The Misfits: The Series
Finale
Ima Demo…
(Translation: Even Now…)
By Nick Maro
The sounds of her screams echoed through the house until her throat was raw. The sheer terror of what she had just witnessed was frozen in Pizzazz's mind. She attempted to rush out on the front lawn to the burning car, but she was somehow held back by various hands and limbs. Finally wiggling loose, Pizzazz ran toward her brother's burning car. She dodged burning debris before she was tackled from behind. She barely heard the voice of one of her best friends in her ear.
Tears streamed down her face as she tried to get free from Roxy's grip. She watched through blurry eyes as people from the house tried to put the fire out. She heard the sound of sirens getting closer and then the sensation of being picked up from the ground. She looked up and saw her fiancée Riot as he carried her away in his arms. She looked behind herself at the wreckage and weakly tried to get free. But her body wouldn't let her. A beam of light washed over the car and Pizzazz saw the burned bodies of her twin brother and his wife in the front seat.
Pizzazz's eyes rolled back and a deep darkness engulfed her as she passed out in Riot's arms.
A steady numbness flowed through her body as she woke up. Pizzazz found herself lying in a bed. Someone had put her in her pajamas. She ran a hand across her face and dry scrubbed it quickly. It all must have been a horrible nightmare she thought hopefully. Sitting up slowly, Pizzazz felt the blood rush to her head and she got slightly dizzy. After waiting for her vision to return to normal, she got up and went into the washroom.
Pizzazz headed down the stairs after she was finished. She couldn't wait to hug David tight and tell him about her awful nightmare. She reached the bottom of the stairs and felt a cold numbness go through her. The police were questioning her friends and family. New tears began to form as she slowly looked out the front door and saw the remains of the car. It was now daylight and she could see where her brother's body had been removed.
Running over to her friend, Jetta caught Pizzazz as her legs went limp. "Whoa easy there, luv. You shouldn't be up and walkin' about." The English woman sat Pizzazz on the couch away from any windows. Jetta sat next to her longtime friend and held her hand. She looked around desperately trying to think of something to say. "I'm so sorry," was all she could manage. Pizzazz frowned deeply and wrapped her arms around The Misfits' drummer. She let out a loud sob as she realized her brother was dead.
Sitting in her office at Misfits Music, Pizzazz ran a hand through her thick green hair. It was one of the habits she happily picked up from David. She listened to the Autobot Wheeljack on the video screen. "Ms. Gabor, we analyzed the artificial limbs on the bodies and performed a DNA test. Both tests confirm that they were indeed your brother and his wife. I cannot express how sorry I am to report this."
"Thank you. I had my suspicions that it was true but it's better to make sure." Pizzazz forced a smile and leaned back while letting out a sigh. "The Autobots are invited to the funeral, of course. You did so much for him after he was attacked and lost his limbs. I think at one point he talked about possibly moving to Autobot City and raising a family there."
Wheeljack nodded and the panels on the sides of his head lit up to a light blue as he spoke. "I'll let Optimus Prime know. Your brother was a great man and helped the Autobots in many ways. As have you and the rest of The Misfits." He put the video conference on mute for a moment as he spoke to someone off screen. The audio came back suddenly. "Optimus Prime would like to speak to you now."
After Wheeljack left the leader of the Autobots came into view. "My deepest condolences about David and Kaori, Phyllis. All flags here at Autobot City are at half mast in their honor. I overheard what you said and I will be there personally at the funeral. The Misfits are welcome to Autobot City any time they wish to come. I've taken it upon myself to make yourself and all of your friends and family members of the Autobots. Again, your brother was a great man and a hero to the Autobots."
This time Pizzazz didn't fake her smile. "Thank you so much Optimus. You have no idea how good that is to hear. I'll see you in a few days." She disconnected the feed and leaned back in her chair. Her eyes went to a picture on her desk of David, Kaori, herself and The Misfits all together. She picked up the picture and hugged it to her chest and let out a held breath.
"When David first returned home I had my doubts. Here was this shaggy haired man on my doorstep. He was dripping in sweat, duffle bag over his shoulders and telling this wild tale of how he's my long lost twin." Pizzazz allowed herself a little smirk at the memory. "I couldn't help but wonder if I was on a video prank show. Obviously, I let him inside and it was all true. Let's face it David had a disarming charm about himself." She looked back at the photo next to David's coffin. "He changed my life and I don't where I'd be now without him."
Pizzazz wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and turned to Kaori's coffin that next to David's. "Now Kaori when I first met her I absolutely loved her energy. I couldn't understand a damn thing she said, but she was so positive. She and David were meant for each other." She paused to wipe more oncoming tears and smiled. "I visited them after they were attacked and lost their limbs. They were living in a secluded cabin in a forest in Japan. I watched them for a little bit and just knew that they belonged together. It was the little things. The way they looked at each other. The way they talked, joked and teased each other. But mostly it was that private smile. It was just pure love." She walked up to each coffin and kissed the pictures. "I love you both. And thank you for changing my life."
Pizzazz stood in front of the two coffins in silence for a few minutes. Stormer hugged her half sister as they passed each other who then took a seat next to Riot. She took her place at the podium and sighed softly to collect her thoughts. Finally clearing her throat, she spoke in a quiet yet confident voice. "David was not only my half brother but one of my best friends. When we first met I took an immediate liking to him. There was something about him that I could trust. Like Phyllis said, he had this charming aura about him. But he also always listened to you.
"I'm really going to miss Kaori. She and I shared a passion for studying birds and watching them. We would get up at dawn and head to a forest preserve to watch them. I learned a lot from her. She was a great friend to me and the perfect wife for David." Stormer turned around and spoke to the pictures. "I love you." She started walking back to her seat when Roxy stopped her halfway and hugged her tight.
Roxy smiled as best as she could and then let go of a hard sob. "I had all these great things I wanted to say, but now my mind is blank. Phyllis and Mary took all of the obvious words." The crowd let out a quiet chuckle. "David was my best friend and I really loved him. Outside of Sheila, he was my rock. He was the one I could turn to when I had problems." Roxy looked behind herself and smiled, then turned back to the mourners. "There was this one time I called him, I was having some damn problem, and he was on a date with Kimber. I think they had just started dating at the time. Anyway, he cut the date short and talked to me on the phone until he showed up at my apartment. That's the kind of friend he was. He put others before him."
She looked over her shoulder at Kaori's photo and grinned. "Now Kaori was amazing, she may have looked all sweet and kind, but she had a nice wild streak to her. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her. I wish I had gotten to know her better." Roxy left the podium after spending a quiet moment in front of the photos.
Taking the podium next Jetta looked at the people before her. "I'm just gonna say my peace to David and Kaori privately. Just know that David meant a lot to me. I never had a brother but he was one to me." She turned around and studied the photo of David and Kaori. She pulled a picture out of her pocket and set next to his. It was a picture of David and Jetta together on The Misfits' first Japanese tour. Jetta went back to her seat and leaned against Roxy.
The podium remained empty for a few minutes until Kimber slowly walked up. She removed her dark glasses and tried to give her best smile. She cleared her throat a few times before she spoke with a hoarse voice. "As many of you know David and I dated for a long time. I first met him when I was in an abusive relationship. In a way he helped show me that I was in one. He stood up for me when he didn't even know me. I still love him and I guess I always will." She looked at her boyfriend and was relieved when he just smiled. "I could always rely on him to be there when I had troubles."
Stormer ran up to Kimber's side and put her arm around her best friend. Kimber smiled sadly and leaned into her but continued speaking. "If it wasn't for David, The Misfits wouldn't be some of my best friends." She hugged Stormer tightly before turning back. "Now Kaori on the other hand I didn't like right away. It was pure jealousy. David and I had just broken up and took a break from each other. We broke up on great terms with the possibility of getting back together. But he met Kaori while living in Japan and the rest was history." She let out a soft breath and gave a sincere smile. "She and I eventually became great friends. I'll miss her and I love her." Kimber kissed both pictures and sat next to her boyfriend.
Slowly Yukio walked up the podium and hooked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I shouldn't even be here, but David quite literally saved my life. Without him, I'd probably be dead and no one would even have cared." She looked at all of the people she called family in the crowd. "Instead he gave me a family. He gave me a sense of purpose in life and showed me kindness without even knowing me. Like everyone here, I love that stubborn man who was my best friend.
"Kaori was a woman who I immediately loved. She was so curious but not annoying. There was something so carefree about her that I can't put my finger on." She looked back at the casket and grinned. "Kaori embraced David's nature. She truly understood the things he had to do and supported him. She may have had questions, but they were only that he would understand what he was doing himself. She was his Yin to his Yang. I'll miss her so much. I truly love her as well." Yukio left the stage and sat next to Pizzazz and smiled up at her, hoping what she said made any sense.
Leaning over, Pizzazz whispered in Yukio's ear, "Thank you. You've meant so much to me as well. I love you, little scary ninja woman."
Yukio covered her mouth as she giggled softly then whispered back. "I love you too, Queen Bitch of Rock. You are definitely my sister." She gave Pizzazz a little smile and leaned against her happy in knowing she wasn't going to be abandoned again.
Walking up to the podium together, Techrat and Clash cleared their throats. Techrat took a step back and let Clash speak for the both of them. "When I met David it was in the middle of the first of many family crises that we all would encounter. But right away I knew I'd really get along with him. He didn't question my motivations or try to stop me. He accepted my help and encouraged me along the way." She smiled at The Misfits. "He also made The Misfits realize that I really was one of them. Those four women are my best friends in the whole world and I love every single one of them.
"Like everyone has said, he put the needs of others before his. When my cousin Vivian was murdered, David worked tirelessly to help find her killers. I could never thank him enough. And that was the thing, he didn't want my thanks. He did it because we wanted to help." Clash turned and smiled at his photo. "We're all lucky to have had him in our lives. He was a true friend that I miss and love." She smirked when she turned back from looking at Kaori's photo. "I didn't really know Kaori as much as I wanted, but she was a delight to be around. She was full of frantic and chaotic energy. I'll really miss her."
After Clash stepped aside, Techrat moved forward and looked at the people in front of him. "David and Kaori both accepted me for me. He never used me for my talents. He was one of the first people I could call a friend. I want to thank him for that." He looked around again and gave a nervous smile. "I do not like public speaking. Thank you." He walked off the stage with Clash next to him.
Mariko slowly approached the microphone and removed her sunglasses. "David was my son and one of my closest friends. My late husband Hiroshi and I adopted David when he was eight years old. It was never an official adoption, but we raised him as our child. He carried our family name proudly." She looked away and cleared her throat. "Not many people are aware of this, but I may have inadvertently set up Kaori and David. Kaori moved in nearby and would constantly get some of our mail. She would come over to return the mail and we would talk. I thought she was the most charming woman ever. She had a wicked sense of humor that would make me laugh mo matter what. Deep down, I knew that she was perfect for my son." She glanced at Kimber and felt herself blush a little. Kimber nodded that she understood and that it was okay.
"One of the happiest days of my life was my son's wedding. They both just looked so happy." Mariko wiped her eyes again and smiled. "It's like what everyone has said they were born for each other. That rarely happens. I love my son David and my daughter in law Kaori so much. The best thing I can do, that anyone can do, is to live and love the best they can in their memory." She left the podium and was met by The Misfits at the bottom of the steps. She hugged each woman tight then pulled Kimber into a tight embrace. She whispered in her ear, "I love you, Kim. You were one of the best things to ever have happened to David. He loved you so much too. I see you as my daughter as well." Kimber held on to Mariko for a long time and cried happily on her shoulder.
Over the next hour, all of David and Kaori's friends and family stood and shared their stories of the couple. The memorial for the couple was held at the Gabor Estate.
Walking back to her car, Pizzazz shook her head in disbelief. It was hard to believe it was just a year since the death of her brother. She got into her car and drove out of the cemetery. Her phone rang as she got on the freeway to head back to Misfits Music. "Hey Rory, I'm heading back to the office now. Just remember we have dinner tonight with Mary and Chip."
Riot's deep chuckle echoed through the car's sound system. "Yes, I'm aware. I was calling to find out if you got The Stingers' tour schedule ready yet." Silently swearing Pizzazz made a mental note to do so when she got back to the office. Riot brought her out of her thoughts. "Your silence tells me you haven't. I know today has been chaotic so I understand. I'll see you at home. Love you."
"Love you too." Pizzazz disconnected the call and drove back to the office while listening to The Stingers' new album. She pulled into the parking garage and parked in her spot. Before entering her office Pizzazz stopped at her secretary's desk. "Pull up the tour schedule for The Stingers and Suzaku. I need to go over it this afternoon. Thanks." She went into her office and flopped back in her chair. She looked out of her window and spotted Jerrica looking over some papers.
Pizzazz pulled her cell phone out and called her old rival. "Hey, look out your window." She waved when Jerrica spotted her. "I've seen all of the press and interviews, but how is Madison doing as the lead singer for The Holograms? I mean how is she really handling the spotlight and fame?"
Jerrica let out a giddy laugh. "She's amazing! I think she'll be remembered more than I was. I mean, I miss singing on stage, but I'm so much happier managing things. Managing and being the lead singer was such a hassle, but then again, I don't have to tell you that."
"Well," Pizzazz started slowly, "I get the feeling The Misfits are done. David's death hit us all way too hard. Plus, I am busy with The Stingers and now Suzaku. We all agreed a few months ago that The Misfits should take a long hiatus but it feels like we're done. We'll see in a few months." She turned away from the window when her secretary brought in the tour schedules. "And speaking of work I have tour schedules to finalize." She pressed the papers to the window and made an annoyed face.
"Before you go, I have news!" Pizzazz could see Jerrica's smile from across the street. "Rio and I have a baby Hologram getting started!" Jerrica laughed as Pizzazz let out a joyous scream. "We'll get lunch later in the week." Pizzazz agreed and hung up her phone. She was genuinely happy for Jerrica and Rio. She knew they were trying to have kids for a while now.
"How'd that sound, Techrat? We can do it again if you need." Roxy stood with her guitar hanging loosely from her shoulder. Behind her, Jetta scratched her back with her drumsticks. Aja tapped her fingers softly on the strings of her guitar, while Eiji stretched behind his keyboard. Roxy gave a shrug to Techrat in the other room.
"Dammit, the machine didn't record." Techrat rubbed his face in annoyance. "That's it for today. Chip and I need to pull the machines apart. Again."
Stormer turned from putting her guitar away. "You might have to call Rio and see if he can help. Chip and I are going out with Phyllis and Rory tonight." She picked up her guitar and put the strap over her shoulder. "It's the anniversary of, well, you know."
"Right, I forgot. I'll call Connie. She was complaining at home how she never gets to play with our toys at the studio."
Jetta let out a laugh and smirked. "Are you sure it's the studio equipment she's talkin' about? Not your equipment she wants ta fool around with?" Aja and Eiji chuckled as Techrat gave her a blank look. Roxy tried not to smirk as she backhanded Jetta softly."Hey!" Jetta gave a frown as she rubbed her arm.
"Well, I'm off to meet Ken at the theater. I'll see you guys later." Eiji put his sunglasses on and jogged out of the room.
Adjusting her guitar case strap on her shoulder, Aja stopped in the doorway. "Rox, Sheila, give me a call when you want to get together again. We'll get the project off the ground soon. Mary, have fun tonight. Techie, call me or Craig if you want help tonight. We're just staying in." She gave a wave and smiled. "Love you guys."
"I'll see if Chip wants to help after dinner." Stormer turned to her three best friends. "Are you ready?" Roxy and Jetta followed the youngest member of The Misfits to her car. "When is your car getting fixed, Rox?"
"I have no fucking clue. But it's the last time I park it on the street." Roxy stopped from getting in the passenger seat and sat behind her girlfriend Jetta. "You know Sheila calling shotgun doesn't apply for all day." She just grinned as Jetta laughed. The three women pulled out of the studio parking lot.
Raising her glass of wine, Pizzazz tapped hers to the three others. "To David and Kaori! Two of the best people to have lived." She sipped her wine slowly and hung her head a little. When she looked back up she put on a smile. "I know David wouldn't have wanted me to be this sad for him, but I can't help it. One minute he was there, the next he's just gone." She took another sip of her wine and then got up when the buzzer went off in the kitchen. "Excuse me I think the roast is done." She went into the kitchen and checked inside the oven.
Following her sister into the kitchen Stormer handed Pizzazz the oven mitt. "Are you okay? You haven't been yourself the past few days."
"Yeah, I'm fine." Pizzazz pulled out the roast and made a cut. The meat was cooked just right. She smiled to herself. "Actually, I'm just missing David. I keep expecting him to walk through the door, waving his arms and yelling about someone trying to attack us." She sliced the meat slowly as she spoke. "He made life exciting." She cut a small piece and put it on a fork for Stormer. "Try this and see if it's okay?"
Stormer took the fork and tasted a bit of the roast. She chewed slowly and smiled wide. "It's perfect. You're really becoming a great cook. Maybe you have a fallback career." She giggled and finished the piece of roast beef. "But I know what you mean. It has been really quiet and normal without him. I don't like it. I always hoped he'd give a speech at my wedding." She studied her feet and then looked up again. "He had a way with words, you know." She let out a giggle and hugged Pizzazz.
Hugging her half sister tight, Pizzazz rested her head on Stormer's shoulder. "He did. I was hoping he'd give me away at my wedding." She patted Stormer's shoulder and got up. Let's finish this and eat. I just realized all I had to eat today was a granola bar I found in my desk drawer." Pizzazz finished slicing the roast and brought it out to the table. She was followed closely by Stormer, who carried the vegetables.
Halfway through the meal, Chip looked around a bit confused. "Is Yuji here? Shouldn't he join us?"
Riot finished his mouthful of food and took a sip of water. "He actually moved back to Osaka I think two months ago. He's been running his business there." He picked up his fork and pointed it slightly. "Phyllis calls him for business advice every so often. He's happy to help. So it's just Phyllis and I in here. I asked Phoebe and Ingrid to move in. They're thinking about it. Yukio comes and goes. She's been helping train the new students at the Arashikage clan home. She has a place here no matter what."
"Kimber finally moved in with Alan. Mary and I have the house to ourselves. It's a bit quiet, but we like the quiet." Chip squeezed his girlfriend's hand and grinned as Mary blushed. The rest of the evening was spent by having small talk about what was going on in their lives. They talked about where friends and family were at now. Pizzazz felt it was the perfect way to spend the night.
Rushing across the stage, the stagehand quickly connected the microphone to the stadium sound system. "Check check. One two. One Two." He gave thumbs up to Techrat and ran to the next microphone and performed the same vocal check on the two others. He gave the same signal to Techrat and Clash who were putting together the soundboards. Off stage Roxy was tuning up her guitar. She had her monitor headphones on as she played and adjusted.
In the green room, Pizzazz was finishing putting on her stage make up. Stormer was with Chip watching the audience fill the stadium. Jetta was on the phone with Rapture discussing something in private. Pizzazz had noticed there was a constant light purple aura around the British woman when she discussed certain things with Rapture. She'd just finished putting on the makeup when Riot came up and hugged her from behind. He was careful not to smudge her make up as he kissed her neck. "You're going to be terrific tonight."
"Gods, I hope so!" Pizzazz turned around with her arms wrapped around his midsection. "I haven't performed on stage in five years! I feel like I'm rusty."
Riot took her hands in his and kissed her fingers. "You'll do great. You've been practicing for the past six months. I've heard you and you sound great. You're Pizzazz! The hell-raising rebel leader of The Misfits!"
Pizzazz threw her head back and laughed a little too loudly. "No I'm not. I'm Phyllis Llewellyn, CEO and President of Misfits Music. I was Pizzazz a lifetime ago." She hugged her husband tight and smirked. "But for one night, one more time, for my brother I am Pizzazz." She leaned up and pecked Riot's lips as they got the call to go on stage. She ran out the door and winked at Riot before she was handed her guitar.
The stage lights went dark as soon as The Misfits took their places. "Ladies and gentleman our final act of the evening The Misfits!" The audience erupted into a deafening applause. Pizzazz gave Roxy and Stormer a big grin as the applause grew louder. She looked over her shoulder at Jetta, who had the same smile on her face. Giving a silent countdown Pizzazz started into the opening guitar riff. Roxy and Stormer joined in after Jetta started with her drums. They played their first song with an energy and passion she hadn't felt in years.
Together they performed a three hour set of songs. Never missing a beat or taking a break.
Picking up the book from the table, Roxy read the title over again in amazement: You Ought to See the View from Here by Doctor Mary Chase. "I can't believe you used one of our song titles for a book on birds." She flipped through the book and smiled. "My fault it's on ornithology, the study of birds. So this is what you got your doctorate in?"
Giving Roxy an annoyed look, she signed the book and handed it back. Stormer then smiled and hugged her old friend from behind the table. "Oh it's so good to see you, Rox! I can't believe it's been almost six years since I saw you at my wedding! I thought for sure we'd be getting back together after the memorial concert we had for David and Kaori." She looked past Roxy and hugged her again. "Sorry, gotta keep the line moving. I only have another half hour, so if you're not busy stick around."
Taking a seat off to the side, Roxy pulled out her phone and texted Jetta that she would be late for dinner. She then proceeded to watch her friend sign the books and talk to her fans uninterrupted. Roxy eventually moved to the back of the store and began writing a new song. She smirked when she thought of the old saying that inspiration will hit anywhere. She was recognized by a few fans of The Misfits. She happily took the time to talk to them.
"So are The Misfits ever going to do another album?" one fan asked.
"I honestly have no idea. I hope so, but we've all moved on to other things." Roxy put her writing away and sat back. "I'm actually here to talk with Mary about something along those lines." She waved for Stormer to join her when she saw her get up. "Maybe you can be the first person to report to everyone online." She stood up and hugged Stormer again. "Listen, there was a reason why I stopped by today. Phyllis and I have been talking about doing a real reunion tour. My solo tour just wrapped up, Sheila has some time off coming up from her job." Roxy left Jetta's career a mystery in public. "And Phyllis needs a vacation. What do you say?"
Without even thinking about it, Stormer nodded enthusiastically. "Did you even have to ask? You coulda just called and told me to get my ass to the studio! Of course, I'm in! You guys are my best friends." Stormer turned when the fan tapped her on the shoulder. Together the three posed for a photo. She stopped the fan before she left. "Remember, your best friends are your family. Always be there for them." The fan just nodded and left the store knowing she'd been a part of history.
The sudden implosion of air caused the ears of Pizzazz and Stormer to pop. They stuck their fingers in their ear canals and shook them quickly. Pizzazz gave Jetta an annoyed look. "I keep forgetting to wear my earplugs when you're going to do that."
Jetta just smiled as she turned to the young mage with her. "Phil, you can head back to base now. I want the Professor to study your amulet some more. We're still not sure where it's from. Only contact me in extreme emergencies. I'm on sabbatical now." She turned and let out a breath and made a face. "Oh the hectic life of a combat magician." She hugged Pizzazz and Stormer in turn and then kissed Roxy lovingly. "So, the tour is startin' where it all ended?" She gave Pizzazz a wink.
The Misfits stood on the stage of the Osaka Dome. Stage crews were setting things up all around them, while Techrat and Clash tested the sound boards. A young boy about the age of five ran up to Stormer. Chip was close behind him. He let out a soft chuckle. "Sorry, Davey wanted to see his mom on stage."
Riot came up behind Pizzazz and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. She leaned against him and took in the view. It may have been twelve years since David's death, but it still seemed like yesterday they were on this stage. She leaned up and kissed Riot softly. "We have to get ready. The old hell raising Pizzazz wants out." She gave him a mischievous grin that he returned.
It was the day after The Misfits' second show in Tokyo. They had a day of rest so Pizzazz slipped out of the hotel early and went for a walk alone. She was particularly proud of the fact that she was able to dodge Yukio's guarding her. The day was not too hot or too cold. She smiled to herself at the success the tour was having. As she walked, Pizzazz was especially proud of herself. She had taught herself how to read the three Japanese alphabets. She walked past the small shops and smiled. She thought of the shop her mother had in Tokyo and wondered whatever happened to it.
Pizzazz hummed to herself as she walked at a slower than her normal pace. She was in no hurry to get anywhere. It was rare that she got to have private time like this. She walked past a playground that had a few children playing and yelling. She heard a mother yell for her children to come inside.
"[Hiroshi Harvey Tanaka! Mariko Evelyn Tanaka! Get in the house and clean your room!]" a mother yelled in Japanese to her two kids. "[I told you couldn't go out until your chores were finished.]"
Stopping to watch the children go running inside, Pizzazz could have sworn they were twins. Slowly walking to the building where the kids ran into she read the name on the window: Tanaka Dojo. "No," she said quietly to herself. The names she heard had raised her suspicions. Pizzazz tried the dojo door, it was unlocked. She entered and the door gave a soft chime. She looked around the reception room of the dojo. It was quaint and very nice.
A Japanese woman came in from the backroom with her head down muttering under her breath. One of the kids yelled from the back the woman turned quickly and yelled at them. "[I am so sorry about that. My kids are acti—]" she stopped in mid-sentence and took a step back when she saw Pizzazz. "How?" was all she could get out of her mouth.
Pizzazz immediately recognized Kaori's copper eyes. Tears of happiness began to run from both women. She silently took Kaori into her arms and hugged her tight. After a few moments she looked up and saw her brother standing in the doorway with two kids standing behind him. "david." She ran to her brother hugged him tighter. She looked down at the twins and smiled at them. They looked to be around eleven or twelve years old.
Breaking the embrace, David gave Pizzazz a confused look. "How did you find us?"
"I was just walking by when I heard Kaori yell their names." Pizzazz gestured at his kids. "I dunno something just clicked." She looked at the kids, who were giving confused looks to their parents. She crouched down and smiled at them then looked up at David and Kaori. "Oh hell, they don't know who I am. They probably don't even know you as Kaori or David. I'm sorry, I'll just go." She turned to leave.
Kaori and David both stopped her with a hand on her arm. Kaori shook her head quickly. Pizzazz just then noticed it was jet black. "Don't go, Phyllis. We've missed you so much you and the rest of our real family. Stay and we'll explain things." She looked at David. "Right?"
David only nodded and led Pizzazz into the kitchen area of the apartment. He turned to his children and smiled wide. "Hiro, Mariko, I want you to meet your Aunt Phyllis. You have a much bigger family than you know." He turned to Pizzazz and smirked. "They know English so go ahead." He gave his sister a little nudge.
"Hi," Pizzazz said slightly nervous she then turned to David. "I thought you were dead! Everyone did!" She took a breath and calmed down.
"I think I'll explain things to the kids upstairs." Kaori ushered the twins upstairs who stared at Pizzazz the whole time they walked up the stairs.
Pizzazz stared at David as he paced the length of the small kitchen. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair and looked up at her. "I faked our deaths. I had no option. It was the only way I knew of that would end the craziness. I knew it would hurt you deeply and it wasn't easy for Kaori and me. But I had to do it."
Anger replaced the joy that she had felt before. She wiped the new tears from her eyes. "How did you do it?"
"Synthoids. While I was helping fix up the Arashikage camp I came across a perfect synthoid of myself and Kaori." David took a seat next to his sister. "They were too perfect though. They had our personalities flawlessly. They were supposed to attack and kill us but didn't. Instead I talked to them and I saw this as a way to keep you safe. They did as well." David took Pizzazz's hands into his, but she pulled them away and kept glaring at him.
"They found your DNA and prosthetics in the explosion."
"Yeah. I know." David said softly and looking away. "I asked Optimus Prime to lie for us. Only a handful of Autobots knew we were alive mainly to keep our prosthetics running smoothly." He propped his head up on his hand and looked at his sister with pleading eyes.
Looking away from her twin Pizzazz chewed the inside of her cheek as she thought about what he said. Fury still burned inside her as she sat there. She turned when Kaori called for David to join her upstairs. Pizzazz avoided his gaze as he went upstairs. After waiting a few minutes, Pizzazz stood up. She headed for the entrance of the dojo when a picture caught her eye. It was small and not obvious. It was a picture of David, Kaori, Yukio, Kyoko, Suzaku and The Misfits together at the start of the doomed Japanese tour. She lifted it from its hook and smiled sadly.
"No one ever notices this picture." Pizzazz turned and found Kaori standing next to her. "It's the only clue of our past life. Every so often I catch David staring at it and I can see the longing in his eyes to run to you." Kaori took the picture from Pizzazz and ran a finger over David. "Faking our death crushed him. It took almost three months for him to stop crying every day. I had to constantly stop him from returning to the States to be with everyone. It took the birth of our children for him to move on. So please don't act like it was only hard on you. He is my husband and the father of my children."
Pizzazz stood stunned. She forgot how blunt Kaori could be when giving advice. She walked back into the kitchen and waited for David to come back down. She heard him lightly jog down the steps. She cleared her throat and he looked up. "You married a very strong and wise woman who loves you more than you could ever know. And I'm proud to call her my sister in law just as I am proud to have you as my brother." She pulled David into a tight hug. She spoke through broken sobs. "You have nothing to ask forgiveness for. I totally understand now."
Pizzazz spent the day reuniting with her brother and sister in law. She also got to know her niece and nephew. They were thrilled to find out that their aunt was a rock star. Pizzazz looked at her watch and moaned. "I didn't realize how late it was. I'm surprised that Mary hasn't sent out every police officer she could get a hold of. Oh hell, Yukio must be hunting the city for me. I should go." She started to gather up her things when David stopped her.
"Stay a little while longer and we'll drive you back. Kaori is making dinner." David sat back and poured himself some more tea. "What has everyone been up to? I haven't been keeping up, being dead and all."
Taking a sip from her tea Pizzazz tried to think of where to start. "Well, Mary and Chip finally married. They adopted a boy who just turned six. They named him David after you. Mary just wrote a book on birds. It's way too technical for me but I hear it's really good." She chuckled and took another sip. "Jerrica and Rio have two kids, a boy and a girl. Their daughter has been getting the best guitar lessons from Aja.
"I'm sure you're seen Shana all over the news for her fashion lines. I ran into her last year by complete accident when I was in New York for a meeting. She sent me a few business suits for Christmas." David poured her some more tea. "Thank you. Oh, speaking of Aja, she married Craig. I swear they had the longest engagement aside from Jerrica and Rio. Craig opened a music school with her. Aja works there part time, full time with Techrat fixing computers. Max started his own private investigator firm. He gets help from Chip, Clash and Techrat with the computer stuff." She stirred the tea slowly and looked up. "Kimber opened her own foster home after she broke things off with Alan. Most of the Starlight Girls are now working there as counselors. Kimber is following in her parent's footsteps."
"I'm happy she found happiness and I always figured she'd do something like that." David moved over a bit so that Kyoko could sit next to him. "What are Roxy and Sheila getting up to? Please tell me they're still together."
Pizzazz giggled and smiled. "Oh yeah, they are. Roxy and Sheila had their own project going with Aja, Mary and Eiji. That lasted one album and wasn't meant to last very long. After that Roxy started her own solo career. It's been going great for her. She just finished a nearly sold out American tour. Sheila has been working with Phoebe and with Richard's mages. They're actually under contract with the Earth Defense Force in the protection from the supernatural. Sheila is a combat magician and she loves her job.
"Speaking of Phoebe, she and The Stingers broke up a few years back. It was coming. Rory was never the same since he was healed from being wounded. His voice was back, but not his heart. He didn't have the ambition to perform anymore. He's been acting as a talent scout and vice president for Misfits Music. He may be my husband, but I make sure he earns his keep. Daddy taught me well." Pizzazz winked and picked up a slice of bread. She took a small bite and sat in thought.
"Ingrid moved to Autobot City and is studying Cybertronian technologies. Suzaku broke up a few years after you died. Hitomi met a guy on tour and they got married. Then they got divorced. She moved to the United States and helps Kimber with her foster kids. Ken and Eiji opened a comic shop in Osaka. I visit when I visit Mariko from time to time. The Autobots gave Ayumi optical implants and she can see now. She still paints blindfolded. Madison is still touring with a new band of Holograms. Synergy, or should I say Cyndi, is their manager."
"And how is Yukio? I really worried about how she'd take my death."
Pizzazz finished her slice of bread and grinned. "Yukio is still with the Arashikage Clan. She bounces back and forth between Japan and America. She teaches the Arashikage Clan when she's not acting as my bodyguard. She's a very loyal woman and a great friend but such a pain to dodge when you want some private time. I had to make her watch Mary's son to get away from her today."
Kaori set the dinner on the table as Pizzazz and her reunited family shared stories of what they had been doing. After dinner David and Kaori drove Pizzazz back to the hotel with their kids. David found a spot and parked. Pizzazz looked at him from the passenger seat. "You sure you want to do this?"
"Yeah, yeah I do." David nodded and then shrugged. "I've wanted to do it for the past twelve years." He looked in the rearview mirror his hair was back to his familiar green shade. Kaori was back to her light brown. Their kids looked thrilled to finally meet their extended family. David opened the driver's side door and got out. He looked up at the hotel nervously and took a deep breath. "Phyllis, hold my hand."
Without further question Pizzazz took her brother's hand and they walked into the hotel. David and Pizzazz's family and friends looked up in shock. Pizzazz let go of her brother's hand and his twin children stood on either side. Kaori walked up behind her husband with tears already streaming down her cheeks. David just gave his sideways smile. "Hey guys, I'm home."
The End
And that's the end of 14+ years of writing. I just want to thank everyone who has read this series. It started off as just for fun and an exercise in writing, turned into something that became a labor of love. Writing these characters has been a lot of fun. I'll miss writing them. But all things must come to an end and this was the perfect place. Thank you again. I wouldn't have done this without knowing people were reading. – Nick Maro
January 12, 2024 – Well, that was a lie! I've been back at writing the series again. It's now a continuation series that I can The Eldritch Guard. I only plan for it to be a short series. I had a few ideas that I've been wanting to get out. It's a whole new feel. It's more of a Lovecraftian horror action series. I really hope those who enjoyed this series will check it out and give it a chance. – Nick Maro