Beginning notes: Just a warning, remember how I said that if you a Vince
fan, that this wasn't the story for you, well I'm saying it again, because
Vince isn't put in a very good light in this chapter. Also I'm going on
how I felt about the wrestlers at this point in time, so even though I
think Cena is okay today, I didn't like him back then. He gets put down in
this chapter and the next.
Chapter 25
No Way Out (for Vince)
The last week before the pay per view, Stephanie, Faith, and Buffy had taken the week off from Smackdown to train. Well, Faith and Stephanie had to train, Buffy help them out, but didn't really train herself considering she didn't have a match to compete in, just two matches to be a part of. Rey Mysterio had shown up on the Smackdown before No Way Out despite the others objections. They were concern that Vince and the rest of the Corporation would take the opportunity of him being by himself to take revenge for what they did to Matt Morgan. Rey still insisted that he would be fine. Luckily, The Corporation didn't try anything, because they were having problems about working together. Also, Brock had Eddie Guerrero to worry about, Lita didn't care about getting at anyone except Faith, and neither of them trusted Vince McMahon anymore.
The training for Faith and Stephanie was intense. Faith knew she had to train hard for her match because of her last few encounters with Lita. It had become obvious to Faith that Lita had been training herself and learning how to focus her new slayer abilities. This made Lita a lot more dangerous from the last time Faith had fought her. Faith would spend her time training by herself or sparing with Buffy. Stephanie spent her time training with Buffy, learning as much from her as possible. Some times, however, she would push herself a little too far and would end up at the end of the day with some aches and bruises.
Buffy was happy with the way Stephanie's training was coming along. Although she sometimes wishes that Stephanie wouldn't push herself as hard as she did. She did understand that Stephanie's need for payback against her father is what was pushing and driving her further then she needed to go. Threw all this, Buffy was worried however, not about Steph's chances on winning; Buffy knew she was going to win. Buffy was worried about what was going to happen after the match, on how Vince would retaliate. She knew that Vince would not take a loss to his daughter gracefully. Buffy wondered what Vince will do after.
The night of No Way Out came and the pay per view was about to begin. All the wrestlers waited in their locker rooms, waiting for time in which they would walk out into the ring and compete in front of a huge audience and many more at home. Lita was in her locker room, pumping her self up for her title defense against Faith. The last time the met in the ring, she had beaten Faith with the use of an illegal object. Ever since then, people had said that she would have never won if she didn't cheat like she did. Lita was going to prove them wrong tonight and beat Faith without cheating. She had been training hard ever since the rematch between the two of them was made. Brock Lesnar was in his locker room thinking about his title match against Eddie Guerrero and what role Goldberg would play in it. Then there was Vince McMahon, who was in the G.M.'s office, walking back and forth. He was already in his wrestling outfit ever though there was still sometime before his match. Unlike the first time he fought his daughter, he was worried. He knew that Buffy and Faith had been training his daughter, and she was going to be a whole lot tougher then the first time. A small part of him, for a short time, believed that he had pushed his daughter to this, but that part die quickly.
Unlike The Corporation, The Pack was altogether in their locker room. Stephanie, Buffy, Faith and Rey were already dressed and ready to fight. Well, Buffy had a ref's shirt on, because she would be the ref in Faith's match first, then she would be in Steph's corner soon after. Buffy, Faith, and Rey sat in the lounge area talking, while Stephanie was in the shower area, checking her hair in the mirror.
"It looks good, really" Faith said from behind her. Stephanie turned around to see Faith leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Stephanie rolled her eyes and turned back to the mirror.
"But I really don't see any sense in straightening your hair before a match" Faith continued "because it's just going to get messed up during it. That's why I put my hair into a pony tail" Faith flicked her hair to indicate her point
"I know that, Faith" Steph said annoyingly as she stopped messing with her hair.
Faith still had her smirk "Of course you do, so maybe you're messing with it because a certain guy we know called a few days ago and said he would be at No Way Out tonight"
Stephanie looked back at Faith "Xander? No, I just like to look go for when I walk to the ring"
Suddenly they both heard a knock at the door in the other room and Steph quickly rushed past Faith and into the other room thinking it was Xander, but was a bit disappointed when she saw Buffy open the door to reveal that it wasn't. Instead it Buffy's friend Willow, her sister Dawn and her number one fan Britney Spears. Buffy greeted all three of them with joyful hugs. Stephanie had forgotten that they were coming to see tonight's event live and with Buffy.
"Don't worry" Faith said from behind Steph "Xander will be here soon, it's just his flight was running late, remember"
"I remember" Stephanie said, trying not to sound too disappointed that none of the visitors was Xander.
Stephanie and Faith walked over to greet the three women. Then they all took a seat and started talking as No Way Out was beginning on the TV in front of them. Sable and Torrie Wilson were at ringside greeting the crowd.
"Are those the ones who just posed for Playboy?" Willow asked
"Yep" Faith answered with disappointment. She knew that Torrie did the magazine again for her career but she did the issue with someone that her and her friends did not get along with in any sense, Sable.
Dawn looked at Rey "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure" Rey replied
"Why do you wear a mask?" Dawn asked
"It's part of my heritage"
"Oh...Can I see what you look like under it"
"Dawn" Buffy said annoyingly
"No, it's okay" Rey said
Rey turned his back to the rest of them and only Dawn could see the front of him as he pulled up his mask quick and wink at her. Then he put his mask back on his face.
"Well, my match is up next, so I better go" Rey said and left.
"Wow, he's cute" Dawn said as she watched him go
"How's your stay at the manor?" Buffy asked Britney
Britney looked as if she was trying to think of an answer "It's...okay"
"Okay?" Buffy replied
"Yeah...okay" Britney said and got up "I'm going to get something to eat...anyone want something"
"Britney, we have things to eat here" Buffy indicated to the fruit on the table in front of them
"Yeah, but I'm think of something unhealthy, like a hotdog or something" Britney said and walk to the door and left.
Once Britney left, Buffy turned to Willow and asked "What was that about?"
Willow sighed "Well, she is coming along pretty well with her training and has made some friend, like Sarah, Kennedy, Robert,"
"And me, don't forget me" Dawn jumped in
Willow smiled at Dawn "yes, Dawn also and of course me" Willow got a serious expression "but there are some girls that are giving her a hard time"
"Who?" Buffy said
"Well, Beth and her group" Willow replied
Buffy frowned "Why am I not surprise"
When they had decided to start a school for the newly awoken slayer, they all knew that there would be some girls that came from a hard life and it turn, could possible be troubled girls and possible be bully. Beth, Kira, Terry, and Jean were those girls and formed a cliché where Beth was the leader. They haven't gotten violent or anything, they were just real bitches.
"And don't forget Giles, he hadn't been nice to Britney either" Dawn again jumped in with info.
"What?!" Buffy was shocked
"Oh, yes, thanks for reminding me, Dawn" Willow said annoyingly
"Why is Giles being mean to Britney?" Buffy demanding to know
"He isn't being mean" Willow answered "He's just being a little hard on her"
"A little, try a lot, but luckily Robert has put Giles in his place a few times" Dawn said
"I wouldn't say 'put him in his place'" Willow replied
Dawn smirked at Willow "Oh yeah, well from what I saw and heard, it look like Robert was auguring with Giles on how he was treating her and telling him off about it"
Buffy started rubbing her forehead "Looks like I'm going to be calling Giles and have a little talk with him"
Britney made her way back to the locker room and after a visit to the snack bar. She had nachos in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. She really wasn't hungry; she just didn't want to get into the conversation about what was happening at the manor.
As Britney got to the backstage area, she was approached be a small Asian man with a microphone and a cameraman behind him.
"This is Funaki" The Asian man said into the camera as he stopped next to Britney "Smackdown's number one announcer here with Britney Spears"
Back in the locker room, Buffy and the rest of the gang was watching what was happening on the TV.
"Uh oh" Buffy said "I better go save Britney before Funaki does something stupid"
Buffy got up and left
Back on the screen, Funaki asked his next question "Britney will you go out with me?"
"Too late" Dawn laughed
"What?!" Britney said shockingly "Who are you?"
"Funaki, number one announcer" he replied
"All right, that's enough" Buffy said as she came walking up to the two of them. She grabbed Britney by the arm and started leading Britney away "You need to leave her alone" Buffy said to Funaki as she and Britney walked away
Cole and Tazz also saw what happen
Cole: Now that just isn't right, he shouldn't have bothered her
Tazz: Oh shut up Cole, you're just jealous that Funaki had the courage to ask what you want to ask Britney
Buffy lead Britney back into the locker room and said "Maybe you should stay here tonight, just to be safe"
"I agree" Britney said and took a seat and placed her drink and nachos on the table in front of her
"Hey Nachos" Dawn said and reached over for a nacho, but then stopped right before she grabbed one and looked at Britney "Can I have one?"
"Sure" Britney responded
Later on, Buffy and Faith were walking towards the ringside entrance for Faith's match against Lita. As they made their way, they met up with a very disappointed Rey Mysterio. He had just finished his match against Tajiri and Chavo Guerrero in a Triple Threat match for the Cruiserweight title. The match had gone back and forth between all three wrestlers. In the end, thanks to interference from Chavo's father, Chavo had scored the pin fall off of Tajiri and captured the Cruiserweight belt.
"Hey Rey, sorry about what happened" Faith said "In the end, you got cheated"
"Yeah, if it wasn't for Chavo's father, I could have won" Rey responded
"Look at it this way" Buffy said "It wasn't you that Chavo pinned, so he never really beat you"
"Thanks Buffy and good luck to you Faith. Now it is up to you to bring a belt back to The Pack" Rey said then started back to the locker room
Buffy and Faith continued to walk to the entrance to ringside.
Once they got to the entrance, Buffy was starting to get nervous.
"What's wrong, B?" Faith asked
Buffy looked at Faith "It's...Look, can you promise me you won't get pinned. I don't think I could count the three on you"
Faith smiled "Thanks B, but if you have to, then do it"
"But"
"No Buts, I wanted you as ref because you were the only one tough enough to handle a match like this. I didn't pick you so I could have an advantage, so just call it down the middle and if I get pin for the count, then count it, okay"
Buffy took a deep breath "Okay"
A stage official came up to Buffy and said "Buffy, you'll be going out first"
Buffy looked at him confused "First? I thought I was last to head out"
"Well, considering the explosive nature of the two opponents, we believe it would be best if there is already a ref out there" the official replied
Faith laughed "Yeah, their having Lita wait in her locker room until I'm in the ring. You know, so we don't start fighting backstage"
Out at ringside, the events that lead up to this match just finished playing on the Big Screen and Buffy's music started to play.
"Well, I guess I'll see you in the ring" Buffy said to Faith and headed threw the curtain
Buffy stepped out onto the stage and listen to the audience as the started to cheer her. She took a moment to look at all the signs that people make about her. They were the usually ones that people make like 'Buffy, marry me' and 'Buffy rocks'. There were a few other ones, but Buffy decided she needed to get to the ring. Once in, Buffy greeted the crowds on all fours sides of the ring. Buffy's music ended and Faith's started. Faith came out onto the stage and the audience cheered just as much as they did for Buffy. Faith danced a little to her music on the stage then started jogging to the ring. Once at the ring, she jumped on to the edge and then flipped over the ropes.
Buffy smirked at Faith "Show off"
Faith smiled back and headed to the turnbuckle and jumped up to the second rope and raised her hands to the audience.
Faith got down and faced the entrance as Lita's music started. Lita came out, with the woman's championship around her waist, and started heading for the ring. The audience booed her, but she didn't care. The only thing she cared about was kicking Faith's butt.
Lita slid into the ring, took off the belt and dropped it, and charged Faith. Faith braced herself and grabbed Lita as she came at her and threw her to the ground. Faith quickly dropped on Lita and started laying in punches.
Tazz: The two of them are not wasting any time
"Oh, god" Buffy said "they couldn't even wait until I began the match" Buffy signaled for the bell, to begin the match, then grabbed the belt and handed to an official outside the ring. She then turned her attention back to the match.
Lita threw Faith off of her and got to her feet. Faith also got to her feet and turned to face Lita as she threw a punch at her. Faith blocked the hit and threw one of her own that connected. Faith followed up by grabbing Lita by the arm and whipping her into the corner. Lita crashed into the corner and Faith wasted no time running up behind her, grapping her by the back of head and slamming Lita's face into the turnbuckle three times. Faith let go of Lita and Lita fell backwards onto the mat.
In Los Angeles, Angel and Spike watch the pay per view from Angel's office at Wolfram and Hart. With things settled back down a little, they had decided to get back to watching the WWE and keeping up with their friends.
"I bet Faith wins this match" Spike said
"Really?" Angel replied "because I heard that you bet on Lita last time"
"I did, but Faith didn't have the fire last time. She has it now" Spike answered
Spike looked back at the television in time to see Faith pick Lita up and then power bomb her.
Spike smiled "Yeah, I'm positive of it"
After the power bomb, Faith went for the pin. Buffy went for the count, but only counted two before Lita kicked out.
Cole: Lita kicks out on two
Faith sat up and muttered "I should have known it wasn't going to end that easily"
Faith stomped on Lita once and then picked her up. Faith whipped her into the ropes and went to bounce off the other. As the came near each other after bouncing off opposite ropes, Faith went for a close line, but Lita also countered with one. Both of them, connected with their close lines and they both fell to the mat.
After a few seconds, both women started to get up. Faith was the first to clear her head and saw Lita and tried to go for a super kick. Lita saw it coming and moved out the way. Buffy was standing behind Lita and almost got hit but Faith was able to stop herself.
"That was close" Buffy said
"A little to close" Faith replied
Suddenly from behind Faith, Lita did a flying drop kick to Faith and Faith stumbled forward and fell on the mat. Buffy had moved out the way. She saw it coming and hated not warning Faith, but she was the ref and that would have been playing sides.
Faith had gotten back on her feet, but Lita quickly dropped to the ground and swept the feet from under Faith, sending Faith back to the mat. While on the mat, Lita kicked Faith in the head and caused Faith to become dazed.
Cole: Faith seems to be in a little trouble
Tazz: Don't worry, she recover
Lita got up and started stomping Faith. After, she started chocking Faith with her foot and using the ropes as a brace. Buffy quickly broke it up. Lita followed it up by pick Faith up and DDTing her back down. Then she climbed to the top turnbuckle and performed a moonsult off the top and landed on Faith.
Cole: This could be it
Lita went for the pin.
(Oh, no) Buffy thought and went for the count. Buffy counted two and she nearly count the three, but Faith had kick out just in time.
Tazz: See Cole, you underestimate Faith's abilities
"Thank god" Buffy muttered to herself, but muttered it a little to loud, because Lita had heard her
"What?!" Lita said and got in Buffy's face "Thank god? You better not be counting slowly or I'll..."
"You'll what" Buffy cut her off and stared back at her
Lita sneered at her and turned back around to see Faith, who had gotten back to her feet, grab her and perform a back breaker on her. With Lita back on the mat, Faith grabbed her by the legs and put her in a sharpshooter.
The crowd went wild as Faith locked in the sharpshooter.
Tazz: Faith has the sharpshooter locked in Cole; we could have a new champion
Faith applied as much pressure as she could to Lita's legs and back. Lita was screaming in pain, fighting the urge to tap out. Lita couldn't pull herself free and the ropes were out of reach. Faith pulled back even move and Lita's hand went up in the air but didn't go down. Her hand just stayed in the air as Lita fought the pain and need to tap out.
Buffy was kneeled down next to Lita, waiting for the moment she taps. Hoping she would tap. She watched the pain on Lita's face and her hand in the air, but the hand would not come down.
(Come on Lita, tap) Buffy thought
Lita knew she wouldn't last much longer, so she had to try and crawl over to the ropes. Slowly and painfully she started to pull herself over. Faith felt Lita start to move, so she applied more weight to Lita's back. This caused Lita even more pain, but didn't stop her. Finally, Lita made it as close as she could. She reached out for the bottom rope, but only tipped it. She reached out for it again and was successful this time in grabbing it.
Buffy sighed "Faith, she got to the rope, you have to let go"
Faith let go and stood up in frustration. With Faith's back turned, Lita used the rope to pull herself out of the ring. Lita pulled herself out and fell onto the floor.
Cole: Lita was able to get free, but the damage is already done
Faith saw Lita outside the ring and went after her. Once out the ring, Faith went over and grabbed Lita to pick her up. When she got Lita to her feet, Lita quickly pulled loose and backhanded Faith. Lita then threw a few punches that landed of Faith and she followed it up with a spin kick to Faith's head. The kick connected with Faith and Faith spun around from the blow, but she used the momentum from the spin to lay in a spin kick of her own to Lita.
Faith went for another blow, but Lita caught it and whipped Faith up against the steel steps. Faith crashed into the steps and the wind was taken out of as she fell to the ground. Lita didn't go after her as she was still feeling the pain in her back and legs from the sharpshooter.
Buffy watched them from inside the ring, fighting the urge to get out and help her friend.
Cole: Hey Tazz, you notices that Buffy hasn't started the ten count since both wrestlers are outside the ring. You think she is avoiding it because if she does, Faith wouldn't win the belt.
Buffy heard Cole and looked up at Cole with a deadly look.
Tazz: Uh oh Cole, I think she heard you. You better pray if she decides to kick you butt.
Buffy sneered at Cole. She didn't like what she heard from him, but he was right. However, she didn't count for Faith's sake, she had just forgotten. So now she began the ten count.
Lita was slumped up against the ring when she heard the count began. She pulled herself back in and lay on the mat. It was then that she noticed that Faith was still outside the ring. Lita didn't want to win on a count out, because there would still be doubt about her championship and if she could really beat Faith. Lita rolled back out the ring and went after Faith.
Buffy was at 7 when saw Lita and felt revealed. With her getting back out the ring, it would restart her count. Buffy started back at 1.
Faith was getting back to her feet when Lita grabbed her and threw her into the steel post. Faith hit it and bounced off and Lita grabbed her again and slammed her head into the post. This hit cut open Faith's forehead and she started to bleed.
Cole: Lita has split open Faith again
Back in the locker room, Dawn and Britney started to get a little worried.
"She's bleeding" Dawn said
"I hope she's going to be okay" Britney said
Willow wasn't that worried "She survived a knife wound to her gut, I think she can deal with this" Suddenly Willow eyes widen as she realized that Rey was sitting right next to her "It's a long story Rey, ask me about it later"
Back at ringside, Lita grabbed Faith and tossed her back in the ring and followed. Once in Lita pick back up Faith and DDTed her. Lita went for the pin and again Buffy only could count to two before Faith kick out.
Tazz: Once again, Faith kicks out
Cole: But how much more does she have left in her. That's a really bad wound on her head
Tazz: You have so little faith...get it, her name is Faith and I said so little faith
Cole: Yeah, whatever Tazz
Lita sat up and sighed in frustration. She needs to find a way to put Faith away. She got back to her feet and went to the corner and climbed to the top of the turnbuckle.
Cole: This could be it, if Lita connects with the moonsult, she could win the match
Lita jumped of and did the moonsult, but before she landed, Faith brought her knees up and Lita hit Faith's knees hard and rolled over in extreme pain. Faith was still lying on the mat, trying to start conscious and Lita was rolling back and forth with her arms wrapped around her mid section, where she had landed on Faith's knees.
Tazz: What did I tell you! What did I tell you! You have so little faith in Faith
After a few seconds few seconds, Faith and Lita started to get to their feet slowly.
Tazz: You know Cole; I kind of wish that Buffy did come out here and kick your butt, because frankly, I'm getting tired of you.
Cole: Yeah, well I wish she would kick your butt, because I'm the talent between the two of us and I'm getting tired of carrying you
Faith and Lita got to their feet at the same time and launch themselves at each other. They attack with a series of martial arts punches and kicks. Faith wasn't surprise to see Lita doing these moves. She knew Lita would be train in such to try and match her in her own field. At the moment, neither slayer was getting upper hand over the other as most of the movies were being either block or ducked.
Tazz: What do you mean you're the talent?! I'm twice the announcer that you are!
Cole: Oh come on Tazz, you failed as a wrestler and now your failing as an announcer
Tazz: You know, I should just kick your butt right here, right now
Cole: Well, bring it on, Tazz. I think I could take you!
"Either you both shut up or I'm going to come over there and kick both you butt!!" Buffy yelled at the two, her face full of frustration and annoyance "Then we won't have an announcement team what so ever!!" It was times like this that Buffy wished that the announcement table was up on the stage like on Raw and not near the ring and in earshot range like it is on this show.
The audience near the ring that heard what Buffy said started to laugh. In the locker room, the gang laughed. Even at Wolfram and Hart, Spike and Angel were laughing.
"That's my girl" Spike chucked
"What do you mean your girl?" Angel replied
Tazz: Maybe we should just go back to calling the match
Cole: I agree
Buffy turned her attention back to the fight. Faith and Lita were going at it, neither holding back. Then Lita gave a hard swing at Faith and Faith ducked it and countered with the super kick. The kick landed it target and Lita when down. Faith fell to her knees it exhaustion. She brought her hand up to her head and touched her forehand and then looked at the blood that was brought back on her fingers. Faith shakes her head and then crawled over and pinned Lita.
Buffy dropped down with some excitement and started the 3 count. Buffy got to 2 when suddenly Faith sat up.
Tazz: Faith sat up from the pin, why the hell did she do that!?
Cole: Especially since she was so close to winning
"What the hell are you doing?!" Buffy yelled at Faith
Faith rub some more blood off her face "When I said I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it" She was referring to what she said a few weeks ago about making Lita bleed.
Faith grabbed Lita's head and hit her with a few punches. Then she picks Lita up and carried her over to the corner and rammed her head into the turnbuckle and then tossed her out the ring. Faith got out as well and grabbed her again. Faith then rammed Lita into the steel post and Lita was split open on the same spot on the forehead as Faith.
Tazz: Faith has just cut open Lita. Well, turnabout is fair game
Cole: There something about see two beautiful women bleed like that, just isn't right
Faith tossed Lita back in the ring. Faith got in and waited for Lita to get to her feet.
Tazz: Faith is setting her up
Lita got to her feet slowly and when she turned around to Faith, Faith kicked her and then performed a stunner on her.
Cole: Hey Tazz, I believe that was a Stone Cold Stunner
"Okay Faith, you can pin her now" Buffy said impatiently
"Not yet" Faith said and when over to the turnbuckle.
Faith climbed to the top turnbuckle and then jumped of and executed moonsult that met its target on Lita.
"Now?" Buffy said
Faith, looking up at Buffy with her back on the mat, said "Now" and then she rolled over and pinned Faith.
Buffy went down to the mat for the count and as she counted the audience counted with her, one, two, three, and the bell rang and Faith was declared the winner. The audience went wild.
Tazz: Faith did it! She is once again Smackdown Woman's Champion! And you doubted her, Cole
Cole: I didn't doubt her; I just called the match as I saw it
Buffy rushed out the ring, grabbed the belt, and rushed back in. She hand the belt to Faith with a smile and then raised her hand in victory.
In the locker room, Dawn and Britney were bouncing up down together in joy over Faith's victory.
Rey was sitting on the sofa watch Britney bounce in another way. He then shakes his head and cleared his head of those thoughts. After he looked over at Willow, who was sitting next to him, and found she was watching Britney bounce also. Rey's head was then filled with other thoughts that he had to shake clear again. If he didn't get them out soon, he would have to run to the showers.
Stephanie saw Rey and had an idea what he was thinking "Now, now Rey, such thoughts" she said jokingly
After raising her hand in victory, Buffy embraced Faith in a hug "You did it, Faith" Buffy let out a sigh of relief "I'm so glad I didn't have to declare Lita the winner"
"I had it in the bag the whole time, B" Faith replied
Tazz: That is a hug I wouldn't mind being in-between
Cole: No kidding
Suddenly, fire erupted on the stage.
Cole: What the hell?!
Kane's music hit the speakers and Kane came out onto the stage and he started down towards the ring.
Tazz: It's Kane, what the hell is he doing here?!
Cole: His eyes are locked on Buffy and Faith
Faith took a fighting stance "What the hell is he doing here?"
Buffy also took a fighting stance "More important question is who took the time to prepare his entrance? This is obviously a planned visit"
Both of them looked at each other and said "Vince"
Faith looked back at the oncoming Kane "Okay, then what the hell is Vince trying to accomplish? My match is already over and I won, so Kane is a little late there"
"What ever the reason, we're about to find out" Buffy replied as Kane made it to the ring and started to climb in.
His music ended as he got in the ring. Kane looked at the two women and then advance on them. Buffy and Faith stood their ground as Kane got right in front of them.
"Where is he?!" Kane yelled at them "I know the two of you know where he is, so tell me"
Buffy and Faith both rolled their eyes. Now they know what this was all about. Ever since Kane had attack his bother, Undertaker, at the Royal Rumble and put him out of wrestling. Kane was being haunted by Undertaker and it was scaring him.
"Look, we don't know where he is" Faith answered "So why don't you get the fuck out of here"
"You're lying!" Kane yelled back
Kane was so preoccupied with Buffy and Faith that he didn't notice Lita get back up and sneak around behind him. Lita threw a side kick to Kane's back that send him staggering forward. As he came forward, he was met by a punch from Buffy and from Faith that send him staggering back.
Cole: It looks like Lita is working with Buffy and Faith to take down Kane
As he came back, Lita kicked Kane in the back of his knee and Kane fell on that knee, bring him down a level. Lita then send a spin kick to Kane's head. Then Buffy kick him and after Faith hit him too. The three slayers continued their assault on Kane until he fell flat on the mat.
The three of them stood around Kane, looking down at him.
"You know, I really don't like this guy" Lita said, and suddenly Kane sat up "Oh, fuck you" Lita said with annoyance and kick Kane hard in the face that send Kane back down.
The three women let out a small laugh before they all realized that they weren't all on the same team and started staring at each other.
"Don't think that this makes us friends" Lita pointed at Faith "This isn't over between us" Lita then got out the ring and left.
"Figured it wasn't" Faith said and then turned to see Kane sit up again "Oh just stay down, you jerk" Faith then kick Kane it the head and Kane fell back down.
"Come on Faith, lets get out of here" Buffy said
Both Buffy and Faith got out the ring. Once out, Faith looked over in the audience and saw Goldberg sitting in the front row. He was here to get revenge on Brock Lesnar for what he did to him at the Royal Rumble. Part of Faith wanted to go over there and kick his butt. However, she did said that she wouldn't do anything until after he mess up Brock's match, so she just started to head back stage.
After, a visit to the medic about the wound on her head, Faith made it back to the locker room. She had a patch on her forehead. Buffy had gone to wish a friend good luck in his match. With the title belt over her shoulder, Faith opened the door and was greeted by her friends.
"Way to go, Faith" Rey said
"I knew you could do it" Steph said
"You were awesome" Willow said "but don't you think that you when a little overboard at the end. I mean you had it won at one point but you continue the match"
"You worry too much, Will" Faith said as she walked over to the table and put down her belt "I knew what I was doing"
"Hey, where is Buffy?" Dawn asked
"She just went to wish good luck to a friend in his match" Faith replied
"Kurt Angle?" Britney asked
"The one and only" Faith said
Kurt was on his way to his match. He was in a triple treat match in which the winner will be the number one contender for the WWE title.
"Hey, Kurt" Buffy call out as she came walking up to him
"Hey, Buffy" Kurt stopped and turn to her
"Hey" Buffy repeated, then paused for a moment trying to think of what to say next "Well, good luck in you're match"
"Thanks"
"You're welcome...and about last time"
Kurt put his hand up to stop her "You don't have to explain"
"No, I want to" Buffy again pause "You see, Angel and I have a history and we both knew Cordelia, so well, you know"
"I understand" Kurt replied
There was another moment of silence between the two, before Buffy spoke again "Also, and I hope this isn't my ego talking, but I know that you are kind of waiting for me, and I want you to know that I'm just not going to be ready for a relationship anytime soon. So you shouldn't wait for me"
"I know, Buffy" Kurt responded "and like I said before, I'm here as a friend anytime you need"
Buffy smiled "Thanks"
"That's good to hear" John Cena said as he came walking by "because after I beat you and Big Show in our match, you're going to need all the friend you can get"
John Cena was one of Kurt's opponents in the match. Big Show being the other.
Cena turned back to them and said "Yo Kurt, when I win, I'm going to come back here and get a victory kiss from your girl"
Kurt laughed "If by some miracle you do win and try and get a kiss from Buffy, the only thing you're going to get is a busted up pair of lips"
Cena gave the both of them a dirty look and then left.
Kurt was about to go when Buffy stopped him and said "Hey, if you get the chance, can you make Cena tap out"
Kurt smiled "You can bet on it"
"Well, then, good luck" Buffy said and started back to her locker room
Back in the locker room, everyone was talking and celebrating Faith's victory. Willow was talking with Faith about how she believes Faith risked it near the end of the match.
"All I'm saying is that you should have pinned her after that kick. If you had made a mistake in what you did after, it could have cost you" Willow argued
Faith rolled her eyes "Will, I knew what I was doing"
"Well, I had no doubts about it" Britney said as she walked up to Faith with a small wrapped rectangular shaped box "This is for you"
Faith smiled "A present for me" she took the box from her
"Well, I knew you were going to win, so I got this made for you. I hope it's the right size. If it isn't I know the WWE will give you one that is" Britney said
Faith unwrap it, then opened the box to reveal a small name plate for her belt that said 'Faith' and a small screw driver next to it so she could remove Lita's name plate from the belt and put this one on it.
"Thanks, Britney" Faith said "See Willow, she had faith in me"
Willow let out a sigh of frustration "Whatever", and then she walked over to Rey and started talking with him
"Oh, I hope I didn't make her mad" Britney said with concern
"Don't worry, it's not about you" Faith said as she laid her belt down on the table and started unscrew Lita's name plate "She's never been to big on me and Buffy being in the WWE and thinks that I took an unnecessary risk in the match"
"Oh" Britney said as she was looking in Willow's direction and then looked back to see Faith finish screwing in her name plate "So do you like it?"
"I love it" Faith responded
"I know they would have gotten you one, but I thought the sooner the better" Britney said
"Plus, this one has the personal friend touch" Faith smiled at her
Few seconds later, Buffy entered the room, after greeting everyone, she pulled Willow aside.
After, see that Britney was busy talking to Dawn, Buffy said to Willow "I meant to ask this earlier, but I got distracted with the whole problem at the Manor with" Buffy point to Britney "So, where is Robert? I thought he was coming with all of you. Him not being here doesn't have anything to do with his problems with Giles"
"Oh no" Willow replied "The situation with Robert, Britney and Giles isn't as bad as Dawn made it out to be. The reason he isn't here is because the same friend that came during Christmas, came back again, so he ran out to London to see her"
"Who is this person and why didn't he just bring her here" Buffy said as she went to get her cell out her bag.
"What were you guys talking about?" Britney asked as she and Dawn walked up to Willow
"Oh, well, she is just wondering why Robert didn't come with us" Willow responded
Buffy reached into her bag and pulled out her cell phone and dialed Robert's number, once he picked up she answered "Hey it's me...Buffy!...Yeah, real funny, so I thought you were coming to see me?...oh, how important...okay, being mysterious again, aren't we...yes you are"
Stephanie came up to Buffy and said "Buffy, we need to start heading out"
"Okay Steph" Buffy replied and then said into the cell "Robert, I need to get going, but there is something else I need to talk to you about, so I'll call you later...bye"
Buffy put away her cell in her bag and pulled out her black shirt "I just need to change my shirt" she went into the shower room and changed out of her ref shirt and put on her black one.
Buffy came back into the room "Ready to go" she said to Steph and the two of them left the room as everyone else was wishing Stephanie 'Good luck'.
On the way to the ring, Buffy remembered about the match with Kurt that just ended. Buffy stopped a WWE official on the way.
"Who won the last match?" Buffy asked the official, she wanted to watch the match, but got distracted.
"Kurt Angle won" the official responded "he made John Cena tap out with the ankle lock"
Buffy smiled to herself "Thanks"
The official nodded back and left.
"I guess you're happy about that" Steph said
"Yes" Buffy replied and the two of them again started heading to the ringside entrance.
As the two of them got to the ringside entrance, Buffy noticed a trouble look on Stephanie.
"Nervous?" Buffy asked
Stephanie looked at her and said "No, it just that I wish..."
"Xander was here" Buffy finished for her
"Yeah" Steph responded and sighed
Buffy thought for a moment, then said "Don't worry, he'll be here before the night is up"
"I hope your right" Stephanie responded
Steph's music started and she and Buffy were given the signal to go out. Both women step threw the entrance and onto the stage. As the two of them walked down to the ring side by side, both of them had a deadly look on their faces that indicated that they were ready for the match. The audience showed their support by cheering them loudly.
Tazz: Stephanie looks ready
Cole: This promises to be one hell of a rematch
Stephanie and Buffy got in the ring. Both of them turned to face the stage entrance as Vince's music started and Vince and Sable was introduced.
When Vince came out onto the stage, with Sable following behind him, Steph stared at Vince as he headed to the ring. Threw out her life, it has always been about proving herself to him, even when she was trying to run him out the business and when she was trying to be a respected General Manager on Smackdown, it was about him. But now, in this match, it was about her and proving something to herself, not him. Showing that she was her own person, not daddy's little girl. Well, that was half of it. Stephanie looked to her side and saw Buffy watching Vince with her arms crossed. It also was about her friends, Buffy, Faith, Xander and even Rey and Undertaker. They had sacrificed so much for her and took a lot of crap from her father. Buffy, Faith and Xander were something else. She had never had friends like them, who stood by her threw it all. Sure, Buffy and Faith were originally here to protect Xander, but after Xander was injured and had to leave, they could have left, but they stayed with her and fought with her. This match was also payback for all the terrible things that her father had done to them. For doing the horny old man thing to Faith, for costing Buffy title after title, and for putting Xander in a match that almost destroyed his knee. This was for all of them.
Stephanie came out of her line of thoughts to see her father standing out the ring with Sable, refusing to get in the ring. Vince indicated to the ref to get Buffy out the ring and then he'll get in. Steph couldn't blame him; right now Buffy was giving him a look that said 'I want to tear you apart'. Then the ref told Buffy to move to the outside of the ring. Buffy looked at Stephanie and Steph nodded back. Buffy took one last glance at Vince and Sable and got out the ring.
With Buffy out, Vince got in the ring. The ref signal for the bell, and the match began. Stephanie and Vince began by circling each other, both looking for an opening. Vince was the first to make a move as he went to lock up with his daughter, but Steph dodge the attempt. She wasn't stupid; she knew she couldn't match strength with her father. They began to circle each other again, and again Vince made a move and tried to grab her, but this time Steph threw punch that connected with his face. Stephanie threw another punch and then a quick jab to his jaw. She continued to throw punch after punch, all meeting their target.
Tazz: This is starting to turn into boxing match
Vince keep getting knock back with every punch, finally Steph spins around and does a spin kick to Vince's mid section that send him against the ropes. She quickly close lined him over the ropes. Vince fell to the floor on his back, on the side with Sable.
Sable went to help Vince up, but he told her to get away as he got up himself. Vince gave his daughter an angry look as he got back in the ring. Once back in the ring, Vince wasted no time in charging her in attempt to close line her, but Steph side step and counted by ramming her knee into his mid section. Vince fell on his hands and knees. Steph then drop an elbow on him that sent him flat on the ground.
Cole: Stephanie seems to be in complete control
Stephanie bent down and slapped her father on the back of the head "Get up dad!" she then kick him hard.
Steph back up as Vince got up. Steph had a smirk on her that got him more pissed off. The two went at it again, and Steph again got the upper hand.
In the parking lot, Xander's taxi cab pulled up and Xander got out of the back seat. After getting his bag out the truck, he paid the driver and headed into the building.
Xander was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a Pack T-shirt, and a back leather duster. He was carrying his bag in his left hand and a bouquet of red roses in his right. He would have been here a little sooner, but he stopped to pick up the roses.
Xander was in a good mood; because tonight was the night he told Stephanie his true feelings for her. This also brought a small bit of fear. Fear that she wasn't going to feel the same way.
Looking for the way to the right room, Xander came across Torrie Wilson.
"Hey, Torrie" Xander said
"Hey, Xander" Torrie said "I didn't know that you were going to be here"
"I hadn't decided to come until a few days ago" Xander replied "Do you know where Stephanie and the rest of the gang are?"
"Well, Stephanie is already in the ring fighting Vince" Torrie pointed to down the hall "But the rest are in their locker room down that hall and take your first right"
"Thanks" Xander said and started heading in the direction of the locker room.
"By the way, nice jacket" Torrie call out to him
Xander smiled back at her and then continued on his way.
In the ring, Stephanie continued to dominate her father as she slammed him back to the mat with a Russian leg sweep. She followed up with an elbow drop from the top rope. After she went for the pin. Sable got on the edge of the ring to distract the ref. As the ref was telling Sable to get down, Buffy came around the ring after Sable. Sable saw her coming and ran around the ring away from her. Buffy stopped and stared at her from the opposite side. Before the ref could count, Vince had already kicked out.
Faith watched the TV, wondering if she should go down there and help Buffy in watching Sable. The thought was quickly discarded as she knew that Buffy could handle it herself.
There was a knock at the door that caught everyone's attention, then the door open slowly and Xander pocked his head threw.
"Hope no ones naked in here" Xander said jokily
"Xander" Faith said and was the first to greet him as he came threw the door. The other greeted him after.
Xander greeted them back and put his bag and roses down "So how much did I miss?"
"Well, Faith won her match" Dawn said and pointed to the belt on the table "But Rey got cheated in his match"
"And Steph is fighting in her match right now" Faith added and pointed to the TV
"Maybe I should go out there" Xander said as he saw the match on the TV
"At this point, you might become a distraction for her" Faith replied
"You're right" Xander sighed
"Don't worry" Dawn said "Stephanie been kicking butt since the match began"
"That leather coat" Willow said "It looks nice but familiar"
"You mean it looks like the one Spike wears" Xander replied "Well, you're right; who do you think gave it to me"
"Is that the one he wears?" Faith asked
"No" Xander answered "he just bought me one that looks like his"
"You and Spike must have became friends over your recovery" Faith said
"I wouldn't say friends, but we developed an understanding" Xander said
"Who are the roses for?" Britney asked
Xander pointed to the TV "Well, there for" he stopped when he saw Vince counter Stephanie with a close line. "Maybe I should go out there"
Faith put her hand on Xander's shoulder "Don't worry just yet, Xander, it's the first move he gotten all night"
"Alright" Xander said and took a deep breath. He took off his coat and placed it aside, then took a seat next to Dawn.
Dawn noticed that Xander had a lot more bumps on him. It was clear that he kept up his workout while he was out.
"Hey Xander, you want to...get something to eat after the event" Dawn asked hopefully
"Yeah, Dawn, I'm sure we're all going to get something to eat together after" Xander replied and didn't notice the disappointed look on Dawn's face
Everyone else laughed and Xander looked at them confused, not really getting the joke.
Cole: Mr. McMahon finally getting a chance in this match, now if he can follow up on it
Vince fell to his hands and knees after he got the close line off. He knew he had to move fast because his daughter wouldn't stay down long. The only problem was he was hurting all over. Threw out the match Stephanie had been hitting him with wrestling and martial arts moves.
Vince got up and looks at his daughter to see her getting up at the same time as him. He quickly kick her and then DDTed her. He then locked in an arm wrench on her. Stephanie was near the ropes but unfortunately it was the side that Sable was on. Stephanie reached for the bottom rope, but Sable pulled in away. Buffy wasted no time in running around the ring after Sable. Again Sable saw her and ran away. The two ran around the ring for a few times. Until Buffy stopped when she saw the ref looking at them and not at Stephanie holding the bottom rope.
"Hey, why don't you do your job and break the hold!" Buffy yelled at the ref and pointed to Stephanie and Vince
The ref turned around and saw what she was talking about and quickly got Vince to break the hold. Steph was holding her left arm in a lot pain, but she wasn't going to give up.
Vince picked Stephanie up and put her in a sleeper hold. Again Steph was in a submission hold, but this time she wasn't near any ropes. She struggles to get free, but wasn't getting anywhere.
Xander was on his feet hoping this wasn't the end "Come on Steph, you can do it, you can break free"
At Angel's office, both Angel and Spike watch the match intensely. Both hoping she would get free.
Tazz: I don't think Stephanie can take anymore of this; she has to find a way to get free
Stephanie struggled some more, but still couldn't get free. She could feel herself start to fade and fought to keep her eyes open. She could hear the crowd throw their support to her by cheering her name, but most importantly she could hear Buffy telling her to fight it. Steph fought but her eyes started to shut. It was went the ref pick up her arm to see if she was still there that she pulled away.
"I'm not gone yet" Steph said to the ref
"Come on, Stephanie" Vince said "Just give up, there is no way you're getting out of this"
Stephanie felt the anger rise up in her and in was the strength she need "Fuck you" she said and reached up and grabbed the back of his head. Then she dropped down and brought him with her, performing a make shift stunner.
Cole: Stephanie got free, now it's only a matter of who will get up first
Both fought to find the strength to get up. Stephanie was trying to get the blood flowing to her head again and Vince was fighting the pain in his neck. Both got to their feet at the same time.
Stephanie's back was turned to Vince and Vince tried to take advantage of it and attack first. Steph, however, turned around in time to block a punch for him and counter with one of her own. She threw a second on at him and then grabbed his arm and whipped him in a direction but then pulled him back and rammed her knee into his mid section. Vince fell to the ground. Steph pick up Vince's leg high in the air and rammed his knee into the mat. She pulled Vince into the middle of the ring, grabbed both his legs and put him in a Boston crab.
Sable once again got on the edge of the ring and started distracting the ref by yelling at him. The ref, as usual, got up from watching the submission and went over to tell her to get down. Steph got fed up and let go of her father to go and punch Sable's lights out. She stopped, however, when she saw Buffy sneak up behind Sable and grab her from behind. Sable grabbed the ref and started screaming when she felt Buffy grab her.
Tazz: Looks like Buffy finally got her hands on Sable
Cole: Yeah, and Sable is holding on to the ref for dear life
Tazz: Hey Cole, do you think we're finally going to see some blonde on blonde action?
Cole: We just might
Buffy finally pulled Sable down without hurting the ref. Buffy shoved Sable hard against the barricade. Sable's head hit the barricade and she was knocked out. Buffy picked up Sable and threw her over her shoulder.
"I'll get rid of this bitch" Buffy said to Steph "You concentrate on him"
Stephanie nodded back, but didn't turn around. She didn't turn around right away because she could feel her father waiting for to turn. A smirk grew on Steph's face as she then turned around and quickly kicks her father before he could do anything. As Vince bends over from the kick, Steph wrapped her arm around his neck and performed a dangerous DDT in which the impact of his head on the mat could be heard around the arena. Buffy was half way to the stage entrance when she heard the impact and turned around to see what happen.
Vince was knocked out and Stephanie wasted no time in going for the cover.
Tazz: This is it, Cole, she could win it
Everyone in the locker room was on their feet as the ref went to make the count. The ref hit the mat one, two three and the gang all let out yells of joy as Steph won the match.
Buffy dropped Sable on the ground as Stephanie was being declared the winner and she ran back to the ring and got in.
"You did it!" Buffy said happily as she embraced Stephanie in a hug
"Thanks to you and Faith" Steph said back
The two parted and Buffy raised Stephanie hand in victory to the audience. Behind them, Vince started to come to. He saw Buffy raising his daughter hand and knew what happen. Rage started to build in him. Vince had no plans in taking this loss lightly. He slid out the ring, grabbed a folding chair and slid back in, still behind the two.
Cole: Oh no, he wouldn't
Vince raised the chair high in the air and slammed it down hard on the back of the head of an unaware Buffy. Buffy was out before she hit the mat. Steph saw Buffy hit the ground and fear grew on her face. She looked back and saw her father enraged and holding a chair. Steph only had time to turn back around and cover the back of her head as the chair came slamming down on her. Steph fell to the mat. She laid there still with her arms covering the back of her head and her face buried in the mat. Pain shoot threw her back as another chair shoot hit her there.
"Oh god, Xander we have to go" Faith said and looked toward where Xander was but saw only air, and heard the door slam open. Faith looked at Rey and the two to them ran out in Xander's direction.
In the ring, Vince McMahon continued to hit the chair on Stephanie's back.
"You will learn to respect!" Vince yelled at her and ramped the chair down "your father!" he ramped the chair down again "and your boss" and again
Cole: Oh my god, somebody needs to stop him now!
Tazz: Vince had just snapped!
Suddenly the audience went into an up roar as Xander ran out the stage entrance and ran as fast as he could towards the ring.
Tazz: Cole, is that who I think it is?!!!
Cole: It's Xander, Xander was returned!!!
Vince saw Xander coming and got ready to swing the chair at him as he slid in the ring. Once Xander got in and ran at Vince, Vince swung the chair at him as hard as he could. Xander duck the swing and the force of missed hit carried Vince forward some. Vince turned around and tried to swing at him again, but Xander caught the chair and ripped it from Vince's hands.
Vince turned and ran as Xander chased him with the chair. Vince slid out the ring and barely missed Xander as he swung over the ropes at him.
Vince was shocked as he walked backward toward the stage as Xander yelled at him from in the ring "GET THE HELL BACK IN HERE YOU COWARD!!"
Xander was tempted to get out the ring and go after, but remembered who he came down here for. Xander threw the chair down and turned around to see Buffy getting up to a sitting position with her left arm holding the back of her head and the right on the ground holding her up. Stephanie was still in the same position she was before, not moving.
"Are you all right?" Xander said as walked over and kneeled down next to Buffy. Although his question was for Buffy, he was looking at Stephanie.
"I'll heal" Buffy voice filled with pain and her eyes were close from it. She opened her eyes "But what about" she looked over at Steph "Oh, no"
Vince met up with Sable as she was getting back to her feet. They were about to go backstage but saw Faith and Rey standing on the stage, blocking the entrance.
Vince hide behind Sable as the two member of The Pack started to advance on them. Once they got close, Vince pushed Sable into them and then jumped over the barricade and ran threw the audience.
Faith and Rey caught Sable and nearly fell over but were able to hold their ground. Sable looked at them with fear and could only wonder what was about to happen to her. Faith just nodded to the side for her to leave and Sable didn't have to be told twice and she tore out of there.
Rey looked in the direction Vince went "Should we go after Vince?"
"No" Faith replied and looked toward the ring "We have more important problems"
Back in the ring, Xander and Buffy were at Stephanie's side. They could see that her whole body was trembling.
Cole: You know, Tazz, its times like this that makes me regret being in this business
Tazz: I know what you mean. We really need the medics down here. Where are they?
Xander touched Stephanie on her shoulder and she jumped from the touch, but still didn't move from her spot.
"Stephanie, it's me, Xander, everything is going to be okay" Xander said softly
"Xander?" Stephanie gave a muttered responds as she still had her arms wrapped over her head and still didn't move "You came...and save me again just like before. My own knight in shinning armor"
Xander felt a pain fill his heart. He could hear the tremors in her voice as she spoke.
"Steph, don't worry, they're bring a stretcher down here now" Buffy said
"No" Steph said back
"Why, can you move?" Buffy asked
"No, its just...I don't want them to see me...crying" Steph answered
"Steph, we need to get you out of here" Buffy said
"Buffy, I'll carry her" Xander said to Buffy, then said to Steph "Stephanie, grab a hold of me"
Stephanie quickly rolled over, wrapped her arms around Xander neck and buried her head in his left shoulder. Xander wrapped his left arm around her back and his right under her legs and pick her up. Buffy and Faith helped Xander, as he carried Steph, out the ring ropes and down the steel steps on to the floor. Rey told the medics that they room bring Stephanie to the medical room. Xander carried Stephanie backstage with Buffy, Faith, and Rey following behind.
Short time later, Stephanie, Buffy, and Xander were in the medical room, and everyone else was waiting outside. Everyone was quite until Xander step out and shut the door behind him.
"How are they?" Dawn asked
"Well, not to bad" Xander answered "Stephanie's back is all bruised up and Buffy has a big bump on her head by the doctor doesn't think it's anything major. However, he does want them to go to the hospital and get themselves check over just in case"
"That's a good idea" Faith said "Willow did you, Dawn, and Britney come in a cab or did you rent a car?"
"We rented a car" Willow answered
"Good, Buffy, Xander, Steph and I can go in ours and they rest of you can follow in yours" Faith said "But first I need the three of you to go with Rey and help him get our bags. I'm going to pull our car around, while, Xander, you go get Buffy and Stephanie ready and bring them out to the parking lot"
Everyone nodded and they all headed to what they needed done.
On the way to the parking lot, Faith over heard two official talking "That was amazing how Goldberg came out of nowhere and just speared him"
Faith stopped, she had to find out what they were talking about. Especially if it was about Goldberg.
"Hey Guys" Faith said "What happen with Goldberg"
The first official answered "Well, I'm guessing you already know that before the match with Angle, Cena, and Show. Paul Heymen and Lesnar tricked Goldberg into getting out the front row and attacking Lesnar, so Heymen could have Goldberg arrested"
"No, I don't, I've must have missed it" Faith replied
"Oh" the official said "Well, that's what happened, anyways during Lesnar's match with Eddie, Goldberg somehow came out of nowhere and speared Lesnar during the match and the ref didn't see it"
"So, Lesnar lost"
"Yep, and Eddie is the new WWE champion"
(Dam) Faith thought (Well, I guess that's good, but I didn't get to bust up Goldberg)
As if he read her thoughts, Faith saw Goldberg walking down the hallway out of the corner of her eye
"Thanks" Faith said to the officials and ran after Goldberg
Faith knew she didn't have time for this and she wasn't going to bust him up, but she had to say something to him.
"Goldberg!" Faith called to him as she ran up to him
Goldberg turned around and stared her in the eyes "What do you want Faith?"
"I have something to say to you" Faith replied "What you did for Eddie, even though it wasn't for Eddie but for you, was good. But your still no better then Brock, maybe even worse"
Goldberg didn't like the sound of her voice or what she was saying "And why do you say that?"
"Because you're in this business for all the wrong reasons. All you care about is the money. You're not in it for the love of the sport or the fans. You just care about the big fat paycheck. You don't even try and it shows in your matches. Even Triple H, who is hated amongst fans, has a love of the sport. In the end, your nothing special, but you act like you are" Faith turned away and started walking towards the parking lot "We all know what this is leading up to, you vs. Brock at Wrestlemania and for the first time I think I might be cheering for Brock"
Goldberg wanted to go after her and pound her, but he knew better. He heard about the matches she was in and had felt what she could do.
Faith got to the parking lot and to the car when she remembered that she didn't have the key and that it was in her bag.
"Forgot this" Willow said as she walked up to Faith and threw her the car key "We'll be waiting outside of the parking lot. Met us there after you pick up Xander, Buffy and Steph"
Faith nodded back and got into the car and started it up. She pulled up to the parking lot entrance where they were waiting. Buffy was standing while holding an ice pack on her head. Stephanie was in a wheel chair. She could have walked, but the doctor didn't want to take any chances until she was checked out further at the hospital. Xander was standing behind her holding the wheel chair. Their bags were next to them. Faith saw that Steph had the roses that Xander had brought her in her lap.
Once Faith stopped, she got out and pick up the bags and threw them in the trunk. Buffy got in the passenger side, while Xander helped Steph in the back seat and then he got in the back seat as well. Faith got back in the drivers seat and pulled out the packing lot. Once out, she saw Willow and the rest of the gang in their car. Willow was driving and Rey was in the passenger side, with the other two in the back. Faith signaled to Willow, and then she pulled out into the street with the others following.
Angel turned off the TV as the pay per view ended.
"That was bull shit what Vince did" Spike said "I hope Xander knocks him to hell and back"
"I'm sure Xander will" Angel said
Angel thought about calling and seeing how everyone was doing, but decided to wait until tomorrow.
As they drove down the street, Xander looked over at Steph and saw that her eyes were still red, but at least she had stop crying. She sat there looking at the roses he had given her. He still hadn't told her that he loved her. He didn't want to say it at a time like this, maybe tomorrow when things had a chance to calm down.
"Nice jacket" Steph said, bring Xander out of his thoughts
"Huh" Xander said and look at his lap where he was holding his leather duster "Oh, yeah, well, that's what everyone keeps saying"
TBC
Next chapter: An enrage Xander makes a challenge to Vince McMahon that will not only bring an end to the war, but could also rock the foundation of the WWE. The beginning of the end begins next chapter.
Chapter 25
No Way Out (for Vince)
The last week before the pay per view, Stephanie, Faith, and Buffy had taken the week off from Smackdown to train. Well, Faith and Stephanie had to train, Buffy help them out, but didn't really train herself considering she didn't have a match to compete in, just two matches to be a part of. Rey Mysterio had shown up on the Smackdown before No Way Out despite the others objections. They were concern that Vince and the rest of the Corporation would take the opportunity of him being by himself to take revenge for what they did to Matt Morgan. Rey still insisted that he would be fine. Luckily, The Corporation didn't try anything, because they were having problems about working together. Also, Brock had Eddie Guerrero to worry about, Lita didn't care about getting at anyone except Faith, and neither of them trusted Vince McMahon anymore.
The training for Faith and Stephanie was intense. Faith knew she had to train hard for her match because of her last few encounters with Lita. It had become obvious to Faith that Lita had been training herself and learning how to focus her new slayer abilities. This made Lita a lot more dangerous from the last time Faith had fought her. Faith would spend her time training by herself or sparing with Buffy. Stephanie spent her time training with Buffy, learning as much from her as possible. Some times, however, she would push herself a little too far and would end up at the end of the day with some aches and bruises.
Buffy was happy with the way Stephanie's training was coming along. Although she sometimes wishes that Stephanie wouldn't push herself as hard as she did. She did understand that Stephanie's need for payback against her father is what was pushing and driving her further then she needed to go. Threw all this, Buffy was worried however, not about Steph's chances on winning; Buffy knew she was going to win. Buffy was worried about what was going to happen after the match, on how Vince would retaliate. She knew that Vince would not take a loss to his daughter gracefully. Buffy wondered what Vince will do after.
The night of No Way Out came and the pay per view was about to begin. All the wrestlers waited in their locker rooms, waiting for time in which they would walk out into the ring and compete in front of a huge audience and many more at home. Lita was in her locker room, pumping her self up for her title defense against Faith. The last time the met in the ring, she had beaten Faith with the use of an illegal object. Ever since then, people had said that she would have never won if she didn't cheat like she did. Lita was going to prove them wrong tonight and beat Faith without cheating. She had been training hard ever since the rematch between the two of them was made. Brock Lesnar was in his locker room thinking about his title match against Eddie Guerrero and what role Goldberg would play in it. Then there was Vince McMahon, who was in the G.M.'s office, walking back and forth. He was already in his wrestling outfit ever though there was still sometime before his match. Unlike the first time he fought his daughter, he was worried. He knew that Buffy and Faith had been training his daughter, and she was going to be a whole lot tougher then the first time. A small part of him, for a short time, believed that he had pushed his daughter to this, but that part die quickly.
Unlike The Corporation, The Pack was altogether in their locker room. Stephanie, Buffy, Faith and Rey were already dressed and ready to fight. Well, Buffy had a ref's shirt on, because she would be the ref in Faith's match first, then she would be in Steph's corner soon after. Buffy, Faith, and Rey sat in the lounge area talking, while Stephanie was in the shower area, checking her hair in the mirror.
"It looks good, really" Faith said from behind her. Stephanie turned around to see Faith leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Stephanie rolled her eyes and turned back to the mirror.
"But I really don't see any sense in straightening your hair before a match" Faith continued "because it's just going to get messed up during it. That's why I put my hair into a pony tail" Faith flicked her hair to indicate her point
"I know that, Faith" Steph said annoyingly as she stopped messing with her hair.
Faith still had her smirk "Of course you do, so maybe you're messing with it because a certain guy we know called a few days ago and said he would be at No Way Out tonight"
Stephanie looked back at Faith "Xander? No, I just like to look go for when I walk to the ring"
Suddenly they both heard a knock at the door in the other room and Steph quickly rushed past Faith and into the other room thinking it was Xander, but was a bit disappointed when she saw Buffy open the door to reveal that it wasn't. Instead it Buffy's friend Willow, her sister Dawn and her number one fan Britney Spears. Buffy greeted all three of them with joyful hugs. Stephanie had forgotten that they were coming to see tonight's event live and with Buffy.
"Don't worry" Faith said from behind Steph "Xander will be here soon, it's just his flight was running late, remember"
"I remember" Stephanie said, trying not to sound too disappointed that none of the visitors was Xander.
Stephanie and Faith walked over to greet the three women. Then they all took a seat and started talking as No Way Out was beginning on the TV in front of them. Sable and Torrie Wilson were at ringside greeting the crowd.
"Are those the ones who just posed for Playboy?" Willow asked
"Yep" Faith answered with disappointment. She knew that Torrie did the magazine again for her career but she did the issue with someone that her and her friends did not get along with in any sense, Sable.
Dawn looked at Rey "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure" Rey replied
"Why do you wear a mask?" Dawn asked
"It's part of my heritage"
"Oh...Can I see what you look like under it"
"Dawn" Buffy said annoyingly
"No, it's okay" Rey said
Rey turned his back to the rest of them and only Dawn could see the front of him as he pulled up his mask quick and wink at her. Then he put his mask back on his face.
"Well, my match is up next, so I better go" Rey said and left.
"Wow, he's cute" Dawn said as she watched him go
"How's your stay at the manor?" Buffy asked Britney
Britney looked as if she was trying to think of an answer "It's...okay"
"Okay?" Buffy replied
"Yeah...okay" Britney said and got up "I'm going to get something to eat...anyone want something"
"Britney, we have things to eat here" Buffy indicated to the fruit on the table in front of them
"Yeah, but I'm think of something unhealthy, like a hotdog or something" Britney said and walk to the door and left.
Once Britney left, Buffy turned to Willow and asked "What was that about?"
Willow sighed "Well, she is coming along pretty well with her training and has made some friend, like Sarah, Kennedy, Robert,"
"And me, don't forget me" Dawn jumped in
Willow smiled at Dawn "yes, Dawn also and of course me" Willow got a serious expression "but there are some girls that are giving her a hard time"
"Who?" Buffy said
"Well, Beth and her group" Willow replied
Buffy frowned "Why am I not surprise"
When they had decided to start a school for the newly awoken slayer, they all knew that there would be some girls that came from a hard life and it turn, could possible be troubled girls and possible be bully. Beth, Kira, Terry, and Jean were those girls and formed a cliché where Beth was the leader. They haven't gotten violent or anything, they were just real bitches.
"And don't forget Giles, he hadn't been nice to Britney either" Dawn again jumped in with info.
"What?!" Buffy was shocked
"Oh, yes, thanks for reminding me, Dawn" Willow said annoyingly
"Why is Giles being mean to Britney?" Buffy demanding to know
"He isn't being mean" Willow answered "He's just being a little hard on her"
"A little, try a lot, but luckily Robert has put Giles in his place a few times" Dawn said
"I wouldn't say 'put him in his place'" Willow replied
Dawn smirked at Willow "Oh yeah, well from what I saw and heard, it look like Robert was auguring with Giles on how he was treating her and telling him off about it"
Buffy started rubbing her forehead "Looks like I'm going to be calling Giles and have a little talk with him"
Britney made her way back to the locker room and after a visit to the snack bar. She had nachos in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. She really wasn't hungry; she just didn't want to get into the conversation about what was happening at the manor.
As Britney got to the backstage area, she was approached be a small Asian man with a microphone and a cameraman behind him.
"This is Funaki" The Asian man said into the camera as he stopped next to Britney "Smackdown's number one announcer here with Britney Spears"
Back in the locker room, Buffy and the rest of the gang was watching what was happening on the TV.
"Uh oh" Buffy said "I better go save Britney before Funaki does something stupid"
Buffy got up and left
Back on the screen, Funaki asked his next question "Britney will you go out with me?"
"Too late" Dawn laughed
"What?!" Britney said shockingly "Who are you?"
"Funaki, number one announcer" he replied
"All right, that's enough" Buffy said as she came walking up to the two of them. She grabbed Britney by the arm and started leading Britney away "You need to leave her alone" Buffy said to Funaki as she and Britney walked away
Cole and Tazz also saw what happen
Cole: Now that just isn't right, he shouldn't have bothered her
Tazz: Oh shut up Cole, you're just jealous that Funaki had the courage to ask what you want to ask Britney
Buffy lead Britney back into the locker room and said "Maybe you should stay here tonight, just to be safe"
"I agree" Britney said and took a seat and placed her drink and nachos on the table in front of her
"Hey Nachos" Dawn said and reached over for a nacho, but then stopped right before she grabbed one and looked at Britney "Can I have one?"
"Sure" Britney responded
Later on, Buffy and Faith were walking towards the ringside entrance for Faith's match against Lita. As they made their way, they met up with a very disappointed Rey Mysterio. He had just finished his match against Tajiri and Chavo Guerrero in a Triple Threat match for the Cruiserweight title. The match had gone back and forth between all three wrestlers. In the end, thanks to interference from Chavo's father, Chavo had scored the pin fall off of Tajiri and captured the Cruiserweight belt.
"Hey Rey, sorry about what happened" Faith said "In the end, you got cheated"
"Yeah, if it wasn't for Chavo's father, I could have won" Rey responded
"Look at it this way" Buffy said "It wasn't you that Chavo pinned, so he never really beat you"
"Thanks Buffy and good luck to you Faith. Now it is up to you to bring a belt back to The Pack" Rey said then started back to the locker room
Buffy and Faith continued to walk to the entrance to ringside.
Once they got to the entrance, Buffy was starting to get nervous.
"What's wrong, B?" Faith asked
Buffy looked at Faith "It's...Look, can you promise me you won't get pinned. I don't think I could count the three on you"
Faith smiled "Thanks B, but if you have to, then do it"
"But"
"No Buts, I wanted you as ref because you were the only one tough enough to handle a match like this. I didn't pick you so I could have an advantage, so just call it down the middle and if I get pin for the count, then count it, okay"
Buffy took a deep breath "Okay"
A stage official came up to Buffy and said "Buffy, you'll be going out first"
Buffy looked at him confused "First? I thought I was last to head out"
"Well, considering the explosive nature of the two opponents, we believe it would be best if there is already a ref out there" the official replied
Faith laughed "Yeah, their having Lita wait in her locker room until I'm in the ring. You know, so we don't start fighting backstage"
Out at ringside, the events that lead up to this match just finished playing on the Big Screen and Buffy's music started to play.
"Well, I guess I'll see you in the ring" Buffy said to Faith and headed threw the curtain
Buffy stepped out onto the stage and listen to the audience as the started to cheer her. She took a moment to look at all the signs that people make about her. They were the usually ones that people make like 'Buffy, marry me' and 'Buffy rocks'. There were a few other ones, but Buffy decided she needed to get to the ring. Once in, Buffy greeted the crowds on all fours sides of the ring. Buffy's music ended and Faith's started. Faith came out onto the stage and the audience cheered just as much as they did for Buffy. Faith danced a little to her music on the stage then started jogging to the ring. Once at the ring, she jumped on to the edge and then flipped over the ropes.
Buffy smirked at Faith "Show off"
Faith smiled back and headed to the turnbuckle and jumped up to the second rope and raised her hands to the audience.
Faith got down and faced the entrance as Lita's music started. Lita came out, with the woman's championship around her waist, and started heading for the ring. The audience booed her, but she didn't care. The only thing she cared about was kicking Faith's butt.
Lita slid into the ring, took off the belt and dropped it, and charged Faith. Faith braced herself and grabbed Lita as she came at her and threw her to the ground. Faith quickly dropped on Lita and started laying in punches.
Tazz: The two of them are not wasting any time
"Oh, god" Buffy said "they couldn't even wait until I began the match" Buffy signaled for the bell, to begin the match, then grabbed the belt and handed to an official outside the ring. She then turned her attention back to the match.
Lita threw Faith off of her and got to her feet. Faith also got to her feet and turned to face Lita as she threw a punch at her. Faith blocked the hit and threw one of her own that connected. Faith followed up by grabbing Lita by the arm and whipping her into the corner. Lita crashed into the corner and Faith wasted no time running up behind her, grapping her by the back of head and slamming Lita's face into the turnbuckle three times. Faith let go of Lita and Lita fell backwards onto the mat.
In Los Angeles, Angel and Spike watch the pay per view from Angel's office at Wolfram and Hart. With things settled back down a little, they had decided to get back to watching the WWE and keeping up with their friends.
"I bet Faith wins this match" Spike said
"Really?" Angel replied "because I heard that you bet on Lita last time"
"I did, but Faith didn't have the fire last time. She has it now" Spike answered
Spike looked back at the television in time to see Faith pick Lita up and then power bomb her.
Spike smiled "Yeah, I'm positive of it"
After the power bomb, Faith went for the pin. Buffy went for the count, but only counted two before Lita kicked out.
Cole: Lita kicks out on two
Faith sat up and muttered "I should have known it wasn't going to end that easily"
Faith stomped on Lita once and then picked her up. Faith whipped her into the ropes and went to bounce off the other. As the came near each other after bouncing off opposite ropes, Faith went for a close line, but Lita also countered with one. Both of them, connected with their close lines and they both fell to the mat.
After a few seconds, both women started to get up. Faith was the first to clear her head and saw Lita and tried to go for a super kick. Lita saw it coming and moved out the way. Buffy was standing behind Lita and almost got hit but Faith was able to stop herself.
"That was close" Buffy said
"A little to close" Faith replied
Suddenly from behind Faith, Lita did a flying drop kick to Faith and Faith stumbled forward and fell on the mat. Buffy had moved out the way. She saw it coming and hated not warning Faith, but she was the ref and that would have been playing sides.
Faith had gotten back on her feet, but Lita quickly dropped to the ground and swept the feet from under Faith, sending Faith back to the mat. While on the mat, Lita kicked Faith in the head and caused Faith to become dazed.
Cole: Faith seems to be in a little trouble
Tazz: Don't worry, she recover
Lita got up and started stomping Faith. After, she started chocking Faith with her foot and using the ropes as a brace. Buffy quickly broke it up. Lita followed it up by pick Faith up and DDTing her back down. Then she climbed to the top turnbuckle and performed a moonsult off the top and landed on Faith.
Cole: This could be it
Lita went for the pin.
(Oh, no) Buffy thought and went for the count. Buffy counted two and she nearly count the three, but Faith had kick out just in time.
Tazz: See Cole, you underestimate Faith's abilities
"Thank god" Buffy muttered to herself, but muttered it a little to loud, because Lita had heard her
"What?!" Lita said and got in Buffy's face "Thank god? You better not be counting slowly or I'll..."
"You'll what" Buffy cut her off and stared back at her
Lita sneered at her and turned back around to see Faith, who had gotten back to her feet, grab her and perform a back breaker on her. With Lita back on the mat, Faith grabbed her by the legs and put her in a sharpshooter.
The crowd went wild as Faith locked in the sharpshooter.
Tazz: Faith has the sharpshooter locked in Cole; we could have a new champion
Faith applied as much pressure as she could to Lita's legs and back. Lita was screaming in pain, fighting the urge to tap out. Lita couldn't pull herself free and the ropes were out of reach. Faith pulled back even move and Lita's hand went up in the air but didn't go down. Her hand just stayed in the air as Lita fought the pain and need to tap out.
Buffy was kneeled down next to Lita, waiting for the moment she taps. Hoping she would tap. She watched the pain on Lita's face and her hand in the air, but the hand would not come down.
(Come on Lita, tap) Buffy thought
Lita knew she wouldn't last much longer, so she had to try and crawl over to the ropes. Slowly and painfully she started to pull herself over. Faith felt Lita start to move, so she applied more weight to Lita's back. This caused Lita even more pain, but didn't stop her. Finally, Lita made it as close as she could. She reached out for the bottom rope, but only tipped it. She reached out for it again and was successful this time in grabbing it.
Buffy sighed "Faith, she got to the rope, you have to let go"
Faith let go and stood up in frustration. With Faith's back turned, Lita used the rope to pull herself out of the ring. Lita pulled herself out and fell onto the floor.
Cole: Lita was able to get free, but the damage is already done
Faith saw Lita outside the ring and went after her. Once out the ring, Faith went over and grabbed Lita to pick her up. When she got Lita to her feet, Lita quickly pulled loose and backhanded Faith. Lita then threw a few punches that landed of Faith and she followed it up with a spin kick to Faith's head. The kick connected with Faith and Faith spun around from the blow, but she used the momentum from the spin to lay in a spin kick of her own to Lita.
Faith went for another blow, but Lita caught it and whipped Faith up against the steel steps. Faith crashed into the steps and the wind was taken out of as she fell to the ground. Lita didn't go after her as she was still feeling the pain in her back and legs from the sharpshooter.
Buffy watched them from inside the ring, fighting the urge to get out and help her friend.
Cole: Hey Tazz, you notices that Buffy hasn't started the ten count since both wrestlers are outside the ring. You think she is avoiding it because if she does, Faith wouldn't win the belt.
Buffy heard Cole and looked up at Cole with a deadly look.
Tazz: Uh oh Cole, I think she heard you. You better pray if she decides to kick you butt.
Buffy sneered at Cole. She didn't like what she heard from him, but he was right. However, she didn't count for Faith's sake, she had just forgotten. So now she began the ten count.
Lita was slumped up against the ring when she heard the count began. She pulled herself back in and lay on the mat. It was then that she noticed that Faith was still outside the ring. Lita didn't want to win on a count out, because there would still be doubt about her championship and if she could really beat Faith. Lita rolled back out the ring and went after Faith.
Buffy was at 7 when saw Lita and felt revealed. With her getting back out the ring, it would restart her count. Buffy started back at 1.
Faith was getting back to her feet when Lita grabbed her and threw her into the steel post. Faith hit it and bounced off and Lita grabbed her again and slammed her head into the post. This hit cut open Faith's forehead and she started to bleed.
Cole: Lita has split open Faith again
Back in the locker room, Dawn and Britney started to get a little worried.
"She's bleeding" Dawn said
"I hope she's going to be okay" Britney said
Willow wasn't that worried "She survived a knife wound to her gut, I think she can deal with this" Suddenly Willow eyes widen as she realized that Rey was sitting right next to her "It's a long story Rey, ask me about it later"
Back at ringside, Lita grabbed Faith and tossed her back in the ring and followed. Once in Lita pick back up Faith and DDTed her. Lita went for the pin and again Buffy only could count to two before Faith kick out.
Tazz: Once again, Faith kicks out
Cole: But how much more does she have left in her. That's a really bad wound on her head
Tazz: You have so little faith...get it, her name is Faith and I said so little faith
Cole: Yeah, whatever Tazz
Lita sat up and sighed in frustration. She needs to find a way to put Faith away. She got back to her feet and went to the corner and climbed to the top of the turnbuckle.
Cole: This could be it, if Lita connects with the moonsult, she could win the match
Lita jumped of and did the moonsult, but before she landed, Faith brought her knees up and Lita hit Faith's knees hard and rolled over in extreme pain. Faith was still lying on the mat, trying to start conscious and Lita was rolling back and forth with her arms wrapped around her mid section, where she had landed on Faith's knees.
Tazz: What did I tell you! What did I tell you! You have so little faith in Faith
After a few seconds few seconds, Faith and Lita started to get to their feet slowly.
Tazz: You know Cole; I kind of wish that Buffy did come out here and kick your butt, because frankly, I'm getting tired of you.
Cole: Yeah, well I wish she would kick your butt, because I'm the talent between the two of us and I'm getting tired of carrying you
Faith and Lita got to their feet at the same time and launch themselves at each other. They attack with a series of martial arts punches and kicks. Faith wasn't surprise to see Lita doing these moves. She knew Lita would be train in such to try and match her in her own field. At the moment, neither slayer was getting upper hand over the other as most of the movies were being either block or ducked.
Tazz: What do you mean you're the talent?! I'm twice the announcer that you are!
Cole: Oh come on Tazz, you failed as a wrestler and now your failing as an announcer
Tazz: You know, I should just kick your butt right here, right now
Cole: Well, bring it on, Tazz. I think I could take you!
"Either you both shut up or I'm going to come over there and kick both you butt!!" Buffy yelled at the two, her face full of frustration and annoyance "Then we won't have an announcement team what so ever!!" It was times like this that Buffy wished that the announcement table was up on the stage like on Raw and not near the ring and in earshot range like it is on this show.
The audience near the ring that heard what Buffy said started to laugh. In the locker room, the gang laughed. Even at Wolfram and Hart, Spike and Angel were laughing.
"That's my girl" Spike chucked
"What do you mean your girl?" Angel replied
Tazz: Maybe we should just go back to calling the match
Cole: I agree
Buffy turned her attention back to the fight. Faith and Lita were going at it, neither holding back. Then Lita gave a hard swing at Faith and Faith ducked it and countered with the super kick. The kick landed it target and Lita when down. Faith fell to her knees it exhaustion. She brought her hand up to her head and touched her forehand and then looked at the blood that was brought back on her fingers. Faith shakes her head and then crawled over and pinned Lita.
Buffy dropped down with some excitement and started the 3 count. Buffy got to 2 when suddenly Faith sat up.
Tazz: Faith sat up from the pin, why the hell did she do that!?
Cole: Especially since she was so close to winning
"What the hell are you doing?!" Buffy yelled at Faith
Faith rub some more blood off her face "When I said I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it" She was referring to what she said a few weeks ago about making Lita bleed.
Faith grabbed Lita's head and hit her with a few punches. Then she picks Lita up and carried her over to the corner and rammed her head into the turnbuckle and then tossed her out the ring. Faith got out as well and grabbed her again. Faith then rammed Lita into the steel post and Lita was split open on the same spot on the forehead as Faith.
Tazz: Faith has just cut open Lita. Well, turnabout is fair game
Cole: There something about see two beautiful women bleed like that, just isn't right
Faith tossed Lita back in the ring. Faith got in and waited for Lita to get to her feet.
Tazz: Faith is setting her up
Lita got to her feet slowly and when she turned around to Faith, Faith kicked her and then performed a stunner on her.
Cole: Hey Tazz, I believe that was a Stone Cold Stunner
"Okay Faith, you can pin her now" Buffy said impatiently
"Not yet" Faith said and when over to the turnbuckle.
Faith climbed to the top turnbuckle and then jumped of and executed moonsult that met its target on Lita.
"Now?" Buffy said
Faith, looking up at Buffy with her back on the mat, said "Now" and then she rolled over and pinned Faith.
Buffy went down to the mat for the count and as she counted the audience counted with her, one, two, three, and the bell rang and Faith was declared the winner. The audience went wild.
Tazz: Faith did it! She is once again Smackdown Woman's Champion! And you doubted her, Cole
Cole: I didn't doubt her; I just called the match as I saw it
Buffy rushed out the ring, grabbed the belt, and rushed back in. She hand the belt to Faith with a smile and then raised her hand in victory.
In the locker room, Dawn and Britney were bouncing up down together in joy over Faith's victory.
Rey was sitting on the sofa watch Britney bounce in another way. He then shakes his head and cleared his head of those thoughts. After he looked over at Willow, who was sitting next to him, and found she was watching Britney bounce also. Rey's head was then filled with other thoughts that he had to shake clear again. If he didn't get them out soon, he would have to run to the showers.
Stephanie saw Rey and had an idea what he was thinking "Now, now Rey, such thoughts" she said jokingly
After raising her hand in victory, Buffy embraced Faith in a hug "You did it, Faith" Buffy let out a sigh of relief "I'm so glad I didn't have to declare Lita the winner"
"I had it in the bag the whole time, B" Faith replied
Tazz: That is a hug I wouldn't mind being in-between
Cole: No kidding
Suddenly, fire erupted on the stage.
Cole: What the hell?!
Kane's music hit the speakers and Kane came out onto the stage and he started down towards the ring.
Tazz: It's Kane, what the hell is he doing here?!
Cole: His eyes are locked on Buffy and Faith
Faith took a fighting stance "What the hell is he doing here?"
Buffy also took a fighting stance "More important question is who took the time to prepare his entrance? This is obviously a planned visit"
Both of them looked at each other and said "Vince"
Faith looked back at the oncoming Kane "Okay, then what the hell is Vince trying to accomplish? My match is already over and I won, so Kane is a little late there"
"What ever the reason, we're about to find out" Buffy replied as Kane made it to the ring and started to climb in.
His music ended as he got in the ring. Kane looked at the two women and then advance on them. Buffy and Faith stood their ground as Kane got right in front of them.
"Where is he?!" Kane yelled at them "I know the two of you know where he is, so tell me"
Buffy and Faith both rolled their eyes. Now they know what this was all about. Ever since Kane had attack his bother, Undertaker, at the Royal Rumble and put him out of wrestling. Kane was being haunted by Undertaker and it was scaring him.
"Look, we don't know where he is" Faith answered "So why don't you get the fuck out of here"
"You're lying!" Kane yelled back
Kane was so preoccupied with Buffy and Faith that he didn't notice Lita get back up and sneak around behind him. Lita threw a side kick to Kane's back that send him staggering forward. As he came forward, he was met by a punch from Buffy and from Faith that send him staggering back.
Cole: It looks like Lita is working with Buffy and Faith to take down Kane
As he came back, Lita kicked Kane in the back of his knee and Kane fell on that knee, bring him down a level. Lita then send a spin kick to Kane's head. Then Buffy kick him and after Faith hit him too. The three slayers continued their assault on Kane until he fell flat on the mat.
The three of them stood around Kane, looking down at him.
"You know, I really don't like this guy" Lita said, and suddenly Kane sat up "Oh, fuck you" Lita said with annoyance and kick Kane hard in the face that send Kane back down.
The three women let out a small laugh before they all realized that they weren't all on the same team and started staring at each other.
"Don't think that this makes us friends" Lita pointed at Faith "This isn't over between us" Lita then got out the ring and left.
"Figured it wasn't" Faith said and then turned to see Kane sit up again "Oh just stay down, you jerk" Faith then kick Kane it the head and Kane fell back down.
"Come on Faith, lets get out of here" Buffy said
Both Buffy and Faith got out the ring. Once out, Faith looked over in the audience and saw Goldberg sitting in the front row. He was here to get revenge on Brock Lesnar for what he did to him at the Royal Rumble. Part of Faith wanted to go over there and kick his butt. However, she did said that she wouldn't do anything until after he mess up Brock's match, so she just started to head back stage.
After, a visit to the medic about the wound on her head, Faith made it back to the locker room. She had a patch on her forehead. Buffy had gone to wish a friend good luck in his match. With the title belt over her shoulder, Faith opened the door and was greeted by her friends.
"Way to go, Faith" Rey said
"I knew you could do it" Steph said
"You were awesome" Willow said "but don't you think that you when a little overboard at the end. I mean you had it won at one point but you continue the match"
"You worry too much, Will" Faith said as she walked over to the table and put down her belt "I knew what I was doing"
"Hey, where is Buffy?" Dawn asked
"She just went to wish good luck to a friend in his match" Faith replied
"Kurt Angle?" Britney asked
"The one and only" Faith said
Kurt was on his way to his match. He was in a triple treat match in which the winner will be the number one contender for the WWE title.
"Hey, Kurt" Buffy call out as she came walking up to him
"Hey, Buffy" Kurt stopped and turn to her
"Hey" Buffy repeated, then paused for a moment trying to think of what to say next "Well, good luck in you're match"
"Thanks"
"You're welcome...and about last time"
Kurt put his hand up to stop her "You don't have to explain"
"No, I want to" Buffy again pause "You see, Angel and I have a history and we both knew Cordelia, so well, you know"
"I understand" Kurt replied
There was another moment of silence between the two, before Buffy spoke again "Also, and I hope this isn't my ego talking, but I know that you are kind of waiting for me, and I want you to know that I'm just not going to be ready for a relationship anytime soon. So you shouldn't wait for me"
"I know, Buffy" Kurt responded "and like I said before, I'm here as a friend anytime you need"
Buffy smiled "Thanks"
"That's good to hear" John Cena said as he came walking by "because after I beat you and Big Show in our match, you're going to need all the friend you can get"
John Cena was one of Kurt's opponents in the match. Big Show being the other.
Cena turned back to them and said "Yo Kurt, when I win, I'm going to come back here and get a victory kiss from your girl"
Kurt laughed "If by some miracle you do win and try and get a kiss from Buffy, the only thing you're going to get is a busted up pair of lips"
Cena gave the both of them a dirty look and then left.
Kurt was about to go when Buffy stopped him and said "Hey, if you get the chance, can you make Cena tap out"
Kurt smiled "You can bet on it"
"Well, then, good luck" Buffy said and started back to her locker room
Back in the locker room, everyone was talking and celebrating Faith's victory. Willow was talking with Faith about how she believes Faith risked it near the end of the match.
"All I'm saying is that you should have pinned her after that kick. If you had made a mistake in what you did after, it could have cost you" Willow argued
Faith rolled her eyes "Will, I knew what I was doing"
"Well, I had no doubts about it" Britney said as she walked up to Faith with a small wrapped rectangular shaped box "This is for you"
Faith smiled "A present for me" she took the box from her
"Well, I knew you were going to win, so I got this made for you. I hope it's the right size. If it isn't I know the WWE will give you one that is" Britney said
Faith unwrap it, then opened the box to reveal a small name plate for her belt that said 'Faith' and a small screw driver next to it so she could remove Lita's name plate from the belt and put this one on it.
"Thanks, Britney" Faith said "See Willow, she had faith in me"
Willow let out a sigh of frustration "Whatever", and then she walked over to Rey and started talking with him
"Oh, I hope I didn't make her mad" Britney said with concern
"Don't worry, it's not about you" Faith said as she laid her belt down on the table and started unscrew Lita's name plate "She's never been to big on me and Buffy being in the WWE and thinks that I took an unnecessary risk in the match"
"Oh" Britney said as she was looking in Willow's direction and then looked back to see Faith finish screwing in her name plate "So do you like it?"
"I love it" Faith responded
"I know they would have gotten you one, but I thought the sooner the better" Britney said
"Plus, this one has the personal friend touch" Faith smiled at her
Few seconds later, Buffy entered the room, after greeting everyone, she pulled Willow aside.
After, see that Britney was busy talking to Dawn, Buffy said to Willow "I meant to ask this earlier, but I got distracted with the whole problem at the Manor with" Buffy point to Britney "So, where is Robert? I thought he was coming with all of you. Him not being here doesn't have anything to do with his problems with Giles"
"Oh no" Willow replied "The situation with Robert, Britney and Giles isn't as bad as Dawn made it out to be. The reason he isn't here is because the same friend that came during Christmas, came back again, so he ran out to London to see her"
"Who is this person and why didn't he just bring her here" Buffy said as she went to get her cell out her bag.
"What were you guys talking about?" Britney asked as she and Dawn walked up to Willow
"Oh, well, she is just wondering why Robert didn't come with us" Willow responded
Buffy reached into her bag and pulled out her cell phone and dialed Robert's number, once he picked up she answered "Hey it's me...Buffy!...Yeah, real funny, so I thought you were coming to see me?...oh, how important...okay, being mysterious again, aren't we...yes you are"
Stephanie came up to Buffy and said "Buffy, we need to start heading out"
"Okay Steph" Buffy replied and then said into the cell "Robert, I need to get going, but there is something else I need to talk to you about, so I'll call you later...bye"
Buffy put away her cell in her bag and pulled out her black shirt "I just need to change my shirt" she went into the shower room and changed out of her ref shirt and put on her black one.
Buffy came back into the room "Ready to go" she said to Steph and the two of them left the room as everyone else was wishing Stephanie 'Good luck'.
On the way to the ring, Buffy remembered about the match with Kurt that just ended. Buffy stopped a WWE official on the way.
"Who won the last match?" Buffy asked the official, she wanted to watch the match, but got distracted.
"Kurt Angle won" the official responded "he made John Cena tap out with the ankle lock"
Buffy smiled to herself "Thanks"
The official nodded back and left.
"I guess you're happy about that" Steph said
"Yes" Buffy replied and the two of them again started heading to the ringside entrance.
As the two of them got to the ringside entrance, Buffy noticed a trouble look on Stephanie.
"Nervous?" Buffy asked
Stephanie looked at her and said "No, it just that I wish..."
"Xander was here" Buffy finished for her
"Yeah" Steph responded and sighed
Buffy thought for a moment, then said "Don't worry, he'll be here before the night is up"
"I hope your right" Stephanie responded
Steph's music started and she and Buffy were given the signal to go out. Both women step threw the entrance and onto the stage. As the two of them walked down to the ring side by side, both of them had a deadly look on their faces that indicated that they were ready for the match. The audience showed their support by cheering them loudly.
Tazz: Stephanie looks ready
Cole: This promises to be one hell of a rematch
Stephanie and Buffy got in the ring. Both of them turned to face the stage entrance as Vince's music started and Vince and Sable was introduced.
When Vince came out onto the stage, with Sable following behind him, Steph stared at Vince as he headed to the ring. Threw out her life, it has always been about proving herself to him, even when she was trying to run him out the business and when she was trying to be a respected General Manager on Smackdown, it was about him. But now, in this match, it was about her and proving something to herself, not him. Showing that she was her own person, not daddy's little girl. Well, that was half of it. Stephanie looked to her side and saw Buffy watching Vince with her arms crossed. It also was about her friends, Buffy, Faith, Xander and even Rey and Undertaker. They had sacrificed so much for her and took a lot of crap from her father. Buffy, Faith and Xander were something else. She had never had friends like them, who stood by her threw it all. Sure, Buffy and Faith were originally here to protect Xander, but after Xander was injured and had to leave, they could have left, but they stayed with her and fought with her. This match was also payback for all the terrible things that her father had done to them. For doing the horny old man thing to Faith, for costing Buffy title after title, and for putting Xander in a match that almost destroyed his knee. This was for all of them.
Stephanie came out of her line of thoughts to see her father standing out the ring with Sable, refusing to get in the ring. Vince indicated to the ref to get Buffy out the ring and then he'll get in. Steph couldn't blame him; right now Buffy was giving him a look that said 'I want to tear you apart'. Then the ref told Buffy to move to the outside of the ring. Buffy looked at Stephanie and Steph nodded back. Buffy took one last glance at Vince and Sable and got out the ring.
With Buffy out, Vince got in the ring. The ref signal for the bell, and the match began. Stephanie and Vince began by circling each other, both looking for an opening. Vince was the first to make a move as he went to lock up with his daughter, but Steph dodge the attempt. She wasn't stupid; she knew she couldn't match strength with her father. They began to circle each other again, and again Vince made a move and tried to grab her, but this time Steph threw punch that connected with his face. Stephanie threw another punch and then a quick jab to his jaw. She continued to throw punch after punch, all meeting their target.
Tazz: This is starting to turn into boxing match
Vince keep getting knock back with every punch, finally Steph spins around and does a spin kick to Vince's mid section that send him against the ropes. She quickly close lined him over the ropes. Vince fell to the floor on his back, on the side with Sable.
Sable went to help Vince up, but he told her to get away as he got up himself. Vince gave his daughter an angry look as he got back in the ring. Once back in the ring, Vince wasted no time in charging her in attempt to close line her, but Steph side step and counted by ramming her knee into his mid section. Vince fell on his hands and knees. Steph then drop an elbow on him that sent him flat on the ground.
Cole: Stephanie seems to be in complete control
Stephanie bent down and slapped her father on the back of the head "Get up dad!" she then kick him hard.
Steph back up as Vince got up. Steph had a smirk on her that got him more pissed off. The two went at it again, and Steph again got the upper hand.
In the parking lot, Xander's taxi cab pulled up and Xander got out of the back seat. After getting his bag out the truck, he paid the driver and headed into the building.
Xander was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a Pack T-shirt, and a back leather duster. He was carrying his bag in his left hand and a bouquet of red roses in his right. He would have been here a little sooner, but he stopped to pick up the roses.
Xander was in a good mood; because tonight was the night he told Stephanie his true feelings for her. This also brought a small bit of fear. Fear that she wasn't going to feel the same way.
Looking for the way to the right room, Xander came across Torrie Wilson.
"Hey, Torrie" Xander said
"Hey, Xander" Torrie said "I didn't know that you were going to be here"
"I hadn't decided to come until a few days ago" Xander replied "Do you know where Stephanie and the rest of the gang are?"
"Well, Stephanie is already in the ring fighting Vince" Torrie pointed to down the hall "But the rest are in their locker room down that hall and take your first right"
"Thanks" Xander said and started heading in the direction of the locker room.
"By the way, nice jacket" Torrie call out to him
Xander smiled back at her and then continued on his way.
In the ring, Stephanie continued to dominate her father as she slammed him back to the mat with a Russian leg sweep. She followed up with an elbow drop from the top rope. After she went for the pin. Sable got on the edge of the ring to distract the ref. As the ref was telling Sable to get down, Buffy came around the ring after Sable. Sable saw her coming and ran around the ring away from her. Buffy stopped and stared at her from the opposite side. Before the ref could count, Vince had already kicked out.
Faith watched the TV, wondering if she should go down there and help Buffy in watching Sable. The thought was quickly discarded as she knew that Buffy could handle it herself.
There was a knock at the door that caught everyone's attention, then the door open slowly and Xander pocked his head threw.
"Hope no ones naked in here" Xander said jokily
"Xander" Faith said and was the first to greet him as he came threw the door. The other greeted him after.
Xander greeted them back and put his bag and roses down "So how much did I miss?"
"Well, Faith won her match" Dawn said and pointed to the belt on the table "But Rey got cheated in his match"
"And Steph is fighting in her match right now" Faith added and pointed to the TV
"Maybe I should go out there" Xander said as he saw the match on the TV
"At this point, you might become a distraction for her" Faith replied
"You're right" Xander sighed
"Don't worry" Dawn said "Stephanie been kicking butt since the match began"
"That leather coat" Willow said "It looks nice but familiar"
"You mean it looks like the one Spike wears" Xander replied "Well, you're right; who do you think gave it to me"
"Is that the one he wears?" Faith asked
"No" Xander answered "he just bought me one that looks like his"
"You and Spike must have became friends over your recovery" Faith said
"I wouldn't say friends, but we developed an understanding" Xander said
"Who are the roses for?" Britney asked
Xander pointed to the TV "Well, there for" he stopped when he saw Vince counter Stephanie with a close line. "Maybe I should go out there"
Faith put her hand on Xander's shoulder "Don't worry just yet, Xander, it's the first move he gotten all night"
"Alright" Xander said and took a deep breath. He took off his coat and placed it aside, then took a seat next to Dawn.
Dawn noticed that Xander had a lot more bumps on him. It was clear that he kept up his workout while he was out.
"Hey Xander, you want to...get something to eat after the event" Dawn asked hopefully
"Yeah, Dawn, I'm sure we're all going to get something to eat together after" Xander replied and didn't notice the disappointed look on Dawn's face
Everyone else laughed and Xander looked at them confused, not really getting the joke.
Cole: Mr. McMahon finally getting a chance in this match, now if he can follow up on it
Vince fell to his hands and knees after he got the close line off. He knew he had to move fast because his daughter wouldn't stay down long. The only problem was he was hurting all over. Threw out the match Stephanie had been hitting him with wrestling and martial arts moves.
Vince got up and looks at his daughter to see her getting up at the same time as him. He quickly kick her and then DDTed her. He then locked in an arm wrench on her. Stephanie was near the ropes but unfortunately it was the side that Sable was on. Stephanie reached for the bottom rope, but Sable pulled in away. Buffy wasted no time in running around the ring after Sable. Again Sable saw her and ran away. The two ran around the ring for a few times. Until Buffy stopped when she saw the ref looking at them and not at Stephanie holding the bottom rope.
"Hey, why don't you do your job and break the hold!" Buffy yelled at the ref and pointed to Stephanie and Vince
The ref turned around and saw what she was talking about and quickly got Vince to break the hold. Steph was holding her left arm in a lot pain, but she wasn't going to give up.
Vince picked Stephanie up and put her in a sleeper hold. Again Steph was in a submission hold, but this time she wasn't near any ropes. She struggles to get free, but wasn't getting anywhere.
Xander was on his feet hoping this wasn't the end "Come on Steph, you can do it, you can break free"
At Angel's office, both Angel and Spike watch the match intensely. Both hoping she would get free.
Tazz: I don't think Stephanie can take anymore of this; she has to find a way to get free
Stephanie struggled some more, but still couldn't get free. She could feel herself start to fade and fought to keep her eyes open. She could hear the crowd throw their support to her by cheering her name, but most importantly she could hear Buffy telling her to fight it. Steph fought but her eyes started to shut. It was went the ref pick up her arm to see if she was still there that she pulled away.
"I'm not gone yet" Steph said to the ref
"Come on, Stephanie" Vince said "Just give up, there is no way you're getting out of this"
Stephanie felt the anger rise up in her and in was the strength she need "Fuck you" she said and reached up and grabbed the back of his head. Then she dropped down and brought him with her, performing a make shift stunner.
Cole: Stephanie got free, now it's only a matter of who will get up first
Both fought to find the strength to get up. Stephanie was trying to get the blood flowing to her head again and Vince was fighting the pain in his neck. Both got to their feet at the same time.
Stephanie's back was turned to Vince and Vince tried to take advantage of it and attack first. Steph, however, turned around in time to block a punch for him and counter with one of her own. She threw a second on at him and then grabbed his arm and whipped him in a direction but then pulled him back and rammed her knee into his mid section. Vince fell to the ground. Steph pick up Vince's leg high in the air and rammed his knee into the mat. She pulled Vince into the middle of the ring, grabbed both his legs and put him in a Boston crab.
Sable once again got on the edge of the ring and started distracting the ref by yelling at him. The ref, as usual, got up from watching the submission and went over to tell her to get down. Steph got fed up and let go of her father to go and punch Sable's lights out. She stopped, however, when she saw Buffy sneak up behind Sable and grab her from behind. Sable grabbed the ref and started screaming when she felt Buffy grab her.
Tazz: Looks like Buffy finally got her hands on Sable
Cole: Yeah, and Sable is holding on to the ref for dear life
Tazz: Hey Cole, do you think we're finally going to see some blonde on blonde action?
Cole: We just might
Buffy finally pulled Sable down without hurting the ref. Buffy shoved Sable hard against the barricade. Sable's head hit the barricade and she was knocked out. Buffy picked up Sable and threw her over her shoulder.
"I'll get rid of this bitch" Buffy said to Steph "You concentrate on him"
Stephanie nodded back, but didn't turn around. She didn't turn around right away because she could feel her father waiting for to turn. A smirk grew on Steph's face as she then turned around and quickly kicks her father before he could do anything. As Vince bends over from the kick, Steph wrapped her arm around his neck and performed a dangerous DDT in which the impact of his head on the mat could be heard around the arena. Buffy was half way to the stage entrance when she heard the impact and turned around to see what happen.
Vince was knocked out and Stephanie wasted no time in going for the cover.
Tazz: This is it, Cole, she could win it
Everyone in the locker room was on their feet as the ref went to make the count. The ref hit the mat one, two three and the gang all let out yells of joy as Steph won the match.
Buffy dropped Sable on the ground as Stephanie was being declared the winner and she ran back to the ring and got in.
"You did it!" Buffy said happily as she embraced Stephanie in a hug
"Thanks to you and Faith" Steph said back
The two parted and Buffy raised Stephanie hand in victory to the audience. Behind them, Vince started to come to. He saw Buffy raising his daughter hand and knew what happen. Rage started to build in him. Vince had no plans in taking this loss lightly. He slid out the ring, grabbed a folding chair and slid back in, still behind the two.
Cole: Oh no, he wouldn't
Vince raised the chair high in the air and slammed it down hard on the back of the head of an unaware Buffy. Buffy was out before she hit the mat. Steph saw Buffy hit the ground and fear grew on her face. She looked back and saw her father enraged and holding a chair. Steph only had time to turn back around and cover the back of her head as the chair came slamming down on her. Steph fell to the mat. She laid there still with her arms covering the back of her head and her face buried in the mat. Pain shoot threw her back as another chair shoot hit her there.
"Oh god, Xander we have to go" Faith said and looked toward where Xander was but saw only air, and heard the door slam open. Faith looked at Rey and the two to them ran out in Xander's direction.
In the ring, Vince McMahon continued to hit the chair on Stephanie's back.
"You will learn to respect!" Vince yelled at her and ramped the chair down "your father!" he ramped the chair down again "and your boss" and again
Cole: Oh my god, somebody needs to stop him now!
Tazz: Vince had just snapped!
Suddenly the audience went into an up roar as Xander ran out the stage entrance and ran as fast as he could towards the ring.
Tazz: Cole, is that who I think it is?!!!
Cole: It's Xander, Xander was returned!!!
Vince saw Xander coming and got ready to swing the chair at him as he slid in the ring. Once Xander got in and ran at Vince, Vince swung the chair at him as hard as he could. Xander duck the swing and the force of missed hit carried Vince forward some. Vince turned around and tried to swing at him again, but Xander caught the chair and ripped it from Vince's hands.
Vince turned and ran as Xander chased him with the chair. Vince slid out the ring and barely missed Xander as he swung over the ropes at him.
Vince was shocked as he walked backward toward the stage as Xander yelled at him from in the ring "GET THE HELL BACK IN HERE YOU COWARD!!"
Xander was tempted to get out the ring and go after, but remembered who he came down here for. Xander threw the chair down and turned around to see Buffy getting up to a sitting position with her left arm holding the back of her head and the right on the ground holding her up. Stephanie was still in the same position she was before, not moving.
"Are you all right?" Xander said as walked over and kneeled down next to Buffy. Although his question was for Buffy, he was looking at Stephanie.
"I'll heal" Buffy voice filled with pain and her eyes were close from it. She opened her eyes "But what about" she looked over at Steph "Oh, no"
Vince met up with Sable as she was getting back to her feet. They were about to go backstage but saw Faith and Rey standing on the stage, blocking the entrance.
Vince hide behind Sable as the two member of The Pack started to advance on them. Once they got close, Vince pushed Sable into them and then jumped over the barricade and ran threw the audience.
Faith and Rey caught Sable and nearly fell over but were able to hold their ground. Sable looked at them with fear and could only wonder what was about to happen to her. Faith just nodded to the side for her to leave and Sable didn't have to be told twice and she tore out of there.
Rey looked in the direction Vince went "Should we go after Vince?"
"No" Faith replied and looked toward the ring "We have more important problems"
Back in the ring, Xander and Buffy were at Stephanie's side. They could see that her whole body was trembling.
Cole: You know, Tazz, its times like this that makes me regret being in this business
Tazz: I know what you mean. We really need the medics down here. Where are they?
Xander touched Stephanie on her shoulder and she jumped from the touch, but still didn't move from her spot.
"Stephanie, it's me, Xander, everything is going to be okay" Xander said softly
"Xander?" Stephanie gave a muttered responds as she still had her arms wrapped over her head and still didn't move "You came...and save me again just like before. My own knight in shinning armor"
Xander felt a pain fill his heart. He could hear the tremors in her voice as she spoke.
"Steph, don't worry, they're bring a stretcher down here now" Buffy said
"No" Steph said back
"Why, can you move?" Buffy asked
"No, its just...I don't want them to see me...crying" Steph answered
"Steph, we need to get you out of here" Buffy said
"Buffy, I'll carry her" Xander said to Buffy, then said to Steph "Stephanie, grab a hold of me"
Stephanie quickly rolled over, wrapped her arms around Xander neck and buried her head in his left shoulder. Xander wrapped his left arm around her back and his right under her legs and pick her up. Buffy and Faith helped Xander, as he carried Steph, out the ring ropes and down the steel steps on to the floor. Rey told the medics that they room bring Stephanie to the medical room. Xander carried Stephanie backstage with Buffy, Faith, and Rey following behind.
Short time later, Stephanie, Buffy, and Xander were in the medical room, and everyone else was waiting outside. Everyone was quite until Xander step out and shut the door behind him.
"How are they?" Dawn asked
"Well, not to bad" Xander answered "Stephanie's back is all bruised up and Buffy has a big bump on her head by the doctor doesn't think it's anything major. However, he does want them to go to the hospital and get themselves check over just in case"
"That's a good idea" Faith said "Willow did you, Dawn, and Britney come in a cab or did you rent a car?"
"We rented a car" Willow answered
"Good, Buffy, Xander, Steph and I can go in ours and they rest of you can follow in yours" Faith said "But first I need the three of you to go with Rey and help him get our bags. I'm going to pull our car around, while, Xander, you go get Buffy and Stephanie ready and bring them out to the parking lot"
Everyone nodded and they all headed to what they needed done.
On the way to the parking lot, Faith over heard two official talking "That was amazing how Goldberg came out of nowhere and just speared him"
Faith stopped, she had to find out what they were talking about. Especially if it was about Goldberg.
"Hey Guys" Faith said "What happen with Goldberg"
The first official answered "Well, I'm guessing you already know that before the match with Angle, Cena, and Show. Paul Heymen and Lesnar tricked Goldberg into getting out the front row and attacking Lesnar, so Heymen could have Goldberg arrested"
"No, I don't, I've must have missed it" Faith replied
"Oh" the official said "Well, that's what happened, anyways during Lesnar's match with Eddie, Goldberg somehow came out of nowhere and speared Lesnar during the match and the ref didn't see it"
"So, Lesnar lost"
"Yep, and Eddie is the new WWE champion"
(Dam) Faith thought (Well, I guess that's good, but I didn't get to bust up Goldberg)
As if he read her thoughts, Faith saw Goldberg walking down the hallway out of the corner of her eye
"Thanks" Faith said to the officials and ran after Goldberg
Faith knew she didn't have time for this and she wasn't going to bust him up, but she had to say something to him.
"Goldberg!" Faith called to him as she ran up to him
Goldberg turned around and stared her in the eyes "What do you want Faith?"
"I have something to say to you" Faith replied "What you did for Eddie, even though it wasn't for Eddie but for you, was good. But your still no better then Brock, maybe even worse"
Goldberg didn't like the sound of her voice or what she was saying "And why do you say that?"
"Because you're in this business for all the wrong reasons. All you care about is the money. You're not in it for the love of the sport or the fans. You just care about the big fat paycheck. You don't even try and it shows in your matches. Even Triple H, who is hated amongst fans, has a love of the sport. In the end, your nothing special, but you act like you are" Faith turned away and started walking towards the parking lot "We all know what this is leading up to, you vs. Brock at Wrestlemania and for the first time I think I might be cheering for Brock"
Goldberg wanted to go after her and pound her, but he knew better. He heard about the matches she was in and had felt what she could do.
Faith got to the parking lot and to the car when she remembered that she didn't have the key and that it was in her bag.
"Forgot this" Willow said as she walked up to Faith and threw her the car key "We'll be waiting outside of the parking lot. Met us there after you pick up Xander, Buffy and Steph"
Faith nodded back and got into the car and started it up. She pulled up to the parking lot entrance where they were waiting. Buffy was standing while holding an ice pack on her head. Stephanie was in a wheel chair. She could have walked, but the doctor didn't want to take any chances until she was checked out further at the hospital. Xander was standing behind her holding the wheel chair. Their bags were next to them. Faith saw that Steph had the roses that Xander had brought her in her lap.
Once Faith stopped, she got out and pick up the bags and threw them in the trunk. Buffy got in the passenger side, while Xander helped Steph in the back seat and then he got in the back seat as well. Faith got back in the drivers seat and pulled out the packing lot. Once out, she saw Willow and the rest of the gang in their car. Willow was driving and Rey was in the passenger side, with the other two in the back. Faith signaled to Willow, and then she pulled out into the street with the others following.
Angel turned off the TV as the pay per view ended.
"That was bull shit what Vince did" Spike said "I hope Xander knocks him to hell and back"
"I'm sure Xander will" Angel said
Angel thought about calling and seeing how everyone was doing, but decided to wait until tomorrow.
As they drove down the street, Xander looked over at Steph and saw that her eyes were still red, but at least she had stop crying. She sat there looking at the roses he had given her. He still hadn't told her that he loved her. He didn't want to say it at a time like this, maybe tomorrow when things had a chance to calm down.
"Nice jacket" Steph said, bring Xander out of his thoughts
"Huh" Xander said and look at his lap where he was holding his leather duster "Oh, yeah, well, that's what everyone keeps saying"
TBC
Next chapter: An enrage Xander makes a challenge to Vince McMahon that will not only bring an end to the war, but could also rock the foundation of the WWE. The beginning of the end begins next chapter.