Limelight

Part 3

Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

By Nick Maro

Sitting in the holding cell with her band mates, Pizzazz closed her eyes and tried to get some rest. It had been several hours since the Misfits and Banshee's Wail were arrested at the rock club Transmet. She let a tiny smile creep across her face as she thought about how this was their first real fight with a band. She knew for certain that a video of the altercation would leak online. Opening her eyes a fraction she looked at her friends. Each one wore a badge of honor from the fight.

Stormer held a paper towel to her nose. Blood stained the towel from both of her nostrils. The paramedic who looked at her said that her nose wasn't broken. Roxy held an ice pack to her hand. The knuckles on her right hand were lightly scraped and raw. Jetta also had an ice pack, but it held against her left eye. The swelling had gone down since they had arrived at the police station. Pizzazz held her ribs and winced slightly in pain. They weren't broken, just badly bruised. Her jaw ached from taking a solid punch thrown by the Banshee's Wail member Thorn.

The opening of their cell shook Pizzazz out of her thoughts. "All right ladies, no charges are being brought against you. You're all free to go. Follow me to get your things."

The officer led the four women past the cell that Banshee's Wail was in. Thorn rushed to the bars and took a vicious swipe at Stormer, her nails cutting in the young woman's arm. "I'm going to rip your eyes out, you traitor!"

Moving as one, the Gemini Twins grabbed Thorn and sat her down. They spoke at the same time, "Her time will come, but not right now. Mr. Ross told us to wait."

"We'll meet again, Phillips. And when we do, you won't have your friends around to help you," Madison said glaring at the woman as she walked past.

"Eat me, Maddie. You never knew the true me." Stormer turned and looked Madison in the eye. "Pray that you never will. I will burn your world to the ground and salt the Earth with your blood." Roxy gently pushed Stormer forward as she and Jetta simply gave their rivals the finger.

The officer turned and shouted at them, "Hey! Knock it off or you'll go back into your cell until morning!" She slapped her nightstick on the bars of Banshee's Wail's cell door. "And you four shut it or I'll forget you're in here until Monday!" She turned back to the Misfits. "I said move it!" The Misfits smirked at Banshee's Wail as they followed the officer and collected their belongings.

Walking out into the police station's waiting area the Misfits found both Eric and Jerrica waiting for them. Pizzazz put on her best sheepish smile and made a production of shrugging. "So, we got into a little fight on stage. It happens. But the thing is that we learned our lesson, right ladies?" Pizzazz winked at her band mates. They each quietly agreed and tried to look ashamed.

Jerrica rolled her eyes and let out a disappointed sigh. "Dammit Phyllis, I always come running when you get into trouble. I was having a nice night with Rio. We finally had a chance to do something other than work on the album. You owe me big." She waited a long, awkward moment before hugging her. "But I'm happy you're okay."

"Is this how every show is going to be?" Eric asked as he waited for the band to get ready to leave. "If so, I think I know why your brother left the country." He laughed softly then slowly stopped when he saw the others were just staring a hole in him. "It—it was just a joke."

Pizzazz stood and started for the door of the police station. "It was a bad joke, Eric." She looked out of the station's door and turned back in mild amusement. "Holy shit! There are news vans and reporters out there!" She flinched when a photographer took a photo of her in the window of the door. "Shit, they're here for us! We made the news!" She let out an amused laugh.

The Misfits walked out of the station feigning that they didn't want their picture taken. Jerrica and Eric led them through the throng of news reporters and photographers to two cars that were waiting for them. Pizzazz and Jetta rode with Eric, while Roxy and Stormer went with Jerrica. Once they arrived back at home they tuned into the morning news to see themselves on television.

Pacing in front of the police chief's office door, Shana waited for her good friend and partner Carmen Alonzo. She looked up when she heard Carmen walking quickly. "Sorry, my father needed help at the nursery and I lost all track of time. It felt great to get my hands back in the dirt and making things grow." She adjusted her uniform and stood straighter. "So, how do I look?"

Shana adjusted Carmen's tie and took a step back. "Better." She adjusted her own uniform and watched her pull a white envelope out of her pants pocket. She looked at the envelope and then up at Carmen with an arched eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to do this me?" The pink haired Mexican woman just nodded and clutched her envelope in her hand. Shana turned to the door and knocked firmly.

Chief Anderson looked up from his desk as the two women entered. He shuffled and stacked the papers he was reviewing and gave a professional smile. "Morning Cadets, you're both mostly on time. Your suspensions are both up and assignments are on the board." He opened a drawer and pulled out two badges and weapons. He slid them across his desk and gave another smile.

"Listen Chief, we gave this a lot of thought and we're both handing in our resignation from the force." Shana held out the white envelope as did Carmen. "I really appreciate everything you've done to help me. It's just this isn't me. Being away from being on the streets really helped me realize that I'm not cop material. I've got my music, which I absolutely just love doing and I've come to discover a fondness for fashion design." She glanced over at Carmen.

"And I've been helping my family in the greenhouse again. Planting and raising flowers is something I've always been great at." Carmen handed the chief her envelope. "I'm not doing this because Shana is. We both talked about doing this with our family and friends. I'm just not a police officer. I'm young and I want to see the world. I can't do that and be a police officer." She relaxed a little, feeling better getting that off of her chest. "Maybe one day I'll change my mind."

Opening the envelopes and reading each one slowly, Ronald looked up from them and stood. "It's apparent that you both thought this through and didn't make the decision lightly." He shook each of their hands. "Resignations accepted. You're both civilians again. But if you need anything at all, feel free to call me. As far as I'm concerned you're a part of this precinct's family." He moved out from behind the desk gave each woman a hug. "We'll miss you here."

Sitting in the coffee shop after changing out of their old uniforms, Shana and Carmen pondered about their future. Shana slowly stirred her coffee in thought. She pulled the spoon out and took a small sip. "So what really are your plans now that you're no longer a cop in training? Working at the greenhouse, going back to school or just finding a job?"

"I honestly have no idea."

"Yeah, being in the Holograms is great, but I need money. I hate asking Jerrica for money." Shana rested her elbows on the table and propped her chin on the palms of her hands. "I'll start job hunting after the album is finished. I have some money saved up."

Carmen put her legs up on the seat and sat with her back against the wall. Working up the courage to finally ask what was on her mind, she cleared her throat softly. "Remember when you said that you wished that could play your guitar in the Holograms more often?" Shana just nodded and Carmen continued, "Well, in high school I played drums with a few friends. So I was wondering maybe I could play drums for the Holograms when you wanted to get on the guitar."

Shana brought the lip of the mug to her lips and rolled it along thinking of the offer. She finally set it down on the table. "I dunno, I'd have to talk it over with the others." She looked at her watch and gave a little grin. "And right now would be the best time. I know for a fact that the others are at the Starlight House." She reached into her pocket and put some money on the table. "Come on, you're going to audition for the Holograms!"

Quickly sliding out of the booth, Carmen followed Shana to her car. "Are you sure this will be okay?" Not saying a word, Shana drove to the mansion as quick as she could. Carmen sat in the passenger seat feeling her gut begin to knot up. She was nervous about actually having to audition for her friend's band. By the time they arrived at the house, she had mentally convinced herself that she could it. "We really should have called first."

"Nonsense, all of their cars are here." Shana opened the front door for her friend. "They'll be happy to do this."

"Do what now?" Jerrica asked coming down the hallway.

Carmen froze in the doorway until Shana pushed her forward. "Carmen here had a brilliant idea. We were in the coffee shop after we handed in our resignations, when she suggested she play drums for the Holograms. Turns out our young Ms. Alonzo is actually a drummer." She quickly made her way into the home studio and tossed her drumsticks to Carmen, who caught them without thinking.

Jerrica stuck her head out of the doorway and yelled down the hall, "Aja, Kimber get in the studio. Shana wants us to hear something." As an afterthought she yelled again. "Ashley! Watch the girls!"

"I'm playing a game, Jerrica!"

"Ashley!" Jerrica yelled in an annoyed tone. She smirked as the young teen ran into the living room as she was told.

Kimber and Aja quickly came into the room with confused looks on their faces. Carmen sat behind the drum kit and rotated her wrists a little. She gave the kit a quick look to see where everything was located. She let out a deep breath and began playing. She started off slow and quickly built up her pace. She played hard and fast then slowed down to show her range of drumming skills. She finished after a few minutes and gave a little shrug. "I really haven't played in a while. I was kind of sloppy."

The other women just clapped and whistled. Carmen felt her face turn red as she blushed. Turning to her friends, Shana threw her arms out. "Well, is she in the band or not?"

"She's in if it means you'll be playing guitar, Shana." Jerrica just smiled and welcomed her new band mate. The other Holograms joined in the celebration.

Covering her mouth as she yawned, Pizzazz walked out of the coffee shop that was inside the Misfits Music building. She looked at the name on her cup and made a face. The barista had again spelled her name wrong. She knew that the company was known for those antics, but it still didn't make it any less annoying. A young woman carrying a microphone came running up to her as she headed to the elevator. A man carrying a camera on his shoulder followed close behind her.

The woman stopped in front of Pizzazz and gave a wide, well rehearsed smile. "Hi, I'm from the Harriet Horne Show. I was just wondering if I could get a quick interview about the brawl that occurred at the club Transmet. I'm sure you know the fight was the biggest trending topic of the day."

"I had no idea. Wait, we were trending? The hell does that even mean?" Pizzazz took a sip of her coffee and ran her hand through her hair. "But sure, go ahead. Just for the record we have apologized to the club for any damages."

The reporter giggled lightly then turned a little more serious when she faced the camera. "This is Sharon Ramos for the Harriet Horne Show. I'm here with Pizzazz, the lead singer and guitarist of the up and coming metal band The Misfits." She turned slightly to Pizzazz. "As we all know you had a very public brawl with the band Banshee's Wail. What exactly sparked that fight?"

Pizzazz gave a tiny shrug and shook her head. "To be honest I have no idea. I thought our ill will with that band was over and done. One minute I'm performing in one of the best shows of my life, the next I'm dodging beer bottles and fists." She pointed to the bruise on the side of her jaw. "I still have the bruises to show for it. All I know is that they came to the show looking for a fight. And that's exactly what they found."

"Do you plan on suing them for attacking you? Or pressing any charges for that matter?"

"Of course not, sitting in a holding cell for the night is punishment enough." Pizzazz got a little more animated in her talking. "I was raised that if someone comes after you, you don't back down with a lawsuit or calling the police. You take the fight to them and win."

Sharon nodded slightly. "And what about the rumors that a member of the Misfits, Stormer, once was the lead singer of the Banshee's Wail and that she wanted to destroy the Misfits?"

"That," Pizzazz searched for the right words, "that was a tough time for my friend. She had a lot of tragedy in her life. What she went through is a private matter. I grew up with her and have always stuck by her. If she wants to talk about it, she will in her own time and words."

"Is it true that she suffers from multiple personalities?"

Pizzazz just froze and glared at the young reporter. She spoke with ice in her tone, "This interview is over. Do not use that last part on television." She pressed the button to her private elevator and boarded the car. Angrily she pressed the button to the floor her office was on. The whole ride up she let the reporter's words eat at her. The doors opened to the floor her office was on and exited the elevator. Upon passing Eric's office she opened it without knocking. "There's a reporter and cameraman in the lobby that don't have permission to film here. See that they're asked to leave."

"Phyllis get in here. It wasn't being recorded it was broadcasting live." Eric turned the TV in his office so she could see. "Your friend Vivian called me and told me you were on live television. I'm going to call Harriet Horne personally have her answer for it." He started going through the rolodex that Pizzazz had given him. "The reporter didn't tell you that this was live." He began dialing as she slammed the door close.

Feeling her anger build into a rag, Pizzazz opened her office door and then slammed it as hard as she could. She opened it again and repeated the slam. Letting out a scream she punched the wall. Finally getting the anger out of her system, she sat in her chair and thought of what her next course of action would be. Almost on cue her phone began to ring. She looked at the caller and saw that it was Stormer. She swore under her breath and waited to figure out what to say before answering it.

"Mary, I'm so sorry that happened. I didn't know it was a live broadcast. Eric is handling it now."

"It's okay Phyllis, you handled it just fine." Pizzazz could hear the smile in Stormer's voice. "It was bound to come out sooner or later. But it was shitty of Harriet to pull a stunt like that."

"I guess so." Pizzazz felt her anger start to slow down as she talked to Stormer. She always had a way that helped her calm down. They talked for another fifteen minutes before Eric slowly opened the door and poked his head in. She waved him inside and hung up with her old friend. "So what did that bitch's producer have to say for himself?"

Eric just sat back and rolled his eyes. "He said that it was an error on that reporter's end. She should have told you that you were live and that she's new. I told him that we don't stand for ambush and gotcha reporting. I demanded a public apology from Harriet herself to you and Mary on her show." He gave Pizzazz satisfied grin. "Saying that you're going to pursue a defamation lawsuit will always go a long way. Even when you don't have a solid case."

"Well damn, Eric! I'm glad we hired you when we did." Pizzazz opened her bottom drawer, pulled out a bottle of scotch and two glasses. She filled both glasses part way and raised it up. "Thank you." She tapped her glass to his and drank the brown liquor in a single gulp. "When are we going on the show? Any word yet?" She poured herself another glass and then put the bottle away.

"The producer is going to get back to us. It may be tonight, but most likely it will be tomorrow." Eric slid his empty glass back to her and sat back. "But I suggest that all of the Misfits go on the program to show support for Mary. I'm going to ask that you get to perform that night also. I know you've been banned but after this there's no way that will last." He looked at his watch and got up to leave. "And now I have a meeting with a club manager for next week." He gave a little wave and exited the office.

Smiling and feeling better about her day, Pizzazz pulled her phone out of her pocket and called Stormer about the public apology. Her day was indeed getting better.

All through the day the Harriet Horne Show had made the announcement of the Misfits coming on the program. Kevin Ross switched the television off in his office. He turned to the three musicians in his office. "Under no conditions are you to go near the studio while the Misfits are there. Last thing we need is a repeat of Saturday night with Banshee's Wail."

Riot just scoffed at the name of both the Misfits and Banshee's Wail. "Madison and her followers were foolish to do that at a club. We already have plans for the Misfits. It'll be on our terms." He turned and walked out of the office. The two blonde women followed him like loyal subjects.

"Okay, I just talked with Harriet's producer and she's having a special show on Saturday night. Turns out she'll be part of some telethon for Haven House, the charity for the homeless kids." Eric paced his office as he talked. "I also talked with the telethon's show runners and they agreed to let you perform on the show. They figured it would bring more viewers to the show." He stopped pacing and leaned against his desk.

"So just like that all is forgiven between us and that bitch Harriet? I don't buy it."

"Roxy has a good point. We crashed the Stingers performance on her show and were involved in a fight in the back stage area with Banshee's Wail." Jetta pointed out while marking each incident on her fingers. "Why the sudden change of heart to let us all on the air with her? We were all banned from ever performin' on there. And good riddance too."

Pizzazz just smirked from behind Eric's desk. "Because it's not her show and it was a part of my demands in the apology. Either you apologize to all of us and let us do a minimum of two songs or Mary sues. Rather than face bad publicity she went with this option. It was actually kind of smart considering that if we do anything dumb it'll look bad on us. Especially considering this is on a charity marathon."

"In other words, we're on our best behaviors." Roxy and Jetta both nodded their agreement with Stormer. Deep down Stormer had a feeling that things could go wrong quickly, it was just their luck.

The week went by quickly for each of the Misfits. Pizzazz had convinced the marathon's producers to let Jem and the Holograms to also perform on the show. They also were given time to play two of their songs in light of their album being released. Jerrica was thrilled for this opportunity to finally show the tabloids that they weren't just a no hit wonder. It would also be a great time for the Holograms to premiere their new member.

Pizzazz paced back and forth in the back stage area, constantly checking and rechecking the Misfits equipment. She wanted to make sure that everything was perfect for the performance that night. She was sitting on a crate next to a speaker while tuning her guitar for the fourth time, when she spotted Jerrica with a pink haired woman. Putting the guitar down gently and she ran up to her. "Hey! You finally made it! I've been here for a couple hours making sure everything is in working order."

"You're nervous aren't you?" Jerrica asked causing Pizzazz to shake her head and then finally nod slowly. "To be honest I'm scared out of my mind. I've never been on TV like this. By the way, this is Carmen Alonso, our new drummer. We were just looking for the others Holograms or Misfits."

"Please, call me Raya. It's the nickname my father calls me. I figured I needed a stage name too." Raya shook Pizzazz's hand with a kind smile. "Let me tell you Pizzazz, I'm nervous also. This will be my first time performing in public. Yet at the same time I'm very excited." She let out a nervous laugh.

"That's the worst, Raya. You get that knot in the pit of your stomach like you want to puke."

Jerrica turned slowly and looked at her sister. "Isn't that exactly what you did at the Battle of the Bands the first time? And you had your headset on." She turned to Raya and put on her best reassuring smile. "Phyllis puked her guts out the first time she ever got on stage and the audience loved it for some reason. I think I saw Kimber down this way." She and Raya parted ways with Pizzazz.

"It was great meeting you, Raya!" Pizzazz said loudly as they left, she then leaned her head back a little and looked at the studios ceiling. "I hate family," she whispered to herself. Taking a deep breath she finally went to the dressing room the Misfits were assigned. She wanted to see if the others had made it to the studio yet. Glancing at the clock as she passed it she swore under her breath and ran to the room.

Opening the dressing room door quickly, Pizzazz found the rest of the Misfits getting their makeup done. They all turned when she entered. "It's about time you showed up! We saw you checking the equipment and figured you were already in makeup." Stormer gave her friend a stern look then turned back to the assistant. The makeup artist nodded that she was finished and Stormer got out of the chair. "You're up, Phyllis."

Pizzazz sat back in the chair and tried her best to relax. The makeup artist did her job quickly. Pizzazz got up and joined the rest of the Misfits. A knock at the door brought Pizzazz out of her thoughts. Eric opened the door with his hand covering eyes. "I hope you're all decent." He brought his hand down and smirked, "Sorry that was horrible. I just got word that Harriet will be making the apology next. So Mary and Phyllis you're both up. Jetta and Roxy you'll follow the stagehand to where your instruments are. Harriet is going to make the band's introductions after the apology." He put his hands together softly and waited for any questions.

Roxy and Jetta followed the stagehand, while Pizzazz and Stormer followed Eric to just off camera. Harriet Horne was explaining the situation to the TV audience. She finally gestured and introduced the two women. Stormer and Pizzazz walked into the camera eye slowly without smiles. Harriet clasped her hand in front of herself and hung her head down a little. She spoke softly to Stormer. "Now I owe you and your friend an apology for what happened earlier this week. It was not my finest moment and I would never condone that kind of journalism."

Stormer glanced at Pizzazz and they both rolled their eyes at the last part. Harriet continued with her apology, "I would definitely never condone talking about a person's medical condition without discussing it with them first." She took Stormer's hand in both of hers and spoke softly, "I apologize for that and any embarrassment it has caused you. Your private life is yours."

Harriet then turned to Pizzazz and spoke in the same soft voice. "I apologize to you as well. That reporter was young and very new. You should have been told it was being broadcast live." She looked at each woman in turn and gave them a humbled look. "Please accept my sincerest apologies." Harriet gave a slight bow.

Pizzazz and Stormer exchanged looks with each other at first. Stormer leaned over and whispered in Pizzazz's ear who just nodded and walked forward a bit. Pizzazz cleared her throat softly. "Harriet, thank you for apologizing on national television, you could have just given an apology on your show. But you chose to give the two of us a truly heartfelt apology in front of the whole country and this audience. It really shows me that you really are the opportunist I thought you were. I accept the apology and hopefully that this will be the last time I have to ever see your miserable face again."

Waiting for the look of shock to wear off of Harriet's face Stormer walked closer and took Harriet's hand in hers. She made sure that no one could see how hard she was squeezing it. She spoke in a sickly sweet voice. "Your apology is accepted. Thank you for being the bigger woman." She waited for the show's host to cut to commercial before she lowered her voice to a threatening tone. "You ever bring that up again on air or in an interview; you'll wish you'd never knew the Misfits. What I am doing now is your true penance." Stormer gripped one of Harriet's fingers and pulled back sharply. There was a muffled crack as she broke the finger.

Biting her lip, Harriet muffled her scream of pain. She ran away with a look of terror in her eyes. Her assistant ran up asking questions while giving the young musician an accusing look. Stormer just gave a satisfied smirk while she joined the rest of the Misfits by their instruments. Roxy whispered softly, "What the flying fuck are you doing, Mary? You're gonna get us sued!"

"Relax will you? She's not gonna do shit." Stormer picked up her guitar and smiled. "She knows not to mess with us now."

Pizzazz gave her friend a long look then turned back to the audience, as the stage manager gave the Misfits their countdown to coming back from commercial. The four women began playing their title track immediately which they then followed into their next song. The whole time Pizzazz completely forgot they were on national television. When they finished playing, she was brought out of her thoughts by the applause from the audience. Danse and the host of the telethon came out to congratulate them. The Misfits bowed and thanked everyone.

The Misfits watched off to the side of the stage with Rio as Jem and The Holograms performed. Out of the corner of Jetta's eye she spotted the Stingers setting up their instruments. She tapped Pizzazz's elbow and pointed them out. Pizzazz just made a gesture of dismal toward them. Keeping an eye on the rival band Jetta kept mental notes of what was going on. She turned when her friends began clapping and cheering, then went back to monitoring the Stingers.

Jem and the Holograms waved and bowed for the audience and were congratulated by the telethon's host and the head of Haven House. Stagehands quickly began dismantling the Holograms instruments and began putting up the Stinger's equipment in their place. Rio was leading Jem off the stage when Riot purposely ran his shoulder into his. "Watch where you're going, asshole," Riot snorted.

"Why you miserable…" Rio said softly as he began bringing arm back to punch Riot.

"Not here, Rio," came a familiar voice. He caught Rio's arm in mid-swing and just grinned.

"David!" Roxy squealed in surprise. She set her guitar down and ran up to her boyfriend, who caught her in mid-jump. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him deeply. She finally let go and stood in front him. She gave David a light smack against his chest. "Coulda told me you were coming back, you dick!"

Walking next to his girlfriend David let out a little chuckle. "Then it wouldn't have been a surprise." He held the door for Roxy and the rest of the Misfits. Pizzazz gave him a tight hug when they were all inside. She was followed by the rest of the band.

Helping David and Roxy load up Pizzazz's van, Rio handed David a guitar case. Jem and the Holograms had already left the studio but Rio wanted to stay and talk with David. "I heard your sister mention to Jerrica that you were going to have the Misfits open for your band Pulsar when you go on tour. Any ideas when you were going to tour?" He handed David the last case that contained Jetta's drums.

"Not a clue. I didn't get a chance to ask our manager Shin." David sat down on the back bumper of the van. He watched his sister and her friends sign autographs for the fans. He felt a smile slowly come to his face. It was nice to see them finally get their recognition. "I'll know before our album comes out. It's a shame that Jerrica had to leave it looked like she was having fun signing autographs with the Holograms."

Rio nodded in agreement as he sat next to David. "The reason I was asking about the tour is that I was wondering if the Holograms could also join you. I swear Jerrica doesn't know that I'm asking. I'm just trying to act as a road manager here."

David gave a slight shrug and leaned forward a bit. "I would have no problem with that. But it is something I'd have to run by Shin first." He sat up straighter as he watched the stage door open and the Stingers came out. David stood up as Rapture pushed both Stormer and Pizzazz out of her way. Rio put a hand on his forearm in caution. David pulled his arm away when Minx did the same to Roxy and Jetta. His brisk walking pace turned into a full blown run when Riot put his hand on Jetta's face and shoved her down. Stormer and Roxy were helping the English woman to her feet by the time he made his way through the fans.

"Oh look, the Misfits little protector is here," Riot said as he started to laugh and walk away.

Making sure that Jetta wasn't injured, David spoke calmly to his friends, "Get to the van and start the engine. I'll deal with this." He turned away before any of the women could question him. David grabbed Riot by the back of his jacket and gave a quick palm thrust to his chest when he spun the Stingers singer around. Riot felt the air escape his lungs quickly. He gasped and fell to his knees. David stood over the blonde singer. "I warned you when we met at the Battle of the Bands to leave the Misfits alone. You obviously have a hearing problem."

Riot gasped for air on his knees and looked up at the green haired man. Tears ran down his cheeks as he slowly regained his breath. "yo-you'll regret th-this," he wheezed quietly. Riot slowly started getting back to his feet when felt a swift kick to his right knee. He let out a weak scream of pain and fell back down. Again he looked up at David.

Riot shrank back as David bent down and looked him in the eye. David spoke softly and calmly as he always did. "I'll say this again if you or your two little harlots ever come near my sister, girlfriend or any of my friends, you'll never sing again. I'll make certain of it." David stood back up and ran his hand through his hair. The crowd was whispering amongst themselves at what they had just witnessed. David politely made his way through the fans and got into the van.

Pizzazz drove away as quickly as she could. She finally broke her stunned silence and looked at her brother. "What the hell was that?! You know the Stingers will just call the police and have you arrested!"

"No they won't. I could see it in Riot's eyes that the police would only make things worse. No one hurts my family." David leaned the passenger seat back and closed his eyes. The rage inside himself was still boiling in his blood. He meditated as his sister drove himself and the Misfits back to the Gabor Manor.

The following Monday morning Pizzazz was sitting in her office at Misfits Music. Eric entered after knocking first. He had a somber look on his face. Pizzazz looked at him with a puzzled look and sat up straighter in her chair. Eric stood in front of her desk and cleared his throat. "Phyllis, I have some news and I think you'll need to call in the Misfits for this. It affects them all of you directly." He left before Pizzazz could question him.

Picking up her cell that was sitting next to her on the desk, Pizzazz called each of her band mates. While she waited for each of them to arrive she called her brother to also come to the Misfits Music building. She paced in her office until Jetta was the first to arrive. Roxy and David showed up a few minutes after Jetta. Stormer came in with Kimber. Together they entered Eric's office without knocking. "Okay Eric, we're all here. What's going on?" Pizzazz put her hands on her hips looking slightly worried.

Eric leaned forward behind his desk and placed his hands on the desktop. "When Phyllis asked me to take over as your manager, I made a vow to myself to do the best I could. But your actions on Saturday night really shocked me. I take it no one has checked the news, have they?" He turned his computer monitor on and waited a few moments. He finally turned the monitor around and showed them the headline. "The Misfits have the number one album in the country. Playing the telethon boosted your sales beyond what I thought they would."

Looking at each other at first in mild confusion, then sheer delight as the news sunk in, the Misfits all screamed and hugged each other. They jumped and celebrated with David and Kimber. Eric smiled to himself as Pizzazz ran up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She smirked and chuckled. "You dick, I thought we were in financial trouble."

"Well, I figured this was the best way to break the news." Eric crossed the room and shut his office door. "Now I do have more news and I'm glad that David is here for this. I just got off the phone with Pulsar's record company and they want the Misfits to go on tour with Pulsar next month. You're going to Japan!"

TO BE CONTINUED IN BIG IN JAPAN PART 1