Chapter 21

After the Referee counted up to seven, Shawn got up on his feet and locked up with Ric Flair and quickly tried to take him down, Ric using his quick wit to knock Shawn down on his back. Shawn quickly got back up, getting the crowd pumped up, and soon managed to hit Ric seven times before the count of five and managed to hit sweet chin music on Ric. He went for the three count and the bell rang, ending the match. The crowd cheered as Shawn's hand raised in victory. Shawn frowned when he got the championship back in his hands and looked over at Jose Lothario, who had already been walking up the ramp. Shawn felt his heart get heavy, but soon felt a tap on his shoulder and quickly saw Vince in the ring with him. Shawn grew confused, then felt Vince's breath in his ear.

"I think you need to see me in my office after the show."

Shawn nodded at his boss and watched as he left the ring and back to the announcer's table. Shawn quickly walked out of the arena and into the backstage area, where he walked mid-way down the hall until he saw Jose sitting on a steel container. He frowned and walked over to the man, his heart heavier when Jose didn't look at him.

"Jose." Shawn said, his voice shaking.

"What is it, Shawn?" Jose kept looking at the ground.

"I just came to check on you. Are you okay?"

"Shawn, I've got my issues," Jose looked at Shawn, his face serious. "I would have talked to you these past few weeks, but I haven't been able to speak to you. You're always busy with your friends and what not."

"Jose," Shawn said. "I-I'm sorry for what I said the other week. I know you haven't heard that yet, so I thought maybe now would be a good time."

Jose stood up and walked over to Shawn, then, without warning, threw his arm around him. Shawn hugged his mentor back and quickly smiled, satisfied with himself.

Vince sat quietly at his office, sighing as he looked at the clock. It was passed 9:30, which meant the show was about to be over. He wrote down something on some papers before hearing the door click open, hearing footsteps entering the room.

Vince looked up and smiled. "Shawn, so glad of you to join us."

Shawn smiled at Vince, but quickly frowned when he saw the figure of Bret sitting in the chair opposite Vince's desk. Another empty chair was beside Bret, who was looking at Shawn as Shawn closed the door to the room. Shawn walked slowly over to the empty chair and sat down, removing the championship from his shoulder and placed it in his lap. He kept his eyes forward, trying to avoid Bret's stare.

"Well, gentlemen, let's-" Vince paused a second to look at Shawn. "What the hell happened to you?"

"What are you talking about, sir?"

"Your eye. What happened to your eye? It's...black and blue."

Shawn touched his eye and winced back from the pain. He knew the bruise on his eye was there even before his match. It was obvious that the black eye came from the Hart Foundation.

"Well?"

Shawn looked at Vince, then managed to look a little over at Bret, whose eyes darted towards Shawn. Shawn gulped and looked down, his breath heavy.

"Mr. Michaels? Today, if you wish."

"Oh...uh..."

Shawn managed to look over at Bret again, whose eyes remained glued at him. Shawn looked at Vince and sighed.

"I...I fell down the stairs at the hotel." He said.

Vince leaned back in his chair. "Well...be more careful next time."

"Yes, sir." Shawn whispered.

Shawn gazed over at Bret, whose face entranced with a evil grin. Vince cleared his throat, getting the attention of both men.

"Gentlemen, it has come to my attention that the ratings have declined for the past couple of months. Of course, we are trying our best to gain audience approval. You two seem to keep the ratings from sliding any further and that's a good thing. Now, Bret, Shawn, you two would be great entertainers if you put your skills to the test against each other at the next pay-per-view."

"What are you talking about?" Shawn asked.

"The next pay-per-view, Shawn. Me and Bret here have our eyes set on a new story line rivalry between the two of you."

Shawn gulped. "Well...that sounds nice and all...but...I..."

"But what?" Vince's eyes narrowed.

"I...don't think it's a good idea."

"I think it is." Bret said, his grin entranced on his face.

"Best two out of three, Mr. Michaels. Better luck in our next meeting," Vince said, folding his hands. "Now, you two are excused. Have a good night."

Shawn sighed and got up, as well as Bret, and the two made way out of the office. Bret made it towards the water fountain and Shawn quickly set his eyes on the nearby door, pushing it open and exiting towards the staircase. He paused a second to collect his thoughts, but quickly felt himself being pushed down and quickly tumbling down the stairs. Shawn landed on the ground face-first and groaned when he felt pains in his stomach and arms. He heard noises coming from behind him and looked up a little to see Bret standing over him.

Bret smirked. "You're pathetic, loser. You think you can get out of this easy? Not by a long shot."

"What's going on here?!" A voice yelled.

Shawn couldn't barely move, but knew the voice was coming from Vince. Bret looked up and saw Vince standing on top of the staircase. Shawn tried to move, but felt pains while doing so.

"Oh, my God. Are you okay, Shawn?" Bret asked, quickly picking Shawn up by his arms and pulling him to his feet, his face with serious compassion.

"Everything all right down there?" Vince asked, concerned.

"Yes, sir. Shawn just fell down the staircase again. He's an accident waiting to happen." Bret said, laughing and grinning. Shawn just stared at him.

"Are you okay, Shawn?" Vince asked.

Shawn looked at Bret, who let Shawn's arms go, then at Vince, who looked on. Shawn sighed and nodded.

"Yes, sir. I'm okay." He said, looking at the ground, trying to ignore the pain in his arms and stomach.

"Okay, then. Like I said, be careful next time." Vince shook his head and went back inside the building.

Shawn gulped, then looked at Bret, whose hand was now gripping Shawn's collar.

"An accident waiting to happen." Bret sneered, then knocked Shawn back into the brick wall before walking down the sidewalk to his rental car. Shawn stood there, waiting for Bret to leave, and, once Bret left, he quickly picked up his championship on the ground and walked down the steps to the rental car. He began to feel his whole body burn, and knew he wasn't going to make it the night without any ice.

He shot a glance back at Vince's office before turning on the engine and driving to the hotel.