With meticulous care, Chris Jericho laced up his boots and began his usual, pre-match ritual

With meticulous care, Chris Jericho laced up his boots and began his usual, pre-match ritual. Tie the knot. Untie the knot. Re-tie it. Double knot it. He'd done this so many times now he didn't have to even think about it, which was just as well considering the state of mind he was in.

Once again, Vince had completely dropped him now that Rocky was back. Oh he wasn't surprised, he'd known all along that his time in Vance's good books would be short-lived but he hadn't expected it to be soon. He thought, well really it had all been hope, that he'd at least get a title-shot out of it; the McMahon's were famous for rewarding their favourites with those. But no, less then a week into being Vance's "buddy" the Rock had returned and he'd been dropped faster then a hot potato. Rocky had been given a shot at the WCW Title and everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Vince sent him after the WWF Title.

Life just wasn't fair. For once he'd had no obstacles in his way, yet he'd still managed to get screwed out of a title, except this time it wasn't even one he'd been in a match for.

"Jericho!!"

Great, all he needed; the arrival of Tweddle Dee, Tweddle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber collectively known to most as Team Xtreme, his tag-partners for the night against the oh so mighty Hurricane, Ivory, Storm and Raisin. Wow, it was going to be a really tough night.

"Hey Chris, you ready to go kick some Alliance ass?" questioned Jeff. Of course it would be him to say it, he still had that youthful optimism that Vance would see them and realise that they were ready to take on the big boys in the main event. Jeff Hardy a main-eventer? That almost made him laugh, if *he* couldn't break-through into the big boys league then Jeff didn't have a chance in hell.

Wait a minute, what was he thinking, these were his friends!! These three had stuck by him no matter. What the hell was he doing thinking of them like that? More to the point, what the hell was he doing considering doing that to them???

He allowed the others to lead him out of the dressing-room and along the corridors to where the entrance to the stage was. The other three were chattering away like anything, allowing their obvious excitement about going out to perform shine through.

For a second he questioned his judgement. But as he prepared to walk onto the stage, he saw someone. Immediately he knew what he was about to do was the right thing. Yes he felt bad about what it would do to the others, but one day they'd understand. Hell, they might soon even join him in his way of thinking; they too were getting screwed over by Vance all the time.

As he walked down to the ring, he finalised his decision. He was going to go through with it.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"1… 2… and a kick out by Ivory!!"

"Of course she kicked out!! Ivory is a member of the Alliance!! Did you really think she's go down that easily??"

"Lita tries again… but Ivory rakes her eyes and tags in Raven"

"Aren't you listening to me JR?"

"Lita tags in her boyfriend Matt Hardy and now these two competitors go at it"

"Oh fine!! Ignore me then!!"

"Tag to Jericho and now all three men on each team are in the ring, about to go at it…. Jeff Hardy launches himself at Raven and Matt starts to hammer Helms into the corner…. This leaves – OH MY GOD!!"

"Are you watching this JR!!! Your WWF guys are now fighting amongst themselves, Jericho has just started beating up Jeff Hardy!! And now Matt as well!!!"

"Folks, I can't believe this, powerbomb to Matt Hardy!!! And… and… Lionsault to Jeff!!! No, Lita, don't check on your boyfriend, stay as far away from that psychopath as possible!!"

"Oh she may have stayed away from Jericho all right but look at the punishment Ivory's giving out to her now!! That neck-breaker's left Lita just lying there!!!"

"My God, this is sick, why Jericho, why?? And now, Shane McMahon's entered the ring…. and is raising Jericho's arm??!! Why do I get the feeling he's behind this heinous attack Paul?"

"Because he was!! Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you the newest member of the Alliance, Chris Jericho!!"