A/N: Whoa! Hey guys, thank you for reading and sorry this took so long (though you guys have now caught up with everything I've written so you may have to get used to the long gaps while I write new chapters) Anyway, been crazy busy lately, sorting stuff out for something very, very exciting... I'm sure you guys don't care about my life but I'm gonna tell you this anyway but... In September I'm travelling to Las Vegas for a little thing called MorrisonCon... In short... I'M GONNA MEET GERARD WAY! I know it may not seem like it in this fic (I'm kinda cruel, huh?) but that man means the world to me, and I'm ridiculously excited that I'm finally gonna be able to tell him that :)

Anyway! Fic! Let's dive right in shall we? I'll warn you though... This one's a little nasty...

And, as ever, I own none of these boys, or their world :)

Chapter 17 - It's Death or Victory

The Killjoys had planned for this part. They knew the quickest and, just as importantly, the least noticeable way to get to the second floor. Saint Jimmy insisted he knew another way, but on this he was ignored. They also knew that the second floor was almost completely open, only split into two. The front was the main hub of, well… Information. It was there people went to fill out their forms, to update their status, all that tedious stuff. It was also where all the advertisements and educational videos were filmed.

The back however, about a quarter of the size of the front, no one quite knew what it was for. The Killjoys were certain that was where Party Poison was.

Naturally, the door was locked. Electronic lock, so they couldn't even pick it. "Fuck." Kobra Kid growled, knelt down, inspecting the lock. "Oh, for fucks sake." Saint Jimmy muttered, pushing past the others, and then also pushing Kobra Kid out the way. Once again he took out the laminated card "Where'd you get-?" Kobra Kid began, staring at the ID. Saint Jimmy just winked as he slid the card in, waited for the series of lights to flash, then, finally turned the door handle. Pushing the door open, still looking directly at Kobra Kid, Saint Jimmy smiled. "You first." Kobra Kid continued to glare at him, then finally went past him, into the room beyond, making sure to make a point of shoving past Saint Jimmy as he did. "You're welcome." Saint Jimmy said. Then he turned his attention and too bright smile on the rest of the Killjoys, holding the door open for all of them. Not wanting to leave Kobra Kid alone with whatever he might be faced with inside, they followed quickly after him.

Kobra Kid was barely a few paces inside, he had stopped dead, stunned and staring. It didn't take the others long to see what was causing such a reaction in him.

The room was a small one, and appallingly white, sterile, somehow that made it feel smaller. They hardly noticed the look of it however, their eyes all focused in one place.

It was exactly like Saint Jimmy had said, though none of them had believed it would be this bad.

In the centre of the room, Party Poison was on display.

Held upright by some kind of metal frame at his back, arms held out and clamped at the wrist. Stripped to the waist showing off various bruises and cuts and other injuries, some blood had dripped and spotted onto his jeans. His head was bowed, and it was easily noted something else Better Living had done, to make a point, very blatantly. Party Poison's hair was cut short, and it had been bleached of it's vibrant red.

It was a horrific sight, and one the company was clearly proud of.

Rave went to run to him, but she'd barely moved before Fun Ghoul grabbed her, holding her back. "Wait." He said, as she turned, seemingly annoyed. "Look." Then Fun Ghoul pointed up, gesturing around the room. There were camera's on all sides. "That'll be the 'transmissions' bit, then." Kobra Kid said, coldly, surprising everyone, not least himself with being the one to speak. "This is being broadcast out, isn't it?" He continued, looking to Fun Ghoul, who in turn looked to Saint Jimmy. A simple nod confirmed their fears. "How far?" Rave asked, wondering how many people had witnessed this. How many people had seen Party Poison suffer? How many had enjoyed it? Thought he'd deserved it? "The whole city, at least." Fun Ghoul guessed. Without another word, Kobra Kid stepped forward, gun drawn, already aiming towards the first camera. Again, Fun Ghoul was the one to stop him, a hand on Kobra Kid's arm, who very nearly shrugged him off, instead paused, waiting for Fun Ghoul to give him a good fucking reason for doing so. "They already know Saint's here." It was true, out of everyone, Saint Jimmy was the one the company would most likely know about. Especially after the ID he'd just used to get inside the room. As everyone turned to look at him, Saint Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Fucking great." He muttered, pulling out his gun and stepping past everyone. "Risking my fucking life." He continued. "He'd better be fucking grateful." Every one of them had to bite their tongues, all wanting to tell him to shut the fuck up, but they resisted. And watched as Saint Jimmy went to each camera, shooting them out one by one. Finally, when he reached the last one, he paused. Saint Jimmy grinned, then raised his middle finger to the camera before shooting once more. Then he turned back, telling Fun Ghoul "Now that will certainly raise the fucking alarm."

As soon as Saint Jimmy was done, Fun Ghoul let go of Rave, who ran immediately to Party Poison, with Kobra Kid barely even a step behind her. But while the brother stopped a few paces back, the sight was even more difficult to deal with up close, Rave didn't stop until she was directly in front of Party Poison, then paused, scared of hurting him if she touched him. Finally, though, she couldn't help it, she had to touch him, had to feel him. Had to know he was really there, that this wasn't some trick. Rave reached out a hand, laying it on his chest, her eyes closing as she tried not to feel the wounds beneath her touch. She opened her eyes, and looked up at Party Poison's face, they hadn't been able to see before, but his face was also bruised, and in places he'd clearly been bleeding. Her hand moving to his cheek, Rave could feel Party Poison's light, slightly uneven breathing against her wrist. She could've cried, both with grief over what had happened to Party Poison, and with relief that he had survived it. Rave stepped back, not taking her eyes off Party Poison. "Get him down." She said, in a voice clearly in shock. Both Jet Star and Fun Ghoul stepped forward, finally, each afraid to do so, afraid of what they were witnessing, and both ashamed of that fear. "Wait!" Saint Jimmy snapped, just as they moved to the clamps on Party Poison's wrist. Before any of them could react, Saint Jimmy had marched over, focusing on something none of them had noticed.

A needle sticking out of Party Poison's arm, and a thin tube running from it, behind him, and into the wall. Now they saw that the skin all around the needle looked bruised, and a nasty, web like trail of black lines seemed to snake away from it, on all sides, coursing both up and down Party Poison's arm. Getting up close, Saint Jimmy, surprisingly carefully, drew the needle out, studied it, bringing it up close to his face. Touched the tip of his finger to the end of it, then pressed his finger to his tongue. Saint Jimmy grimaced. "Fuck." He muttered. "What?" Kobra Kid demanded. Saint Jimmy didn't look up, simply dropped the needle and tube to the floor, shook his head. "Nothing, nothing." He said. Then, bright smile back in place, "Better fucking get him down, huh?"

Taking out knives to work on the bolted clamps, Fun Ghoul and Jet Star had soon got them loose. Rave stepped away further, as Kobra Kid came forward, more than ready to be the one to steady Party Poison when he was released. When the clamps finally opened completely, Party Poison fell fast, but Kobra Kid was faster, immediately catching him, then allowing them both to slowly and carefully drop to the floor. The older brother safely held in his younger brothers arms.

No one would've even had to look to know there were tears in Kobra Kid's eyes. He wasn't used to this. He wasn't used to seeing Party Poison weak, wasn't used to having to be the strong one, the only strong one. Side by side or back to back, sure, then Kobra Kid could be every bit as strong as his brother. But with him down like this? Kobra Kid was scared. "Doubting me, little brother?" There was only one answer to that question: Never.

The other three dropped to their knees beside Kobra Kid, looking, but trying not to look too closely at Party Poison. Fun Ghoul in particular. He was still taking charge of the situation, for now, he couldn't afford to let himself get distracted. He could already feel the panic and worry building up inside him, he just had to ignore it. Not let it overwhelm him. The very person he was so worried about depended on that. "We're gonna have to get him out of here. And soon. Saint was right, they'll notice the camera's pretty quick, if they haven't already." Kobra Kid nodded. Then, just as he began to shift, ready to pull Party Poison up, Jet Star held out his arm, pausing him. "Hold on." He said, looking at Party Poison, wide eyed. At first Kobra Kid was scared to look, what hadn't he noticed? What was wrong? But then, finally, he made himself look. And it wasn't something awful. In fact, it was something he'd hoped for, but didn't think would actually happen, not right now, anyway.

Party Poison was opening his eyes.

"Fuck." It was a particularly unceremonious way for Party Poison to announce he was conscious, and therefore the only way fitting. He blinked, slowly, a few times, before finally focusing and taking everyone in. "You are real, right?" He asked. The Killjoys weren't sure whether to be amused or worried by that statement. They were in Better Living, after all. Who knows what they might've done that could prompt that question. "We're real, Poison." Fun Ghoul assured him. "And so fucking glad to see you." He had to stop himself from reaching past Kobra Kid and hugging Party Poison. Instead he reached out his hand, and took Party Poison's up in his, squeezing gently. Party Poison made a small attempt to squeeze back, it wasn't much, but it was more than enough. Then Party Poison caught sight of Rave, and he smiled. "Should've known." He said.

From the doorway then, the one person they'd all forgotten briefly, "As much as I'm enjoying this emotional reunion scene… You might want to be getting a fucking move on." On hearing that voice, Party Poison flinched, and thought they had their ideas on why, no one, not even Fun Ghoul, knew exactly. "It's ok." Fun Ghoul told him. "He's helping." Party Poison looked at Fun Ghoul, frowning, he wasn't so sure about that, clearly. Then Saint Jimmy came closer, striding towards the Killjoys, towards Party Poison in particular. Party Poison tried backing away, didn't want Saint Jimmy near him, but he could barely move, and the fear was more than obvious. Kobra Kid, not needing any further indication, pulled Party Poison closer to himself, an arm going across him, protectively, a glared, fierce warning sent Saint Jimmy's way, but still Saint Jimmy came closer. Finally, he crouched down beside Party Poison, ignoring everyone else, Saint Jimmy was entirely focused on him. And that just made Party Poison press closer against his brother. "I know I've given you enough reasons to hate me." Saint Jimmy said, finally. "But right now, we've got a bigger enemy." A long pause as Party Poison considered this. Then, eventually, he nodded. "Right." Saint Jimmy said, standing up. "How about we get the fuck out of here, huh?"

Fun Ghoul was the first to his feet, heading towards the stand which was just slightly off to the left of where Party Poison had until very recently been displayed. It was another display, all by itself, and again, one the company was proud of, one that mocked the Killjoys. They had Party Poison's gun, mask and jacket, each on it's own stand. Further proof they had the Killjoy leader, that they'd stripped everything that marked him out as a rebel away from him.

Personally, Fun Ghoul thought it very convenient of them to hold them in the same room, meant they wouldn't have to go looking for them. While Kobra Kid and Rave helped Party Poison to his feet, Fun Ghoul grabbed the three items and then headed back over to them. Fun Ghoul handed the jacket over first, and with a little help, Party Poison got it on, he grimaced slightly as the fabric touched and rubbed against his damaged skin, but in truth he was glad to have something covering him again. Thinking that Party Poison wouldn't need it just yet, Fun Ghoul started to attach the gun and holster (which had been just next to the gun on the stand) to his own belt. "Ghoul." Party Poison said as he did. Fun Ghoul looked up at Party Poison, waiting to hear what he wanted. "I know I can't use it right now but… Can I have it, please?" Already undoing the holster again, Fun Ghoul nodded. Yes, of course, he understood, he felt stupid for thinking any different. Fun Ghoul moved closer, attaching the gun to Party Poison's belt for him, and that's when he noticed. The buckle of Party Poison's belt was undone. As was the button on his jeans, and the zip ever so slightly down. No one else had noticed, Fun Ghoul was sure, he hadn't seen until now, there'd been too many other horrors to take in. But this… This could either mean nothing at all, or it could mean something awful. Fun Ghoul looked up at Party Poison, slightly wide eyed. He saw, straight away, from the look in his eyes, that Party Poison knew. There was also a silent plea, one that echoed an audible one from so recently "tell no one". Without a word, Fun Ghoul finished fixing the gun holster, and at the same time, subtly managed to fix both jeans and belt. "Thanks." Party Poison said, with a small smile. Fun Ghoul held out the mask then, offering it, but Party Poison shook his head, he didn't want anything touching his face, and the idea of having something around his neck, however loose, made him feel uneasy. "Keep hold of it for me, ok?" Fun Ghoul nodded, slipping the mask over his head, letting it dangle around his neck like Party Poison had on various occasions. "Can you walk?" Fun Ghoul asked, tentatively. Party Poison nodded. "With help, I think so." Then Fun Ghoul looked to both Kobra Kid and Rave, who were still holding Party Poison up. "You guys got him?" It was an unnecessary question, as if either of them, as if any of them would let Party Poison fall.

Saint Jimmy was at the door again, and this time he looked genuinely worried. "Hurry up you fuckers, they're coming!"

The first gun fight was fought and won before they'd even stepped out the door. Jet Star and Fun Ghoul had hurried forward, to fight side by side with Saint Jimmy. Only a few Dracs had been sent, clearly just a couple of scouts to see what was going on, so it was an easy win. They knew there'd be more though. And soon.

With Jet Star and Saint Jimmy out in front, and Fun Ghoul covering from behind, they made fast, relatively easy progress. Only a few times did Party Poison stumble slightly, but every time, Kobra Kid and Rave caught him quickly, pulling him back up, waiting until he gave the nod to carry on, then starting again.

A couple of small fights on their hands, though only a few Dracs each time, barely causing the Killjoys to pause. Still, they didn't dare let themselves get any less wary, and they knew this was nowhere near all they were going to face.

"We're gonna have to head out the main doors." Jet Star observed, as Saint Jimmy started heading down to where they'd come in. Saint Jimmy stopped, and stared at him, disbelieving. "You do know going out the front is fucking crazy, right? That's where they'll be expecting us." Jet Star nodded. "It's also the fastest and easiest way out of here, the sooner we can get Poison back home, the better."

"Brilliant plan." Saint Jimmy snipped, sarcastically. "Especially when you take into consideration the fact that going that way is fucking suicide!"

"We can make it." Jet Star argued, very certainly. Then Saint Jimmy grinned, nastily. "Oh yeah?" He said. "How'd that go for you boys last time?"

"Enough!" Fun Ghoul snapped, just as Jet Star looked ready for a comeback. He could sense the tenseness in the other Killjoys too, knew they weren't going to keep quiet much longer either, especially after that last comment. He had a feeling that if Kobra Kid hadn't been so busy worrying about Party Poison right now, Saint Jimmy would be on the floor already. "We do not have time for arguing, for fucks sake!" Fun Ghoul continued. "We're going with Jet's idea. It's quicker, it's easier and we're nearer there anyway. Now all we-" He was cut off by an ear-piercing siren starting up. Half the lights in the corridor went out, replaced by red flashing ones. For a few stunned seconds none of them moved. "Fuck." Fun Ghoul breathed, barely heard by even those standing closest. "Alright." he then shouted, more than easily heard over the din. "That's their defence call, we'd better move faster now."

They knew it wouldn't be fast enough, even before they got to the end of the corridor, they saw the main lobby was filled with Dracs and Scarecrow agents. "Fuck." Saint Jimmy muttered, halting before they got there, everyone else followed his lead, stopping just behind him. Fun Ghoul came up to join Saint Jimmy, and he just as quickly saw how surrounded they were. "We're gonna have to be smart about this." He said. "Bit fucking late for that." Saint Jimmy muttered. "Stick to the way we have it." Fun Ghoul continued, "Jet, Saint you guys go out ahead and-""Yeah. That's right." Saint Jimmy quipped, "Make us go out first, never mind us, right? Just look out for yourself." With barely a seconds pause, Fun Ghoul finally snapped, and shoved Saint Jimmy against the wall. "I am looking out for Poison." He snarled. "But, I wouldn't expect a selfish bastard like you to understand that." Saint Jimmy grinned slightly. "Now, now. No need for name calling."

"I am sick of arguing with you! Now, for fucking once, listen to someone other than your fucking self!" Still with a small grin, Saint Jimmy saluted, sarcastically. "Whatever you say, sir." Fun Ghoul rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the others. "Kid, Rave, your focus is getting Poison out that door. Only fight if you have to, the three of us will cover you." Finally, focusing on Party Poison. "You doing ok?" The words felt silly, useless, but he had to ask. Party Poison looked up slightly, his eyes were trying to close and he looked horribly pale, but still he gave a small smile. "I'll make it." He said. "I know you will." Fun Ghoul agreed, gently holding Party Poison's head up with one hand under his chin. It seemed like he was trying to take Party Poison in, completely, but looking past the damage inflicted upon him. God. He was here. He was alive. Against the odds, Party Poison was alive. Of course he'd make it. Party Poison could survive anything. A quick, light kiss to Party Poison's forehead. If anyone had asked, he'd say it was for luck, but…

"Let's get on with this fucking suicide mission already." Saint Jimmy cut in.

As planned, Saint Jimmy and Jet Star went out in front, both their guns firing at the same time, taking out a good chunk of the first line of Dracs easily.

The rest of it wasn't so easy.

Rave and Kobra Kid did exactly as they'd been instructed, heading straight for the door. Though, naturally, Kobra Kid couldn't help shooting down a couple of Dracs, Fun Ghoul had been nearer each time, but no way was Kobra Kid leaving this building without taking down some of those who were part of the company that was responsible for what'd happened to his brother. After the fifth one though, Fun Ghoul caught up to Kobra Kid, hissed at him, "Enough, Kid. I've got it, concentrate on Poison." Kobra Kid nodded, though as he headed forward, Fun Ghoul noticed Kobra Kid did not put his gun away. Stubborn as his brother.

Finally though, with many Drac and Scarecrow casualties and only a few minor injuries to themselves, the Killjoys all got out, more or less safely.

But then they suddenly realised, they were down a number. Rave noticed it first, and, while still not letting go of Party Poison, she twisted her head round to see back into the building, in which a fight was still obviously waging. "Ghoul!" She screamed. The other Killjoys stopped, looking back instantly. They all saw the same thing. Five Dracs still standing, all advancing on Fun Ghoul, who was darting back and forth, dodging their shots. They saw one more Drac go down, but then a shot hit Fun Ghoul, in his side, causing him to drop his gun momentarily, before quickly snatching it up again. "We can't leave him." Rave said, anxiously. Kobra Kid agreed, "Someone's got to go back in and get him."

"Guys, we need to get Poison back to-"

"I know that, Jet." Rave snapped. "But we are not leaving Ghoul behind!"

"Wasn't suggesting that, Rave." Jet Star told her, gently. Then Rave turned her attention to Saint Jimmy. "Jimmy, please…" Saint Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Jimmy. I can't leave Poison, but I will not-""I'm going. I'm going!" Saint Jimmy cut in, already running back as he did.

Just as Fun Ghoul dodged another blast he suddenly realised he'd made a huge misstep. He felt his back hit the wall, the only way he could go was forwards now, closer to the Dracs. Fuck, his side hurt where he'd been hit. But he couldn't let up, couldn't give up, had to keep fighting. Had the others got out ok? He hoped so, he thought he'd seen them get to the door at least. He didn't feel abandoned. He knew they were all worried about Party Poison, he understood. That was who he was worried about too. He was not important, Party Poison was. "Keep running." Fun Ghoul muttered as he made his bold attempt forward. Immediately he felt a hot pain to his shin, and he fell to the floor. Fuck. Fuck. He tried to get up, but his leg refused to support him, and he kept falling back down again. The Drac that'd shot him stepped closer, then shot again, this time at Fun Ghoul's foot. He cried out, tears threatening to blind him, Fun Ghoul still raised his gun, aiming it at the Drac. Another shot, his arm this time, and Fun Ghoul dropped his gun for the second time. Still the Drac came closer. Fun Ghoul could tell he was enjoying this, as much as a Drac enjoys anything. He wasn't just taking out one of the Fabulous Killjoys, he was doing it slowly, revelling in it, making sure the Killjoy endured as much pain as possible, that he was as damaged as possible, that he was as scared and beaten as possible. Again, Fun Ghoul tried to get up, fell back down, cried out again as he did, pushing himself back, away from the Drac all the while. Soon he felt that wall behind him again. No where left to go. Still the Drac advanced, until he was looming directly over Fun Ghoul. He pressed himself as close to the wall as possible, bringing his knees as close to his body as he could, but Fun Ghoul resisted the urge to look away from his executioner. Stared right up at him, past the gun aimed at his head, directly to the masked face. Yes, Fun Ghoul was scared, terrified. But he would not show it, eyes shining with tears he didn't know were trailing down his face, Fun Ghoul still looked defiant. Only one thing running through his mind. I'm sorry Poison, I tried. Involuntarily Fun Ghoul closed his eyes when the shot was fired.

He wondered why it didn't hurt.

Fun Ghoul opened his eyes just in time to see the Drac in front of him fall to it's knees, then keel over on it's side. Bewildered, he looked up again, and saw Saint Jimmy standing over him, his gun still smoking slightly. Quickly holstering his gun, Saint Jimmy then held out a hand to Fun Ghoul. "What the fuck would you Killjoys do without me, huh?" Fun Ghoul was too relieved and grateful to be annoyed at that comment, he reached out his hand, but grimaced as he realised that was the arm that'd been shot, then offered the other hand, and, with a lot of help from Saint Jimmy, got to his feet, just about managing to grab his gun before he was upright. Fun Ghoul saw that Saint Jimmy had also managed to take out all the other Dracs, and he couldn't help feeling like they'd won.

Finally they reached the car, the others were already inside, Jet Star in the drivers seat, engine already running. Fun Ghoul slipped into the back, while Saint Jimmy got in the front passenger seat. Jet Star twisted round, "Good to see you made it out, Ghoul." Fun Ghoul nodded, his attention already on the other people in the car, one in particular.

Kobra Kid was next to him, with Rave the other side, and they'd, very carefully, laid Party Poison across them both. Slightly curled up and on his side, Fun Ghoul could see that Party Poison's breathing was a little too heavy, and, though his face was towards Rave, it was still possible to see that his eyes were closed again. "How is he?" Fun Ghoul asked. Kobra Kid was silent, possibly the shock of everything had finally hit him, both hands were tight on his brothers legs, which were resting in Kobra Kid's lap. Looked like he was unwilling to let him go. His head was turned in the direction of Party Poison, eyes fixed and staring. It was Rave, who, just about tearing her eyes away from Party Poison answered, "He's unconscious again, but…"

But… She didn't know. Didn't know what to say. Instead she tried a small smile, reached out her hand to Fun Ghoul, "God, I'm glad you got out. I was so worried." Fun Ghoul took the hand offered, squeezed. "Don't worry about me." Getting her hand back, Rave gently stroked it through Party Poison's much shorter hair. Fun Ghoul leant forward, trying to get a better look at Party Poison. It was then that Jet Star turned around again, though only briefly, as, Fun Ghoul now realised, they were already on the road again. "Ghoul. Rave and Kid have Poison, and I've got the wheel. Now might be a good time for you to rest." Fun Ghoul nodded, sat back, closed his eyes and tried to do just that. He was exhausted, after all.

But he couldn't help his eyes opening and looking over at Party Poison every few seconds.