Disclaimer: I disclaim
Spoilers/Summary: See first chapter.
Notes: I'm altering the plot… a lot, but just trust me on this, it'll work out…to be a little more whacky and fun... I'll cover it all in this chapter, but if you have any questions…ask. It will still be a long and drawn out story, just with a lot of changes. I'm sorry for not updating in awhile.. Just lost my creative direction…and if you don't know who Hans and Franz are…look up Saturday Night Live. Oh and some people will seem OOC (or maybe not, because we don't really know them do we?) and I'm making Randy the same age as John.. That's it…enjoy the chapter.
-x-x-x-
Following the previous night's activities, it was safe to say that everyone just wanted to spend the day at their leisure before boarding the cruise ship. But, they knew that couldn't be since Eric Bischoff had given them their morning's instructions last night before the dance lessons. Still, they hoped that for once, they would have some time to just take it easy but.. That just wasn't to be. Even with Bischoff's instructions, the group of superstars were woken up earlier than they had expected…the front desk informing them that they had to be at a meeting with Mr. Bischoff and Mr. McMahon in the hotel's restaurant no later than 8:00. That news, in itself, caused some questioning since Mr. McMahon hadn't even come with them to Miami. But, since it was already going on 7:30, there really wasn't anything they could do…except get dressed and meet their supervisor and the Boss downstairs as asked. Not that they were going willingly, nor where they all in the best of moods when they met up in the hallway. For starters, they had all gotten back to the hotel shortly after 1:00 a.m. despite leaving the dance club before 11:30. They would have gotten back to the hotel before midnight, if it hadn't been for the complaints and requests from a few of the Diva's that they please find some place to get ice cream.. Why they wanted ice cream at that hour, none of them were entirely sure but…if it meant that they would stop whining, the guys were quick to give in.. the subsequent trip for ice cream turned into a search for a late night snack for everyone…especially those who had not had the privileges of being fed gourmet food earlier..
Chris yawned broadly, leaning against the wall.. "I really hope they're paying for breakfast.."
Dawn rolled her eyes, the brunette standing opposite the blonde man. "Is food all you think about? I want to go back to bed, it's too early to even think about a meeting with Bischoff and McMahon."
Victoria blinked before yawning, "I'd like to know why McMahon is here.. I thought Bischoff was the only supervisor.."
Torrie half nodded, "we'll find out when we get downstairs I guess.." The pretty blonde tucked a few strands of hair behind her ears, "where is everyone else?"
Dawn scowled at one of the doors, "still sleeping. I heard Li and Trish talking about something, but I'm not sure when they actually went to sleep."
Chris opened his mouth to reply to that, when one of the doors near him opened.. Rey stumbling out shortly after. "There's one accounted for.."
"And another three.." Torrie commented as Christian, Eddie and Hunter joined the group. "Good morning guys!"
Christian blinked, raking a hand through his still damp hair. "How can you be that awake? Did you have coffee or something?"
Hunter grumbled under his breath, the man crossing his arms over his chest before leaning against the wall. "Why are we still standing here? We have to be downstairs in ten minutes."
Dawn thumbed to the doors on either side of her, "we're waiting on Trish, Li.. And I believe, Randy and John.. As you can see, everyone else is here."
"Whatever," the Game waved it off without a care, "they can find their way down to the restaurant just fine. If we're meeting with Bischoff and McMahon, it's not in our best interest to be late."
Dawn was just opening her mouth to reply to that, only to shut it when the doors to her left opened. Trish and Lita, making their way into the hallway.
"Good morning," Trish quipped with a smile, she and Lita soon taking a spot on the wall. "Anyone have any idea about this meeting?"
"As much as you, Captain Perky.." Chris raised an eyebrow at the two Diva's, "how are the two of you so awake…especially when you," he nodded specifically to the redhead, "aren't really known for being a morning person?"
Lita half shrugged, tugging her damp locks into a makeshift bun. "Maybe because we didn't get any sleep?"
Victoria eyed the two skeptically, "you mean to tell me that you two didn't sleep at all? Li…Trish… we have a full day ahead of us."
Trish shrugged, "well.. We got about an hour of sleep I think, but.. That just woke us up even more.. And did you know? The pool is open 24 hours, though.. It's really cold at--"
"3:00 in the morning," Lita supplied without missing a beat, "thank goodness for the whirlpool though…and 24 hour room service. Not to mention that the front desk actually has board games and video game consoles, but they said it's mostly for families.."
Dawn pinched the bridge of her nose, "that's nice…really, thank you both for sharing that oh so pertinent information. But, Vicki had a point. We have a full day ahead of us, including a cruise…the camera crews are following us around to day, which means you should have gotten a full nights rest."
Trish held up her hands in defense, "if you want to go all…over protective, lecture mommy on us.. We weren't the only ones awake until…now." Nodding casually to two doors across the hall, she went on: "they just happened to leave--"
Lita elbowed the blonde woman in the side, "Trish.. Hon, I think they can figure it out."
Dawn crossed her arms over her middle, "so the four of you were up all night and they just went back to their rooms now?"
Lita nodded in confirmation, "yeah.. It's not like we could share the showers or something.. Plus, I don't think my clothes or Trish's for that matter, would really fit John or Randy."
"You mean Hans and Franz, "Trish reminded with a snicker, then frowned suddenly. "It's too bad we didn't have a camera.."
Victoria could only shake her head, "you know.. If not for the fact that we're meeting with Bischoff and McMahon…and that we have to be there soon? I'd start asking for details… and a lot of them."
"Finally, someone else with some common sense." Hunter pushed off from the wall, "we have to be there in about…two minutes. So, unless you all feel like getting in trouble with the bosses? I suggest we leave."
Chris made a mock bow, "lead the way oh wise one.."
Hunter smiled, "now you understand.. If you all bowed down and worshipped me? Everything would be a lot easier."
Just as the group was making to leave, John and Randy finally appeared in the hallway.. But, since they had to be at the restaurant to meet with Bischoff and McMahon…all questions were filed away for later.
-x-x-x-
Given the number of people gathering at the elevators, the group split between the two.. Victoria entering one elevator before Dawn had the chance, pushing the close door button just as Dawn was trying to enter. Of course, that action didn't really sit well with the brunette, but it did warrant small sighs of relief from Trish and Lita.. That was until, Victoria turned questioning eyes on them both, that same questioning gaze flicking to Randy and John. But, the two Diva's in question decided to feign ignorance…or innocence… informing Victoria that there really was nothing to tell. And when the dark haired Diva tried to question John and Randy, they took the same route as their female counterparts. In turn, Victoria threatened to lock them all in a room with Dawn…that threat falling on deaf ears as the elevator reached the lobby. That spared the four from any further questioning as they fell into the apparent line behind Triple H.. the blonde man apparently leading the way to the restaurant. And just as they expected, Mr. McMahon and Bischoff were already present, the two men occupying either end of a large table. They both stood when the group of superstars approached, indicating with a mere gesture for them to take a seat.
Mr. McMahon cleared his throat, "next time… why don't we try to be a little more punctual, hmm?" He sat back down, nodding to the envelopes on top of each plate. "I am here to inform you all, that the itinerary and the objectives of this tour have changed."
Chris raised an eyebrow, "why couldn't you just… cancel?"
The Chairman arched an eyebrow, "because.. Everything has already been paid for. The crew has already been hired for this tour. To cancel it now, would be a loss of money."
Chris cringed slightly at the look in the boss's eyes, "sorry.. I was just asking a question.."
Vince merely gestured to the envelopes, "enclosed are your new itineraries and revised scripts. The stops along the way have increased, previously planned time at some stops have decreased. Photo will remain the same, while on camera time for everyone has increased.. And, instead of just one group doing a stunt or two…it will include all of you."
Torrie cleared her throat, "excuse me sir? Maybe if you could just tell us exactly what's happening? Then we won't have as many questions later.."
In turn, Vince motioned for Eric to take over.. The Chairman taking a healthy sip of the mimosa beside his plate.
"Why don't we start with initial changes.." Eric put on his reading glasses, holding the master script of sorts in front of him, "the first four days of your trip have not changed.. you will be boarding the cruise ship this afternoon and heading to the Atlantis resort.. Your itinerary, however, has been modified.." Smiling, the acting supervisor glanced down the table. "You all will now be participating in Mr. McMahon's greatest hunt.. A combination of a scavenger hunt and the search for the 'lost treasure' of Vincent Kennedy McMahon."
Hunter cocked an eyebrow, "can you explain what exactly we're searching for?"
Bischoff nodded shortly, thumbing through the script…stopping after a minute or two. "Ahh.. The scavenger hunt is threefold.. One group will be in charge of picture taking, one group will collect postcards and the other group will collect key chains or shot glasses depending on the location."
Eddie sent a questioning look between Vince and Eric, "and what's the lost treasure about?"
"That's why it's a lost treasure.." Eric explained simply, "along with the scavenger hunt, there is a list of tasks that you must complete at each location. The point of these tasks is to earn a stamp for your 'passport' which I hold. If you do not complete all tasks, you will fail your mission."
"And we'd get to go home.."
"Wrong," Vince was quick to correct Hunter, "you start back at the beginning."
Trish pressed her lips into a thin line, "and what about the photo shoots?"
Eric shrugged casually, "that's part of your tasks.. I have the detailed list of course, but.. You can expect for your list of tasks to fit the location. These tasks could range from dance lessons to visiting a famous landmark or even participating in a re-creation of a historical event."
Lita blinked, "what's the point? I mean, no offense Mr. McMahon, I am flattered that you've chosen us for this…but.. This really has nothing to do with wrestling."
"No, but it's entertaining.. And we are in the sports entertainment industry. " Vince sat back in his seat, "and maybe there is no point to this.. Or maybe there is.. You'll find out when you find the lost treasure. As Mr. Bischoff stated, the locations are provided in the packets, along with the revised itinerary.. The material should be sufficient enough, but…should you have questions…Mr. Bischoff is at your disposal."
Hunter rubbed the back of his neck, "so you mean to tell me.. We're being taken out of in-ring action for six months to participate in some hair brained scavenger and treasure hunt? This is absurd.. Maybe a week or two, I might be able to understand but--"
Vince sat forwards, resting his forearms on the table. "Might I remind you all, this is a WWE sanctioned event. It is a part of your contractual obligations to appear on WWE sanctioned programming or events. This upcoming trip is a combination of the two."
Christian let out a soft groan, "so this all going to be televised? Our little trip…every last minute of it?"
"Almost every minute of it, yes." The Chairman smiled broadly, "each of you will also be contributing to a tour diary.. Either written or taped, that part is up to you, but it is a requirement of this trip."
"Lovely," the Diva's muttered in unison, straightening when Vince cleared his throat..
"As it was stated yesterday evening at the farewell dinner, you are to board the cruise ship this afternoon.. Consider this, the departure from the normal and the entry way into a new reality." Smiling triumphantly, the Chairman sent a look down the table, "are there any questions about your upcoming journey?"
An uncomfortable silence reigned over the gathered superstars.. Apprehension and worry over this trip, evident on all faces…including Bischoff.. But, that silence would soon be broken..
Randy raised a hand, "can we eat now?"
The Chairman gestured to the buffet across the restaurant, "compliments of the hotel." Pushing back from the table, Vince gave them a nod. "I wish you all a successful and fruitful journey ahead."
With Vince quite striding out of the restaurant, the gathered exchanged a look.. Randy moving from his spot, taking his plate with him as he made his way to the buffet. The Diva's, meanwhile, stayed behind for a moment as the guys opted to join the Legend Killer…taking some time to complain privately about the upcoming trip and it's revisions. By the time they joined the guys at the buffet, the Diva's had come to at least one solid conclusion… their boss, the one and only Vincent Kennedy McMahon, had finally lost his mind. It wasn't enough with the scavenger hunt, but a lost treasure? Rather then heading into a new reality, the Diva's were wondering if they were about to cross into some unknown universe.
