Okay, here's the next (and up to date) chapter. I tend to post on LJ first and then on here, but thats changed now due to LJ being a bit rubbish and suffering a DDoS attack. So, I'm going to be posting all new chapters here first from now on. Chapter 10 is coming along nicely. I'll be aiming to update every week, maybe even sooner, from now on, I'll see how I get on.

I hope some people who read on LJ are following this on here now. If you are, thanks for the support! Please leave me a review and let me know you are still reading? I will try to put a link on LJ, if the site ever works again...

Okay, here goes:

Burning Star

Chapter Nine

The three Killjoys all stood facing Bert, staring at him in stunned silence. They didn't speak, but neither did they lower their guns. Bert glared back at them, clearly not wanting to risk moving to where Gerard lay, still writhing in uncontrollable agony, while there were three ray guns all pointing at his face.

Bert, his face red, fixed each one of them with a stony, frustrated glare.

"So?" He barked, his hands raised in mock surrender. "This is actually gonna happen? You really are gonna just let him die?" His eyes flashed. "And to think, I thought you all adored you're precious leader?"

Mikey flinched, his face displaying his anger as he took a careful step forward.

"I don't know what you think you are doing here," he replied, his eyes narrowing. "But I don't want you going any where near my brother, you bastard." His finger tightened on his trigger. "So, why don't you turn the fuck around and get the hell out of here?"

Bert raised an eyebrow. "Love to, Mikes, trust me." He replied, and pursed his lips together when he watched a new rage spreading across Mikey's face at the use of his pet name. "But no can do."

"Gerard calls me that," Mikey snapped in response, his voice trembling. "Only Gerard."

"That's real sweet," Bert threw back. "I guess, in that case, no one will ever get to call you it again." He jerked his head toward Gerard, whose movements had grown weaker, and he was now laying still, gasping for breath. Only the tiny whimpers he let out told the others that he was still conscious. Bert sighed loudly, and then stepped forward, so Mikey's gun was now touching his chest. "You may seem happy enough to let him die," Bert hissed, "Just because of your childish problem with me."

"Childish?" Mikey echoed.

"That's your issue, Kobra," Bert continued, disregarding Mikey's comment. "But I made a promise to the Doc, you see, and I'm gonna honour that promise. With or without your consent. Now, it's your call. So, are you gonna get out of my way, or not?"

Mikey was trembling. It was taking every ounce of the younger Way's self control not to blow Bert away where he stood. "I gave him my word," he said, his eyes not leaving Bert's. "After what you did-"

"That's in the past." Bert snapped. He glanced over at Frank and Ray, who were watching the exchange closely. Suddenly, there was a weariness to Bert's tone, as he seemed to change tack. "We have seconds left," he beseeched Mikey. "For Fuck's sake, just let me help him!"

Mikey didn't move. He shook his head stubbornly. Frank suddenly appeared at his side, took a hold of Mikey's gun and gently pushed it down.

"Let him through, Mikey." He muttered.

Mikey was still in a quandary. "Frank, you don't-"

Frank gritted his teeth. "I can't lose him."

Mikey closed his eyes.

Frank searched the other man's face, trying to understand what was going through his head. Mikey desperately did not want Bert McCracken anywhere near his brother, even if the result would mean Gerard's death. And although Frank didn't know Mikey's reasons for sure, he had a pretty good idea and, any normal day, he would have kicked the shit out of Bert for going within five miles of Gerard. But this was definitely not any normal day. Frank had already watched Gerard die once; he wasn't about to stand by and let it happen again.

"Mikey," Frank whispered. "We have to let Bert help him."

And, in the next moment, Frank was amazed at how incredibly young Mikey looked. "But he hurt him," he hissed, a trembling hand held up, covering his eyes. "You didn't see what he did to him that night. The bruises-"

Bert swore loudly. "Ancient history!" He exclaimed.

Frank ignored Bert, and concentrated only on Mikey.

"Gerard is going to die if we don't do something, Mike." He said carefully, though his heart broke with every word. "You got any better suggestions?"

"He's right, Mikey." Ray agreed, quietly, now kneeling beside Gerard, trying to comfort his friend any way he could from the violent tremors once again taking hold. He had taken off his jacket and had placed it over the trembling man. "We've got no choice." He lowered his voice further. "Gerard will understand why you broke your promise."

"I've already let him down enough today," Mikey moaned, burying his face into his hands. "I let Korse hurt him-"

"No, you didn't." Ray said hurriedly, one eye on Gerard.

"Time's nearly up." Bert announced. "This is fucking crazy. You want him to die? Good, I'll leave and you guys get to bury him. But if you do actually still want your fucking big brother on this motherfucking planet, Michael, then get the fuck out of my way."

Mikey gritted his teeth, and gave Bert a look of pure hatred. He glanced at his brother once more, lying in Ray's arms, hardly moving and he made up his mind: the others were right, of course they were. He had no choice. He just hoped Gerard would forgive him. He could still hear his brother's words to him, said so long ago, in what now felt like a different lifetime:

"Don't let him near me ever again, Mikey. No matter what. Promise me."

Mikey closed his eyes, and stepped out of the way, leaving Bert's path to his brother clear.

There was a ghost of a smirk on Bert's lips as he rushed past Mikey, and fell to his knees at Gerard's side. Giving Ray a concerned look, Bert then leaned closer to Gerard, placed a hand on the twitching man's shoulder, and then frowned.

"Do we know what was used on him?" Bert enquired.

"Some kind of torture drug," Ray replied. "We don't know anything else-"

"It's a new weapon," Frank added. "It was used on me too." Frank could feel Ray's annoyance and he swallowed uncomfortably. He knew he should never have rushed off after Korse alone. He and Gerard could both be dead now, should both be dead. And for what? Revenge on Korse? It didn't matter that Frank had won, that he had killed Korse - he had shown little respect for Ray when he had hit him and ignored his pleas. Frank had been stupid, and he would make it up to Ray and Mikey somehow. He addressed Bert again. "It hurt so much, it felt like I was on fire, like I was being stabbed again and again. I could feel my heart bursting under the pressure. My body just shut down, it wanted to give in."

Bert nodded. "I've heard about this new prototype Better Living have produced. And if that is what has been used on Gerard, then he's lucky to be fucking alive." He looked towards Frank again. "You both are."

"Getting that," Frank said quietly.

Bert put his hand on Gerard's forehead. "He's burning up," he whispered, more to himself. "He's had so many doses, this is a fucking nasty overdose." He felt inside his pocket and pulled out a shooter gun. Frank paled when he saw it. Bert instantly moved the gun to Gerard's bare arm.

"What the hell are you doing?" Mikey snarled.

"I have to inject him with a drug to work against what Korse used," Bert snapped. "It will save his life and keep him until we can get him to the base and the doctors there can work on him." He glared. "Or would you prefer me not to try?"

Mikey didn't argue again. But he couldn't help but flinch as Bert held the gun against his brother's flesh.

Gerard whimpered, feeling the familiar sting of the needle against his arm. As Bert injected the drug into him, the red-haired man gasped, and his eyes shot open. They then widened as he stared, shocked, up at Bert, and then down at the shooter gun in the other man's hands. And then, Gerard began to scream. He thrashed his body around violently, and yelled his panic, trying to move, to get away from Bert and the torture he obviously assumed was on the way. Frank and Ray scrambled forward to hold Gerard down, to comfort him any way they could, but their actions only managed to scare the stricken man more. Mikey sat back on his haunches, tears streaming down his face, and unable to watch the ordeal his brother was suffering.

"Please," Gerard whimpered. "No more. I'll do whatever you say. Please."

Bert grabbed his arms, pinning him as gently as he could. "Gerard," he said, calmly, his lips against the other man's ear. "It's okay. Just sleep now. You're okay."

Gerard gazed at him, and then, his movements lessened as his body began to shut down. Within moments, he had stopped shouting and writhing, and he was sleeping soundlessly.

Once they were satisfied that Gerard was in a deep sleep and not about to panic again, Ray and Frank released their holds.

Mikey took Gerard's hand, and held on tightly.

"Will he be okay?" He asked, shakily.

Bert let out a long, nervous breath. "He needs serious rest," he told the other Killjoys. "He'll sleep for ages now, at least 24 hours. The base doctors can give him the care he needs but when he wakes up and you guys leave, he'll still need a dose of this drug every two hours for the next seven days. He's in for a lot of pain. The torture drug he was given, its taken hold of him, and it's still flowing through his veins. He'd die without this medicine. It's a miracle he's alive at all."

Mikey swallowed hard.

"The whole fucking company will pay for what they did to him," he growled.

Bert gave him a condescending look. "What you gonna do? Go after every Drac, every Crow?"

"If that is what it takes."

Frank eyed Bert. "Korse is dead."

Bert looked back at him, his face expressionless. "So I heard. Big blow for the company, big victory for us."

Frank shrugged. "I killed him for Gerard."

"Yeah," Bert replied, quietly. "Well, I'm grateful too. I've had my own run-ins with Korse."

Ray nodded. "The bastard deserved to die."

Bert stared into space.

The others watched him. Something was wrong. Frank opened his mouth to put forward the question they all wanted to ask, but Bert cut across him

"We need to get Gerard back to base now. I'll come with you and keep an eye on him."

Mikey snorted. "That's heart-warming, Bert. So, just how long have you been a nurse?"

At that, Bert rounded on Mikey. He had clearly heard enough.

"Since I had to sit and watch all my friends die one day. Witnessing something like that tends to change a man. I decided I wouldn't lose anyone else. So, I learned to save lives instead of taking them." He gripped Mikey's wrist and squeezed. The younger man gasped in discomfort. Bert glared daggers at him as he added, "You should try it, Mikey."

Mikey stared back at Bert, momentarily lost for words.

Ray and Frank exchanged glances.

"Friends?" Frank asked. "Who..."

Bert turned his back on all three of the Killjoys and began to walk over to his waiting motorcycle.

"Get Gerard back to base," he repeated. "I'll meet you there. A little friend of yours was desperately wanting news of you when I left." He paused. "Annoying kid."

"Grace!" Mikey exclaimed, at once. "Is she okay?"

"I guess," came the unconcerned reply. "I wasn't that bothered, to tell you the truth."

"Nice," Ray muttered.

Bert swung his leg over his bike and clambered onto it. "Not my problem," he retorted.

"What is your problem, Bert?" Frank asked quietly. "What happened to you? Where are the other guys? And why did you come back?"

Bert quickly pulled on his helmet. "Well," he answered coldly. "None of that is really your fucking business is it, Frankie?"

"If it's to do with Gerard, yes, it's my business." Frank threw back.

Bert stuck his middle finger up to Frank, who seethed in response.

"See you back there, boys," Bert taunted. "Can't wait to hang out more with you guys. Especially Gerard. I just can't wait to-"

Bert broke off abruptly. He looked up.

Then, they all heard it. There was a rumbling noise coming from above, and it sounded like thunder. The Killjoys looked to each other, concern spreading across their faces. The noise was getting louder. They all looked at the sky and froze. Two helicopters were flying directly towards them. They stared, unable to look away, too thrown to move.

"It's BLI!" Bert shouted. "Take cover!"

The Killjoys jumped to obey, all throwing themselves out of harm's way, getting behind the Trans AM. Frank leaped for Gerard, pulling at the prone man's arms.

"Help me!" He yelled. "We gotta get Gerard out of here now!"

Mikey and Ray scrambled to get closer but Bert didn't move. He was watching the helicopters, apparently transfixed, his ray gun at the ready.

But he didn't fire a shot. And it soon became clear why when the helicopters flew straight over their heads, taking no notice of any of the men on the ground. As the four men watched the flying vehicle's progress, open-mouthed, it dawned on all of them at the same time what the helicopters actual target was.

"The town," Frank yelled over the sound of the engines. "They are making for the town."

And as they all watched, horror struck, the helicopters commenced their attack on the town that had aided the rebels. The helicopters bombed the buildings, and within seconds explosions and fire engulfed the town. Then the screaming started.

Bert came alive first. He started his motorcycle.

"You four have to get out of here," he snapped, jerking his head in Gerard's direction. "Get him to safety."

Ray moved forward. "I'll come with you-"

Bert shook his head. "Sorry Toro. You gotta stay together. Doc's orders."

Ray gestured desperately. "We can't just leave here. The Doc-"

"Yes you can," Bert interrupted. "Get Gerard back to base. If you don't he will die! Get him out of here. I'll find the Doc. I'll get him out of there. Trust me."

They were deafened by the sound of a huge explosion. People were running out of the town in all directions, and the Killjoys swore loudly when they saw them being picked off by hordes of waiting Dracs, one by one.

"Where the fuck did the Dracs come from?" Frank exclaimed.

Bert shrugged. "Couldn't care less." He nodded to Frank. "You're in charge, Iero. You're Gerard's second-in-command, right?"

Frank pulled a shaky hand through his hair. "I guess."

"Then do your job. Keep you team safe." He lowered his voice. "Like I should have done."

And with that, Bert rode off, leaving the Killjoys to gaze after him, stunned by the recent events.

"What now?" Mikey snapped.

Ray spun round. "We do as Bert said, we get Gerard out of here. Those Dracs come for us, we're sitting ducks."

"Why aren't they coming after us?" Mikey wondered.

"I have no idea," Ray replied quickly. He looked toward Frank, who was struggling to drag the still unconscious Gerard toward the Trans AM. Ray pushed Mikey in their direction and they helped to scoop Gerard up and carry him to the car. "We gotta stick together, Mikey. Bert was right about that at least. We are stronger together and trust me, after this, people will need us to be strong."

"But the Doc, all the people who helped us. We can't just run-"

"We don't go, Gerard dies." Ray told him. "And you know we can't do this without him."

Mikey looked over at the wrecked town, and didn't argue again. He ran over to the Trans AM, opened the passenger door and climbed in, without another word. He stared at the town from inside the car, anguish clear in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Summer." he muttered.

He was glad none of the other guys heard him.

Frank and Ray helped Gerard into the back on the car. Once he was safely inside, Frank, with one last glance of terror to Ray, handed the other Killjoy his jacket back. Ray took it, and returned the look, as Frank slipped into the motor vehicle beside his boyfriend. He put his arm around Gerard, and pulled him close.

Frank let out a low sob as he; Ray and Mikey all stared at the burning town in front of them, all thinking the same ominous thing. Their concerns were for their friends: Doctor Death, Bert and all the other rebels that went running into that city to aid the townsfolk. And for the townsfolk themselves, who were now paying the ultimate price for wanting to help their leader, for wanting to save Gerard.

Ray threw the car into first gear, swung the car around and drove off, tearing along the desert as quickly as he possibly could, trying to put the horrible image behind them.

And then, as the screams became less clear, the pain became too much for Mikey who began to cry softly. Frank's grip on the sleeping Gerard tightened as he continued to gaze at the town in shocked silence.

XXX

Gerard opened his eyes, wincing, as he grew accustomed to the bright lights. He moaned, and then stretched. He moaned. Everything hurt. He looked down and saw his chest was bandaged. He remembered his rib cracking from Korse's frenzied attack on him and he shuddered. Somebody had attempted to take care of his injuries and had done a pretty decent job, it seemed. As he lay there, it dawned on Gerard that he was lying in a bed. Was he in hospital? What had happened?

He glanced to his right, and saw Frank sitting asleep in a chair beside him, his head thrown back, and his mouth wide open.

Gerard couldn't help but smile fondly.

"Hey," he offered.

Frank twitched, slowly opened his eyes, blinked a couple of times, and then focused on Gerard.

He jumped.

"You're awake!" He announced unnecessarily. And then, he grinned and stood up. "I should get Mikey and Ray-"

Gerard leaned forward and took Frank's hand. "Wait a second, Frank. Just sit with me, please?"

Frank sat back down. "How do you feel?"

"Like I've been hit by a bus. How long was I out?"

Frank rubbed at his arm. "Two days."

Gerard swore under his breath. "What's been happening?"

A cold tremor passed through Frank. He inclined his head. "What is the last thing you remember?"

"Apart from me being a complete and utter ass to the rest of you guys, you mean?"

Frank chuckled. "Don't worry about that. You were freaking out. And overdosing. Hardly surprising that you weren't yourself."

Gerard nodded. He closed his eyes. Flashes of memory were slowly returning to him and one immediately stood out. "Bert saved me," he said quietly, and then opened his eyes to gaze questionably at his lover. "Right?"

Frank's smile faded. "Yeah."

Gerard rubbed at his eyes. "I didn't expect to ever see him again."

"Mikey hates him."

Gerard stared into space. "He has his reasons."

"Do you?" Frank asked.

Gerard shrugged. "I guess." He closed his eyes.

Frank swallowed hard and then leaned in closer. "Gee, about what happened, between you and Korse..."

Gerard turned his head away from Frank.

Frank squeezed Gerard's hand. "If you want to talk about it, I'm here."

If Gerard had heard him, he didn't react.

"They came after us didn't they?" he said. "Because you killed Korse?"

Frank, though disappointed, was unsurprised. He knew Gerard would talk about his ordeal when he was ready. For now, all Frank could do was be there for him. So, he nodded. "Yeah, they wanted revenge. Not on us though."

Gerard frowned. "I guess we seriously pissed the Corporation off this time. They sent in the big guns after all."

"You remember the helicopters?"

Gerard nodded grimly. "It's hazy. They made for the town, didn't they?" Gerard's eyes suddenly widened and he sat up, grimacing as he did so. He was still in so much pain. "Shit Frank, the town. How is everyone? I remember, there were explosions and fire. The town was hit, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Frank replied. "Don't worry about that now though."

Gerard blinked. "Is the Doc okay? And the townsfolk?"

Frank considered, wondering how he should answer him. All the Killjoys had decided it would be best for Gerard to not know the truth immediately, giving him proper time to recover. But now he was awake, and asking the questions Frank knew he would ask, and staring at him with those big, brown eyes, it was even more awkward then Frank had expected it would be.

"Gerard!" They both jumped and looked towards the doorway as a small blur raced across the room and threw herself onto Gerard's bed, causing him to wince in pain. "You're awake!"

"Hello Gracie," Gerard replied, giving her a wide smile.

"I was so worried," Grace announced. "You were so brave, staying there all by yourself. You really showed Korse and the Dracs, huh?"

Gerard flinched, and then managed a small, pained smile. "Not really," he said.

His eyes met Frank's.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Grace seemed oblivious, or she didn't care. Either way. Frank knew Gerard was desperate for more information. And sure enough:

"You better run along now, Gracie." Gerard told their young friend, stroking her hand gently. Frank sighed, his back to Gerard. Time's up, he thought. Gerard was still addressing Grace. "I need to talk to Frank. We'll catch up later."

She beamed at him. "Sure." Leaning in, she kissed his cheek. "I'm so glad you're back, Poison. I missed you."

With one big grin to Frank, she was gone.

Gerard waited for the door to close, and then grimaced as he pushed the covers back and got out of his bed. He made his way carefully across the room, picked up and pulled on his shirt and pants, which were hanging on the back of a chair, waiting for him. However, his famous jacket was lost. Frank had promised him he would find it or get him a new one and, one way or the other, Frank intended to keep his promise.

"So, you didn't answer me." Gerard said, his gaze boring into Frank's.

"Sorry?" Frank asked, already feeling his insides churn.

"The town," Gerard urged, impatience clear in his tone. "What happened?"

"I'll fill you in later, don't worry about it now." Frank repeated, and attempted his best convincing smile. Gerard's eyes narrowed and Frank knew he wasn't about to accept such a lame answer. Frank couldn't blame him, neither would he have.

"What do you mean, tell me later? Tell me what later?"

Frank decided it would be best to change the subject. Quickly.

"I should go get Mikey, he's been so worried about you-"

"Frank, I don't want to talk about Mikey, okay? Something is going on in that room opposite and I want to know what. Right now."

Frank swallowed, and then shrugged.

Gerard stood up straight then, his hands upon his hips. Despite how pale and weak he looked, he still seemed ready for a fight. He glared daggers at his boyfriend.

"What's up, Frank?"

"There's nothing up, Gerard." Even Frank knew he wasn't very believable. "I just want you to get yourself well again-"

"Frank, you are hiding something from me!" Gerard stormed. "I want to know what it is right now!"

"Not now, Gee," Frank said, as calmly as he could. "Right now, you need to rest-"

"Don't treat me like an idiot, Frank!"

Frank sighed.

Gerard held a shaky hand to his forehead. "Look Frankie, I need to know what is going on here. Something has happened. If you won't tell me, then I'll go and see the Doc and he can fill me in-"

Gerard stopped talking.

Something clicked into place. Reading the look of clear panic on Frank's face, Gerard was suddenly making for the door, his hand wrapped around his middle for support. He was ready to find the truth out for himself. Frank jumped toward him, trying to manhandle him back to his bed, telling his boyfriend to stop and stay calm.

Gerard pulled free of Frank's grip, and then hit out, his fist connecting with Frank's face. There was no real force behind the punch but it was enough to take Frank by surprise.

"Gerard, please!" He pleaded.

"Don't you touch me, Frank!" Gerard yelled. "Just stay the hell away from me!"

Frank pulled away as if he had been burned. He let Gerard go.

Pushing past Ray, who was standing just outside, guarding Gerard's door, the red-haired Killjoy stumbled his way to the door opposite his room, and, ignoring Frank's calls for him to wait, he pulled it open.

He was surprised to see many people in the other room. He opened his mouth to speak but then paused when his eyes fell on a bed, just like his, in the centre of the room.

And then, the full horror of the sight before him hit him like a ton of bricks, as he realised who was laying on top of that bed, bloodied and unconscious.

Doctor Death Defying. And, to Gerard's horrified eyes, he looked as if he were dead.

Gerard stood in the doorway, his hand on the door handle, breathing hard. The rebels surrounding the bed all turned as one to stare at him. There were some sympathy in their looks but Gerard could see something else as well, something Gerard knew he deserved: blame. They blamed him for the state of the man lying in the bed. The man that had given them all a reason to live, who had been a hero to the lot of them. No, he had been much more than that. He had been their father figure, and now, he was gone. Or, as good as.

"What-?" Gerard began, but had to break off.

"He was in a building that got hit," Ray said quietly, from behind him. "Bert got him out."

"Is he dying?" Gerard asked, softly. His voice was hoarse; it was as if the words got caught in his throat.

"Too early to tell," someone replied. "Even if he does survive surgery, he'll never walk again."

The agony coursed through Gerard as he grabbed the wall beside him to steady himself. And as he turned to leave, he had one thought whirling round in his brain.

'What have I done?'

And then he was shoving past Ray and Frank, and he was running as fast as he could, limping along and clutching hold of his ribs, his face displaying his pain. He ignored the agony; he couldn't let it stop him. His Killjoys were calling out to him, he also heard voices he didn't recognise, so many voices trying to stop him but he didn't respond or even slow down. He had to get away from there; he wanted to get in his car and drive. Put this all behind him, and run away.

'Keep running'

He could hear his name being called. Gerard! Stop! Someone was yelling for him, desperate for him to stop. But he couldn't. This was his fault, he had done this. The Doc was finished, their cause was lost and it was all down to him. Why hadn't he listened? The Doc had told him, keep away from that town, go around it, and try a different route. But, of course, Gerard hadn't listened. He'd known best. So he had gone through the town, and now look what had happened to them all. So many dead. The Doc himself was crippled, maybe worse.

All he wanted to do was run. And, thanks to Korse, he could hardly do that. So, he was forcing himself to move, his teeth gritted in his agony, his face flushed. Get away. He couldn't even think of his fellow Killjoys in that moment. He didn't want them with him, because he knew that if they stayed beside him, he would eventually get them killed too.

He wanted to be alone. It was safer that way.

So, he kept running. Through the corridors, ignoring the shouts.

Until, he came to an abrupt halt when he crashed into something. Or, as he very quickly realised, someone. And that someone then took a hold of his arm tightly and held him still.

He tossed his hair back out of his eyes so he could see who was now blocking him, and he breathed in quickly.

Oh God. Bert.

"Let go of me," he mumbled.

Bert stared at him. He didn't release his hold. "Going somewhere?"

"I-I have to get out of here," Gerard stammered. He couldn't move, Bert had him in a kind of cruel bear hug, and he wasn't giving him a inch. "Leave me alone."

"You're not going anywhere." Bert snarled. "You think that's okay, do you? You think we're just gonna let you run away? Not this time, Gerard. This time, you have to stay here and face the fucking consequences of your actions."

Gerard shook his head stupidly. "I'm sorry," he moaned. "The Doc-"

Bert cut across him. "I don't just mean Death Defying," he snapped. And then, still holding on tightly to Gerard's arm, Bert dragged him a short distance towards a hallway. He grunted as Gerard struggled against him, and then, basically carrying the terrified Gerard along with him, he grabbed his chin and forced him to look at the terrible sight before him. The corridor had been turned into a makeshift hospital ward. There were dozens of people lying on the ground, covered in blood and obviously suffering from injuries, some of them serious and horrific.

There were a small number of people going from person to person, checking their pulses and doing what they could for the wounded, but Gerard could see that it wasn't enough. There were not many doctors in the base and the ones there were in other places, helping other wounded souls. These people, men, women and children were slowly dying, and there was not a thing anyone could do to help them.

Gerard whimpered softly. "Why are they here?" He gasped. "They should be in beds."

Bert shrugged. "Yes they should, but the beds are all full. There is nowhere else to put these poor bastards."

Trying to free himself again, Gerard whimpered. "Bert, please, let me go."

"Why?" Bert growled in his ear. He slammed Gerard up against the wall, ignoring the whimpers and gasps this action caused. "It's about time you saw what your fucking stupidity has led to; these people wanted to help you, wanted to save you from Korse because they looked upto you and your little gang. And where has it got them? Here, on this floor. Forgotten and dying. And what do you do to thank them? Run away and moan. Good one, Gee. What a hero you are."

"I'm sorry," Gerard sobbed. "Please Bert, I'm sorry.

"Do I give a fuck about how sorry you are?"

"You're hurting me."

Bert hesitated. He looked at Gerard properly for the first time. He saw the fear and shame there and, very slowly, his anger began to subside.

"Gerard," he said, softly. "I'm-"

"What the fuck is going on? Let go of him!"

Suddenly, the other Killjoys were in the corridor with them, each one of them furiously glaring at Bert.

Mikey eyed Gerard nervously. He looked about ready to faint.

The younger Way turned on Bert. "What were you trying to do? Scare him to death?"

Bert instantly reddened.

"Sorry, Mikey;" He snapped in response. "I didn't realise Gerard had become a coward. I'd have used kid gloves if I'd known."

Mikey flushed. Frank put a hand up to stop the younger man wading in, instead choosing to close slowly in on Bert and the trapped Gerard.

"I'll give you five seconds to take your hands off of him, Bert." Frank's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, and his eyes told Bert that he was ready to kill.

"Is that right?" Bert taunted, anger again seeping in. "You threatening me, Frank?"

"I think he is." Ray threw in quietly. "And he's not the only one. I know you're upset, Bert. We all are. But you do not take it out on Gerard. He's still weak and you know he's not out of the woods yet. So let him go. "Now."

Bert seemed to consider Ray's words. Then, with a weary sigh, he whispered, "Fine," and released his hold on Gerard.

"Gerard," Frank said at once. "You okay?"

Gerard didn't reply. Instead, he moved carefully away, his head bowed, heading for the main exit to the base. Mikey didn't hesitate; he set off after his brother, calling his name.

Bert, watching them go, held up his hand. "Look, I'm sorry if I scared him-"

Frank stared at him incredulously. "IF you scared him?"

Bert shrugged. "Someone had to make him see what he'd done."

"Maybe so," Ray snapped. "But that someone definitely shouldn't have been an asshole like you."

Bert made a move towards him. "Did you just call me-"

"An asshole?" Ray barked. He stepped forward. The usually sensible Killjoy was furious, all patience finally expired. "Yeah, I did. What are you gonna do about it?"

Frank stepped between them.

"Stop it." He turned to Bert. "You don't know what you could have done to him."

Bert snorted. "Why? Because I told him a few home truths? Showed him where his attitude brought us all?"

"He was tortured, you stupid dick!" Frank retorted.

"He wasn't the only one!" Came the smart reply. "Do you think Gerard was the first man Korse used a torture drug on? Allow me to surprise you, then: He wasn't."

Ray blinked, and took a step back. Frank was too furious to notice what Bert was hinting at. He continued on.

"Maybe not, but Korse didn't just beat him to a bloody pulp."

Ray placed a hand on Frank's shoulder. "Calm down, Ghoul."

Frank ignored him. All his attention was focused on Bert. "You have noidea what he went through!"

"Oh yeah?" Bert shouted. "Tell me then! What was so fucking bad?"

Frank couldn't hold back. "He was RAPED!"

Bert stopped dead. Ray closed his eyes and turned away. He'd suspected as much, but to hear it confirmed was still like somebody had plunged a knife into his gut.

And then, cutting into the silence, a voice spoke up from behind them.

"What did you say?"

They all froze, Frank already silently cursing his big mouth. He turned slowly, to find Mikey standing a few feet behind him, staring in utter horror.

"Korse raped him?" Mikey repeated.

Frank stared down at the ground. "I'm sorry, Mikey."

Mikey took a step back. "And you were gonna tell me this when exactly?"

Bert held up a hand. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Frank rounded on him angrily. "Save it. I don't have time now. I've gotta go find Gerard."

Stepping away from Bert and Ray, Frank took Mikey's arm and moved him to one side "Where is he?" he enquired.

Mikey gestured helplessly. "He yelled at me to leave him alone and then just got into the Trans. I'm scared, Frank."

Frank frowned. "I'll go find him and bring him back. He won't get far, Mikes. He'll need his next dose soon." He glanced at Ray, who nodded his understanding. "You guys stay here. I'll go after Gerard alone."

And with that, he turned and ran.

XXX

It didn't take long for Frank to find the Trans AM. Gerard had not gone far, he'd driven a few metres but then had clearly decided to abandon the car and force himself to then run by foot. He'd collapsed after only a few feet. Rushing to the car, Frank saw the driver's side door was wide open. He knew then that Gerard had left the car in a hurry.

Frank stared out into the desert, searching the sand dunes for any sight of his lover. Then, much to his relief, he spotted Gerard a few feet away.

'Thank God.'

Running towards him, Frank could see the stricken man had been violently sick. The brunette knew Gerard needed more medicine, just like Bert had mentioned he would. He had to get him back to the base, and as quickly as possible.

"Gerard?" Frank whispered, as he approached Gerard carefully, not wanting to panic him.

The other Killjoy did not reply.

Gerard was kneeling on the ground, his hands covering his face. Frank crouched down beside him and went to put his arms around Gerard's shoulders, but the other man pulled away as if he had been burned.

"Don't, Frank."

"Why not?" Frank asked, his heart heavy.

"Because I'm not worth it. I hit you-"

"I think you are," Frank managed. "You're worth everything to me."

Gerard glanced at Frank then.

"He was right, you know. Every fucking word Bert said was right. I ama disgrace."

Frank bristled. "No, Bert was wrong. It wasn't your fault. What happened to the Doc, to everyone in that town was because of that fucking company, and the sick ideology that they stand for. It wasn't down to you."

"If I hadn't had made us go through the town in the first place-"

"Gee, you couldn't have known-"

"I did know, Frank." Gerard replied softly. "The Doc warned me, but I never told you, Ray or Mikey cos I thought I knew best..." He closed his eyes. "So, it is my fault. Some fucking leader I turned out to be."

Frank swallowed hard, and then gripped Gerard's shoulder. "Okay, so you made a bad decision. Shit happens. That doesn't mean all those deaths are due to you. That fucking corporation killed them, Gerard. Not you."

Gerard looked away from Frank then, his gaze locked on the ground. Frank could sense the shame burning inside of Gerard, and the hate.

He waited, knowing full well what was coming next.

"He's always with me, Frankie," the red-haired man muttered. "He never goes away."

"Who?" Frank queried, but he already knew the answer.

"Korse," came the softly spoken reply.

"He can't get to you, Gerard." Frank told him, fighting off his own tears that threatened to spill. "He's dead."

"I can still feel him, Frank." Gerard whimpered. "He's right by me, inside of me, hurting me..."

"He can't touch you. I'm with you now, Gerard." Frank told him, not knowing how else to respond. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Gerard hid his face. Frank knew why. Silent tears were falling down his cheeks. "You shouldn't want me anymore, Frank. I'm no fucking good. A broken mess of a man. I'm tainted now. Nothing but a whore-"

Frank balled his hands into fists. With every word, his heart broke into pieces. Moving forward, he wrapped his arms around Gerard, as his shattered lover finally allowed himself to completely break down. He carefully pulled Gerard into his lap, and softly stroked his hair.

As Gerard continued to sob quietly, Frank whispered gently into his ear, holding him tightly.

"It will all be okay, Gee;" he promised. "I won't let anyone hurt you again. I swear."

TBC