A sound I can only describe as “scuffing” makes its way down the hall. Then, Korse’s voice. “I only need Poison. The rest can rot.” Hearing his voice brought me back to all those years of physical and mental torture. I pulled Party closer than usually comfortable and buried my face in his jacket. “Pink… are you… you’re shaking. Pink, Calm. Down.” He wrapped his arms around me rather awkwardly and we began inching away from all the commotion. The progress was slow (I was clinging to him like death), but we were a few feet away when Korse spoke again. “He’s just ONE PUNK! Can’t you do anything right?!”

I began to cry then as all my cuts and bruises came to life. “Party” my voice was trembling “I’m scared.” “Do you have a mask, Pink?” I nodded slowly and pulled it out of the inside of my jacket. Party had to put it on me. My fingers were shaking too hard. Then, he put on his mask. Then, he picked me up and began running into the darkness.

It was hard to see where we were going, but Party seemed to know the way back. A few minutes later, I calmed down. “Party… I’m O.K. now.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” He stopped running and placed me gently on my feet. He then took my hand. “Pink… no matter what happens, Keep Running.” It was a brief moment in which Party’s lips were on mine, wrapping me in a passionate kiss. I pushed him away. “You can’t… I’m the enemy.” Party shook his head. “You’re one of us now, Pink.” He kissed me again and for a moment, I forgot that we were in danger. “Come with me, Pink.” He whispered into my ear. “Yes.” He kissed me again and we began running again.

“Party!” Fun Ghoul yelled. “I’m here, Fun. Korse opened a hatch somewhere and is looking for us… for me.” Fun Ghoul lit a match. There was no trace of humor on his face. “So it’s code red then?” Party nodded gravely and Fun Ghoul gave him a sadistic smile. “I’ve been waiting for this.” Jet got up from the floor. “My ankle is wrapped. Put me in the fight.” Party nodded. “We need every man we can get. Where’s Kobra?” “Here” I was yanked away from Party and suddenly the whole area lit up like a campfire. Something was put over my eyes.

---

“You’ll shut up, right Poison? Or do I have to gag you too.” A bitter laugh erupted out of Kobra as Party was tied up. “Kobra! What did they do to you?!” “I fixed him up.” Korse’s voice “Now, he isn’t completely worthless. Like you.”
Party was shoved into a chair, where Fun Ghoul’s nightmare suddenly became a reality and he found himself telling Korse everything he knew. “You met my daughter, right? Kind of remind me of you, which I hate. At least she’s good for experiments.” “No…” Party said groggily “She’s smart, sweet and I think I’m in love with her.” Inside himself, Party screamed, but he had no control of him words or actions anymore. Where was Pink? Was she okay? He tried to listen around himself, but he couldn’t hear her. Maybe she had gotten away. He hoped so.

---

Party felt his clothes being ripped away as he was thrown somewhere hot and wet. A shower?! Really?! Under other circumstances it would be enjoyable… but not today. Finally, after what seemed for hours, the dark cloth was removed from his eyes. Another prison, but this time he was alone. He looked himself over. He was now wearing white cotton clothes and his rebellious hair had been tamed.

Everything was presentable, sterile, collectible and most of all, safe.

Notes