Disclaimer: I own no person, place or thing mentioned. Title inspired by the song of the same name by Pat Benatar.
Spoilers: Backlash Spoilers in this chapter only. So if you didn't watch Backlash..don't read until after RAW!. Other than that, nothing that isn't mentioned in the calender at WWE.com
Brief Chapter Summary: Backlash: before and during.
Notes: Obvious ones are the Women's and Men's championships..though I will say right off the bat, big time congrats to both Victoria and Benoit on a successful title defense, but that just doesn't fit in my story.
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4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Lita, Stacy, Randy, Dave, Hunter and Ric were currently sitting in the living room of their hotel suite. Running through their minds..the event that would occur in a little more than one hours time. Backlash would be kicking off and on the line pride, titles and the Evolution stronghold. Providing that Randy would prevail and Lita and Hunter overcome the odds to win, Evolution would finally be able to say they had all of the gold on RAW. Stacy looked on with wide eyes as Randy hopped up from the couch, pacing the length of the living room. They all watched on as he methodically clenched and unclenched his fists in preperation for his match with Mick Foley. Finally, with one last look around the room, Hunter stood..giving the unspoken signal that it was time for Evolution to leave the sanctuary of the suite and make their way to the arena. For Lita, Dave, Randy and Stacy it would be a return trip, but now it was the final trip until Backlash was over. With Hunter leading the way, they trekked through the halls and to the elevator. Not a word was spoken as the hopefully soon to be, truly most dominating force on RAW, walked through the lobby. Lita nodded in greeting as they passed Chris Jericho and then again as they passed Edge. One by one they slipped into the limo, gym bags tossed into the trunk and of course the shades slipped on for them all.
***********
4:45 p.m. Rexall Place.
The trip to the arena was mostly in silence..save for the run through of the card. Ric would be facing Shelton to kick off the night, Randy would be facing Mick right after Lita took on Victoria. And of course, they were all aware that the big main event was the Triple Threat re-match. With Randy and Dave taking the lead, the collective of Evolution and Lita made their way through the parking lot. Stacy clutched tightly at Lita's hand, her gaze trained on the squared shoulders of Randy. Randy had mentioned previously, this was a side of him that he didn't want Stacy to see..a side that he didn't want Stacy to be around. Right until they had their final pre-Backlash pow-wow, he had tried to talk her in to staying at the hotel. But no, Stacy wanted to be there, no matter what..if not for Randy, then for Lita. The diva's exchanged a look as they entered the arena, Lita letting out a low sigh as she passed through the doorway. She knew full well that Trish, Molly, Gail or Jazz could be lurking around the corner..waiting to strike. She also knew, that by sticking herself in the woman's locker room would put her in a possibly vunerable situation. And, due to that fact..and despite the fact that she had not given a straight answer on her position with Evolution..Lita walked along the hallway with them and to the Evolution locker room. And now, with the door safely shut behind them..or at least behind most of them since Hunter had to be filmed seperate, she unpacked her ring attire. Across the locker room from her, Randy was unpacking a gym bag and pre-loading a garbage can. The diva's shuddered as they heard the items being dropped in, both knowing full well what could and would happen should Randy be on the receiving end of the not so nice toys. And now, with Ric getting ready..Stacy and Lita exited the locker room.
"I'm scared" Stacy sighed as the two walked the halls, heading first for the catering room. "I have never seen him like this."
"It's a big match" Lita shrugged it off, glancing to the sides before they turned the corner. "But just have faith Stace."
Stacy nodded as they entered the catering hall, finally sitting down at a corner table. "I just can't help but worry."
"I know how you feel" Lita leaned forward, her eyes trained on the monitor in the corner. "This is how I used to feel..when Team X-Treme was around." She shook her head, flicking another glance to one of the Heat matches. "Jeff..that boy has given me so many near heart attacks, I can't count that high."
Stacy watched as the diva across from her inhaled and exhaled..almost mechanically. "Then what would you do?"
Lita lifted a brow, "What else could I do? I would pray."
"Pray" Stacy sat back, raking a hand through her hair. "And if that's not enough?"
"Stacy honey" Lita pressed her lips into a firm line. "Wings and a prayer..that's how I would describe Jeff. Believe in Randy..he obviously does."
"Do you miss Jeff?" Stacy eyed the red head, shifting the mood of the conversation for her own sake. "I mean, I know you still see him, but do you miss having him around backstage?"
"Of course I miss him" Lita tossed her hands in the air. "I miss Team X-Treme, I miss having a best friend around to wake me up at odd hours of the night to listen to a poem, I miss Matt going off on his little triads..I miss it all; good times and bad." She flung her head back, closing her eyes a moment. "I miss having the sense of family..within the larger family that is this business."
"I had that sense of family in WCW" Stacy smiled a touch. "The Nitro girls..and then during the Invasion,..but nothing has compared to now."
"Invasion" Lita shot a look to the blonde. "That was quite the time now wasn't it?"
Stacy let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah it sure was..but I'd like to think we're friends now."
"So long as you don't go after my man?" Lita lifted a brow, shaking a finger at the blonde in warning. "We'll be just fine."
With a laugh, Stacy agreed. "You can count on me not doing that..and Dawn will just die to hear you say those words again" She glanced to the monitor, heaving another sigh. "Well..we should get back to the locker room..looks like the last Heat match is on."
The diva's stood, but as Stacy exited the catering room, Lita lingered behind to watch the final match..Matt vs. Val Venis. A small smile graced her face as she watched, but turned quickly into a frown as Val hit the money shot for the victory. With a slight shake of her head, Lita turned on heel to catch up with Stacy. The two linked arms as they walked through the halls, running head on into Shawn Michaels. With a respectful nod, Shawn stood to the side allowing the diva's to pass. And as they made their way back to the locker room, Lita looked over her shoulder..mouthing 'good luck' to the Heartbreak Kid.
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6:00 p.m. Evolution Locker Room. Rexall Place.
Ric sat in one corner of the locker room..prepping Hunter for his big match. Randy was off doing a small interview, which left Lita, Stacy and Dave to make small conversation. The red head was currently in her ring attire and stretching against the wall. She rolled her shoulders, stretching out her calf muscles..mouthing the lyrics to the song currently blaring from Stacy's portable C.D. player.
"Must you always play AC/DC?" Lita shot a glance to the blonde. "I know they're your favorite..but please..You Shook Me All Night Long is not good preparation music for me."
"Then what is?" Stacy lifted a brow at the red head. "I can switch CD's if you want."
Lita nodded towards her gym bag as she pushed off the wall, settling on the floor to stretch her arms over head. "I've got Linkin Park in there..anything'll do."
Stacy rolled her eyes, but complied, popping in Meteora for the red head. "Happy now?"
"Switch it to the third track..then yes" Lita leaned forward, grasping her hands together.
With the selected track now playing, Stacy resumed her spot on the bench. "I hope Chris wins tonight" She cleared her throat when Hunter shot her a look. "Jericho..I hope he humiliates that dumb slut."
"His match is next" Dave glanced up from the magazine in his hands, nodding to the monitor in the locker room. "After this promo"
Lita lifted her head, a look of pure disgust crossing her face as the images from WrestleMania were shown. "That stupid, little, conniving, backstabbing, two-timing snake in the grass." Her muscles tensed as Trish was shown slapping Chris. "Bitch."
"Hey" Hunter finally spoke, watching the red head's every move. "Keep your focus on the match. Those two losers should be far from your mind right now."
Lita simply nodded, hopping up from the floor. "I need to take a walk" She bounced from foot to foot, rolling her shoulders. "I'll see y'all after my match."
***********
Dave caught up to her in the halls, tucking his magazine in his pants pocket. "Hunter's right you know..you have to focus on the match."
"I'm not doubting that" Lita shook her hands in front of her, clenching and unclenching. "I am focused and I will win."
"Then relax a little" He placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to slow her pace. "Their match just started."
She nodded, placing a hand over one of his as the two walked through the halls, stopping at a crate near one of the monitors. "I just want to see Chris get some retribution" She smiled crisply, hopping up on the crate.
"I know you do" He leaned next to the crate, smoothing her hair out of her face. "And he will..just like you'll win, just like Randy will retain and just like Hunter will get the title back."
She eyed him wearily, lacing her hand with his. "¿Cómo usted sabe eso?"
He shrugged, glancing quickly to the monitor before he replied. "Porque tengo fe y porque creo."
The ghost of a smile graced her face when she responded. "¿Diga un rezo para mí?"
He grinned, kissing her temple. "Usted puede contar en él." He lifted his left arm "Soy mensajero de heaven's."
She rolled her eyes, pinching his forearm. "Smart ass"
He smirked. "Judging by that magazine..I'd say your ass is smarter."
"Trying to be cute huh?" She swung her legs, shaking her head slightly. "Flattery will get you nowhere..and where did you get that?"
"I borrowed it from Eugene" He shrugged, releasing her hand to wrap an arm around her waist. "But only after I promised I'd get you and Stacy to sign it."
"Is that so?" She lifted a brow, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "And just how am I supposed to sign with no pen?"
His eyes twinkled, "There's a pen in my pocket"
"Pervert" She dropped her arms, shoving him playfully. "I'll sign when I'm the new woman's champion."
He scooped her into his arms, glancing again to the monitor. "Well..your match is going to be starting soon..Jericho has this one in the bag."
"Well you aren't walking me to ringside..or carrying me there for that matter." She shoved at his chest, swinging her legs. "So if I'm going to wrestle, you need to put me down."
He shrugged, tipping his face slightly to steal a kiss before he complied. "For good luck."
As he set her down, she tipped her face upwards claiming her own kiss. "For extra luck."
"I won't argue with that" With his arms drawn tightly around her, he planted another kiss. "Now you better win that match." He released her slowly as they watched Chris celebrating his win in the ring.
She kissed her fingertips, touching them to his forehead. "Now..go keep Hunter and Randy sane."
***********
While Lita was elated to be the woman's champion once again..she growled in frustration; extending a hand to Victoria to help the fellow diva to her feet. Damn Molly and Gail..it would figure that since they had left her alone before the match, they would pull some stupid shit like this. In mutual respect, Victoria and Lita left the ring, playing it up for the crowd before they ducked through the curtains. With one last handshake, Lita took off for the Evolution locker room, the title belt draped over her shoulder. But, her celebration would be postponed..for when she entered the locker room, it appeared that everyone was afraid to breathe. Randy was prepping himself for his big match that night. And, as the red head slipped to her locker..she met the ice blue eyes of Randy. She bit her lip, glancing quickly to Stacy whom was already wringing her hands..but she clapped a hand on Randy's shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze for good luck. And, with the trash can of goodies in hand, Randy exited the locker room.
A quick shower later and a towel draped over her shoulders, Lita was now perched on Dave's lap and clutching Stacy's hands. The locker room watched on, wincing when 'barbie' was not so nicely introduced to Randy's forehead and cheering quietly when Randy countered. Lita soon found herself with her arms around the blonde diva, whispering words of comfort to her as the brutal and bloody match continued. She rubbed her back comfortingly, when Mick came down hard on Randy..assuring both of them that Randy would walk out of there okay. Both diva's turned their heads when Randy and Mick re-entered the ring, even though it did mean that Randy would walk out of there. With a slight nod of her head, Stacy acknowledged the presence of the others..more specifically, Ric and Dave as they made their way out of the locker room. And now, with baited breath, she and Lita glued their gaze to the monitor..sighing in relief as Randy scored the second RKO to pick up the win. They looked on in silence as the three re-entered the locker room, Randy refusing to go to the hospital. Hunter's match was more important..he hissed through his teeth, glaring daggers at Ric and Dave as they argued with him on the issue. But, when all was said and done..and after seeing the tears brimming in Stacy's eyes, Ric and Stacy walked the young champion down to the trainers room.
Lita and Randy sat in the hall, just outside the locker room..Randy claiming he needed some time to cool off before he went back in there.
"This is why I didn't want her here" Randy growled in frustration, flinging his head back against the wall. "She shouldn't be here tonight."
"You can't tell her what's best for her" Lita eyed the young man, crossing her legs in front of her. "She's just worried about you."
"And? What if I hadn't won?" He closed his eyes, hissing through his teeth. "What if something had happened to her?"
She lifted a brow "That was a risk she was willing to take, win or lose Randy. It was her risk to take. Besides which, you won didn't you?"
He pressed his lips into a grim smile. "Just barely..but hell yeah I won."
"Then what are you so worried about?" She hopped up, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "You won, the night is almost over..we just have to wait for Hunter to get that belt back."
"You say that like he's already won" He eyed the diva as he stood. "And since I didn't get to say it before..congrats." He extended a hand to her, mutual respect passing between the two.
She shook his hand briskly. "That's because..in his mind, he already has won. That's all you need."
He smirked, pausing before he opened the door to the locker room. "Dave and Ric were wrong about you..not being like Evolution."
She placed a hand on the wall, "How do you figure that?"
"Because" He turned the door knob. "You and Hunter think alike..as long as you can picture the victory, crystal clear in your mind; gain that psychological advantage. You've already won."
She shrugged, pushing off the wall. "I've always just held to the belief..your toughest opponent in the ring is yourself. Once you get past that, you're good to go." She slipped between him and the door, waltzing in before him. "Oh lord." She bit her lip as Edge's music hit the arena. "That boy best not do anything stupid."
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Hunter stood in the center of the locker room, all eyes trained on him as he finished his last minute preparations for his big match. The big moment had finally arrived..whether he would deliver on his promise was yet to be seen. With one final nod and a water bottle in hand, he exited the locker room. Ric's loss to Shelton had put an early damper on the Evolution locker room, but with two straight victories, and one title hopefully added to the pot; Evolution was now running on high. Stacy and Lita were now wedged between Randy and Dave as the locker room watched the final match. They all leaned forward, silently cheering on their leader, sitting back in frustration as Shawn just raised his arm to break the three count. However, the mood quickly changed when Hunter delivered on his promise..securing the title once again. Stacy and Lita hugged in jubiliation as Hunter raised the title belt over his head, jumping up and down for joy as he made his way back to the locker room. And now, with his match over..Evolution exited the arena; with all the gold in their treasure chest.
"Now I know how the King felt" Lita rubbed at her cheek, the title belt draped over her shoulder. "But I guess it's the thought that counts." She wrinkled her nose as they made their way through the parking lot. "I just wish he'd use another way..then licking people on the face."
"Eugene just wanted to congratulate you" Stacy snickered, "Do you need sanitizer for your cheek now?"
"Ha ha" Lita stuck her tounge out at the blonde. "I'd like to see how you'd take it"
"Hey Lita" Eric Bischoff caught up with the group. "I just wanted to extend my personal congratulations to you."
"Yeah?" Lita turned on heel, facing the boss. "Normally I'd tell you to fu-"
"She means thank you" Hunter nudged the red head in the side. "And we would love to stick around and chat..but we have a wounded member in our party." He thumbed to Randy. "So if you would excuse us"
Eric nodded, puffing out his chest at the red head. "Yes well..have a good night then. And again, my sincere congratulations on your victory. I couldn't think of a better woman to hold that title."
Lita bit her lip, forcing a polite smile as she turned..heading to the limo. "That fake, creepy, slimy"
"Easy" Dave rested a hand on her shoulder as they reached the limo. "Backlash is done, you have the title..that's all you need to think about."
She rolled her eyes, waiting until the trunk was popped to toss her bag in. "Yeah well..he still creeps me out."
"You have nothing to worry about Lita" Hunter tossed his bag inside, re-adjusting the title belt on his shoulder. "As long as you say yes tomorrow, you will have absolutely nothing to worry about."
The red head nodded, leaning into Dave. "Let's just get out of here..the farther away from that creepy little slime ball I am, the better I feel." She let out a breath, dropping the belt from her shoulder.
"Hey Li" Matt rolled down the passengers window as he drove past. "Congrats..nice to see you with that title again."
"Thanks Hardy" She quirked a smile, saluting the man who had played such a large role in her life. "Sorry about your loss earlier."
He shrugged, eyeing the red head and her compainions. "What can ya say? You win some an' you lose some." With a roll of his shoulders he wrapped it up. "Anyway, just wanted to congratulate you..you deserve it"
"Yeah..guess so" She shrugged slightly, placing a hand on the car door. "See ya in Calgary."
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With Randy and Stacy staying behind, Ric working on a re-match with Shelton and Hunter on the phone confirming last minute arrangements for the Hawaii trip; Dave and Lita found themselves in a bar celebrating the victories that evening. It had indeed been a sucessful night for Evolution and even though Lita hadn't given her official answer, it was fairly certain that Evolution would be one member stronger the following night in Calgary. Hunter had informed them all that Stacy would be announced formally during the opening of RAW..and that Lita would be announced at the closing. Hunter had also informed Lita, that the reason John and Dawn had been asked to come with them to Hawaii, was for John's birthday. And, while the red head was a tad shocked that Hunter would even think of that, she was thankful. And so with all of the details on the forthcoming week squared away; Dave and Lita celebrated the victory and the forthcoming expansion of Evolution well into the night.
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Author notes: Hunter's actions will remain as they have for prior chapters and throughout until his plans are fully set forth. Playing up the cerebral assasin bit and whatnot. Other than that..I can't say much for the story, just that everything has been laid out in my mind.
Translations:
Lita: ¿Cómo usted sabe eso?/How do you know that?
Dave: Porque tengo fe y porque creo./ Because I have faith and because I believe
Lita: ¿Diga un rezo para mí?/ Say a prayer for me?
Dave: Usted puede contar en él. Soy mensajero de heaven's./ You can count it, I am heaven's messenger.