Title: Winds of Change
Disclaimer: Standard; I own nothing.
Spoilers: Minor, follows some RAW storylines from the timeframe 8/16/04 and beyond.
Summary: A new alliance is formed
Notes: Pretty much everything from the regular RAW show, except I'm ignoring the pregnancy/wedding angle. And, if you've read any of my other stuff; the chapters for this piece will be shorter but that'll change in time. Just let me lay down my plot seeds.
Keys: italics = thoughts; bold = emphasis
Thanks to: Latisha C., irishcookie and free-vibe for the reviews.

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Chapter Two

The plane ride was silent as the three made their way to North Carolina. Lillian had assured she would call, just to check in and Chris Jericho had been swayed to stay away from the diva and the Crippler until the house show. It wasn't that Chris couldn't be trusted, it was that Lita and Benoit figured it would be in the best interest of them all. The less people that were dragged into the impending mess, the less likely there would be un-necessary blood shed. Add to the fact that Jericho already had his hands full with a former friend in the form of Edge. At any rate, that was the last thing on their minds as the plane touched down.

Finally, when they arrived at the Sanford home of the redheaded diva; Lita let out a sigh of relief. If Evolution was following Randy Orton, hopefully they would never suspect to find him here. Once the trio had entered the home, Lita played the role of proper hostess showing them both to a guest room before they re-convened in the living room.

The Crippler cleared his throat, exchanging a look with the red head before he began. "Look, we know you probably don't want our help. But..." He scratched the back of his neck thoughtfully, "We're helping you"

"And how exactly can the two of you help me?" Orton looked between them skeptically. "I mean, I don't mean to sound like an ungrateful brat, but all you two have done so far is --"

"Quite possibly saved your neck?" The red head offered crisply. "You might be a third generation wrestler, and your accomplishments just might be endless. But underneath that? You're just another road block in Hunter's path."

Randy raised a brow, "I've worked with Hunter for almost two years. I think I understand how he operates by now."

"That may be" Benoit agreed easily, "But say, you've got Hunter in the ring and naturally, Batista and Flair would be on the outside. What then? Or even if Evolution were to replace you? That's a situation you do not want to find yourself in. Especially now that you are the biggest piece of prey on the RAW roster."

Lita chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip before she began quietly. "When you got to the root of it all, Evolution was about safety in numbers. You were there to help Hunter, Batista was there to help Hunter. Flair was there to guide you and Batista. Make sure you were helping Hunter in the proper manner." She leaned forward, resting her forearms on her thighs. "At least that's how it's always looked to me. Even when you had the belt? It was always about Hunter."

She turned hazel eyes to the champ, "And in return for helping Hunter; you were part of an untouchable force. No one could hurt you, not even the G.M. But now? You are just as vulnerable as the rest of us." She almost stopped when Orton closed his eyes, but undaunted she continued. "And I know damn well, another consequence of the company you kept, you have no friends backstage. Allies? Highly un-likely. You're going to need all the help you can get just to ensure that you make it through each week."

"How do I know I can trust the two of you?"

"You don't." The diva admitted easily. "Trust is something that has to be earned, but who else do you have backstage? I'll give you this much, you might have the admiration from more than a few of the diva's. But" The red head cleared her throat, sitting back to tuck her legs underneath her. "Where it really counts? Who do you have on your side?"

"Just give it a shot. I'll admit, we've had our fair share of differences in the past." Benoit shrugged, "But, think about this way Orton. If we hadn't come to your aid, who would have?"

Hands came up to rake through his short brown hair, mindful of the bandage on his forehead. Granted, they did save his ass; but would they do the same and just turn around to stab him in the back? He looked between the two as if he was trying to determine who would be the bigger threat. Of course, there was the underlying fact that Benoit was the former heavyweight champion, and as such would be a prime suspect for taking him down. Maybe it was that old cliche, keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Orton shifted his weight forward, gingerly resting his head in his hands. He also knew full well, that Lita really wasn't the type of person he should piss off. She might be just a chick, but she was a chick who could pretty much hold her own. And if she couldn't? She could manipulate people around her who were capable of doing the work for her. Inwardly he sighed before blue eyes met blue, then hazel.

"What's the plan?"

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Later that day, shortly after dinner really; Randy Orton found himself sitting out on the back porch with the red headed diva. Even though they had been in each other's company for 24 hours and would be for another 24 hours; they hadn't said much to each other. Although, he had to admit if he was still amongst the ranks of Evolution; the diva beside him would've fit perfectly if not outshined Hunter in some aspects. She was just as devious, if not more so.

"So tell me something" He broke the silence, ignoring the slightly agitated look it garnered. "Why are you helping me?"

The diva shrugged, keeping her gaze focused elsewhere. "I have my reasons."

"Admit it, it's my charm right? The unbelievably good looks?"

"Well I see your ego didn't take any direct hits" Lita muttered, resting her forearms on the railing. "You have a lot of potential Orton. More than you think and more than you realize. I see it, Benoit sees it, and obviously Hunter saw it."

"I chose to help you because I am sick and tired of watching Hunter beat down whomever he feels like for his own twisted pleasure. I am sick and tired of watching Hunter rule the roster with an iron fist and Bischoff in his pocket. I am sick and tired of the game."

Orton cocked his head, processing the words that she spewed. "So in short, you're using me to get back at Hunter."

Hazel orbs turned sharply to the young champion. A brow raising as she admitted. "Partly yes. You got a problem with that?"

"Then how do I know you won't turn your back on me, that you won't turn your back on Benoit?"

Lita snorted, turning sideways to face him. "Look, Randy. I know what it feels like to have the people closest to you turn on you. I know what alone feels like and I hate it. I also know that Chris Benoit has been one of the few, if not the only person, who has always stood by my side. And the same goes for me. Benoit has my trust and I have his. As for me and you? How do I know you won't turn your back on me?"

The two stood at a standstill, eyes locked; neither backing down and neither making a move. And from the doorway, Benoit watched. Their tentative alliance laying in the air. However, just as Benoit was about to intervene, one single gesture stopped him.

Lita extended a hand, her eyes still locked with Orton's. "I have managed a highly successful tag team, I would like to consider myself one of the more successful diva's. I offer you my assitance in whatever means necessary. Provided that you do the same. I do not, however, offer my trust. Trust , like respect, is something that has to be earned."

Benoit observed as Randy's eyes first went to her slim hand, then back to her eyes. He knew Lita was speaking the truth, but would the kid buy it?

Orton firmly gripped her hand in his, giving a brisk shake. "Agreed"

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End Chapter Two.