Sand. The sand was sticking to her fingers, drawing deep holes into her pores. Her breathing was ragged, it hurt her. Breathing was hurting her and she couldn’t do anything about it. She felt dirty and empty. The last time someone touched her like that was one of the few times she’d wished she’d die. When Korse dragged her out of her cell, only to drug and crush her down. Or when the Dracs locked her up in their car - with their filthy hands and haunting masks. Stealing the last bit of innocence she thought she had. The voices in her head argued together, telling her to never get close to someone again. Because she’d end up hurt instantly, sinking into her incompleteness.

But the voices from her heart were saying otherwise, she remembered Party's gentleness, his soft fingers brushing her skin. She never felt a hand on her like that, it was warm, and caring. Even if this was bringing back terrible memories, she couldn’t deny the fact that she willingly drifted away when the Killjoy touched her. She didn’t cry or curse like she usually did with Korse. No, this time, she felt something strange, something she never known before, something like... desire.

And that simple realization totally scared the shit out of her.

She painfully stood up, finally able to get her spirit back. She strolled over to the cans who were now pierced and laying aimlessly across the soil. She couldn’t believe her eyes. How could someone like Party, could only whisper in her ear and make her shoot goddamn perfectly?

This made no sense.

Or did it?

She needed to get back to the dinner. This crazy day needed to end. Bonnie ran to the backdoors and pushed them open, violently. She made her way to her bed and curled against the cold mattress. She fell asleep as soon as she closed her eyes.

*

Party Poison was smoking a cigarette on the roof of the diner. It was still dark, you couldn’t see anything apart from the dunes of sand and the black canvas of the sky. This was the place he always went to, whenever he needed to be alone. When the war days wore on him, when he felt like all hope was lost. He would always gaze at the nothing, hoping to feel something again in his soul. To get his power back, to keep on fighting - to awake his will to live alive. He couldn’t lie, death had danced with his mind longer than he’d wish for. But he knew suicide was the easy way out, the coward's way out. Though sometimes, it’s all you have left.

Being strong is hard, especially when your friends have died, when you’ve smelled and tasted their blood as you watched the horror, because you couldn’t fucking save them. He hadn’t grieved properly from all the incidents that happened in his life. But that very night, something else was on his mind…

He couldn’t stop thinking about Bonnie.

About the way their bodies just caressed unto one another. About how quickly he lost control the first time he allowed himself to touch her. The more he got closer, the harder it was to deny his attraction. But it was more than this, it was some sort of fascination. Because he didn’t know anything about her, he knew she was broken, just like him, but the little she’d gave only caused his mind to wonder more, to crave her more. He realized the bounds pulling him away were the very things drawing him back.

Party swallowed deeply, unable to chase the memories of her smell, the shape of her waist under his hand, her panting breathing against his mouth. If she hadn’t push him away, god knows what would’ve happen. He knew too damn well that he wouldn’t have stop. Maybe he would’ve kissed her, laid her gently on the sand. Maybe he would of made love to her.
Yeah, he probably would of.

Party shook his head, sensing his mind going too far. His heart twitched a little, realizing Bonnie would never want to get close to him again.

*

The next morning, the day went on like it usually did. Ghoul and Kobra were sitting on their booth, carefully listening to Dr. Death’s broadcast. They both swallowed down Power Pup Cans and tried to keep a straight face, as this paste wasn’t your typical breakfast meal. It was thick and bitter, it filled you up but stole your appetite, making you wish you’d never have to eat again. Jet was out for the watch that day, he woke up early and left immediately, leaving a note on the front door. It seemed like an army of Dracs had crossed the fifth’s zone at dawn. The other Killjoys on the ground needed reinforcement and Jet was the first to answer the call.

Bonnie had just woke up. The dry light of the day entered her eyes like blades. She almost forgot where she was for a moment, but once noticing the metal walls and stacks of boxes surrounding her, she snapped back to reality. She yawned and twisted her members, making up the fact that another day was about to start, unaware of what was in store for her. She had wild dreams that night, they were still blurry but she swore that Party was in them. Bonnie groaned slightly, already anxious to bump into him, she stood on her feet and took a deep breath. She pushed her bedroom door open, letting the creaking sound echo in the hall. Too late to be incognito now.

She joined Ghoul and Kobra who were painfully delighting themselves with cold coffee and cans, jaunting their side with a shy smile plastered on her face.

“Morning.” She muttered.

Ghoul’s eyes sparked like they always did. “Hey Buns, how’s the morning treating ya?”

She shrugged. “Just fine. Can I have some of that coffee thing?” She asked, peeking an eye in their mugs.

Ghoul grinned. “Oh, you mean my shitty brew?” He scoffed playfully.

Bonnie hushed a laugh and nodded. “Yeah, shitty brew.”

“Be right back.” He shot, Ghoul rushed away and went for the coffeemaker that had been forgotten a while ago on the counter next to the sink, the liquid in it wasn’t fresh but they had to restrict their supplies. Sadly, fresh coffee was just a one-time-a-day thing. Or maybe two, when shits got serious.

“So, how’s the ray gun going so far? Any progress on the aim?” Kobra asked Bonnie who seemed to have deep thoughts as she fixed the window. She wondered where Party was, scared to see him snap out of nowhere.

“Ow, hum…” She twitched, remembering the fatal reason to why she succeeded. “Y-yeah…scored pretty big last night.”

Kobra seemed surprised. “Really? That’s weird, don’t remember Ghoul telling me.”

“That’s because he wasn’t with me, I uh… went on my own.” She confessed.

“You did? Wow. Well, good job Bonnie. Maybe you’ll soon be ready to watch the zones with us, who knows.” Kobra winked at her and slurped his coffee. He then drew his attention back to the radio.

Bonnie snorted a laugh and shrugged. “Hopefully, yeah.”

“There you go Buns! Sorry if it’s cold, but I made sure to spice it with love.” Ghoul claimed as he flung a mug in front of her face.

“Ow!” She hissed. “Well, it’s the attention that counts, thanks Ghoul.” She reassured him. Though when she took a sip, she couldn’t help but grimace at the bitter taste.

“Told ya.” Ghoul snapped, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I can take it.” She smiled, still swallowing.

“Oh I know that.” He taunted.

Bonnie was about to say something again but to her own surprise, Party Poison shoved the front doors open, clashing them loudly against the walls. Everybody jumped at the sound.

“GUYS!” He shouted. Party rushed to the others quickly, an alarmed look on his face. He pressed his hands on the table, causing it to shake under Bonnie’s elbows. “You need to come, I think someone broke into our supply shelter!” He quickly babbled, out of breath.

“What?” Ghoul’s innocent cast instantly switched to panic. “Who? When?” He grabbed his gun.

“I don’t know!” Party snapped. “But we need to found out, I doubt it’s a Killjoy.”

Bonnie stared at Party, but his disturbing statement had now pushed her shyness away. “Do you think it could be Dracs?” She asked.

Party glanced at her, squinting. “That’s merely impossible, but then again… I don’t fucking know.” He licked his lips nervously. “Probably someone who’s looking for trouble.”

“What are you waiting for then? Let’s get the fuck outta here!” Kobra stated from the back.

Party nodded and turned around, everybody did the same and walked outside. The supply shelter was just a little cabin they’ve built in case a misery happened to their diner. It was located a few meters away from the main location. The 4 Killjoys ran in the broad daylight, feet sweeping sand as they held their guns. Once reaching the shelter, you could immediately see the mutilated door lock. Not like it was really secured before, but something definitely happened there, someone had forced it open - someone who didn’t belong there.

Party was leading the group, sliding against the wall while Bonnie followed behind with Ghoul and Kobra in the back.

“Come on, get in!” Ghoul grunted.

Party turned around. “Shhh.” He hushed tensely, placing a finger on his mouth. He pressed his gun against his cheek, gliding closer to the entrance. Everybody copied his moves, making sure to stay silent but acute on the line. Party carefully peeked the tip of his head in the butchered crack of the wooden frame. His body was shaking from the awkward position. Bonnie kept on waiting, her eyes not quitting the Killjoy in front of her, back plastered on the cabin.

Party nodded and gesticulated his arms, telling the others to come closer. “Alright, in 3…” He whispered, turning his head. “2…” His gaze locked on Bonnie. “1… GO!”

Once the signal was announced, the four of them blitzed at the door, kicking it with their army of feet. The large panels shattered on the ground, bouncing on the floor a couple of times just before knocking down one last time, steady and still, revealing the inside of the shelter. At first, clouds of dirt and sand were smudging the view, but as the particles faded in the air, a curious figure drew in sight. Party crawled cautiously towards it, aiming his gun ever so slightly. Bonnie took a leap of faith and pursued him. Ghoul was just behind, keeping an eye on them. Kobra on the other hand was scanning the area outside, in case intruders came out, because this could totally be a trap. Party moved closer, the interior of the shelter was empty apart from the BLI crates stacked on each side, but in the back, something was moving.

“Who’s there?” Party claimed. “Whoever you are, show yourself, right now.” His sharp voice commanded.

But his attempts gave no answer. He got closer again, heart skipping beats.

“WHO’S THERE? SHOW YOURSELF OR I’LL SHOOT I SWEAR!” Party yelled this time. His fingers were just a few inches away from the trigger.

“D-d-on’t shoot me….” A weak voice replied. “I-I don’t mean you no harm….” The voice was trembling, it sounded like a female’s voice, very fragile and young.

Bonnie’s stomach instantly turned, she swore she recognized that voice. It sounded familiar, connecting with parts of her brain, she’s heard those cries before.

“SHOW YOUR DAMN SELF!” Party barked, not letting his guard down for a second.

“Wait!” Bonnie objected, throwing herself on Party.

He frowned at her. “What?”

“Don’t move.” She mumbled, staring straight into the fire of his eyes.

Party squinted, trying to understand what she was doing. But soon, her black pupils pierced right through him and made him know she was in charge. He had no choice but to leave his ego behind. He dropped his gun to his side and nodded, letting Bonnie guide the way. Bonnie staggered towards the sobbing figure, ready to bet her life that this would be who she thought it was. Ghoul was still in the back, observing the scene.

“Who are you? I’m not going to hurt you, but please, show yourself to me.” Bonnie told gently.

The figure was shaking, hesitating.

“Please, I promise, I won’t shoot.” Bonnie swore.

The silhouette started to crawl towards the daylight, slowly revealing it’s true identity.

Bonnie gasped, her blood turned cold. This stranger was no stranger to her. It was a Droid, her dear friend, River. Long had she seen her, before the fires came, they used to keep each other company. But one day she disappeared, leaving Bonnie wonder what could’ve happened to her. She really thought she was dead.

“River, is that you?” Bonnie whimpered, fixing the damaged Droid who curled against the wall.

The familiar stranger lifted her silver eyes, a sudden spark enlightening them. “B-bonnie?”

“Oh god River!” Bonnie reached her side to grab her hands. But one of her arms was missing. “What are you doing here River?”

River had blue synthetic hair, her skin was purplish-grey, but the fragile beauty she once held was now wrecked. She was in terrible pain, tarnished and battered.

“Bonnie… i-i-it’s you… it’s really you….Ow... I was looking for you…” River mumbled, barely able to speak.

“I’m here now, you found me, I’m here.” Bonnie hushed, cupping her cheeks. “Party, Ghoul! We need to help her quick!”

Party reached Bonnie’s side and kneeled down. “Who is she?” He asked agitatedly, observing the droid.

“She’s an old friend, a droid from the city. Please Party just trust me, we need to help her.”

Party glanced at Bonnie quickly, the crucial look on her face made him realize they had no time to waste. He nodded eagerly. “Alright, Ghoul, help me get this droid to the diner!” He urged his friend.

Ghoul quickly rushed in and helped Party, they both grabbed River by her legs and shoulders, making sure not to hurt her. They strolled outside and hopped towards the diner, Bonnie followed closely behind.

“What’s going on?” Kobra shot when he spotted them.

“No time to explain, just get inside!” Bonnie babbled, running past him.

Ghoul and Party smashed the front doors opened, aiming towards the emergency room. They laid River on the metal table, wrapping her up with a blanket. Though there was one problem, Jet wasn’t there. He was the doctor of the group and the 4 Killjoys started panicking once realizing that fact, Jet wouldn't be back before night time. Party Poison searched in vain through the cabinets, throwing needles and pills on the floor, he was clearly improvising - his impulsive temper was awake once again.

“For christ's sake Party, what are you trying to do?” Ghoul questioned, glaring at the red-haired Killjoy.

“I don’t fucking know! Maybe find some oil or anything that’d come handy!”

Kobra stopped his brother. “Just leave it, I can take care of it.” He informed. “I’m not a doctor, but I know a lot about electronics.”

Party sighed and nodded, realizing the mess he just made. "Alright brother, you're our only hope now."

Bonnie's eyes widened. “You really think you can save her Kobra?” She panted, holding River’s hand. The droid was unconscious now.

“Yeah, but I’ll need my tool case, it’s somewhere in my bedroom.”

“I'll go get it.” Ghoul told, rushing out to find the proper instruments.

After a couple of seconds, Ghoul came back, holding a large case in hand, he placed it on a little stool right near Kobra and River.

“Thank you.” Kobra shot, approaching the droid. “You can leave now, I’ll examine her and see what I can do.”

The rest of the group nodded and left the scene, closing the door behind them. Bonnie peeked through the crack one last time, unable to leave her injured friend. But Kobra muttered a “It’s okay” to make her know everything was under control. She finally shut the door, closing her eyes and seeking the heavens for help. She slowly turned around, facing the hallway, Ghoul and Party were already gone in the kitchen. Bonnie started making her way to the front but then, something in her mind clicked, something she should of realized a while ago. River had one missing arm. This means the arm that she found at the gas station was probably hers, she must of travelled all this way to find her. This was crazy because the 6th zone was so far away from the city. River probably walked for days or weeks to get here. Dracs were surely on their way now...

But, why? Why did she do this? Bonnie knew how hard it was to survive in the desert, it's not something you do unless you don't have any other choice.

Something terrible must of happened…

Something in Battery City, a dark secret, way beyond the bounds of her imagination...

May time give her answers.

Notes

Sorry for the long wait, I just needed a break.