Disclaimer: Standard, I own crap. Title inspired by the song Haunted by Evanescence.
Rating: R for sexual situations, (ie rape) in later chapters. Otherwise a clean PG-13 for language and violence.
Summary: When one of the RAW diva's is attacked, it brings the un-likeliest group of people together.
Notes: Things might get a tad confusing..and I do apologize but they will clear up eventually. And just a note in case it isn't obvious, using past alliances/fueds/what have you and twisting them slightly. See previous chapters for any applicable notes and as always, a big Thank You to the reviewers.
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Chapter 2
The next morning (or later that morning for three) Stacy was already up and about, Nidia was at least sitting up while Hunter, Batista and Lita were still sound asleep. As it were, it appeared those three wouldn't be moving any time soon, and so Nidia and Stacy exited the room for the hotel's resturant or otherwise. By the time they had returned, Hunter was just exiting the bathroom, while Lita and Batista were still asleep. However, they wouldn't be asleep for very long as a sharp knock at the door interrupted the peace.
"Coming coming" Stacy swept her hair out of her face, looking through the peephole. "Good morning." She opened the door, allowing Chris, Chris, Victoria and Lillian entry.
"Morning" Lillian smiled brightly, looking around the room. "Just coming to see how everyone slept." She sent a glance to Stacy in hopes she'd get the hint.
"We all slept well" Stacy nodded, discreetly pointing out the sleeping form in the chairs.
"What are you four up to today?"
Lillian shrugged, moving to one of the beds. "Not quite sure actually. I was going to see if you three wanted to join the four of us. Go to the mall or something."
Victoria perched on the edge of the desk. "We'd ask if you wanted to join us for brunch,
if you haven't eaten already."
"They have" Lita mumbled from her spot in the chairs. "But unless you can hook me up to an IV and pump food in me? I'm not eating."
Victoria raised a brow. "Rough night?"
"We'd love to join you at the mall" Stacy tucked a few items in her purse. "Or at least I would..Nidia?"
"I'd rather stay here." Nidia stretched out on the bed, fanning out her hair on the pillow. "If you all don't mind?"
"I'll be here for awhile..Stace go have fun, don't spend too much." Lita sat up, stretching her arms with a yawn.
Chris J. smirked. "Good morning Sleeping Beauty."
"There is nothing good about the morning" Lita shook her head, moving out of the chair-bed. "And uh..you?" She pointed towards Hunter. "When are you the two of you removing your bodies from this room?"
Hunter shrugged, pausing the collection of pillow and blankets. "Oh I don't know..Lita" He rolled his eyes, sarcasm dripping. "I thought it would be most wonderful, if we spent the day together."
"We'll be on our way now" Batista sat up, stretching out his arms. "We still have some time to talk Randy out of this date."
"Then get the steppin' " Lita motioned to the door. "Save's me the trouble."
Stacy looked between the two, tucking her key card in her purse. "Thanks for the vote of confidence but if I wanted someone's seal of approval? I'd just go back to Test and Scott."
Lita winced "Sorry..just those two bring out the worst in me."
"I'm not sorry" Batista stood, blankets and pillow in hand. "Lets get out of here." He looked between Chris, Chris, Victoria and Lillian before meeting the glare of hatred from Lita. With a simple smirk in acknoweldgment, he and Hunter made their exit.
"Jerks" Victoria shook her head, hopping off the table and moved to Chris J's. side. "Are we ready?"
"Stace I" Lita began. "I really am sorry..just tryin' to figure out what you see in Randy."
"I shouldn't have to explain something like this to you Li" Stacy tugged her jacket on.
"Simple as that..I'll see you later." She offered a small smile before she and the two couples made their exit.
"Damnit" Lita frowned as the door shut behind them. "Well..while I'm on an apology offering," She offered a sheepish smile to Nidia. "Sorry you have to see that."
Nidia half shrugged, "It's how friends are..you're only looking out for Stacy's best interests, while I guess Batista and Hunter are looking out for Randy's."
"Yeah..guess so" Lita flopped down on the other bed. "Guess all I can do is grin and bear it."
Nidia sat up, bringing her knees to her chest. "How long have you and Stacy known each other?"
Lita picked at the bed spread. "When WCW and WWF merged which was in May or June of 2001..that's when I met Stacy. And let me tell you" She let out a whistle. "We were far from the best of friends, but since then we've set aside differences, past is the past anyway."
"So it took you two awhile to get to this point?" Nidia assesed the diva on the other bed.
"Yeah it did. I mean we still have our fair share of arguments" Lita chewed on her lower lip in thought. "But most friends do."
"I see" Nidia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What about the others?"
"Chris Jericho and I have known each other since he came to the WWF, Chris Benoit same deal." Lita tucked her legs underneath her. "Lillian and Victoria mostly the same..I guess, it's when people come into the WWE it takes awhile to really get a feel for whether or not you'll get along. And for the most part, I get along well with everyone..but there are always a few exceptions."
"And you and Hunter?"
Lita smirked, resting her palms flat on the bed. "Hunter and I we've always had this little..hate/hate relationship. Before Evolution, before the Alliance Invasion. He and I have never seen eye to eye and I doubt we ever will."
"So the 'relationship'" Nidia made the quote gestures with her fingers. "Extends to the rest of them?"
"Who..Evolution?" Lita huffed. "Ric and I have never really had a problem with each other. In fact, I have nothing but respect for that man, just question his choice in associates. Randy and I don't really know each other, but there's just something about him. Don't get me wrong here, he's got a lot of talent, got a lot going for him an' all" She frowned in thought. "But he needs to learn some respect..shoot Taker'd take him to school any day."
"And-"
"Batista and I have met once before..Supercard, with some of us from WWF against OVW in 2001. Christmas Chaos I believe was the name. Matt, Jeff and I were on the card against the Disciples of Synn." Lita tipped her head upwards, but not before catching the look on Nidia's face at the mention of Synn. "Kane had Batista..who was then Leviathan aka the Demon of the Deep if you asked Synn. Anyway, his team-mates interfered in the match, so we..Matt, Jeff and myself..took it upon ourselves to interfere on Kane's behalf. After the match, when WWF was set to leave we exchanged a few words..but aside from that nothing. When he came up to WWE, I was out of action..then we both ended up on RAW after returing from injuries, we haven't really talked to each other, acknowledged each other or had anything to do with each other. Save for the few chance run-ins, I'd like to keep it that way."
"I met Synn." Nidia frowned. "Right before Dave went up to the WWE actually..from what I understand the Disciples are still up to their old tricks."
"Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest" Lita half shrugged. "Victoria and Jackie mentioned it a few times..we talked about stuff like that on the road, small ties that bind or whatever."
Nidia nodded, resting her chin on her knees. "What if Synn were to come up? Am I the only one with a score to settle with her?"
"That is in the past" Lita left it at that. "She's there, I'm here..I'm not gonna get my feathers in a bunch over it. Bigger things to worry about here."
"Like the championship" Nidia reasoned. "What I wouldn't give to have that gold."
"It'll happen." Lita nodded, sending a smile to the diva. "Just have a little faith"
"Oh I know it'll happen. Just can't wait, ya know?" Nidia's eyes twinkled slightly. "This is what I've been waiting for."
"I know exactly what you mean" Lita hopped up from the bed. "But if you'd excuse me..I need to take a shower. You up for a little shopping or somethin' later?"
"I'd like that" Nidia sat back, leaning against the headboard. "Thanks."
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Meanwhile, three floors down the three occupants of one hotel room where now joined by two more. With a slight look of annoyance, the previously lone female eyed the newest two additions. This other female was disturbing..but patiently she listened to her goals, thoughts and insight. After all was said and done, one more target was added to their list as three left the room, leaving the others in their on thoughts.
"Why are you involving outside help?" The female asked as the three made their way to the back stairs. "We don't need it."
"They can get us into places we wouldn't be able to" The male in question offered simply. "All there is to it" He opened the door, heading up the stairs.
"They're weak" The female frowned, tucking her hands in her pockets. "We need someone stronger."
"We'll take care of that..let me just finish this little bit of business with them first." He smirked proudly. "Then I've got two people we need to talk to."
"Where are we heading?" The female tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear.
He shrugged, squaring his broad shoulders. "Her hotel room of course, I need to take care of their business. Then I've got another message to deliver..part of our business."
"We'll wait in the stairwell for you" She focused on the wall. "Make it quick."
As intended, the man set forth through the halls..clad in black lest he give some clue to his identity. With a rather smug smile, he removed a small object from his pocket, setting it in front of Lita and Stacy's hotel room. He spat at the door before making his way back to the stairwell. With a simple nod of acknoweldgement to the two waiting, he trekked upwards to the next floor. Once he had reached Evolution's hotel suite, he slipped an envelope underneath the door. A quick glance around to make sure he wasn't seen before he slipped off to the stairwell once more. With the two goals accomplished, the trio trooped down the stairs, slipping through the lobby un-detected. And with the female and the other male in the back seat, the larger of the two men took the wheel. Just as the three were leaving the hotel's parking garage, Lita and Nidia were making their exit. However, just as Lita shut the door behind her, a CD case caught her eye. Curiously, the red headed diva picked up the case, examining the face on it. Nidia blinked, looking at the title.
"Godsmack?" She eyed the other diva, outlining the face on the cover with a fingernail. "Do you think one of them dropped this when they left?"
"Don't know" Lita frowned slightly. "We'll catch up with them at the mall..ask them there."
"Right" Nidia shook it off. "Well..let's go then"
Lita and Nidia made their way to the elevator, the CD case stuck in Lita's jacket pocket. However, just as they started some friendly conversations, the elevator stopped three floors down. Much to her dismay, Christian and Trish entered. Lita made a face as the two blondes made their way to the opposite side of the elevator car, tossing her head when Trish offered her sweetest fake smile. Thankfully neither Canadian seemed interested in making small talk, and so the rest of the short ride to the lobby was silent. And with no further incidents, Lita and Nidia made their way to the mall to meet the others.
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Lita picked at her salad, addressing Chris Jericho. "Did you drop a CD when you left?"
"I only do that when I'm toting Fozzy CD's..but I ran out on the fifth floor"
Chris rolled his eyes. "So no, I didn't."
"Smart ass" Lita stuck out her tounge, stabbing a tomato slice. "Someone dropped a CD outside of the hotel room."
"Maybe it was a fan" Victoria shrugged. "Gift or something."
"Godsmack?" Lita removed the CD case, setting it on the table. "I don't really listen to them."
"Me either" Stacy frowned thoughtfully, breaking of a piece of her breadstick. "It's a nice thought though."
"I don't listen to them either" Nidia offered quietly, sipping her water. "That is if anyone saw me going to your hotel room last night."
"Maybe one of your friends left it Li" Chris Benoit chuckled, "Why don't you ask Hunter and Batista."
"Oh puhleaze" Lita snorted. "I want as little to do with the two of them as possible."
"Well they just walked in" Stacy nodded towards the door, where in fact Hunter, Dave, Randy and Ric had just arrived. "You could ask."
"Or I could just sit here and finish my meal in peace." Lita pressed her lips into a firm line. "Moving on, who listens to Godsmack in the locker rooms?"
Lilian wiped at the corners of her mouth, "May I see it please?" She glanced across Chris B. to the red head.
"Knock yourself out" Lita slid it across the table, leaning back in the booth. "Keep it if you want."
The blonde nodded, picking up the case "Debut album I think.." She sipped her water, opening the case. "And no liner notes..just the picture in front and back."
"That's odd" Lita shot a bewildered look to her friend. "Let me see"
"Wait" Victoria reached for the case. "There's something else in there."
Lita bit her lip in thought, as Victoria removed a piece of paper from the case. "Well..what is it?"
"Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis." Victoria read off the first line to herself, before repeating it loud enough for the rest of them to hear. "Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis."
"Ookay" Chris J. let out a low whistle. "Most Latin I've had to deal with was Sunday mass."
"And Easter and Christmas" Lita sipped her water. "I'll ask my momma..or my pastor." She reached across for the case and the note. "Moving on."
"Hey guys" Ivory appeared through the crowd, two gentlemen in tow. "And ladies."
"Have room for three more?" Edge grinned, pulling a chair over.
"Ladies" Shawn nodded in greeting. "And gentlemen"
Lillian nodded in greeting, breaking off a piece of bread. "What are you three up to?"
Edge began "Waiting on Shane..he got sidetracked"
"In the comic book store" Lita finished, swallowing a bite of her salad. "What else is new."
"So Stacy" Ivory grinned, settling on Shawn's lap. "You all set for your date tonight?"
"Not much to prepare for..it's just a date" Stacy shrugged. "But, I'm looking forward to it."
"Where are you heading?" Edge kept his tone even, leaning back casually in his chair. "Or has big boy given you no insight?"
"His name is Randy and he has not given me any insight" Stacy sipped her water, before scooting out of the booth. "If you all would excuse me, I need to powder my nose." She smiled crisply, before heading for the bathroom.
"Smooth move jackass" Chris Jericho smirked at the slightly flustered Canadian. "If you're so interested in her, why don't you just ask her out?"
"I am not interested in her" Edge slipped his shades off, raising a brow. "Just curious."
Chris Benoit coughed into his hand "Bullshit" cough. "Bullshit..oh excuse me" He coughed again. "Which is why the four of you" He looked between Edge, Shawn, Ivory and Lita. "Are intending on following Stacy later."
"From a safe distance" Edge conceded. "I don't trust him alright?"
"Excuse me" Lita slipped out from the booth, tucking the cd back in her pocket. "I've gotta use the facilities."
Chris J. watched the red head a moment before looking to his girlfriend and the remaining three. "So, since using the bathroom seems to be a team sport. Should we excuse the four of you now?"
Lita and Stacy were just on their way out of the bathroom, when Randy and Hunter blocked their path. Well more like Randy, but Hunter was just there to pick on the red head. Lita listened on patiently, silently noting the resturant Randy had reservations for and the movie he intended on taking Stacy too. After the diva's bid the two men farewell, they returned to the sanctuary of the now expanded table. The meal was resumed as Shane went over the new list of comic's he had bought. However, while Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Shawn and Shane chattered on about the upcoming side trip to Mexico, Lita and Nidia listened on in silence. As they exited the resturant, Nidia linked arms with the red head, sending her a small smile of re-assurance.
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Later that night, Edge, Shawn and Ivory did end up following Stacy and Randy on their date. Lita on the other hand, opted for a quieter night at the hotel's pool with Nidia, Lillian, Chris, Chris and Victoria. Tomorrow, they would all be going their sepearte ways to pack for the next set of house shows and RAW. As it were, Nidia already packed enough so Lita invited her to her home in Ft. Lauderdale. And after, Stacy returned from a wonderful evening with the IC champ..as confirmed by a slightly disappointed Edge..it was decided that Stacy, Lita and Nidia room together for the upcoming house shows and RAW. With all of that out of the way, Lita and Nidia listened on as Stacy re-told the tale of her date with Randy and the plans for a second date following RAW in Saginaw. Stacy somehow managed to talk the other two into going out with her in Laredo..but only after she re-assured the red head it was not a date, just hanging out with Randy and friends. She also made Lita promise she would at least be civil when they passed Evolution in the halls, further reminding her they would be at the house show in Monterrey. With one last roll of her eyes Lita agreed, and so the three settled in for the night.
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Author speaking: Just to offer some slight clarity. Pairings thus far (though the romance only provides a reprive from the other happenings): Chris Benoit/Lillian, Chris Jericho/Victoria, Shawn Michaels/Ivory. Stacy, Lita and Nidia fair game. And, involved in the little plot..on one side we have Lita and Nidia. On the other, the five mystery people. In the middle, the collective of Evolution, but primarily Hunter and Batista. Bare with me while I sprinkle more plot seeds through the next few chapters and expect another big plot element soon. By the by, the line in Latin translates to: Grant them eternal rest, O Lord and may light eternal shine upon them.