Authors note: In no way are the characters in this story reflections of any of the WWE talent in real life. Apologies if anyone is offended by how their favourite is portrayed, but I don't write these to give everyone a constant happy.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognise I don't own. Sadly enough, the idea isn't even really mine. It's Bears. She's just lending it to me.
A/N – This is LAST weeks Wrestlemania/Raw chapter. THIS weeks Raw should be up by the end of the weekend. My apologies about the delay, last week was a mad house with Uni and the rest of my life going down the toilet as well. I understand it may be frustrating, I get pissed when fics aren't updated as well, but this was really beyond my control. It's a major effort to update this every week, sometimes twice a week. I just hope you all enjoy the finished product.
Feedback is always appreciated – At the end of this chapter we're going to get a little interactive and you guys will have a chance to vote for what you want to see ... yes, I'm trying to placate the masses, so sue me. This chapter is goes out to two people who need no introduction to regular readers– the people behind the ideas Katy and Katie.
Also – 'Skittles' – my latest one shot up now!!
Ya'll feel free to review, today's my birthday(or at least it was when I started trying to post this frigin thing!!)
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"Am I nervous?" She asked incredulously, jogging on the spot while using his hands as a punching bag. "Nervous? Yes, of course I'm nervous, it's my first Wrestlemania!!"
"Mel .."
"And that's okay, because I bet I'm not the first one to be nervous before Wrestlemania, the first Diva anyway, I bet Trish was always nervous ..."
"Mina."
"Are you saying I shouldn't be nervous? Cos I think I should be, after all ..."
"Melina."
Melina stopped babbling as Johnny placed a finger to her lips, signaling her to be quiet. "What?" She asked sheepishly. "I'm ..."
"Nervous, I know." He cut in with a goofy grin. "But you don't need to be babe. I have every confidence in you, I know you're going to do well."
"Yeah?" She asked almost shyly, gazing up at him with adoring eyes. "You think so?"
"Yes." He stressed. "Nothing and nobody is going to stop you from reclaiming your belt. And if they so much as try, I'm going to kick their behind."
"What about Assley?" She giggled, her anxiety easing slightly. "You can't beat up a girl!"
"No!" Johnny gasped in mock amazement. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her gently. "You mean she had a sex change?! Why am I always the last to know these things?!"
Melina gawped at him momentarily before bursting into laughter. "Johnny, you dork!"
"Something must be done!" He exclaimed, ignoring her. "You can't wrestle that beast!! It will eat you alive!!"Grabbing his phone he pretended to dial out. "Quick, alert the press!! Someone tell Shane!! He's sleeping with a man!!"
"Johnny!" Half bent over in laughter, Melina swatted him on the arm. "Stop that! I'm supposed to be getting ready!" She protested. "You're going to make me lose my concentration!!"
"No, I'm not," he soothed, rubbing her arms softly. "I'm just trying to get you to calm down and relax a little, you don't need to be stressing yourself out right now."
"I'm not stressing out, I'm not!" She shot back. "I have my lumberjills and .. oh my God. Johnny!!"
"What?"
"I don't have my lumberjills!!" She panicked. "Johnny, it's Wrestlemania, and I don't have my lumberjills! I won't find anyone to be on my side this close to my match!! My God, Assley is going to murder me!!"
Johnny sighed. Of all the things ... Clearing his throat, he looked at the door expectantly. "Mel ..."
"Not now Johnny!!" She snapped in frustration. "I'm having a crisis!!"
Rolling his eyes Johnny looked over her shoulder once more. "Girls!"
There was a knock on the door and Jillian popped her head inside the locker room. "Someone ask for some lumberjills?"
The Women's Champion watched in shock as Jillian led Michelle, Ariel, Trinity, Krystal and a sullen looking Victoria into the room. Turning to her boyfriend she went to say something, only to turn back to the girls in amazement, not believing they were there. "You did this?!" Melina asked Jillian in awe.
"Well, I helped," she shrugged.
Johnny came up behind his girlfriend as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "We've got faith in you Mel."
"Yeah," Ariel piped up with a scowl. "There's no way we're letting them take advantage of you girl!! I'm looking forward to laying waste to some skanky little hos" she remarked enthusiastically, rubbing her hands together. "I call Kelly!"
The girls murmured their agreement. "I'm sick of being Teddy's little lust toy," Krystal grumbled.
"I'm sick of Nunzio, sorry, Little Guido," Trinity rolled her eyes. "I've been spoiling for a good fight for months."
"It's not going to be pretty," Jillian reminded them."We all know what's at stake here, we're fighting for whatever is left for us in this place." Looking at each girl candidly she blew her hair out of her face. "It's not just about some crummy storyline, or having to put up with the same old crap every week."
"Yeah," Melina joined in bitterly. "It's about my job."
"What?!" The girls gasped in unison."What do you mean?"
"You didn't tell them?" Mel glanced at Johnny, who shook his head. "Okay," she began in resignation. "As Jill and Vic already know, Shane, in his infinite wisdom, has decided that my match tonight, depending on the result, will decide whether or not I get to keep my job."
"He can't do that!" Trinity raged. "That's .. that's ..."
"Unfair." Victoria said flatly, staring Melina down. "Life's unfair, especially when you're trying your best to do the right thing by one person and no one believes you."
"Vic," Mel interrupted her friend. "This is neither the time nor the place."
"No, of course not," Victoria shot back darkly. "The only thing that matters to you is your precious title shot. You don't care about Lilian, you never did."
"That's complete bullshit and you know it!" Johnny cried, defending his girlfriend. "Mel has been there for Lil more than you have lately!"
"What Lilian got to do with this?" Michelle stage whispered to Jillian.
"Everything, Michelle." Victoria said coldly. "It has everything to do with Lilian. But some of us are just too blind to see it. They're coming. And they'll be onto you sooner than you think."
They watched as Victoria fled from the room, slamming the door shut behind her. Melina turned to Johnny, only to have him shake his head. If that was what she thought, fine. What else could they do?
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Humming to herself, Lilian went to lift the tiny strap of her dress onto her shoulder. Moving to lift the other, she smiled softly when Mark's larger hand covered hers. "Hi there."
"Hey yourself," he muttered gruffly. "You look great."
Lilian smiled again, her heart aching slightly. It was Wrestlemania, the biggest night of the year. And while she was with the man she thought she loved, she was without her real friends. Wincing, she remembered last year; Melina and Victoria, the three girls sharing a limo, a locker room and all the buzz of 'Mania together. Walking down the red carpet on Chris's arm at the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame ceremony, something that had meant so much to Chris when Eddie had been inducted. Swallowing, she closed her eyes to try and compose herself, but only one word existed in her mind Chris.
"Lilian?"
"Huh?" She blinked. "Oh, sorry Mark," she grinned sheepishly. "I, uh, got a little preoccupied."
"I was saying how nice you looked." He offered. Nice. Lilian grimaced as the words echoed through her ears. Nice. Chris would have said she looked gorgeous ...
Shaking her head, Lilian lifted her head, trying desperately to push down the feeling of dread that sat in her stomach. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," he said softly, coming around to cup the side of her face. "You seem distracted tonight. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," she lied unconvincingly. "Really."
"Okay," he replied skeptically. "If you're sure ..."
"I am," she nodded. "Really." Touching her forehead to his, she kissed him quickly, then pulled back. Capturing her lips with his he pulled her too him, cradling her tightly. "You taste good," she mumbled against his mouth. "Yum."
Chuckling softly, he traced her delicate features. "Yum?"
"Yeah. Yum." Turning her back to him, she snuggled closer toward him so she was virtually standing on top of him. He clasped his hands around her waist, letting her arms free so she could continue to get ready. "You've got a big night tonight."
"Same as any other."
"Defending your fifteen yearwinning streak is just like any other night?" She asked in bemusement. "It's kind of a big deal."
"Not especially," he shrugged. "It's only Batista."
Raising an eyebrow in the mirror he smirked at her reflection. "Only?"
"Only," he confirmed. Spinning her around momentarily he kissed her and headed for the door. "I'll see you?"
"Out there," she answered with a nod. "Good luck."
Shooting her a half smile he chuckled. "Luck has nothing to do with it."
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"Shane, that is the dumbest idea I've ever heard." Stephanie rolled her eyes. "You are not introducing Aretha Franklin."
"Why not? Since when do you get to make those sort of calls around here?"
"Since I'm Daddy's little girl," Stephanie shot back smugly."And I'm clearly the one with all the business sense."
"Sure Steph," he sneered. "This coming from a women who ..."
"Don't even finish that sentence," The brunette cut in haughtily. "I don't need to hear about my various short comings ..."
"No, we couldn't have that," Shane grumbled under his breath. "We'd be here for a week."
"And if we discussed yours we'd be here for a month!" Stephanie laughed dryly. "You know that Assley isn't going to win tonight Shane."
He regarded his sister coolly. Honestly, he knew that Ashley had little chance of winning. Why else would he have put Melina's job on the line? Vince would never get rid of that little bitch, especially now he had that chump Nitro on side. "I'm quite aware of that Steph. What's your point?"
"You're setting her up for a failure," the younger McMahon observed. "You know Melina has that match won, why are you carrying on with this little facade?"
"Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie." He clucked aimlessly. "The result of the match doesn't matter. This was never about Ashley. I'm only keeping her around so I can get laid whenever I want. Same with Torrie, and with Candice. I really don't care much for Melina either."
"When why?"
"Well, I want my shot at Lilian," he smirked, rubbing his hands together. "She's the one I never had a chance with, the one I wanted but who turned me down. Nobody, but nobody, turns down Shane McMahon. When Christy came along, it was all too perfect. We have the Diva's who all hate each other, for obvious reasons, Shawn who is going along with this simply because he's sick of being treated like the Good Samaritan around here ... Granted, he wants a shot at Benoit for stealing the spotlight at Wrestlemania XX, but he's in this for the same reasons I am ... to get ourselves some .."
She interrupted him before he had a chance to speak. "But what the hell are you trying to achieve Shane? You want to get In Lilian's skirt? Is that it?"
"No, it's more than that," he shook his head. "It's about me being the rightful heir to this company, and gaining control now before Dad gets too old and senile to give it to me later on."
"What about me?" Steph demanded. "Shane, I'm entitled as much as you!" He strutted over to her, a steely gaze affixed on his face. Stepping back a little, Steph nervously backed up against the wall. "Shane?"
"Don't you get it Steph?" He asked with disdain. "The company is mine. All mine. Nothing ever good will come of a female running this business, least of all you. " His voice was dangerously quiet, chilling in fact. "You're just a stupid women. You'll let your better judgment cloud the vision of this company, and you'll drag it down, slowly, slowly and it hits bottom. Dad won't let you stick around Stephanie, the only reason you're here is to shut Mom up. The second that bitch is rolling in her grave? You're gone. Just. Like. That." He spat, snapping his fingers. "It'll be bye bye Stephanie and the era of Shane McMahon will begin."
She surveyed her brother in disbelief. Of all the crazy things ... "You know what Shane?"
"What?"
"You once gave me an interesting piece if advice. Granted, I think I was supposed to apply it to all my high school boyfriends that you disapproved of, but it works well here too."
"Today, Steph," Shane drawled, checking his watch. "I have a match that's about to start involving my friend Ken, and if you don't mind ..."
"Well," she replied sweetly. "It goes like this." Catching him off guard, Stephanie swiftly kneed her brother in the groin. "It went something like ... Oh yeah. Stick his dick in your ear and fuck what you heard."
Shane moaned slightly, falling down to his knees. Steph stood over him, shaking her head. "You disgust me. But no, I'm not going to rat you out. Not just yet. You've got one more chance Shane, one more chance to do what is right around here. And if not, you can guess where your share of the inheritance is going."
Grasping a desk he pulled himself to his feet, incensed at the behaviour of his little sister. "Steph .."
"Not now Shane. I'd suggest you get your whores together. We've got a Wrestlemania to go too."
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"Ken?" Lilian asked hesitantly. "Uh, hi."
Turning around the face the Diva, Ken gave Lilian a pained smile. "Lilian."
"Uh, can we have that talk?" She asked bashfully. He gave her a blank stare, then nodded slightly as he remembered what she was referring too. "I'm sorry I haven't come to see you earlier. I've been, um, busy."
He nodded, taking her elbow and leading her round a corner into a small lounge. Gesturing for her to sit, he moved next to her and helped her lower herself down onto the couch. "How's your knee?"
"It's okay," she blushed sheepishly, flexing and straightening her leg. "Hopefully I'll have full mobility back in the next week."
"You need to take better care of yourself," he observed bluntly. Lilian bristled and moved to speak but he cut her off. "No, listen. You may not like it, but there are a lot of people around here who care about you, even when you're acting like a stupid bitch."
"Ken ..." His eyes bored into her, daring her to object. "I know," she said at last."But I stuffed that up. I can't change that now."
"Bullshit." Ken said matter of factly. "Your problem is just that you're too damn stubborn to accept when you're wrong. I can't speak for Melina and Johnny, but I know that Victoria still cares about you. Hell, I care about you. Why else would I be here?"
"I don't know. Why are you here?"
Glancing to the left and then the right to make sure no one was lingering near, Ken leaned in close to Lilian and began to whisper furiously. "Shane is out to get you, and he's not alone. There's a group of Diva's, as well as two Superstars, maybe more who want to take you out."
"Ken, I know this," Lilian said tiredly. "What can you tell me that I don't know?"
"There's something else," he said slowly. "Do you remember the name Christy Hemme?"
The petite blonde froze in her seat, all of the colour draining from her face. "Christina Hemming?" Did he say Christina Hemming? The sound of screeching tires reverberated in her head, the pain on Chris's face when they pulled him out of the vehicle etched in her mind. "Did you say Christina Hemming?"
"No," Ken said, looking at her strangely. "I said Christy Hemme ..."
Not even making the connection, Lilian breathed a sigh of relief. "What about Christy?"
"Yeah!" A voice chimed in. "What about Christy?"
The pair looked up in shock as Christy Hemme bounced down the hall to stop in front of them. "Hi guys," she chirped sweetly, pushing the pair apart roughly on the couch and plopping herself down between them. "How are we doing?"
Oh shit, Ken thought as Christy shot him an evil glare. Here he was, talking to the so called 'enemy', and he'd been found out. Isn't wasn't what Christy could do to him that worried him .. it was what she could do to Victoria ... "Good," he stated shortly, looking for an out. "But we were just finishing up."
"Yeah," Lilian agreed, trying to push herself up from the couch. Ken spotted her struggling and moved to help her, guiding the blonde to stand beside him. "I have to head out to the ring," she said awkwardly. "It was, um, nice to see you Christy."
"Yeah," Ken agreed, lying through his teeth. He'd never met the women personally but from what he'd heard, she wasn't all there upstairs. "Will you be staying long?"
"Oh, I think so," Christy beamed, her energetic manner spooking him. She was literally shooting daggers at Lilian with her eyes, something that didn't escape the attention of the ring announcer. "I'm here to talk to Shane and catch up with all of the old Diva's!! I missed them so much!!"
"Great," Lilian smiled weakly, shrinking back as the redhead bounded off the couch and threw her arms around her. "Uh .. Christy? What are you doing?"
"Giving you a hug, silly!" Christy's tone was slightly sinister, her arms tightening around Lilian ever so slightly. "I've missed you!" Damn right I've missed you, Christy thought to herself. Just like I've missed my mother for the past six years ...
"Christy .. you're choking me," Lilian began to gasp as Christy's arms wrapped around her neck. The former Diva simply tightened her grip, digging her nails into Lilian's shoulders as Lilian winced in pain. Ken frowned, grasping Christy's waist and attempting to pull her off the smaller women. "Let me go!"
"Let her go."
The voice was strong, but too quiet for anyone but Christy to hear. She knew who was speaking, and she couldn't help but think what great timing he had.. Grinning, she leaned forward to whisper in Lilian's ear. "This is only just beginning Lilian, I'm not going anywhere. Every time you move, I'll be there. I'm like your shadow. I'll follow you, to the death."
Lilian froze. Those words sounded shockingly familiar. She squealed as Ken accidentally scraped her arm with his nails, trying to forcefully pull Christy off of her.
"I said, let her go!" The voice boomed again. Christy pulled the ring announcer closer and kissed her directly on the lips before throwing her to the side, and running off down the hall, knocking Ken off his feet in the process. The speaker caught Lilian right before she hit the floor, her back to his chest as he lifted her precariously into a standing position. "Are you okay Li?"
Looking up into the concerned eyes of her saviour, Lilian almost cried tears of relief.
"Yes Chris," she murmured quietly as he drew her in for a hug, kissing her temple gently. "I'm okay."
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"Her knee is her weakest point."
"Well, I could have told you that," Shawn snickered. "But we don't want her totally out of the picture yet."
"Why not?" Dave Batista asked stupidly. "It'd be easier if we just knocked her off."
"Oh yeah," John mumbled. "Because that'd work. Idiot."
"Shut up, both of you!" Shawn snapped. "Think of something!!"
The three men fell silent as they tried to devise a plan to take Lilian out of commission, by request of, who else, but Shane McMahon. "Wait ... " Dave said with a sadistic grin."She's with 'Taker, right?"
"Right," the two guys spoke in unison. "So?"
Dave shrugged carelessly. "Way I see it ... What better way to get rid of her than to have the one who cares about her most get rid of her?"
A gasp outside the door caught the attention of John, the youngest of the three men cocking an eyebrow in the direction of the hall. Listening carefully now, he moved to the door, but all was silent. Figuring it was just someone setting up, he dismissed the gasp completely, not even giving it another thought.
"It could work," Shawn nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It has to seem innocent enough though, they can't link it back to us, Shane would kill us."
"Then it make it look like an accident." John smirked. "Have him take her out ... during your match."
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"Did you talk to her?" Victoria asked hysterically, bursting into the Gorilla as her boyfriend moved to head out to the ring. "Did you?!"
"Woah, what?" Ken asked quietly, dragging her into a corner. "I told her about Christy, what else was I supposed to do?"
"No," Victoria said, shaking her head violently from side to side. "Christy is only one part of their plan!"
"What plan?" Ken was confused. Here he was about to debut at his first Wrestlemania and he had to deal with this? "Vic, what are you on about?"
"I just came," she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "From outside Shawn's locker room. They're planning on taking Lilian out, little by little until Shane and Christy get what they want!!"
"When?!" Ken demanded. "What are they trying to do?"
"During Mark's match. They're going to make it look like he's trying to hurt her!" She babbled incoherently. "They're trying to make him hurt her!!"
"Kennedy, we're up." Matt Hardy broke in, appearing out of nowhere to slap his friend on the back. "Let's go man."
"Matt, in a minute."
Matt rolled his eyes and looked at the 'rookie'. The new ones always had such an attitude. "No, now. Your theme is up."
"God damn ..." Looking at his girlfriend, Ken headed toward the stairs. "Go see her!" You need to tell her!!"
"But I can't!!"
"You can." He insisted. "Go and see her. Tell her!! She needs to know Vic!"
"But ..."
"Go!" There was a flash of light as he pulled the curtain back and stepped through, the crowd buzzing.
"Good luck?" She offered his retreating back sarcastically. Shaking her head, she tried to refocus. She couldn't believe what she'd heard. "I gotta find her."
Taking off down the hall, Victoria ran blindly, stumbling right into Chris. "Ooof."
"Victoria."
"Chris ..." Surveying her angrily the former Heavyweight Champion tried to side step his way past, but Victoria blocked him from moving. "Stop, please, I need to talk to you!"
"I have a match. I don't have time for this, especially from you."
"Lilian's in trouble!" She blurted anxiously. "You have to listen to me!"
Laughing bitterly Chris gently removed her from his path and kept going. "And look where that got me last time I bothered to listen to you. Lilian hates me, and everything has pretty much gone down hill from there. So, thanks."
Victoria watched as he vanished down the hall. "Fine! Don't say I didn't try! They're going after her tonight ... during Marks match, if you really want to know!"
He paused slightly. "Who is they?"
"It's Dave," she swallowed. "Following orders from Shane and Shawn."
" ... Does Mark know?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Good."
"What?" The Diva asked in shock ."Shouldn't we tell him? They've planned it so Mark is the one taking Lilian out!! She's going to freak if they pull it off!!"
"Did it ever occur to you that I don't care about Mark, Vic?" Chris asked quietly. "I care about Lilian, God, I love her. If something is going to step in the middle of them, then let it happen."
"You're jealous of him."
"I wouldn't deny it."
"Ken was right."
Chris stopped dead this time."What?"
"We were wrong in doing this."
"Doing what?" Executing a half turn he surveryed her warily. "Who's we, and what'd we do?"
"This," She gestured to the halls around her. "You and Lil shouldn't be fighting, Mel and I shouldn't be fighting ... We should be fighting this together."
"But what are we really fighting?" He counted. "This started as getting back at Shawn for attacking Lil, getting back at Shane for everything he was putting you through!! Now it's out of control!! Christy is here, and Lilian won't talk to any of us!!"
"I thought you and Lilian were fine ..."
Chris blanched, the incidents of only an hour before still running through his head.
"Are you okay Li?"
"Yes Chris. I'm okay."
"Can we ... can we talk?" He was man enough to admit it. He missed his best friend. Surprised, Lilian released herself from his grip and stepped back. He wasn't serious ... after all he'd said? His eyes were downcast as he glanced away from her, embarrassed to be asking her such a ridiculous question. "I don't want to fight with you any longer. I just can't take this Lilian, I need you."
Taking in his hopeful expression she felt guilty. She couldn't. "Chris ..."
"Lilian." Mark came around the corner to see Lilian with Chris a distressed expression on her face. He didn't like Benoit, and he sure as hell didn't like the effect he had on Lilian. "Let's go."
Chris's face contorted with anger as Mark took Lilian by the elbow and led her away. Ken dusted himself off as he got up off the floor, placing a hand on his friends shoulder.
"Let her go," Ken muttered. "She wants to go, you can't stop her. She made her choice."
"We're far from okay," Chris choked out. "And don't think I forgive you for your part in this Vic."
"What can I do?" She asked desparately. "This is bigger than us, bigger than me. Steph and I can't save her on our own."
"I don't know what you and Steph are doing," Chris said coldly. "My guess is that you're trying to be a hero Victoria. That isn't going to help anyone."
"Wait .."
"Don't get involved. You'll only make it worse."
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"Chrisssss Benoit!!" Jimmy Korderas raised the US Champions hand in victory as Chris grimaced in pain.
"He looks pissed. What'd you do girl?" Tazz ribbed Lilian as she sat next to him and Joey at their announce table.
"I didn't do anything!" Lilian snapped back. "What makes you think I did?"
"Lilian," Tazz sighed. "It's Chris we're talking about here."
"I got that," she shot back irritably. "But why do you think I did something?"
Joey and Tazz rolled their eyes as Lilian turned her attention back to the ring, Mark now making his entrance. "She still hasn't figured it out?" Joey muttered. "She's clueless!"
"Oblivious, more like."
As the announcers bickered between themselves, Lilian turned her attention to Marks match, watching in awe as he moved from rope to rope, before taking a massive swan dive to the outside, crushing Batista to the mat outside. She gasped as Mark grabbed Dave and whipped him into the barricade, only for Dave to reverse the move.
"We're not tag partners anymore!" He taunted the Undertaker, glancing around the taller man to look for Lilian. Perfect, he smirked. "You're not taking my title."
"You're not breaking my record," The older man said darkly. "And you're not getting your hands on that belt."
"What about your girl?" Dave chuckled, spinning Mark into a corner and then hurtling him over toward the announcers. "Can I put my hands on her?"
"Lilian, look out!"
Joey dived at the Diva as Mark flew toward her at full speed. Yanking her out of the way, the announcer put himself at the mercy of the blow, his leg getting crushed in the process. Horrified, Lilian jumped back, screaming in shock as Mark hit his head on the ring bell.
"Mark!!"
"Lil, are you okay?" Mark asked in concern, holding his temple. Rasping, he looked around to see Dave run at him, trying to take him out. "Lilian! Get out of the way!!"
"You bitch!!" Batista focused on Mark again, groaning as he realised Lilian had been saved by Joey.
"Fucking idiot!" Dave raged. "Why did you move her??!!"
Hustling Lilian out of the way, Tazz grabbed Joey and dragged them over to the far barricade. "What the hell is going here?" He demanded. "Lilian, what's this about?"
"I ... I don't know." A lone tear ran down her face as Joey wrapped an arm around her.
"Are you okay doll?" Lilian nodded shamefully as Joey winced, stretching his knee. "Well, that makes one of us."
Shaking, the petite ring announcer stood stone faced as the match continued, Mark eventually getting the pin. She was still as the match finished, not even moving when referee Charles Robinson took her and lead her back to her seat. "Ms. Garcia?"
She continued staring blankly, scared out of her mind over what had just happened. Dave leered at her as he made his way up the ramp. "Huh?"
"Ms. Garcia?" Charles searched her face for a sign of recognition, but Lilian was frozen. "Okay, lets get you backstage. You're in shock, you can't be out here."
Jack Doan came running down the ramp, short of breath. "Lilian?"
Charles glanced at the Raw ref, puzzled by his appearance. "What's wrong?"
"Shane is out there blowing a gasket. We've got to get her out of here!!"
Sheparding the Diva out the back, Jack and Charles hurried through the halls, Chad Patton appearing in front of them. "In here,' he gasped, throwing open a door. "Shane will be here any second!"
"Why is he so mad?" Charles asked with a curious expression as they pushed Lilian inside the room, all three men remaining outside. "What'd she do?"
"What didn't she do?" Chad mumbled. "Shane doesn't ever need a reason to be mad at Lilian."
"He hates her," Jack chipped in. "It's a long story ... but ... "
"A story I don't want, nor need to know, right?" Charles asked wryly. Seeing the guys glance at each other sheepishly, he lifted his hand in acceptance. "Alright, that's good enough for me. I'm out of here."
"We should split too," Jack said worriedly, looking at Chad. "He'll know where she is ..."
"Good point." The two men winced as they heard Shane barrelling through the halls.
"Where is she?!! Someone get me Lilian freakin' Garcia!!"
" RIGHT NOW!!"
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"Hello."
Lilian jumped, a calm voice startling her out of her reverie. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know there was anyone in here ..."
"It's okay," he shrugged. "I'm just getting ready for my match." They fell into an easy silence as he beckoned her to come sit beside him. "I hear Shane's pissed at you too."
"Shane is always angry at me," she laughed dryly, feeling slightly uncomfortable, but better than she had at ringside. "I don't really know how to explain it."
"It's alright. We can hide out here together." Rubbing his head slightly he grinned. "I don't think I'll be Shane's favourite person either after I shave his Dad bald tonight and kick Umaga all the way back to Samoa."
"Bobby?"
"Yeah?"
"How do you get by in this business? I mean ... you don't seem to be very popular around here." She trailed off in embarrassment. "I mean, I don't mean to be rude .."
"Don't sweat it." The ECW Champion replied with a chuckle. "We're different Lilian, you have our friends, I have .. well, me."
"We're more alike than you think," she offered. "At the moment .."
"What the HELL were you THINKING?!"
The door burst open with a crash as Shane stormed inside the locker room.
"What the fuck were you thinking Lilian? Getting in Dave's way like that!! You could have been seriously injured!!"
Lilian's jaw dropped open in disbelief. " ... What?"
"How stupid could you be!! You virtually jumped right in front of him!!" Shane exploded.
Bobby stood slowly, standing in front of the Diva as she jumped up to defend herself. "I was nowhere near him!!"
"Bullshit!!" He retorted. "I saw you!!"
"Look," Bobby said quietly. "Lilian didn't mean ..."
"I know what I saw Lashley," Shane glared. "Don't argue with me! Lilian moved in front of him to try and get more time off work. "
"I would never do that!" Lilian began to protest, only to be cut off by the McMahon once again.
"Too late. You made your choice Lilian. As a result, because he seems to be so fond of defending your honour, Bobby will face my father, tomorrow night, on Raw." There was an odd spark in his eye, the wheels turning in his mind. "And it will be ..."
"Shane, no!" Lilian pleaded her boss. "Bobby didn't do anything!!"
"Lilian, it's okay." Bobby mumbled, wondering how the hell he'd been railroaded into this one. "I can take him."
"Bobby, no!"
"Shut up Lilian!!" Shane snapped. "You had just better hope he's in a better mood than me."
Lilian blinked, feeling like she was going to throw up. "I've got to get back to the ring. The Diva's match is up soon."
Shane stepped forward and palmed Lilian off, causing her to fall to the couch. "Sit the fuck down. I'm not letting you out there near those girls, you'll probably screw that up too."
"You have no right to touch her like that!" Bobby contested, sideswiping Shane with his hand, causing the future tycoon to fall flat on his ass. "Get out of here now, before I do something I regret!"
"I'll get you in the ring!!" Shane threatened, before escaping down the hall. "Just you wait Lashley!! You'll pay for this!!"
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"Alright, what the hell?" Jillian asked with a goofy grin on her face, holding up a dress for the other Diva's to see. "Who left me with this freaking pink monstrosity?"
"Sorry Jill ..." Trinity laughed. "I think I'd rather wear my 'caution' tape than wear that, whatever it is!!
"Don't look at me," Ariel smirked as Krystal and Michelle cracked up. "Pink isn't really my colour."
Melina groaned, frustrated that the girls were being distracting while she was trying to focus. "No shit. Did you see that in the cards Ariel, or did you pull that one right out of your ass?"
"Little bit of Column A, little bit of Column B," Ariel mused loudly. " I think my cards are broken."
"Just like the broken record you sound like," Victoria bit back snidely. "What a shock."
Krystal rolled her eyes. "What's your problem? Not getting any? No need to take it out on us."
"Hardly," Jill snorted. "Didn't you hear? Vic's dating Ken."
"Kennedy?!" Michelle and Trinity squealed in unison. "No way!! Since when?!"
"Can we talk about this after?" Melina broke in. "Are we all ready to get out there?"
"Sureeee thing," Victoria said, opening the door to the hall. "Let's go."
They made it to the Gorilla before they collided with Ashley and her lumberjills. "Oh, isn't this cute," Ashley simpered. "It's like an after school special!!"
"Yeah, if you're allowed to have an after school special entitled 'Assley, her Slutketeers and their friends."
The girls all turned to one another, trying to see who had dared to interrupt Ashley. 'What? Who said that?" Ashley spluttered. "Jillian? It was you!!"
"Sure wasn't," Jill disagreed.
A smile spread across Melina's face. She knew that voice. "Garcia, what the hell?'
Lilian stepped up from behind a pylon, where she'd been sitting watching Bobby's match with Johnny. "You heard me Perez. I called Assley a slut, and her little friends too. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Hell no I don't!!" Rushing forward to embrace the smaller women Melina almost cried tears of relief. "Thank God! You're back!" She whispered into her friends ear. "I've missed you!!"
"Forgive me?" Lilian asked shyly, holding on to her friend tightly. Over Melina's shoulder she saw Johnny shoot her the thumbs up sign. "I want to be here for you, especially tonight."
"Honey, there is nothing to forgive," Melina mumured, releasing her friend to look at her before hugging her again. "I'm just so glad you're here ..."
Victoria turned her head from the scene, heart aching. She wished that was her. But no, she and Stephanie had bigger problems to deal with. This Christy business ... Victoria didn't even know that real reason Christy was here; all she knew that was Christy was out to get Lilian, along with Shane, and she couldn't let that happen. This stuff – if the girls ever forgave her that was – would have to wait. "Um, hello? Melina? Match?"
Johnny rolled his eyes. Lord, how the hell had they managed to co-exist before this was beyond him.
"Yeah!" Torrie butted in. "Let's get this over with!!"
"When you're in an actual Championship match at Wrestlemania, then you can call the shots Whorrie," Michelle yawned, picking at her nails. "Til then, do us a favour and keep your mouth – and your legs – closed."
Torrie went to say something but was too shocked to respond. Mickie and Maria smirked and giggled respectively, Maria not really getting what was going on.
"You girls better watch your backs," Candice cut in. "Because after Ashley wins your title Melina, you're going to be out of here so fast the doors going to smack you on the ass on the way out."
Melina came face to face with the brunette, poking Candice in the nose. "Feel that? Anything more out of you, and Vicky will break your nose. Again."
"Alright, alright, power down girls." Johnny chuckled, coming up to lead his girlfriend away. "Lumberjills, your music is up."
The girls exited as Ashley stressed out in the corner. "Oh my God, oh my God," she panicked. "I'm not ready to do this!!"
"Sure ain't." Lilian muttered. "You're gonna screw up."
"I'm nervous."
"It's your first Wrestlemania," Lilian said mechanically. "You have a right to be nervous."
"It's my biggest moment and no ones here," Ashley muttered miserably, looking over at Johnny and Melina wistfully. "Shane's too busy with Christy ... I'm scared." Lilian almost laughed out loud, but scowled at the mention of Christy's name.
Across the room Melina giggled, enthralled with whatever Johnny was saying. Nodding eagerly, she looked at him like he was the only person in the room. "Good luck," Johnny could be heard saying before he kissed her one last time. "But you're not going to need it!"
Turning her focus back to the current Playboy Covergirl, Lilian sighed. "You'll be fine. There's only one thing I can tell you from here."
"Yeah?" Ashley perked up, not even questioning why Lilian was suddenly being so nice to her. "What's that?"
"Just don't fuck up."
Ashley's face turned purple with rage, and Lilian couldn't help but laugh. "Oh great!! Thanks Lilian!! Thanks for nothing!!"
Melina walked over to the pair, holding her boyfriends hand. "Let's go," she nodded curtly at Ashley, pushing the 'rookie' through the curtain. "I'm ready to kick your ass now."
Johnny laughed heartily at Melina's attitude. "She's crazy."
"Yeah," Lilian smiled fondly. "It's one of her better qualities." They settled down in their chairs at the Gorilla once more, Lilian sitting away from the monitor.
"You don't want to watch?" Johnny asked.
Lilian shrugged sheepishly. "I'm just glad to have Mel back ... Thanks for making me talk to her."
"Hey, it was nothing. She missed you, and I know you missed her," Johnny explained, running his hand through his hair. "Maybe now I'll get some sleep at night, who knows."
"Miracles do happen." Lilian joked. "Or so I've heard."
"Speaking of miracles ... What's going on with you and Mark?"
Lilian moved to speak, only to be startled by shouts and a fight erupting through the curtains. Johnny and Lilian jumped to their feet, Melina cursing in a string of Spanish, Trinity and Jill trying to hold her back from Ashley.
"Woah woah woah," Johnny interrupted. "What happened to the match?"
"It's OVER!!" Melina spat. Lilian discretely checked the clock on the wall, an action that didn't escape the attention of Melina. "Someone screwed up!! They called the match short!!" Breaking free of the girls' hold the Women's Champion launched herself at Ashley, knocking her to the ground. Scrambling, the girls struggled to pull Melina off, but the Latina kept pummeling away. "You useless bitch!! We looked pathetic out there, and it's all your fault!!"
Johnny swiflt moved over to the group, swooping in to pick up his girlfriend and eliminate her from the equation. "Mel, settle down."
"NO! I WILL NOT SETTLE DOWN!!" She screeched, causing the other girls to cover their ears. "We SUCKED!! I can't BELIEVE this!!"
"Can someone tell us what actually happened?" Lilian asked painstakingly, ducking to avoid one of Melina's flaying arms. "Layla?"
"Uh ..." The 2006 Diva Search Winner had a 'why me' expression on her face. "I guess."
"We're waiting."
"We'll ... the match was ... kinda sucky. Actually, it was really bad, I guess that's why they pulled it short," Layla swallowed nervously. "And then everyone got into the ring and started brawling! But I don't really know why."
"I'll tell you," Ashley declared, hot tears running down her face. "It's because Melina and her cronies won't get off my back and leave me alone!! Including you Lilian!"
"Stop crying," Melina sneered. "Nothing can ever make up for that shitty performace, not even tears. If I lose my job over this ..."
Waist still being held by Johnny, Melina kicked Ashley deep in the shin, causing Ashley to break free of her own captors and bound over to Melina, ready for a fight. She was reeling back for her first punch when a booming voice came round the corner.
"STOP RIGHT NOW!!" Vucent Kennedy McMahon strode up to the party and he was not happy. "What's with all the drama? What happened out there?! That wasn't what we had planned!!"
"Someone clearly missed the memo that said 'you need to learn how to wrestle to make it in this business.'" Melina said cattily
Mickie objected, starting all the girls yelling and talking to create a cacophony of voices. Vince glared, face bright red. He'd already had his head shaved tonight, and this was too much. "GIRLS!"
Michelle smacked Candice in the face, ignoring her boss as Mickie took on Trinity off to the side. The gorilla was a swarm of girls fighting each other, with Vince becoming more frustrated by the second. "GIRLS!!"
Lilian backed into a corner, trying to stay out of harms way. Vince was getting very pissed off.
"FINE!!" The Chairman shouted. "That's it!!" The girls stopped dead, listing to what he had to say. "This is not acceptable, not from anyone, let alone the Diva's, let alone on the biggest night of the year!!"
"But Sir," Ashley prostested, sobbing now. "I ..."
"I don't CARE!! Effective immediatley, all Diva's are BANNED, for the period of one week. No television, no competition, no photo shoots, no nothing!!" They all fell silent, Melina beginning to protest but then thinking better of it. "Wise choice Ms. Perez," Vince grunted. "You can stay for media engagements, we need our Champion here. Lilian, we need you to announce the main event. As for the rest of you girls, get your bags, and get out of here. ALL of you. Don't bother showing up to your respective shows this week either."
"Why's that? Maria asked sadly, twirling her hair around one finger.
"Because Security won't be letting you lot of deviant women in!!"
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"This is perfect," Shane chuckled as he watched the scene from afar, Christy by his side. "No Diva's for a week."
"Won't that interfer with your plans for getting laid all week?" John Cena snickered.
"No," Shane shot back. "What do you think Christy is here for?"
"Gee, I don't know," John snorted. "Because you're using her to get rid of Lilian?" The Champ laughed at the look of indignation on Shane's face, stopping abruptly as something caught his eye. "Wait, isn't that Stephanie talking to Vince?"
"That's Mr. McMahon to you, Cena!" Shane barked, his face paling as her sister approcahed their father. "Oh no. What the hell is she up too now?"
He headed toward the pair, pushing a stagehand out of the way in the process. "Dad!"
Vince looked up tiredly. "What the hell do you want? You were no good to me in the ring tonight Shane, and you're no good to me now!! It's your fault I'm bald, God Damnit!!"
"Dad ..." Vince held up a hand to silence his son, but Shane rushed on. "The Diva's .. are you really banning them?"
"Of course I AM!!" Vince thundered as Stephnaie smirked slightly. "The way they behaved tonight was unacceptable!! They have to be punished!! All that brawling in the ring and backstage!! What sort of example does that set for everyone else?!! Not a single Diva will be present this week .."
Shane sighed with relief, thanking his lucky stars he wouldn't have to put up with Ashley's bullshit this week."
"Except for Lilian and Melina." Vince finished hastily before walking away. Shane did a double take as Vince walked off, before chasing after him.
"Wait, wait!! What do you mean, except for Lilian and Melina?"
The Chairman turned to his son. "Well, Stephanie pointed out to me that we would need a ring announcer for Raw tomorrow night. And no Shane," Vince scolded his son, seeing the wheels turning in his head. "Justin is not available."
"But .. why Melina?"
"She's the Champion Shane." Vince said flatly. "People pay to see their Champions. End of story."
Shane looked like he was about to cry as Vince left, Stephanie slinging an arm around his shoulders casually."That one chance we were talking about Shane?"
"Stephanie .. this is uncalled for!"
"No, it's not," she disagreed shaking her head. "This is your last chance, before I dob you the hell in. Don't blow it."
Shane stormed off with Christy following after, John wandering over to Stephanie with his belt on his shoulder. "That went well."
"It did," Kissing him lighly on the cheek she moved to face him. "Do you know what you need to do?" He nodded, watching as she pulled a pile of hundred dollar notes out of her pocket, shoving them in his hand. Closing his hand over hers, he made her put the money back in her pocket.
"Steph, I'm not in this for the money," He whispered, a little hurt. "You should know that by now."
Stephanie positively glowed at his response. "I'm so glad to hear that."
"Yeah, well, when you love someone, you don't need them to pay you to do their bidding," he joked as his face hardened. "I've got it Steph. Take out Shawn at all costs."
She nodded, glad to see they were on the same page. Grasping his hand she smiled at him, knowing that she was doing the right thing. "Thank you for playing along for so long."
"It was nothing," he shrugged. "You want to protect your friends, it's the right thing to do." Squeezing her hand now he looked deep into her eyes. "For Lilian."
"For Lilian."
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"Banned." Jillian echoed in disbelief as she threw back another drink. "Banned," she repeated dully, reaching for yet another drink. "From Smackdown!!"
'Woah," Johnny chuckled slightly, intercepting her drink. "Ease up turbo."
"It's only a week Jill," Mel said, slurring her words slightly. An hour into the Wrestlmania after party and Melina was already having trouble keeping up with the others. Wearily resting her head on Johnny's shoulder she watched Krystal, Ariel and Michelle dance up a storm with the Hardys, deliberately trying to upstage the other girls. "You'll kick her ass," she added, pointing across the table at Chris.
The rabid wolverine nursed his beer quietly, raising an eyebrow at Melina's comment. "I'm a woman now? When did that happen?"
"Round the same time Assley had her sex change," Johnny winked. "Didn't they have that special two for one offer running that week?"
"Boy, the only thing that's running is your mouth," Chris grumbled good naturedly. "Shut up."
Jillian burped loudly, causing several other Superstars to turn and stare at the blonde, who was now waving to the crowd like an entrant in a beauty pageant. "Sank you, saank you..."
"Alright," Johnny said with slight embarrassment. "How about some fresh air girls?" Bundling the girls up in their coats, Johnny led Jillian to the door, followed by Chris with Melina.
"Chrisssy," Melina hiccupped. "I spoke to Li .. Li . "
"Lilian?" Chris could hear his heart beating in his ears it was so loud. "What'd she say?"
"We're ..." Melina paused, as if trying to think of the word. "We're ... friends," she settled finally. "That's it."
Chris sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get anything out of her when she like this. "Good. She needs a friend."
"Who needs a friend?" Jillian called loudly from the doorway.
"You do Jill, cos you have none," Johnny said playfully, swatting her on the arm. "Actually, Chris, man, Lilian seems to be coming around."
"Or getting around ... " Melina said sharply, suddenly feeling very alert. Lilian was perched upon Marls lap, her hand on Bobby's forearm as she chattered away in the corner. "What the hell is she doing?"
Lilian luaghed loudly at a joke Bobby made, spotting her friends across the room. "Mel! Johnny! Come on over!!"
Johnny glanced sidewards at his girlfriend, then at Chris, who rolled his eyes. "Jill and I were just leaving, weren't we Jill?"
Jillian burped again, before blushing furiously and bowing her head. "Yeah, Chris and I were heading back to the hotel." Placing a hand on the small of her back Chris guided Jillian out of the building while Melina and Johnny dutifully headed over to the Lilian's table
"Mark, Bobby," Melina smiled politely, tightening her grip on Johnny's hand. She wanted to get out of there. "Lil. How's it going?"
"Everything's great!" Lilian enthused. "Bobby was just telling me about some of the times he had in the Army." Melina glanced at the big man who sat stoically now, wondering when, where and how Lashley had come into the picture. "Won't you guys sit down?"
Melina made eyes at Johnny, pleading with him to get her out of there. "Nah," Johnny said finally. "I'm going to get Mel back to the hotel, she's pretty tired."
"But it's still early," Lilian protested.
"Sorry Lilian," Melina lied through her teeth. "Some other time."
Saying their farewells, Melina and Johnny walked past a closed booth, hearing raised voices from the inside.Unfortunately for them, the music was so loud they couldn't distinguish who was who.
"How was I supposed to know she has going to get rescued?" Dave hissed from inside the booth to Shawn and Shane. "I couldn't believe it!!"
"I can't believe I lost!" Shawn spat furiously. "The plan was for Cena to let me win Shane!! What happened?!"
"Oh I bet it was my sister," Shane grumbled fiercely. "I swear to God ..."
"Hey, I lost my belt too!" Dave bellowed. "They're going to pay, all of them!!"
"Did you hear that?"
"No," Melina sighed, massaging her temple. "Hear what?"
"I don't know," Johnny frowned. "It sounded like Shane ..."
"You're hearing things. C'mon, let's go back and raid the mini-bar with Chris and Jill."
Johnny blinked as he looked toward the entrance. To his amazement, Ken and Victoria walked in, followed by Stephanie McMahon, John Cena on her arm. "And now I'm seeing things. Is that Steph with John on her arm?"
The Women's Champion squinted, the bright lights hurting her eyes. It did look like Steph and John. Sitting down, making nice on a couch. The hell? What was going on around here? "Lord. I need another drink."
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"My head hurts!!" Melina whined softly, banging her head on the apron as Johnny played around in the ring before Raw went on the air.
"Well the whole banging your head on the apron thing won't help you Melina," Mike Chioda shot back saracastically. "You shouldn't have had so much to drink."
"I seem to remember pulling you out of the bar early this morning Mike," Jack commented. "She wasn't the only one enjoying herself last night, leave her alone."
As Melina shot Jack a grateful smile, Lilian came walking down the ramp, with Bobby by her side. Groaning, the brunette lay her head down again. "Oh yippee, look who's here."
"I thought we were all good with Lil," Jack asked quietly. "Didn't you guys sort everything out?"
"Yeah and no. If she'd just talk to ..."
"Chris, everything would be so much easier." Chad finished, plopping down next to the pair. "Is he here tonight?"
"Nah," Melina shook her head. "He's keeping Jillian company. It's a shame though, because from what I hear Mark isn't here either."
"Hence the latest fixation." Jack concluded.
"They're 'friends'" Melina rolled her eyes, making quotation marks with her fingers to emphasise 'friends'. "I don't know, I can't keep up."
"Hey, have you guys seen Lilian?" A worried Stephanie asked, popping up out of nowhere. The trio pointed across the ring in unison, Stephanie gulping slightly. "You guys are not going to believe what my father has planned for tonight."
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"Why'd you throw me out?" John asked Shawn. Duh, he knew why. Shawn was all about getting ahead; he didn't care whose feathers in ruffled in the process. He knew it was because he'd screwed him out of the Championship last night. But did he care? Not a lick. "C'mon Micheals, why'd you do it."
"The same reson you changed the plan on me last night," Shanw shot back bitterly, coming face to face with the Champ."The plan was for me to win the title John."
"Plans change. I guess I just wanted it more."
"That's a lie!" Shanw burst out. "You can fool your fans with that crap, but you'll never fool me!! I am this business! That title should be mine!!"
"Then maybe," John said through gritted teeth. "You should put aside your other agenda you've got going on and concentrate on what you should be going after – my title. This shit with Shane, where will it leave you? Hell, he can promise you all the title shots in the world, but what about Stephanie? She has the power to change her fathers mind in a second – she could drop you as quickly as 'last years next big thing'."
"So that's it," Shawn realised. "You're sleeping with Steph! I knew there had to be a reason you've had that belt for so long!!"
John shrugged nonchalently. "Actually, I'm not. It's not like that. But I would give my life for that woman. I don't have to say any more."
"I don't believe it. All this time you've been coasting, because of her!"
John laughed, the chilling tone echoing through their locker room. "No, I don't believe you. You're Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid!! The Showstoppa!!" Surveying the former Champion he shook his head sadly and left. "What the hell made you sink so low? Lilian didn't deserve what you did to her. So why??""
Shawns eyes flashed with fury. "You just don't get it, do you?" He was speaking to na empty room, John had lifted his head high and walked right out of his life. "I don't get it either," he whispered to himself. "I have no idea what I'm doing."
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"The winner of the Battle of the Billionaires, Vincent Kennedy McMahon."
The crowd booed as Lilian looked at her boss warily. Nothing good was to come of this, she was sure.
"Again," Vince shouted into his microphone. "Louder!"
Lilian swallowed, exchanging uncomfortable glances at Marc Yeaton, the timekeeper sitting ring side. He shrugged, making Lilian sigh before clearing her throat. " The winner of the Battle of the Billionaires, Vincent Kennedy McMahonnn!!"
"See, now the decision has been reversed!" Vince declared triumphantly. "It will be written in the record books that Vinceent Kennedy McMahon was victorius at Wrestlemania 23!! Thank you Lilian," he added as an afterthought. "Please, stay in the ring. Don't leave just yet."
Lilian nodded uncertainly as Vince carried on. Moving back into the corner of the ring, her knee gave a little, causing her to grimace in pain. Backstage, Bobby walked past a monitor, stopping when he saw Lilian virtually at the mercy of Vince. Glowering, he made his way toward the Gorilla. Vince was up to something.
"You people have no chance of seeing me bald," Vince grinned in satisfaction. Stepping between the ropes he moved to leave when he was confronted by the enormuous stature of Bobby Lashley, the large man making his way down the ramp with determination written across his face. Still concerned about what may happen, Lilian allowed a small smile to break out across her face, moving around the ring to escape the camera as it chased Vince who was being chased by Bobby. The blonde snorted as Bobby lifted up the ring apron, exposing Vince's head for everyone to see. Suddenly, Vince changed direction. Diving into the ring he searched desparately for a place to hide, eyes lighting up when he saw Lilian. Lilian blanched, knowing instantly what he had in mind. She tried to back away, but he was too quick for her, sticking his head between her legs and up her skirt. Horrified, she tried to move but Vince held her ankles still, preventing her from going anywhere.
"Sir!" Lilian cried in embarrassment. "What are you doing?!"
Bobby entered the ring, laughing at the fury on Lilian's face but seeing the discomfort she was feeling. Deciding to get this over with as quickly as possible, the larger man ripped off Lilians skirt, leaving her standing there in her underwear. "BOBBY!!"
Vince was in shock, his head stuck at Lilian's knees. Wrenching his head to the side, he unknowingly knocked her knee, causing her to shriek in pain and shake herself loose. Grabbing her skirt she hurtled out of the ring, Chad pulling off his shirt for her to wrap around her waist at ringside. "Lilian, are you okay?"
Still a little shocked over what had happened, she watched as Vince ran up the ramp, Bobby standing laughing in the ring. Slipping through the ropes he came down to check on Lilian who was now fuming. "How could they?! That's .. that's disgusting, it's not even funny!Bobby, how could you??!!"
"Lilian, I'm sorry," He said softly. "It was the only way I could think of to get him out of ... out of there," he stressed uncomfortably. "As quickly as I could. Don't let Mark kill me."
Groaning, Lilian realised he was right. "I know, I know."
"How about we take you backstage to get some clothes?" Chad broke in gently. Hell, he was sure half the crowd wouldn't mind seeing Lilian without a skirt on, but if it was okay with her, he'd rather get his shirt back now than hear about it from Jack later. "Melina will probably be waiting for us."
Heading down the side of the ramp, Lilian winced with each step, a frown coming across Chads face. "He knocked your knee, didn't he?"
"I'm fine," she assured him unconvincingly. "Really." Melina came rushing out to meet them the second they were out of the crowds view. Thrusting a long shirt in her friends direction, she bent down to look at Lilian's knee.
"You tweaked it!" Melina said accusingly. "Lilian! Look, it's swelling."
"It's nothing," Lilian muttered guiltily.
"Trainer," The Women's Champion declared. "Right now. Chad, pick her up, let's go."
Bobby was left behind as Chad hoisted Lilian into his arms, following Melina down the hall to the Trainer. Shaking his head, he turned back in the direction he'd came, running straight into Christy Hemme.
"Hi Bobby," she cooed softly, running her fingers over his broad chest. "Wanna play?"
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Lilian lay down uncomfortably on the bed as Melina and Chad disappeared into the hall, both needed in the ring. Closing her eyes, she hummed softly to herself, wondering what was taking Dr. Rios so damn long. Flexing her knee she whimpered slightly, relaxing when she heard the door open. "Dr. Rios?"
A figure began to move around the room, lifting up things and moving them around. A sinester voice disturbed the peace. "Hello, Lilian."
Eyes shooting open, Lilian gasped, seeing Christy Hemme standing over her brandishing a fire extinguisher. "What .. what do you want?"
"What do I want?" Christy asked in amusement. "What do I want, what do I want ... Well, I'd like a shot at getting my old job back here, it'd sure cut down on travelling to see Shane every week. I'd like my motorbike back, see, I miss being able to travel down the open road, being able to clear my head while speeding down a highway."
"Christy ..."
"Did I ask you to speak?" Lilian recoiled as Christy became even louder, slamming the fire extinguisher down on the bed frame, dangerously close to Lilian's knee. "No! So shut the fuck up and listen, you bitch!!"
"Uh .. okay," Lilian stammered, trying to push herself back into a corner. Before she knew what has happening, someone grabbed her from behind, wrenching her into a sitting position, pulling her back by her hair. Gagging, she could smell the overbearing smell of Calvin Klein assaulting her senses. Shane. "Let me go, please!"
"Not until I'm finished," Christy snapped. "What I want, is my mother back. She could have beaten her cancer, she could have come home. But no!" The redhead exploded. "You stopped that from happening!!"
"Christy," Lilian gasped as the person behind her locked an arm around her throat. "I don't even know your mother!! I have no idea what you're talking about!!"
Making a clucking noise with her tongue, Christy paced back and forward before slamming her weapon down again, this time allowing the handle to hit Lilian in the knee, causing the Diva to yelp in pain. "It's always about you. You, you you!!" Christy rambled. "You, and Chris. I blame you both."
"Blame us for what?" Lilian sobbed as Shane mercilessly ripped her shirt off her body. "I'm not even speaking to Chris, I haven't done anything!"
Shane seemed to disagree as he pressed his fingers on the pressure points in her neck, causing her to become dizzy and disorientated. Lilian fought bravely against him, tossing a wayward elbow into his gut, but he was too strong for her diminutive stature, his fingers running through her hair, body enveloping hers. She gasped as she felt something press into her lower back, realising it was his arousal. He was enjoying this.
Christy smirked. "No, it's nothing you and Chris have done recently. Think back a few years ... a late night, a back road, a motorbike ..."
Lilian was so out of it she had no idea what the Diva was referring too. "I don't understand!!"
"A hospital," Christy continued with a haunted expression on her face, her eyes glowing. "Surgery, my mother, my mother dying!! It was all your fault!!" Her voice echoed in Lilian's ears, the sound becoming further and further away as Lilian struggled to stay awake. "Don't you know who I am?"
"Please," Lilian choked. "Stop."
"No!" Christy swung at Lilian, cracking her in the face with her fist. "Not until you realise who I am!"
"Look, i don't know!! Just let me go, please!"
"No," she grinned sadistically, eyes meeting Shane's. "Don't you get it? I'm Christina Hemming, bitch."
Shane dropped Lilian to the floor, kicking her repeatedly in the side. "Do you get it now Lilian? Do you get it now?"
Lilian's eyes widened as she put two and two together. An overwhelming wave of guilt covered her, realising not what they were referring too. "Oh my God ... Christy, I am so sorry."
She was silenced by a chair shot to the back, Shane standing over her. "You're not sorry," he snarled. "You don't feel bad for her! You don't feel bad for me!!"
"You?" Lilian asked hysterically. "What did I ever do to you?" Lying on the floor in only her underwear, Lilian vainly tried to get up, but Shane placed a heavy foot on her back. "Shane .."
"No Shane, I don't think I can go to dinner with you," He mimicked. "No Shane, I don't want to go to the theater. No Shane, I don't want to give you a blow job."
Body wracked in pain, Lilian simply lay still, mind racing as Christy straddled her and pinned her down. Laying her full weight on Lilian's knee, Christy bounced up and down to apply more pressure, shoving the blondes face to the floor.
"You think you're too good for me Lilian? Well, newsflash!! You're not!" Yanking Christy up off the ring announcer, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigar, lighting it slowly. Galncing at the door, Lilian tried to crawl away, but Christy grabbed her ankle and slammed her leg heavily to the floor. "Wait, Christy, let her go."
"What?!!"
"Let her go," Shane grinned smugly. "I want to see her run!!"
Not believing what she was hearing, Lilian slowly pulled herself up, using a cabinet for leverage. Gasping for air, she looked at the pair wildly, heading for the door. Hands shaking, she struggled to pull the door open, the knob slipping from her sweaty palms. Bolts of pain shot up and down her spine, her knee throbbing and her heart racing. Finally getting the door open, Lilian glanced at Shane and Christy again and flew down the hall. Christy began to chase after her, only to have Shane hold her back. "Give her a head start. I want to enjoy this."
Sobbing, Lilian struggled through the hall, only making it a few metres before she fell, grabbing at her knee as twisted in the fall. Screaming in pain, she curled up in a fetal position, Christy and Shane laughing as they approached from behind, Shane causally smoking his cigar as Christy brandished the fire extinguisher she had held earlier. Crashing it down on Lilian's knee, she hit the bone full force, again and again. Footsteps came running down the hall, Shane looking up and fleeing as he saw someone coming, grabbing Christy and pushing her ahead of him.
The person dropped down to their knees and cradled Lilian in their arms. "Oh my God ... what have they done?"
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Raise a hand if you like cliffhangers!! ... no? Awww. Okay, here is where the fun starts!! When you review, I want you to tell me who you want to have saved Lilian;
a) Mark b) Melinac) Chrisd) Bobby or e) ? (wildcard)
Think long and hard about who Lilian would be best with, because it will effect the outcome of this story greatly.
