Title: The Road Less Traveled (34/?)
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: In this chapter: Henry plots to kill Rio while Justin and Sven strive to save her. Shannon makes a startling revelation known.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
--------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Status quo on the first Rio stories. They're coming. I've gotten a few feedbacks on Shannon's behavior in the story. He is being pretty possessive. It will be explained why in later chapters. Also, I've heard about Jeff's behavior. I'd just like to take this opportunity to say that I don't know how Shannon or Jeff are in real life and I've never met either of them. (In fact, on the slim chance they ever read this: Please accept my apologies if you find this offensive.) This portrayal is fictional and not meant in any way to represent the real personalities of Shannon Moore or Jeff Hardy.
--------------------------------------
Henry smiled slyly at his new favorite as he walked into the office. He'd sent Phantom to gather more information on Rio's band of friends and the man had come back with some startling insight. Apparently the silver woman had become close with quite an assortment of WWE superstars, fitting very nicely into Henry's strategy of bringing more attention to his fight club. Many of the club competitors had expressed some surprise in their boss's decision to remain in the states for so long a period of time. They didn't know he'd planned it that way to capitalize on Vince McMahon's organization and garner a more broad audience base.
"She is with all of them right now," Phantom said without preamble. "I've seen her at the hotel with the younger Hardy, Shannon Moore and a guy who goes by the name of Test."
He contemplated Phantom's statement carefully, turning it over slowly in his mind. He knew it was too soon to do anything to Rio and her friends right now, as it might raise the WWE defenses earlier than he was prepared to deal with. It would also alert the silver fighter's senses and probably send her scurrying to the wrestling owner to warn him. Damned women can never keep their mouths shut. He'd be very happy when he was finally rid of this one.
"And which one is her paramour?" Henry asked disgustedly.
"At first I thought it would be Hardy, but it looks like the small blonde wrestler now," Phantom answered curving his mouth into a conniving little grin. "Shannon."
"Figures . . . a girl's name," Henry spat. "I'll bet she protects him at night. She fights like a man."
"So I've seen."
"Think you could take her?"
"I know I could," Phantom shot back. "But we both know how unfulfilling it is to be the Series Champion, don't we . . . boss?"
"That we do, my friend," he replied. "That we do. So, who do you think I should pit against her when it's time for her illustrious career to end?"
The dark man bowed his head in thought for a moment. "Well, Goliath knows what the champion's fate will inevitably be, so he's out."
Henry nodded his agreement. He wouldn't have minded sacrificing Gol for a minute if he thought he could get away with it, but the big fighter wasn't as stupid as he looked.
"I would opt for Sasquatch," Phantom offered. "He has been working with the single intent of coming back to demolish her and he has no idea what you do to your champions when you're through with them."
"But he was so ineffective against her the first time!" Henry protested. "Do you think the crowd will believe that win?"
"That was in another country and with a different audience," Phantom grinned evilly at his boss. "And Sasquatch hates her so much now he'll do anything you tell him to do to get rid of her. Goliath can teach him how to wield a knife in the ring."
"But do I dare use the poison on her? Fury's still unaccounted for."
"He cannot defeat her without it," the dark warrior pointed out. "And as for the former champion . . ." He reached into the pocket of his leather attire and pulled out a bloody silver pendant on an equally filthy chain and slapped it on the desk in front of Henry who looked at it in wonder.
"It's Fury's," Phantom confirmed. "I found it on the docks near the hospital he was staying in when he disappeared." He gave Henry another sadistic smile. "I think he lost it when he tried to escape your people. It's my belief he will wash up at some point."
"Very nice," Henry said astounded at the turn of events. "Very nice, indeed, my friend. You were the best idea I've had in some time."
"Thank you," Phantom's look was benign. "I aim to please."
--------------------------------------
"Tha' match was awesome!" Jeff exclaimed in Shannon and Rio's hotel room after the pay per view was over. "Didja see Matt suplex him?"
"I saw," Shannon said impatiently, knowing Jeff would probably hang around for as long as possible just to piss him off. He looked at his girlfriend in misery but she only smiled.
"He should be here soon," the blue haired Hardy went on, oblivious to the exchange. "He said he an' Ames were comin' ova fo' a while."
"Amy, too?" Rio frowned standing up from her perch on the edge of the bed. "I have never officially met her. Maybe I should go."
Shannon grasped her arm and pulled her back down beside him, earning him a malicious look from Jeff. He merely smiled at his friend in response as he caressed his girlfriend's arm. "Don'tcha think Matt's already 'xplained wha's goin' on t' 'er?"
She shrugged not looking up to meet his eyes. Shannon knew she was still quite timid around people she didn't know and it would take more than one meeting for her to feel comfortable around Amy.
"She already likes ya anyway," Jeff assured her, kneeling down beside her. "We talk aboutchew all th' time."
"Why?" she asked looking up at him, much to Shannon's eternal annoyance.
"Yeah, why?" Shannon added.
"'Sides Drew, who else can I talk aboutchew with?"
"Hey!" Andrew complained from the chair in front of the television. "I'm right here, you know!"
"I didn' mean anythin' bad by it, man," Jeff placated the large blonde. "I jus' meant tha' Amy an' I are close an' she knows about Rio, too, onna 'count o' Matt. S'only natural I talk aboutter wit' Ames."
Andrew raised an eyebrow in irritation and went back to watching his program. Shannon shook his head at the spectacle. It looked like it would be a while until he had his silver painted girlfriend to himself again. He took hold of her hand and entwined their fingers while Jeff remained crouched beside her. She focused all of her attention on their mutual friend, which only annoyed Shannon more. He intended to talk about that with her later.
"Why does she like me, though?" she asked Jeff, perplexed. "I am not used to having such a large fan base."
"Yo' ev'rythin' she strives t' be known as," Jeff explained, smiling warmly at her as he held her other hand. Shannon began to feel his face flush red in growing anger. "She was vera 'mpressed witchew when we all wenta see ya."
"That night was nothing special."
"Maybe notta you," he countered. "Bu' ta us, i' was."
"I wish I'd been there," Shannon groused. "I mighta been if some people didn' keep me in th' dark!"
Jeff looked up to send him a scathing look. "Ya weren' even in dangia then, Shanny," he returned. "Neitha Matt nor I even knew Rio at tha' point!"
"Sorry," Shannon answered chagrined. He'd forgotten about the little timing aspect of if. He felt Rio squeeze his hand and looked over at her. She was watching him carefully, no longer concentrating on Jeff. Shannon smiled, appeased for now. A knock sounded on the door, grabbing everyone's attention and Jeff reluctantly rose to answer it, leaving Shannon with the opportunity to slide closer to Rio and wrap his arms around her. When Jeff returned with Shane, Amy and Matt he scowled at his friend.
"Hey, kiddo!" Matt greeted Rio pulling her out of Shannon's arms and into a hug. Jeff laughed happily at Shannon's grimace.
"I heard you had another stellar performance," the small silver women said as she hugged him back.
"I like ta think so," he chuckled releasing her. He turned to the tall striking redhead next to him. "This is my girlfriend, Amy."
"Matt, we met, y'know," Amy joked, shaking Rio's hand.
"Yeah, but ya didn' really git ta say anythin' then."
"Oh right," Amy nodded. "Like thank you for saving my neck . . . literally."
"Do not be concerned about that," Rio waved it off modestly. "How are you feeling, by the way?"
"Should be back on schedule," the tall woman smiled.
"Good."
"Hey, no one's introduced me!" Shane growled and Shannon laughed at his green haired pal.
"Rio," Shannon began, "this is Shane. Shane, Rio. MY girlfriend." He stole a glance at a very pissed off Jeff who had stealthily snuck his arm around Rio's waist. She did nothing to extricate herself, though, but Shannon was no longer worried about her lack of action. He knew she'd still be here when Jeff left, and that put a small grin on his face.
--------------------------------------
Sven looked in on Todd one last time before heading to sleep. When he walked into the room he saw his mate already in bed waiting for him.
"How is his therapy progressing?" Justin queried.
"Much better than I had originally hoped it would be," the blonde replied changing into a pair of sweat pants and removing his shirt. "I suppose it helps that he was in such good physical condition when it happened."
"Do you think his attackers are still looking for him?"
"No," Sven said confidently. "I think they will believe he is dead since he has not resurfaced by now. They are not very smart anyway. If Henry thought he was still alive we would have a problem. But since he does not . . ." he trailed off smiling at his companion. "I do not think Todd needs to worry about being chased anymore as long as he is with us."
Justin was quiet for a long moment, apparently contemplating something troubling to him. Sven could only guess that it had to do with their young charge. Justin never said anything directly but Sven knew he'd grown very close to Rio. She was more family to either of them than any of their forgotten blood relatives.
"It reminds me of when she came to be with us," he finally said looking up at Sven sadly. "He has reacted in much the same manner as she did."
"That has not escaped me, my heart," Sven said turning off the light, getting under the covers and snuggling up to Justin. "Are you worried she will feel as if she's been replaced?"
"I had thought of that," Justin admitted. "I hope she does not think we would do that to her."
"She would not think that," Sven assured him. "She knows how we care for her."
"I hope that she does," the other man replied with a sigh. "I am truly worried about her welfare this time, Sven. Henry hates her so much and I know he is planning something to kill her."
"But we will be there to thwart his plans," the blonde said with confidence. "He will not take her away from us. I promise you."
--------------------------------------
"Ya ready fo' bed?" Shannon asked Rio, pouncing on her as she returned from washing the paint off her skin. She laughed at his eagerness, knowing Jeff's antics only served to goad Shannon into proving to her once again that she was his. Rio didn't mind anymore. She loved it when Shannon made love to her.
"Yes, I am," she answered letting him push her back onto the mattress and crawl on top of her. He looked down at her seriously before pressing a kiss to her lips.
"I love you," he said simply, looking deep into her mirrored glasses. A shudder went through her at the words. Her mouth fell open and she stilled immediately. "Ya don' hafta say anythin'" he smiled. "I jus' needed ta tell ya."
Then he took her lips in another of his soul-stealing kisses and she could only concentrate on his body as he took her.
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: In this chapter: Henry plots to kill Rio while Justin and Sven strive to save her. Shannon makes a startling revelation known.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
--------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Status quo on the first Rio stories. They're coming. I've gotten a few feedbacks on Shannon's behavior in the story. He is being pretty possessive. It will be explained why in later chapters. Also, I've heard about Jeff's behavior. I'd just like to take this opportunity to say that I don't know how Shannon or Jeff are in real life and I've never met either of them. (In fact, on the slim chance they ever read this: Please accept my apologies if you find this offensive.) This portrayal is fictional and not meant in any way to represent the real personalities of Shannon Moore or Jeff Hardy.
--------------------------------------
Henry smiled slyly at his new favorite as he walked into the office. He'd sent Phantom to gather more information on Rio's band of friends and the man had come back with some startling insight. Apparently the silver woman had become close with quite an assortment of WWE superstars, fitting very nicely into Henry's strategy of bringing more attention to his fight club. Many of the club competitors had expressed some surprise in their boss's decision to remain in the states for so long a period of time. They didn't know he'd planned it that way to capitalize on Vince McMahon's organization and garner a more broad audience base.
"She is with all of them right now," Phantom said without preamble. "I've seen her at the hotel with the younger Hardy, Shannon Moore and a guy who goes by the name of Test."
He contemplated Phantom's statement carefully, turning it over slowly in his mind. He knew it was too soon to do anything to Rio and her friends right now, as it might raise the WWE defenses earlier than he was prepared to deal with. It would also alert the silver fighter's senses and probably send her scurrying to the wrestling owner to warn him. Damned women can never keep their mouths shut. He'd be very happy when he was finally rid of this one.
"And which one is her paramour?" Henry asked disgustedly.
"At first I thought it would be Hardy, but it looks like the small blonde wrestler now," Phantom answered curving his mouth into a conniving little grin. "Shannon."
"Figures . . . a girl's name," Henry spat. "I'll bet she protects him at night. She fights like a man."
"So I've seen."
"Think you could take her?"
"I know I could," Phantom shot back. "But we both know how unfulfilling it is to be the Series Champion, don't we . . . boss?"
"That we do, my friend," he replied. "That we do. So, who do you think I should pit against her when it's time for her illustrious career to end?"
The dark man bowed his head in thought for a moment. "Well, Goliath knows what the champion's fate will inevitably be, so he's out."
Henry nodded his agreement. He wouldn't have minded sacrificing Gol for a minute if he thought he could get away with it, but the big fighter wasn't as stupid as he looked.
"I would opt for Sasquatch," Phantom offered. "He has been working with the single intent of coming back to demolish her and he has no idea what you do to your champions when you're through with them."
"But he was so ineffective against her the first time!" Henry protested. "Do you think the crowd will believe that win?"
"That was in another country and with a different audience," Phantom grinned evilly at his boss. "And Sasquatch hates her so much now he'll do anything you tell him to do to get rid of her. Goliath can teach him how to wield a knife in the ring."
"But do I dare use the poison on her? Fury's still unaccounted for."
"He cannot defeat her without it," the dark warrior pointed out. "And as for the former champion . . ." He reached into the pocket of his leather attire and pulled out a bloody silver pendant on an equally filthy chain and slapped it on the desk in front of Henry who looked at it in wonder.
"It's Fury's," Phantom confirmed. "I found it on the docks near the hospital he was staying in when he disappeared." He gave Henry another sadistic smile. "I think he lost it when he tried to escape your people. It's my belief he will wash up at some point."
"Very nice," Henry said astounded at the turn of events. "Very nice, indeed, my friend. You were the best idea I've had in some time."
"Thank you," Phantom's look was benign. "I aim to please."
--------------------------------------
"Tha' match was awesome!" Jeff exclaimed in Shannon and Rio's hotel room after the pay per view was over. "Didja see Matt suplex him?"
"I saw," Shannon said impatiently, knowing Jeff would probably hang around for as long as possible just to piss him off. He looked at his girlfriend in misery but she only smiled.
"He should be here soon," the blue haired Hardy went on, oblivious to the exchange. "He said he an' Ames were comin' ova fo' a while."
"Amy, too?" Rio frowned standing up from her perch on the edge of the bed. "I have never officially met her. Maybe I should go."
Shannon grasped her arm and pulled her back down beside him, earning him a malicious look from Jeff. He merely smiled at his friend in response as he caressed his girlfriend's arm. "Don'tcha think Matt's already 'xplained wha's goin' on t' 'er?"
She shrugged not looking up to meet his eyes. Shannon knew she was still quite timid around people she didn't know and it would take more than one meeting for her to feel comfortable around Amy.
"She already likes ya anyway," Jeff assured her, kneeling down beside her. "We talk aboutchew all th' time."
"Why?" she asked looking up at him, much to Shannon's eternal annoyance.
"Yeah, why?" Shannon added.
"'Sides Drew, who else can I talk aboutchew with?"
"Hey!" Andrew complained from the chair in front of the television. "I'm right here, you know!"
"I didn' mean anythin' bad by it, man," Jeff placated the large blonde. "I jus' meant tha' Amy an' I are close an' she knows about Rio, too, onna 'count o' Matt. S'only natural I talk aboutter wit' Ames."
Andrew raised an eyebrow in irritation and went back to watching his program. Shannon shook his head at the spectacle. It looked like it would be a while until he had his silver painted girlfriend to himself again. He took hold of her hand and entwined their fingers while Jeff remained crouched beside her. She focused all of her attention on their mutual friend, which only annoyed Shannon more. He intended to talk about that with her later.
"Why does she like me, though?" she asked Jeff, perplexed. "I am not used to having such a large fan base."
"Yo' ev'rythin' she strives t' be known as," Jeff explained, smiling warmly at her as he held her other hand. Shannon began to feel his face flush red in growing anger. "She was vera 'mpressed witchew when we all wenta see ya."
"That night was nothing special."
"Maybe notta you," he countered. "Bu' ta us, i' was."
"I wish I'd been there," Shannon groused. "I mighta been if some people didn' keep me in th' dark!"
Jeff looked up to send him a scathing look. "Ya weren' even in dangia then, Shanny," he returned. "Neitha Matt nor I even knew Rio at tha' point!"
"Sorry," Shannon answered chagrined. He'd forgotten about the little timing aspect of if. He felt Rio squeeze his hand and looked over at her. She was watching him carefully, no longer concentrating on Jeff. Shannon smiled, appeased for now. A knock sounded on the door, grabbing everyone's attention and Jeff reluctantly rose to answer it, leaving Shannon with the opportunity to slide closer to Rio and wrap his arms around her. When Jeff returned with Shane, Amy and Matt he scowled at his friend.
"Hey, kiddo!" Matt greeted Rio pulling her out of Shannon's arms and into a hug. Jeff laughed happily at Shannon's grimace.
"I heard you had another stellar performance," the small silver women said as she hugged him back.
"I like ta think so," he chuckled releasing her. He turned to the tall striking redhead next to him. "This is my girlfriend, Amy."
"Matt, we met, y'know," Amy joked, shaking Rio's hand.
"Yeah, but ya didn' really git ta say anythin' then."
"Oh right," Amy nodded. "Like thank you for saving my neck . . . literally."
"Do not be concerned about that," Rio waved it off modestly. "How are you feeling, by the way?"
"Should be back on schedule," the tall woman smiled.
"Good."
"Hey, no one's introduced me!" Shane growled and Shannon laughed at his green haired pal.
"Rio," Shannon began, "this is Shane. Shane, Rio. MY girlfriend." He stole a glance at a very pissed off Jeff who had stealthily snuck his arm around Rio's waist. She did nothing to extricate herself, though, but Shannon was no longer worried about her lack of action. He knew she'd still be here when Jeff left, and that put a small grin on his face.
--------------------------------------
Sven looked in on Todd one last time before heading to sleep. When he walked into the room he saw his mate already in bed waiting for him.
"How is his therapy progressing?" Justin queried.
"Much better than I had originally hoped it would be," the blonde replied changing into a pair of sweat pants and removing his shirt. "I suppose it helps that he was in such good physical condition when it happened."
"Do you think his attackers are still looking for him?"
"No," Sven said confidently. "I think they will believe he is dead since he has not resurfaced by now. They are not very smart anyway. If Henry thought he was still alive we would have a problem. But since he does not . . ." he trailed off smiling at his companion. "I do not think Todd needs to worry about being chased anymore as long as he is with us."
Justin was quiet for a long moment, apparently contemplating something troubling to him. Sven could only guess that it had to do with their young charge. Justin never said anything directly but Sven knew he'd grown very close to Rio. She was more family to either of them than any of their forgotten blood relatives.
"It reminds me of when she came to be with us," he finally said looking up at Sven sadly. "He has reacted in much the same manner as she did."
"That has not escaped me, my heart," Sven said turning off the light, getting under the covers and snuggling up to Justin. "Are you worried she will feel as if she's been replaced?"
"I had thought of that," Justin admitted. "I hope she does not think we would do that to her."
"She would not think that," Sven assured him. "She knows how we care for her."
"I hope that she does," the other man replied with a sigh. "I am truly worried about her welfare this time, Sven. Henry hates her so much and I know he is planning something to kill her."
"But we will be there to thwart his plans," the blonde said with confidence. "He will not take her away from us. I promise you."
--------------------------------------
"Ya ready fo' bed?" Shannon asked Rio, pouncing on her as she returned from washing the paint off her skin. She laughed at his eagerness, knowing Jeff's antics only served to goad Shannon into proving to her once again that she was his. Rio didn't mind anymore. She loved it when Shannon made love to her.
"Yes, I am," she answered letting him push her back onto the mattress and crawl on top of her. He looked down at her seriously before pressing a kiss to her lips.
"I love you," he said simply, looking deep into her mirrored glasses. A shudder went through her at the words. Her mouth fell open and she stilled immediately. "Ya don' hafta say anythin'" he smiled. "I jus' needed ta tell ya."
Then he took her lips in another of his soul-stealing kisses and she could only concentrate on his body as he took her.