Chapter 23
The Return of Melissa Hawthorne…
(メリッサホーソーンを返す…の巻)
(a.k.a. The Gang's WORST Nightmare Comes True)

At Daten City, that evening, everyone was in attendance, as The Gang was about to perform their huge concert in the city, pitted between Heaven and Hell.

A fat man swung his shirt around, hooting and hollering. He cried out, "WHOO-HOO! WHOOO!"

It's Muscle Man, ladies and gentlepepples. Who better than Mitch?

"WHOOOOOOOO! I LOVE THIS CITY! BRING OUT THE GANG! LET'S DO IT!" He flexed, as he swung his shirt around.

The spotlights began to shine, as M, in her guise, appeared in the crowd. She then said, "Mon dieu… It is time… But, not yet. Once The Gang finishes a couple songs, I shall strike. Besides, even a dead girl needs music from her past."

The curtain began to rise, as The Gang began to perform their songs. Yakumo was moved by Steven's singing, as the Angels, Sisters, Demons, Garterbelt, Chuck, Fastener, and Brief were amazed.

Garter remarked, "Well, then. They know their Beatles knowledge. I will say this, they have the heart that strikes the chords of heaven… or so they say, but it's bullshit, nonetheless."

April cheered, "WE LOVE YOU, FATHER!"

Stocking cheered, "PLAY SOME MANSON, MAN!"

Steven C called out, "HELLO, DATEN CITY!"

The crowd cheered, as all eight members of The Gang were onstage. They did their cover versions of many Beatles Songs, including their own originals, "Hardly Away", "I'm Here", and "The Gang-Wave Theme". They even played their OWN song, which is new to them.

Play the Sound (For the fans)

(Music begins)

(Steven): Come on, let's dance!

The crowd was in awe and cheers, as The Gang began their new song.

(Steven): When we first started out, we were destined for loss
We acted like we were our own boss
But times have changed, in a way
It's something today

Musically, we were rookies
(Steven & Mizuki): Physically, we were stout
(Steven): But in a way, we sing it out
and then we scream and shout! YAY!

But then we grew up, playing what we do
singing and dancing, to all of you
Kids everywhere, adults all around
We jump up and down, making heavy sound!

Steven, Michelle, Percy, and Heather
Our group wasn't bad…
(Steven & Mizuki): But we can do better
(Steven): Birds of a feather, friends sing together!

(The Gang): We love to sing, scream and shout!
Rocking up and down, and all about!
Fun stuff, zany stuff, hearty cheers
It's like we've doing this for 30 years

So, what are you waiting for? A rowdy team
Playing for you, as some would seem
We play the world, and all around!
(Steven): Just so we play the sound!

(Music break)

Steven C called out, "HEY, KIDS! Steven Cooke is having fun! How about you, Daten?"

The crowd cheered, as the music continued.

He called out, "Okay! And now, here's to the greatest leader in The Gang, ONE of the original members, the John Lennon of this group, Percival P. Gaynes!"

They cheered, as Percival sang.

(Percival): For many years, we had our way
Knowledge and wisdom, day-by-day
But sometimes everything changes form
Like rising thunderstorm!

Musically, we boost up our tunes!
(Peter & Farra): Sarcastically speaking, we hardly croon!
(Percival): It's like you care for the good old days
but we sing in many ways!

But then the days turned into months and years
Taking away your darkest fears
Kids and fans, make the sound!
(Mizuki): Here we are! It's all around!

Peter & Farra, Steven & Miz
What can we say? It's just showbiz!
We are the major league singing fountain, with huge fizz!
(Steven): That's sounded ridiculous!
(Percival): Shut up.

(The Gang): We love to sing, scream and shout!
Rocking up and down, and all about!
Rocking out, playing out, hardcore cheers
We're not going anywhere, so dry those tears

So, what are you waiting for? Let's make it rad!
Playing for you, as if it's super bad!
We play the world, and all around!
(Percival): Just so we play the sound!
(Steven): For the fans!

(Music break)

(Steven C): Hey, everybody… Do you want to plan ahead?
We're trending out now, before you go to bed!
(Steven & Mizuki): The fans are waiting for the greatest gig!
(Michelle): It's all so much for fun!
(Steven N): Ya dig?

(Steven C): Rock it out, now and then
Shout out your name, again and again!
Time to scream, beyond the zone
(The Gang): SHOUT IT OUT!
(Steven C): The town that we sing our tone!

Steven C cried out, "DATEN CITY! YAH!"

They cheered wildly, as Farra began her guitar solo.

(Farra's guitar solo, accompanied by Steven N & Michelle's horn playing)

(Steven C): YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

We love to sing, scream and shout!
Rocking up and down, and all about!
Fun stuff, zany stuff, hearty cheers
It's like we've doing this for 30 years

So, what are you waiting for? A rowdy team
Playing for you, as some would seem
We play the world, and all around!
Just so we play the sound!
(Mizuki): For the fans!

(The Gang): We love to sing, scream and shout!
Because music is what it's all about!
ROCK AND ROLL! Just do it, don't try
It's not gonna fade; we cannot die

So, what are you waiting for? Let's make it loud!
Playing for you, while it's loud and proud!
We play the world, and all around!
(Steven C): Just so we play the-!
Just so we can play the-!
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!

Just so we can play the sound!
(The Gang): For the fans!

(Music closes)

(Music ends)

The crowd continued to cheer wildly, as the others were amazed.

Panty cheered, "WHOOO! ENCORE! FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!"

Stocking shouted, "YOU ROCK!"

Scanty and Kneesocks were in distraught and fatigue, as the loud noise nearly injured their eardrums.

April asked, "You're enjoying the show, Yakumo?"

Yakumo said nothing. She was in awe, as Steven winked to her. She then blushed, as she felt funny.

The rest of the night, The Gang did more cover songs from The Beatles, The Aquabats, and even some songs they handpicked. They also picked "Bohemian Rhapsody", fitting for this city.

After that, the crowd continued to roar… as M went backstage.

"This is for Onigiri… I have Yamo on my crosshairs." She said, as she held up a radio.

She spoke at it, "Stand-by… I will call you, when it is time. It is time we sabotage The Gang's musical interlude. Please stand-by for further instructions."

She repeated what she said in French, as she turned it off. She then said, "It's almost time… Once Yamo is mine, I'll have the city under MY RULE! WAH, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

The show was almost over, as The Gang was about to play their encore. However, Steven C had the mic.

"Kids, we had a lot of fun, singing and dancing for all of you, but… It'll be nice to be with each of you, all throughout the universes. Because, NO MATTER where you are, The Gang will sing it loud and proud, because we are… the world."

The crowd cheered, as Farra whispered, "Good one, Steven."

Peter sniffled, "That guy is good."

Michelle snuffed, "Sodding wank. That made no sense."

The Gang all had smiles, as Steven continued, "And folks, one day we shall all talk about this and say-!"

BZZT!
The lights go out, as the screen started to grow static. The crowd was shocked, as The Gang was confused.

Mizuki asked, "What's going on?"

The screen shows a silhouette of M, as she started to speak in a distorted voice.

"Viewers of the world! I… am… M!"

The crowd gasped, as The Original Gang was in shock.

Panty asked, "Uh… Who the fuck is M?"

Scanty gasped, "No… Is she?"

Stocking whispered, "Prepare yourself."

M Continued, "The Gang… Day after day, you have foiled every one of my plans. By now, you want to know… Who am I? You say. And why I am suddenly feeling greedy, all of a sudden, you also say."

She smirked, "Well… Allow me to refresh your memory."

Yakumo shrieked, as two men in black and white tights and masks grabbed her.

Steven C cried, "YAKUMO!"

Steven N snarled, "NO! It can't be!"

M laughed evilly, "Aw… Did I steal your girlfriend, Steven Cooke? Now you know how I felt!"

January asked, "Is this part of the show?"

M's Minions jumped down in the crowd, surrounding the Angels, Demons, and Androids. Scanty cried, "Oh, fuck! This is real!"

Kneesocks sobbed, "No… I don't want to be kidnapped!"

Panty shouted, "BACK OFF, C(BEEP)-BAG!"

She fired her gun at the minions, knocking them down. She smiled, "Like dominoes on the floor. That's for ruining their gig, fuckwads!"

Stocking looked up, "Uh, Panty? I think that's not quite it…"

More minions came down, surrounding the stage. The Gang removed their instruments and approached the front of the stage. Michelle growled, "Who are they?"

Percival grabbed the microphone and shouted, "FOLKS! This is not an act! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

The crowd ran off, as The Gang and their allies remained.

Steven N called out, "Whoever you are, come out, so we can fight you, one-on-eight! Or, in this case, a 14-on-1 mugging!"

Heather said, "Reminds me of the "nWo"."

M spoke, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, Steven Nevins… Even if you tried to best me… You're still no match for me, via the numbers game."

Steven C shouted, "Let Yakumo go!"

Yakumo pleaded, as she was restrained, "PLEASE! Steven, save yourself!"

Heather growled, "NO! I heard enough! Heather is fucking pissed at you! I don't know why, but-."

Michelle interrupted, "M! GET DOWN HERE, NOW!"

M asked, "Why should I? My minions are already in play, in your chess match. Steven and Michelle are the king and queen, the knights are your heroes, Peter & Farra, while Mizuki & Steven are the bishops, and Percival & Heather are the lowly rooks… Oh, and the six you have here are pawns. See that? It wouldn't be fair to have me, a King, into the battle, so soon? I'm afraid with Yakumo in our grasp… That's check. But it's not checkmate, until I eliminate ALL FOURTEEN OF YOU!"

Peter called, "I don't care! I HATE CHESS! YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS!"

Percival said, "Just show us who you are! We can face you, without violence!"

Steven N said, "He's right. We want to know… Who is "M"?"

M sighed and said, "You wanted to know? Fine… But I am only going to be stepping out. That's it."

The screen turned off, as the sky started to grow dark clouds. M stepped out and showed herself to the world.

"Rebecca Miyamoto?!" They all cried.

Michelle seethed, "Impossible!"

Becky smirked, "So, you figured it out? Well, I am a teacher who has bested all of you! So now, prepare yourselves for some remedial ass-beatings!"

Percival said, "I should've known that the murderer of Rei Tachibana is behind all this…"

Michelle said nothing, as Farra said, "This is for the fans!"

Becky clapped her hands and said, "Deal with them, first. Army… Kill them! KILL THEM ALL!"

Panty then called, "Guys! I know how to deal with these fuckers!"

She held up her gun and killed few of M's minions, eviscerating them. Stocking called, "Good thinking, Panty!"

April asked, "Why did you kill these guys?"

Panty shouted, "They're ghosts! Isn't it obvious? I blasted one, and he imploded!"

Stocking said, "We'll handle the minions! You save Yakumo!"

January said, "Permit to disobey them? I don't trust Yakumo, as much as you do."

April snuffed, "Damn it, January! Shut the hell up!"

They held up their guns, as The Gang confronted Becky, all while the angels and demons slash and fire at the minions.

Steven N cried, "Even for an intellect like yours, you cannot be evil!"

Becky laughed, "You kidding? I have brains and I know how to use them! Let them kill each other, and we shall battle, one-on-one!"

Steven N shouted, "MY BATTLE IS WITH YOU, YOU PHONY LITTLE KID PSYCHOPATH!"

He charged at Becky, as she shouted, "DON'T CALL ME A LITTLE KID!"

Steven N socked her in the face, but showed no effect. Becky grabbed his arm and threw him down. Peter and Percival went after her, but she pushed them out of the way. Farra grabbed her and threw her down to the floor, but she flipped back upward, as she did a stance.

"Is that the best you got, my friends?" She laughed, "NO ONE can best the great Rebecca Miyamoto!"

Mizuki slammed her head with an elbow, as she had a huge lump on her noggin.

"Maybe this will wake you up!"

Becky started to roar, as she charged at Mizuki, pulling her long hair really hard.

At the crowd, April and January shot and killed the guards that held Yakumo hostage, as Panty and Scanty blew up two more thugs in black. Kneesocks sliced a thug in four pieces, using her Double Gold Spandex Scythes, while Stocking impaled one thug, in the heart, with her sword. Yakumo then fainted, as she was whimpering, "No… I am… What am I? Ah… AH!"

She shrieked, and then passed out. January tried to wake, but couldn't.

"She's out like a light," she said.

April growled, "Go help the others! I'll stay with her."

Back at the stage, the seven members of The Gang were taken out by Becky, who got her second wind. She stomped on Mizuki, scratched at Heather, elbowed at Steven C, and tugged Farra's hair. Michelle then growled, "Okay… Stop it!"

Becky laughed, as she grabbed Steven N's head, about to snap it.

"Say good night, Steven Nevins! Or should I say… DIE!"

"STOP IT!"

BAM!
Michelle socked Becky in the face, as she was seething. Becky then stumbled to the floor, all hurt. She started to cry, as Michelle seethed and panted.

Steven N groaned, "Why, Michelle?"

Becky wailed, "I am teacher! HAU! HAU! HAU!"

Michelle grumbled, "Drop the act… It's not gonna work for me. There's just no way Rebecca Miyamoto is the one responsible for all this, going on… including Nixon's Head, Lyuze, the hauntings in Highland, Doctor Klotzenstein, and Project Yamo… I… I cannot take it!"

Steven C asked, "Michelle! Why are you saying this?"

Percival groaned, "Michelle… Say it. Why do you say that Becky isn't responsible?"

Michelle glared, "Because… I recognize her silly scent, anywhere. Rebecca Miyamoto was charged for murder, after killing Rei Tachibana, but she disappeared from the world. After that, she swore revenge on those who falsely accused her of murder. But she'd never get revenge on The Gang!"

Peter gasped, "DUDE! You mean that mini-bra is the real deal?"

Mizuki said, "What are you saying?"

Steven N said, "You can say it, Michelle."

Michelle sighed, "Fine… The truth is… That girl is NOT Rebecca Miyamoto."

She yelled, "I knew this day would come, even in Daten City, after The Gang had a bad moment, in 1995! That bitch decided to haunt us again, after she devoted her life and love to us, The Original Gang! You wanted payback for not remembering you, right?"

She pointed at Becky and shouted, "Isn't that right? Now face the music! We know it's you, since you waited 16 years, which was twice the life you lived! NOW CONFESS… Melissa Hawthorne!"

Steven N, Percival, and Heather gasped in horror, "MELISSA HAWTHORNE?"

Scanty and Kneesocks gasped, "Melissa Hawthorne?!"

Panty and Stocking cried, "WHAT? Melissa Hawthorne?"

Peter, Farra, Steven C, and Mizuki asked, "Uh… Who is Melissa Hawthorne?"

Steven N said, "Guys, I think it's time we let you in on a secret. You see, Melissa Hawthorne was once the biggest fan to The Gang, in 1994, when we started."

He explained the story, in Play Form:
(Steven N): Melissa Hawthorne was the Number One fan of The Gang, since she started to see our debut in England. She was 15 years old, born in Paris, France, and is considered the uber-fan of Ska Music. At times, she wanted to be recognized by her surroundings. But when we broke into the underground circuit, playing Open Mic Night, Ladies' Night, and Happy Hour, she wanted to know more about us. Time and time again, she watched over us, only to see us, in person. But she was no ordinary fan… She was a stalker. She was too obsessed over us that she rummaged into our garbage.

(Percival): Week after week, our trash was stolen and tampered, and we had card and emails from the same woman. She was only 15, and she loved every one of us. But that was when, in our gig in Bristol, it was the end of the line. Melissa was caught on-stage, trying to grab Steven's guitar, and wanting to meet him, face-to-face. Steven then said that he'll meet her, backstage, and then… it happened. She kept saying that she has all our garbage and have listened to their songs, every single day. It was the last straw. Our agent called the cops on her and had her arrested for stalking and invading a public show.
After that, Melissa was sentenced to 500 of community service. She never left England, after that. In one video she made for The Gang, she jumped off the Eiffel Tower, on a bungee cord.

(Michelle): It was then she wanted to make us forgive her. She wanted to bungee off the greatest monument in all Britannia – Big Ben. It took her courage to scale the clock, but she managed to bungee off the clock, shouting and cheering for us.

(Steven C): I'm confused. What happened that time?

(Steven N): She died, on that day, in 1995…

(Peter): How did it happen?

(Michelle): The bungee cord broke.

Melissa dove off the top of Big Ben, in London, as she flew downward, with her waist wrapped in a bungee cord. She made it, as she cheered on, but then…
SNAP!

She screamed, as she landed on the street, splattering herself into a bloodied mess. The English folks were shocked, as they dug her from the pavement.

Michelle sighed, "And since then, we felt bad about her. But we stated that Melissa was a stalker and has hounded us, since we began. She was killed, because of a freak accident."

Steven N said, "Because we are a respected new band, we cannot accept people that can become overhyped and too obsessed over the hype of The Gang. That is why we chose to never mention her name, again. Sixteen years old, a French girl died, all because she cared for us."

Becky shouted, "YOU NEVER CARED FOR ME, AT ALL!"

She laughed in a demonic look, "So… You finally understand it, after all the times I tried to hide it!"

Farra asked, "But wait! What about Becky? What happened to her?"

Heather sobbed, "What did you do to her?"

Becky laughed, "Oh, you see… Since she was accused of killing Rei Tachibana, I decided to send her to the Pit of NO Return, since I am a ghost. Rebecca Miyamoto… dies of wrongfulness. C'est la guerre."

Farra gasped, "French…"

Stocking called out, "What the fuck is going on?"

Scanty cried, "That's the ghost of Rebecca Miyamoto! Melissa Hawthorne killed her!"

'Becky' then laughed and started to change into different forms. She then said, "Well… you have been such a fool, Steven Nevins… and to the rest of you imbéciles."

She turned into Todd, the ghost from Highland, "Some say I was the ghost of a guy who was enjoying a ride…"

She turned into Lemongrab and said, "SOME SAY I am the Earl of Lemongrab!"

She turned back into Becky and said, "And some say I am the girl who was accused of killing my own student! But in reality, I am simply The Gang's #1 fan!"

POOF!

Everyone was completely in shock, as they saw the image of a young 16-year old woman, with long blonde hair, fair skin, violet eyes, ruby red lips, and a slim body with small breasts. She was wearing the clothes she died in, a blue shirt with the words "I 'Heart' The Gang" in pink and purple glitter text, an black jeans with red sneakers. She laughed evilly and concluded.

"I am… Melissa Hawthorne!"

She cackled evilly, as the storm clouds grew in the dark sky. The Gang and their friends were in complete disarray.

Mizuki said, "It cannot be! Melissa is dead!"

Steven C said, "Steven Cooke hates to say this, but…"

He shrieked, as Mizuki sighed, "You don't like ghost girls, do you?"

Heather cringed, "How can you still be around, after you were a disgrace to fans, everywhere? You DON'T hound around The Gang and steal our shit! Heather was wondering why my scrunchies kept disappearing!"

She complained, "WHAT? I was young, back then! And I had long blonde hair."

Michelle growled, "You… Melissa Hawthorne. How dare you give the orders to those people, all because you wanted… HER!"

She pointed at Yakumo and barked, "Well, kidnapping her is a BIG mistake! YOU WILL BLOODY WELL REGRET THE DAY THAT YOU RUINED OUR GIG!"

Peter cried, "That's right! Three weeks we have prepared to perform in Daten City, and you come along and ruin it!"

Percival shouted, "You will regret ever meeting us!"

Kneesocks trembled in fear, as she held Scanty. She whimpered, "Oh, god… She's French, she's dead, and she's evil…"

Scanty sobbed, "I want to go home. Get me out of this nightmare."

Panty panted in fear, "How? Why is that sudden chill into us?"

Stocking stammered, "I… I never felt so scared in my life…"

April growled, "We cannot strike. That girl is a ghost. I don't think our bullets will pierce through her."

January said, "I don't… know…"

She hollered, "SEPTEMBER!"

She shot her machinegun upward and fired continuously, starting to shriek in fear. Her gun ran out of bullets, as she started to cry, completely frightened.

"Mommy… Mommy… I wanna go home…" she wept, as April held her, "Mommy… I'm scared…"

Melissa sneered, "Aw, did I scare your back-up plan? Too bad. I really wanted to fight all eight of you, since you are in full force. And besides… I have lots to do, in this alternate world, before I leave… like destroying Daten City and make it Hell on Earth! It's all about smoke and mirrors… except I will be the one with magic. Now…"

She breathed, as her breath showed a light blue color. She said, "Let's let the haunting hour begin… Il est temps pour une petite frayeur, vous autres mortels chétifs."

She cackled evilly, as The Gang was about to fight Melissa Hawthorne's ghost, as the clouds began to grow thunder.

The battle begins in the next chapter. Will The Gang end Melissa Hawthorne's haunted revenge on Steven Nevins and company, or will The Gang fall to the otherworldly follower?
Also, what does she have in store for Yakumo, when she wakes up?

To be continued…

GANG In-Canon: Melissa Hawthorne wasn't THAT extreme. She died at the age of 16, after she devoted her love to The Gang, during their second year in the music business. She was actually killed in an automobile accident in Toulouse, during her trip to London for The Gang's gig.
Hawthorne was ALSO born in Rouen, France, but was raised in Paris.
The Gang respected her, since she was an uber-fan, but NOT a stalker. That's why they didn't bother to shut her up. This is OUT of canon, which is why they wanted to make Melissa Hawthorne a villain.