Disclaimer: I own no person, place or thing mentioned. Title inspired by the song of the same name by Pat Benatar.
Spoilers: Some RAW and some Backlash spoilers, so if you haven't watched or heard of the outcomes, don't read the chapter. Other than that, nothing that isn't mentioned in the calender at WWE.com
Brief Chapter Summary: RAW, 4-19; With a few of the elements from the actual show..but of course my way
Notes: See previous chapters for applicable notes and read the following: From this chapter foreward, I will be using the schedule, just altering the televised events to my liking. And as always, I thank anyone who has reviewed..you all rock!
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3:00 p.m. Monday, April 19., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Despite the fact that she would be leaving Calgary with Evolution, and despite the fact the she had traveled to Calgary with Evolution; Lita found herself alone in her hotel room. True, while her hotel room was right down the hall from the others, she had asked for some isolation. Just to give her a little extra time to think things over. Hunter and Chris Jericho had met with her earlier, informing her that during the Highlight Reel, Chris would be covering Backlash Highlights..and his special guest would be Evolution. They talked over the segment, agreeing that it was the perfect time for Lita to announce her offical entry in to Evolution. Stacy, as planned, was set to just make her debut with Evolution. And now, with a little under two hours to go before RAW started, Lita sat back in the living room of her private suite. Just as she had settled in, the offending noise from her cellphone interrupted her thoughts.
With a wary brow, Lita checked the display area before replying to the caller "What?" She tucked the phone between her shoulder and her ear.
"Well if I recognize the number? Duh Jeff, of course I'll just say whatever."
She rolled her eyes, bringing her nails in front of her face. "Uh huh..tonight is the night and thank you."
She shot an annoyed look at the door, "Hold up okay? Someone's bangin' at my door."
The red head swung her legs down from the couch, peering through the peephole before the door to her hotel suite was flung open. There standing on the other side..and grinning from ear to ear, one Jeff Hardy. "You little twerp, when did you get here?"
"I was in the area" He shrugged, leaning against the door frame. "Can I come in?"
"Did you pack up and move to Calgary?" She lifted a brow, stepping aside for Jeff. "Or are you stayin' with Chris?"
"Stayin' with Chris and" He reached behind into his backpack. "I've got a ringside ticket for RAW tonight. Plus, I came to see Fozzy."
"Ringside huh?" She flopped back down on the couch, resting her legs on the arm. "No backstage pass?"
"Please..like I'd want to be backstage" He shuddered, flopping down into one of the chairs. "And I must say Li..nice ring attire you had last night." He shook his head, "Paying homage to your favorite wrestler?"
She rolled her eyes, picking at the couch cushions. "Good luck dipstick" She shrugged, swinging her legs. "And it worked."
"So it did" He raked a hand through his hair, which was currently blue, purple and red. "Nice to see Chris win too."
"Yeah..I'm glad Jerky won last night" She smirked, popping a piece of gum in her mouth. "But..that won't be enough for him; he wants more revenge than that."
He smirked, tossing a pillow in the air. "I wouldn't doubt it, that woman is more trouble than she's worth."
"You say that now" She lifted a brow, snapping her gum. "But I can distinctly recall a time that you were just as smitten..if not more so with her."
"I don't deny it Li" He shrugged, clutching the pillow to his chest. "But hindsight is 20/20..can't do shit about it now."
"True enough" She flung her head back, staring up at the ceiling. "So..can you give me a hand with John's birthday cake?"
"Last time I helped you decorate a cake" He lifted a brow, rolling off the chair to crouch next to her. "I ended up with more icing on me than on the cake. So.." He pinched her cheek. "Yes, I'll help."
She stuck out her tounge rolling to her stomach. "Goofball."
"When do you need to be at the arena?" His eyes twinkled as he stuffed a hand in his pants pocket. "Or are you catchin' a ride with Evolution?"
"I'm supposed to run through a few things with Val during the Heat tapings" She shrugged, cupping her chin in her hands. "Which means, I should be leaving soon."
"Then let's go" He brought his hand out, tossing a set of car keys in the air. "I borrowed Chris' car keys."
She shook her head as she stood. "Borrowed with or without permission?"
"Without..so let's go" He tugged impatiently on her belt loops. "Now"
"Wait just a minute" She stretched her arms out, making her way into the bedroom to pack up her things. "And if you're borrowing Chris' car, how is Chris going to get to the arena?" She shouldered her bag, sliding her sunglasses on the tip of her head.
He shrugged, grabbing her gym bag strap. "He has a cell phone..he can make calls to people."
"I need my key card" The red head let out a breath, grabbing her card at the last minute. "You're gonna yank my arm out of the socket."
***********
Ric Flair exited the Evolution suite, just in time to see the exit of his fellow North Carolinians. He shook his head, watching on as Lita and Jeff raced through the halls of the hotel, the red head's carefree laughter echoing in their wake. As they turned the corner, ducking in to the elevator, Lita grinned happily..finally..for the first time in a long time, things were starting to feel normal.
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5:00 p.m. Backstage, Pengrowth Saddledome
Jeff stuck by the red head's side as long as he could..well really, the two camped out in the parking lot until the red head absolutely had to leave. And when Val Venis approached, Jeff made his exit, squeezing the red head's shoulders as he departed. Val and Lita discussed strategy for the inter-gender tag match later as they walked into the arena. With their match one match following Randy's promo, and the third on the card for the RAW portion..they used what time they had to prep. Their opponents that evening would be none other than Gail Kim and Matt Hardy. Before his own match with Christian, Chris was supposed to have his Backlash Highlight Reel. Hunter had somehow managed to keep Evolution off of the event card that night, claiming injury for himself, Ric and Randy. Then, the final match of the night would be a tag-team match, featuring Chris Benoit and Edge vs. HBK and Kane. Once she was finished discussing strategy, Lita made her way to her own locker room. A slight roll of her eyes at the strategic placement this evening..right across the hall from Evolution. The red head sighed, tossing her gym bag in the corner as she made herself at home. With the title belt resting on the chair in the corner, and her ring attire on the bench; she turned up the volume on her own portable CD player. With Godsmack's Serenity encompassing the room, she began her normal pre-match prepartions. However, her stretching was cut slightly short as Chris Jericho stormed into the locker room. With pure innocence radiating from her eyes, she informed the flustered Canadian that one Jeff Hardy had the keys to his car. And with that knowledge safely in hand, Chris left the diva to her own thoughts once again.
When Evolution arrived to the arena, the red head bit her lip in thought. Tonight was the big night, that no one knew about. Evolution would not only add the woman's title to their stronghold, but Lita would take her place amongst the dominating force on RAW. Her eyes twinkled as Randy stood in the ring, Stacy by his side. So there was one down, one more to go. But, aside from watching them on the monitor and despite the fact that they were right across the hall from her; she had yet to physically see the members of Evolution. Edge had already stopped by, wishing her luck on her match and Val had stopped by to run through things one last time. The diva nearly shook with fear as Kane did his promo..Lord but that man was scary. She just hoped that whomever his sacrifice was..it wasn't someone with red hair. But, with Garrison Cade now taking on Taijiri, the red head began her last minute preparations. Ring attire on, she bounced from foot to foot, mentally shaking off her nerves. A low sigh of frustration escaped as she recalled one of the last times she had been involved in an inter-gender tag with Matt. Shit, that night would never leave the red head's memory. She shook it off, biting her lip as the match on the monitor came to a close. Just as the red head was opening the door, a stage hand knocked, letting her know that her match was up next. She shouldered the title belt, shutting the door behind her and found herself staring straight into the eyes of Dave.
"Hunter just wants you to know.." He stepped forward, taking her hand in his. "He tried to get you off the card tonight"
She shrugged. "Not a big deal..just a tag team match."
He nodded, "I'm well aware of that..Hunter also tried to get one of us as your tag-team partner." Gently, he swept her hair back from her face. "Just be careful out there..alright?"
"I'm not made of glass" She wrinkled her nose, perching on tip toe to plant a kiss on his cheek. "And Val's a pretty decent wrestler, so you, Hunter, Ric, Randy and Stacy have absolutely nothing to worry about."
He shook his head, walking her to the end of the hall. "I'd walk you down to the ring, but since nothing is official." He tugged gently on her hand, bringing an arm around her waist. "I'll wish you good luck from here."
She tipped her face upwards, meeting his halfway. "Thank you.." She grinned, wiping a trace of lipstick away from the corner of his mouth. "Now you better scoot before you break good ole' JR's beliefs that you're nothin' but a monster."
***********
With Gail and Matt already in the ring, and Molly Holly at ringside; Lita waited at the top of the ramp for Val to make his exit. She played to the crowd as her enterance music died down, sending a look straight down to Jeff..who was in fact right at ring side. Just as Lita was making her way towards the curtains, someone's enterance music did start. But instead of Val's the fire burned on the screen signaling the arrival of the Big Red Machine. She gaped in fear as the big Valbowski did appear on stage, tossed out rather roughly by Kane. Her legs gave way, as she scrambled towards the edge of the stage, staring up at the big man in fear. He tossed his head back, laughing at the trembling red head before helping her to her feet..yanking her up roughly by the hair. With images of the Undertaker's delivery at the top of the stage flashing before her eyes, Lita shot up a prayer that this would not end the same way. And now, with Kane's hands firmly grasping her shoulders..her feet dangling above the arena floor and whatever else was below, the red head summoned all of her strength; kicking and screaming for her life. However, just as Kane moved his grip from her shoulders to her neck, she blinked in shock; of all people Matt had raced his way up the ramp and was now assulting the big red monster. Lita was dropped roughly to the tables, her back taking the brunt of the fall. With Lita seemingly now out of the way on the arena floor below as Kane set his sights on Matt. She picked herself up slowly..watching on in horror as Matt was picked up and tossed down like a sack of potatoes. And with the red head now curled into fetal position, Matt a bloody mess at the other end of the stage, Kane lifted his arms summoning the fire. But, just as soon as the big red machine made his exit, Lita's trembling form was lifted into the familiar arms of Jeff. She clung to her best friend, peering out from her hands at Matt's still motionless body on the Titantron.
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Jeff raced through the backstage, whispering to the diva in his arms as he navigated the halls. With Edge's direction, they made their way to the trainers room, if only to ease the red head's fear. Lita rocked back and forth in Jeff's arms, shaking her head when one of the trainers shot off a slew of questions. With an ice pack held to her lower back, she eyed the trainer; demanding to know where Matt was. When she was met with only a shrug, she hopped off the table and with Jeff at her side, left the trainers room for the sanctuary of her own locker room.
"I don't get it" Lita's shoulders shook as they walked through the halls. "Why?"
"Because he's a monster..that's why" Jeff growled, slamming his fist against the wall as they turned the corner. "He just picks a target and boom."
"I know that.." She shuddered, raking a hand through her hair. "I meant Matt..why would he help me?"
"There's only one person who can answer that darlin'" He draped an arm over her shoulders, slowing their pace. "And until we find him? We won't know."
She closed her eyes, leaning into the man. "I just don't get it, a few months ago he broke my heart, gave up what we had" She tried in vain to swallow down the lump of emotions in her throat. "Got me fired, humilitated me, tried to end my damn career.." Her voice faltered as the tears flowed freely. "And now..he just saved my career at the risk of his own." The ice pack slippped from her back as she buried her face in her hands. "I just don't understand"
He stopped in his tracks, taking the red head in his arms. "There are just some things we aren't meant to understand yet" He rubbed his hands up and down her back, not caring that they were in the middle of the hall. "And whatever his intentions..just thank the Lord that he did it. Question it all you want later, but just thank the Lord that he did it."
She shook her head against his chest. "That's not good enough right now Jeff. I want to know why he would just do something like that"
"I wish I could tell you Li-li" He pulled away slightly, hooking a finger under her chin. "But, until we find Matt..you aren't going to get any answers. So let's just get you back to your locker room before that monster comes back here."
"You won't have to worry about that" Chris Jericho held up a dented steel chair. "Edge and I found him first."
"That's no guarantee" The diva sighed, eyeing the blonde man. "How's Matt?"
"Matt's on his way to the hospital" Chris tossed the chair to the ground. "He'll be alright Li..what about you?"
She shrugged, leaning into Jeff for support. "I can still walk and talk, so I guess I'm alright."
Chris sighed, glancing over her head to exchange a look with Jeff. "You still up for the Highlight Reel then?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" She pressed her lips into a firm line, squaring her shoulders as they made their way down the hall to her locker room. "I've taken worse than what just happened out there."
"I know that Li, but" Chris raked a hand through his hair, leaning against the wall outside of her locker room. "This night was big enough to begin with..and now this? Are you absolutely sure?"
She snapped out "I said I'm alright..now just give me a few to grab a shower and I'll be all better" She rolled her eyes, yanking the locker room door open. "I'll see you in the ring."
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Jeff, Edge, two steel chairs and Hunter's best friend the sledgehammer waited in guerilla position. Before Evolution made their way to the ring for the Highlight Reel, Hunter had asked the diva if she was really up to doing this. He said he would understand if she needed more time and also ensured that Kane would get what was coming to him next Monday. And now, with all five Evolution members standing in the ring, Hunter took over on the mic.
"I told you all at Backlash that lightning would not strike twice" He smirked to the crowd, draping the title belt over his other shoulder. "And I proved to all of you, that I am the Game..and I am that damn good." He paused, waiting for the crowd to finish up the you tapped out chants. "I proved you all wrong..Randy proved you all wrong. And now?" He grinned proudly to the fellow members. "We are back at the top where we belong. We have all the damn gold on RAW and I can safely say..that every piece is in it's place."
Just as Hunter was about to continue, Lita's music hit the arena. And with her own mic. in hand, the red head stood at the top of the stage. "First..I just want to say, congrats to y'all. But Hunter?" She shook her head, making her way down to the ring. "You're wrong about one thing. You might be at the top of the mountain..and every piece might be in place." She walked up the stairs, shifting the woman's title belt to her other shoulder as she stood on the apron. "But seems to me like you're missing something."
As planned, Hunter slipped his shades off. "I guess this is payback huh? For me interrupting you last time?" He sneered, reaching into his pocket. "But uh..unless you have change for a $100..get your ass out of here."
She rolled her eyes, draping her arms over the top rope. "You don't get it do you? You might have every title that a man can hold but" She lifted the belt above her head. "What about this? Without this..Evolution will never hold all of the gold on RAW."
Hunter lifted a brow, exchanging a look with Ric before he stepped back..making a sweeping motion with his arm. "Then by all means..champ. Join us."
"You really must be out of it" She smirked. "To think that I would willingly get in that ring..with all of you in there."
Hunter thumbed to Randy and Dave, who in turn made their way to the ropes; creating an entry way for the red head. "I meant something else..just give me one minute of your time."
Lita rolled her shoulders shifting her weight from foot to foot to play up the crowd. Then with a shrug, she slipped through the ropes; securing the belt with one hand as she addressed Hunter. "Clock's ticking"
"Then I'll make this quick" Hunter handed his title belt off to Ric, "I'm going to offer you the chance of a lifetime. One that everyone else sitting in the back would die for."
"If it's to become your personal dancer?" She shifted her weight back, eyeing Dave and Randy as they stood on either side of her. "Then you can forget it."
Hunter smirked stepping forward, "Tempting as that might be for you, I had something else in mind." He placed a hand over the mic., leaning forward to whisper the request into her ear.
"You have got to be kidding" Lita glanced to all five members of Evolution. "You want me..to join you all?" She rolled her eyes, moving back to the ropes. "No way" She turned, slipping through the ropes as she dropped her mic. in the ring.
"Think about it Lita" Hunter addressed the diva, halting her attempts to leave the area. "You'd be safe, you'd be protected. Kane would never lay his hands on you again. Eric couldn't fire you because he wouldn't dream of messing with us." He stepped forward, leaning over the top ropes. "And with Stone Cold gone..who else is going to protect your job? Matt?" He stepped back, lifting the ropes when she re-entered the ring. "I'll give him credit..he tried his damndest to make sure you wouldn't be too harmed. But, had it been us instead of him? Kane would not be walking out of this arena."
She rolled her shoulders, wrenching the mic. from his grasp. "Three conditions, and if they're not met by next Monday; this deal is off and you leave me alone for good."
Hunter nodded, leaning in as she placed a hand over the mic to make her requests. "If that's all..then let me be the first to welcome you to Evolution" He handed the mic. off to Ric; extending a hand to the red head.
She shifted the title belt again, gripping Hunter's hands in hers. "Don't forget. If my requests aren't met, I am gone."
He grinned in response, yanking her forward slightly..only to swing her to the side. And with Hunter raising her left hand and Dave her right, the chain was complete. Evolution had all the gold and Lita was now officially in.
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With one final pose at the top of the stage, Evolution filed through the curtains. Hunter leading the way of the dominating tribe.
"Don't worry about the shirts Lita" Hunter exchanged an amused glance with the red head, addressing one of her three requests. "We'll get you and Stacy different shirts..and Evolution as a whole will get a new shirt done."
"Don't forget the other two and we'll be just fine" Lita shrugged as they made their way to the Evolution locker room. "Can we go now?"
"The other two will be taken care of..and" Hunter leaned against the wall, nodding towards her locker room. "We just need to get your stuff into the limo. And, if you still want to catch the Fozzy concert, we can just make ourselves at home in the limo."
She nodded, biting back a laugh as Dave and Randy retrieved her things. "That was not necessary you two..but thanks" She pinched Randy's cheek lightly, lacing her hand with Dave's as they made their way to the parking lot.
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While they waited out the rest of the RAW show in the limo, Stacy inquired on the other two requests from Lita. Laughter filled the limo as Lita relayed the requests: one being that she would always have her own enterance music and the other being that Hunter would dress in full drag in Hawaii. Hunter played it up, promising the drag with a hula dance. Evolution was running on high as they took their seats for the Fozzy concert. Lita grinned to Chris Jericho from her spot next to Dave, raising her glass to the blonde as he played it up for the crowd. Tomorrow, they would be leaving with Dawn and John in tow, for Hawaii. Evolution's new private jet was at their disposal..making the trip to Vancouver and every trip thereafter easier. And, while the evening had not gone entirely perfect; Lita had to admit..it was nice to finally work her way back to having a sense of family.