The stars lit up the night, bright and beautiful.  They laid underneath the sky, millions of stars illuminating them.  They laid close together as lovers do.  The man with bright red hair draped his arm around the other as they looked up at the stars.  The smaller one looked into the other's eyes as he said, "Hey Poison, I'm glad we have this time together tonight."

The man with the bright red hair, known as Party Poison, smiled.  He pushed back Fun Ghoul's long black hair and kissed his forehead.  Smiling, Party Poison said, "I'm glad too, it seems we never have time during the day with the massive number of Scarecrows... Hey Ghoul?"

"Yeah?" Fun Ghoul looked at Party Poison, his eyes reflecting the thousand stars.

"Call me Gerard," Party Poison sighed and brought a hand up to caress Fun Ghoul's cheek.  Party Poison could feel the dirt covering Fun Ghoul's face.  It'd been a rough and hot day in Zone 6.

Fun Ghoul tilted his head to one side.  Bringing a hand up to his chin, he said, "Gladly.  Don't you like your killjoy name?"

"I just want you to know my real one," Party Poison smiled widely.

"As you wish, Gerard," Fun Ghoul put emphasis on the name.  They continued to lay on the ground in each other's arms, looking at the stars.  As time passed, the stars faded and were replaced by sunlight.  As the sun rose, illuminating the desert hills of Zone 6, Party Poison knew they'd have to get going soon.  He turned to Fun Ghoul and put his lips on Fun Ghoul's.  He kissed him long and hard before pulling back.  Fun Ghoul leaned up and hovered over Party Poison, his hand resting on Party Poison's shoulder.

Quietly, Fun Ghoul said, "You know, we could just stay here."

Party Poison smiled, he did really want to stay here in this moment with Fun Ghoul, but they couldn't.  Poison whispered back, "I'd love to, but we can't.  Jet Star and Kobra Kid will be waiting for us."

Fun Ghoul sighed and leaned closer to Party Poison, "As long as I have you at night."

Party Poison smiled and put his hand through Fun Ghoul's hair, holding his head close.  Sweetly, Party Poison said, "You'll have me forever."

They kissed again, not wanting to move.  But as the sunlight continued to fill the sky, they pulled apart.  Party Poison stood up and walked to his motorcycle.  It's not his normal mode of transportation but it was a pretty sweet bike to find on a scarecrow.  Party Poison straddled the bike and Fun Ghoul climbed on the seat behind him, wrapping his arms around Party Poison.  Party Poison revved the engine and with one last look at the sunrise, drives off, down the hillside.

They pull up to the diner, Jet Star and Kobra Kid were waiting out front.  As Party Poison and Fun Ghoul walk up, Kobra Kid impatiently said, "Thank you for showing up.  The other killjoys are going to be here any time now."

Party Poison laughed and slapped Kobra Kid on the shoulder.  Laughingly, he said, "Relax, Kid."

Kobra Kid didn't look any more relaxed.  It was an important day because of the meeting.  They were meeting six other killjoys at the diner to talk about an attack on Better Living Industries.  Kobra Kid was uneasy about a collaboration and he'd been on edge ever since the idea was mentioned.  None the less, they all headed into the diner to wait.  Before they were inside, Party Poison pulled Kobra Kid aside and said, "I told Fun Ghoul my real name."

"Wow, that's big," Kobra Kid looked surprised, "Are you sure about that Brother?"

Party Poison rolled his eyes, "Well I can't exactly take it back, can I?"

"Well... congratulations," Kobra Kid smiled, patting Party Poison on the arm, and walked inside.  Party Poison let out an exasperated sigh and followed.

They waited in the diner for a while, the sunlight shifting the shadows in the room.  When the sun was high in the sky, a car pulled up in front of the diner.  The car was an old, black 2000 Cadillac, the driver was dressed in black and she had long black hair.  Six people got out of the car, the driver, two women and three men.  Kobra Kid opened the diner door and motioned inside.  "Quickly," he hissed.

Party Poison looked at the newcomers.  One of the women had neon purple hair and electric blue lips, she was wearing a sleeveless trench-coat with a big box that had the letters H D on the back.  The woman driving was wearing a cloak and had piercing green eyes.  Two of the men were tall and nothing but muscle.  But the third man was shorter and much skinnier.  On closer look, the man had tattoos all up his arms and short black hair.  When Party Poison stood up to greet the visitors, he saw that the third woman was carrying a sword.

The driver appeared to be the leader of the group, even though she was the smallest, all the others seemed to be standing protectively around her.  She spoke first, "Let me introduce us, I'm Onyx Banshee, this is Black Violet," she said pointing to the woman with the sword.  Then pointing to the woman with the purple hair, she said, "Halogen Defender, and," then she pointed to the tall men, "Plastic Sidewinder, Planetary Destroyer."  Then Onyx Banshee pointed to the tattooed man, "And this is Black Mariah."

"Nice to meet you," Party Poison replied curtly, "I'm Party Poison.  And this is Kobra Kid, Fun Ghoul, and Jet Star."  He pointed to each of the others respectively.  Party Poison motioned outside, "Nice caddy."

Onyx Banshee smiled, exposing a sharp incisor, "Before the Better Living Invasion."

That was the end of the pleasantries exchanged.  They all gathered closer and started talking about the reason for the meeting.  They were going to infiltrate BLi.  "We were able to get a map of the industry off a scarecrow," Onyx Banshee said.

"I'll go get it out of the car," Black Mariah offered.  He stood up and headed outside.  After a minute, they heard the electricity of a ray-gun go off.  Plastic Sidewinder looked carefully out a window and yelled, "SCARECROWS!"

The sound of another ray-gunshot and Plastic Sidewinder fell back to the floor.  In an instant, everyone had their ray-gun drawn.  Party Poison quickly made it over to the window and started firing back.  He was a good shot and killed five scarecrows without missing.  But more were coming.  Planetary Destroyer and Fun Ghoul were at his side, both firing.  Party Poison yelled, "There're too many of them!  We have to leave.  Kobra Kid, Jet Star, show them the back way out.  We'll hold them back."

"But Poison!" Kobra Kid protested.

"Just do it!" Party Poison said through gritted teeth.  He kept firing at the scarecrows, every shot a hit, but there were always more.  He could hear Kobra Kid and the others make it to the back.  The sound of more ray-gunshots told Party Poison that the building was surrounded.  Party Poison yelled, "Kid, how're you doing?"

"They outnumber us Poison and there are more coming," Kobra Kid yelled back.

Party Poison kept firing and noticed that the scarecrows were falling back on this side.  He turned to Fun Ghoul and said, "I've got to help Kobra Kid back there, do you have this side?"

Fun Ghoul smiled and quickly touched Party Poison's cheek.  He replied, "We've got it."

Party Poison turned and started heading to the back of the diner.  Suddenly, he heard a crash and Fun Ghoul scream no.  He turned around to see Planetary Destroyer dead and Fun Ghoul laying on the floor just behind Party Poison.  He saw a flash of tattooed arms go out the front door, but Black Mariah was gone.  Party Poison rushed to Fun Ghoul's side.  Fun Ghoul spasmed as electricity ran through him, he was dying.

"Ghoul, stay with me," Party Poison pleaded and wrapped his arms around Fun Ghoul, "I'm gonna help you."

"Gerard?" Fun Ghoul smiled weakly, "Call me Frank?"

Party Poison's eyes felt hot and began to water.  He tried to smile back, "Of course Frank."

"I love you Gerard," Fun Ghoul held Party Poison's cheek in his hand.

"I love you too Frank," Party Poison squeezed Fun Ghoul's hand, "Don't leave me."  But it was too late, Fun Ghoul's hand had gone limp.  Party Poison held Fun Ghoul tighter and was vaguely aware of movement around him.  He felt a hand on his shoulder and heard Kobra Kid's voice, "Gerard?  The scarecrows are gone."

Party Poison vaguely nodded, so Kobra Kid continued, "The others are gone.  It's just you, me and Jet Star."

Party Poison whispered, "Black Mariah.  We were betrayed."

"What?" Kobra Kid sounded surprised.

Party Poison looked up, "Black Mariah did this.  He killed Fun Ghoul."  Then he looked back down to Fun Ghoul and whispered, "I'll make this right.  I'll be with you soon."

Party Poison stood up and began to walk outside.  Kobra Kid called after him, "What are you going to do?"

"Make things right," Party Poison threw over his shoulder.  He found a shovel outside the diner and went to Fun Ghoul's favorite spot.  He started digging as the sunlight faded, he dug two graves.  He buried Fun Ghoul in the starlight, the only time they had for each other.  Party Poison stood silent vigil for him all night.

He closed his eyes and imagined that Fun Ghoul was standing beside him and that they were looking up to the stars together.  He could almost feel Fun Ghoul's fingers pressing into his hand.  He imagined Fun Ghoul bringing a hand up to gently turn Party Poison's face to him.  Party Poison smiled, he thought he could see the starlike glint in Fun Ghoul's eyes.  As the stars faded, so did Fun Ghoul's image.  The harsh sunlight replaced the gentle gleam of Fun Ghoul's eyes.

Party Poison sighed and closed his eyes, he had a mission.  He looked again to the spot where he had buried Fun Ghoul.  Quietly, he whispered, "I'll be with you soon."

He turned and walked back to the road, back to where the diner was.  He saw Kobra Kid come out of the diner and purposely ignored him.  Party Poison didn't want to hear how ludicrous his plan was, he just needed to go through with it.  He slid on his aviators and hopped onto the motorcycle, he didn't want Kobra Kid or Jet Star to join him.  He wasn't exactly sure where to go, but it wasn't difficult to follow the trail left by the scarecrows.

After a lot of driving, Party Poison pulled up in front of a deserted bar.  He was now in Zone 5 and still a long way from Battery City, but scarecrows were definitely here.  He pulled out his ray-gun and approached the building.

--

The back room door burst open and Black Mariah turned to see Party Poison.  Party Poison stood in the doorway, his gun in his hand and his hands at his sides.  Black Mariah couldn't hide his surprise, "Wow... didn't expect to see you again."

Party Poison gave no reply.  After a moment of silence, Black Mariah had to ask, "How did you get in here?"

Seriously, Party Poison said, "I walked in."  He advanced into the room, making Black Mariah cringe.

Black Mariah half laughed and skirted around Party Poison.  He headed to the doorway, saying, "You mean to say that not one of these scarecrows... stopped... you..." Black Mariah trailed off as he looked around the room to see all of the scarecrows dead.  THey littered the ground like discarded cigarette butts.

Black Mariah turned around to see Party Poison pointing his gun in his face.  Party Poison said emotionlessly, "What can I say, they were slow."  After a pause, Party Poison asked, "How many others have you sold out?"

Nervously, Black Mariah started talking, "Just... just a few other band.  That time... it was just for you.  I, I had you, but Fun Ghoul threw himself in my line of fire.  To save you."

"Fun Ghoul was a great man," Party Poison leered at Black Mariah, "And you were content to shoot someone in the back.  Like a coward."

"Hey now, you're a much better shot than me.  I would've died."

"You should have.  You just sell out killjoys for what?  Money, BLi protection?"

"Killjoys are fighting a losing battle."

"Greatly because of you," Party Poison reached his hand forward to Black Mariah, he was holding tied rope.

"Poison, you wouldn't do this to another killjoy?" Black Mariah begged and took a step back.  Party Poison said nothing.  Black Mariah would either have to take the rope or get shot.  After a long pause, Black Mariah cracked and took the noose.  The rope was connected to a beam in the ceiling, directly over a tall chair.  Party Poison motioned with his ray-gun to the chair and Black Mariah walked over to it.  He stood on the chair and Party Poison threw the rope over his head.  Quickly, Black Mariah pleaded one more time, "You can't do this.  You're a traitor."

Calmly, Party Poison replied, "No Mariah, you're the traitor."  He kicked the chair over and Black Mariah, starting to fall, was caught in the rope's snare.

--

Party Poison drove back to the diner.  He felt better, but not as much as he had hoped.  Fun Ghoul was still gone from this world forever.  When Party Poison stopped in front of the diner, Kobra Kid came running out.  He was saying, "Poison!  What happened?"

Somberly, Party Poison replied, "Black Mariah's dead.  I made sure he'd never betray other killjoys again."

"I was worried that after you set out, you weren't going to come back," Kobra Kid did genuinely sound worried.

"I'm still here little brother," Party Poison put a hand on Kobra Kid's shoulder, "Mikey, can I ask you something?"

"What?" Kobra Kid's brow furrowed.

"When I die, will you bury me next to Fun Ghoul?"

"But... But you're not going to die for a long time."

"Please Mikey?" Party Poison insisted.  Finally Kobra Kid nodded, his face clouded with worry.

Party Poison walked into the diner alone and made sure no one else was there.  He walked towards the middle of the room, to the exact spot where Fun Ghoul spoke his last words.  Quietly, Party Poison spoke, "I miss you Frank.  You were my reason for fighting Better Living Industries, for fighting for something real.  You were my reason for living.  I knew I couldn't go on if I let Black Mariah live.  When he took your life, he took mine too.

"I need you Frank.  We always said we'd be together forever and I can't stand being so far from you.  I'll be with you soon.  You saved my life.  You sacrificed yourself to save me and that's more than anyone could ever ask for.  You did an amazing thing and I'm sorry for leaving this place so soon, but I need to be with you.  I'm sorry.  I love you Frank.  I'll be with you forever."  Party Poison drew his ray-gun and brought it up to his head.  He placed the barrel against his temple.  Party Poison drew in a breath, "Here's to my love."

He pulled the trigger.

--

Kobra Kid heard the shot and ran into the diner, but it was too late.  Party Poison lay slumped on the floor, his ray-gun by his head.  Immediately, Kobra Kid rushed to his side.  He gently turned over Party Poison's body and closed his vacant eyes.

"Dammit Gerard," Kobra Kid whispered.  He pushed back some of Party Poison's messy red hair.  Quietly, he said, "I will honor your last wish."

Kobra Kid carried Party Poison out of the diner in the fading sunlight.  He brought him to the spot where Fun Ghoul was buried.  He found a pre dug grave beside Fun Ghoul's.  Kobra Kid placed Party Poison in the grave and started to fill it with dirt as the stars rose.

The next day, in the bright California sunlight, you could see two saplings growing.  Growing out of the freshly turned dirt, they grew despite the barren, dry surroundings.  They grew green and full of life.  As time passed, the saplings grew into trees whose trunks intertwined and were held close together as lovers do.  The trees grew and brought life to the desert in Zone 6.  And no matter how hot the summer or cold the winter was, the trees always grew together.  Forever.