Pushing The Limit

Part 2

Breaking the Limit

By Nick Maro

Stormer fell backwards from the flames and sparks, landing hard on the metal grating behind her. Emergency workers immediately ran to her aid with fire extinguishers and blankets. Stormer patted out the flames on her dress as the cold air enveloped her. A fire resistant blanket was quickly wrapped around the flames that were on her dress and forearms. She yelled that she was okay to the workers who just kept reassuring her that she was. The emergency workers loaded her on a stretcher as David, Kimber and The Misfits gathered around the stretcher.

The band Illegal Limit pushed their way to the front of group of workers and crew who had gathered near the stretcher. Thorn glanced at Madison out of the corner of her eye. "Well, somehow we botched that up. But at least we got one of The Misfits in that."

"Yeah, but I'm still not happy. Pizzazz got away without a scratch as usual. She used one of her so called friends to take the fall for her. She always hurts those who love her." The stretcher was wheeled past her. "We'll get Pizzazz next time. Let's set up."

The four women turned to face the glaring gaze of Jerrica Benton and Rio. Jerrica frowned at Madison. "Don't bother setting up. We both heard what you said. It's not enough to get you arrested, but it's enough to reconsider your potential contract. There is no place in Starlight Music for the likes of you four."

Rio poked Thorn in the chest. "So get off our stage and get out of here."

Thorn grabbed Rio's finger and bent it back. "Oh shut up and put some more purple in your hair." She kept bending his finger until there was a wet snap. "And don't ever touch me again." She pushed past Rio and followed Madison to their dressing room as he held his hand in agony.

Gemini both glared at Jerrica and Rio. "You're lucky Thorn and Madison are in a somewhat good mood. Thorn would've broken more than your finger for touching her without permission." They smiled when the couple looked uncomfortable at how the women spoke at the same time. Gemini turned as one and walked to their dressing room.

After witnessing and hearing a little of what had happened Pizzazz looked up at her brother. "David could you and Kimber ride with Stormer to the hospital? I think myself, Roxy and Jetta are going to have a talk with an old friend of mine."

"No problem, Pizzazz. Mind if Yukio joins in? I think she needs to make a few new friends." David and Kimber climbed into the back of the ambulance with Stormer. "[Yukio, watch after my sister and our friends. I don't want you to hurt those who hurt Mary too much. No killing, understand?]"

"[I understand, David-san and I apologize that I couldn't prevent Mary's injuries. I'll protect your sisters and your friend's with my life.]" Yukio bowed sharply and stood beside Pizzazz.

Pizzazz watched Kimber shoot David a questioning look before the ambulance door closed. She had the same question. "What did David tell you, Yukio?" she asked as they walked past Jerrica and Rio. An emergency worker was fixing Rio's broken finger.

"He told me no killing and not to hurt the saboteurs too much." A smirk spread across Yukio's lips. "The nice thing about the term too much is that it's so vague. Too much for some is too little for others." She started to mentally prepare for a fight as she walked with The Misfits.

Roxy clapped Yukio on the back and smiled wide. "You gotta love the way she thinks, Pizzazz."

As they neared the dressing room for Illegal Limit, Jetta spotted the four women shoving their way through the crowd. The three Misfits and Yukio chased after them. Illegal Limit weaved between the crew and the other groups in the backstage area. Madison knocked over a stack of speakers in hopes of stalling The Misfits.

Yukio jumped on top of a crate, ran to the edge and leaped. She moved a speaker out of the way of a group of people. She landed on the ground running and quickly caught up with the three Misfits. The members of Illegal Limit were riding away on four stolen motorcycles. The owners of the vehicles were hopelessly chasing their stolen bikes, cartoonishly shaking their fists in the air.

Pizzazz quickly asked three riders to borrow their bikes. The owners agreed without hesitation. Yukio jumped on the back of the motorcycle Roxy hopped on. All three bikes roared to life and chased after the rival band. Pizzazz took the lead and spotted the bikes that Illegal Limit stole turn a corner. The Misfits quickly followed.

Madison turned down an alley slowed down so the rest of her band could take the lead. She then started knocking boxes and garbage into the path of The Misfits. She sped past Thorn and Gemini giving the signal to split up. The alley ended in a T-section where Thorn and Madison went to the left and the Gemini twins each went to the right.

The garbage and debris slowed The Misfits only a little. Upon reaching the cross section, each Misfit and Yukio looked both ways. "Jetta and I will go to the left. Roxy, you and Yukio go after those twins. They have to meet up someplace sooner or later." Pizzazz and Jetta raced after Madison and Thorn at top speed. Yukio clutched tightly to Roxy as they chased after the twin black haired women.

Yukio tapped Roxy's shoulder. "Let me drive. I can catch them faster than you could."

Roxy switched places with the Japanese woman. Yukio revved the throttle once and let the motorcycle jump into action. The bike raced on one wheel for a few moments and then sped down the alleyway. Quickly they gained on the twins and Yukio steered the bike towards a small, makeshift ramp. She revved the bike to go faster and flew off of the ramp at near top speed. Roxy clutched tightly to the ninja not realizing she was screaming. The bike landed with losing very little speed.

Reaching under her belt Yukio pulled out two shurikens and hurled them at the rear tires of the motorcycles the twins were riding. The two metal stars pierced their targets causing the rubber tires to shred. The bikes started to swerve out of control. Yukio pulled back a little out of the way. Finally the Gemini twins regained control and stopped the bikes.

Yukio stopped her bike and ran up to the twin sisters. She rammed her forearm against the throat of one, kicked her foot against the throat of the other. She looked at the stunned Roxy over her shoulder. "Now you can question them."

Roxy walked up to the twin and noticed they weren't resisting. "Yukio, that isn't necessary. Let them go." Yukio slowly let the twins go free while watching them like a hawk. "Now then just who the hell are you?"

The twins stared at Yukio and Roxy. Roxy noticed that there was a difference between the women, it was their eyes. The twin on the right had a right eye that was blue and a left eye that was green. The twin on the left had a green right eye and a blue left eye. "We are known as Gemini."

"Yes, well, could you not talk at the same time? It's just damn creepy." Roxy rubbed the bridge of her nose by pinching her thumb and forefinger." Why did you try to kill Pizzazz?"

The twin on the right spoke first. "My name is Amanda and this is my sister Andrea. We were once Siamese twins joined at the midsection. We were separated a few years back."

"After the separation we had plastic surgery to hide the scaring. Little did we know that after the surgery we'd still do everything in sync out of habit. I'm not sure why we talk in sync still, we just do." Andrea moved closer to her sister.

"As for why did we try to hurt Pizzazz, Madison holds a grudge against her. All we know is that Pizzazz hurt Madison shortly after high school. She was hurt very deeply and has sworn revenge. We have no such grudge. We have no animosity to anyone in The Misfits," the twins explained as one again. "Roxy, we do know that Thorn hates you for reasons unknown to us."

Roxy stared at the twins a moment, chewing the inside of her cheek as she stood in thought. "Thank you. Now get out of here. I have no grudge with either of you and I'd like for that not to change. Normally I'd let Yukio beat the ever loving shit out of you, but I've been learning to be a little more forgiving." Roxy got on the motorcycle and waited for Yukio.

"Here is some money for a taxi. It is better to part in good graces than ill will." Yukio handed Gemini some cash then got on the motorcycle. "I'm going to call David and find out what hospital Mary was taken to." Yukio called David and told Roxy. They first took the motorcycle back to the arena where the owners were waiting. Roxy told the owners of the stolen motorcycles where their bikes could be found. She also gave them a number to call about the tires. Roxy and Yukio hailed a cab and went to the hospital to check on their friend.

Pizzazz and Jetta entered the hospital to find David and Stormer waiting with Roxy and Yukio. Kimber was checking on Rio where he was getting x-rays taken for his broken finger. Jerrica was patiently waiting next to David. Shana and Aja were asked to supervise the rest of the concert. David had asked the other members of Suzaku to help them in anyway they could. Stormer had insisted that the concert go on since she didn't want to see the competitors disappointed.

Pizzazz hugged her half sister tightly. "Thank you, Mary. I don't know what to say. I'm just glad you're okay." She pulled back and looked at Stormer. "So, what did the doctor say?"

"He said that I just have some mild first degree burns on my forearms and upper thighs. All the flames did was mostly singe the hairs on my arms and legs. My guess is that it was the sparks and heat that mostly hit me and not the actual flames. I'm just mad that my dress was ruined." Stormer looked at her friends and giggled then sighed. "I was very lucky that I stepped back when I did. The sparks were mostly harmless but the flames were able to melt part of the grate."

"Hey Pizzazz, did you ever catch up to Madison or Thorn?"

"No I didn't, Roxy. We lost them in downtown traffic." Pizzazz gave Roxy a confused look. "Hey, how do you know their names?"

Roxy smirked and shared a look with the ninja. "Yukio and I caught up with the Gemini twins Amanda and Andrea. They seem like good people but they're also loyal to Madison and Thorn for some reason. Anyway, they told us that Madison has it in for you, Phyllis, something about hurting her in the past. Looks like to me we've made another enemy." She sat in the waiting room chair and propped her head on her hand. "Guess that's our karma at work."

Stormer stood up and put David's jacket on. "I'm ready to go. I just want to home and get some rest."

Pizzazz and the other Misfits headed out of the hospital and got into a waiting taxi. David turned to Jerrica. "If you want Misfits Music will pay for Rio's finger. I feel partly responsible."

"That's not necessary, David. Starlight Music's insurance can handle it. Besides it was our concert. If we hadn't chosen Illegal Limit as a finalist none of this would've happened. I was going to suggest that I pay for Mary's hospital visit anyway." Jerrica and David both laughed quietly until her tone then turned serious. "I'm sorry for what had happened. I didn't know those girls would do something like that."

"Mary isn't blaming anyone but that band. If she says you're forgiven then you're forgiven." David looked up when the elevator doors opened. Kimber and Rio stepped off the car. David lightly nudged Jerrica. "If Rio is up to it I say we go back to the concert and watch it finish. It's only fair that the winning band gets to meet their new boss, right?"

Jerrica agreed and hugged Rio gently meeting him halfway. David hugged Kimber as well. Jerrica asked her boyfriend and sister if they wanted to go back and watch the rest of the concert. Rio smiled and told her that was what he was about to suggest. The four friends found a cab and headed back to the arena.

The door slammed behind Madison with a thunderous boom. She opened the door again and slammed it harder causing the frame fractured and splintered. She slammed the door a final time. Pieces of molding broke off bouncing off her jacket. "I can't fucking believe they chased us." She paced the room in her fury.

Madison spun around and pointed at Gemini. "And you two better remember your loyalties. The Misfits are our enemies not our tennis buddies. Just remember that I was the one who took you both in after you escaped that freak show. I was the one who paid for your surgeries. You both owe me."

The twins answered as one. "Yes, we know, Madison. We didn't betray you in anyway. Roxy just asked who we were. We just gave her an honest answer. No betrayal in that."

"Roxy," Thorn spat with hatred. "You should've let me taken care of her when I had the chance, Madison. I swore on my brother's grave that she'd pay for his death. It's her fault that he killed himself. Tone Deaf would've been a success if she hadn't quit to join The Misfits." Thorn slammed her fist on the wall. "That fucking bitch."

"You'll get your revenge soon enough, Thorn." Madison calmed down and tied her hair back. "Right, first things first. Tomorrow we buy new equipment since we needed new instruments anyway. Then we start looking for another record studio to cut a deal with." A soft knock came from the door. Madison turned to open it. "It's not like a contract is going to just fall in our lap."

She opened the door and a man with a thin mustache smiled at her. "Ms. Madison Carmichael?" Madison nodded wishing the man would hurry up. "My name is Mr. Kite. I'm here on behalf of Breaking the Limit Records. My employer wishes to offer you a contract. May I please come in?"

"Of course Mr. Kite, now where did your employer hear us perform?" Madison shut the door once the man was inside.

"He saw you at the club the other night. He was very relieved that Jerrica Benton disqualified you tonight." Mr. Kite sat on the couch and Madison sat at the opposite couch and listened. "Breaking the Limit Records, or BLR as we call it, is ready to make you our masthead group. We plan on heavily promoting you. You'll be everywhere. Not to mention my employer has a weak spot for anyone with a grudge against The Misfits. What do you say the four of you meet with him tonight before you sign anything?"

Madison looked at the other members of Illegal Limit who each nodded their agreement. "Mr. Kite, let's go meet this mystery man. I have a feeling this is the start of a most powerful alliance and friendship as well." Madison and Illegal Limit followed Mr. Kite out of the apartment to a waiting limo.

Stormer rubbed the sleep from her eyes and opened the sliding back door. She whistled dryly but no sound came out then wet her lips and tried again. This time she mimicked a cardinal's call. A bright red male cardinal twisted its head and chirped quietly in response. Stormer whistled again and the bird flew to the railing by her. She dipped her hand slowly into a bucket of seed and held it out for the bird. Cautiously it ate the seed from her hand. Once finished the bird flew off to a nearby bird house.

Stormer sat down at the patio table and watched David teach Kimber some defensive moves in the backyard. After watching for several minutes Stormer got up and walked down to David and cleared her throat to get his attention. "David, I've been thinking. I'd like for you to teach me kendo. After the other night, I dunno, just feel like I should learn something. I've been a victim for most of my life. I want that to change."

"You just had to ask, Mary. I'd be happy to teach you. But are you feeling up to it? The doctor told you to rest."

"I'm fine. The doctor told me to rest and I rested. I'm over the shock and I now have smooth forearms." Stormer held out her arms for David to see. "I'm okay."

Kimber patted the sweat off of her face with the towel. "David, I'm going to take a shower. I'm not feeling too good." She kissed her fiancée on the cheek. "Don't work Mary too hard." Kimber jogged to the house and disappeared through the backdoor.

David sighed to himself. "Alright, let's get started then." Stormer nodded and stood before her half brother. "First we need to stretch." David and Stormer began the stretching exercises while Kimber watched from the backdoor.

Roxy opened the door of the Gabor Estate. "Hello? Phyllis, its Rox. Sheila is parking the car and Mary said she'll be here shortly." Roxy checked in the kitchen then looked in the living room. "Aw come on, Phyllis. Where the hell are you?" Roxy stopped in front of a vase of flowers and noticed there was a card.

"Boo!" Pizzazz said behind her friend. Roxy tensed in place startled. "Sorry. Yukio was teaching me how to walk silently. I had to do that to someone." Roxy lightly slapped Pizzazz's arm. "Anyway, those flowers came today from my fan. He or she is glad I'm not hurt. They were delivered to Misfits Music earlier today."

"Lucky you, all I got today was a headache. My computer is still giving me a crap, keeps crashing on me." Roxy went to the kitchen and grabbed a can of beer from the refrigerator. "I've been trying to get a hold of Techrat but he hasn't been home. Any idea where he is?"

Pizzazz greeted Jetta and Stormer when they entered the room. She then turned her attention back to Roxy. "He and Clash have been busy with Video. They're still setting up their production company, Clashing VideoRats. David has been talking to Clash and Techrat on and off about the tour this summer. Just talk to him and he'll give the message to Techrat."

Stormer came running into the kitchen. "There's something you gotta see on the TV. Hurry!"

Roxy and Pizzazz hurried into the entertainment room. Jetta was sitting on the couch watching the screen intently. Immediately each woman recognized the blonde man on the screen. It was Kevin Ross. He approached the podium and spoke clearly and slowly. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press and the people watching around the country, thank you for coming and tuning in. This news conference is to announce the formation of my new music company Breaking the Limit Records. But what would a music company be without a music group? Ladies, the podium is yours."

Kevin Ross backed away from the podium and four young women that The Misfits recognized all too well took his place, Illegal Limit. Madison placed a hand on each side of the podium. She smiled wide for the cameras and spoke with confidence. "As Mr. Ross said before, thank you for coming. My name is Madison Carmichael, the lead singer of the band Illegal Limit. Behind me stands our bass player, Thorn and the Gemini twins. I can't express how proud we are to be the first band that Mr. Ross has signed. We hope we can live up to his every expectation. This afternoon we began recording our first single. Look for it soon. Thank you and good night."

Madison stepped back from the podium and stood with her band mates. Kevin Ross took the microphone again. "Thank you, Madison. Now, I'm afraid that is all for tonight. Thank you for coming. Good evening all." Kevin Ross led Illegal Limit off the stage ignoring the barrage of questions from the press.

"What a giant load of monkey shit!" Pizzazz turned the television off then stormed out of the room.

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "VENGEANCE"

PART 3 OF PUSHING THE LIMIT