Hi all, sorry to keep you waiting again. This was quite a tough one to write. Still not sure I'm completely satisfied with it but its the best I could do! Enjoy!
Usual warnings guys, violence and swearing...
The next chapter won't take me so long, I've already planned it.
Hope you like this! Please let me know! Big hugs!
Purifying Flame
Chapter 10
It was turning dark.
The gang had set up another camp, and lit a fire, which Electra and Leon were sat beside as they treated a still unconscious Billie Joe. They had had no choice but to set up camp for one more night, after Leon had pointed out that it would not be safe to move Billie until the healing drugs had kicked in, especially at night.
Electra and Leon were tending to the injured rebel. Michael was sitting slightly away from them, working on the communicator that he had taken from the dead Draculoid. The machine was making a bleeping noise, and Michael was frowning slightly as he attempted to rewire it.
"Dammit!" Michael swore, and then dragged his hand through his hair, his annoyance obvious.
Johan, marching up and down, a cigarette in between his lips, had been distrustful of Michael since he had showed sympathy for the dead Draculoid, something Johan could simply not understand, and he glowered over at him, eying him suspiciously. When Michael swore yet again, and muttered to himself, Johan could hold back no longer. Tossing his cigarette away, he walked over to Michael, his hands balled into fists.
"What are you doing with that?"
Michael, grimacing slightly at Johan's tone, looked up, his face hardening. "Trying to get a signal. What does it look like?"
Johan's frown deepened. "And who are you trying to contact?"
"If you don't trust me, just say so." Michael retorted, tired and not needing the crap at that moment. "Don't hold back."
They heard a cough from nearby and both men looked up to see Leon giving Johan a frosty glare. The older man stood, gestured for Electra to keep an eye on Billie Joe before moving up to Johan, his anger with the boy evident on his face.
"Johan, why don't you and Electra go and find the others. I don't want them out after dark. Get going, and be back within the hour, while we still have some light."
"Leon, I only wanted to-"
"Do as I asked, Johan."
Johan opened his mouth, ready to argue further, but then saw the look on Leon's face, and shut it again.
With a growl of "fine," he then stomped away, throwing Michael a vicious look as he went past him. Electra seemed unsure at what she should do for a moment, and then hurried after Johan, muttering that she should assist her friend.
There was a long, uncomfortable pause before Leon finally let out a heavy sigh, and after checking quickly on the peaceful looking Billie Joe, he walked over and sat beside Michael. Michael, frowning, placed the transmitter down, giving himself a break from his work, and pulled out his water flask, taking a small swig.
"How is he?" He asked Leon.
"Billie should be awake soon," Leon replied. "His fever has broken, as they say. And thanks to the BL/I healing medicines, he should be fine."
Michael nodded. "That's good." After a brief pause, he asked; "Who is he?"
Leon hesitated for a second, before replying; "He's a rebel, a well known one at that. He knows Doctor Death Defying well. Friendly with the Killjoys too, so I heard."
Michael's eyes widened at that. "You think he'll know me?"
Leon shrugged. "Maybe."
They sat in silence for a moment. Michael took his flask, and reached out, offering his water to Leon. The older man smiled, took the offered flask with a grateful nod, and drank. He wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, and then eyed Michael.
"You want to ask me something else, don't you?" He asked him softly.
Michael frowned, and then spoke, in hushed tones. "You called me by a Killjoy name earlier. Kobra Kid?"
"I did," Leon agreed. "That was your name, once."
"The man who saved me, said his name was Bob, he called me by the same name. He told me that I was a Killjoy but that was all he'd given me to go on. Can you tell me more?"
Leon frowned. "You know about the Killjoys, James. All BL/I employees have it programmed into them-"
"Everything they told me was probably lies though, right?" Michael retorted, his hackles rising. "Lies to make me hate the Killjoys, and want them dead. Funnily enough, Kobra Kid was cut out of the memories they gave me completely. So, I'd like to know the truth, now." He glanced away for a few seconds, before looking back. "Please?"
Leon let out a long sigh, and then nodded in agreement. "Okay, James." He leaned back, composing himself, before continuing. "The Killjoys were a rebel group, survivalists and allies of Doctor Death Defying, fighting against Better Living Industries to get "the truth" out to the people. BL/I wanted them all ghosted, sent their best Exterminator to track, find and Exterminate them." He took a quick breath. "There were four Killjoys, Party Poison, the leader, his best friends Fun Ghoul and Jet Star," he paused, glancing at Michael nervously, before going on. "And his brother, Kobra Kid."
Michael looked up quickly. "My brother. Bob told me-" He broke off, averting his eyes. "He had red hair, didn't he? The leader?"
Leon blinked. "Yes, he did."
Michael closed his eyes. The red haired man, the man he had saved. His brother. Michael wondered if he was still alive.
"What happened to the Killjoys?" Michael asked. "I mean, the others?"
"No one knows." Leon replied with a sigh. "They disappeared. I'm sorry."
Michael looked down, pain he didn't even understand growing deep within him.
"I don't remember them," he muttered, softly. "Not even my brother."
Leon passed Michael the small flask back, and then carefully eyed him. "Don't you remember anything at all of your life before you were reprogrammed?"
Michael sighed. "Flashes, images mainly." He glanced away. "I've also had dreams, it's hard. It's like I know that the memories are there, just below the surface, and I want to get to them, but I just can't find them. It hurts my head to try too hard."
Leon frowned. "Don't then. Don't force it. Probably do you more harm than good." He spoke softly, but firmly, trying to ensure that his words sunk in. "You fought off the BL/I control, broke through and disobeyed their orders and destroyed the shield they had put around your mind. You refused to be the puppet they had turned you into, created your own personality, and you need to be satisfied with that, for now."
Michael shook his head. "But it's not me. Not who I was before they fucked with my brain, anyway." His fists were clenched, his expression pained. "What if I never remember who I really am?"
"Give it time," Leon urged, reaching out to grasp Michael's hand, but paused when the former Killjoy pulled away. "Maybe the memories will come back the longer you are free of the BL/I influence, and their drugs. Just be patient, James-"
"I hope you're right," Michael snapped, cutting him off abruptly. "This feels wrong, to me. Whoever I am now is not who I am supposed to be. I feel like I'm not complete."
"You'll get there." Leon assured him, his tone soothing. "Do you know how far you've come? Just to find yourself out of that fucking city and here, in the zones, free and using your own mind? Trust me, James. We'll reunite you with your rebel friends, starting with Billie Joe here, and you'll be okay. You will get there."
Michael could only nod. Leon's enthusiasm was infectious but Michael was still not convinced. Leon seemed to see everything in black and white, good and bad, but Michael knew nothing was that simple. If only it could be, if only everything was as simple as the older man described. Michael was certain that Leon truly believed what he was saying. He only wished that he could believe him too...
The two men were so focused on their conversation, they didn't notice that they were no longer alone.
"It's not all about you finding yourself again though, is it?"
Both Michael and Leon started in surprise, and turned to see Johan standing close by, his fists clearly clenched at his side, as he stared at Michael, the usual distrust more evident on his face than ever.
Leon stood quickly. "Johan, did you find-"
"Why won't he answer my questions, Leon? What does James have to hide?"
Michael exchanged glances with Leon, and then slowly got to his feet, plunging his hands deep into his pockets, his expression grim.
"Johan, if you have something to say, just say it."
Johan's eyes flashed. "Okay then. I do have questions and lots of them. What happened when you were reprogrammed? What were you made to do as a Drac? Which sector did you work in?"
"Johan-" Leon tried to cut across the fuming young man, but Johan continued on regardless.
"How many bases did you "purge" at your master's orders? How many people did you kill. Who did you kill? Did you kill my mother and father...?"
"That's enough!" Leon shouted, and Johan broke off, his whole body shaking with too-long suppressed emotions. Electra was standing behind Johan, her hand covering her mouth, silent tears streaming down her face.
Michael was staring at Johan, at a loss of what to say. He walked up to him, slowly and carefully, and then gingerly reached out to touch the younger man's arm, wanting to comfort him somehow...
Johan didn't want to know.
"Don't you fucking touch me!" Johan yelled, recoiling away as if Michael had tried to burn him. "You're one of them! You're not a Killjoy. Even if you were once, the Killjoy you were is dead. The company killed him, like they killed my parents! You work for that company! You're BL/I. I hate you!"
"Please," Michael whispered, trying again. "Please listen to me-"
"Stay away from me!" Johan snapped. "Leon is fucking crazy to trust you. I'm not sticking around here to watch you betray him! You can both go to hell!"
And with that, he took off, without looking back. He ran across the sand as fast as his feet could carry him, desperate to get away. Electra stood watching after him for a moment, trying to contain her tears. She glanced over at Leon, before her gaze also fell on Michael. She shook her head sadly, and then rushed off after Johan, calling out for him in desperation.
Michael and Leon stood side by side, watching them go. Michael cast his eyes to the man beside him. "Don't you want to go after them?"
"Yes," Leon said quietly. "But I can't leave Billie Joe. If I do, he could die and I'm not having that on my conscience today." Without another word, Leon went to sit beside the prone Billie once more, and took his hand. Only the stern frown on his face betrayed his true feelings, and Michael couldn't help but feel guilty.
"I'm sorry-" He began, but Leon interrupted him.
"Don't worry about it."
"But your team, your friends-"
Leon looked up, and fixed Michael with a cold stare.
"You're a Killjoy, James. And you need help. That's good enough for me. If they can't get past what you were forced to be, then that's their problem. I'm getting you to that base, even if it kills me."
He looked away then, his full attention once more taken up by Billie Joe.
Michael knew there was nothing more he could say or do. Johan and Electra had made their choices, Leon had made his. He returned to his task of repairing the Draculoid communicator, the only thing he could do to help Leon and Billie Joe.
And maybe, just maybe, to help himself.
XXX
There was a cold, icy silence in St Jimmy's private quarters in the city, where two Killjoys, an ex drummer and one remaining member of Green Day waited, anticipating the news from their captor that none of them truly wanted to hear.
It was over an hour since St Jimmy had left, taking Billie Joe with him. Those that remained had been kept in that one room, surrounded by glass walls, in Jimmy's entrance hall, for the whole time. The four men's patience had expired a long time previously, and their conversations had also dried up. Gerard had been staring into space since Bob's announcement that Mikey was actually alive, and alone, out in the zones at that moment. Gerard had angrily questioned his old drummer further, and had freaked out at the discovery that Mikey was not only alone, but also had no idea about his past and therefore was very unlikely to have any experience in surviving out in the Zones by himself. Frank had done his best to reassure his boyfriend, telling him that Mikey was resourceful and smart, and had always been able to deal with anything thrown at him.
And now, Gerard was staring at his boyfriend with narrowed eyes.
He cleared his throat, and then spoke up, softly. "He's not Mikey anymore though, is he, Frank?"
Frank could find no answer to this comment. Bob, however, after a short pause, had something to say.
"Don't worry yourself, Gee. Trust us, Exterminator Michael is just as resourceful as Mikey was." There was clear scorn in his voice as he regarded his former friend, and added; "Especially when it comes to killing his friends..."
There was a stunned pause, and then Gerard was moving across the room abruptly, making straight for Bob, who held his ground. Just as Gerard was about to reach Bob, Mike had jumped to his feet and leaped in between the two old friends, shoving Gerard backwards. The Killjoy leader, his eyes flaming, turned his full fury onto Mike then, who grabbed him by his surgical robe, still the only clothing Gerard had been given to wear, and dragged him closer.
"You want to lose it, Gerard?" He snarled into the younger man's face. "You want to have a panic attack because your little brother is out in the desert on his own? Fine. But keep it to your fucking self, okay?"
Gerard eye-balled the other man furiously, his breathing harsh.
"Get out of my face, Mike," he spat. "This is my fucking brother we're talking about. He's got no fucking clue who he is, and he's out there, alone, and I'm stuck in here, wasting my time with-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Mike punched Gerard full in the face, knocking him back, sending him stumbling straight into Frank. The brunette seized his boyfriend, saving him from falling over onto his ass. Both Killjoys then looked over at Mike, who was glaring at them, fists clenched, trying unsuccessfully to control his temper.
"You think you're the only one scared shitless?" Mike told Gerard quietly. "You think you're the only one about to lose the most important person in your life and you can do nothing but sit and wait? Well, guess again, buddy..."
Gerard, wiping at the blood on his lip, stared at Mike, still clearly fuming but now had the common sense to keep any vicious retort to himself.
"I can't lose my brother-" He whispered, but again, Mike quickly cut across him.
"I've lost mine. Shit happens."
Gerard's eyes widened, stunned by Mike's cold attitude, but before he could respond again, they were all startled by a sudden and very loud crash. Turning to look, they saw that the main entrance door had been flung open, and St Jimmy was marching into the apartment, flanked by his Draculoid guards.
"Sorry about the wait, boys," He told them, somewhat gleefully, and then a smirk spread across his face when he spotted the blood on Gerard's lip. He met Gerard's gaze for a moment, and his smirk grew. Gerard's brow furrowed as he glared back. He didn't like the look Jimmy was giving him. The man seemed more smug and superior than ever, which only increased Gerard's feeling of dread.
Jimmy seemed more confident than before. Part of Gerard didn't want to know why.
Finally, Jimmy broke the stare, and then his eyes lingered on Frank, before he stepped further into the room, a unimpressed expression on his face. "Have you guys been fighting?" He tutted. "I am disappointed.
"Where's Billie Joe?" Mike snapped, at once.
Jimmy regarded Mike for a moment, and his knowing smile was enough to make all of his prisoners' blood run cold.
"Who?" He enquired, innocently.
"Don't fucking play games with me!" Mike hissed, taking a step forward. "Where is he?"
Jimmy laughed softly, and then walked up to Mike, leaning right into the desperate man's face.
"He chose to stay behind."
Mike stared at him, all colour draining from his face. "What the fuck does that mean?"
Jimmy snorted. "Real smart as ever, Mike?" He glanced over at Gerard, Frank and Bob, who were all watching the exchange closely, before returning his attention to the last remaining member of Green Day. "Like I said, Billie chose not to return."
Gerard cleared his throat. "Chose?"
Jimmy chuckled, not taking his eyes off of Mike now, clearly revelling in the former bassist's pain. "Well, maybe he did take some convincing." He shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "Don't worry though, Mike, Billie would have been happy with his exit. He went out with a real bang-"
"You murdering fuck!"
Mike didn't hesitate. He could just about hear the Killjoy's yells of warning as he flung himself at Jimmy, grabbing for the smirking man's throat, with every intention of throttling the life out of the man he was certain had stolen Billie Joe Armstrong from him. He succeeded in taking hold of Jimmy's neck and he began tosqueeze. Just as Jimmy began to wheeze painfully, the Draculoids seized Mike and were dragging him away from his would-be victim, despite Mike's best efforts to free himself, and continue his assault on the reptile that had just taken the last person he loved away from him.
Jimmy was coughing, clutching at his bruised throat. He fixed Mike with a deathly look, his hate apparent on his face, and then he barked, in anger; "I've had enough of you Green Day fuckers to last a life time." He gestured to the Draculoid covering Mike with it's ray gun. "Kill him."
Before the Drac could carry out his orders, the other rebels were rushing forward, cutting off the Draculoid's route to Mike. As the drone hesitated, still preparing to carry out it's orders, Frank made for Jimmy, grabbing him by the arm, and pulling him closer.
"Please! Don't do this."
Jimmy eyed Frank, searching the Killjoy's panicked face. He then gave Frank a tiny smile, and gestured to the Draculoid. "Stand down." The slave did as he was instructed, lowering his ray gun, and stepping away from Mike.
Frank let out a loud sigh of relief and then released Jimmy slowly, not sure what his own fate would be. He had, after all, just lunged for an Exterminator. An action such as that against Korse would have no doubt resulted in death. But Jimmy was very different to Korse, Frank simply couldn't read the scarred man. And that scared him.
After a beat, Jimmy looked away from Frank, and his gaze swept across the room. Gerard and Bob had been pushed away from Mike, and had been herded to the far wall by the other Draculoids. Both men were staring furiously at Jimmy. Gerard, in particular, looked just about ready to kill. Jimmy smirked back at him for a short time, before finally focusing his attention on Mike, who had finally given in to the grief consuming him, and had collapsed to the ground, his face hidden by his hands, his shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs. The man cut a devastating, forlorn figure. Broken and very much alone.
The last of the men that had made Jimmy's previous life a misery. The men that had betrayed him and forced him into Korse's hands. Tre gone. Billie Joe destroyed.
At last, his revenge was complete.
Jimmy regarded his fallen enemy for a moment, and then crouched down beside Mike, grabbed him by his hair, and ripped his head back. This time, Mike didn't even attempt to resist. He didn't even react to the harsh treatment, he simply stared into space.
"Now you know what loneliness is," Jimmy drawled in his ear. "I hope you fucking enjoy it as much as I did."
Mike only whimpered in response.
"Leave him alone," Gerard snarled, having seen enough. "You piece of shit."
Jimmy glared over at Gerard, but before he could respond, Bob got in there first.
"Perfect, Gerard," Bob spat, rounding on his former singer. "Make things worse. Never did know when to keep that mouth of yours shut-"
"Eat shit, Bob." Gerard retorted, furiously.
Jimmy, watching the heated discussion with some amusement, shook his head slightly, and chuckled. "Trouble in the ranks, huh? Old Death Defying will be disappointed."
Gerard whipped his head round, and regarded Jimmy coldly. "What the fuck do you know about Defying anyway, Jimmy?"
The Exterminator cocked his head thoughtfully. "Billie Joe used to talk about him, most of the time when he thought no one was listening-" He paused, leering at Gerard nastily. "And we've found out lots of information from rebels captured over the years. Especially your brother. He had plenty to say."
Gerard shuddered. "Don't you talk about Mikey, you fucking hear me?"
Jimmy's smile only grew. He straightened, and then left Mike, moving closer to the fuming Gerard. "You might not have noticed, Poison, but you are my prisoner, and if I want to talk about our ex Exterminator, I will." The look on his face was one of pure malice. "Trust me, buddy. You had better be nice to me, and do as I say, or you might seriously live to regret it."
Gerard's eyes bored into his tormentor's. Again, that feeling of despair deep within his gut grew, and he suddenly felt scared. Really, really scared. The worst thing was, Jimmy could read that fear loud and clear, and he revelled in it. Placing his lips against Gerard's cheek, causing the other man to flinch, he breathed; "You're in my power, baby. You have no idea what I can do to you. If I were you, I'd listen to me, and keep your mouth shut. Is there any part of this you don't understand, Cherry Top?" He chuckled. "Or do you want me to write it down?"
Gerard was visibly shaken. He clearly wanted to hurl himself at the taunting man and only the hold of the Draculoid beside him was stopping him. He knew that Jimmy would take great pleasure in torturing him by reminding him of what his fucking company turned Mikey into, and of course knew the pain it would cause to Gerard to know all the sickening details. But there was nothing he could do but stand there and deal with it.
The Exterminator that Better Living created was not his Mikey. That was all he could hold on to.
Jimmy held all the cards and he knew it. Mikey was his most powerful weapon against Gerard, and he was going to use that weapon to cause as much harm as he could.
But he didn't have Mikey any more. Mikey was free, and fighting their control. Gerard would cling to that, and his belief that he would see his brother again. Jimmy had nothing more in his arsenal to use against Gerard than information.
Right?
Jimmy stepped back, but didn't stop attacking the man he knew he could hurt.
"Tell you something Gerard," he purred; "If only you could have seen your precious little Mikey when he was being reprogrammed. How I'd have loved for you to see him cry, and beg, and curse your name because you'd let him down. You left him behind, Gerard. Left him there to suffer in your place. And he hated you for it."
"Stop," Gerard could only moan, trying not to look at the smirking man. "Just stop."
Jimmy laughed softly but ignored Gerard's whispered plea. "And once he'd been wiped, and reprogrammed, and we had our new toy, he did everything we wanted him to do. Thanks to your information, as it turned out, he went from base to base, like some fucking avenger, and wiped out every rebel in his way. He didn't care who they were, man, woman or child. It was all the same to him. I accompanied him sometimes. He never hesitated, never even blinked. He just kept on blasting away, just kept on killing. He ignored their pleas, their begging, their screams and their tears. It was beautiful to watch. The Killjoy had become our puppet, and our Co-oridnators fuck toy, and do you know what the best part of it was, Party Poison?"
Gerard didn't want to know. He had buried his head in his hands while Jimmy had been speaking, and was shaking his head desperately. "Please," he whimpered. "Please don't-"
Jimmy continued on, unflinching. "The best part was, you gave him to us on a plate when you decided to sacrifice yourself. And then he broke his programming and has to live with what he did to those people. It must hurt like hell. And guess what? What Mikey became was down to you. All of those poor dead rebels, and those mourning their loved ones, is on your conscious, Killjoy." He grabbed Gerard's hands and pulled them away, so he could snarl in the devastated man's face. "You think about that..."
"STOP IT!"
Jimmy paused, and then turned, to see Frank pulling against the Draculoid holding him back, trying to get to his boyfriend. He was glaring at Jimmy hatefully. "Just leave him the fuck alone," he spat. "You fucking asshole"
Jimmy's eyes blazed as he regarded Frank. He then smiled coldly. "So loyal to him, aren't you, Frank? Almost like you would do anything for him?" He glanced at Gerard once more. "It's almost as if somebody willed you to love him, isn't it?"
"Shut up!" Gerard's head snapped up, and he pushed out at Jimmy, who merely chuckled at him.
"Pathetic," Jimmy hissed. He then rubbed at the back of his neck with his hand as he gazed from Gerard, and then to Frank. "Enough of these fun and games," he mused. "Time to get serious." He grabbed at Gerard, and shoved him toward Bob, who caught his old friend, stopping him from smashing painfully into the wall. "I have a problem," Jimmy continued. "I promised poor old, dearly departed, Billie Joe that I would release you all if he led me to, and helped me to destroy, the weapon. He kept his word, and now that the weapon, and him, are finished, I really do think that I should keep mine."
The rebels stared at him, all breathing hard. None of them truly believed that they were about to be released. It was more than Jimmy's life was worth.
And sure enough...
"The only problem with that," Jimmy added; "is my superiors want all of you to be killed. You're dangerous rebels, the infamous Killjoys. Murderers and rabble rousers. In their eyes, you have been labelled for extermination and that is that." His eyes narrowed. "My instructions are to execute all of you, here and now."
Bob was holding his breath. Mike was staring at the ground. Gerard and Frank exchanged glances. None of them spoke. There was nothing to say. All they could do was wait.
Jimmy licked his lips, and then spoke on. "To be honest with you guys, I haven't made up my mind yet. What I will do though, is ask that you all wait in the cells while I come to a final decision." He smiled as the confusion was clear on his captives faces, and then jerked his head toward the Draculoids. "Take the rebels away, back to the prison, until I send for them. I have a choice to make."
The rebels were then shepherded over to the door by their Draculoid guards. They came to another abrupt halt though when Jimmy broke the silence once more.
"Wait," Jimmy called. They all stopped and looked over at the Exterminator, their confusion quickly changing to anger and frustration. Jimmy merely smirked, before whispering: "I want Fun Ghoul to stay here. Leave him."
Gerard whirled around. "No chance."
The Draculoid nearest Frank ignored the Killjoy leader's outburst, instead releasing it's hold on Frank, and shoving him back further into the room, toward Jimmy. Jimmy walked up behind Frank, and placed his hand on the smaller man's shoulder. Frank shuddered under his touch. Part of him didn't even know why. He still had no idea who St Jimmy was, or why Gerard hated him so much. He was pretty certain however that he would find out very shortly. Two things he did know though, Frank didn't want to be alone with the Exterminator that made his skin crawl. And he certainly didn't want to be separated from Gerard.
Jimmy was beaming at the furious Gerard. "Take them back to their rooms."
"I'm not leaving Frank alone with you, you fucking-"
"Oh?" Jimmy purred. "So what do you intend to do to stop it from happening?"
Gerard took a step forward, but was once again seized by the nearest Draculoid. "What will I do? I swear to you, if you touch him, I will fucking kick the-"
Jimmy threw back his head, and laughed. "You think you'll get the chance? You're deluded, Gerard Way. Why can't you accept you've lost?"
Gerard shook his head. "I know what you did, you bastard. I won't let you hurt him-"
"Gee," Frank spoke up, cutting Gerard off. "I'll be fine. I'll see you later."
"Good boy," Jimmy cooed, wrapping his arm around Frank's small shoulders. He then smirked at Gerard. "Bye bye, Cherry Top." And then, with a knowing wink; "See you real soon. We've got some good times coming up, you and me."
Gerard stared at him hatefully. He had no choice in the matter as he was forced backwards, along with Mike and Bob, away from Jimmy and Frank. He fought against the tide, trying to keep close to Frank, desperate not to leave the man he loved, unwittingly, in the hands of his rapist.
"Frankie," Gerard called. "I'm sorry."
At that, Gerard was helplessly forced through the door, and out of the room.
Leaving Frank behind, and alone. And Frank didn't even know what his boyfriend was apologising for.
Jimmy let out a sigh, and then released his hold on Frank.
He cleared his throat, as Frank turned to face him, trying unsuccessfully, to hide his fear.
"Okay then, Frankie. Alone at last." Jimmy smiled. Frank could have sworn he saw some genuine affection in that smile. He told himself that he must have imagined it, as Jimmy added, pleasantly; "We have a lot to talk about."
XXX
"SHIT!"
Michael, in his frustration, threw the Draculoid communicator away from him and buried his head in his hands.
Leon, who was still crouched beside Billie, injecting his latest dose of medicine into him, looked up, and gave Michael a reassuring smile.
"Problems?"
Michael frowned. "I can't do it. I thought I'd be able to get us a signal but there's just... nothing..."
Leon gave him an apologetic look, and then turned his attention back to Billie Joe.
"Have a break. You'll get there-"
Leon's words of wisdom were interrupted when the man below him suddenly stirred, and then let out a low groan, moving his fingers gingerly.
Leon's head snapped back round. Michael was already on his feet, and moved to join Leon.
Billie Joe was waking up. At last.
They both stood over the gasping man, wanting to help him, but also aware not to crowd him.
"Easy," Leon whispered, holding Billie Joe down for his own protection, but only managing to panic the disorientated man more.
Billie Joe let out a frightened moan, and brought up his hands weakly, trying to protect himself.
"You're okay." Michael whispered, grabbing Billie Joe's hand, and squeezing. "Don't be scared. No one is gonna hurt you."
"I'm sorry, are we interrupting something?"
Michael and Leon looked around quickly to find Viper, flanked by Jex and Skull, marching into the camp. To their surprise, and annoyance, on Leon's part; Johan was bringing up the rear.. Michael, scowling at Viper, dropped Billie Joe's hand, to the distress of the semi-conscious man. Leon pushed Michael behind him and stepped forward, shielding both the former Killjoy, and the helpless rebel. Viper stood a small distance away, his fists clenched, glaring daggers back at Leon.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Leon snapped angrily, and then swore furiously when he was barged out of the way. Viper flew at Michael, punching him hard in the face. Michael was caught off balance from the unexpected blow, and Jex and Skull quickly took advantage, beating him into submission. Michael soon found himself lying on his back in the sand, his face bruised and bloody, and pinned to the ground by the two men, who were holding his arms tightly. He tried to struggle but quickly realised that he was trapped.
"Stop this!" Leon was shouting now, trying to force his way through to Michael. The former Killjoy was able to lift his head slightly, and saw that Johan was restraining Leon. Leon was determined to get to his friend, but Johan was stronger and younger. Leon soon tired himself out, and slumped down, able to do nothing more than stare helplessly at Michael.
"Don't hurt Leon!"
They all turned to see Electra rushing forward, and Viper threw Johan an ugly look. "Control your girlfriend, will you?" He hissed.
"Electra!" Johan barked. "Stay out of this! Just keep back."
She stopped, a shaky hand covering her mouth. She shook her head to Johan, her message clear. She didn't understand, or like, what was happening. But she didn't dare try to interfere again.
Viper was smirking smugly. He knew he was in control, and he liked it. As he crouched down beside the helpless Michael, a moan from across the camp caught his attention. He glanced over, and saw that the rebel Michael had saved was gasping slightly as he attempted to figure out where he was and what had happened.
Viper, smiling, gestured over to the semi-conscious man. "Looks like sleeping beauty finally decided to join us."
"He's not your problem," Michael snapped. "I am."
Viper tilted his head. "Do you know what, baby? I couldn't care less about who you were before they zapped your pretty head. The Killjoys are nothing to me. I wanna know who you were afterwards. I wanna know who you are to Better Living-"
"I already told you!" Michael interrupted him. "I was a Drac. That's it!"
"Then how did you know those codes?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Michael spat, in response.
Viper's eyes narrowed, and he kicked Michael hard in the gut, causing the other man to groan in pain. "Don't you fucking lie to me again, you hear me? It's time to tell us the truth, pretty."
Moaning from the latest injury, Michael took a moment to catch his breath. Finally, glaring up into Viper's sneering face, he repeated, slowly and carefully. "You already know the truth. I was a Draculoid."
Viper narrowed his eyes. "I'll ask you one more time. Lie to me again, and this could get nasty." His tone softened. "How did you know the code to defuse that bomb?"
Michael glared. "I didn't. You were there, you saw what happened. I only managedto hold up the explosion, not stop it. I tried a few different codes I'd used as a Drac and I just got lucky."
Viper actually snorted. "Nobody is that lucky."
Michael shrugged. "I was."
Fury shot across Viper's face. He reached into his jacket, and pulled out an ugly, evil looking knife. Michael's eyes widened at the sight of the blade, shining in the fading light of the sun. It was a meter long, and had sharp, cruel, jagged edges. It clearly had done a lot of damage in the past. And it was about to do more, this time to him. Michael couldn't help but shudder as Viper straddled him, toying with both the knife and the man trapped below him who couldn't avert his eyes.
"You like her?" Viper hissed, and Michael realised, to his discomfort, that the man was referring to his blade. "She's my sweet girl. My best friend. You know how many of your kind, Dracs that is, that she's sliced through? Ready to be next?"
"Viper!" Leon shouted. "That's enough. Leave him alone. You don't know what-"
Without even looking away from Michael, Viper smirked, and snapped; "Leon, you need to keep your mouth shut." He reached out, grabbing Michael by his throat. "I'm busy."
Michael let out a low whimper, but didn't reply.
"Now," Viper continued. "I want to know who you are."
"You already know..." Michael gasped. Viper sighed, leaned forward and held the knife against the other man's throat, cutting him off abruptly.
"Wrong answer," he hissed.
Michael managed a small smile. "You're not going to get what you want from me so you may as well give up. If you're going to kill me, just get on and do it." A small flicker of defiance resurfaced within Michael and he fixed his aggressor with a look of hate. "If you can get off of me, that would be swell. You're kinda heavy."
Viper bristled, and the hand holding the knife tightened.
Michael closed his eyes, and waited for Viper to end his life.
But Viper didn't act.
After a pause, Michael opened his eyes again, and stared up at Viper. They held gazes for a short while, and then Viper hissed; "You're a oddball, ain't ya, honey? You don't wanna die, I can see that in your eyes. You wanna know who you were before, and you're terrified that you'll die without knowing. Isn't that true?"
Michael swallowed hard, but he didn't reply.
Viper grinned. "Tell you what," he whispered in Michael's ear and then pointed over at Billie Joe with his knife. "You're counting on this guy right? This rebel? You think he's gonna wake up, look at you, and know you. The real you? Well, lets see what we can do about that..."
At that, Viper was up and away from Michael, marching over to Billie Joe. He loomed over the rebel, and snickered at the fear he saw flickering across the defenceless man's face. Grabbing Billie by his collar, he hurled him up, and then held him closely to his chest, so the rebel was facing all the others.
"Don't!" Leon shouted. "He's nothing to do with this!"
"That's up to "James"," Viper purred, with a knowing smirk.
Skull let out an approving snort. Giving his brother a nod, they then dragged Michael up between them and forced him to watch, as Viper held his monster of a knife against Billie Joe's throat. Billie's eyelids fluttered slightly, and he moaned. He was barely even awake, not focusing, not even truly aware of what was happening to him.
"Tell us who you are," Viper asked Michael, his eyes flashing. "Or I will kill this guy."
"You're a fucking animal," Michael hissed. "He's not done anything to you."
Viper's smile was one of pure evil. "That's true, he's nothing to me. But he's something to you, isn't he?"
"Viper-" Leon began, but he was silenced by a threatening shake from Johan, who was watching the scene unfolding with wide eyes.
Leon bowed his head. He knew there was nothing he could do. None of these men would listen to him now. They had gone far beyond words.
"I'm waiting," Viper snarled to the fuming, desperate Michael. "Or do you want me to slash his throat?"
"No."
"Then tell the truth!"
Michael still didn't respond. Viper shrugged, and pressed the knife further into Billie's skin, causing his captive to whimper.
Michael couldn't see it happen.
"No!" Michael's heart was in his mouth, as he gasped; "Fucking just stop. I was an Exterminator, al right?"
Viper stopped. Jex swore loudly, while Skull threw back his head, and laughed. "Fucking knew it!"
Electra was shaking her head in disbelief. Johan was staring at Michael with pure hate. Even Leon looked truly shocked.
Billie Joe, agony etched on his face, was gazing at Michael. His eyes widened in recognition.
His voice barely a whisper, he managed; "Mikey?"
Viper paused. A cold smile spread across his face as he glared down at the man he was holding against him. Apparently the calmest person in the camp, Viper held Billie Joe even closer to him, and then said, so quietly.
"Your name isn't James, is it?"
After a break moment of hesitation, Michael shook his head.
Viper nodded. "What is your name? What did they call you at BL/I?"
Michael swallowed hard, knowing that he was finished. As soon as they knew his real name, his life would be over. But what could he do? He wasn't about to let any one else die for him.
With one last look at the trembling Billie Joe, he whispered; "They called me Michael."
The look of triumph in Viper's expression was sickening. He released his hold on Billie, and the helpless man fell to the ground like a stone, and he lay where he fell, slumped at Viper's feet.
Viper took a step forward, and then addressed Skull and Jex. "We should be honoured," he said softly, the glee evident in his tone. "We have the Masked Exterminator in a midst."
"Son of a bitch!" Skull declared.
Leon closed his eyes. Johan looked quickly toward Viper as if he couldn't believe his ears.
Jex tightened his hold on Michael. Spraying him with spit, he snarled; "You killed our brother, you fucker..."
Michael fixed Jex with a look of disdain. "I killed a lot of people's brothers."
"Yeah," Viper said, calmly and quietly. "And you're gonna pay for that..."
Suddenly, Leon came alive. Forcing his elbow in Johan's chest, the younger man stumbled back in surprise, crying out in pain. Viper's head snapped round, his eyes narrowing, and he moved forward, knife at the ready.
Leon was faster. He dived to the ground. At first, Michael wasn't sure what he was doing, but then saw Leon roll over and then stop, up on one knee, Michael's ray gun grasped in his hand, the gun aimed straight at Viper.
Viper stopped, his eyebrow raised.
"What are you doing Leon?" He snarled. "He's the fucking bad guy, not me!"
"I don't think so," Leon told him, holding his nerve. "I will kill you, Viper, I swear to God."
Jex had released his hold on Michael's arm and had quickly stood up, his fists clenched.
That was all Michael needed. With one arm now free, he was able to hit out at Skull, who fell down beside him with a startled cry. Michael was scrambling back, away from the brothers, ready to fight them off. They all stopped when they heard the ray gun blast, and turned quickly to find that Leon had sent a shot up into the dark sky. He lowered the gun so it was once more aiming at Viper. His face was determined.
"I'll shoot all three of you if I have to," Leon snapped. His eyes were locked on Viper's. "Take your stuff, and your gang, and get out of my camp. Now."
"Don't be a fool-"
"I said," Leon cut across him. "Go. And don't come back."
Viper glared at him furiously, but knew there was nothing he could do against the BL/I weapon. With a cold smirk to Michael, he placed his knife back inside his jacket, and then jerked his head to Skull and Jex.
"Lets go, boys."
Skull whirled round. "You have got to be fucking joking-"
"We're out of here!" Viper yelled. His eyes met Skull's, and then he turned back to Leon. "For now."
Skull looked like he was going to argue further, but with one furious glare from Viper, he changed his mind.
No one spoke again as Viper walked past Leon, and then Michael, to join Jex and Skull. Viper smiled coldly at Michael, who stared right back. The three Scavengers then turned their backs on the others, picked up their belongings, and slowly walked away. They didn't look back.
Johan looked as though he wanted to go after them. Leon eyed him cautiously.
"Go with them if you want to." Leon told him.
Johan bristled. "I'm not leaving Electra with him." He gestured furiously to Michael, who let out a deep sigh.
Electra was shaking her head from side to side, as if she was trying to process everything that had gone down. With a nervous glance to Michael, she then ran to Leon, offering him her hand. He took it after a moment's hesitation, and she helped him to his feet. He tossed the gun to one side, giving it a look of disgust, dusted himself down, and then moved quickly to Billie Joe, who was trembling all over, his eyes tightly closed. With a frown, Leon checked him over, placing a comforting hand on the shaking man's arm. He then gestured to Electra, and she quickly moved to fetch his drugs for him.
"How is he?" Michael whispered.
Leon glanced at Michael as he worked quickly, mixing a cocktail of drugs together. "He's gone into shock," Leon replied grimly. "He's already been through hell, only for Viper to manhandle and attack him as he regained consciousness? He's lucky to be alive." Placing the prepared syringe against Billie Joe's arm, he injected the drug into the writhing man. A few seconds pass, and then Billie slumped, his body still. Seeing Michael's questioning look, Leon smiled grimly and said, "He'll be fine. He'll sleep for now. When he wakes up again, he should be okay."
"He said my name..." Michael muttered, more to himself.
Leon nodded. "Yeah, and unfortunately, Viper used that against you."
"What the fuck?" Johan shouted. "Leon, what is with you? This guy is an Exterminator! Viper was only thinking of all of us!"
Michael couldn't help himself. He began to laugh.
Johan's eyes narrowed. "You think this is funny, you scum?"
"I think you are ridiculous," Michael retorted. "Viper just threatened an innocent, helpless man and he did it for the greater good?"
"That's right," Johan replied at once. "And he found out the truth, didn't he? You lied to us from the beginning! You weren't a Drac, you were an Exterminator. The masked Exterminator!" Johan's voice grew in volume along with his anger, and he stalked toward Michael, his fists raised. "You killed so many of my friends. Do you even know that? You ordered the deaths of-" He broke off, taking a few deep breaths. And then, finally, he added: "I hate you."
Electra was beside Johan, taking hold of his hand, trying to calm him. He glanced at her, clearly trying not to cry in front of a girl he had become very fond of. But then, with one more look toward Michael, who was merely watching him right back, Johan pushed Electra, and her kindness, away.
"Get away from me," Johan snapped. "You're either with the BL/I spy, or you're with me. Which is it?"
"I'm no spy," Michael said softly.
"Shut up!" Johan yelled, and then turned back to Electra, staring almost into her, and she shuddered under his gaze. "So, Electra? Are you staying here with him and that idiot who can't see the truth? Or are you coming with me?"
Electra blinked hard. She glanced at Leon, and then caught Michael's gaze. Finally, she again looked toward Johan, who was waiting for her answer.
"Well?" He urged, his patience expired.
"Even if he was an Exterminator," she said, softly; "He's broken his conditioning, which means he's free of them." She took a deep breath. "And besides, Leon saved my life, Johan. Hell, he saved yours too. If he can trust him, then that's good enough for me."
Johan stared at her for a moment. He then shook his head dumbly. "You're as stupid as he is..." He muttered, and then chuckled humourlessly. "To hell with you then." He was quickly moving past Electra, ignoring her last desperate plea to him as he passed her by.
Johan kept walking, leaving the camp, and the people he had called home for the last few months. He couldn't stay there now, knowing as he did that he would be sharing the camp with the person that had ruined his life...
He trudged through the sand, becoming aware, to his panic, that the sun had almost completely set, and only the moon was lighting his way. He knew he couldn't be out in the Zones, alone, at night, unprotected but he was not going to go back to that camp. Leon had made the mistake of his life, of that Johan had no doubt. The Exterminator would betray them all, and Johan would not stand around and wait for that to happen.
Being ripped apart by wild dogs seemed a better choice to Johan than allowing himself to be re-programmed or executed by a patrol of Draculoids.
He was so lost in his thoughts, that he didn't hear anybody creeping up behind him, so when the hand suddenly covered his mouth, he was taken by complete surprise, and struggled against his antagoniser desperately.
The drawled words in his ear of: "Steady, it's just me," calmed him, and he was instantly released. He turned around to see Viper standing behind him, with Jex and Skull a small distance away.
"You saw sense then, kid?" Viper noted, with an approving smile. "Smart."
Johan nodded, and glanced away. "I think Leon's lost his mind."
Viper smirked. "I agree. Somebody needs to put this right. We're gonna try." He placed his hand on Johan's shoulder. "Can we count on you to help us, Johan?"
Johan turned and looked back in the direction of the camp for a moment. He let out a deep sigh, before turning and staring straight at the expectant Viper.
"What do you want me to do?"
TBC