Chapter 54:

The weeks leading up to Unforgiven were a complete roller-coaster ride for the members of Monday Night Raw. John Cena was once again out on the injured list due to a herniated disk in his neck that occurred during his match against Batista at Summerslam. Shawn Michaels had challenged Jericho to an anything goes competition, and Kane, Rey Mysterio, Batista, JBL and CM punk would compete in the first ever Championship scramble match. The biggest scandal behind that would be whether or not Rey Mysterio, who replaced John Cena, would be there since it had been discovered that Kane was behind the phenomenal high flyer's disappearance.

For Haley, Unforgiven symbolized exactly how she felt about the two women she'd be facing. Eve Torres had been traded to Monday Night Raw in exchange for Jillian Hall. And that was only one reason for her meeting with Adamle back at Summerslam. The Latina Diva had convinced the Raw General Manager to invoke a match that hadn't been used in a couple years, this time with a tag team twist to balance out Eve's still developing wrestling skills. And once she learned of Eve's plans for Haley, Mickie James had been more than willing to offer her services, still bitter that she had lost the Championship she had stolen from Haley at Summerslam.

So at Unforgiven, Eve Torres and Mickie James would take on Haley and Kelly Kelly in a 'Love Him or Leave Him' match for Dave Batista. If Haley's team won, Eve would be sent back to SmackDown. If Eve's team won, the Diva Search winner would be appointed as Batista's valet, banishing Haley from ringside during his matches and limiting her use of him as a tag team partner in any mixed or inter-gender contests. To say that Haley and Dave were furious would be an understatement and that fact had Mike Adamle avoiding them both.

"Haley!" CM Punk's eyes were slightly panicked as he tore after the brunette Diva one week before Unforgiven.

Haley who had been on her way to the Gorilla position for her preparatory match, paused to wait for the current World Champion. "What's wrong, Punk?"

"Kelly and Beth just got into a fight a little while ago." The Straight-Edge superstar panted, having run all over the entire backstage to track her down. "Beth really bruised Kelly's ribs and the trainer's want her to take the next week off."

"What?" Haley exclaimed, thoroughly alarmed. "But we're supposed to face Beth and Katie Lea next! And what about Unforgiven?"

Punk shook his head sadly. "The trainer's are adamant about it, Hales, I'm sorry. Kelly's not happy about it either, but they won't let her risk further damage. It looks like you're going to have to go at this on your own. I wish there was something I can do to help, but I'm coming up blank."

"Great." Haley huffed out an exasperated breath. "I freaking hate Mike Adamle! He keeps trying to screw me over! There are no other Divas on this roster that I'm friends with, at least that aren't out on injury. I'm freaking screwed!" With one last worried look at Punk, Haley continued to the Gorilla, wondering just what she was going to do.


Haley made her way to the ring with a fairly loud pop from the fans, who had been on her side from the moment Eve Torres revealed her true intentions. Beth and Katie were already in the ring waiting for her, the former smirking broadly. The Glamazon was obviously pleased with her actions against Kelly earlier. She shifted the title more firmly on her shoulder, as Haley entered the ring.

"And her tag team partner…" Lilian said once Gavin DeGraw faded into silence. She looked to the titantron where Kelly should have been making her entrance.

"It's a handicap match, Lil." Haley shook her head as she corrected the ring announcer. "Beth made sure of that earlier." Her eyes narrowed at the Glamazon.

"What I did to Kelly proved just why I'm the Women's Champion, Haley." Beth stated arrogantly. "You see, there is no who can match my power. And there is no one that can match my incredible beauty…" She trailed off as pink, red and white strobe lights began to flash through the arena.

Ooh, let me show you what love is

Let me show you how to move your body

Move your body, move your, move your

Beth's expression went slack with shock and horror as the familiar techno theme rocked through the airwaves. Meanwhile, Haley whirled in the direction of the stage, her expression one of hope as she too recognized the music better than anyone else had.

Dressed in black, the Candi-coated Diva came into view, her arms held out to the sides as though she were embracing the crowd. Then she reached to the center of her chest and ripped open her top layer in a trademark move that was specifically hers, revealing the black bra top underneath. The crowd received her with surprised and welcoming cheers.

"And making her return to the WWE from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Candice Michelle!" Even Lilian's voice took a tone of excitement and shock as Candice started down the ramp, exchanging high fives with the fans.

"Eek!" Haley giggled and staggered once Candice entered the ring and the two women embraced. "You're back! Oh my God, how come you didn't tell me?"

"Cause that would ruin the surprise." Candice laughed and pulled back from her best friend to glare at Beth. "I'm back, you bitch. And this time I'm sticking around."

"I'm just going to send you right back out again, Candice." Beth snarled. "You're nothing but a wannabe Diva, to fragile to make it in this business."

"We'll see about that." Candice squeezed Haley's shoulders affectionately. "You start, just let me finish it."

Haley nodded. "As long as I get the same for Unforgiven."

"Deal!" Candice agreed with a laugh.

Once the bell rang to signal the start of the match, Haley and Katie Lea locked up in the center of the ring. They grappled there for a moment, before Haley got the upper hand and sent Katie into the ropes off an Irish whip.

On Katie's return, Haley leapt vertically into a standing dropkick, taking the wind right out of the Chelsea native's sails. Katie drowsily got back to her feet, and Haley drove a knee into her sternum, before putting her into a side headlock. She pushed herself into a run, taking Katie with her, and drilling the British woman into the mat off a running bulldog.

"Yeah Haley!" Candice cheered. "That's the way!"

"Katie, get up!" Beth growled. "This is pathetic."

"Remember who kicked your ass at Wrestlemania, Beth!" Haley snapped, as she hauled Katie back up to her feet. "I wouldn't be talking if I were you. It's only a matter of time before I do it again."

Katie took advantage of Haley's trash talking by flipping her in a snapmare take over before hastily tagging in Beth for a much-needed breather.

"CANDY! CANDY! CANDY!" The chants rose from the crowd as soon as Beth came through the ropes. They wanted to see this old feud restored.

"Haley, tag!" Candice leaned impatiently over the ropes, her palm outstretched as far as she could reach, thoughts of revenge glittered in her eyes.

Haley kicked upwards into Beth abdomen when the Glamazon reached for her. She flipped agilely to her feet in a Shawn Michaels like maneuver, before she crossed to where Candice stood. "Go get 'em Tiger!" She encouraged, giving Candice the tag she wanted.

Candice erupted into the ring like a shark tasting blood. She unleashed a set of deadly kicks to the back of Beth's knees before jumping up and locking her legs around Beth's neck in a headscissors takedown. Candice then pounced on her fallen form, using her fists to inflict damage in a barely controlled frenzy.

Beth rose to her feet and Irish whipped Candice into the corner turnbuckle. Candice simply scaled to the second one, leapt over Beth's head and slammed the Glamazon into the canvas on the landing. "Yeah!" She shouted, standing up to finish her off.

Candice looked across the ring to her best friend, fear flickering briefly in her eyes, before turning back towards the turnbuckle. "Keep the Faith!" She cried.

It took only a moment for Haley to realize what her friend's intentions were and she felt a surge of pride. She ignored the referee's protests and entered the ring, charging at Katie Lea to knock her off the apron.

Free from distractions, Candice balanced precariously on the top turnbuckle, echoing how she had been injured the first time. But instead of falling and breaking her clavicle, she flew at Beth in an elegant cross-body, this time executing her move perfectly.

And even when Beth superior strength allowed her to roll through and lift Candice into what would have been a Samoan drop. Candice never said die. Using leverage, she brought Beth's shoulders down to the mat with a crucifix cradle.

"One…two…three!" The referee shouted. "Ring the bell!"

Beth broke free of the hold. Furious, she turned to attack Candice, but Haley had been standing by, ready with a dropkick to knock Beth out through the ropes.

"Here are your winners, Haley Mariano and Candice Michelle!"

Tears of joy streamed down Candice's pretty face. "I did it!" She flung her arms around Haley to celebrate. "I'm really back and I just beat Beth Phoenix!"

Haley laughed, pulling back enough to raise both their arms in triumph. "Hell yeah, you did. Welcome back, Candice, we missed you!"


A/N: Okay, so Eve may have turned into a mega-bitch that needs a serious ass kicking, but hey, Candice is back! I heart her so much and was thrilled when she came out as the third Diva to partner Kelly and Mickie that night. I hope in the near future she gets another title run, after Melina of course. Candice has improved so much since she started that I'm so proud of her, keep the faith Candy!

Anyway, up next…Haley, Rey and Dave have a friendly locker room moment backstage at Unforgiven, Randy wishes Haley luck as Haley and Candice prepare to take on Micke and Eve in a Love Him or Leave Him match at Unforgiven.

I'm trying to be super updater tonight, so I don't have time to give individual responses for last chapter, sorry guys, but I'll have them for this chapter if you review.

But I do have time for shout-outs! Jenny, Charlotte, Asher02 (welcome back!), iNdy MiLk, Nic-002001, Aaron W, Jewelgirl04 (I know, I'll be online soon lol), Thatgirl54, Andria (playboy maybe, idk and yes they're in a club), FrequentlyDazzled619, dreamin'BIG, , I luv Drama and Jeff Hardy, PsYcHoRoAcH (I'll think of some and let you know soon), vjsimpact, CenaCandiceFan4Life (have I mentioned that I love your penname lol)

I love you all and I promise a new chapter tomorrow too, because I feel like spoiling you, my lovely readers!