You'll find that this is pretty much what happened at No Way Out 2003. Edge gets his ass whooped and benoit and Lesnar press on without him against Team angle. R&R plz

Chapter 12

Thoughts to be dealt with

"Are you sure she's ok?" Brock asked. Melanie nodded. It was Sunday night, more specifically, No Way Out. The pay per view was being broadcasted all over the world from Montreal, Quebec. Brock and Melanie were backstage as she finished telling Brock about the events of the night before.

"Doctor's say she's going to be fine, she just needs to stay there for a few more nights. Loosing a child…" Melanie whispered. Brock nodded.

"I can't even imagine, if this had happened to you…" Someone began knocking at the door. Melanie got up and opened it to find one of the backstage workers standing there. Melanie was startled for a moment. For a second, she thought she was looking at herself not long ago. The caller was a young woman, very petite and frail, not too much older than Melanie. Her hands trembled as she spoke.

"Umm, Ms. Halliwell? Mr. Eric Bischoff requests that you come to his office as soon as possible." She said. Melanie realized why she hadn't recognized her before…she was working for Raw, the other half of the WWE Empire. Melanie had never been on Raw before. She looked at Brock, who seemed as confused as she was.

"Uh, did he say why?" Melanie asked. The woman shook her head. Melanie sighed and headed back inside the room.

"You go ahead and discuss your game plan with Edge, I'll catch up with you later." Mel said. She kissed him goodbye and followed the woman to Eric Bischoff's office, the general manager of Raw.

"I'm gonna prepare you for tonight. As you may or may not realize, we're not in America." Kurt said. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin were listening closely as Kurt spoke. Their match for the night was Team Angle versus Chris Benoit, Edge and Brock Lesnar. Kurt continued.

"Canada doesn't have their own Olympic hero…at least not one worth mentioning. So when we get out there they might chant 'you suck.'" Kurt warned. Shelton glanced at Charlie, who shrugged.

"But, they're just chanting that cause they're jealous. We're teaming up for the first time. I'll be damned if we loose to two Kunucks and a walking gorilla." Kurt said. Edge and Benoit were natives of Canada and as Kurt spoke, a flood of jeers filled the arena.

"But I know that this is your first real match. I have an idea that will give us and early advantage." Kurt whispered. The three men huddled as Kurt whispered his plan of action.

"You wanted to see me Bischoff?" Melanie asked as she entered the room. It wasn't too much different than the Smackdown GM's office, with the exception of the fact that hanging over Bischoff's desk, was a large portrait of himself.

"Hey Mel…can I call you Mel?" He said grinning. Melanie sat down slowly.

"No, you can call me Ms. Halliwell. After all, we are in competition…right?" She asked. Eric shrugged.

"Whatever floats your cute little boat. So how is it on the 'Smackdown' side of things?" he asked. Melanie rolled her eyes.

"You clearly didn't ask me here to make small talk, so why don't you get to the point…what do you want?" She challenged. Bischoff's smile disappeared as he took out a portfolio with Melanie's name on it. He read it out loud.

"Melanie Jean Halliwell, born April 2, 1978 in New Jersey. Your mother, Mrs. Selena Halliwell, father Mr. Cole…hmm I see your mother wanted to keep her maiden name…" Melanie stopped him.

"You know an awful lot about me for someone that doesn't have anything to do with me." She said. "I'm sure you're trying to prove a point, so please do so quickly. I have matters to attend to." Bischoff slammed the folder shut and folded his hands together.

"You're a woman that knows what she wants…I like that. Ok, you want a point? Here it is. You have many talents Ms. Halliwell. Would you ever consider wrestling as one of them?" He said. Melanie shrugged.

"I'm not a wrestler, but I can defend myself…if that's what you're asking." She said plainly. Eric's toothy grin returned as he leaned forward.

"How would you like to change that? Hmm? Melanie, I am offering you an opportunity to work for the leading brand in sports entertainment…with a wrestling contract." He said. Bischoff saw the shocked look on her face, and continued.

"What this means Melanie, is that with a little training, you can participate on the active Raw roster in the women's division. Think of it, you can compete against some of the most popular female athletes today, such as… Trish Stratus, Stacy Keibler, Molly Holly, and our Women's champion…Victoria." He said excitedly. Melanie took a deep breath. This was a lot to take in at once.

"Eric," She began, "although your offer is very generous, I'd rather stay on Smackdown and do my job. Stephanie and I are…" The GM cut her off.

"I know, I know. You two are close. But that's the beauty of my offer. Thursday nights, you can do your thing, you know, the manager and the GM thing. Then on Monday nights, you can take out your frustrations on our superstars. You could be Women's champion Melanie." He accentuated. Melanie sighed.

" I really don't see how that's gonna work Eric, how can I play both sides? We're in competition. Raw and Smackdown… it's a wrestling civil war." She said. Eric nodded.

"I already spoke to Stephanie a few months ago… you have the potential to be a productive employee of this company. Whether Raw wins or Smackdown looses…" Melanie thought about what he just said and rolled her eyes. " All that matters is what the fans want. And they want you to show some of that 'ruthless aggression." Melanie nodded and got up.

"I'll think about it."

Melanie walked into Edge's locker room to find that neither him, nor Brock were there. Suddenly, the sound of chaos filled the hallways. She began searching the building for the two men until she came across a large crowd of people standing around a mangled body on the floor. It was Edge.

"Oh my God, he's not moving… Brock! Brock…what happened? "Melanie asked. She had to push through the large crowd to get to Edge. Chris Benoit stepped towards Melanie.

"We're not sure…"

"Edge was attacked. Bet it was Kurt and his fucking posse." Brock said angrily. Stephanie came up behind Melanie with her cell in her hand.

"The EMT's are on their way. Brock…I'm sorry, but you don't have a partner for tonight. I'll have to call off the…" She started. Brock shook his head.

"No. No way. This'll just have to be a handicapped match. Kurt's gonna pay." Brock looked at Chris Benoit. "You up to it Chris?" Benoit nodded.

"You've made your decision. Go, your match is next. Mel and me will stay here with Edge. Is that ok with you Mel?" Stephanie asked. Melanie thought for a moment. She was always at ringside for all of Brock's major matches. Brock interrupted her thoughts.

"It's fine, we'll be fine. I'll see you after." He kissed her forehead. "I love you baby." Brock turned and walked away with Benoit at his heels. Melanie stood beside Stephanie, who was trying to maintain order in the hallway.

"See you."

DUN DUN DUN !