Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.
Thanks to - Souless666, Maxx6, jade, redsandman99, NeroAnne, Lyra AKA Psycho Lovin' Fiend, FortheLoveofWrestling, Esha Napoleon, Takerslady, Infection13, takers dark lover and BellaHickenbottom for your well wishes and reviews! I appreciate them!
I had so much fun writing this chapter! Hope you enjoy it too!
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Chapter 11
The room buzzed with activity as wrestlers drifted into the cafeteria for the meeting. Glenn walked in, and to almost everyone's surprise, was accompanied by Sean Waltman. He looked listless but at least he was sober and clean. Glenn had forced him to shave and shower and even bought some new clothes for him to change into. He looked defiantly at those who stared at him. The majority looked at him with pitiful eyes and only a handful gave him distasteful looks.
Waltman froze when he saw Chris. The two men looked at one another unmoving until Chris gave him a nod of acknowledgement. It surprised Waltman who was further taken aback when Glenn asked him to sit down next to Chris. He told him to stay with Chris until he got back and left. The two men sat in awkward silence until Shawn and Hunter spotted them. They immediately came forward to join them.
"Hi guys!" They greeted them before sitting down next to them. Shawn immediately leaned forward and asked in a whisper, "Do you know what this meeting is all about?"
Chris smiled and said, "I understand there are a couple of issues Mark needs to address and he wants our opinion and support."
"Exactly what kind of issues are we talking about?" Hunter probed but Chris just shook his head and said, "You just have to wait and find out."
All heads turned to the door when Mark walked in. He was followed by Matt and Jeff. Shawn got up and tried to get Jeff's attention. When Jeff's eyes landed on him, he gestured to him to come and sit with them. Jeff looked towards Mark who gave him a subtle nod of assent. That small action didn't escape Shawn. The huge grin and the mischievous look that lit up his face told Hunter that his partner was up to mischief again.
"Cool it, Shawn! I don't think Mark's in the mood to deal with your pranks today," he warned his partner-in-crime. The grim look on Mark's face forewarned him that they had serious business at hand.
Shawn gave him a good-natured grin. "Don't worry. I'm just keeping track on things. I'll be on my best behavior!" he promised.
Matt and Jeff came up to them and exchanged greetings with everyone. Waltman threw Jeff a hostile look and got cuffed on the back of his head. He whipped around, ready to retaliate only to be met by Glenn's glare. He had walked back in unnoticed by them.
"You may want to watch your manners or I'll teach you some!" Glenn said in a threatening tone. Mark had given him a look when he walked back in and he got his message to stay near Jeff and keep him safe. Waltman's eyes flashed in defiance but he kept his mouth shut.
Jeff looked about to change his mind when Shawn grasped his arm, "Sit here with me, Jeff." Hunter obligingly got up with a smile and moved behind to sit with Glenn with Matt.
"So, how are things going on between you and Mark? Is it true you guys bunk together last night?" Shawn asked eagerly. Discretion was never his forte.
Jeff bit down on his lip in awkwardness, unsure how to respond. Though Mark had warned him that Shawn and Hunter found out they had stayed together the night before, he didn't expect Shawn to ask him blatantly about his relationship with Mark and in the presence of his brother nevertheless! He could already feel Matt's eyes boring into his head from behind. He knew that Matt would be harassing him for answers soon enough and wasn't looking forward to it.
"They did bunk together last night and had a dandy time! Now, can you leave him alone?" Glenn said smugly from the back. Matt's jaw dropped and Glenn nudged it close gently, "You shouldn't be surprised, with the vibes they have been sending each other!" he said with a smirk. Matt just blinked his bewilderment.
Waltman furrowed his brows in confusion. He's with Mark? But, … what about Chris?
"I told you so!" Shawn crowed gleefully, turning to Hunter who just rolled his eyes in amusement. Shawn gave Jeff a nudge and asked in a conspiratorial whisper, "Is Mark good in bed?"
Jeff blushed furiously to his roots. Oh God! Does he actually expect me to answer that?
"Come on, Jeff, you can tell me! I'll even share with you my secrets on how to double your pleasure!"
He does expect an answer! Jeff realized with a start and fumbled desperately for a reply.
"Knock it off, Shawn! You're embarrassing the kid!" Hunter said from behind, drawing a pout from his lover. But knowing Shawn, he knew he would keep at it doggedly until he got his answer.
Jeff was saved from him when Mark called for their attention. The chatter died down and the crowd gave him their undivided attention.
"I've called this meeting because we have several issues concerning some of our colleagues that need to be addressed immediately. I know all of you have a busy schedule so I do not want to take up too much of your time and get to the point. First on our agenda … you all know Waltman."
Waltman drew up sharply. Glenn told him that his presence was required but never said why.
"He's a talented individual who, unfortunately, has fallen into bad times having to deal with his alcoholic problem."
He turned to address Waltman directly, "Sean, I'm going to speak my mind. We are among friends so I'm not going to mince my words. You, my friend, have a big problem!"
He walked over to stand in front of him. "Every one of us has issues and we learn to deal with them as best as we could. But, you are not making any effort to help yourself! Some of us have tried to help you get back on your feet but you belittle our efforts and disappoint us time and time again by going back to the bottle. The real fact is, you have given up on yourself!" Murmurs of consensus rose from among them.
"I admit I was going to call it quits and just let Vince issue you your release papers, but your friends came forward and pleaded on your behalf. They wanted me to give you one more chance."
Waltman swallowed hard as he lowered his head in shame. He couldn't bring himself to look at anyone. Everyone had been encouraging and supportive but he seriously doubted they could help him. Alcoholism was but one of his problems. He never was a strong person and always depended on someone to boost his ego and hold him up. He suffered from low self-esteem and lacked confidence. Chris had been there to give him encouragement but with him gone, he knew he could never rise to the occasion and drag himself out of the gutter. It was a matter of time before everyone realized how pathetic he was and gave up on him. They were just wasting their time. He opened his mouth, intending to tell Mark and everyone that he was a hopeless cause when he spoke up.
"We know you can't do this alone, Sean," Mark spoke kindly. "To beat this, you're going to need all your friends' help. It has to be a concerted effort because no one person can help you get through this."
Mark turned back to stand in front and face the floor. "I need volunteers to stay with Sean on a rotation basis. You need only to spend a few hours a day to keep him motivated and help him through this rough patch until he starts believing in himself. If you are willing to invest some of your time to help a fellow colleague, please sign up with Chris. He's spearheading this operation."
Waltman gasped out loud at the mention of Chris' name. He turned his head to look at him with disbelief, only to be met with a smile of encouragement.
"Chris, do you have something to add?" Mark invited him to speak.
Chris nodded and stood up. He gathered his thoughts before beginning, "No one is infallible. We all make mistakes. As you all know, Sean and I are more than just friends."
The fact that he used present tense in his statement threw Sean into a loop. He stared at Chris, unsure if he heard right.
"I've done a lot of soul searching these last few hours. When I heard through the grapevine that Vince is set to let Sean go, I know I have to give it one last shot."
Chris turned to Sean, "I'm not going to lie. It has not been an easy year for me so it must have been hell for you. The fact is, I still care for you, Sean, but do you care about yourself at all? We can only do so much to help you but you have to pull yourself together. I am here for you and there are many others who will give you the morale support that you need but you have to want to change. It won't work unless you work together with us. I made the mistake by walking away when the going got too rough. I should have persevered but you must admit you didn't carry your share of the burden. But, I'm willing to start all over again and give it another shot. What say you, Sean? Are you willing to at least try? Your friends and I need to hear that from you."
There were murmurs from the floor as they waited for Sean to speak. He was completely overwhelmed by what Chris had just said. Chris was prepared to go through the whole vicious cycle again, just for him. Tears filled his eyes and he started to shake with his emotions.
Jeff got up and squatted in front of him. "Hey, you can do this. We'll help you beat this!" he said softly.
"We'll help you kick this habit, just don't give up on yourself!" Shawn added firmly.
Matt put his hand on his shoulder from behind and said, "We won't give up if you don't. Have some faith in yourself. You can do this!"
"They believe you can do it, so why don't you start believing in yourself?" Glenn spoke up next.
"You have the support of almost everyone here, what more do you need?" Hunter gave him an encouraging smile.
His colleagues started to crowd around him and gave him encouragement. Truly overwhelmed by their kindness and concern, Waltman finally stood up and spoke in an emotional voice, "Th…thank you for all your kind words and actions. I..I can't make any promises but I will try my best to overcome this with all your help."
"That's good enough for us!" Chris said with a smile and everyone started to cheer and applaud. Waltman wiped his tears away and for the first time in a very long time, he smiled.
Mark took pride knowing that there were a lot of good people among them who would not hesitate to help their fallen comrades. The next item on the agenda, however, brought a scowl to his face. It showed the ugly side of the few among them, a stark contrast to what he had just witnessed.
"Let's proceed to the next business at hand," he said after everyone had quiet down and gone back to their seats. Mark spoke in a clear and deliberate tone, "Someone that I have emplaced my trust in, abused his power of authority and used it to exploit the others!"
The uneasy silence that followed was unnerving.
"I know some of you here have associated yourself with this man. You know who you are!"
Mark's eyes scanned the audience, letting them know the culprit and his accomplices would be dealt with severely.
"This man took matters into his own hands and ordered the kidnapping and rape of a fellow colleague!"
His words were received with stunned silence at first and then, almost immediately, there were cries of outrage clamoring for severe punishment.
"And to think I handpicked this monster myself!" The severe note of self-reprimand and disappointment was obvious in Mark's tone and the crowd grew subdued.
"Jeff, will you come up here?" Mark called out to him.
Jeff looked almost afraid to do so, but the look Mark sent him gave him the courage to get up and walk to his side. His heart thudded wildly but Mark squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.
"Jeff was made the victim in his vile plan. Fortunately, the very people who kidnapped him had a change of heart. They stood up to the mastermind and prevented him from doing more harm. I think it's time you know who I'm talking about. You can bring him in now."
All eyes went to the door where Charles, Henry and D'Lo pushed Bradshaw in. He had his hands tied at the back. Ron followed them from behind with his head bowed low but his hands were left untied.
"Charles and his boys were the ones who took Jeff from his room per Bradshaw's order. I shall let them tell you what else he has been doing behind our backs."
"You are not fit to lead us!" Bradshaw shouted at Mark. "Tell them what you are! I dare you!" he challenged him.
Mark's eyes shone with menace but he spoke calmly, "And pray tell me what is it that you want me to tell them? That I'm a bi-sexual or, that you're a bigot!"
"Better a bigot than a faggot!" Bradshaw spat out with vehemence. "I'm sick of standing by and let a lesser man lead this company to its downfall! You are like a dog in heat! You got a whiff of the sex of this vixen child and you just couldn't wait to burrow into him! He is the devil's child, brought here to tempt and cloud your judgment! He made you a laughing stock among us! None of you see him for what he really is! He's nothing but a piece of …."
Bradshaw found himself lying on the ground in a blink of an eye. Mark had just knocked him down! The crowd got to their feet, muttering among themselves.
"Untie him!" Mark barked out his order.
Henry and D'Lo looked hesitant but Charles said quietly, "Do as he says!"
Very quickly, Henry stepped forward to cut the ropes that bound Bradshaw's wrists with a knife.
"We are going to settle this in the ring!" The look in Mark's eyes broached no room for discussion. Charles, Henry and D'Lo marched Bradshaw out first, Mark followed and everyone else trailed behind them. They headed to the training room where the ring was situated.
Mark climbed in and looked over to Bradshaw, "Get your ass in here!"
Bradshaw hesitated. It didn't look like he wanted to step into the ring with the Undertaker.
"I don't want to fight you. You have your men to cover your back even if I beat you down!" he said in a disparaging tone.
"No one will interfere in this match! It's just you and me! Now, get in here and I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget!"
Bradshaw knew he didn't have a choice. He told himself he might stand a chance to beat Mark. He loosened his collar and rolled up his sleeves as he climbed into the ring. Both men moved to the center of the ring, eyes fixed steadily on each other. Chris walked up to the apron, intending to referee the match but Mark stopped him with a raised hand and said, "No referee is required in this bout. There are no rules, no pin falls and no submissions! The fight will cease when one of us can no longer stand! It begins … now!"
He deftly sidestepped the punch Bradshaw shot out and swung his fist up to deliver a sharp right upper cut to his jaw. Bradshaw's head whipped back and he stumbled backwards in a daze. Before he could even recover, he was thrown at the turnbuckle. Mark delivered several sharp blows to his gut, causing him to double over in pain. His arms instinctively hugged his middle in an attempt to block the blows, but Mark started throwing punches at his unprotected face and head. Bradshaw slumped over on his knees, bleeding from the mouth. Mark had loosened some of his teeth. He put up his hands to ward off the blows but to no avail. Mark was adamant to punish him and continued to rain blows on his head and face. Disgusted at the lack of exchange, Mark pulled him up and threw him over the top rope, out of the ring and climbed out after him. The crowd moved back to give them more room. Mark's eyes strayed to the gym equipment and the crowd picked up on his intention. He pulled Bradshaw up by his hair and whipped him towards the bell bar stand. Bradshaw crashed into it, his head bouncing off the iron stand. His senses jarred at the impact and he staggered, trying to regain his equilibrium. Mark picked up a bench and threw it at him, sending him crashing into the iron-plates stand. He groaned in pain and screamed in anguish next when a heavy twenty-five pound plate rolled off the stand and dropped on his hand. Mark kicked him viciously in the face and ribs before grabbing his injured hand, and holding it down, he stomped on it several times before grounding down hard with his heel. He felt the bones break and Bradshaw screamed for mercy while trying to pull his hand loose. Mark finally stepped back, not even breaking a sweat. Looking coldly down at the man at his feet, he ordered, "Get up and defend yourself!"
Bradshaw cradled his limp hand gingerly against him, hissing in pain. He shook his head frantically.
"I said, get up, you son of a bitch! I'm not done with you yet!" Mark roared.
Bradshaw swallowed his pride and pleaded with him, "Please, no more. My hand … I think it's broken," he gasped out. It had swelled to twice its normal size and was turning an ugly purplish bluish red.
Mark turned away from him with disgust to face the crowd with a thunderous look.
"For those of you who have associated yourself with this man and allowed yourselves to act on these prejudices, I have a message for you! I'm a bi-sexual male and proud of it! If you have a problem with me or others like me, step forward and have it out with me! I detest cowardice! Instead of coming at me, this low down scum chose to prey on those close to me! You are entitled to your opinions but I will not tolerate these acts of violence on your fellow men!"
Charles stepped forward, "May I say something?" Mark nodded and stepped back, giving him the floor.
"I want to explain why I acted on Bradshaw's orders to kidnap and hurt that young man. He threatened to spread a vicious rumor that my subjects are stricken down with venereal disease if I didn't do what he said. A rumor like that can wipe me out! I didn't have a choice so I went along with it. It wasn't the only favor I did for him. On several occasions, he forced me to get my girls to service him free of charge. He said he will report me to the proper authorities for illegal soliciting if I don't give him what he wants. I know I should have come to you, Mark, to tell you what he was doing behind your back, but I wasn't sure if you would believe me. I hope you won't hold it against me."
Mark nodded, "I understand. Anyone else got something to say, say it now!"
"I'm sorry for my part in this," Ron spoke up. "I never thought Bradshaw would take it that far. When he ordered the rape, I told him no, but he said I was already in too deep to back out. He reminded me that I have already betrayed you and that we have to stick together no matter the outcome. We have been friends for a long time and have gone through thick and thin. I thought I'll just stick by him one last time. It was just another mistake of mistakes. I'm sorry for allowing myself to be caught up in something that isn't such a big deal to me. So, what if you're white, black, gay, bi-sexual or a lesbian. We are meant to be different, that's what makes us individuals. I wish I have been more assertive, then, this wouldn't happen. I'm just glad the kid wasn't hurt. I won't be able to live with myself if he got hurt. I'm a coward for not speaking up earlier. I did not mean to disrespect you, Mark. I turn a blind eye to everything he did because of our friendship. I'm sorry, Mark, I really am."
Mark turned to the fallen man, "I hereby strip you of your responsibilities as second in command! I will report you to the Chairman of the Board and let him deal with you as he deems fit."
He turned back to the floor, "As of now, I relinquish my duties and responsibilities as your leader. I've decided to step down."
His statement was met with loud protests. Jeff stood there with his mouth opened in shock. Tears started to fill his eyes. He felt wholly responsible for Mark's present situation. A sob escaped him and fat tears rolled down his cheeks.
Glenn moved to comfort him. "There's no reason to be sad. Mark needs a break from all these. He knows what he's doing."
Mark waited for the protests to die down before continuing, "I need you to understand that I'm doing this for everyone's good. Let someone take over. I'm sorely in need of a break."
"Mark, there's no one more capable than you to lead us. Please reconsider," Hunter said gravely and the others chorused their agreement.
"Never underestimate your own potential. You'll be surprised what you can do if you set your mind on it. I have made my decision. As my last call of duty, I would like to ask for your nominations for a new leader. Submit your votes by writing the name of your nominee on the slips of paper provided and drop them into the jar. You can only vote once. We will tally the votes and announce your new leader in an hour's time. This meeting is hereby adjourned till then."
He started to move, his eyes searching for Jeff. His face lit up when he spotted him in Glenn's company and then, he saw his tears and he grew alarmed.
"Mark! Wait up!" He was grasped by the arm and he turned around to see Shawn.
"You can't just leave us in the lurch! Look at us - we are like a herd of lost sheep without a shepherd and his faithful dog! Even if you want to leave, you should groom someone before stepping down."
"Shawn, there are a few guys here who are able to take on that position. You just have to give them that chance."
"They are not ready, Mark! Come on, let's be realistic. I can call for everyone's votes right now and we won't come up with anyone decent! I can even bet my money on it!" Shawn said confidently.
"I won't change my mind, Shawn. I need a break from these responsibilities," Mark said firmly.
"You need to give us more time to find someone suitable, Mark. It's going to be chaotic if you walk away. Look at us! We're all fumbling idiots with no clear directions as to what to do!"
He turned Mark around to look at the people who were trying to convince their friends to vote for them in exchange for special favors. They even saw money passed hands.
"Shawn, it's their choice. Maybe the sensible few can sway the others to make right choices." Mark didn't seem convincing. Apparently, he had trouble convincing himself from the way some of them were behaving.
"We are going to the gutters! Please, open your eyes and see what's happening right now! We need you!" Shawn pleaded with him.
"I can't do this anymore! I need a break!" Mark said, getting flustered.
"Are you doing this because of Jeff?" Shawn asked him abruptly.
Mark looked startled but he recovered quickly. "It doesn't matter why I'm doing this. I've already made up my mind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go."
Shawn watched as he made a beeline towards Jeff. Mark resisted the urge to pull the still crying Hardy into his arms with everyone looking on. Instead, he took him by the arm and after saying a few quick words to Glenn and Matt, guided him out.
Shawn stood there, pursing his lips in deep thought. Hunter came up to him and asked, "What are you doing, Shawn? You look like you're thinking way too hard. Be careful, you don't want your brain to combust, do you?" and guffawed loudly.
Shawn pinched him on the arm really hard.
"Ow! Damnit, I was only kidding!" he rubbed the reddening skin on his arm and pouted at him.
Rolling his eyes, Shawn said, "No time for half-assed jokes! We have a crisis on our hands! I just found out something really important! I think I know why Mark is stepping down."
"Wow! You're brilliant to figure it out all by yourself!" Hunter said in a mocking tone. "Come on Shawn, Mark already told us why he is stepping down. He wants a break from the hassle of managing us. Come to think of it, I pity the next guy who's taking his place. He has pretty high standards to meet. Mark has set the bar so high I doubt anyone can meet it."
"Hunter, listen to me!" he grabbed his face to get his full attention. "We have to stop Mark from stepping down! We are doomed if he leaves!"
"Shawn, aren't you listening? Mark has made up his mind. There's nothing we can do to change it, except maybe to brainwash him."
"That's it!" Shawn snapped his fingers, his face glowing with excitement.
"Huh? You really want to try brainwashing him?" Hunter asked in befuddlement. His eyes grew wide with consternation when Shawn gave him a diabolical grin.
"Whatever you are thinking, just forget it! I don't want to get involved in any of your hair-raising schemes. It always gets us into trouble!"
"Come on, Hunt, since when did I get us into trouble?"
Hunter started to tick off his fingers, "Well … there was that time when you told Show that he was fat and could lose some weight. You hurt his feelings and he got pissed. He tried to flatten you with a belly flop but I came to your rescue and pushed you out of the way and he landed on me instead. I almost died, Shawn! That guy weighs five hundred pounds! And then, there was that other time you stole Sable's underwear and planted it in Vince's office as a practical joke. Remember what Linda did to him when she found it? Never mind that! Remember what Vince did to us as payback? I had to job for Kamala for a whole month! Payback's a bitch! Wait … come to think of it, why is it I always end up paying for your mistakes?" Hunter looked at him accusingly.
Shawn let out an uneasy laugh, "Maybe you don't go to church enough and God is punishing you for your lack of faith?"
"I go to church every week! And, this has got nothing to do with God! It's your half-baked ideas that get me into trouble! No more, Shawn! You keep your ideas to yourself, you hear?"
"But, this is different! Look at them, Hunt, come on, I'm serious, look at these people!" Reluctantly, Hunter turned to do just that.
"If any of those guys got elected as leader, just answer me this, would you follow his lead?" Shawn asked him with a deadpanned face.
Hunter looked at his colleagues. They were the weirdest bunch of people! There was Austin at the corner, guzzling down the beer like there was no tomorrow. He had this half-crazed look in his eyes, like he wanted to stun everyone in the room with his signature move. Out of the question, he decided.
He looked at Dwayne, aka, the Rock. He was completely surrounded by the divas and with his perfect white gleaming teeth, Mister Debonair was flashing his winning smile and oozing charm and getting the ladies all excited and tittering. Too much of a ladies' man! He doubted he would have time for serious issues. He crossed him out.
His eyes settled on Big Show. A champion in his own right, but the man had a gentle nature. He was a big softie, a cuddly bear, a gentle giant. He sighed. Show would cave in to everyone's demands. No go.
Next was Kurt Angle. He was a talker alright! At the moment, he was running his mouth, trying to convince his colleagues to vote for him. After all, who else better than an Olympic gold medalist to head the team, right? Hunter shuddered. That man doesn't drink anything but milk! A real man drinks beer or liquor of some sort. And, not to mention, his milk breath was enough to turn him off! He looked away, his eyes searching desperately for that someone who could meet the mark.
His eyes landed on Chris, who was furiously writing down names for his 'Save Sean' project. He was capable enough but Sean needed him now more than ever. He doubted he could cope with more than that at the moment.
His eyes zoomed in on Glenn and his face lit up with the possibility.
"Think again, Hunt. He's Mark's brother but he's nothing like Mark. He is anti-social and hates to be around people. He's unpredictable and he's pretty creepy. You're sure you want to go up to him and ask him for help?" Shawn pointed out.
Hunter let out a sigh of resignation and said, "I see your point." He contemplated for several moments before pointing to himself, "What about me? I think I make a pretty good leader."
Shawn shook his head forlornly, "I love you, Hunt but I wouldn't vote for you. You enjoy doing bad things too much to make a good leader, and you have to stay impartial on the job. Can you do that?"
Hunter gave it a second thought before shaking his head, "No way! It will rob me of my true character." He sighed, "This is harder than I thought!"
He skimmed through the crowd one more time for potential leaders before turning to Shawn, "We're in deep trouble!" he said grimly.
"Exactly! I'm glad we're on the same page. As I see it, Mark is our salvation! We have to find a way to get him to stay on!"
"I'm going to hate myself for saying this, but, what's the plan?"
Shawn rubbed his hands together gleefully, "I love it when you see things my way! Now, this is our top priority! We have to work quickly! This is how we'll do it!"
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