Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Anything that is recognizable, does not belong to me.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: All worked out for plot purposes.
Thanks to: together, iaera, Sassy, Latisha C., Losing Grip, Myth, huntersgirl, aussiewrestlingfan and CNIMBWM for the reviews!
Note: A few questions will be answered in the next few chapter. From this point on, consider this a mix of scripted and un-scripted. Also, I realize my mistake from the last chapter. Tripley was the only one going into Backlash without gold in Evolution.
Chapter 11
April 11, 2004
Early the next morning, or what perhaps was just the aftermath of yet another sleepless night; Lita found herself waiting at the airport. Things were becoming more complicated with each passing day..and things just weren't adding up. Given, there were still certain occurances that did tie together..Dawn, Nidia and Rey being attacked in a sense in San Antonio while someone had trashed her hotel room. Of course, Lita didn't know if anything had transpired yesterday with Nidia, and as the Diva in question walked into the terminal; Lita decided it really wasn't the best thing to bring up. The brunette looked defeated and yet..her eyes still shone with a determination. And that determination, brought the first real smile to Lita's face since she had left Jeff Hardy's house.
"Thanks for meeting me..."
Lita waved it off easily, "It's really not a big deal Nidia, so don't sweat it ok?"
Nidia managed a smile, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear. "How have you been?"
The redheaded Diva's smile faltered momentairly, "We'll talk on the way to baggage claim..Bischoff left you off the card for today."
The brunette nodded, "I was kinda hoping for that."
Lita nodded in turn, the two moving slowly through the uncrowded terminals. "I'm pretty sure you're not scheduled for Heat or RAW tomorrow..but we can ask Lil."
"I guess I'll just hang out with Stacy and Victoria then.."
"And Edge and Chris and Chris." Lita added with a smirk, "More than likely Shawn too."
At that, another smile crossed Nidia's face. "It's nice to have that feeling again."
Lita raised a brow, "What's that?"
Nidia half shrugged, the two entering the baggage claim. "Family..I mean, it's still nothing like I had on Smackdown, with Dawn and Rey and them..but it's starting to fall into place."
Lita grinned, "We can be a bit..wacky at times, but at least things'll never get boring."
Nidia giggled softly, "Every family is wacky."
Lita nodded in agreement, "How many bags?"
"Just one," Nidia stated as they stood near the baggage carasoul. "Usually I'd have another but.."
"Understandable," Lita said then. "Jericho and Vikki are rooming together, Lil's more than likely rooming with Stace..if you need a room, I don't have a roomie."
"I'd like that," Nidia's honest reply came, "RAW's kicking off in Chicago tomorrow..right?"
The redheaded Diva nodded in confirmation, "Fozzy's playing after the show."
Nidia stiffened just slightly, "I hope I can catch them this time."
Lita nearly winced, "Well..at least we won't have any house shows to worry about next week."
The brunette nodded, "Your birthday's coming up soon..right?"
Lita rolled her eyes, "In three days."
Nidia shook her head, the Tough Enough winner moving forward to claim her suitcase. "Dawn was going on and on yesterday about the big weekend she wants to plan."
The redheaded Diva sighed, "I don't know why she insists on making such a big deal out of it..I'd rather just head home and celebrate with Jeff or something."
Nidia rolled her eyes, the two moving from the baggage claim on their way to the parking garage. "It's just Dawn.."
Lita nodded in agreement, "And that's enough explaination.." The redheaded Diva swept her hair from her face, "Have you eaten yet?"
Nidia shook her head in the negative, "Early flight an' all.."
"We don't have to report for the house show until this afternoon so.." Lita shrugged, digging the keys out from her pocket. "Do you wanna head back to the hotel first or.."
"I'd like to eat first." Nidia admitted honestly, "Hospital food sucks."
Lita couldn't help but laugh, the redhead popping open the trunk. "I can definately relate to that."
"Is it by bus or take your own way for Chicago?"
"Bus." Lita informed Nidia with a toss of her hair. "Always fun and exciting."
Nidia snorted, "More like uncomfortable and loud."
"Very true," Lita conceded as she opened the passenger's side door. "Any preferences for breakfast or should we just stop at the first place we see?"
Nidia shrugged, waiting until Lita had gotten into the car. "Whichever you know? I'll admit..I'm relieved to be out of the hospital, but I'm in no rush to get back to the roster."
Lita nodded, the two falling silent as the redhead started the car; soft strains of Meteora engulfing the two as the vehicle exited the parking garage. And for whatever reasons, Lita decided that it was best that Nidia not find out about what had happened when the redhead had returned home. Of course, Lita wasn't about to broadcast that news to everyone..and having Randy knowing was enough. Added to that, she wasn't sure how much Batista had overheard, nor was the redhead keen on seeking out the big man to ask. Whatever the case, by the time they found a place to eat; they ended up talking about real family. Similar in a sense, Lita realized, since Nidia also had a brother..but while the redhead had a younger brother, Nidia had an older brother. And as the two Diva's settled in for breakfast, Lita found herself inviting Nidia back to Sanford with her; of course the redhead was quick to state that she intended on inviting Stacy, Lillian and Victoria..perhaps Dawn as well. The Tough Enough winner agreed easily to that, both agreeing that having a girls night might be exactly what they needed. And by the time they had finished breakfast, Lita pointed out that they had about three hours before they needed to be at the arena. So consumed in their conversation were Lita and Nidia, that they failed to notice a man clad in black; watching them from the corner.
xxx
Even though they were scheduled to meet in one week at Backlash; Lita was informed that she and Victoria would be tagging together that afternoon to take on Molly and Gail. And while it had puzzled her at first, the redheaded Diva was thankful. Taking into account that she hadn't gotten much sleep last night..she honestly didn't trust herself enough to pull it together for a singles match. Apparently, Bischoff had sensed that as well..or maybe, just maybe, someone had persuaded him otherwise. At any rate, when Lita and Nidia arrived to the arena; the two found themselves soon surrounded by Lillian, Victoria, Stacy, Ivory, Chris B., Chris J., Edge and Shawn Michaels. The group did end up splitting, Jericho, Edge and the Diva's taking off for the catering hall while Benoit and Shawn went looking for the locker room assignments. Lita found out then, that she and Victoria were scheduled to wrestle after the intermission, while Benoit and Shawn would be teaming with Shelton Benjamin; with Mick Foley in their corner. Their opponents for the night were Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton, with Ric Flair in their corner. That didn't surprise the redhead too much..given that the four mentioned were facing Evolution tomorrow night for the main event. But even that wasn't much concern for the redheaded Diva. It wasn't until Jericho and Edge exited the catering hall did Lita start wishing she hadn't arrived for the house show. Victoria, Lillian and Stacy were just moving for a table near the back when, Ivory and the redhead were joined at the food table. And when Ivory asked if she should stay..Lita just shook her head; hazel orbs focusing on the wall.
"How can I help you?"
Batista's shoulders lifted marginally, "Orton needs to talk to you about something."
The redhead's forehead etched in confusion. "About?"
"He wouldn't say." Batista stated then, "Just that he needed to talk to you before the house show kicks off..and if not, before your match."
Lita nodded slowly, "Where?"
"Parking lot, if possible.."
"Alright, I'll be there in five." Lita sent a questioning look to Batista then. "I want to know something before you go."
Batista raised a brow, "About what?"
"Did Hunter have anything to do with the tag match for today?"
Batista's lips pressed into a thin line, the big man reaching past the redhead to grab a bottled water. "I need to get back to the locker room."
Lita shook her head, "You can deliver a message for Orton..and yet, you can't answer one simple question."
An eyebrow raised a fraction, "Somethings are better left unsaid." Batista left it at that, exiting the catering hall before Lita could say another word.
For her part, Lita let out a short sigh, the redhead turning on heel to join her friends.
"So," Lillian began as the redhead joined them. "What are your plans from now until Sunday?"
"Actually," Lita shrugged as she flicked a glance to the clock. "I was gonna head back home..y'all are more than welcome to come with me."
"That works," Victoria nodded easily, "Celebrate your birthday with a girls night."
Lita rolled her eyes, "Not exactly what I have in mind, but we'll see."
"So.." Ivory raised a brow, "What did the big lug want?"
"My phone number," Lita stated without missing a beat. "But I had to decline."
Victoria blinked, "You're joking right?"
The redheaded Diva rolled her eyes, pushing back from the table. "Duh Vikki..why would I, in my right mind or not, want to date someone in Evolution?" She winced slightly, quickly adding: "No offense Stace."
The long legged Diva rolled her eyes good naturedly, "None taken Li..but where are you going?"
The redhead paused a moment, "To..find Shane..see if he wants to get together Tuesday or something."
Victoria raised a brow in question, but none the less..that answer seemed to satisfy their curiosity. And with one last wave over her shoulder; the redhead disappeared through the double doors leading to the hallway. By her estimates, she had a minute or so to get to the parking lot and meet Orton. Why, she didn't exactly know..but none the less she made her through the labyrinth of hallways; hazel orbs seeking the telltale Exit sign. The redheaded Diva had just made it to the corridor leading to the exit, when a locker room door swung open; a hand reaching out to grab her wrist. Lita's natural instincts kicked in, the redhead attempting to wrench her arm free when the person in the locker room dragged her in. Lita was just opening her mouth to say something when she noticed who it was.
xxx
The redhead leaned back against the wall, Randy Orton shutting the door behind her. She noted then that the locker room hadn't been designated to anyone, but that still didn't explain why they were meeting here and instead of the parking lot. She watched nonchalantly as the self proclaimed Legend Killer moved to the bench; the Diva keeping her spot at the wall. And after a goood moment of silence had passed; the redhead raised a brow..a withering glare shot in Randy's direction.
"You really need to drop this habit of scaring the living daylights out of me."
Randy rolled his eyes, nodding down to an envelope on the bench. "I found this in front of my hotel room this morning."
The redhead raised a brow, "So? Maybe you have an admirer."
Randy removed a piece of paper from his pocket. "And this."
Questioning hazel orbs flicked between the piece of paper and the envelope. "What does it say?"
Randy frowned, "I can't read Latin, so I'm not really sure."
The Diva bristled, pushing off the wall then; a hand extending in silence.
Rex tremendae majestatis,
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me, fons pietatis
Confutatis maledictis,
flammis acribus addictis
Lacrymosa dies illa,
qua resurget ex favilla
judicandus homo reus
Lita blinked, looking up from the sheet of paper as she handed it back. "What's in the envelope?"
Randy shrugged, folding the piece of paper up. "I haven't looked."
The redhead squared her shoulders, plopping down on the bench. "Might as well.."
Randy nodded hesitantly, picking up the envelope then. "It's a menu.."
"A menu?"
"From Applebees." Randy stated as he opened the laminated menu. "And more pictures."
"From?"
"Two of the hallway from yesterday's arena.." Randy's forehead furrowed as he set aside the top two pictures. "And a few from last night I think..but it's not us."
Lita blinked, looking over to the pictures in question. "This asshole followed my friends."
Randy frowned as he got to the last few pictures in the pile, "And us."
Lita pursed her lips, raking her hands through her hair. "So there are two psychopathic assholes."
Randy nodded shortly, "Apparently so."
Lita let out a sigh, "Did you find out anything else about why Trips wants me in Evolution?"
"To fullfill Evolution's purpose," Randy started evenly. "To have all the gold on RAW, really have all the gold.."
"I get it." Lita stated shortly. "And with Trips taking on Benoit on Sunday.."
"Right," Randy said then, "H wants to run over the 'plan' tomorrow..so once I find that out, I'll let you know."
Lita nodded, moving from the bench then. "I should get back to my friends.."
Randy nodded, stuffing the menu and the pictures back in the envelope. "I'll see you around then."
"Yeah." The redheaded Diva nodded in turn, exiting the locker room soon after.
And for his part, Randy waited a good minute or two before the redhead had left. But, instead of making his way to the Evolution locker room, he made his way to the parking lot. He knew that Hunter would more than likely question why it took him this long to get something from the rental car, but at that moment..he really didn't care. Someone was obviously out to get the redheaded Diva, and by the looks of things..he too was now a target. But, unlike the redhead and at least for the time being; Randy could at least count on the protection that Evolution provided. All the same, he still questioned what Hunter's true intentions were. Granted, everyone in Evolution agreed that having the Women's title would cement their claims as the best on RAW; but why did Hunter wait until now. The self proclaimed Legend Killer questioned that until he had reached the parking lot and until he had returned to the Evolution locker room. After all, there was still business to attend to at the house show..Randy figuring that he'd just find out later anyway.
Latin lyrics are from the Requiem Mass, version done by Verdi. English translation follows:
King of tremendous majesty,
who sends us free salvation,
save me, fount of mercy?
When the wicked have been confounded,
doomed to the devouring flames
Tearful that day shall be
when from the ashes shall arise
guilty man to be judged