As the trans am emerged into the sunlight, Party squinted, lowering the car’s sun visor; the beginnings of a headache starting to form. From their seats in the back, Jet and Red could see surprised Draculoids running towards their motorcycles. From their expressions Red could imagine that the last transmission from those inside the hospital was that it was simply a waiting game and that the Killjoys would try the impossible escape plan vocalised by Jet to cover the real plan. Now it was the Killjoys’ job to lead the draculoids away so that the doctors could escape. From her vantage point on the left of the car, Red had a clear view of the rear of the hospital, where they had waited.

“There’s only three,” she announced, drawing her ray gun and frowning at the plain whiteness of it. She would address that as soon as possible - maybe something in purple and green?
“Bringing us around to the front now,” Party laughed, despite the headache forming, he was still feeling quite drunk and with it a feeling of careless abandon.

As the car swerved around the side of the building, raising much laughter inside the car as all occupants where thrown to the right, Party suddenly frowned.

“Ghoul!” He cried. “I’m sorry, babe. Kinda overcompensated there.”
“It’s okay,” Ghoul forced out, pale and clutching his side.”
“You’re hurt,” Party replied, still concerned. “I should be thinking about how not to make it worse.”
“Heh!” Ghoul managed a throaty chuckle. “I’m still pretty drunk, so I kinda don’t care. Keep your mind on driving, not me!”
“It’s hard!”
“Well, stop thinking about me then,” he replied dissolving into a painful fit of giggles.
“Ew, Party!” Kobra gasped in mock horror. “Save it for the bedroom!”
“Concentrating on driving’s hard!” Party growled.
“Well,” Kobra began, with Jet and Red joining in immediately, seeing where the words were heading, “stop thinking about him then!”

Losing his indignation, Party chuckled, giving in to the humour. As he did, Ghoul stretched his arm across from the passenger seat and patted Party’s crotch.

“Hey!” Party gasped in surprise.
“I was right the first time,” he added, alternately laughing and grimacing as the pain cut through his drunken haze.

Looking out of the door window, Party saw another four draculoids, slightly more prepared than the ones at the rear of the hospital and he had to assume that they had been warned.

“Jet? Red? Ready?” He asked, his tone turning suddenly serious.
“Ready,” the pair chorused in return as that stood to fire at the approaching draculoids.

Using two guns each, Jet and Red picked off the first three relatively easily and a fourth accidentally when one of the motorbikes clipped the wheel of another as the draculoid fell from his seat. The fourth skidding out of control and throwing its rider onto the side of the road. It wasn’t certain whether he was still alive as, at the very least, he had been knocked unconscious.

Continuing to lead the remaining draculoids away from the hospital, Party grinned as, in his rear view mirror and obscured by dust and sand kicked up in the chase, he saw the faint outline of a second car leaving the hospital and heading in the opposite direction. Pressing the pedal to the floor, Party buried the tachometer needle in the red zone and began pulling away at high speed. Bracing themselves against the increase in speed, Jet and Red continued to fire, picking off one more before the remaining two brought their motorbikes slowly to a halt. Across the top of the car, Jet and Red holstered one each of their guns and reached over to greet each other with an enthusiastic high five. Inside the car, cheers and whooping filled the air. They were free and only a forty minute drive from their destination.

The hospital had once been a little way outside of the town of Nystad. It was said that there had once been another town where the hospital stood, but nobody was certain. Now as the town had grown, the hospital was now on the outskirts, with a few local dwellings nearby, some of which may well have been abandoned. A large town by Zone standards, home to some twenty-five thousand people, it was still only a short drive from one side to the other. The Killjoys had a very specific location in mind - the home and retail premises of clothing designer, tailor and vendor, Kami Kazee.

*

Korse opened his eyes half way; the spot on his neck where Kobra had hit him had bloomed into a dark blue and red bruise and even the smallest movements sent sharp pain both up behind his ear and down into his shoulder. The floor was cold, a little grubby and there was a distinct smell of alcohol in the air. Finally raising his eyes he saw, to his intense frustration, the door open and the Killjoys and the doctors gone. He would not shout for help, not only was it humiliating, but whilst he remained in the now abandoned hospital, his wrists in restraints and his ankles bound, he was in significant danger.

“Korse to draculoids. Guard status imperative.”

His voice was muted and hoarse. Coughing to try to clear his throat, he almost didn’t hear the reply.

“Almost with you, sir,” came a nervous reply.

Even though the words were heard through a microphone set underneath the skin behind his right ear, he noticed that he could also hear the words being spoken in the corridor. At least now he knew it was safe to shout.

“In here!” He called, his voice still gravelly.

The sound of shuffling and the clatter of boots settling into a gentle run reached him - but not fast enough.

“In here! Now!” He bellowed.

Even with their masks on, their body language and hesitant movements - almost trying to withdraw even as they approached Korse - showed that they felt sheepish and scared. Without needing to ask the question, Korse’s shoulders sagged and he exhaled deeply. How had seven people including one severely injured and one starved almost to the point of passing out have overcome three squads of Draculoids? It was impossible to imagine. The two draculoids in the room, unknown to Korse, were the only ones still alive and conscious. But they would be unfortunate enough to feel the brunt of his fury.

“Don’t just stand there!” Korse roared. “Release me!”
“S-sir!” One responded, his voice shaking almost as much as his hands.

Reaching into his pocket for a key as he knelt at Korse’s side, he fumbled and dropped it. The small tinkling sound irritating Korse all the more.

“Get these off me, you fool! Do you want to be processed?” He growled.

It was true to say that the draculoid wanted to flee the room, leaving him there, but knew that it would be the end of his life if he did.

“I’m sorry, sir,” he mumbled instead, picking up the key and trying with all his strength to keep his hands from shaking so much that he couldn’t fit it into the lock, or worse still - if he dropped it again.

Finally releasing Korse from the restraints as the other managed to untie his ankles, the draculoid stood to help Korse to stand.

“Now,” he sighed, without much hope. “Tell me you captured the Killjoys.”

Both draculoids merely stared in return, barely daring to respond.

“Any of them? One of them?” He asked with pointed disdain.
“No, sir,” one of them replied. “I don’t know how they did it, sir, but every draculoid in the hospital was rendered unconscious.”
“Unconscious?” Korse’s expression darkened. “And yet somehow, not themselves?”
“That’s right, sir.” He swallowed hard. “As I said, I don’t know how they did it.”
“And you?” Korse pressed. “Somehow you are quite awake, but you didn’t stop them escaping!”
“Sir, we were outside, but we weren’t expecting them. They announced a plan... a different plan, completely different. When they drove out, we were taken by surprise. We chased after them, but they had a head start and they managed to kill four of us.”
“But not you? And you let them drive away?”

The tension in Korse’s body was spilling out into the room and spreading itself to the two nervous draculoids. His clenched jaw ensured that the words were almost fired from his mouth like bullets from a gun and the effect was just as devastating. There was only one thing the draculoid could say that would redeem them from certain death.

“Sir, we had to. We knew you were alone in here, you were unconscious, possibly hurt. We didn’t know how long the others would be out for and we couldn’t leave you without protection.”

Korse exhaled slowly. The tension inside him flowing out with his breath. He couldn’t fault them for their loyalty.

“Let’s get back to Battery City,” Korse growled. “You can drive,” he said pointing to the draculoid who had just spoken, “and you can be my outrider.
“What about the others, sir? They might need medical attention.”
“Leave them,” he spat, “if they wake up, their motorbikes are still here, they can make their way back.”
“And if they don’t?” One asked.
“Good point,” Korse nodded. “I’ll send a truck to collect the motorbikes and their masks.”

Behind their masks, the draculoids’ eyes widened at the callous remark, but they weren’t prepared to argue further, for fear that he would reconsider their fate.

*

It was approaching six o’clock when the trans am pulled into the private underground parking beneath Kami’s shop and residence. The mood inside the car was subdued. The adrenaline rush of their escape and the inhaled alcohol had combined to create hangovers. Lack of money and supplies had seen to it that none of them had even seen alcohol for years, never mind drinking it and now, the after effects seemed powerful.

“I preferred it when I felt nothing,” Ghoul grumbled.
“How are you feeling?” Party turned a concerned expression toward the younger man.
“Tired, sore and sick,” he sighed in response.
“We’re here now,” Party replied switching off the engine and giving Ghoul’s hand a light squeeze. “You can rest and I have the meds you need to help you heal.”

Ghoul offered a weak smile and lifted Party’s hand to kiss it. Party looked fit to drop but was only concerned for his welfare.

“You need rest too,” Ghoul commented.

Party grinned and shook his head.

“You’re inviting me to bed?” Party chuckled. “I thought you wanted to rest?”
“You know,” Kobra piped up, “I think I preferred it when you thought we didn’t know!”

Ghoul started laughing at the comment before falling almost immediately into a pained grimace as he clutched his stomach.

“We’re only talking, Kobra,” he chuckled finally. “It’s not like we’re doing it in front of you!”

Kobra flushed red at the comment as he recalled discovering that Ghoul had not only witnessed him and Red making love at Kami’s but had apparently watched.

“Well, if you did, I wouldn’t watch,” he grumbled.
“Relax, Kobra,” Ghoul smiled, “I didn’t watch. That would just be creepy and besides, the noises were more than enough!”

Kobra turned to look out of the window at nothing, relieved but still embarrassed to have it discussed openly.

Jet smiled at the interaction, having been no happier about the idea of Ghoul watching Red. Turning to Red, now leaning up against the window, sleeping soundly, Jet shook her shoulder gently.

“Red,” he spoke softly. “It’s time to wake up.”

A sound of disapproving reluctance reached his ears and his smile broadened. Party chuckled at the noise as he opened the car door to cross over to the passenger side to help Ghoul out. Kobra, glad of a change of scene and subject also stepped from the car to fetch the wheelchair from the trunk.

“Come on, Scarlet, we’re here, you have to get up.”
“Go away, Ray,” she mumbled in return.

Holding on to her as Party opened the passenger side door so she wouldn’t fall, Jet expected her to complain about him continuing to wake her, but she had drifted off again.

“I’ll carry her up,” Jet smiled as Kobra looked in to see how she was.
“It’s okay,” Kobra replied, “I’ll do it,” he added leaning down to scoop up his sleeping girlfriend.
“Thanks,” Jet nodded, pushing himself across the seat to the opposite side and stepping out into the semi-darkness. “Kami’s probably about to shut up shop.”
“Good timing then,” Kobra spoke quietly in return.
“Jet,” Party stood upright, “can you help me with Ghoul? I’m worried I’m not strong enough.”
“Hey!” Ghoul objected. “I’m not heavy!” He added with a slight pout.
“I know,” Party laughed, stroking his hair. “You’re as light as a feather, but I haven’t eaten since you went missing. I’m amazed I’m still standing!”

Ghoul turned concerned eyes toward Party, reaching for his hand in a comforting manner.

“I had no idea!” Ghoul gasped. “You must be running on adrenaline!”
“Probably,” Party shrugged. “But I think I’m empty.”

Jet, now at their side, reached down into the car and lifted Ghoul as gently as he was able, being careful to limit the amount of twisting he had to do and lowered him slowly into the wheelchair. Despite a grimace or two, Ghoul managed to hide the majority of his pain.

“Let it out, Ghoul,” Jet instructed. “I know I’m hurting you and I’m sorry.”

Obligingly, Ghoul let out a cry of pain and a deep sigh followed by four or five snatched breaths.

“It’s okay, Jet,” he gasped. “It’s not your fault, I know you did your best. I doubt anyone could have done it better,” he added. “I’ve just had a spike removed from my side. It’s going to hurt.”

Jet patted his shoulder comfortingly. He wasn’t certain it was true, but it was kind of him to say. Now, what they all needed was to get inside. Closing the car door and locking it, Party was about to head toward the door to the shop when a voice called out.

“Who’s there?”

It was a woman’s voice and it sounded fierce. Whoever it belonged to sounded as though she could look after herself in a fight.

“Kami?” Jet ventured. “Is that you?”
“Who wants to know and what are you doing in my garage?”
“It’s Jet, Kami,” he replied, now recognising her voice.
“Jet!” She called with excitement in her voice. “Did you manage to find Party?”
“They did,” Party confirmed as Kami switched on the lights.
“Oh, my!” She almost squeaked on seeing them all clustered around them car. “All of you! You’re safe!”

She broke into a run to greet them, only then noticing that Ghoul was sitting in a wheelchair. Racing to his side, she knelt and took his hand, whilst at the same time stroking his hair.

“Oh! Sweet Ghoul, you’re hurt! What happened?” She asked, placing a kiss on his cheek.
“We were in an explosion,” Party cut in before Ghoul had a chance to speak. “He saved my life.”
“Well, that’s because he loves you,” Kami looked up grinning, happy to see Party safe and sound. “I do too!” She announced, standing and throwing her arms around him. “Not in the same way, obviously,” she laughed.
“Kami, can we rest up here for a day or two?” Jet asked. “We’re all pretty fried, Kobra’s hurt his ankle, Ghoul’s had a chair leg removed from his side and Party’s been tortured and hasn’t eaten in days.”
“Oh, well, we can definitely remedy that,” she offered hugs to Jet, Kobra and Red as she spoke. “When was the last time the rest of you ate?”
“Er... for some of us it was when we were here. Kobra and I have eaten a little since then,” Jet replied with a tinge of guilt in his tone.
“Well, now,” Kami took the handles of the wheelchair. “I’ve just shut up shop. Let’s get you inside, get you fed, watered and rested. Then tomorrow I’ll show you the clothes I made for you all.”
“All?” Kobra turned a surprised glance toward her. “I thought you were making clothes for Red.”
“I thought I was already wearing them!” Red added, just as surprised as Kobra.
“I know all your measurements from last time I made you clothes. I thought it was about time you had new things.”
“But... Kami, we can’t pay you,” Jet admitted. “We can for Red’s clothes, but...”
“I don’t want you to,” Kami began to walk towards the elevator, pushing the wheelchair in front of her. “I wanted to do something for you, and this is all I can do. Well, that and look after you.”
“Kami...” Jet began, at a loss for what to say.
“I love you too, Jet,” she turned to pull him close and plant a kiss on his cheek. “Now come on, let’s get you all fit and well again.”

The Killjoys stared momentarily before following Kami to the elevator. Yes, they had helped Kami over the years, but she had more than repaid them with her unfailing kindness and generosity. They couldn’t believe their luck to have someone like Kami on their side. Her friendship and willingness to risk everything to help them was worth a thousand of Candi and Ice. One day, they hoped to be able to repay her, but for now, tired, hurting and hungry, they followed her to the elevator. Cheered by the thought of food and rest, they revelled in the fact that they were all safe and together again.

Notes

Hello lovely readers!

I hope you enjoy this instalment. I know it reads at the end like a final chapter, but there are a few loose ends to sort out before then and plenty going on, so stay tuned! :P

Thanks for reading, I do really appreciate it!

Take care
Sas xx