Part 36:

For the first time since the debacle of his marriage of Stephanie McMahon, Test came to the ring with a woman, a beautiful one named Lexi. And like the man she accompanied to the ring, she wore black leather pants and a sleeveless mesh top.
"Well here comes Test, King, with Lexi at his side, which pretty much tells us what we need to know about where Tara and company stand where this match is concerned."
"I wouldn't be too sure J.R. Tara and her friends, they're crafty and sneaky."
"As if Shane and Stephanie weren't sneaky!"
"Well, it's different J.R.!"
"How?"
"I don't know... it just is!"
"And here he comes now, the people's champion, the challenger at the upcoming Pay-Per-View, Wrestlemania 2000, the Rock!"
From the moment he appeared at the top of the ramp, there was no denying the electricity that filled the arena. Rock and Lexi looked at each other as Rock approached and for a moment, it looked as if Lexi was going to leap into his arms.
"King, let's not forget that Lexi and Rock used to be partners, in and out of the ring, until Lexi disappeared without a trace some time last year."
"And when she came back J.R., she didn't give Rock the time of day. Instead, she chose Shawn Michaels." "But there's still no way we can ignore the electricity between these two."
From the ring, Lexi was still staring down at the Rock, daring him to come into the ring. She opened her mouth to egg him on when the Coalition music started, a variation on the No Chance theme. Everyone, including the Coalition's champion, turned to the top of the ramp and saw Stephanie McMahon appear.
"Well, as if things weren't bad enough," said a breathless J.R., "here comes Stephanie McMahon. We are dealing with two love connections that went sour here ladies and gentlemen and there's no telling what might happen here tonight."
The match got under way with Rock launching a formidable attack. On opposite sides of the ring, Steph and Lexi cheered on their champions, while sending each other nasty looks. Test put up a very good fight and gave the Brahma Bull a run for his money. He certainly proved himself to be a fiercer opponent than Rock would have expected, surprising him with his agility.
After immobilizing his opponent with a sidewalk slam, Test went up top to the third rope. When he prepared to fly, he cut an impressive figure, a blond Viking god coming down from the heavens to smite his opponent. Unfortunately, his dark-skinned rival rolled out of the way just in time to avoid the lethal elbow. Not one to miss out on an opportunity, Rock went straight for the Rock Bottom and when he moved the young blond into position for his elbow, the people's elbow, Lexi got into position too.
The first time Rock bounced against the ropes, Lexi was there, grabbing his ankle and pulling him out of the ring. Before the Rock could get his bearings, her forearm slammed into his face, dazing him. In the meantime, Stephanie had climbed onto the apron of the ring to get the referee to call a disqualification because of Lexi's interference but he seemed more interested in getting Stephanie off the apron.
With the help of a still weak Test, Lexi pushed Rock back into the ring while Stephanie yelled at the referee to look at the action in the ring. The referee, finally obeying Steph's orders, managed to see Test cover the Coalition champion. He counted to three and Test won the day. But there wasn't much time for celebration.
Led by the heir apparent, the Coalition came charging down the ramp, barely giving Lexi and Test the time to disappear into the crowd. While Shane and Stephanie yelled at each other in the ring, an image came on the Titantron. It was a score board with two headings. One was Tara and Friends and the other was Coalition. Under the Coalition, a big, red 0 appeared and a bright blue 1 appeared under Tara's heading. The sign made color rise to Shane's face so fast he looked like he was about to explode.

"Well J.R., what a match," said Lawler, "we just saw Test take the win in his match against the people's champion, thanks to interference from Rock's former partner in crime, Lexi."
"Yes indeed King. Lexi surprised many people here tonight with her aggressive part in this match, which puts Tara's team in the lead for now."
"Even if there was a doubt in anyone's mind about who was in the lead, we do have a score board."

"All right," said Shane, "we can't walk out of here tonight with Tara and her band of hoodlums thinking they have a chance at winning this."
"So what do we do?" asked Stephanie.
"We made sure that Tara, Lexi, Hunter and Shawn Michaels have no way of interfering in Stone Cold's match tonight."
"How do we do that?"
"Very simply."

Accompanied by the Coalition, Paul Wight, the Big Show, made his way to the ring. Then, with the sound of breaking glass and thousands of screaming fans, Steve Austin appeared in his usual black trunks and his black leather vest. Not one to waste time, Austin rushed the ring, sending his vest flying over the top rope. Wight dominated most of the match with Stone Cold responding somewhat feebly to his brutal attack.

In her dressing room, Tara finally decided her time had come to intervene and headed for the door. She reached for the handle and tried turning it.
"Damn it! It's locked!"
"What?" shouted Hunter, trying the handle himself.
"We've been locked in," said Tara with a sly smile, "good move Shane! But I'm not out of this game yet."
Tara reached for her cell phone and dialed a number.

In the ring, Wight toyed with Steve, letting him try to mount an offense and tearing it apart with a very evil grin.

Back in Tara's dressing room, the door was suddenly opened. Tara came out first and thanked her unseen savior. Then, with Lexi, Hunter and Shawn following her, she rushed out, making a stop in front of another dressing room door.
"I could use you guys," she shouted, "you wanna come out and play?"

Wight was setting up Steve for a chokeslam when Tara appeared at the top of the ramp.
"Shane," she said, "you locked me in my room. That's not nice."
Dropping the mike to the ground, the young woman rushed down to the ring, using a high kick for the first person who came up against her, the Big Boss Man. Shane and Stephanie watched, wide-eyed as the rest of Tara's friends rushed the sides of the ring. But this time, it wasn't only Hunter, Lexi and Shawn. This time, Test, Edge, Christian and the Hardyz joined them.
In the ring, Stone Cold used Wight's shock at Tara's appearance to set him up for a stunner. Fortunately, the referee was paying attention and counted to three, giving the win to the Texas Rattlesnake. Then, on the Titantron, the 1 turned into a 2. Outside the ring, the Coalition was being decimated. Making their way over the fallen bodies, Lexi and Hunter made their way to the McMahon siblings and pushed them into the ring where Tara was waiting for them with Steve.
"Oh Shane," she said with a smile, "you thought you could lock me into a room and throw away the key, didn't you? Well, that don't work with me."
"It's not over yet Tara," he spat out at her.
"Of course not. It's just beginning. That's why it's so much fun."
In the meantime, Stephanie was ogling her former husband, as he chatted with Lexi and Shawn. Tara saw her hungry expression and grabbed her chin.
"You still want a piece of that, don't you?" she asked. "I mean, you know how manly he is. It must be hard knowing that I'm having a piece of that now, isn't it?"
"I hate you," screeched Stephanie, "and I hate him!"
"You hate me Steph?" asked Hunter, "really? What if I did this?"Hunter grabbed Stephanie by the waist and pulled her close, his mouth hovering close to hers. Her feet barely touched the floor anymore as he pushed her up against a turnbuckle, grinding his hips into hers.
"Do you still hate me now? Would you still hate me if I did this?"
Hunter brought his lips down on Steph's neck and there was no way of ignoring the moan that escaped her throat.
"Make him stop!" shouted Shane.
"Not yet," said Tara with a satisfied grin.
"Are you sure this is hate Steph?" taunted Hunter. "Is that hatred?"
"Oh, I love you Hunter!"
Once she admitted her true feelings, Hunter let go of her and went back to Tara, grins on both their faces.
"Stop this!" shouted Shane. "She's suffered enough at your hands."
"I happen to disagree," said Tara, grabbing Hunter and bringing Hunter's mouth down on hers for a bruising kiss.
The kiss would have gone on for quite a while if Shane hadn't pulled them apart. For his interference, he got a backhanded slap and Steph for one too, both from Tara.
"That was for interrupting," she said to Shane, "and yours," she added, turning to Steph, "was for wishing you could have been in my shoes!"
A grinning Stone Cold was passing around beers and threw one to Hunter and Tara who joined in the fun and chugged them, Stone Cold style! They were finally having fun!

Part 37:

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the last SMACKDOWN before the WWF's main event, Wrestlemania 2000. And King, as we head into Wrestlemania, the battle lines have been drawn and the team leaders have been clearly identified."
"Tell me about it Michael Cole. On one side, we have Shane and Stephanie McMahon, leading the Coalition and their champion, the people's champion, the Rock!"
"And on the other side, we have Tara, who for the time being, represents the interests of Vince and Linda McMahon. As we head into Wrestlemania, her champion has clearly been identified at Triple H, Hunter Hearst Helmsley."
"Has he ever. On Monday night, Tara pursued her revenge on Stephanie McMahon when she had Hunter practically seduce Stephanie in the ring, while Shane watched helplessly."
"And Tara turned the knife in Stephanie's wound. Right after Stephanie admitted her feelings for Hunter in the ring, Hunter walked away and kissed Tara, pretty much laughing in Stephanie's face."
"But what's more, the Coalition saw its champion being taken down by Stephanie's former fiancé, Test, with Lexi's help, that traitorous Amazon!"
"Well, King, if I were you, I'd watch what I say about Lexi. After the way she handled the Rock on Monday, I have to wonder how long you'd last against her."
Just now, Shane McMahon and his Coalition came stomping down the ring. As they crowded into the ring, the chants of asshole covered the new Coalition theme. Finally, the crowd quieted and allowed Shane to speak.
"Some of you might be wondering where my sister Stephanie is. Some of you might wonder what happened to her. Well, after Monday, she's decided to pull herself out of the WWF. After the humiliation she suffered at your hands Tara, she's decided she won't come back!"
The cheers that welcomed Shane's words would have almost made one believe that he was a face, not a heel.
"And although I first agreed with the principles of your revenge Tara, you went too far. You crossed the line and now I have no choice but to challenge you."
Tara's theme started and she appeared at the top of the ramp in a shower of light. Her music blared loudly and she stood, looking like a mischievous angel. Her blond hair made for a halo and her white leather completed the angelic look.
"You're challenging me Shane? Wow! I must have been a really bad girl for you to want to take me on."
"As I said, Tara, you went too far. And now, I'm going to show you exactly how far you can go."
"Oooh," she said, pretending to shiver in fear, "show me, Shane, show me!"
"Your team versus mine."
"Keep talking. This might actually be interesting."
"My Dudleyz vs. your Hardyz. My Radicalz vs. Edge, Christian and a third partner of your choice. Viscera vs. an opponent of your choice. Prince Albert vs. Test. The Big Show vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. My Big Boss Man vs. your Heartbreak Kid. Tori vs. Lexi. My champion vs. your champion, the Rock vs. HHH. And finally, you and me."
Tara tucked the microphone under her arms and clapped. "Shane, Gosh darn it, you've gone and done it. I'm impressed. I approve of your matches. They're good. And I think they're worth my time and my team's time."
"Good."
"But I have a few stipulations."
"Shoot!"
"Here's how it's going to be. Edge and Christian's third partner?"
"Yeah?"
"Rikishi Phatu. And Viscera's opponent?"
"Let me guess: Kane?"
"See Shane, I told you, you're not as stupid as you seem to be. And Shane, the Rock vs. HHH?"
"What about it?"
"That's naturally not going to be a title match. You do understand that, don't you?"
There was no denying the frustration in Shane's body. And if anyone had any doubts, they just had to look to the muscle jumping in his jaw.
"Fine," he finally spat out, "it's not a title match."
"As long as we understand each other."
"And Tara, put your little score board up. We'll be keeping points."
"Consider it done."
As Tara stepped out, the score board appeared, as if by magic.
"King, what a series of matches we have out here tonight. Hopefully, by the end of SMACKDOWN, one of these teams will be ahead. Question is: Tara's or Shane's?"
"Indeed Michael Cole. Tonight's going to be mighty interesting. But between you and me, there's one match I can't wait to see, Tori vs. Lexi."
"Of course you can't wait to see that match King."
"Say it with me Michael Cole: PUPPIES!"

"So I can count on your guys?" asked Tara. "Keep everyone away from the ring, be it my guys or Shane's guys or anyone else who comes along?"
"Now, you're sure you want us to keep your guys away from the ring?" asked Farooq.
"Yeah. Tonight, we're playing it fair. And I need your guys to be the enforcers."
"What about our fee?" asked Bradshaw, "after all, we do need to make money to buy our beer!"
"You got a short memory boys. Last time we played, you owed me one. Anyhow, I'll see what I can do. Maybe I can convince Steve to part with some of his."
"You got a deal!"

"King, that's a surprising turn of events. Tara's recruiting the A.P.A.'s help to make sure no one interferes with tonight's matches."
"Maybe she actually wants to win the right way Michael Cole."
"Seems to be that way King. After all, she did just ask Farooq and Bradshaw to keep her guys and Shane's guys away from the ring."

First match-up was Dudleyz vs. Hardyz. Buh Buh and D-Von came out first, showing off their tag team belts. Then came the Hardyz, who chose not to waste any time. They took off their skintight tee shirts on the ramp and rushed the ring where they were brutally attacked by the Dudleyz. That set the tone for the match. The Dudley Boyz toyed with their opponents, getting a pin after four minutes.

Score: Coalition ==> 1, Tara's Team ==> 0

Next up were the team of Edge, Christian and Rikishi. The Canadian blondes came out of the crowd, as usual. As for the Samoan blond, he was making his way down the ramp when he was attacked by Saturn, Benoît and Malenko. Edge and Christian were quick to join their partner onto the ramp. It took the referee some time but he finally managed to get the opponents into the ring. Christian was quickly decimating Saturn with his high-flying moves when none other than Terri came hopping down the ramp. Christian looked at her strangely but then shrugged and tagged in his brother. Just as Terri's Payless platform shoe was about to touch the ringside area, she was plucked off her feet by Farooq and tossed onto Bradshaw's shoulder. She did, however, manage to see Rikishi sit on Malenko for the win.

Score: Coalition ==> 1, Tara's Team ==> 1

Then came Kane and Viscera. That was going to be a true battle of the super heavyweights. Viscera first came into the ring, trying to scare away the ring announcer but Jess stared him down as she announced Kane's arrival, accompanied as always by Paul Bearer. Big Vis didn't even wait for the end of Kane's pyros to attack. He barreled into him with a clothesline, knocking out Paul Bearer in the process. But Kane was quick to recover. Unlike his opponent, he was quick on his feet for someone so big. And with a few quick maneuvers, he was able to use a Tombstone Piledriver on Big Vis and walk away victorious.

Score: Coalition ==> 1, Tara's Team ==> 2

It was then Test's turn to prove himself again the great hairy beast that was Prince Albert. The Coalition's man came out first, with his little piercing and tattoo kit. As Test came out, Albert looked him up and down, as if was trying to figure out where to best put his mark on him. The match got underway quickly and it was a very interesting match of skills, especially since they were both so well matched. But Prince Albert had a plan going into this match and that plan was to isolate one of Test's body parts and proceed to destroy it. And he did just that to the young Canadian's left arm. With the pain making Test unable to effectively defend himself, Prince Albert was the winner. And once more the Acolytes intervened in time to stop the tattoo artist from marking his defeated opponent.

Score: Coalition ==> 2, Tara's Team ==> 2

"King, as we head into SMACKDOWN's second hour, the Coalition and Tara's team are head to head."
"But the biggest matches are still to come Michael Cole. After all, I'm still waiting for Tori and Lexi."
"King, it's not like they're going to fight in pudding and bikinis."
"Well, a man can hope, can't he?"
"I guess he can. When we come back from commercials, it'll be the Big Show taking on Stone Cold. Stay tuned for more SMACKDOWN action."
"And Lexi vs. Tori! PUPPIES, Michael Cole, PUPPIES!"

Part 38:

"Well, King, the Coalition's not wasting any time. Right now, everything's tied, two matches won on both sides and the stakes are still high."
"Indeed they are Michael Cole. Here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin's opponent for tonight, the Big Show, Paul Wight."

Big Show came out alone and soon after, Stone Cold came tearing down the ramp. When Wight leaned over the top rope, Steve pulled on his head and brought the giant crashing down on the mat surrounding the ring. From that moment on, the Rattlesnake took control of the match, never giving the bigger man the opportunity to use his massive strength to his advantage. Austin's luck changed however when Wight's big hand went around his knee. The Texan went down fast and he got up once, and that was for Wight's chokeslam. In this battle of Goliath vs. David, Goliath won.

Score: Coalition ==> 3, Tara's Team ==> 2

Steve was seen ambling down a hall and he knocked on a door. Tara appeared there, a tight smile on her face.
"Hey Steve. Good match out there."
"Good match my ass! I lost to that big retard!"
"It's okay. We're not done yet."
"That's right," said Shawn Michaels, squeezing out of the door, "I'm out to kick myself some Big Boss Man Ass."
As Shawn disappeared down the hall, Tara clapped her hand on Steve's shoulder.
"I'm not done yet, Steve, don't you worry about it. I'm not going to let McMahon jr. beat me at this game."

By the time Shawn got to the ring, the Big Boss Man was already there, twirling his nightstick.
"You know what, Boss Man, I might have been out of the WWF for a while, but I remember how you used this nightstick of yours. And I'm not taking any chances. King, make yourself useful and hold on to that thing for the duration of the match."
As Lawler got the nightstick, Shawn got into the ring and the match started.
To say the opponents were well matched would have been a lie. Whereas HBK was a complete overall athlete whose strengths were his agility and his smarts, Boss Man relied on his brute strength and his mean streak. And he used them both to his advantage. Not to say that Michaels didn't try, he did. And landed a few kicks to Boss Man's head and stomach. But unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Every time Shawn thought his opponent was down and out, he rose like a phoenix from the ashes. And with his Boss Man Slam, the Heartbreak Kid was out.

Score: Coalition ==> 4, Tara's Team ==> 2

Lexi was seen tearing down the ramp past the Big Boss Man down to the ring when Shawn was lying, unmoving. She knelt by his side and whispered a few words in his ear, while holding his hand. Slowly, carefully, Shawn Michaels started to move and finally sat up. Lexi escorted him out of the ring and up the ramp. Then she made her way back to the ring to wait for her opponent, Tori.

To say there was a fire burning in Lexi's eyes as Tori carefully made her way to the ring would have been accurate. To say that the fire in her eyes spelled trouble for X-Pac's ex, was closer to the truth. Tori was weary of Lexi and she circled around the ring she took in the muscles running up and down her rival's arms and legs. Lexi grinned and flexed. Tori finally chose a strategy and hit the ground, much like Stephanie had done in her match against Sable.
But Lexi was having none of it. She leaned over Tori and pulled her up by the hair, shaking her. She was seen waving her finger at her and then she got started. She bounced the bimbo off the ropes, kneeing her in the stomach whenever she could. Then she sent her flying into the turnbuckles. Lexi finished her off with an elbow to the neck and threw her limp body down on the ring, covering her.

Score: Coalition ==> 4, Tara's Team ==> 3

"King, Lexi tore in Tori. It's like she was trying to give back the Coalition all the pain they'd inflicted on Shawn Michaels and it looks as if she's succeeded. Tori's still lying in the ring. And here come the EMTs now, with BB leading them."
"Oh Michael Cole, do you realize my luck? That's my third pair of puppies of the night."
"I don't think that's what's important now King... although... BB is now doing CPR on Tori."
There was a moment of silence in the arena as all the men watched with bated breath. There was nary a word from Michael Cole or from Jerry The King Lawler.

After the commercials, Michael Cole had just regained his voice.
"We just saw the most violent women's match we've ever been given to see here in the WWF. Lexi broke Tori down. So much so in fact that the EMTs had to be brought out. King, you have anything to say?"
"..."
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, King is still speechless! But right now, we come to one of the matches we've all be waiting for: the Rock vs. HHH. King, do you want to say anything about that?"
"... Puppies," he muttered, his eyes vacant, "they were touching... puppies!"

The Rock came out to thousands of cheering fans. And just when he was about to take the microphone away from Jess to do his usual spiel, HHH's music began. Rock glared at Jess who shrugged and announced the current WWF champion. Hunter came into the ring confidently, gave the referee his belt and started trash-talking the people's champion. The trash-talk went back and forth until the bell rang. From that moment on, it was clear that this match was a match for dominance. Who would walk the road to Wrestlemania the true champion? It wouldn't necessarily be the man who carried the belt around his waist, but the man who would walk away the victor of this match. That man would walk to Wrestlemania with his head held high, secure in the knowledge that he could defeat his opponent. The other would go to Wrestlemania knowing that he would have to prove himself, to prove his worth.
The match got underway violently. They didn't spare each other. Every hit struck home and everyone watching felt them. It was clear that each man dug deep inside to find resources that had long been ignored. Hits that should have staggered them barely slowed them down. They moved faster, hit harder. They were better than they'd ever been.
They showed off skills they rarely used. Both leapt from the top ropes. Both finally used their legs. They were at the top of their game.
But the game turned. One opponent got better. He missed hits directed at him. He landed all of his. And where his opponent faltered, he stood taller.
And since time was of the essence, he wrapped the match up quickly, using his signature move, making the crowd go absolutely insane. And the match was won!

Score: Coalition ==> 4, Tara's Team ==> 4

"King, this is it. We've taken all our commercial breaks and we're in for the long run. In less than two minutes, one of the two opponents in tonight's last match will make its way down the ramp and decide which team walks away the winner."
"Indeed Michael Cole. And let me tell you. Just now, we saw two performers at the top of their game. But it was a game and HHH proved to us that he was THE Game."
"Indeed he has."
"And here he comes now. The heir apparent, Shane McMahon."
Shane came down the ramp, in ring attire than was somewhat different from his usual look. He wore actual wrestling boots in black, shiny black track pants, and instead of his usual loose black WWF tee shirt, he wore a right black one that he seemed to have stolen from the Hardys. Tara came out dressed exactly like Shane, but in white.

She rushed down the ramp and Shane leapt down upon her from the third turnbuckle. But Tara moved out of the way just in time to reverse the hold, making him land on his back. She wasted no time and tried to cover him. But unfortunately, he kicked out after two. Tara jumped off him and slid into the ring. Shane made his back inside the ring and was welcomed with a vicious elbow to shoulder.
Tara sent him flying into the rope but he dug deep inside and welcomed her with a knee to the midsection. She went down hard but he pulled her back to her feet and sent her flying through the rope, cutting off her breath with a clothesline.

Members from both teams flooded down the ramp, with Bradshaw and Farooq keeping them from the opponents. But Shane and Tara's team members were there for support them both.
Tara went up to the third rope to drop an elbow to Shane's neck but he moved faster than she'd expected and plucked her off the turnbuckle and brought her down to the mat. He covered her for the win but the referee saw her foot tangle in the rope before the three count. She shakily made it to her feet and surprised Shane with a spinning heel kick that brought him down low. She covered him and won.

Score: Coalition ==> 4, Tara's Team ==> 5

HHH rolled into the ring and raised Tara's arm in the air and managed to catch the young woman in his arms before she faltered. The match had taken everything out of her.

Part 39:

Wrestlemania 2000 was tomorrow. I sighed and fell back on my bed. I was on curfew. Carmen was with my parents in another hotel on the other side of town. For the first time in a very long time, I had my room all to myself. And I was stir crazy! There was no one around. Joanie was with Paul. Lexi was with Mike. Brian was with Monty and Sean. And God damn it, I was alone. Hell, I was even lonely.
I was sitting in front of the TV, watching a Law and Order rerun when my phone rang.
"Yeah?"
"Bored yet?" asked a familiar voice.
"Out of my mind!"
"You wanna do something about it?" asked Jess.
"What can we do about it?"
"Well, there are several options."
"Such as?"
"I could go to your room, and you could come to my room."
"So we can be bored together? I don't think so. Tell me there's an option number three."
"We could sneak out and hit a few clubs."
"And if we get caught?"
"We won't get caught. It's part of the Wrestlemania tradition. Used to piss Vince off but he knows it's part of the game."
"So why wasn't I told about this?"
"Because we thought you'd run to teacher and tell on us," teased Jess.
"I wouldn't do that! So, what does one wear to sneak out?"
"Well..."

By the time Jess and I made our way down to the lobby, there were wrestlers all around. Jess led us to where Lexi was standing.
"So where's Mike taking you tonight?"
"He won't tell me," said Lexi with a frown.
"Must be nice," I said with a grin, eyeing her dress.
"Make one comment and I'll break you," she hissed at me. "My life's hard enough as it is."
"I just hope it's something romantic," teased Jess.
"Get away from me before I decide to kill the two of you."
With a wave, Jess and I left Lexi's side, running into Kip and Sean.
"Ladies," said Sean, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, "where are the two of you off to?"
"We don't know yet. Why?"
"Well, maybe you'd like to join us? It's guaranteed fun."
"Where are you guys off to?"
"There's this really cool club a couple of streets away. Very snazzy and classy and there's a karaoke thing on the top floor."
"Might be worth checking out," said Jess, shrugging.
"Most definitely," said Kip, running his eyes up and down Jess' long legs.
"But before we do anything," I said, taking Jess' hand in mine, "we'll grab a bite to eat. Maybe we'll catch up with you... what's the name of that club?"
"It's called Polyester. Want directions?"
"We'll find our way."
Jess and I walked out of the hotel into the warm night with smiles on our faces. First off, we grabbed a bite to eat in a restaurant a few buildings down. There were a lot of familiar faces and it seemed the word was out. Everyone was meeting up at Polyester. Finally, Jess and I hooked up with Andrew, Matt and Jeff Hardy and headed for the club.
It was packed, mostly with wrestlers, their wives, girlfriends... no to mention the club's regulars and the fans. Thankfully, it wasn't a fan event so we were able to let go, completely. At some point during the night, I was dancing on top of a speaker with Jeff Hardy and things were far from being decent. When I took a breather, I found myself at the bar next to my daughter's fiancé.
"Well, I didn't know my mother-in-law could get down that way."
"Oh well, as long as Carm doesn't hear about tonight, it's all good."
"Why, have you done anything you should be ashamed of?"
"Not yet."
Very gallantly, he offered to pay for my club soda and I clicked my glass with his. I sipped at the bubbly concoction while I kept an eye out on the floor.
"So, what brings you out here tonight?"
"Jess," I explained, pointing at my friend.
The WWF's ring announcer was shaking her rear along with the music and with the groin of her very interested partner, seemingly a stranger.
"Cool. So, how are things with Carm?"
"She's good. She wanted to spend the weekend with me, but I explained to her how busy I was going to be."
"Did she get it?"
"I don't think so. She's probably giving my parents a hard time."
"Don't you mind?"
"My father'll set her straight. He managed to keep me straight."
"What would he have done if he'd seen out on that dance floor?"
"Rolled up his eyes and shaken his head."
Andrew and I talked for a few more moments and then he took me out to the dance floor. He wasn't a very well coordinated dancer but he certainly did try. Thankfully, there was a slow song and I stepped into his arms. With his arms around me, I understood why Carm liked him so much. His arms were massive and very comforting. But then, there was someone tapping on his shoulder. We stepped apart and Brian stood there.
"Hey stranger," he grinned, "do you mind if I have the rest of this dance?"
"I don't mind if Andrew doesn't mind but isn't he a bit tall for you?"
"You were always a comedian," said Brian.
"So, how you doing?"
"Pretty good."
"What do you want?" I asked him after a few moments.
"What makes you think I want anything from you? Can't I just say hello?"
"All right then."
We'd been dancing silently for about thirty seconds when he pulled away from me.
"Okay, I give."
"I knew it. What is it?"
"Would you mind terribly if I asked Jess out on a date?"
I turned around and spotted Jess on the speaker I'd vacated. This time it was Kip she had wrapped all around her little finger.
"Are you sure Kip didn't beat you to it?"
"Nah. He's making sure no one else get to close for me."
"Oh God!" I sighed. "Yeah, it's fine. Jess is cool."
"But you're sure you're okay with this."
"Brian, the day after I broke up with you?"
"Yeah."
"I kissed Jason and Steve."
"Oh my God, you're a slut," he chuckled.
"Maybe I am. Anyhow, ask her out. I can't guarantee her answer though."
"Thanks."
Brian pecked my cheek and he was off. I left the club area and I made my way to the top floor where I found the karaoke area. It was almost empty, except for a few people. Among them, a guy who had the body of Ricky Martin and the face... well, a face that didn't match and the same went for the voice. But it was quieter than downstairs.
I got myself a Coke and sat at the bar. I was older now. The club scene wasn't as fun as it used to be. Then, out of nowhere, someone slid a book of songs in front of me.
"Pick one," said Steve, sitting down next to me. "It's on me."
"Hey there," I said, pecking his cheek, "I didn't know you were here."
"Everyone is here, except for Vince and Linda and Mike and Lexi. Kip's taking bets. The word's out. Mike bought a ring."
"Oh my God, this is big."
"Yep."
I flipped through the pages of the book, trying to pick one. But nothing came to me.
"I like that one," said Steve.
"Tammy Wynette? I love you honey, but I don't love you that much."
"Fine then you pick one."
"Give me a second."
I flipped through the pages and finally saw something that grabbed my attention.
"All right," I said, "tell the guy I want FD1530."
"Okay."
Steve disappeared for a moment and came back.
"He says you're up in about 20 minutes."
"Good."
"So," he said after we suffered through a drunken couple's rendition of I Got You Babe. "Have you given it some thought?"
"Given what some thought," I asked innocently.
"You know, what we talked about the day of wedding? You and me?"
"Oh that!"
"Oh, you so know what I'm talking about. Stop teasing me."
"I thought about it," I finally admitted.
"And?"

Part 40:

"Hey guys," said Brian, clapping his hand down on Steve's shoulder.
Brian's sudden appeared jarred both Steve and I back to the reality of the moment. It seemed that Steve and I weren't the only people feeling a bit old since most of the roster was up here now, filling the small lounge.
"So Danny, did you already pick out what you wanted to sing?"
"Yeah."
"Well help me pick one," said Brian with a grin, "I'm out to impress the hell out of Jess."
"Huh Brian..." I started to say.
But it was too late. Paul and Joanie were drawing Steve into a long and drawn-out conversation while Brian dragged me off to a wall covered with songs for him to pick. Before I knew it, it was my turn to get up on stage. And for some reason, I felt a bit particular about performing. It wasn't so much about jitters but about the song itself. When I'd picked it out, I had something very special in mind. I wanted to lead up to it. But now, with everybody around, there was no way for my plan to work.
"Hey, it's your turn," said Brian, pushing me toward the stage.
There was no time to explain. I just hope Steve would understand.

When you were a young boy
Didn't you have a puppy
That always followed you around

Tina Turner's River Deep, Mountain High had always been a favorite of mine, and of Steve's. On that drive up from Texas to Connecticut, we'd played it over and over again. I knew he loved it and he knew how loved it too. I just hoped he'd get it all. When I looked out to my crowd of friends, I noticed how they were all quiet and looking at me. It was as if they respected how important this whole thing was for me. When the song ended, I took a quick bow and hopped off the stage. Steve was waiting for me. He put my hand in his large one and started dragging me out of the lounge. On our way out, we came across Lexi and Mike.
"Hey, where are the two of you off to?" asked Mike, "the party's about to kick off in style. Specially since I'm here."
"Sorry to disappoint you Mike. But I've got business on my own. Let's go Danny."
As Steve dragged me away, Lexi raised a hand in the air, showing off an awfully big rock. I said yes, she mouthed to me. I snatched my hand out of Steve and ran to her for a hug.
"That's wonderful," I said to her. "I thought you were going to hold out."
"He told it to me straight. He loves me more than anything and he was going to keep bugging me until I said yes."
"Good for you," I said, hugging Mike.
"I thought it was time I made a decent woman out of her. What do you think?"
"I love it."
"Mike, Lexi, congratulations. I wish I could stick around and enjoy the fun but the lady and I have business."
"Lexi, tell Jess I'm with Steve," I yelled as Steve dragged me away.
Without saying another word, he dragged me to the black SUV he'd rented and opened the door for me. Then we were off. We drove around for about half an hour when he finally came to a stop in the parking lot of a mall. It was fairly dark and very private.
"So?" I asked.
"Well hell, Danny, I'm waiting for that answer."
"Didn't you hear my song?"
"It was damn nice sweetheart but I want to hear it from you."
"I want more of you in my life Steve."
"How much more?"
"Damn in Steve! Do I have to spell it out for you?"
I felt like an idiot sitting in this car with him, a car that smelled too good to be brand new. I didn't feel comfortable, telling him all my feelings like that. I was making myself damn vulnerable and I didn't like that. And they say only men have trouble expressing their feelings.
"Yes, damn it you do!"
"Why?"
"If you recall, I had a botched wedding three weeks ago because the woman I was about to marry hid her feelings from me. I'm not having that happen again."
"Oh sweet Jesus. I'm paying for Barbie's mistakes now?"
"Don't try to avoid the point here! What about you and me together? You want in?"
"Yes."
"Good."
I heard Steve sit back and I did the same, letting out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. It felt so good to finally admit it.
"It's not going to be like anything we're used to," he said matter-of-factly.
"No. We've known each other too long to be like anything we're used to."
"Does that mean we get to skip over some of the boring stuff?"
"Oh hell no! I want dates Steve, and plenty of them."
"What about Carm?"
"She's got a father. For the past five years, he's had the social life. Now, it's my turn."
"And you're going to be sweet sometimes. We'll hold hands and stuff."
"Oh God!"
"I'm not asking you to suck my face off but I want some public displays of affections, pecks on the cheeks and stuff."
"Fine. But when football's on..."
"I'll watch with you."
"And sometimes, I want you to cook me dinner."
"Ditto. I love your barbecued steaks."
"So we got a deal?"
"We got a deal."
I stuck my hand out in Steve's general direction and moved sideways into my seat, trying to face him. He stuck his hand out too and it slipped against my waist. Next thing I knew, Steve was pushing me back into my seat and covering my body with his.
He felt so good and so right on top of me. I think he must have learned the car's mechanisms by heart because next thing I knew, the car seat was leaning back and he was lying on top of me. I was frantic as I pushed his jacket off his shoulder. I ran my hands up and down his muscled back through his silk shirt and almost expired on the spot. There was nothing like a man's back through raw silk.
I felt my body shake with pleasure when his neat beard brushed against my cleavage. It felt so good. Almost unlawfully good, one would say. His tongue played with the taut point of my nipple through the fabric and I responded like I never had before. I hooked my hands around the bald expanse of his head and brought it up to me, drinking from his mouth as if I'd walked through a desert.
Somehow, I managed to switch places with him and I ended up on top, riding his hips through the layers of our pants and maybe his underwear (I'd gone commando). Leaning over him, I sank my fingers into the black fabric and tore it apart. My mouth found his nipples and I licked them, bit them, as I would have done to hard candy.
"Your turn," he said hoarsely, pushing me up. "I want to see you."
I straightened and reached around my neck to undo my top. As I pulled at the strings, the fabric fell over my thighs. Somehow, whereas, I'd felt so warm I could burn a few seconds ago, I suddenly felt incredibly cold. Goosebumps raised all over my skin and I shuddered.
"You're so much more beautiful than I imagined," whispered Steve, running the backs of his hands over my skin.
"You imagined me naked?" I asked.
"Every chance I got."
"And?"
"Oh Danny..."
He sat up and his mouth went to one of my hard buds. I let out a long moan and arched against him.
"You feel so good..."
Just then, there was a knock on our window.
"Open the window please."
"What the hell?"
"I think it's the cops," I whispered.
"Please open the window," repeated the cops.
"Just a moment. Damn it!" swore Steve pulling my top up to my chest. "Are you okay?"
"Just open that window, okay?"
"Uh, hi," said Steve, lowering the window while I tried to stay out of sight.
"Sir, we're going to have to ask you to vacate the premises."
"Yeah, uh, just give us a few moments."
Steve rolled the window back up and looked at me sheepishly. I was doing my best not to laugh and I wasn't succeeding.
"This is not funny," he hissed as we tried to each move back to our seats.
"Yes it is."
"Where the hell's my shirt?"
"If we were watching this on Cops, we'd be pissing in our pants," I giggled.
"Well, this ain't Cops."
"Is everything all right in there?" asked the policeman.
"We're fine," I said, finally lowering the window. "Thanks Officer."
"Hey, aren't you..."
Steve sped out of the lot before the officer could finish his sentence. He scowled all the way to the hotel. I laughed all the way there.

Part 41:

April 2nd, 2000

To say there was electricity in the air would have done the men and women of the WWF a great disservice. To say the whole city buzzed in excitement would have been much closer to reality. All over the place, there was fans of all ages, genders, races, social backgrounds, coming together to see athletes/actors test their mettle in what was the Vince McMahon's version of P.T. Barnum's Great Show on Earth.
Performers were seen at the fan events, smiling and signing autographs, doing their best to stick to character but stepping out of character for pictures and jokes. It was a great atmosphere.
I've just spent the last two hours signing autographs and taking pictures. I never thought I had fans, much less that many. Joanie, who was sitting at the table next to mine, laughed at my shock and surprise. All the way to the Wrestlemania, she'd told me to rest my wrists, but I hadn't believed her. Thank God for Brian, who'd thought to bring a tube of Ben Gay; he slipped it to me on his way to the bathroom and believe it or not, it helped.
Finally, we had to leave. Don't get me wrong, this was a lot of fun, meeting the fans like this and taking the time to talk to them, get their feedback and all that stuff, but I wanted to lie down before heading to the main event. There was no way I'd be able to make it back to the hotel so I headed down to the arena with Steve. Steve.I still laughed thinking about what happened last night. It was too funny! He still growled about it, but deep down inside, I think he saw the humor in it too. We were walking down a hall when Steve bumped shoulders with Andrew, who was with, Adam, Jason, Matt and Jeff.
"Hey boys," I said, hugging them.
"Well, well, well," said Adam, stroking his beard as he looked at Steve and me. "What do we have here? Danny and Steve, guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but they were holding hands, weren't they?"
"I believe that is correct," said Jeff, also stroking his beard.
"What shall we draw from this Adam, oh wise one?" asked Matt.
"I believe there's something going on between these two."
Steve sighed and I could swear I heard him gnash his teeth. I thought it was funny. I guess our sense of humor was different.
"So," asked Andrew, "Steve, will I have to start calling Dad anytime soon?"
"Not soon," said Steve, "but eventually."
I looked at Steve, my eyes wide with shock and I found myself not knowing what to say. I couldn't believe what he'd just said. And I wasn't the only one in shock. Andrew's mouth was wide open and it just didn't seem to be able to close, even when a laughing Jason tried shutting it for him.
"Let's go," said Steve, pulling on my hand.
I ran to keep up with him, looking over my shoulder to see the Hardys and Jason and Adam laughing at a still dumb-founded Andrew.
"What was that all about?" I asked as Steve dragged me down a hall to our dressing rooms.
"Oh hell, I can make jokes too," said Steve, turning to me with the biggest grin on his face.
"Oh!"
I punched his arm and winced. The man's arms were incredibly powerful. But I laughed too. We'd been together for a day and yet... I don't know... it was different being with him. It wasn't anything like being with Jason or Brian. I don't want to take anything from them; they are both great men. Okay, Jason needs to get his eyes checked about the whole Stephanie thing, but other than that, he's an overall good guy and a great father to Carmen. But back to Steve. He was better. He is better. Not in bed mind you. I'm not saying that he's bad in bed, it's just that I don't know how he is in bed yet.
Last night, when we got back to the hotel, we ran into Vince and Linda and they both saw us off to our rooms, separately. It was as if they'd known something had happened between us. And they didn't want us to stay up all night. The senior McMahons barely allowed us to kiss each other good night. So there was no way we could make up the time we'd lost.
Back to now. Steve finally slowed down heading down a corridor of suites. Vince had gone all out for us. After all, it wasn't just Wrestlemania 2000 for the fans, it was Wrestlemania 2000 for us too and Vinnie Mac spoiled us with luxury suites as our dressing rooms. And here's an even nicer touch. Steve's name and mine were on the same door. We were going to share a dressing room.
"Did you know about this?" I asked as I fingered the plaque with my name on it.
"Yeah. I asked Vince this morning."
"Oh Steve, you're a romantic after all."
Yeah right, I thought as he pulled me into the room, pushing me against the wall. I felt his erection in my belly and I grinned up at him.
"Well," he asked, "nothing cute to say?"
"First time for everything, I guess."
My mouth was extremely dry and I felt like a virgin out of her first date. Wow, I barely remembered what that felt like. Being a virgin I mean. I wasn't a slut but I certainly wasn't lonely through my years in junior high and high school. Okay, why was I thinking about this? Now of all times, specially? Steve, the man I'd had wet dreams about since I was sixteen and a half years old, wanted to love the hell out of me and I was trying to remember what being a virgin was like? Someone put a gun to my head.
"Looks like cat got your tongue..."
"Actually, it's on sale," I chuckled, my mouth dry, "you want it?"
From the moment on, I lost all sense of up or down, left or right and whatever directional sense people are born with. My whole world was Steve. The feel of his bald head between my breasts, his manly scent, the taste of his skin behind his ear... all I could feel was him. While he made love to my body with his mouth and hands, he pulled off my black cargo pants and my Hanes Her Way panties and next thing I knew, he was wrapping my legs around his waist and pushing his erection into me.
There was no feeling like this in the world. It was an instant orgasm. And that was only the beginning. He carried me to the sofa and thrust in and out of me until I fainted or blacked out from pleasure, pure, unadulterated pleasure, the kind of stuff a woman could die happy after. When I came to, he was running his finger down my cheek, kissing my eyelids.
"You with me?" he asked.
"I think so," I said flippantly, eyeing our very physical connection.
"See, being flippant again."
"I guess that means I'm comfortable now."
He was still throbbing in me and my insides were pulsating around him. There were beads of sweat on his forehead and I licked a few of them.
"You're good," I whispered with a smile.
"Yeah, I am."
"So, can you keep going?"
"Is that a challenge?"
"It's a dare."
"Honey," he said, thrusting into me, "you got to know better than daring a Texan."
"Show me."

You know the expression Cock up your toes? Well, after Steve and I... consummated our relationship that afternoon before Wrestlemania, let's just say that I felt I could cock up my toes and maybe die. Oh yeah, the man was that good. Hell, I was tempted to miss Wrestlemania to spend the rest of the day, of the night, of my life with him. Especially if he promised to pleasure me like that whenever the mood struck me.
In case you're still wondering, he promised. Okay, so he was about to... is climax the right word to use here? Okay, he was about to climax when it happened... no, that sounds wrong... you know what I mean, don't you? So when he was about to... you know... that's when he promised. Later he said I shouldn't hold him to that promise but I will. And I'll have a lot of fun doing it too.

Okay, here I am, an hour from Wrestlemania and I'm puking my brains out. Steve is sitting beside me, wiping my forehead down with a cold washcloth. I've had stage fright before but nothing like this.
"Are you sure you're not pregnant?" he asked me, pulling me into his lap.
"I'm on the pill," I muttered.
"You were on the pill when Carm was conceived," he reminded me.
"I know... but... I don't know. I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant."
"When was your last period?"
"Excuse me?"
"When was your last period? That's a sure way of knowing if you're pregnant or not."
"I can't believe we're having this conversation."
"Believe it... now, think."
"Thinking..." still giggling about the situation, about how silly it was, I started counted the weeks back. "Two weeks ago," I finally announced.
"Good, so it's not pregnancy. So it's nerves... you're just nervous."
"I never got this nervous... I mean, I've done so many WWF shows and I'm a singer too. I don't get nervous before shows."
"This is Wrestlemania 2000, the biggest show on the planet... if you didn't get nervous, you'd be nuts."
I shrugged and walked to the sink. I brushed my teeth, gargled with some Scope and threw cold water over my face. I looked up and made a face."I have a cure of stage fright," said Steve, appearing behind me and caressing my breasts.
I smiled at his reflection and turned around in his arms, "Cure me..."

Part 42:

RAW IS WAR: The night after Wrestlemania 2000

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to RAW Is WAR. We are live tonight from Los Angeles and last night, we were witness to one of the very best Wrestlemanias I have ever seen. King?"
"For once J.R., I have to agree with you. Wrestlemania was as Wrestlemania should be and it was great!"
"And tonight, the team that picked up the most victories at Wrestlemania comes in with a distinct advantage. And there is no doubt in my mind who heads this team of fresh, young talent."
"It's the woman with the most aggressive puppies in the WWF, the one and only Tara."
"Tara, ladies and gentlemen, who last night at Wrestlemania 2000 proved her integrity to anyone who might have doubted it by refusing to interfere in one of the most violent matches we have ever seen."
"That's right J.R. We often see the younger wrestlers of the WWF go all out without giving a second thought to their bodies, the Jeff and Matt Hardy..."
"Edge and Christian," continued J.R., "but last night, two of the WWF's top stars, the Game, HHH, and the people's champion, the Rock, showed how great they can really be."
"I was scared J.R. I thought they were going to get really hurt out there."
"You're not the only one. And here come one of them now," said J.R.

Can you smell what the Rock is cookin'?

And down he came, the people's champion, sporting black trousers, a long-sleeved black shirt, buttoned all the way up to his neck and a vicious looking black eye. And yet, he still got the whole arena to its feet, shouting his name by doing nothing more than slightly raising his eyebrow. He got the mike from Jess and took a moment to breathe, his nostrils flaring and a smile creeping on his lips.
"Los Angeles, the Rock says... he's happy to be here. This town... has always been good to the Great One."
The fans, enjoying getting compliments for their unconditional love of their hero, doubled their cries of joy and victory.
"And now, after Wrestlemania, the Rock hopes to remain the people's champion. Although, the Rock failed in his efforts to become the greatest WWF champion since he last had the belt." Ever the consummate entertainer, the Rock bowed his head down, as if in shame. "However, the Rock has to give credit where credit is due. Last night, the Rock went up against HHH, the Game, that DX jabroni. And the Rock gave it all he had. The Rock did the very best he could. And he failed the people."
Again, he bowed his head, in shame again. But that lasted for a very short time. How ashamed could one person pretend to be when thousands of people were calling out his name?
"But the Rock does not yet admit defeat. He will, one day, be the WWF champion because he is the only man worthy of that title. But until such a time comes, the Rock knows that the best title in the business remains in good hands... in the hands of HHH. So come on out here jabroni so I can congratulate you."

The king of rock cool,
The king or rock what...

And so he appeared, probably much as the Norse god Odin had appeared to his believers, all golden, all powerful, all mighty, wearing black track pants, a HHH tee shirt with the sleeves cut off and his WWF title belt slung across his shoulder. The only person at his side was Shawn Michaels, dressed in blue jeans and a matching HBK tee shirt.
Slowly, HHH made his way down the ramp, limping slightly. Beside him, Shawn kept a wary eye on the people's champion, preparing for his duplicity at any moment. The Game finally got into the ring, grabbed a mike and circled around the Rock.
"Let me get this straight. The people's champion, the Rock, is congratulating me for kicking his ass at Wrestlemania? Did I get that part right?"
"Yes jabroni, you did."
"Will wonders ever cease?"
"Watch your luck jabroni. I don't know how long it might hold out."
"So I guess I should just say thanks and get it over with?"
"Your decision."
The two men stood in front of each other, trying to come to a decision. And finally, Rock stuck out his hand and Hunter looked at it for a long time, trying to figure out what to do. Shawn stood behind him, his arms crossed over his chest, a smile garnishing his stunning features. Hunter turned to a now grinning Shawn, silently asking for his opinion. The Heartbreak Kid shrugged, evidently as surprised by the course of events as his friend was.
"Well Rock," finally said Hunter, straightening himself up to his full height and looking into the Great One's eyes, "I'd be a liar if last night, I didn't get one hell of a beating. Hell, you took everything I threw at you and you gave back just as much."
"And?"
"Hell, I was a dumb ass when I married Stephanie McMahon. I'm not going to be a dumb ass twice. Congratulations on last night. You kicked ass."
There was nothing the crowd loved more than seeing two of the biggest stars come together in the ring. And if they weren't being the crap out of each other, seeing them show genuine respect for each other was pretty good too.
"Well, I hope everyone at home taped that because it's a once in a lifetime deal," said J.R. "The Game and the Rock have just congratulated each other for the fantastic show they put on for their fans last night at Wrestlemania."
"Hell, they even shook hands, J.R. Can you believe that?"
"No I can't. So far RAW's been surprising, who knows what else is in store for us..."

No chance
That's what you got
No chance in hell...

As Shane's face appeared on the Titantron, out came the heir apparent, in head to toe black, sporting sunglasses that looked like they'd been stolen from Rock's dressing room.
"Well, well, well, isn't this swell," he sneered, "the champion and the no. 1 contender congratulating each other on a job well done. Excuse me while I blow chunks."
As Shane pretended to throw up, Rock and HHH walked across the ring to the ropes facing the ramp.
"You got something say Shane," said Hunter, "then say it before the real power in the WWF, my girlfriend Tara, comes out here and kicks your ass. Again!"
Shane's face went red and he sobered immediately.
"Kicked your ass," said Rock with a smile, "I believe that's exactly she did to you on the last edition of SMACKDOWN. Let's see that beautiful footage again."
The arena went dark, save for the Titantron, frozen over the image of Tara's spinning heel kick to Shane's face, the move that had insured her victory. By the time the lights came back on, the whole Coalition was surrounding its humiliated leader on the ramp.
"Lucky shot," spat out Shane.
"It didn't seem so lucky when your ass lost that match," chuckled Hunter.
Rock laughed along with Hunter and Shawn as the Coalition got closer and closer to the ring.
"Rock, since you have new friends," said Shane, "I guess you don't need the Coalition's help anymore."
"I never needed your Coalition Boy Wonder. You needed me. And I used you. By the way, I don't need you anymore."
Shane growled in frustration and turned around to order a few members of his Coalition to show the Great One what was what but then Tara's music began. The fans' reaction was thunderous and in the ring, Hunter smiled smugly. His girl was coming to the rescue. It was good to be with a woman with power and the guts to use it.
"Shane," she said with a smile, "as much as I'd like to see you get your ass whipped by the Rock..."
"ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!" the crowd chanted over and over again.
"Tonight, the Rock's going to rest. After all, he gave Hunter everything he had last night and it would be unfair... no, mean of me, to have him exhaust himself two nights in a row."
"Tara, you're one hell of a lady," said the Rock, gratifying her with the people's most dazzling smile.
"Thank you. But don't think you won't be doing a damn thing tonight. I have a very important match set for tonight and I need someone I can trust in that ring. Can I trust you to be that man?"
"Depends. What exactly am I going to have to do?"
"You're going to be my very impartial referee."
"Me? A referee?"
"You have a lot of in the ring experience, don't you?"
"Yeah."
"So are you going to be my man for tonight?"
"The Rock says... he'll be your man."
"Just for tonight," said Hunter, "cause after all, she's my woman."
"Your woman is a snake, Hunter," said Shane, "hell, she turned on me."
"Not until you turned on me, Shane. I would have never turned on you but when you screwed me, I figured, screw and screw alike."
"And you certainly did screw me."
"I learned from the best Shane. I learned from you."
Shane staggered a bit under Tara's unflinching gaze. But she didn't spare him a second look. Her eyes were back on the men in the ring. She smiled tightly.
"Shawn, you're ready for your match tonight?" she asked, avoiding Hunter's penetrating gaze.
"As always."
"Good."
"What about me darling?" asked Hunter, "what do you need me to do?"
"Rest, for now. Tonight you'll be defending your title against an opponent of my choice."
The silence that followed seemed louder than the crowd's previous chants for their champion. Everyone was in shock, except for Tara.
"What do you mean, I'll be defending my title against an opponent of your choice?"
"You've had a great run with the belt Hunter, don't get me wrong. But tonight, you might just lose it."
"What are you talking about?"
"Hunter, don't panic... last night, it was Rock and tonight, it'll be..."
"Who? Who are you putting up against me? Who do you think can take my belt away from me?"
"You'll see."
"Tara, how can you do this to me? How? HOW!"
"It's business Hunter. It's all about business."
With these words, Tara disappeared backstage. Shane was grinning from ear to ear.
"Hunter, I guess now she screwed you too."
"Watch your mouth Shane!" yelled Hunter, sending him a murderous look.
"Oooh, I'm so scared."
"Oh Shane," said Tara, reappearing from backstage, "tonight, you're going up in a handicap match... against Test and Rikishi Phatu. Now you're screwed."

An hour after the beginning of RAW IS WAR

"King, since Tara came to the WWF, it's been one change after the other."
"Right! First she scares us shitless with that Enforcer crap. Then she puts an end to Stephanie's fairytale marriage..."
"I think that was Hunter's work," said J.R., "after all, without him, Stephanie and Test might be happily married by now."
"Whatever. Then she turns on poor Shane."
"King, Shane turned on her first. All she did was answer the door when opportunity knocked."
"For a while, you kept on calling Tori a jezebel, well, I think Tara's a jezebel."
"We'll see. Now, it's time for the most exciting match up we've seen in a while. Hunter Hearst Helmsley is going up against a mystery opponent for the heavyweight WWF championship."
"And you know Tara. She's probably waiting for some way to screw Hunter out of that title!"
"I doubt that very much King. After all, Tara's nothing like Shane."
"She probably never loved poor Hunter."
"Well, she did say it was a business decision."

First the Rock came out, making his female fans swoon as he came down the ramp in loose shiny black track pants and in a very tight, but I mean a very tight, referee's shirt. He looked arbitrarily sinful, black eye and all.
Still limping, Hunter made his way down the ramp, alone this time, his belt slung across his shoulder. There was a determined look about him, yet there was sadness there for all to see. Then, it was his opponent's turn to appear.

Don't treat me like a woman
Don't treat me like a man
Don't treat me like you know me
Just treat me for who and what I am

They appeared together, Chyna and Tara, the two most powerful women in the WWF today. They stood side by side, each holding a pyro gun, shooting volleys of stars into the ceiling of the arena.

"Chyna! Hunter's going up for the WWF's championship against Chyna!" squealed Lawler.
"What an explosive match up this is going to be!"

In the ring, Hunter looked like he didn't know whether to cry or laugh. On the one hand, he knew Chyna intimately. He knew her strengths, he knew her weaknesses. Defeating her would be child's play. However, to see Tara, standing by Chyna... that hurt... it stung. It made him twice as determined to win. He would show her.
The match got under way with Hunter taking the upper hand. But all too soon, he lost his edge. A few months ago, before the Stephanie debacle, he would have defeated Chyna in a few minutes. But with her close association with Chris Jericho in the past few months, she'd gained an edge, a very impressive edge that had the potential of bringing him down low.
Where Hunter played on his strength and experience, Chyna played on her knowledge of HHH's predictable tactics and on the fact that she was that much more agile. And she followed Tara's instructions not to hurt him anymore than necessary to the letter. She worked his sore knee and threw him into the ropes, nailing him with a neckbreaker.
Chyna then looked over at Tara. She'd felt the young woman's feelings shift during the match, trying to stay on Chyna's side. But her heart, as always, was drawn to Hunter.
"Pedigree?" she shouted in askance.
Tara looked at Hunter's half-unconscious body and brushed the tears from her eyes, trying to swallow the painful mental clog in her throat.
"Pedigree," she shouted back.
And so, using the move Hunter had taught her himself, Chyna got the pin, the cover and became the WWF's very first female heavyweight champion.
The Rock, in shock at Chyna's victory, lifted her arm up in the air and handed her the much-coveted belt. The Ninth Wonder of the World slid out of the ring where Tara was waiting for her, a smile on her face.
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you," said Chyna, hugging Tara.
The two women made their way up the ramp, with Chyna holding her new belt close to her chest.

A camera was observing the movements of two WWF superstars who were very interested in that particular match.
"I can't believe she did that to him," Shawn said to Lexi from their dressing room.
"Neither can I."
"I mean, what kind of woman is she? She breaks his heart and she takes away his belt, all in one night. What kind of a bitch is Tara?"
"A bitch, Shawn? Come on, that's a bit harsh..."
"Well, I don't think so. I with I could stay and talk but I have a match to get ready for."
Shawn was seen walking out of the dressing room and Lexi stared after him thoughtfully.

The GTV logo filled the Titantron and Tara was seen sitting at her desk, cradling a cordless phone in the crook of her neck while she typed something on a laptop computer. Then the lights went off in her office and a few bodies, definitely male, were seen rushing the office. The voices were unrecognizable and there were sounds of a struggle.
When the lights came back on, Tara's laptop was on the floor, the screen cracked. Papers, which had been stacked in neat piles, were now strewn all over the office and chairs were upturned half-hazardly.
There was no sign of Tara.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that with the help of GTV, we have just witnessed a kidnapping. Tara has disappeared. WWF security has been looking for her all over the arena but she's nowhere to be found," announced J.R.
"Well, she's been looking for trouble J.R.," said Lawler, "it was bound to catch up to her."
"No one deserves to be kidnapped King. That kind of stuff scars you. Look at what it did to Stephanie McMahon."
"Tara's different. She's hard. Hell, she'll probably make her kidnappers give her back, she'll annoy them so much."

No chance
That's what you got
No chance in hell...

Out came Shane, sans sunglasses, a mike in his hands.
"To the one person who gives a damn about Tara, rest assured that I'm in charge of the rescue effort. She will be found."
"ASSHOLE! ASSHOLE! ASSHOLE!" the crowd chanted.
"Shut up Los Angeles! You wouldn't know your ass if I pointed it out to you and I'm looking at it right now!"
"Now," he went on, "since Tara isn't here to look after WWF business, damn irresponsible of her if you ask me, I'll take over for now. And first order of business... Test, Phatu, this concerns you. Since Tara wanted to see the two get it on tonight, I'll grant her that wish. Only difference is, you'll be going up against each other. And I'll be the special referee. And don't you worry, the search for Tara goes on."

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we speak, we're five minutes from the ending of RAW IS WAR and still no news as to the whereabouts of Tara..."
All the lights went off and Tara's music started. But there were no lights, no pyros and most of all, there was no sign of Tara.
"King, earlier tonight, we noticed a cage above the ring but there were no cage matches scheduled."
"I know, but Tara's a sneaky one. We never know what she's planning."

A spotlight focused on the ring and Tara was seen in the ring, the cage having been lowered. She tried opening the door but it was locked from the outside.
"Tara dearest," said Shane's disembodied voice, "first you screw me by going to Hunter. Then you humiliate me. And you have my champion turn on me. Now, if you thought I was going to let you get away with it, you're wrong. You were dead wrong!"
Tara didn't listen to Shane, as she moved around the cage surrounding the ring. It was a cell, really and there was no way out unless she had pliers or a key to the lock.
"So tonight Tara, I'm going to give you exactly what you deserve, a taste of my medicine and I'm going to shove it down your throat!"
The lights went off again for about a minute and when they came back on, Tara looked around the cell and saw the one thing that could scare the living daylights out of her. He was back.
The Dead Man had returned. The Undertaker! And he was locked inside the cell with her.

Tara felt lead sink down to her feet as she assessed the man coming toward her. She took several deep breaths and tried not to panic. She had to think of a strategy.
"So this is the best you could do Shane?" she asked him as Taker and her circled each other wearily. "You had to bring a dead man out of retirement in hopes of getting me out of your way?"
"Shut your mouth, child!" said the scariest man in the WWF. "I will give you a lesson you shall never forget."
"Oooooh, I'm so scared! Where's my blankie?"
"You'll learn!" he sneered, lunging at her.
Tara avoided the Undertaker's lunge but she knew she wouldn't last much longer. She had to mount an offense if she wanted to survive. Finally, she sidestepped out of his way and kicked the back of his knee. He faltered but didn't go down. She kept kicking and kicking until he fell down. Then she planted a knee in his back, sending him toppling face down. She tried to cover him but he kicked out, sending her flying away.
Tara hopped to her feet and started to climb out of the ring but a massive arm went around her throat, pulling her back in roughly. He had her in a headlock that slowed her down considerably, all of her resistance gone. Or so it seemed. She slipped a foot between his legs and kicked high, easing his hold on her. Then, she struck with numerous elbows to his stomach and jerked her head back, hitting his chin.
Tara didn't allow herself to stop and turned around, pursuing her attack on his upper body. The Undertaker barely put up a resistance and let her hit him. She finally staggered back, her arms tired. And he straightened himself up, stretching himself out to his full height. Before she could move or get out of his way, his fingers went around her throat. The end was near.

Outside the ring, Shane was jumping up and down like a child on Christmas morning.
"Tombstone!" he was yelling, "Tombstone!"
Then someone tapped him on the shoulder and he kissed the seat of a metal folding chair.
As Shane crumbled to the ground, Lexi searched his pockets for the keys locking the cell. She found them and tossed to Lita who opened the door for Chyna who rushed into the cell, armed with a chair of her own.
In the Undertaker's hold, Tara was starting to black out but she did see Chyna and realized she was about to be saved. So she went completely limp, luring her opponent into a false of security. When the chair hit the back of his head, his hold on Tara loosened and she fell to the mat, trying to catch her breath. Lexi was in the ring by now, a new, undented chair in her hands.
Both raven haired beauties struck at the same time and the Undertaker fell back a few feet from where Lita was dragging Tara out of the ring and out of the cell. Lita led the way beside the ramp with Lexi and Chyna checking their backs. In the ring, the Undertaker sat up and started following them. But he wasn't fast enough.
The Undertaker made it to the parking lot just in time to see a black convertible, with all four women in it drive away. His fist made a very impressive dent in the side of a car as he spewed insults at the departing car. The Undertaker would have his revenge yet.

The End... of a beginning
Or the beginning of an End?

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