"Hey, Eric . . ."

At the sound of Pizzazz's voice, he looked up, curious as to what she might have to say to him. It had been over a week since he'd last talked with and seen the green-haired woman. She'd given him a couple of different assignments at that time. The first had been to draft contracts. Why, he didn't know just yet but had decided to humour her and come up with something that she found pleasing. The second had been to hire a market analyst.

And the market analyst had a very specific job, too. Not only did whoever was hired have to research the kinds of music that people listened to but the person also to figure out how to project the sales into something that Missfits Music could sell. So far, the results of a week's worth of research had been staggering. Because of that research, he had an idea as to what Pizzazz might be up to.

"Yes, Pizzazz?" he inquired, setting down his pen. He also had to hide his shock. The woman before him no longer had green hair nor did she wear the garish makeup she'd been so fond of.

Instead, Pizzazz's hair colour had become a dark shade of brown, almost black, and had been high-lited blue. She'd also had it straightened out smooth and pulled into a rather simple yet elegant ponytail. Wearing a pair of ripped up blue jeans and a black tank top, Pizzazz no longer looked like an immature pop queen but a sexy and savvy rock goddess. He had to blink to make sure that he wasn't seeing things. Pizzazz smirked a little.

"Like the new look?"

"Y-yeah," he stammered, standing up. "It's quite . . . wow."

"Thanks," she smiled, sitting in the chair across from him. "You should see Roxy and Jetta. They look good, too."

"Good," Eric nodded. "That's very good. A new look will definitely help garner sales . . . which is what I'm guessing you're here to talk about. Correct?"

"Yep," Pizzazz confirmed. "How's the research coming along?"

"Staggering," he replied, rummaging through the files on his desk. He had the tentative results somewhere in the mess he called his business. "Very staggering. You were right to look into it. Missfits Music could increase its profits margins considerably by hiring more bands and appealing to the other genres out there. Now my question is . . . do you really want to do something like this? It is a very risky adventure, after all."

To that, Pizzazz nodded.

"Absolutely," she stated. "Everyone who came in to audition for Stormer's position had talent. It'd be a shame not to give them a chance after what they've gone through."

"I take it you've decided on who you want to join the Missfits then."

"Yeah . . . and we've also decided on something else, too, Eric."

"Oh?" he raised an eyebrow at her. "And what's that?"

"Well . . ." she began. "It's like this . . ."

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It was that time of night again in the Starlight Mansion. Everyone's favourite entertainment critic, Lindsay Pierce, was on the television and interviewing an up-and-coming band out of Philadelphia. Gothic Misconception, Kimber believed, and one of the members had looked surprisingly familiar to her. Just before the show had cut to commercial, Lindsay had commented about having a special treat for the viewing audience.

That had been two and a half minutes ago.

During the commercial break, Kimber wondered what the treat was that Lindsay had in mind. She had seemed somewhat reluctant in announcing it yet excited as well.

'She looked like she has when it comes to the Missfits,' the keyboardist mused. 'I hope it isn't them. They've caused Lindsay nothing but trouble.'

"That band had a nice sound," came the soft comment from behind her. "I wonder who produces them."

Aja. Kimber kept her eyes glued to the television.

"I don't know but they'd make an excellent addition to Starlight Music, wouldn't they?"

Shana.

"Their keyboardist looks familiar, though . . . don't you think so?"

Raya.

"Yeah," Kimber murmured. "That's what I was thinking."

"Mmm . . ."

That was the only sound that came from Jerrica. She sounded preoccupied to Kimber.

'Must be worried about what the Missfits are up to,' she told herself. 'Heck, I am, too. They've been quiet for far too long. Three months, at least. They're up to something.'

"I'll call the studio and find out more about that band," Jerrica murmured just as Lindsay's show came back on. "I'm sure they'd jump at the chance for a record deal."

"And now," Lindsay was saying, "the moment everyone has been waiting for. Here they are with their brand new single, My Couch . . . the Missfits!"

A harsh and jangly-sounding guitar emanated from the screen as the camera quickly zoomed on the quintet performing on the stage. Kimber felt her jaw drop as the Missfits tore into their new song. The band that performed . . . was not the band she was used to seeing.

Vocally, nothing about the Missfits had really changed. However, instead of the usual three-part harmonies from Stormer, Roxy, and Jetta, they now had four part harmonies. Their voices were blending beautifully, accentuating Pizzazz's lead vocal.

What really shocked Kimber (and she was certain her bandmates were just as surprised as she) was the new set-up the Missfits had. There were three people on guitar – Pizzazz, Roxy, and a rather drop-dead sexy guy – and a girl banging on a white, old-fashioned drumset. Jetta still played her saxophone but the keyboardist had changed. Stormer no longer played for them. Instead, a petite little blonde was in her place.

The new keyboardist was the first to catch Kimber's attention, as it seemed so odd to her to not see Stormer among the Missfits. She had antique gold hair with green and pink high-lights that curled about her face and she also had a much slender build than the rest of the band. Stormy grey eyes caught the camera and the girl allowed herself a small smile. She also appeared to be about a foot shorter than the rest of the band. Kimber couldn't say for certain, not with the girl on drums sitting down.

Next to catch her attention was the male guitarist and Kimber found herself drooling just a little. He had a nice, medium-sized build and a well-toned chest. Light brown locks fell over his blue-green eyes and he played with considerable skill.

Third, the drummer caught her attention, a girl of Asian descent. Long dark hair had been high-lighted a bright red and dark eyes focused solely on keeping the beat. Whoever she was, she complimented Roxy in an outstanding way.

Finally, there was Pizzazz, Roxy and Jetta. None of them looked as they had three months ago.

Pizzazz sported smooth and straight dark hair with blue high-lights. Green eyes sparkled as she belted out the new song. Roxy's hair had become more blonde, almost the same as the new keyboardist's hair and was braided. Kimber thought it looked a little longer than normal. Finally, Jetta's hair remained the same colour but she'd gone with some gold high-lights. The wild makeup was gone and so where the chick clothes the Missfits used to wear. All five people playing wore jeans, some of which were ripped. Pizzazz wore a black, short-sleeved blouse with a denim vest over it. Roxy had opted for a white-lace t-shirt with a blue halter top underneath. Jetta wore a black tank top with the word "Vixen" in silver sequins over her chest. The guy wore a plain black tee while both the drummer and keyboardist sported blue wispy tops over tight-fitting, white bustiers.

Kimber blinked then shook her head, wondering if she was seeing things correctly. When nothing on the screen changed, she sat up and listened, her eyes narrowing. Now all would be revealed and perhaps so would where Stormer got to.

Four minutes later, the Missfits ended their song and took up seats with Gothic Misconception. There were cheers from the audience and some rather polite bows from the Missfits. Gothic Misconception – a five female band – stood up and applauded, making room for the Missfits. Both bands sat down and giggles were heard from all members. Lindsay applauded as well and smiled a little.

Once they were seated, the interview began.

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"So, Pizzazz," Lindsay began, "what exactly have the Missfits been up to since their last tour?"

"Well," Pizzazz licked her lips then accepted a glass of water graciously from one of the cameramen, "we've been rather busy. We held auditions for a new keyboardist then began the writing and recording process. It's been quite an interesting experience."

"What happened to Stormer, your former keyboardist?" the hostess asked. "Rumour has it was a nasty argument that led to you kicking her out of the Missfits."

"That's partly true," Roxy interjected. Pizzazz glanced at her.

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Roxy nodded. "However, it was also Stormer's decision to leave. She was no longer happy being with us. She felt the atmosphere to be too restrictive to what she wanted to do. Musically, she was no longer compatible with the band."

"So where is Stormer now?"

Pizzazz felt a sly grin cross her face. From the corner of her eye, she saw the members of Gothic Misconception smile as well. Oh, they knew. Both bands knew but now . . .

Now wasn't the time to make that announcement. They were here for one thing and one thing only.

Tonight, the changes amongst the Missfits ranks would be announced and Pizzazz couldn't be happier for it. Thankfully, Jetta spoke up.

"Stormer is busy with another band," the saxist smirked. "And she's having the time of her life with them. We really do wish her and the new band all the best."

"So you've been in contact with her," Lindsay stated bluntly and obviously.

"Of course," Pizzazz nodded. "It was because of Stormer that we were able to make the changes that we needed to."

As soon as she'd said that, Pizzazz stood up and gestured to the newest members of the Missfits.

"We'd like for the world to meet the newest members to the Missfits. On lead guitar is Marcello. Jade plays the keyboards now and Starr plays the drums. Thanks to them, we were able to find a new sound that suits us. Together, we are the Missfits."

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"Together, we are the Missfits."

Jerrica's hands balled up into fists at that announcement.

She really couldn't fault the Missfits for wanting to replace Stormer on the keyboards. The Holograms had done the same thing when it looked like they were going to lose Shana. They had ultimately kept Raya because Shana had wanted to play guitar.

At that time, the Missfits had tried to upstage them by signing on Jetta. This time, though . . .

'They were so quiet about it. Makes me wonder why.'

The interview continued for a few more moments, with much laughter from the Missfits and Gothic Misconception. Then Jerrica stood up. She had some phone calls to make.

She only hoped that Gothic Misconception would be willing to sign on with Starlight Music.

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"Thanks for inviting us to come out here. It was fun."

Pizzazz glanced at the blonde-haired woman who had spoken. She had a bright, warm smile and an easy-going attitude. Pizzazz had liked her the instant that they'd met. A hand held out to be shaken. Pizzazz took it.

"No problem."

"Let us know when you're back in Philadelphia. Maybe we could get together to jam," the blonde winked.

"If schedules allow," Pizzazz answered vaguely. It was the truth, after all.

"Of course. Wouldn't have it any other way," she laughed.

Pizzazz opened her mouth to say something more when the studio producer walked up to them and interrupted their conversation.

"Excuse me, Ms Cronkhite but there's a Jerrica Benton on the phone to talk to you."