Title: To Be Without Regret

Author: Kori/justagirl8225

Rating: R

Pairing(s)/Characters: Lita/?, Christy/?, Victoria/Edge, Trish/Jericho; Christian, Randy, Tyson, Batista. Many others appearing..

Disclaimer: I disclaim

Spoilers: None, it's purely A/U

Summary: She believed everything she knew about them, she hated them just like she was supposed to.. And then, everything changed.

Warnings: Language for now, rating changed for future content and the inevitable character death.

Notes: All previous notes apply and to clarify.. Dave will refer to Dave Batista, David is David Heath aka Gangrel.

Dijon, France

Unaware to what was happening in Paris, business continued as usual at the temporary headquarters in Dijon. Or at least somewhat usual, Shane making the necessary preparations for the next night watch. Paul was already slated to take tomorrow night's over night watch, while Shane himself would handle tonights. Tyson had been scheduled to take the night watch, however, with the younger McMahon's last minute re-assignment to Paris, plans had to be re-arranged. And it hadn't been Shane's idea entirely, his father and Eric both under the impression that it would be wise to send someone to keep watch over Amy. Shane agreed to that, of course, full well knowing how valuable she was to the Elite, and especially since she was the lone female on the Elite squad. That thought bothered Shane more than he was willing to admit. Of course, he wanted to regard it as pure coincidence, it would only make sense to attack the two 'weaker' members of the squad. Not that he would consider Trish or Lisa weak by any means; they were both tough and could hold their own against virtually anyone. What bothered him about it, was the way the vampires had gone about with their attack. They'd purposely left Lisa and Trish to fend off the weaker members of the attack force, while their main group took on Tyson and Paul. They'd left the two women virtually untouched...until the last possible moment when the main group seemed to switch places with the weaker members. As usual, the vampires had the numbers advantage, swarming upon the Elite and their fighting force in waves. They had successfully isolated Lisa and Trish, allowing for the subsequent kidnapping of the two women when Shane had called for the retreat. And he had done so rather reluctantly, the younger McMahon never wanting to leave anyone behind. Especially not members of the Elite, but... they just couldn't afford for anymore losses. Still, the kidnapping of Lisa and Trish left Shane with an unsettling feeling, aside from the obvious loss of their skills on the Elite..

Paul cleared his throat before stepping into the surveillance room, "every thing's set up for the night. Alarms are ready, guards have been posted."

Shane motioned briefly to the empty chair beside him. "What do you remember about the fight in Mexico? Not landscape or anything like that, but.. How they attacked."

The blond man's forehead etched in thought, "why are you asking this now?"

"Partially because I never had the chance to write up a full report for the archive," Shane idly tapped a pen on a monitor. "And partially because it disturbs me.."

"And you feel guilty, responsible.." Paul's statement like question left his mouth without a thought. "Which you shouldn't. You had to make a judgment call based on standard protocol. It's not your fault, Shane. Everyone understands that."

Shane was silent for a long moment, eyes closing as he spoke. "It's more than that, Paul... I could only hope that it would be so simple as just that. Of course I feel responsible, I was in charge that night, it was my decision to call for a retreat." A tired sigh escaped his parted lips, "of course I feel guilty, we could have gone after them... Tried harder to help them."

Paul ran a hand through his blond locks. "There really wasn't anything else we could do."

"We should have been more vigilante," Shane replied almost bitterly, "we should have been more prepared. And now, we're walking right into their territory--"

"Their territory is global."

"You know what I meant," the dark haired male leaned forwards, resting his arms heavily on his thighs. "They're in Paris and one of our Elite is in Paris at this very moment. And she's alone."

Paul eyed his superior carefully, "are you more bothered by the fact that it's one of the Elite or by the fact that it's Amy?"

Shane smiled dryly, "I'm more concerned with the fact that she's a female and that those assholes just happened to target Lisa and Trish in our last skirmish."

The blond man nodded slowly, still not completely buying it but.. "Then what are you thinking.. Why send Tyson out to Paris when you claimed to trust Amy? Why ask me about the fight when it's done and over?"

"Because I think they're planning something... Beyond what they usually plan, I'm fully aware that they mean to take us out completely." Shane shook his head, "whatever it is they're planning, it has something to do with Lisa, Trish and Amy."

"You can't assume that Shane," Paul pointed out, then held up his hands in defense when Shane shot him a disbelieving look. "Let me explain-- sure, they isolated Lisa and Trish, but we anticipated that because that's just how they operate. But, that doesn't automatically mean they're going to target Amy next."

Shane arched an eyebrow, "were you or were you not paying attention the other night? They did it again. They isolated us from Amy."

Paul nodded shortly, "I'm aware of that, but, they didn't do anything else to her, did they? Aside from that 'scratch' .. they left her unharmed. They could have taken her then, but they didn't."

"Which just leaves me all the more suspicious," Shane admitted darkly, "I should have told her to go back to New York."

"So she could be alone there?" Paul let out an uncharacteristic sigh. "Look Shane, I know how valuable she is to the Elite, I know how much she means to you and your family but... If they were going to do something-- anything... Don't you think they would have sent a more clear message by now?"

"It's possible, but not likely. They don't operate like that and you know it." Shane leaned back in his chair, "they operate like we do. They leave subtle hints, hidden messages, a trail of clues with no set ending. They don't outright do anything on purpose, they never have before and quite frankly? I highly doubt that they ever will."

"But it doesn't mean that they won't," Paul put in patiently. "They could be changing their tactics because we expect for them to operate a certain way. For all we know, you could just be reading into this more than you should be.. and they could be accomplishing a goal by it."

"Perhaps.."

"Shane.. You're sending Tyson in to Paris; Dave, Randy and Christy are due to arrive tomorrow evening.. If you're really that worried about something happening? I'll head into Paris every once in awhile to check on her." Paul bridged his hands behind his head, "or you could send Dave in there as well.. You could even send Randy. We know he'll look out for her."

Shane frowned in thought, "I need Dave for assignment with Eric, Randy stays here to oversee the security.. Christy needs to complete her training."

Paul shrugged, "then I'll go.. I'm going to be in Paris anyway, there's no saying I can't check on her and Tyson. Just to be on the safe side or whatever."

After a long moment, Shane half nodded. "I'll take that into consideration."

Paul took that as Shane's unspoken dismissal.. the blond man exiting the surveillance room shortly after. The dark haired man once again left to his thoughts. And perhaps Paul was right. Maybe he was just reading into things too much and playing into their hands. But, maybe Paul was wrong... They could be targeting Amy and at this very moment, there really wasn't anything they could do about it. Two Elite were a force to be reckoned with, but isolated? While they could still put up a good fight, the circumstances weren't exactly favorable. Still, with all of the preparations underway for the upcoming war, what Shane had dubbed the final battle, they needed everyone back at the main estate. Having Amy in Paris was partially to keep her from going stir crazy and partially because it was necessary to ensure that all of the necessary preparations would be complete.

xxx

Paris, France

Just as the humans continued with their preparations in Dijon, the small group of vampires in Paris continued with their own. They weren't exactly similar by any means since the main operational headquarters were located elsewhere. Still, they needed the base in Paris so they could track the humans easier.. In particular, they needed to keep a close watch over the lone member of the Elite in the city. Unlike the humans they weren't restricted to daytime hours, and that was partially due to the small human workforce and partially because most of the main headquarters was built into a mountain. And it would only be a matter of time until all of the Coven gathered at the main headquarters.. Though, no one was really sure what would happen after that.. If they would wait for the humans to come to them or if they would strike in small waves... But, that was still some time away, the vampires currently deciding on when they would make the final move to the fortress..

Scott scrutinized the two males before him, "we leave for the fortress in one week. As it has been previously discussed, the pair of you will be responsible for the humans in your charge. I am without a shadow of a doubt that Luna or Dawn will give the final word as to when the final stages are to take place."

Adam nodded shortly, "and after that? Are we to remain at the fortress until the battle begins?"

Scott shook his head, "as of this moment it has not been decided. Some of us will remain at the fortress at all times, whilst others may be designated for assignment. Where you are sent all depends on how far we have progressed with all of the necessary preparations."

Chris frowned, "and what of this place? We've already put so much time getting this place ready, the laboratory, the library.. Everything that exists here. Certainly we won't abandon it now.."

"As I had just stated, we will still return to Paris on occasion. And just because there has been the call to return to the Fortress, it does not necessarily mean that everyone will return at this time." Scott held up a hand when Chris and Adam both looked ready to protest. "I am awaiting the final decision from David. He has stayed behind this evening as it seems that Jason had a rather important issue to discuss."

Adam made a face, "so he's probably staying behind in Paris, to do whatever it is that he needs to do while we--"

"You will both remain in Paris," David interrupted as he entered the room, Chris and Adam soon bowing respectfully to their Elder. "It does mean that we will have to delay taking in our two newest members of the Coven, however, I feel it is necessary for the two of you to remain in Paris with Jason."

Chris raised his head a fraction, "where is Jason?"

"Speaking with the head of the laboratory," David replied shortly, "when he returns.. He is not to be bothered, is that understood?" When Adam and Chris both nodded, the elder vampire motioned for Scott to join him. "We leave within the hour, the two humans will remain here and do not forget my instructions."

Once David and Scott had left, Adam and Chris returned to the living room area to wait for Jason. And while they did intend on heeding David's instructions, it didn't necessarily mean that they couldn't ask a few questions..

"You don't think he's actually going to go through with it, do you?" Chris sent a questioning look to the taller vampire. "Sure, we might have overheard him talking about it but.. To actually go through with it?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Adam sat back on the couch, hands bridging behind his head. "I don't know much about the actual process, but, there aren't many who are strong enough to endure it."

Chris shrugged slightly, "I wouldn't say it's about surviving the actual transformation... But the process of readjusting to being a human again. Especially for one such as Jason."

The taller man frowned, "I would presume that Jason is strong enough to both endure the transformation and to endure the process of being human. However, I would think it all depends on how long he intends to carry on this masquerade."

"One month," Jason informed them as he entered the room. "I have been given exactly one month to, how did David put it... Charm. Persuasion and convincing her should fall into place."

Adam nodded slowly, "so why are we staying in Paris?"

Jason smiled wryly, "obviously because once I am a human, I will be more susceptible to threats. Whilst I am not trying to imply that one of our own Coven would attack me, it would be foolish of us to completely disregard the others that walk this earth."

Chris scoffed, "basically Adam and I get to be your bodyguards for a month? And then what? We bring all three of them to the Fortress?"

"More or less," Jason confirmed in a calm tone, "you need not concern yourselves with me every moment of the day. But, it will be necessary at times."

"Right," Adam arched an eyebrow then, "and just how are you going to charm her when she already hates you?"

Jason smirked, "simple. We have a connection with the Elite, using that connection I will become a temporary member. Conveniently, the first person of the Elite that I will come into contact with will be Amy."

Chris regarded him dubiously, "and if you should fail?"

"Doubtful that I would fail, however, if that does happen.. I have the misfortune of remaining human." Jason waved it off without a care, "but I will not fail, so it is not necessary to worry about such trivial matters."

Adam snorted, "I wonder if your attitude will change any... or your appearance for that matter. She's not stupid nor blind, William. She's going to figure out that it's you."

"And you doubt me, you doubt the abilities of the laboratory." Jason shook his head, "everything has been taken into consideration. All precautions for the procedure have been noted. There is nothing to worry about on my end."

"I still don't think it's a very good idea, but.. if this works?" Chris smirked slightly, "you'll have to explain this procedure to the rest of the Coven. I've yet to read any successful records."

Jason was silent a long moment, "none have been successful in previous attempts. They were not strong enough to survive the initial procedure or they were not strong enough to survive as a human. They lacked the simple faith in themselves and the common sense. I am not lacking in either area, thus, it will not be a problem."

Adam rolled his eyes, "only time will tell. So, when do you start this whole procedure, hmm? How long do you have until you lose all of those coveted superior senses?"

"The procedure will begin tomorrow evening," Jason stood shortly after, heading towards the double doors leading out. "You bore me. Do not wait up, I shall not be gone too long."

Chris mimicked him behind his back, exchanging a look with Adam before they were both leaving the mansion... Once again following after Jason, but not so close that he would notice. And even if he did, he wasn't acknowledging them. To Adam and Chris that meant one of two things.. Either Jason was going out on a hunt or he was going out to seek Amy. Either way, they supposed, it was a hunt.. Though, one was for survival and the other... Well, they still weren't quite certain. Yes, they both understood that she would be a power to be reckoned with once she was a member of their Coven. But, until that point, she remained one of their most powerful enemies. Logically, they should keep their distance from the hunter, but... For whatever reasons or another, either related to his task or not; Jason was doing anything but keeping his distance.

TBC