AN- A little language in this one, not much though. Also, I have a little random question for you: Is Danielle coming off good, or is she too much of a bitch? Let me know, ok?

DECEMBER 1998

The rest of November, and part of December, went back to normal for Danielle. She kept doing her old job- plus the other odd ones- and didn't do anymore wrestling matches... for a while.

"I knew you couldn't resist me!" Danielle said with a grin and a laugh. She was in Vince McMahon's office, and he wanted to discuss the possibility of her doing a few more matches. "Have you asked The Godfather about it yet?"

Vince gave her a serious look and picked up a pen from his desk. "Your matches won't be with The Godfather." She raised her eyebrows at him, and he handed her a picture of Joanie Laurer, the best female wrestler in the business. She fought her own fights as Chyna, and she was a huge success. "As you know, Chyna's the best of the best right now. We want to give her some more believable competition."

"What exactly are you talking about? She could kick my ass- no problem. I wouldn't be much of a challenge to her." Danielle was speaking the truth- they both knew that Chyna had been working out and training for years.

Vince nodded. "That's true, as of right now. But, that can easily be changed." He paused and gave her a serious look. "The fans really took to you- especially your match with The Godfather. I've spoke to some people, and it's very possible for you to become a wrestler."

Danielle let out a shocked laugh. "You mean an actual wrestler? Not just one of those ditzy sidekicks? But, how? I have no experience!"

"Yes, your own wrestler. I don't think anyone would take you on as a sidekick." He laughed and leaned back in his chair casually. "We're going to train you, Danielle. It will definitely be a good investment... if we get your full cooperation."

"Why wouldn't I cooperate? I have nothing to lose here!" She couldn't believe what he was saying, it was like a dream. They were offering her an amazing job, and she could get that rush- like from her match with The Godfather- every week!

"There are certain... stipulations that I've added to your contract."

"Such as?" Danielle said, giving him a confused yet wary look.

"Well, for one, you've definitely got to do a lot of working out, and you'll need to go through the basic training. And, of course, you'll have to quit smoking." He saw her eyebrows raise and he gave her a serious look. "And, I mean completely quit."

She sighed. "C'mon, you can't be serious! I've been smoking since I was 16, and you expect me to suddenly quit?"

"It's unhealthy, it's disgusting, and you will quit if you want this opportunity." He gave her a serious look. "There are a million quitting plans out there, Danielle. I'm sure you'll have no problem."

What a choice, Danielle thought. Smoking or wrestling. My 7 year addictive habit, or a possible career in a very fun business. She looked at the wall, at all the posters of Vince's superstars. I wonder what my face would look like on one of those... She slowly smirked, this is such an easy choice. "Fine, no more smoking. Any other miracles you'd like me to do?"

He gave her another serious look and grinned, he knew she wouldn't like this next idem. "You've got to finish high school."

She froze. "Hell no."

"Just hear me out for a minute! It won't be that hard, you know you could do it." She rolled her eyes, and he leaned across the desk. "It shouldn't take you more than a few months if I set it up through correspondence, which I will do."

She looked at him in disbelief. "Let me get this straight- you want me to finish high school? Haven't you realized that I'm not that brilliant, and school was a bitch to me? I can do the training, smoking's no problem- but school?"

"Yes, school," Vince said in frustration. "It isn't that much to it. Just consider the possibilities!"

Danielle sat in silence. "There's always a downside, isn't there?"

"It's not a downside really. Are you agreeing to finish school?" He grinned at her, and she could see the creative wheels turning in his head.

"I'm not agreeing to anything until you tell me all the details." She tilted her head and gave him a confident grin. "So, how about telling me the rest of the details?"

Vince nodded and pulled come papers from a folder in his desk. My contract, she realized. Cool. He opened it to a page and started to skim over the paragraphs. "Okay. If you agree to this contract and do those three things- school, training, and no smoking- we'll get you a manager. We have to decide your image, your name, and just how we'll introduce you to the WWF fans. You aren't going to be known as one of The Godfather's hoes, maybe you'll be someone's cousin or sister." He was about to continue when she interrupted him.

"I don't want to be known as 'so and so's sister,' " she said bluntly. "I'll make my own way."

"Okay," he replied with a nod. "Sounds like a good idea." She was surprised- Vince was actually agreeing with her idea? "Your contract itself is very basic. It's only for one year, so far, and that's long enough to see if the fans will really take to you and if you're marketable. After that, we may put you on a longer contract."

"It sounds too good to be true."

"But, it's not, Danielle. It's very possible." He gathered up his papers and slid them back into his desk. "Just think about the opportunity you've been offered, that's all I ask. I'll get back to you later."

She nodded, and she already knew what her decision would be. She was going to agree, and she was going to be the best damn thing to ever enter the WWF. Just wait, she thought with a grin as she Mr. McMahon's office. Just you wait.

~~~~~

Vince handed her a paper, and she skimmed over it. "So," she said with a nod. "This is who I'm going to be." He nodded back, and she looked at him curiously. "I don't see any name. Don't I have one?"

"We still haven't thought of a good one yet," Shane explained.

Danielle was sitting in Vince's office again, weeks later, with him and Shane. They had actually started to create her persona, and were starting to get her training and high school started. She was in that room in awe- it was all coming together.

"We want to find something that really describes you. We might just use Cassidy, because it fits you very well and your persona is, basically, just you." Shane gave her a grin from his position, leaning against the wall in a dark business suit.

"Well, that's a relief. I don't know what I'd do if you made me into a little goody-goody ditz." She heard Vince chuckle and she rolled her eyes. "I know what you're thinking, and don't you dare!"

Shane laughed. "Rarr, Dani. Retract the claws!" She gave him a dirty look and then noticed Vince smiling out of the corner of her eye. She looked at him, and he grinned even more.

"I think you may be onto something, Shane. It would fit her perfectly." They both gave her a confused look, and he stood up and began pacing. "That cat comment, just think of how well it fits Danielle- and especially her persona. Something to do with cats, lions, tigers, all of them."

"We need something catchy too," Shane added. Danielle could see the look passed between them. This was turning into a McMahon brainstorming session. She sighed, and Shane gave her a grin. "How about something like Tigress?"

Danielle laughed and shook her head. "So lame, so very very lame."

"What are your ideas then, Dani?" he said, giving her a confident look. "Pussycat?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't even think about it, Shane." She glanced at Vince again, and he was being very quiet. He looked thoughtful. "What about you, Vince? Any thoughts?"

He turned and grinned at her. "Your persona is witty, untamable, a renegade. You listen to no one, and you say what you damn well please." Shane looked at him with raised eyebrows, and Vince's grin got even wider. "Your name is simply going to be Wildcat. It's perfect."

Slowly grinning, Danielle nodded. "I love it."

JANUARY 1999

Danielle hit her foot nervously, her leg bouncing with constant annoying taps. She was sitting behind the black curtain again, waiting for the current match to end and her's to begin. It still didn't sound right- HER match. She was set to wrestle Chyna, the current Women's Champion for her title. It was amazing how far she'd come in one short month.

Her arrival in the WWF had been great, better than anyone expected. It all started when Chyna had been in the ring, doing a 'wonderful' speech about a recent event. She'd been attacked from behind and was looking for revenge. Danielle had honestly never seen so much complaining before. That's when it all started. Her music had hit, confusing everyone, and she had come out.

Chyna was mad, to say the least, and Danielle had made an impression that everyone would remember. She's gotten into the ring, and given Chyna her arrogant grin.

"See this spot right here, right by my eye?" she said, and Chyna nodded slowly. "Well, there'd be a tear there if I cared!"

That had started Chyna fuming. "Who do you think you are, coming down here and interrupting me- with that kind of attitude?"

Danielle had grinned, and the fans warmed up to her immediately. She was new and they didn't know her, but she was competition for the champion- and they liked that. "I'm the Wildcat," Danielle said with a smirk. "And you and everyone here knows that this attitude is just what this company needs... for the Women's Champion."

She got an incredible dirty look- Chyna was a good actress- and she paced angrily around the ring. "You think you're the Women's Champion?" Chyna replied.

"No," Danielle said, and then they stood face to face. "But I should be, if you're the best competition the WWF has to offer." Chyna was shocked, and Danielle snickered- this was hilarious. "Now, are you going to stand there bitching all day, or are you gonna try and prove me wrong?"

In the end, Danielle had got what she wanted- a title shot. This was her ticket to becoming a real superstar, and all so fast. The match was scheduled for late in Raw Is War, and she'd just finished having a meeting with Vince and Joanie. They had been discussing the outcome and plan for the match, and they'd finally gotten to the most important thing.

"So," Joanie had asked, "Who's going to win? We have to find a way to keep the rivalry exciting."

Vince agreed and gave Danielle a smile. "The Wildcat is going to win."

Danielle froze. She gave him a shocked look and raised her eyebrows- was he insane? "What? I'm actually going to WIN this match? Do you have any connection to reality? Any at all?" Joanie actually laughed, and Danielle gave her an inquiring gaze. "What about you? Reality and you, and familiarity between you?"

"It's not that hard to believe, do you have any idea how much stronger and better you've gotten? You probably could win in a real life fight too." Joanie grinned at her, and then looked at Vince. "I've got to go get ready- is there anything else important?"

"No, you can go," Vince said, and she left. Then he nodded at Danielle. "She's right, you know. Everyone here is impressed at how much you've improved- and how quickly."

"Are you saying I couldn't kick ass before?" she said, laughing slightly.

Vince shook his head and stopped a chuckle. "Don't even get me started, you don't want my honest opinion," he teased. "Get out of here, go find something to do."

Danielle faked hurt, but laughed as she left the room. Vince was really a great man to work with- most of the time. I must be on his good side, Danielle thought, because I don't understand why people totally hate him. Disliking him, plotting revenge against him, that stuff I can see- but not hating him. She smiled and went to the dressing room, now fully concentrating on her match.

~~~~~

It's funny what you feel like at times like this. Danielle had just heard Chyna's music start, and she walked paced around the ring. She was trying to look confident and arrogant, even though she felt nervous. I can't believe this, she thought. I'm actually getting jitters- even though I know how this is all going to end.

Chyna had now entered the ring, and she too paced. Only her walk was angrier. Danielle glared back at her and gave her a crooked grin- bring it on, leather chick. She heard the bell ring, and their match began. Within minutes, Danielle was easily winning. She had Chyna lying in the middle of the ring, and she climbed onto the top of the turnbuckle. This was going to be a painful flip- her first one ever.

She flew off, and hit hard. Too hard, Chyna had moved... just like she was supposed to. Danielle stumbled to her feet, and Chyna attacked her from behind. Soon, Danielle was in the corner being repeatedly kicked and stomped. She slid down as Chyna climbed out of the ring- reaching up and dragging Danielle out with her.

Now Danielle could hear individual people yelling. One man, right behind her, was cheering her on. She fought back a smile- that made it all worth it.

Chyna gave her a violent shove, toward the metal stairs, but Danielle managed to miss them. She stood up and faced her, and the fans cheered a little louder. It was her turn now.

She caught Chyna and hit her head on the barrier and then rolled back into the ring- it was time to finish this match. Chyna came in after her, and Danielle gave her a sharp clothesline. She grinned as she pinned Chyna and heard the referee slam his hand onto the mat- three times. The fans went wild.

I'm the champion, she thought in disbelief, and her grin couldn't get any bigger. The referee gave her the title belt, and she stood on the turnbuckle and raised it high. It was all worth it, this was better than anything she'd ever felt. The smell of sweat, the taste of salt in her mouth, and the trickle of blood from her forehead- it was all made insignificant in that one moment.

~~~~~

Danielle couldn't count the number of congratulation she got backstage- she didn't even try. Hug after hg, some of them crushingly powerful and accompanied by pats on the back, and high fives. Vince had been waiting backstage with a wide smile, and he gave her a firm handshake.

"Excellent job, we all enjoyed it. I can see you'll be in the WWF for a long time."

That was the best thing she heard all night, and all she could do was smile and mumble a thank you. The next thing she heard was a squeal from Vince's daughter, Stephanie, as she pulled her into a hug.

"That match was awesome! You're the champion, way to go girl!" Stephanie shook Danielle's shoulder and pulled her into the bathroom. "We've got to get you cleaned up, tonight is celebration time!"

Surprisingly, Stephanie had become one of Danielle's closest friends over the last few months. To everyone else, they looked completely opposite and like they should hate each other- but they had found a lot in common. Stephanie was smart and easy to talk to, and she was a great party animal when the sun went down.

~~~~~

The music at the club was loud, the lights flashed in her eyes, and Danielle could still feel the floor trembling underneath her feet. Stephanie had volunteered to be the designated driver, and she had driven Danielle back to the hotel at about 3AM. Danielle had somehow gotten to her room and opened the door, and promptly passed out onto the bed.

Life had been a lot more hectic lately, and she had started the unhealthy habit of getting drunk to take her mind off things. It helped her release the extra tension, which she had a lot of lately. Vince had hired her a personal trainer, and she had been working out almost constantly. She had become a lot more fit, and she strength had dramatically increased, but she never knew the effects on her mental state would be this bad. Unfortunately for her, the back-breaking workouts had been the easiest thing she'd done lately.

Danielle had quit smoking immediately, and hadn't smoked once in the past month and a half. Not that she didn't want to, but she had made a promise and she was going to keep it. There was no way she was going to give up her WWF Women's Championship just for an addictive cigarette. but the cravings were unbelievably strong, and she had been feeling a lot more moody without them.

The hardest thing, for her, was the correspondence courses. She was trying to finish her grade twelve, and every step of the way was hard. Stephanie would only help her somewhat- she wanted Danielle to pass on her own- and Danielle was finding it difficult to get used to school again. It just didn't feel right. She had a lot to do in such a short time, and she didn't know if she could handle it.

~~~~~

"Dani... wake up, you drunken Canadian."

Those words cut through her sleep, bringing her back to the reality of a hangover- and that damn sunlight in her eyes. She squinted and let out a frustrated groan. It felt like she'd just went to sleep... and then had gotten hit by a truck.

Whoever woke her up shaded her eyes with one strong hand. Well, she thought dryly, at least I know Stephanie doesn't sound like a man today if it actually is a man. She slowly opened each eye and looked up, meeting familiar brown ones and a grin.

"Can you communicate- beyond grunts and groans?" Shane McMahon teased.

Danielle slowly- and somewhat painfully- propped herself up on an elbow and yawned. "Fuck. You. Morning. People." She gave him a dull, moody look and raised her eyebrows. "That good enough?"

Shane sighed and pushed her over slightly so he could sit on the edge of her bed. "You were drinking again, weren't you?" He was giving her that concerned look again, and she gave him a crooked grin.

"How'd you guess?"

"You smell like beer, you're contrary, and you look like shit." Shaking his head, he fluffed up her hair gently. "It's not worth it, you do know that. And it's a horrible habit."

"It's not a habit, and don't act like you've never gotten wasted." Danielle fell back down with a soft thump and stretched her arms above her head. Shane always had to do that, she really hated him telling her what to do. True, he didn't exactly TELL her, but he was always so concerned, and he made no secret of what he thought of her habits.

"It's a habit when you do it a few times a week," he said bluntly. "I do it too, but, Dani- you're taking it to the extreme." Danielle waited, she knew he was about to say it again. "I'm worried about you."

It made her feel so.. she didn't know what the word was. His concern was- almost- appreciated, but she hated when he was right. And when he was so sweet about it. She wasn't used to people caring that much about her- it wasn't what she grew up with- and here Shane was, doing it all the time.

An uncomfortable silence had settled onto them, and Shane reluctantly changed the subject. "Your match last night was great," he said, his smile coming back slightly. "How did it all feel?"

Danielle grinned. "It was... amazing. I've never felt that much of a rush before." This was a more subdued excitement that Danielle rarely showed- which meant it was a very big deal. "Did you hear all those fans? They're so loud, and they loved every minute of it. I even had people cheering me on!"

"Joanie and you put on one good fight, no wonder they were so impressed." Shane stood and walked toward the door, concealing his disappointment. "I'm looking forward to the next Raw."

She nodded and sighed as he touched the door knob. She wasn't usually very good with reading people's feelings, but his were coming through loud and clear. I can't stand it when he gets like this- so worried and disappointed- because of me. "Shane... I'll quit the drinking," she said to him. "Or do it less."

He turned and gave her a rare grin. "And the late nights?"

"Don't push your luck," she said, grinning and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Shane walked back to her and smirked. "I'm glad you changed your mind- I was already making plans for your every meeting to be on a Friday night." Danielle's mouth fell open, and he leaned his face down to her level. "And, before you ask, yes I would."

Looking up at him, those sarcastic blue eyes were only inches from his own. He couldn't resist- how could anyone?- and he moved a little closer to give her a lingering kiss on the cheek. He pulled back and looked at her with a half smile.

"Do you think I can do this, Shane?" she asked softly, and a piece of her rare insecurity shone through.

He brushed some hair- it felt so soft on his fingers- away from her face. "I know you can," he said softly. "As long as you keep yourself in good shape, I have no doubts."