Chapter 28

*Crash/Kidman/Eddie*

"Come on Kidman, you know he won't lend it to me. He doesn't like me." Crash said.

Most people don't like you so what's one more. Kidman thought.

"I guess so." He said, wanting to see it again.

Question is, do I want to do Crash any favors. He's always getting people into trouble. He thought, looking at the blonde.

He's stalling. What the hell is his problem? Crash wondered.

"Come on man. You know you wanna see it again, under less crowded conditions." Crash said, nudging Kidman's arm.

He definitely has a point. Kidman thought.

"Oh what the hell, I'll do it." Kidman said, getting up and walking toward Eddie.

"Hey Eddie, ok if I join you for a minute?" Kidman asked the older man.

I'm awful popular with the younger crowd lately. Eddie thought.

"Sure take a seat." Eddie said.

Kidman sat fidgeting with a napkin.

How do I ask about it without sounding like a horny teenager? Kidman wondered, trying to come up with the words.

He wants the tape. Eddie realized with amusement.

"Well…" Kidman started. "Last night.. um Cena showed us a tape. Me and the guys wondered if we could borrow it when he brings it back."

Why wouldn't he just borrow it from Cena? Eddie wondered.

"Why ask me?" Eddie said.

"Because Cena wouldn't hand it over." Crash said from behind them.

"Crash what are you doing?" Kidman asked him. "I thought you wanted me to handle it?"

"I did but you were taking too long." Crash said.

"Whatever!" Eddie growled. "I'll decide once I get it back."

"Good." Crash said.

If it were just Kidman, I wouldn't have a problem. But that Crash kid is just too weird. Eddie thought.

Kidman got up and grabbed Crash's arm, dragging him away.

"You idiot, you might have just blown it." Kidman said, sounding aggravated.

"Why? If he won't share, Cena said Helms had a copy too. I'm sure he'll part with it." Crash said.

"And you know this because?" Kidman asked.

"Don't worry about it." Crash said.

Why does that make me worry even more? Kidman wondered.

*Pete*

Why the hell are hotel bedroom always so damn bright? Pete wondered, letting his eyes painfully adjust to the sunlight.

I wonder if Kane's gotten my message yet. He thought, getting up.

"I'm glad I caught myself before telling him about J.J. He'd only be angrier because I'd kept it from him. He'd definitely see it as betrayal." Pete muttered to himself.

If he does know, maybe he'll tell you. Then you can get this mess worked out. Pete thought hopefully.

I don't want him anymore upset with me than he already is. I have a bad feeling about tonight. If he does get hurt, none of the others will force the issue. But I will. Pete thought, knowing that if it came to that he'd be there no matter what.

*X-Pac*

I wonder just how mad Hunter will be about my little disappearing act? X-Pac wondered, as he pulled onto the highway.

I guess at the very least they'll be slow to respond when Kane's killing me. Hunter will make sure of it. But how late? That is the real question. X-Pac thought, as he drove.

Will they be so late that I'll end up in the hospital? It wouldn't take Kane very long to do that. X-Pac realized.

Is Kane still angry enough to do that? It's been months since I screwed him. Hopefully he's chilled somewhat about that. X-Pac thought, trying to be positive.

*Sandy/Roger*

Sandy had just finished the breakfast dishes when she heard knock.

"Roger could you get that?" She called out.

Thought he didn't answer, she heard him move. Then she heard a soft conversation being held.

"What is it babe?" Sandy asked, still wiping her hands as she walked toward him.

"It's from that Waltman kid." Roger said, setting two baskets of flowers on the bar.

"Flowers?" Sandy said with surprise.

"Yeah, looks like one is for us and the other for J.J." Roger said, sounding a little upset.

"It's an apology." Sandy said, reading the card.

"It doesn't matter does it, the boy should have come to apologize face to face." Roger said.

"He was afraid J.J. would be here and didn't want to upset her again." Sandy replied, handing Roger the card.

Roger growled softly as he read the card himself.

"His note to her said about the same thing." Sandy said, as she read it.

"Do the cards give any idea where he's staying?" Roger asked, looking at the back of the one he held.

"Nothing on this one. But I know he isn't staying at the Red Roof. I asked Randy about it last night." Sandy replied with a shrug.

"That actually does help. He didn't go toward the parking lot when he left. That means he had to be staying near by." Roger said.

"At the INN." Sandy said, finishing his thought.

"Do you want to go, or shall I?" Roger asked, knowing one of them would end up there.

"You know Darrel better, so it should probably be you." Sandy said smiling.

"You're right as usual." Roger laughed.

*Hercules*

How the hell did Undertaker find out I was supposed to go for Kane tonight? Hercules wondered, as he walked down the hall.

I never thought he'd find out, or even care if he did. After all he's done more to screw his little brother than everyone else put together. Hercules thought, going into his shared locker room.

Looking around for a moment, he soon found his partner.

I have to tell Earthquake what's going on. Hercules thought, not looking forward to the conversation.

"We have to drop the plans." He said.

What is this idiot talking about? Earthquake wondered, looking at the wild haired big man. Is he chickening out?

"Why? Did Hunter charge his mind?" Earthquake asked, hoping that he was wrong.

He's not going to like this. Hercules thought.

"No, Undertaker caught me a few minutes ago." Hercules started. "He wanted to talk about our plans for tonight."

What did he do to piss the Undertaker off? He should know better than attract that kind of attention. Earthquake thought.

"What does that matter? He doesn't give a shit about Kane." Earthquake said smiling.

He's really not seeing this. Hercules thought surprised. And they say I'm stupid.

"He does now." Hercules said, watching the smile disappear from Earthquake's face.

Undertaker suddenly cares about Kane. That can't be right. Earthquake thought.

"What?" He asked, not sure he'd heard correctly.

I guess I'll just have to spell it out. Hercules thought aggravated.

"Undertaker said that anyone who helps Hunter or attacks Kane deals with him." Hercules said, his expression a mixture of confusion and fear.

Hunter will kill us if we back out. Earthquake thought fearfully.

"But Hunter…" Earthquake said.

I don't know about him, but I think I'd rather face Hunter than deal with the Undertaker's ministry. Hercules thought.

"I think I'd rather face down DX than the Ministry." Hercules said. "You can go ahead if you want, but I'm out."

He's just going to back out, just like that! Earthquake thought, getting both angry and afraid.

"You can't do this to me Hercules. We had a plan." Earthquake replied angrily.

Can and will. Hercules thought. If you go for it anyway, it's on your head.

"You're on your own Quake." Hercules said turning away.

"I'm going to kick your ass for this." Earthquake said.

"You're welcome to try." Hercules said, walking out the door.

*Edge*

Wow, that was close. Edge thought, as the Undertaker turned and walked away.

Now to find out why Hercules looked so upset. Edge thought, moving to catch up with the big man.

I never thought I'd see the day. Edge thought, listening to Hercules and Earthquake talk.

Undertaker actually threatened Hercules and demanded that he change his plans. Edge thought, still shocked.

I mean we've gone after DX a few times on Kane's behalf. But that's usually more for us than for Kane. He remembered.

He's confusing me more and more every day. Edge thought, quickly moving away from the door.

It's a good thing Undertaker didn't' see me. He'd kill me for sure. He thought, going into the Ministry locker room.

Oh shit! Edge thought, stepping through the door.

*Kane*

Arriving at the arena, Kane sat outside and stared at the building.

What are you doing? It's just another arena, it's no different than any of the others you've been in. He told himself, trying to ignore the feeling that there was something special he should look for tonight.

Knock it off, the only thing you have to watch for is DX tricks. They probably have plenty planned for tonight. Just because it's a PPV doesn't mean they will only go for you in the ring. He reminded himself, getting out of his rental and heading inside.

I'm four hours early. I can't believe they are here already. Kane thought, seeing all the fans crowding the entrance seeking autographs.

He signed a few before he could get inside. Then he headed for his locker room.

That's not right. The door shouldn't be open. It should be locked. Kane thought warily.

It's got to be some kind of trick, but I'm not falling for it. Kane thought, stepping forward and kicking the door open.

When he did, he watched in shock as a bucket dropped dumping liquid on the floor. With some of it splashing up onto his legs.

GAS! He thought, as the stench reached his nose.

An instant later, there was a flash at the bottom of the door and the pool exploded into flame.

Then he was stumbling backward in shock, as the doorway was engulfed.

FIRE! SHIT! Kane thought, as the flash sent his heart to his throat.

He could feel it pounding there, as if it were trying to escape. His breath became trapped in his chest, the second the first wave of heat brushed against him. For a moment, he was again that little boy. He was trapped and helpless, as the flames melted the flesh from his body.

He could feel the scream building inside him, but he steeled himself and kept it at bay.

If I hadn't… that would have been me. Kane realized, his shock turning to vicious anger in a heartbeat.

Still clutching his bag, he spun toward the main hallway, only to see a crowd of people standing there.

"What did you do?" He heard from someone in that group.

It had to be Hunter, but trying to kill me is one hell of a way to pay me back for ruining his stupid date. Kane thought, staring into the flames for a second. He wants to play rough… he doesn't know the meaning of the word.

Kane didn't say a word. He just pushed his way through and toward the DX locker room.

I'm going to kill him. If he's smart and admits it, I'll make it fast. Kane thought, as he stormed down the hall.

Before he got far, Kane was surrounded by security.

What the hell is going on? What do they want? Kane thought, still not thinking clearly and surprised by their presence.

"Until we find out what happened, you aren't going anywhere." The Lead officer said.

No way… this is nuts. This time no one stops me. He thought, staring at them with a mixture of confusion and anger.

Kane moved as if to push through them.

"I wouldn't do that." He said. "We don't want to have to call the police and cause problems for Vince.

Like I care if Vince has a bad day. Kane thought his anger quickly erasing his confusion.

Then again, if I kill Hunter, he can't admit he did this. If that happens I'll definitely end up in prison for the arson at the very least. But more likely for Hunter' s murder. I'm not sure he's worth it. Kane thought, stopping and forcing himself to think clearly.

But he tried to burn me he needs to die! Kane thought, arguing against his better judgment.

Kane stood his ground, still breathing hard both with residual fear and rising anger.

*?*

That worked even better than I planned. He thought.

For a moment there I thought the fool had actually missed my 'signs' and walk right into the room. If he had he'd definitely have been screwed. He said to himself.

I'd have been really pissed if our little game had to end so soon. He thought maliciously, as he stood with the crowd watching Kane.

I'd love to know what is going through his mind right now. He thought, watching Kane stare into the flames.

*Roger/Darrel*

"Darrel, did you have a good time last night." Roger asked, as he walked into the Inn.

"Sure did. But I knew any party you and Sandy threw would be wild." Darrel said smiling.

"It wasn't supposed to be." Roger said returning his smile.

"Of course not." He replied with a short laugh. "Now I know that isn't the real reason you stopped by."

"You always do cut to the chase don't you?" Roger said. "But you're right. I was wondering if you had a Sean Waltman staying here."

"I did until this morning. If he hadn't left on his own, I planned on encouraging it." Darrel said.

"Why would you do that? With the Red Roof here now, you need the business." Roger said.

"I was there last night Roger. I saw your friend J.J. take off in tears. Then I saw you walk the guy out. I put two and two together." He said.

"So he left this morning." Roger asked.

"Yeah, but after he left I opened the guest book to sign him out and found something odd. I didn't think anything of it when he signed in, I just thought it was a nick name. But well maybe you should see it." Darrel said, turning the book to face Roger.

"X-Pac? What the hell is an X-Pac?" Roger asked.

"I have no idea." Darrel replied.

"You should ask some of the kids. Maybe he's with one of those bands they listen to." Darrel added.

"I just may do that." He said seriously. "I really appreciate what you were willing to do on our behalf. And of course for the information."

"You really want to know who he was don't you." Darrel asked.

"You know me. I always look out for my friends, and J.J. was a friend." Roger said.

"So she left too?" Darrel asked.

"Yeah, seems right after she left the bar. She didn't even say good bye or check out of the Red Roof." Roger said shaking his head. "Sandy was worried sick."

"I don't doubt it. Did she get in touch at all?" Darrel asked, worried about Sandy.

"Yeah, she called this morning." He said.

"I'll keep my ears open." Darrel said.

"Thanks, oh and hey Sandy said to get your ass over soon for dinner. Says you're getting too skinny." Roger said.

"Sure thing. You know if she weren't your wife I'd chase her myself." Darrel laughed as Roger walked away.

"I know." Roger laughed.

*Hunter/Vince*

"What do you want?" Vince snapped, as Hunter barged into his office.

"What are you going to do about that freak?" Hunter growled.

"Nothing." Vince replied, still looking through the papers on his desk.

"I don't mean today. I know he has a match. After the event how are you going to deal with him?" Hunter replied, restating the question.

"I'm not." Vince replied nonchalantly.

"Damn it Vince pay ATTENTION!" Hunter yelled, slamming his fist down on the desk.

"I heard every word Hunter." Vince said.

"He attacks me outside a bar with a two by four and you're going to do nothing!" Hunter said, his voice rising with every word.

"I know what really happened Hunter. If you don't back off everyone will." Vince said calmly.

"I'll get you for this." Hunter said.

"Make a move and I'll tell the world you were beaten up by a cocktail waitress. How Big was she anyway, five two?" Vince asked, standing up and glaring into Hunter eyes.

"Don't forget I could do the same to you." Hunter said, turning to go.

Without another word, Hunter stormed out of the office.

"Damn that felt good." Vince thought, sitting down.

*Outlaws/Tori*

We actually got a quite night, even with Tori here. Billy thought with amazement.

It had to be the way Jessie told her off. I've never seen him pissed like that before. When she started making demands and Jessie went off, I actually feared for her health. Billy thought, looking over at his sleeping partner.

I just hope she doesn't bitch to Hunter. He probably wouldn't be very happy about it. He thought. I thought I'd have to kill him when we first teamed up. His moving around and waking me up so this early used to dive me nuts. Jessie remembered, when he heard Billy get up.

But I've kinda gotten used to it. That is, when he isn't in one of his ball busting moods. When he's like that, he messes with me and I actually have to get out of bed to beat the hell out of him. Jessie thought, letting his mind wander.

"What the…" Jessie yelled, as his covers were suddenly yanked off.

"Rise and Shine Partner." Billy said loudly, standing there in just a towel and dancing out of reach and beginning to laugh.

"You are so DEAD!" Jessie shouted, jumping to his feet and tackling Billy.

"AAAA! What are you two doing." They heard Tori scream.

That's horrible. Two guys wrestling like that. Tori thought, grossed out by the display.

Her shout startled both men and they froze.

"I can't believe it, you two are acting like idiots." Tori shouted accusingly.

Now's my chance. Jessie thought, grabbing Billy's arm and flipping him onto his stomach.

"Jessie, damn it. MY TOWEL!" Billy yelled, trying to escape the hammer lock Jessie held.

That's even worse. If Billy wasn't face down he'd be completely… he'd be showing everything. I don't mind when it's with me… but the two of them? Gross. She thought.

"You two are disgusting. One in a towel and the other only in boxers. You should be more respectful when you room with a lady." Tori said in an angry tone.

"We are, WHEN we're around a lady." Billy said.

How can he say that? I'm a lady… I'm I'm. Tori thought her anger getting the better of her.

"Why you…" Tori began.

I can't believe she's this upset. Hell she's done almost all of the roster and some of the crew. She was doing Billy nearly the entire time she was with Kane. Jessie thought, remembering how many times he'd caught them together.

"Tori we're not showing you anything you haven't seen before…" Jessie said.

She's done a hell of a lot more than look. Billy thought, beginning to smile despite his current position.

"And licked." Billy added.

That's bad Billy. Don't aggravate her any more than she already is. Jessie thought.

"You've been with both of us." Jessie continued, trying to reason with the nearly hysterical blonde.

"At the same time." Billy muttered, again trying to get free.

They are so mean… I can't believe the things they say to me. Tori thought, beginning to turn on the tears.

"You… You… Ohh Jerks." She said, getting up and running into the bathroom.

"Quick Billy, think of another word for Jerks." Jessie said smiling.

"Asshole, dickheads, Cretins…" Billy said, starting to laugh.

"Ok, you're not as blonde as her. I was worried for a second." Jessie said laughing harder.

He's distracted. Billy thought, quickly moving and reversing the hold.

Tori came out a moment later, to see a naked Billy on his knees behind Jessie. Even as Jessie tried getting to his knees.

Oh no. Jessie thought, seeing the bathroom door open.

That's it… I can't stand it. Tori thought.

"AAAGGGHH." She yelled, retreating back into the bathroom and slamming the door.

"What's her problem?" Billy asked, knocking Jessie's free arm out from under him.

"Beats me." Jessie mumbled, with his face pressed against the floor.

"Or it could be that I'M the king of Doggie Style." Jessie said, lifting his head and beginning to laugh loudly.

Shit.. that had to look bad. Billy thought, immediately releasing Jessie and smacking him in the head.

"Why are you hitting me? You started it, I was minding my own business trying to sleep.." Jessie began, dodging when Billy threw a pillow.

*Undertaker/Edge*

Damn he knows. Edge thought, looking at Undertaker's expression.

The Boy is definitely up to something and it stops now! Undertaker thought, staring daggers at the young blonde.

I am totally screwed. Edge thought waiting for Undertaker's explosion.

"We will speak of this later. After your match." Undertaker growled.

That's even worse. If we talked now he might be less inclined to smack me around. Edge thought, as he tried to find his voice.

"Uhh, Yes Undertaker." He finally replied.

Without another word Undertaker moved away from the group.

I can't allow Edge's behavior to continue. His attitude would infect the others and that will not happen. Undertaker thought, taking one last look at Edge.

I guess his decision to wait could be a good thing. By then perhaps I can find some plausible reason to have disobeyed him. Edge thought hopefully.

*Roger/Sandy*

"Was he staying at the Inn?" Sandy asked, as Roger walked into the kitchen.

"Yes, he was . But for some reason when he first signed the book he used the name X-Pac. Then crossed it out and used Sean Waltman." Roger said, beginning to raid the refrigerator.

"X-Pac? What the hell kind of name is that?" Sandy wondered aloud.

"Same thing I said. Darrel thought it might be some rock group or something." Roger replied.

"Maybe we should hit the web and just do a search." Sandy said. "Then we should get an answer."

"If that's not just a nick name." Roger said. "We should look up Titan Sports too."

"That's right, he said they both worked there." Sandy said.

"Don't go getting any ideas. I don't want you getting any more involved than finding out what the connection is." Roger said, trying to stop trouble before it started. "I want you to promise me Sandy." He added.

"But Roger…" She began.

"NO but Roger… This time I'm putting my foot down." He interrupted her.

He doesn't usually make any demands. But when he does it's usually for good reason. Sandy thought, knowing that she owed him this.

"Ok, you have my word." Sandy said.

I wonder if she'll be able to keep it if we find out something about J.J.? Roger thought, looking closely at his wife.

*Kane/Vince*

I can't believe they'd hide me away like this. Hell, they even put a guard on the damn door. What do they think I'm going to do, burn down the arena? Kane wondered, pacing restlessly in the tiny locker room.

Hearing the door open, Kane spun around.

Oh, it's just Vince. Kane thought, not happy to see him.

Damn that really put him on edge. If he set it up it wouldn't have made him this jumpy. Vince realized, watching the big man.

For all I know he could have set me up. I wouldn't put it past him if he thought it would improve ratings. Kane decided, still staring at his employer.

He hasn't relaxed. Does he suspect me? That's nuts, if I'd done it there would have been cameras. Vince thought watching Kane. I almost wish I had thought of it so the whole thing would be on film. That would give me at least another share if not two.

"Did you start it?" Vince asked tired of the staring contest.

What is he an idiot? I'm going to set something up where I might be burned again? Kane thought, shaking his head emphatically NO.

"You know I'll find out if you're lying?" Vince said.

"Find them. Want blood." Kane said slowly and clearly using his amplifier.

Holy shit he really didn't do it. Vince thought after seeing Kane's reaction.

I will find out with or without your help Vince. Then I'll know who needs to die. Kane thought, still mostly convinced it was Hunter.

"Just in case I'm leaving you here. No one knows where you are." Vince said.

That way if someone is trying to kill him I can say I tried to protect him. Vince thought.

Asshole! Kane thought, turning his back on Vince and walking away.

Once he heard the door shut, he relaxed a bit.

A coward and an Asshole. Kane amended his earlier thought.

He pretends to be concerned about what happened, but he isn't. His only concerns are that he didn't have cameras there and that he might be blamed or made to pay damages. Kane thought angrily.

If he even thinks about making me pay damages, he's going to get it. Kane thought, shaking his head.

*Earthquake/Kane*

My match is up soon. Kane thought, beginning to stretch.

Turning his back on the door, Kane put his hands up on the wall. Then using the wall as an anchor point, he stretched the muscles in his back and shoulders.

Moving on to his legs, with his back still to the door. Kane began doing squats and lunges again using the wall for balance.

This is perfect. No one else knows where he is , so he definitely won't be getting any help. Earthquake thought, as he quietly turned the knob.

He's not even expecting trouble, this should be easy. Earthquake thought, looking through the partially open door and seeing Kane's back.

Someone is here. Kane thought, turning toward the door quickly.

He was just in time to realize that something big was heading his way.

What the…? Kane thought, when he was hit and knocked back into the wall.

The impact had knocked the breath out of Kane, leaving him stunned for a moment.

I just have to keep him off balance and he's mine. Earthquake thought, pulling back and slamming into Kane again.

Earthquake? Kane thought, when he recognized the rolls of fat pinning him against the wall.

Feeling Earthquake pull back, Kane took a deep breath preparing for the next impact.

Guess the new location is no secret. Kane thought. But Earthquake? I'd expect him to be working with someone.

It's working! Earthquake thought elatedly, as he drove his full weight back into Kane.

Grabbing Earthquake's fleshy arms, Kane pushed tossing him away.

His only skill is throwing his weight around. I'll just let him. Kane thought, watching the other man.

Earthquake reeled a bit, but managed to keep his feet.

"You fucking retard!" Earthquake yelled, as he charged Kane once again.

What an idiot. Kane thought slightly amused, both at Earthquake's comment and his already red face.

Kane stepped away from the wall as if to brace for the charge. Then just before contact, he moved aside.

"Shit!" Earthquake shouted , when he saw Kane move.

He tried to stop and failing that threw his arms up to protect his head.

Kane watched his attacker bounce off the wall and stagger backward.

I'll kill him for that. Earthquake thought, as he regained his balance.

Well if nothing else, I'll be warmed up for my match. Kane thought, as his opponent shook his head and turned to face him.

He's not leaving this room. Earthquake thought.

I have to be sure he doesn't really tire me out or damage me. I need to be able to handle DX when they come. Since I'm fighting X-Pac, I know they'll show up. Kane thought, already planning his next action.

Earthquake looked around the room searching for a weapon.

Shit nothing! He thought, noting the lone bench bolted to the floor and a couple of abused lockers.

If he's looking for something to use against me, he's nearly done. Kane thought, standing straighter and almost taunting his attacker.

Damn it! If Hercules hadn't bailed, Kane would already be out. But no he had to run out on me. Earthquake thought, watching Kane relax.

Come on you fat bastard. I still have to get warmed up. Kane thought, giving Earthquake a come on gesture.

Earthquake charged again, his hands outstretched to grab Kane. Again Kane managed to step aside. However this time he extended his foot and tripped his surprise guest.

Earthquake stumbled over Kane's foot and hit the wall head on.

Damn! Now what do I do with him? Kane wondered, looking down at the unconscious Earthquake.

I want him out of here but I don't want to deal with him or Vince over this. Kane thought with aggravation.

Finally with a sigh, Kane reached down and grabbed Earthquake's limp hand. Then making sure he had a good grip he pulled.

Moving him tired me out more than fighting him did. Kane thought, going back into the locker room.

Kane immediately began his stretches again. He'd barely finished when he heard a knock on the door.

"Ten minutes Kane." He heard from the other side.

I should have known this 'secret' room would be a typical 'Vince' secret. I bet most of the audience already knows by now. Kane thought, unable to suppress a smile as he walked toward gorilla position.