blinked. "Bullshit."

Jimmy's smile was one of pure evil. "Maybe I should remind you, babe? Do you remember when you and I had some fun?"

The Killjoy frowned. "When you abused me, you mean?"

"Aw, come on now. You loved it."

"You're deluded."

Jimmy laughed. "Anyway, when I was questioning you that day, I used drugs that pushed my will onto yours. You'd have done anything I told you to. Including when I told you that you should, eh, get closer to Fun Ghoul..."

Gerard stared at him. "You're lying. That wasn't..."

He paused, turning away quickly. He was showing far too much emotion, but he couldn't help himself. He missed Frank more with every passing moment, and for it to be claimed that the love he felt for his boyfriend was because of Saint fucking Jimmy – he couldn't stand it.

After a second, he turned back. "I don't believe you."

The Exterminator shook his head. "Well, you believe whatever makes you happy, Cherry Baby." He tilted his head. "You gotta admit though, it makes you wonder, doesn't it? Would you be in love with Frank if I'd never ordered you to be?"

Gerard wanted to leap at him. "You son of a bitch," he muttered.

Jimmy laughed softly, pressing his lips to Gerard's cheek in a mocking display of affection. "You just think about that."

When Jimmy finally backed away from Gerard again, the Killjoy had his head bowed, his eyes closed.

He didn't react when Jimmy cleared his throat.

"Listen to me, Party Poison," Jimmy whispered. "I don't actually want to hurt you. I'm doing this because I'm trying to save thousands of fucking lives. We know there is a weapon that you rebels have found and hidden, and we know it could destroy this entire city and everyone inside, every man, woman and child. I know you don't want to be responsible for mass murder, Gerard, so tell me what I need to know. Just tell me how to find the weapon."

Very carefully, Gerard looked up. His expression was one of pure disdain. "I don't fucking KNOW!"

Jimmy punched his fist into the wall beside him. "Stop lying to me!"

"Can't you fucking get it, Jimmy? I'm not lying to you. If there is a weapon, I was never told about it! I DON'T KNOW!"

Jimmy had clearly run out of patience. "Fine!" He stuck his hands into the pockets of his long cloak, and pulled out a small bottle filled with pills. "If this is how you want it. Hold him steady."

The Draculoid obeyed, and Gerard found himself unable to move. Jimmy suddenly had hold of him, forcing his mouth open with his fingers. "Swallow these, you little shit," he spat.

Gerard tried to spit them out, but he couldn't. The pills were quickly slipping down his throat, and he gagged.

Jimmy waited for a few moments, and then said, softly; "Gerard?"

The other man rose his head slowly.

Jimmy grinned. "Good. The control pills never fail me. Okay, Killjoy. You're gonna answer all of my questions, understood?"

His prisoner grimaced, and then nodded.

Jimmy clasped his hands together. "That's better. Now then, I want you to tell me everything you know about the weapon, doll. And quickly."

"Which weapon?" Gerard responded.

The other man frowned. "There's more than one?"

Gerard actually smirked. "Any person with half a brain cell has a fully working weapon they can use against a stupid asshole like you, Jimmy."

The Exterminator was standing perfectly still, breathing harshly. He shook his head in disbelief. "How the fucking hell-"

"Oh please," Gerard snapped. "You think we don't have pills to work against the effects of your BL/I shit? We have clever people too, you know."

Jimmy slapped Gerard across the face. Gerard spat onto the floor, and grinned.

"You thought it would be that easy, Jimmy?"

The Exterminator held his gaze for a moment as they took each other on in a battle of wills. Jimmy looked away first, and Gerard felt a flash of victory.

It didn't last long.

Jimmy whistled, and a third Draculoid entered the room.

"Bring in the Re-programmer," Jimmy instructed the Drac, then turned and smiled at Gerard. The Draculoid bowed, and hurried from the room.

Gerard's reaction was immediate. "No," he snapped. "You are not using that fucking thing on me again!" He tried to move away, but was grabbed from behind by a Draculoid, who held him a little too tightly, and he gasped out in pain.

Jimmy sauntered towards Gerard, smirking at him. He clicked his fingers, and the two Draculoids forced Gerard to kneel.

Gerard struggled vainly, which made Jimmy's smile widen.

"Last chance, Cherry Top," Jimmy whispered. "Where's the weapon? What's the plan?"

"I don't know!" Gerard snapped. "Don't do this! I'm telling you the truth. Don't wipe me, for fucks sake!"

"Who ever said anything about wiping you?" Jimmy purred, and then glanced over his shoulder to see the Draculoid had returned with the device that Gerard recognised only too well. He waved the drone forward, and it approached Gerard ominously. "It can do a lot more than wipe your mind blank. It can search through your memories too. Usually happens while the subject is asleep though. I'd assume this will be pretty painful."

Gerard let out a low moan, and tried to get to Jimmy, but he was held fast.

Despite the Killjoys best efforts to resist, he soon find himself with the Re-programmer fixed to his head, his breathing laboured, as he stared up at Jimmy, wide-eyed.

"One more chance," Jimmy warned. "Don't be stupid. Tell me about the weapon, and then this is all over."

"Go to hell," Gerard snapped, "I can't tell you what I don't know!" He screwed his eyes shut, preparing himself for whatever was about to happen. his eyes tightly shut, waiting for the pain he knew was coming.

Jimmy sighed, and then indicated to the Draculoid guard, standing over the controls to the device. He turned a switch, and the Re-Programmer sprang into life.

Seconds passed, and then Gerard's screams of anguish filled the room. He was allowed to fall to the ground, and writhed helplessly on the floor as the machine took control of him. Jimmy couldn't help but wince as he watched him.

He gestured, and the Draculoid, almost begrudgingly, switched off the machine.

"Tell me, Gerard." He said, quietly. "Don't make me do this to you any more."

Gerard was shaking. After a moment, he managed to speak, brokenly: "Didn't tell me..."

"Have it your way, you stupid, bone headed, dick." Jimmy leaned against the wall, watching Gerard's agony closely. "Start again," he instructed the Draculoid, who nodded. "This time, search through all of his memories. Burn his brain out of his head if you have to. We'll soon find out if he's telling the truth." He shrugged. "Either way, we're on to a winner. He'll be reunited with his precious Killjoys, he should be grateful..."

The machine was activated once more. The excruciating pain blew up inside Gerard's head again, and he wailed. It was too much. He couldn't see, couldn't think. He was going to be sick. His head was going to explode, he knew it. He had to make them stop.

He managed to let out a small whimper. "No. Please."

As quickly as the pain had come, it was gone again. Gerard opened his eyes carefully, to find Jimmy's smug face right next to his own. He was also being held up once again by the two watching Draculoids.

"Maybe a small break would be a good idea?" Jimmy whispered, peering closely into Gerard's agonised face. "Just to let you recharge your batteries, Party Poison?"

The re-programmer was quickly removed from Gerard's head, and his arms were yet again released. He immediately slumped to the floor as relief flooded through him. Jimmy watched him for a moment, and then gestured once again to the two Draculoid guards. "Take him to a cell. We will continue once our friend here feels ready to proceed."

As Gerard was pulled toward the exit, he leaned closer to Jimmy, who was now the one smiling. "You are wasting your time, Jimmy. Whatever you think I know, you're wrong."

Jimmy chuckled, looking on as Gerard was supported to the doorway by his Draculoid guards, one holding Gerard a little too tightly, causing the weak man to whimper.

"We'll see, Cherry baby."

XXX

Michael had no idea how much time had passed since he had entered the Zones. He had found it a struggle since the man called Bob had dropped him off, and he had never felt so alone. The wind constantly battered him, the sun was so hot, so burning, and the air itself made him feel sick. He understood why citizens were told not to venture outside the limits. It was for their own good. No one should be forced to live like that. Michael could not believe that some people actually choose to. BL/I, their drugs and the safety of the city was surely a better option than this...

He paused. Not for the red haired man it hadn't been. The man who had been stripped of everything, his freedom, his mind, his very dignity, and still Michael had no idea why. Why had she done that to him?

He saw her body falling down before him. Felt himself pulling the trigger. Saw the light leaving her eyes. He closed his eyes, and whimpered. When would she leave him be?

When would it end?

He held a hand up, protecting his face, as the wind crashed against him once again. The sun was going down, and he knew he didn't want to be out in the open when night fell. The animals, the scavengers would come when the harmful suns rays were gone. He felt his gun against his hip, and frowned. He needed somewhere to stay, somewhere to seek cover. But where was he supposed to go?

He was so lost in his own thoughts and fears, he didn't hear them sneaking up on him. When he looked up at and saw the figure rushing at him, it was already far too late.

They came at him, one from ahead of him, the others from the side. Within seconds, they had him down on the ground, screaming blue murder, and completely at their mercy.

There were three of them, one actually having climbed on top of him, straddling him, forcing his face down into the sand. The other two had hold of his arms, keeping him immobile He couldn't move, couldn't see a way out. And he was terrified.

"What the fuck are you doing?" He tried to buck the largest man off of him. "Get off of me!"

"Don't stress yourself, baby. We're gonna look after you good!

Michael, eyes watering, struggled desperately, but all they did was laugh at him.

"We're gonna rip you apart, pretty!" The first man drawled in his ear.

The former Exterminator hissed in pain, trying to free himself, but it was useless. There were three of them, and one of him, and the first man, with a sickening leer, was reaching for Michael's belt.

He yelled out in fury, trying to kick them off of him, but nothing would make them budge.

"Been waiting so long for something so sweet-"

"Stop!" A man was shouting angrily, running towards them, and the three man suddenly looked up, the first one glaring furiously at the newcomer. "Let him go."

"He's a fucking Drac!" The man still straddling Michael yelled back. "Look at him! So clean, so unspoiled. He's come from the city!"

"I said," the other man said, warningly. "Let him go."

After a few seconds hesitation, all three men released Michael and moved away from him. Michael, with a grunt of pain, picked himself up, and brushed the sand off of his clothes. Squinting, he looked up, and took a step back at the sight that greeted him.

There were suddenly seven of them, and they were all looking at him suspiciously, guns raised, ready to pounce on Michael if he made a wrong move.

They all surrounded him, as he looked from face to face. There was not a kind look amongst them.

"Who are you?" He asked, softly.

The man that had pinned him to the ground stepped forward, and Michael recoiled. "We're scavengers babe, that's it. This is our Zones and we don't like outsiders. So, wanna tell us who you are, sweet cheeks?"

"That's enough, Viper." Another man stepped forward, an older man with a kinder face. He had a beard and his clothes were just as ragged and tattered as the cruel man's. "My name is Leon. You've got nothing to fear from any of us."

The man he called "Viper," laughed at that, and two other men standing close to him snickered too. Michael hated all of them.

Taking a deep breath, he addressed the other man, the man known as Leon, who the others apparently at least listened to.

"I've escaped from Better Living-" He begun, but the others reacted noisily to his words, so he broke off.

"No one escapes from the city," Viper snapped. "Unless they've been 'set loose.'

Michael gritted his teeth. "I was re-programmed, broke the control, and got out. That's it. Not an exciting story."

"Really?" Viper purred.

"Enough!" Leon snapped at him. Giving the younger man a look of pure disdain, Leon then moved closer to Michael and offered his hand. "What's your name, son?"

Michael hesitated for a second. 'Michael' was too dangerous. It wouldn't take much for them to put two and two together, once they realised an Exterminator had gone missing. He thought quickly, and he had no idea where the name came from, it just popped into his head.

He shook Leon's hand, and gave him a small nod. "I'm James," he told him.

"Good to meet you, James," the older man said. "Stay with us as long as you want."

There was more smirking from Viper and his cronies at that. Michael ignored them, and smiled at Leon appreciatively. "Thank you."

Leon stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. "So, where are you heading?"

"Zone Two," Michael replied. "There's a rebel base there, and I'm hoping to join up with them.

The men exchanged glances. "Which rebel base is that?"

Michael considered this. "I don't know the name," he replied. "But I know the leader is called Doctor Death Defying..."

The men around him began to laugh at that. Michael glanced at Viper, who rolled his eyes at him, but didn't speak.

"Oh please!" One of the young men that had stayed silent until that moment found his voice.

"Kids stories..." Another called.

Leon held up a hand, and they all shushed. "I've heard about Doctor Death Defying," he mused. "We've all heard the stories. 'Doctor Death and the Killjoys.' Thought it was just a story though. Never seen any sign of him or his rebels and I've been crossing these Zones for a long time..."

Michael shrugged. "I've not just heard rumours, I've seen things too. He exists, and the Killjoys too."

Viper stepped forward. "The Killjoys are all dead," he threw in. "Everyone knows that."

"We don't know that," Leon retorted. "We've heard word of mouth, that's all."

Viper smiled nastily. "You know what else I heard about them? That their leader became an Exterminator's prize bitch before he was fried-"

Michael didn't know why, but he was suddenly clenching his fists as anger swirled deep within him. Viper noticed.

"Something wrong, buddy?" He drawled.

Michael shook his head, and looked away.

There was a stony silence, until finally, Leon cleared his throat. "We've been wandering the Zones for long enough, trying to find somewhere we can belong, a rebel force we can join. This sounds the best bet. I say we go with James here."

The three gang members nearest Leon all nodded in agreement. The other three, the three who had ambushed Michael, seemed less keen.

"We don't need no help," the first spoke up. "We got each other. We don't even know if we can trust this pretty boy, do we?"

Michael cringed. He certainly wasn't used to being referred to in such a way, and he didn't like it.

Leon was frowning. "It's up to you, Viper. You, Skull and Jex wanna go your own ways, that's-"

"Hey!" Viper cut across him, holding up his hands. "I never said that. Just suggesting caution is all."

"Noted," Leon nodded curtly. "Always appreciative of your advice."

Viper smirked. "I know you are, boss."

There was an uncomfortable moment between the two men, with Michael stuck in the middle, glancing at both of them. Finally, Leon turned his back on the other man.

"We need to get moving," he barked, with authority. His leadership qualities reminded Michael of someone... someone important. If only he could remember who. "It will be dark soon." Leon was saying. "We'll need to set up a camp, get a fire going."

Viper edged closer to Michael. "It's dangerous," he drawled. "To be out in the Zones at night. Lots of nasty people. Did you know that, James?"

Michael crossed his arms across his chest. "I don't remember," he replied quickly.

Viper grinned, coldly. "This is my pal, Skull, by the way. And his younger brother, Jex."

Michael didn't speak, didn't even flinch. He merely stared right back.

Viper was suddenly in his face. "It's manners to say hello when you are introduced to somebody, boy..."

"Get out of my face." Michael hissed.

Viper glared daggers at him. Skull and Jex moved to stand beside him.

Leon had seen enough.

"Viper!" He snapped. "Lets go."

Viper inclined his head, and then gestured to Michael.

"After you..." A smirk. "James."

Michael gave him a cold stare, and then walked on ahead, rushing to catch up with Leon. He'd only known the man for a few minutes, but at least he felt safe with him. Safer than with Viper anyway.

Michael didn't see Viper and Skull exchanging a look together as they followed behind the others, with Jex bringing up the rear, smirking to himself.

It was not a nice look.

XXX

Gerard was pulled along between the two Draculoids. He was exhausted. It was hard to believe that he had endured as much as he had since he had awakened. Beaten, tortured, drugged, and even had been forced to face the re-programmer once again. The machine that had so recently nearly been the cause of his death. And Jimmy had smiled as he had put that fucking thing back on Gerard's head, laughed in the face of Gerard's fear.

Gerard hated him. He would wipe the smirk off of the fucking rapists face. And he would do it for Frank.

He suddenly found himself pushed against a wall, and was aware that he had arrived at "his" cell. He grimaced as he was held in place by one of the Drac guards, an arm to his throat, while the other typed in a key code, and the cell door slid open. Gerard then found himself shoved into the small room, and he was suddenly on the floor, whimpering slightly from the sudden pain. He groaned as he pulled himself up into a sitting position, and then turned when he heard the two Draculoids whispering to each other, so quietly he couldn't hear them.

He narrowed his eyes. 'Now what?'

He watched, growing ever more nervous, as one of the Draculoids inclined it's head to the other, turned, and walked away, without giving Gerard even a backward glance. The other turned to face Gerard, looked over it's shoulder again briefly, and then stepped into the room, with him.

They merely looked at each other for a moment, until the Draculoid raised a hand, grasped his mask, and pulled it off, over his head. He then threw it down onto the ground, before lifting his head to once again fix Gerard with a cold, nasty stare.

Gerard was unnerved, but knew better than to show it. "I'm feeling a bit tired, actually." He said it almost nonchalantly, although he was feeling the opposite of nonchalant inside. "If you could close the door behind..."

He trailed off slightly as the man began to walk silently towards him and he realised that there was something definitely not right. This Scarecrow, because that was what this drone was, not a Draculoid after all, his eyes seemed totally focused on Gerard, but not as if he were really seeing him. It was as if he was seeing something else, a long way away. Gerard took a cautious step backwards, which made the Scarecrow smile smugly.

"Lock," the Crow ordered in a vicious, rough voice, and the door hummed shut.

The next thing Poison knew, he was lying on his back on the floor and his face hurt. Really hurt. He was stunned. He looked up just in time to see the man, letting out a cry of anger, drop to his knees on top of him and his fist come towards him. Gerard flung his forearm up to block the blow, and yelled out in shocked pain. His arm fell uselessly to his side. Was it actually broken? Just how harshly was this man beating him? As the insane 'Crow proceeded to pummel him, aiming punch after punch at his face, Gerard tried to scream for help but couldn't open his mouth. Blood poured out from between his lips and he choked.

Another blow, this time to his ribs, and suddenly Gerard gathered that he was truly in serious trouble. This man wasn't just trying to beat him up. This was not a normal BL/I punishment; this particular Scarecrow was trying to kill him, and Gerard could not fathom why.

The sick 'Crow paused, finally halting his blows. He leaned closer to his bloodied and beaten victim and for the first time, Gerard got to see the pure hate on that face, and it made his blood run cold.

"Look at me, you dirty little Killjoy bastard."

Gerard didn't dare refuse. He looked the man in the eyes, and shivered at the clear rage he saw there.

"You'll pay," The 'Crow hissed. "You'll pay for his death."

Gerard shook his head weakly. He didn't understand.

The man smiled evilly as his hands tightened around Gerard's throat.

"You can fucking die too now, you rebel piece of shit..."

Gerard couldn't breath. He stared into those raging eyes and knew this was it. He had survived Korse, fought back from being re-programmed and this was how it all ended. Murdered by a lowly Scarecrow in a Better Living cell.

He closed his eyes. He couldn't fight this maniac, couldn't get away from him.

He knew he was fading.

Gerard didn't hear the door sliding open again, nor the cry of fury from the man who had entered.

"I don't fucking think so!"

Suddenly, the grip on his throat was lessening, and Gerard could breath again. He coughed, fighting for air, and pulled himself up, despite the agony he was feeling, and was astonished to see the Scarecrow had been pinned against the wall, and he was the one now having his face pummelled, by a large man, wearing a Draculoid mask, but certainly not behaving like a typical drone.

"Fucking asshole!" Gerard's saviour was shouting into the other man's face, his voice distorted by the Drac mask he was wearing. "Who the fuck said you could touch my lead singer, huh?"

Gerard blinked. 'What the hell did he just say?' He took a step forward, and then fell back down the ground again, letting out a low gasp, unable to stay on his feet. Not after the battering he had taken. He had faced worst, that was true, but shit, this hurt.

The man who had saved him glanced down at him, saw his discomfort, swore and then aimed a hard, true punch to the Scarecrow's face. His aim was true, and the 'Crow was knocked unconscious. The newcomer released him, and the drone slowly slipped down the wall, where he lay on the ground, unmoving.

There was a nervous pause as the two men regarded each other, the masked man leaning against the wall to catch his breath, Gerard still perched on the floor, his hand covering his mouth, not only to calm the blood flow, but also in his surprise.

He stared at the man in stunned silence. The other took a step toward him.

"Gerard... Fuck me..."

Gerard's eyes widened. Taking a moment to steady himself, he replied; "You said... you mentioned lead singer... who are you?"

The man let out a strangled laugh. "Jesus, Gerard. Are none of you My Chem bastards gonna fucking remember me?!"

The Killjoy stopped dead. He shook his head, wordlessly. And then, he smiled.

"Fucking hell. Bob?"

The larger man paused, regarding the other man through his mask. With a heavy sigh, he pulled off his protection, and then met Gerard's eyes once more, this time face to face.

"Hello, Gee..."

Gerard looked as though he couldn't believe his eyes. He couldn't help but laugh, and then Bob was pulling him up, and he was falling into the larger man's arms and hugging him tightly, as if he would never let go.

"I thought you were finished... Long gone..." He whispered, tears threatening to spill.

"You too, pal," Bob replied, pressing his face down into Gerard's short hair. "Can't believe you finally woke up, took you long enough!"

Gerard pulled back, confused.

"What do you mean?"

Bob grinned. "You didn't think I'd leave you to suffer in this fucking place alone? Someone had to keep an eye on you..."

Gerard hugged Bob again. He knew what the man was saying, but part of him was still stunned. Bob had watched over him as he had been sleeping. Suddenly, Gerard was very aware that if it hadn't been for his former drummer, he would not be alive now.

"Okay," Bob said, taking control, and pulling back, releasing his hold on the other man. "We have to fucking get you out of here. I haven't been able to let any of your people know that you're even alive, its been so crazy round here." He smiled fondly. "You guys have caused all kinds of trouble..."

It took Gerard a second to cotton on to what Bob had said. 'You guys...'

Gerard opened his mouth to question the other man, but Bob shook his head hurriedly. "Questions later, buddy. Got to get you out of here. Right fucking now."

And then Bob was supporting Gerard to the door. "Open," he barked, and they were both relieved to see the door slide open once more.

But they never quite made it through the door.

With an angry roar, the fallen Scarecrow was up and rushing for Gerard once more. Gerard put his arms up, terrified by the sudden ferocious attack, and again Bob protected him, throwing himself in front of his old friend. As Bob and the Scarecrow wrestled with each other on the cell floor, Gerard looked on, trying to intervene, ready to fling himself into the melee.

"Gerard!" Bob gasped. "Go!"

The 'Crow growled angrily, trying to scramble clear of Bob, to get to Gerard.

"But..." Gerard began to argue, but Bob cut across him, now yelling:

"Don't be a fucking idiot! Just run! I'll come get you once I'm done here!"

Gerard didn't want to run. He hesitated for a few seconds longer.

"Fucks sake, Gee!" Bob screamed. "Do you still not fucking listen? GO!"

That did it. Gerard knew Bob was right. This particular Scarecrow wanted him dead, and would indeed kill them both given half a chance. In his weakened state, he was basically useless. Better to run and live and fight back another day. And with that, Gerard turned tail and rushed out of the cell, making his way along the corridor outside at a limp, using the wall to aid his journey. He kept going, constantly looking over his shoulder, praying that Bob would come along behind and grab him. But a few seconds later, and there was no sign of Bob. Gerard heard footsteps ahead of him, and he looked around, panicking. That was when he saw the small space in the wall, leading to a tiny alcove, just big enough for him to fit inside.

Moving as quickly as he was able, and biting his wrist to stop him crying out from the pain, Gerard scrambled into the gap in the wall, finding himself in a little room, which he glanced around quickly. He stayed there, holding his breath, as a small patrol of Dracs rushed by. He bit his lip nervously.

Why were they in such a hurry?

Please be okay, Bob.

Gerard leaned his head heavily against the wall, trying to catch his breath. He listened intently, hoping to hear Bob approaching, or calling out for him. Gerard punched the wall in annoyance. If anything happened to Bob, if another life was lost because of him... it would be too much. He would not care any longer, even if he had to come back completely on his own, armed with a bazooka, he would go out in a blaze of glory, and take out as many of the BL/I filth as he could...

He was so lost in his thoughts, and desperation to hear anything from Bob, he never heard anyone creeping up behind him...

"Still running, rebel?"

Gerard, so shocked to hear the voice from behind him, moved far too slowly. Before he could even register that the Scarecrow that had threatened him, the 'Crow Bob had apparently dealt with, was standing right behind him, apparently entering from where it had supposedly been a "dead end," the bastard was upon him.

The Scarecrow flung himself at Gerard, forcing him to the ground, where he began to repeatedly kick and punch the stunned man. Gerard tried to fight back, to protect himself, but the 'Crow was like a man possessed, his fury unstoppable. The BL/I drone snarled furiously, grabbing hold of Gerard by his hair, and throwing him against the wall with all of his might, knocking the wind out of him. He then pinned him against the white bricks, leering into the other man's now fearful face.

"Going somewhere, Killjoy scum?" The 'Crow hissed into Gerard's ear. "That is an offence punishable by death in the city, I assume you are aware of that?" He smirked. "It's a shame though. 'Executed while trying to escape'. Such a waste." He reached down then, and groped at Gerard through his clothes. "A real fucking waste..."

Gerard closed his eyes, willing himself to be somewhere else. He could see, and feel, nothing... One way or another, he'd be safe soon.

'I'll be with Frank soon...'

They stayed like that for a moment, both gasping for breath. Gerard couldn't fight back, or struggle against the 'Crow's grip, he was being held far too tightly.

Finally, with a chuckle, the 'Crow stopped touching the trapped Killjoy, but didn't release his hold on him. Gerard could do nothing but look up helplessly into the Scarecrow's face, seeing no mercy in the cold gaze. His face displayed no emotion, but his eyes were shocking to see. They were raging, fiery and black.

"You shot my kid brother in the eye, Party Poison." The 'Crow whispered. "Do you even remember doing it? That Scarecrow you murdered out in the Zones just to prove a point? I had to watch it happen. I saw you smile as you took away the only person I cared about. Sadly, I can't do the same to you. You're already alone. I can still get justice for my brother though. It's the right thing to do, don't you think?"

And without bothering to wait for a reply from Gerard, he pushed his gun into the cringing man's eye socket, and prepared to fire.

He smirked coldly as his finger covered the trigger...

And that was when two loud shots rang out, making Gerard cry out and flinch violently, and then time suddenly seemed to go into slow motion.

The Scarecrow was open-mouthed, staring down at Gerard with almost a comical look of shock. Gerard gaped up at him, every part of him still tense, waiting for the next blow. But it never came. In the next instant, the 'Crow was falling down, dropping like a stone, and landing with a thud beside where Gerard was still cowering, his hands held above his head.

He was dead, having taken three gun shot blasts to the back. He wouldn't hurt Gerard again.

Which left the ex Killjoy leader in a tiny alcove, beaten and bruised by a destroyed Scarecrow, alone with a rebel fighter that had just inadvertently saved his life.

The other man, his unexpected guardian angel, was breathing harshly, glaring from Gerard to the dead Scarecrow at his feet. He quickly moved further into the room, causing Gerard to flinch, keeping his face to the wall, and then the rebel glanced hurriedly over his shoulder, as if he expected the room to be overrun by Drac guards at any moment. When he was facing the other way, Gerard shot the man a quick glance, not daring to look at him for longer than a second. Gerard could see he definitely wasn't of BL/I employ. He was a rebel, just like Party Poison himself had once been.

Gerard pressed himself further against the wall, his eyes still locked on the dead Scarecrow lying in a crumpled heap beside him. With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes and waited, wondering if the rebel would just open fire and finish the job. He wondered what he looked like, slumped against the wall, wearing something close to a hospital gown, shivering from the pain he had just experienced. Poison didn't know what the rebel's intentions were, why he was there. Had he just escaped too, and was finding his way out, or was this an assassination mission. Hell, perhaps he was the target! Mikey had been turned into an Exterminator, hadn't he? Maybe the other rebels had discovered he was alive and had decided he knew too much and needed to be silenced. Gerard didn't try to run, or fight, or even move. What was the point? If this rebel wanted to, he could finish him before Gerard had even tried to stand up.

He cringed as the other man walked slowly up to him, and glancing quickly to the side, he saw the rebel was indeed covering Gerard with his gun.

'Sensible,' Gerard thought. 'Not taking any chances. He knows what he's doing.'

"Citizen," The rebel asked him, in hushed tones. "Are you okay?" Gerard could hear him moving forward cautiously, not getting too close. "Are you a prisoner here?"

Gerard frowned. There was something similar...

The man spoke again. "Don't be scared. I won't hurt you."

Gerard couldn't help but feel somewhat unimpressed. Was this rebel soft? He was being far too nice, too caring!

"What's your name?" The rebel pressed. "I'm Ghoul..."

Gerard froze, not even daring to breathe.

Ghoul...

He shook his head. No.

'He's dead.'

'They said he was dead.'

But that voice... A voice Gerard knew only to well, a voice he loved, and a voice he had believed he would never hear again...

He could hear him now. Loud and clear.

The dazed Killjoy remained where he was, shaking his head desperately.

"I asked you," the rebel snapped, more urgently; "Are you being kept prisoner here? This is the prison, isn't it? Can you help me get out of here?"

Gerard clenched his fists. How could this be? How could he be here?

'Couldn't be...'

"You came for me," Gerard whimpered. "You came..."

There was a stunned silence, as Frank Iero watched him closely, obviously bewildered by his response.

"Stand up," Frank replied; "And turn around and look at me."

Party Poison didn't move at once. He tried, but found that all of his limbs were trapped in place, and not obeying him. He actually felt that any sudden movements would result in him fainting, or throwing up all over the ground. Slowly and carefully, he lifted his head slightly, not daring to look directly at the man standing a few feet away from him in case his deepest fears were realised, and this precious moment proved to be just a figment of his imagination. Was it the drugs? Were BL/I showing him exactly what he wanted to see?

Was this yet another lie?

"I asked you a question," the man said, much more impatiently. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Gerard whimpered, grabbing for the wall to support him in case he collapsed. There was no mistake. This wasn't any hallucination, and some how, some way, he knew. This was real. And Gerard knew exactly who was standing so close to him. The one person he had longed to see more than any other since he had awakened. Although his head was telling him that it couldn't be, his heart knew the truth.

He was really there.

Gerard turned his head slightly, and watched as the other man gazed at him, his face showing a mixture of disbelief, pain, despair, jubilation, and then finally – anger.

"No," he muttered, at last, backing away slightly but keeping his blue ray gun trained expertly on Gerard. "It's impossible. It can't be you."

Gerard, fighting the urge to break down where he was crouching, reached out with one shaky hand, and managed one whispered word, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion:

"Frankie?"

TBC