Chapter Fourteen: Old Yeller

'Whoooooo!'

The fans were on their feet cheering. Ric stepped out through the curtain dressed in a dark suit instead of his ring attire. A good amount of time had pased and now it was the final RAW before Wrestlemania 24. Through the time before, Ric was battling through many career-threatening matches. His opponents ranged from Umaga, to Edge, to Mr. Kennedy, to Vince, to other Superstars. Winning everytime, it wouldn't last too much longer. His career would eventually end up being finished. Forever.

Ric headed into the ring, picking up his mic and starting the promo. He had a big smile on his face. He loved the sound of the happy response, and the flying banners and bright signs all directed toward him. He couldn't get enough of the respectful and loyal fans he had. They meant everything to him just as much as his friends and his family. He had a good, long run in the business. He was going to miss it so much, but he knew it was time to go. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Ric knew in his heart and in his mind, nothing lasted forever.

The audience silenced themselves and gave their respect to Ric so he could talk. He began speaking his introduction and then he went on to talking about being saved by people. Getting too much pity and sympathy. He was getting tired of it.

"...And I lost respect for one man for doing so." Ric told the world. "...Shawn, will you please come out here?"

Not even a minute passed when the Arizona male's music started up. All the fans went wild.

'I think I'm cute, I know I'm sexy. I got the looks, that drives the girls wild...'

The Heartbreak Kid stepped out from the curtains and backstage and started walking down the runway. He was also dressed in casual wear with his signature cowboy hat on his head.

He stepped up onto the steel stairs, grabbing the mic and entered inside the ring with Ric. He didn't speak first, he only tried to listen to what he had to say to him. He didn't look to surprised that he would do this.

They talked about the incident with Shawn saving Ric from his last career threatening match. It went on for a little bit. Shawn kept an emotionless expression through out the whole conversation. He apologized for Ric losing some respect for him and a bunch of other topics.

And then, when they thought it was over and thought Ric and Shawn had closure and agreement, Shawn stopped in his tracks and didn't leave the ring.

"Hold on." Shawn said. "I have one more thing to say."

Ric looked at him, paying his attention to him.

"Do you remember the story about Old Yeller? They loved that dog. but eventually when time passed, and he grew older, they had to take Old Yeller back behind the shed and-(Shawn formed a gun with his hands and put it up to Ric's temple)-put him outta his misery. Come Sunday, that's exactly what I'm going to do when we're together in that ring. I'm going to put you outta your misery."

The audience was at the ends of their seats.

Ric nodded his head, he understood. He turned around and dropped the mic. In anger, he whipped off his jacket, kicking it out of the ring along with his retired championship belt. He picked up the mic again and faced Shawn. "Old Yeller?! Are you kidding me?! Old Yeller I'll show you, your Old Yeller!"

Smack across the face. Shawn's hat fell off of his head and onto the mat.

The fans responded negatively.

Shawn didn't react any differently.

"You want some of your Old Yeller?!" Ric shouted again. "Come get some-"

Another smack across the face.

Still, Shawn did nothing. The only response he had before exiting was "Like I said, I'm going to put you outta your misery."

His music played as he left the ring and started walking up the ramp.