A/N: I wrote the first four chapters a couple of years ago, and am just now adding to the fic with a new co-author! So chapters one, three, four, and five are mine. Chapter two is Cade's. - dearjoan
3: Rescue
"Look at you all out there!" Pizzazz hollered to her audience, shaking an accusing finger at them. "You're pathetic! Just standing around, screaming your heads off!"
The crowd roared with cheers, and a single yet boisterous male voice rose up among them, calling, "Yeah, Pizzazz!"
"Well, I know why you're here!" She stated, confidence becoming arrogance. "It's because you
love us! Isn't that right!"
Again, the fans erupted with applause.
"Then shut up and listen to us! We've been spending our time coming up with this song, so you'd better love it!"
With a signal from Pizzazz, an obnoxious chord from Stormer's electric guitar blared through Times Square. After the first twelve, Pizzazz started in with the lyrics.
"I own this place, I own this place! I own the entire United States! Don't disagree! Don't mess with me! I know that it's all mine, mine, mine! So get outta my way! Don't cross my path! Get outta my way! I'm coming through! I have no regard for you, you, you! 'Cause it's all mine!"
With only one guitar resounding through Times Square, the song amplified much weaker than usual. Pizzazz, wishing that she was the only one who noticed this, soon realised the throng's disapproval.
"Boo!" They yelled at Pizzazz and Stormer. Programs and other miscellaneous items flew at the two Misfits, causing Stormer to lose her place in the music and ultimately stop playing. Pizzazz, on the other hand, screamed the chorus into the microphone.
"So get outta my way! Don't cross my path! Get outta my way! I'm coming through! I have no regard for…"
It didn't take long for the crowd's jeering to completely drown out Pizzazz. Finally, giving up singing, she screeched, "Just shut up!"
Suddenly, she and Stormer heard faint shouts of acclamation nearby. They turned to the offstage wings behind them, from where they heard the cheering, and saw Eric and Jem.
"What's
she doing here?!?" Stormer exclaimed as Pizzazz merely shook her head.
Jem walked out onto the stage, Eric following directly behind her. When the people caught sight of the opposing band's lead singer, the derision ceased. An odd silence fell over the crowd.
"Pizzazz?" Jem's voice cracked.
"What do
you want?" Pizzazz snapped, completely humiliated by the situation.
Extending a hand to Pizzazz, Jem voiced softly, "May I please use your microphone for a second?"
Bewildered, Pizzazz gave Jem the microphone without a word. Jem cradled it in her hands. For a moment, all she did was stand there on the stage beside Pizzazz, staring out at the people around her. Then, with an enthusiastic smile and shout, she exclaimed, "Let's hear it for the Misfits!"
How embarrassing it was for her, the Misfits, and Eric when only Jem and Eric cheered. Jem, becoming irritated with the Misfits' fans, glared out at the audience. With a stern tone, she chastised the people.
"Shame on you!" She began. "How can you do this to Pizzazz and Stormer? You came out here tonight, as fans, to hear their music. They have worked hard to prepare this piece. I know how tough it is to create new songs, and here the Misfits did it tonight. Why do you not appreciate what they've done for you? They have lost a member, as you all surely know. Still, they went on tonight so they would not disappoint their fans. Let's show them our thanks and appreciation."
With clapping from a single pair of hands in the audience, the crowd began cheering. Jem turned to Pizzazz. Handing her the microphone, she bowed her head slightly and said, "Thanks!"
The clacking of Jem's ruby toned heels was inaudible over the crowds' wild applause. Stormer watched Jem leave the stage, feeling admiration for the singer, as Pizzazz looked on with disgust.