CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: The Boys Come to Play

MARYSE'S P.O.V:

This was it. The Sisters were united and the battle was nearly done. It was only when she heard a familiar voice that Maryse spun around. "Don't worry! I'm here to save the day!" Miz proclaimed. Mizdow was by his side, grandly immitating his hand gestures and mouthing his every word. They were not alone.

It took Maryse only moments to recognize the rest of the newcomers. Miz and Mizdow stood with Bully/Bubba Ray, CM Punk, John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Mike Bennett, Magnus, and Bram.

"I told them you didn't need any help, but Miz and Punk insisted," Daniel Bryan said.

"Every superhero needs a sidekick," Punk said. AJ smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Where's Mickie?" Magnus asked, his desperation clear.

"I'm okay," Mickie said as she ran to him. "I had to do this."

"I know... But the risk, Mickie.."

"I know. Please don't be mad?"

"I could never be mad at you, luv." He kissed her.

"Where's my wife?" Bram asked.

Bayley stared at her sneakers. "She betrayed us," Mickie said solemnly.

Bram was silent. "Her father would be ashamed," he said finally. "How can I help make this right?"

"We have to get out of here," Gail said. "Some of the girls need medical help."

Bram nodded. He carefully took Christy from Kong's arms. Christy had begun stirring and he whispered to her soothingly as he led her to the safest spot he could find. Maryse was amazed how calmly he was handling the news about Charlotte.

There was a loud sound suddenly and people went flying as the room to the right exploded. Miz galently put his arms out to catch his beloved, but Maryse landed in the waiting arms of Mizdow instead. She smiled at him, said "Merci," and kissed his cheekbefore searching for her husband.

Miz was squished beneath the woman he'd caught... Awesome Kong stood. Miz squeaked out, "Too much... awesome..."

Kong took offense and pulled Miz into a chokehold. "Eh! Put down my little imbecile at once!" Maryse shouted. She pulled Miz free from Kong's grasp. She hugged her husband and silently thanked the Powers That Be that he hadn't been more seriously injured. He might be an idiot, but she simply adored him.

Everyone seemed to be okay. After making a few unusual sound effects, Mike Bennett had caught Maria. Magnus had Mickie in his arms. Velvet and Bully Ray were locked in a passionate embrace.

"You always catch me when I fall," Velvet said.

"Forever, Toots," Bully promised.

Maryse was touched by the oddly cute couple's love. AJ was curled up in Punk's arms. Brie was sobbing into her husband's shoulder. John Cena had caught Natalya. He didn't ask where Nikki was. Maryse felt sorry for him, but it was clear he knew she was a traitor, too.

Matt Hardy had caught Trish, while his ex-fiance had landed safely in Jeff's arms. Lita looked both furious with the Hardys and relieved to see them.

Sweet Saraya had easily caught Paige. Mother and daughter embraced tightly now.

Gail Kim had seemingly caught herself and landed on her feet. She was, after all, Gail Motherfucking Kim. She was examining the others to make certain everyone was alright.

It was Dixie who pointed out the room to the left. Stephanie McMahon was in the middle of a wrestling ring and she looked injured but mostly determined.

"I know what I have to do," Dixie said to Gail before rushing toward the room.

DIXIE'S P.O.V:

Dixie was terrified but determined. Somehow, she knew this was her moment. She walked up to her enemy like this was a perfectly normal occurrence. "Hello, Stephanie," she said cooly.

"Dixie Carter? You've got to be kidding me! Is this the best they've got?" Stephanie laughed.

"Listen here, McMahon," Dixie continued talking. "I have news for you. Since moving to Destination America, TNA has had better ratings than Smackdown. In fact, this week, we got better reviews than RAW! And people want to join the Revolution, not follow the buzzards!" Dixie saw Stephanie cringe and scream in outrage at the news. It wasn't true about the ratings, but the rest was factual information. TNA actually was getting a better fan response than WWE lately.

"No!" Stephanie screamed. "TNA is nothing! You will never outrank WWE!"

"But Darlin,' didn't you hear me? People already like us more. The more you piss them off, the more they turn to TNA, and Lucha Underground, and Ring of Honor, and FWE, and PWS, and House of Hardcore, and other independent promotions for quality shows!"

"Shut up! These are lies!"

"They're not sheep anymore, Stephanie. And they're pissed off. And guess what? I'm working on launching the TNA Network for only nine-ninety-eight!"

Stephanie lunged at Dixie and bitch slapped her. Dixie laughed in her face. "Darlin,' I hate to break this to ya, but a bitch slap is not a finisher... This is!"

And that was the moment when Dixie Carter put Stephanie McMahon through a table.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I can't take credit for the TNA Network: Only $9.98 bit. It was a fan sign at one of the TNA tapings in NYC last August. Still the best fan sign ever!