Disclaimer: Anything recognizable, belongs not to me.

Spoilers: Nothing current.. Altering a few matches here and there, switching around a few storylines..

Summary: Things get shaken up when the WWE starts an inter-gender division.

Notes: Nothing that hasn't been said already…

………………………….

Evolution Locker Room

On their way back to the locker room, Lita and Hunter passed by Ric and Batista. Not entirely to the redhead's surprise- Randy was accompanying them to the ring. The Diva could only hope that Rob would be doing the same favor for Devon and Bubba. Not that she wanted to see any harm come to Ric and Dave.. Just that for once, she wanted to see the members of Evolution pull off a real victory. A victory not tainted by interference- like Hunter's match with Kurt. She wasn't blind, she'd give them their due . They were all talented in their own rights. Certainly, there was always some room for improvements- but for all intensive purposes? They were at the top of their game. And as much as she loathed the thought .. She was going along for the ride.

"Alright.. I'm just gonna shower really quick," Hunter sent a sideways glance to the Diva. "Don't leave this locker room. We have things to discuss."

Lita rolled her eyes, the redhead plopping down in a nearby chair. She flicked an idle glance to the monitor, noting happily that Rob was in fact at ringside for the Dudley's.

"And welcome back to Smackdown! As you can see, Mr. Thursday Night is at ringside for Bubba Rey and Devon.."

"That's sure gonna get interesting Tazz, and especially with Randy Orton at ringside for Evolution team-mates Ric Flair and Batista!"

"Well I can guarantee you J.R., if Orton even -thinks- about interfering? Robbie boy is gonna take it to him."

"And the referee has called for the bell, just a little reminder here folks, this is a non title match."

"It looks like it's gonna be Devon lockin' it up with the Nature Boy to start things out."

Lita crossed her arms over her chest, her title belt laying haphazardly on the floor beside her chair. She had a feeling that if the titles were on the line- her tag team partner wouldn't hesitate to interfere. But, since they weren't she could only hope that-

"Lita." Hunter interrupted her inner musings, the Cerebral Assassin taking a seat beside her. "We have things to discuss."

Disinterested hazel orbs spared a glance, "About?"

Hunter leaned forwards, resting his elbows on his thighs, "About how things are run in Evolution."

She sighed, "Alright.. From what I've gathered, when someone has a match? The valet for said someone is supposed to do two things: First would be to distract the referee and the second is to interfere.. Thus allowing the participant in the match to pick up the victory."

The blonde man made a face, "Not exactly."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, shifting slightly in her seat. "Then do, enlighten me Helmsley.. Just how are things run in Evolution?"

The Game gestured to the monitor, "Take a look.. As you can see, Randy is just standing there-"

"For now."

"And he will not interfere unless Van Dam does-"

"Which is unlikely.."

"That is why Randy is there.." Hunter sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Evolution is about teamwork. We are about being the best and staying the best, no matter what the price."

The redhead snorted in distaste, "Yeah and I've seen the price y'all are willing to pay.. I am not about cheatin' to pick up a win."

"And I wasn't trying to imply that Lita." Hunter's lips pressed into a thin line, "I'm merely trying to explain how things work. We are a team, we look out for each other at all times. And if you're a team player- you reap the rewards."

"Rewards?" Lita rolled her eyes, shifting her full attention back to the monitor. "Material rewards mean nothing."

Hunter arched an eyebrow, "Who said anything about material rewards? I'm talking about having security, living life to its fullest.. Being in Evolution means having everything in life on a silver platter."

She shook her head, "Which is exactly what I don't want. I don't want to take shortcuts, use cheap tactics to get to the top or stay at the top.. That is not who I am."

"But you're the Women's Champion.."

"And?"

"You want to stay the Women's champion, don't you?"

Lita frowned, "Of course I do.. But if lose it, I just go after it again."

"But with us- you won't have to go after it because it will stay around your waist."

"And in Evolution, right?" she shook her head, "I thought I made it clear, last night.. I am not bending to you, I am not becoming like you."

He smirked, "And just what are we?"

The corners of her mouth twisted wryly, "You're a pack of arrogant, egotistical, cheatin' and theivin' assholes. That's what you are."

"Is that so," his shoulders lifted nonchalantly in a shrug. "Well, since you told me what we are.. I'll tell you what we are. We are a team and we are the best of the best. Standing in our ranks, we have one of the most decorated World Heavyweight Champions in the business today.. We have a third generation wrestler, we have a man with so much untapped potential? That when it comes to surface- he'll be unstoppable. And in our ranks, we also have- me. I am the Game-"

"Yeah, yeah.." Lita waved it off, "It's all about the game.. And you're that damn good. Heard it already, don't want to hear it again."

"I am one of the best Intercontinental Champions, I am an eight time World Heavyweight champion.."

"I know." Lita yawned, feigning boredom. "Is there a point to this little history lesson?"

Hunter flicked a glance to the monitor, noting then that Flair and Batista were losing.. "And we also have you.. Current women's champion, someone who managed a highly successful tag team."

"I'm well aware of my career achievements.. Thanks."

"Don't you get it? We are the best."

Lita toyed with a stray strand of hair, "Alright.. So y'all are pretty good.. I'll give you at least that much. Between you and Flair? Yeah, I definitely get the point that you're about being the best.. And maybe if Orton wasn't such a prick.. I might be able to see him in a different light. But he is a prick, and thus.. I can't."

Hunter shook his head, "You really don't get it. When you're the best, you show it. We know we're the best.. And we show it, week in and week out. Sure, you can call it arrogance, you can call it being egotistical.. Call it what you will.. The fact remains you are part of us now, whether you like it or not."

"And that doesn't mean shit, Helmsley.. I already told you, I refuse to be like you."

"Then I guess the team fails.." Hunter arched an eyebrow, "Pity that, you and Orton really do have a good shot at holding those inter-gender belts."

"We still do," Lita pointed out blandly, "Just because I'm not one of you, doesn't mean we can't win.. I don't like your tactics and I don't want to use them."

"Did I ever ask you to?" Hunter smirked when the redhead turned to glare at him. "I never asked you to become like us, I just said you are one of us."

"Then, I have a question," She rolled her shoulders, "Just what is expected of me?"

Hunter sat back in his chair, "To stay the women's champion, to bring those inter-gender belts here.. Where they belong. To be the best and stay the best."

"Oh well that's not too much to ask for," the redhead quipped sarcastically, "Would you like me to find a solution for World Peace while I'm at it?"

……..

Hunter merely shrugged, the two falling silent to watch the ending of the match. And much to her surprise, Randy did not once, interfere. As Hunter had pointed out at the beginning, Randy was just standing there in case Rob interfered. To say she was shocked was putting it mildly.. But then, it was one of the few; if not the only time she could recall no outside interference in an Evolution match. Perhaps she was being too judgmental where they were concerned, but given her history with them.. And in particular with Triple H, she couldn't help feeling cautious. The silence reigned until the door to the locker room was swung open, Hunter shifting his attention to the return of their team-mates.

"Bischoff said he wanted to see me later," Orton mentioned as he, Flair and Batista entered the locker room. "Something about defending the belt at the next pay-per-view."

Hunter nodded casually, "I have a feeling we'll all be slated for the next pay-per-view."

Randy rolled his shoulders, "Whatever.. They can throw whatever they want at me, because this belt is not leaving my waist."

Hunter nodded his approval, a wide grin on his face. "And I'm sure Lita here would say the same if she's defending the belt."

"Anyway," Randy re-adjusted his title belt, "I'm gonna go see what Bischoff wants.. I'll be back."

"Good riddance," Lita muttered under her breath as the door shut. "Arrogant little-"

"I seem to recall saying something about a truce." Hunter tilted his chin, "Remember? You and your partner there."

The redhead rolled her eyes, "What of it? You want me an' him to call a truce? He has to take the first step."

Hunter shook his head, "Children.." the Game rolled his shoulders, setting his attention on Batista and Flair then. "Flair, just remember.. Tomorrow we need to be in Stamford."

"I got it Champ, no sweat." The North Carolina native grinned, "Am I taking Coach or Manager?"

"I think you're more fit for manager," Lita pointed out thoughtfully, "I mean, no offense to either of you, but-"

"None taken," Hunter interrupted smoothly. "That's what I was also thinking.. With all of Ric's experience plus my aid.. Those belts are in the bag."

Lita raised an eyebrow, "Not entirely Helmsley.. I mean, we are gonna have some pretty tough competition."

The Game rolled his shoulders, "Then who do you see as the biggest threats?"

She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "Molly and Kurt, Jazz and Rodney, Victoria and Chris, Jacqueline and Christian, Trish and John I'd say.. I mean, not to downplay any of the other teams.. I really have no doubt that the other girls aren't up to par.. But Molly, Jazz, Victoria, Jacqueline and Trish have more in-ring experience."

"So does Gail," Hunter pointed out then, "What about her and Moore?"

"They're at a slight disadvantage.. Shannon's tough as nails, but he's a cruiserweight. I'm not saying he's not talented enough, just that does put him and thus his team at a disadvantage."

Hunter nodded thoughtfully, "Then we'll focus first on the teams you mentioned.. Everything else, we'll cover as we go along."

"Whatever," Lita shrugged her shoulders. "Since I'm not really needed.. Can I just go walk around?"

Hunter rolled his eyes, "Technically, you're still on my time."

Lita rolled her eyes right back. "Then what am I gonna do, huh? Wait until Orton gets back so we can play go-fish?"

"Well no." Hunter gestured to the monitor, "You sit in here while we watch the unification match. Now is a time to study an opponent."

…..

"Ladies and Gentlemen- The following is a unification match for the Heavyweight Championship!"

"This next match is sure gonna be one hellacious slobber knocker, Tazz. Benoit and Guerrero go way back."

"You're damn right about that J.R., these two know each other inside out. It'll be a battle of the Three Amigos and the Hat Trick."

"Introducing first, now residing in Atlanta, Georgia and weighing in at 220 pounds; he is the World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Ben-oit!"

"An' here comes the Rabid Wolverine!"

"And his opponent, from El Paso, Texas and weighing in at 220 pounds; he is the WWE Champion- Eddie Guerrero!"

"An' here comes Latino Heat! An' it looks like he brought along his inter-gender partner, Dawn Marie."

"Senior referee Earl Hebnar is officiating for this match, and he's holding up the titles for both men to see.. Tazz, this is the last time we will see those belts!"

"That's right J.R.- and speaking of belts, we have been informed that on Monday Night RAW, there will be a battle royal to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Title."

"The winner of the battle royal will go on to face current champion: Randy Orton, at the next pay-per-view, where the WWE presents Backlash!"

"And the referee has called for the bell, this match is on!"

"What a show of sportsmanship from them, Tazz.. They're meeting to shake hands before the match begins."

"Well this match ain't about friendship J.R., it's about bein' the Heavyweight Champion."

"And they are locking it up in the center of the ring.."

"These two are so well matched J.R., traveled together way back in the day.. They really do know the other inside out. So I'll ask ya, who do you think is gonna win this match?"

"I can't say for sure Tazz, as you said- these two are very evenly matched. But I do know one thing for sure, somewhere in the back- Triple H must be watching."

"And Benoit is going for an early crippler crossface.."

"And Eddie counters!"

"Latino Heat is now going for a belly to back suplex.."

"And he scores with the suplex, I wonder if he'll go for the-"

"His arms are locked J.R, it looks like it's time for Three Amigos!"

"And Benoit is down! It looks like Eddie is setting him up for a sharpshooter!"

"And Benoit counters!"

"Ouch! Those knife edged chops are echoing throughout the arena."

"And it looks like Benoit is setting up Eddie for the Hat Trick!"

"His arms are locked J.R., and Benoit is delivering his own set of German's to Latino Heat."

"And here comes Triple H! he's standing at the curtains with Ric Flair, Batista and Randy Orton!"

"Benoit and Guerrero have turned their attention away from each other, both men staring hard at the Cerebral Assassin!"

"And it looks like Batista and Randy Orton are heading this way Tazz! This is the last thing we need!"

"And here comes Rob Van Dam and the Dudley Boys! There will be no interference here, I can assure ya that J.R."

"Back to the action folks- Benoit has just scored with a clothesline to take Eddie down.. And it looks like the Crippler is calling for the end! Shades of the Dynamite Kid as Benoit sets up for the flying head butt!"

"J.R, I see most of the Evolution members here.. But where is Lita?"

"And Benoit is going for a sharpshooter.. And he has it locked! Will Guerrero tap out?"

"Eddie is reaching for those ropes, but Chris drags him back to the center of the ring.. He's settling in deep!"

"Ladies and gentlemen here is your winner and Heavyweight Champion- Chris Ben-oit!"

"That was one heck of a match Tazz! Both men gave it their all and in another show of sportsmanship, Benoit is raising Guerrero's hand in the center of the ring!"

"Hey hold on a minute there J.R., take a look at the 'Tron."

"Well I see Lita but who's-"

"It's the Big Show! Show is stalking the women's champion through the hallways!"

"And there goes the Evolution team, back to the back to help out the women's champ."

"But will they get there in time Tazz? That big monster has her cornered!"

"And the Big Show has been hit by a steel chair from behind! And whomever that is, they're delivering another for good measure."

"It looks like the Big Show is out and Lita is safe! But who was swinging that chair?"

"Maybe we'll find out on RAW, which comes to you live- from Detroit Michigan next Monday Night!"

"Thank you for tuning into Smackdown folks! I'm Tazz and for my broadcast partner J.R. we bid ya good night!"