Part III
Hiding in the shadows, Rhyno waited for his contact. After standing outside in the parking lot of the arena, he finally saw Kurt Angle leaving the lot. For the past few weeks, Angle had been Rhyno's connection to the WWF. Actually, it was only one member of that federation that concerned him. Knowing that Angle was a man of integrity, Rhyno had approached him, asking for his assistance in delivering some personal letters. Kurt was hesitant at first, fearing what the other wrestlers would do if they found out he was helping a member of the Alliance. But he was finally persuaded. So, every week, Rhyno would find Kurt and hand him his handwritten, anonymous letter, which would be delivered to Kane after the show. But tonight would be different. Tonight, Rhyno had decided to finally reveal himself to the one he cared for with all his heart. This letter being the final one, he signed his name at the bottom. As Kurt got closer to his hiding spot, Rhyno came out of the shadows.
"If it isn't our Olympic hero," Rhyno said.
After looking around to make sure that no one else was around, Angle approached the Man Beast. "I don't think I can do this for you anymore," he said. "What if someone finds out? Then both our asses are on the line."
"Don't worry, Kurt. This is the last one. I won't be needing your services after tonight."
"Really? Why?"
"I have my reasons. Anyway, I thought you would be happy."
"Oh, I am. Believe me. I am."
Rhyno handed Kurt the letter and Kurt left the lot. Rhyno was about to leave as well, when he heard footsteps in the distance. Returning to his spot in the shadows, he was pleased to see Kane approaching. Dressed in street clothes, Rhyno couldn't help admiring his broad chest and massive arms. Soon, he thought. Soon. His smile quickly faded when he saw Chris Jericho running to catch up with Kane. When he finally caught up with him, he would purposely ram himself into Kane, who would shove him away. But it was a playful shove, Rhyno noticed. He was seething. He couldn't imagine why he was being nice. Especially to that imp Jericho. They couldn't possibly be friends, Rhyno thought. Although he couldn't be sure, he could swear that there was something different about Jericho's behavior. It wasn't the usual Jokester Jericho antics that he was up to. Deep down, Rhyno knew what it was. But he couldn't bring himself to believe it. To think that Y2Jerk was... in love! Lightning flashed in his eyes as they passed by him unnoticed. After they entered the arena, Rhyno soon entered as well, heading for the Alliance locker room.
Rhyno was very proud of himself. He had made it half way through the night without exploding. Although the scene from earlier that night was constantly replaying in his mind, he refused to let his anger rage out of control. Otherwise, the others would get suspicious. So he kept to himself, as usual. He was glad that the locker room was empty. That way, no one would bother him. No sooner had he thought that when Stephanie McMachon- Helmsley walked in. Although she did look rather slutty at times, he knew better than to say that. One shouldn't bite the hand that feeds him. She sauntered over to the bench he was sitting on and took a seat next to him.
"Rhyno," she began. "You like it here in the Alliance, don't you?"
"Yes," he said.
"And like making me happy, don't you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, it would make me very happy to know what the hell is going on between you and Kurt Angle!"
Shocked that he had been found out, he tried to pretend that he didn't know what she was talking about. But she made it known that she had surveillance footage of them in numerous conversations. And that documents were being exchanged. She demanded to know what was going on.
"Nothing," he said. "It's personal and none of your business."
"Really? Well, when your business might affect our business, then it BECOMES my business."
"Well, it won't. My arrangement with him is over."
"Arrangement? Were you two...?"
"NO!" he yelled. "Do you think I would be interested in that dork?"
"No," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "And I'm glad that it's over. That way, I don't have to mention this to anyone else. It remains just between the two of us."
"Okay," he sighed. "Thank you."
"You what else would make me REALLY happy?"
He shook his head. "What?"
"Well, you know Jericho and Kane have a tag match against RVD and Test. I'm not saying that our guys can't get the job done... I'm just saying, that just in case things don't go as we would like.... You could..."
"Gore Jericho!" He was more than happy to do that. Not only for her, but for his peace of mind.
"Kane."
"What?" She couldn't be saying what he thought she was saying.
"I want you to gore Kane."
"What about Jericho?"
"Oh, I've got other plans for him. You just take care of the Big Red Machine for me." She got up and practically skipped out the room.
He couldn't believe what Stephanie was asking. The thought of attacking his dear Kane was too much. But he had to go along with Stephanie's orders. Or else he'd really be in deep. He just had to hope that RVD and Test got the job done.
Chris walked up the ramp with Kane, victors of the match. The match had gone back and forth between the two teams, but after a chokeslam from Kane and Jericho doing his Lionsault, they had won. The fans were going mad and Chris couldn't have been happier. He and Kane had been a great team in the ring and they were getting closer by the day. Well, as close as Kane would let him, but close none the less even though it wasn't the kind of closeness that Chris was hoping for. Kane had stopped at the top of the ramp and raised his arm. Chris was right behind him, grinning like a damn fool, but he didn't care. This was the happiest he had been in a long time.
Suddenly, things seemed to go in slow motion. Kane had just finished his salute and started walking. Out of the corner of his eye, Chris saw Rhyno heading right for Kane. Realizing Rhyno's intentions, Chris made a split second decision that he knew he would not regret. He rushed forward and, with inches to spare, shoved Kane out of harm's way. And then there was the impact.
"GORE! GORE! GORE!" Paul Heyman yelled.
"Good God," J.R. said. "Rhyno has just gored Chris Jericho. It looked like he was aiming for Kane, but missed."
"Who cares, J.R.? Chris Jericho? Kane? What matters is that the Alliance has struck against the WWF." Heyman began laughing. "Did you see the way they flew off the ramp? THAT is poetry in motion."
"They flew all right. They also landed on the concrete floor, AFTER bouncing off the railing holding back the audience. Aren't you at least a little worried about Rhyno?"
"Nah! He's a strong boy. Besides, Jericho took the brunt of the blow anyway."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the EMT's are making their way over to them now. Things are not looking good."