8

Gerard, Mikey and Missile evacuated the small room. They rounded the corner of the diner and their eyes fell upon Frank, who was shuddering in the booth, his face drenched in tears. He was mumbling something under his breath, and his eyes looked vacant and stained. Ray had his arm around him, but his eyes were glazed over too, small tears dripping their way down his face.

"Frankie…" Ray cooed, but he knew Frank was inconsolable. He'd just discovered that his twins - who would have been two when the bombs fell – were probably dead, along with his wife. He was in fits of hysteria, crying out loud sometimes, and other times just shaking and muttering. Ray rubbed his back. He didn't know what to say. Gerard gasped and ran over to him. Ray moved out of the way and Gerard scooched in beside Frank. Frank ignored him and went on mumbling under his breath.
"Frankie," Gerard whispered, stroking some hair out of Frank's eyes and pulling him into a huge hug. "Frankie, everything is ok. They're ok. Your babies, Jamia, everyone. Everyone's wives are ok," Gerard hurried, and Frank froze. He turned slowly to Gerard, who winced when he saw the emotional destruction behind Frank's broken stare.

"They…they…they survived?" he stuttered. Gerard nodded. "Are you…are you certain? My babies? My Jamia? They're ok?" Gerard nodded again. The change in Frank's face was so sudden. His eyes healed over and sorrow was replaced with complete joy. His whole being shone. "Oh my God…" he breathed, and sobbed with happiness into Gerard's neck. "Oh thank God…" Gerard smiled as he squeezed Frank tightly – he knew they'd all be happy as long as their families were ok. Frank sniffed and pulled away, a massive grin on his face. "Thank God they're all alive. I can deal with this as long as I know they're breathing."
"I agree. Ray, you ok buddy?" Gerard asked, spinning around. Ray was hugging with Mikey, both men with the same ecstatic smile on their faces. Ray turned and nodded.

"Crysta survived…I can't believe it!" he said sprightly. So their wives and babies had lived, but of course they knew the conditions they were in. Living in camps without their husbands. With them. But as for the fact that they were ALIVE…well, good news is better than bad news. When they finally managed to cool off the celebrations, they sat down, chatting amongst themselves. Dr. D and Missile Kid stood at the side, watching.

"We've got business to deal with. You gonna set it straight with 'em?" Dr. D whispered to Missile. She nodded, and walked briskly over the group. They stopped talking and turned to face her.

"I'm happy you've discovered that your wives and children are alive. But there are pressing matters at hand. Firstly, we need to train you. You will learn how to handle a ray-gun, how to defend yourself from Draculoids, how to be a KILLJOY. These days are dangerous, so you need all the help you can get. Show Pony, Dr. Death and I will aid you. Guide you. Teach you. Bring on the colour." Gerard shifted uneasily. What were they getting themselves into? It had been only hours since he was in his kitchen, mopping Bandit's mucky face and worrying about the blog. Now, they were worrying about life or death. It's weird how things play out.

"Who's….Show Pony?" Ray asked. Missile Kid smiled and winked.
"Pony! Get your ass in here!" she called. She turned back to them, and their mouths were all hanging open.

"You shouldn't talk like that! You're what, ten?" Mikey gasped, appalled. She chuckled.

"Spot on with the age, but when you live in times like these, words mean nothing. It's your actions that matter most. No one cares what you say." The men looked at each other and shrugged. Dr. D patted Missile's head.

"This little thing knows every curse word under the sun. But she's good. She don't use 'em too often!" He laughed, and so did she. Suddenly, a whooshing sound came from outside. Something darted past the window. The men froze. Was it an enemy? But Missile and Dr. D just stood there like nothing had happened. They continued chatting to each other. The whooshing sound grew louder and louder, until suddenly the diner door flew open and Lady Boy span in.

"Howdy! You called?" he chimed, flicking up his visor.

"I take it you've all met?" Missile smiled.
"Yeah… But I thought you were Lady Boy?" Gerard asked. Show Pony chuckled. His hands raised up and clasped both sides of his helmet. Slowly, he lifted it off and shook a mass of black hair about. He brushed it out of his eyes, revealing a pretty-faced boy of about eighteen. He smiled widely and placed his helmet on the table.

"Lady Boy is my nickname. You know, cos I'm so girly and flowery and stuff…" He said the last few words whilst eyeing Dr. D accusingly, who chuckled. "But Show Pony's my Killjoy name."
"Wait…so…so Show Pony isn't your real name? And Missile Kid isn't your real name either?" Frank looked at loss. Both Killjoys began laughing. So did Dr. D.

"Hell no! They're our…oh, how should I put it…code names? Yeah, they're our code names," Missile said decidedly.

"So what are your real names?" Gerard asked. The three Killjoys looked at each other nervously.

"Um…usually…we…we keep that a secret…I mean…our real identities…" she murmured. "But I guess…I guess you guys deserve to know. My name is…is…Grace…" She breathed the name like it was venom. "We try to leave our old selves behind, and that means our name too. I haven't said that name in so long…" She looked distant. Dr. D coughed.

"The name's Steve. Nice to meet y'all," he smiled, yet even he looked pained when he spoke his old name.
"And I'm Zander!" Show Pony grinned. Yet, behind his bright eyes, there was a hint of resentment. Gerard, Frank, Ray and Mikey each introduced themselves properly with their full names.

"'Fraid you won't be living by those names much longer, boys. It's time to do it now and do it loud. Scrap those names off the table, Killjoys," Dr. D announced.

"What? Then what the heck are we gonna be called?" Gerard groaned.

"I hope you like Party Poison…" Missile grinned. He raised an eyebrow.

"What IS that? Like, a drug?" Gerard asked. Missile shook her head, chuckling.

"No, silly. You ARE Party Poison!" He gasped.

"Oh! That's…erm…different." She chuckled again.

"It suits you! And you three…" She turned to the others. Their eyes widened. "Kobra Kid," she said, pointing at Mikey. "Jet Star," she said, pointing at Ray. "Fun Ghoul," she said, pointing at Frank. "Your old names are dead, done, finished, crushed to the earth never to be said again. The Boss knows your old names. You speak of them in front of one of his minions, and you'll be shot before you can take another breath. Hold on to your new names – THEY are your identity now." She looked serious. Party Poison nodded. So did the other Killjoys. Kobra Kid was staring at his head. Poison raised an eyebrow.
"What?" he asked impatiently. "Every time I look at any of you, you seem to be looking at my head! Why?" Kobra giggled.

"Um, Missile, do you have a mirror?" he asked.

"Yeah, in the restroom round the corner…"

"Go see for yourself, bro," Kobra urged, and Poison got to his feet. He eyed them all, confused and worried, and scurried into the restroom. The rest of the Killjoys waited patiently. Silence. And then…

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!"