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 everyone who reviewed, review responses follow the chapter content.
Important note: I'm altering a few things concerning RAW, 4-19-04..and beyond. It'll still follow some stuff, but things will start changing to fit my plot.
Chapter 14
April 12, 2004
Lita stiffled a yawn as Bischoff launched into the highs and lows of last week's RAW. Beside her, she noticed Victoria nudging Chris Jericho before he outright fell asleep. The entire RAW roster, was of course, sitting throught the weekly torture session that was known as the pre-show meeting. This week was no different, and as Bischoff moved into the keys for this night's RAW; the redheaded Diva started tuning him out. She already knew what was expected of her and as such, she didn't feel the need to really listen to Bischoff rambling. From the corner of her eye, she caught Randy and Batista in a similar state as herself. Hunter and Ric, of course, were hanging onto Bischoff's every word..but their Evolution cohorts looked downright bored. It was Batista that caught the wayward glance; Evolution's 'animal' raising an imperceptiable brow. But, rather than acknowledge it, Lita merely turned her attention elsewhere..like back to the monotone words that were spewing from Bischoff.
"In conclusion, just remember to give 100 and ten percent out there."
The redhead let out a sigh of relief, that little statement always concluding the meetings.
"You're dismissed."
"Thank goodness." Chris Jericho muttered under his breath, "Any more of that and-"
"Lita." Bischoff smiled curtly, the Diva in question pausing before she left. "I just need to see you in my office."
Lita nodded, "Certainly."
Victoria blinked, sending a questioning look to the redhead. "What's that all about?"
Lita's shoulders lifted in a shrug, "Damned if I know.."
Lillian frowned thoughfully, "Maybe it has to do with this Sunday?"
"Who knows Lil." Again the redhead shrugged, jamming her hands in her back pockets. "Guess I'll find out soon enough..I'll catch y'all later."
Ivory lifted her hand in a wave, "Later Li!"
Victoria turned her attention to Ivory. "Everything's set up..so.."
"Guess all we can do is wait then." Lillian reasoned as they filed out of the catering hall. "I just wonder what Bischoff wants."
Chris Jericho snorted, "Only to make Lita's life on RAW as close to a living hell as possible."
The blonde ring announcer nodded, "That's why I wonder..and worry."
Chris Benoit shrugged, "Don't sweat it Lil..I'm sure that whatever evil things Bischoff has planned? Li will protest until she's blue in the face."
Edge nodded in agreement, "Of course, that's not to say that we can persuade Bischoff otherwise."
Lillian merely shook her head, sending a look between Ivory, Victoria, Stacy and Nidia. "Has Lita made any alternate plans?"
The four in question, shrugged in turn.
"If it all comes down to it..we can just stay an extra day or something here." Victoria quipped easily, as the group moved leisurely through the labyrinth of hallways.
"Or you can all come up to Toronto." Edge offered with a grin, "Unless this one of your little girly things."
"We'll discuss it later I'm sure." Lillian reasoned easily, "And besides..we don't even know if Dawn has plans."
Nidia smirked, "Knowing Dawn..I'm fairly certain she does."
Stacy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the group reaching the locker room designated to Lita. "If it all comes down to it, we can just crash at my place..there's plenty to do in Baltimore, plus..D.C. isn't very far."
Ivory grinned, "That definately works..but as Lil said.."
"So.." Chris Jericho began, his fingers wrapping around the doorknob. "We've got an hour before Heat starts..did anyone bring a board game?"
"I'm sure it won't take that long." Victoria rolled her eyes, stepping in after Jericho. "I mean really, what could Bischoff possibly want?"
xxx
Meanwhile, not long after the group had left the catering hall; Lita had entered Bischoff's office for the night. And wary as she had been to begin with, her suspicion only grew when she noticed that Bischoff wasn't alone. Much to her sheer dismay, Hunter actually had the audacity to be nice. He stood when the redheaded Diva entered the office, gesturing to the chair he had been occupying. For her part, Lita opted to take the vacant couch. Whenever Bischoff needed to see her, she always felt uneasy. In truth, that feeling started after Team Bischoff ousted Stone Cold as co-GM of RAW. But, with the added presence of Hunter; the redheaded Diva only felt that much more uneasy.
"Lita.." Bischoff began, that smug smile plastered on his face. "Lita, Lita.."
The redhead arched a brow, "Is there something wrong Mr. Bischoff?"
The GM inclined his chin at the Diva. "Nothing at all, please..relax." He made an open gesture with his hands, kicking back in his desk chair. "I just have a little..business, that I'd like to discuss with you."
Lita remained on her guard, "Concerning?"
"Hm." Bischoff clasped his hands together, resting them behind his head. "Well, I've made it a habit of mine to review the files of our roster..see what types of changes they've undergone since being a member of this roster. Things of that nature."
Lita's eyes grew questioning. "I've always been on this roster..long before you got the nod to become G.M...long before the WWE got the F out."
Bischoff nodded, "I'm aware of that..in fact, there are a few whom have stayed on this roster..but that's not the issue."
"Then please, do enlighten me." Lita smiled crisply, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "What is the issue?"
Bischoff puffed out his chest, exchanging a look with Hunter before his eyes fell back on the redhead. "Since your debut into the WWE, you never really took a heel turn. Where as, one of your fellow Diva's..in fact most of your fellow Diva's have."
Lita shifted uneasily, "So?"
"I think it's time that situation was rectified.." Bischoff began, leaning forward in the chair now, his feet swinging down. "All I'm waiting for is the go ahead nod from Vince..and come this Sunday at Backlash? Everything will fall into place."
Lita scowled, "Just what exactly do you have in mind?"
"When I hear from McMahon..I'll fill you in all of the details." Bischoff smiled, "But if you just want the bare basics?"
"Just about anything would be nice." Lita replied tartly. "Who am I going to be working with?"
"Well.." Bischoff rolled his shoulders, nodding towards Hunter. "We're going to have ourselves a little re-match on RAW for the Women's Title..and-"
"Cut to the point please."
"In a minute." Bischoff reassured with a grin. "Backlash will still go on as planned, the changes in your role as a Diva won't go into effect until the next night..when Evolution unveils their newest member."
Lita's eyes grew wide with disbelief. "You have got to be kidding.."
Bischoff raised a brow, "Do I look it?"
"I can't work with them," Lita spat out instantly. "I'll work with anyone but them."
"But, think about it." Bischoff held up a hand. "It's the strongest group on RAW..filled with gold after the second of two re-matches for the night."
"No."
Bischoff snorted, "You don't have a choice..either join them or you're fired."
Lita raised a brow, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'll just go to Smackdown."
"With no women's division to compete in?" Bischoff retorted smoothly. "All you'll be is another piece of T A."
Lita's eyes narrowed, "The Diva's over there are more than just that, they just need the chance."
Bischoff shrugged nonchalantly, "But you seem to forget something..the cruiserweight division is exclusive to Smackdown..and the women's division is exclusive to RAW. That won't be changing anytime soon, so unless you'd like to take a step down..I suggest you warm up to this idea."
"I'll just speak to Vince about it." Lita stated confidentally, the redhead rising from the couch with a toss of her hair. "I refuse to work with them and that's final."
"You have until McMahon gives the approval to change your mind Li-ta." Bischoff also stood, resting his palms flat on the desk top surface. "I suggest you do change your mind, or I'll just change it for you."
Lita glared from the doorway. "You can't do that without the risk of losing your own job."
Bischoff waved it off dismisively, "Think about it."
The redhead gritted her teeth, a withering glare shot to Hunter before she stalked out of the office.
Hunter also stood, "If you would excuse me..sir."
Bischoff nodded, "I've done my share Hunter..the ball's in your court now. I hate to say it, but if she doesn't change her mind..there's nothing more I can do."
"Of course Boss." Hunter smiled confidentally, rolling his shoulders as he made his way to the door. "Always a pleasure doing business with you."
Bischoff nodded again, "I'll be seeing you later, I'm sure."
Hunter nodded shortly, touching his hand to his forehead as he made his way out.
xxx
Meanwhile, Lita had been making her way down to her locker room for the evening. Although Randy had given her some warning concerning Triple H, hearing about it and hearing it were two different things entirely. There was no way in hell Lita could bring herself to working with Evolution. Against Evolution, on the other hand, well that was just a sure thing in her mind. Her mouth curled into a sneer of disgust at the very thought of walking out with Evolution..her body shivering involuntairly at the image it provided. And, just as Lita was turning the corner to the hallway leading to her locker room, a hand clamped over her elbow. Always on edge recently, Lita stiffened, a glare sent over her shoulder when she saw who it was.
"Would you mind removing your hand from my body?" Lita's eyes narrowed. "I thought I made it pretty clear that I have no interest in joining Evolution."
Hunter smiled, moving his hand to her upper arm, his grip tightening there. "And I thought the message was pretty clear..you don't have a choice."
Lita scowled, trying to yank her arm free..but to no avail. "We'll see about that Helmsley."
Hunter used his weigh and height advantage, yanking the Diva closer to him. "You should know how things operate by now Li-ta. I want you in Evolution, you will be in Evolution. And the way I see it? There are two ways to go about it."
Lita snorted, "Yeah? Either I can tell you hell no, now..or I can tell you hell no, later."
Hunter's blunt fingernails started to dig into her soft flesh. "Wrong. Either you can do this the easy way and just say yes, or you can do this the hard way." He squeezed her arm tighter, "And I'll just have to persuade you."
Lita remained defiant, "You really need to work on your people skills Helmsley..newsflash..this caveman act? Died out a long a time ago."
Hunter pushed her back roughly to the wall. "Then I guess we'll do this the hard way, hm? I was hoping that it wouldn't come down to that..but you've given me no choice."
Lita gritted her teeth, "You forget that my friends are just down the hall. All I have to do is scream."
Hunter smiled cruely, "And that would stop me, why? I'm not afraid of your little friends Lita."
Lita's eyes narrowed, "That's because you always have your little lap dogs following you around. But," She sent a glance in either direction. "I don't see them anywhere."
Hunter remained undaunted, his other hand reaching up to cup her cheek. "Let me make something crystal clear to you. You will join Evolution. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it."
Lita clenched her jaw. "I don't think so."
The hand on her cheek lifted, and the redhead knew she was about to be struck. But, before that could happen; Hunter's hand was suspended in mid-air. A hand wrapped around his wrist.
"Bischoff mentioned you had other business to attend to." Batista began evenly, his grip on Hunter's wrist not slacking. "But this?"
Hunter yanked his wrist free from Batista's grip. "I was just having a conversation with Lita here."
Lita spared a glance to Batista..noting that Randy was also there. "Some conversation.." She muttered sourly, the Diva certain she had crescent marks in her arm.
Randy cocked a brow, "Yeah well..Flair needs you..all of us actually to discuss tonight's match."
Hunter rolled his shoulders, his grip finally easing from the redhead's arm. "I'll be there in a minute."
Lita sent the two a thankful look, brief as it was..but it was still there. "Then I'll just be running along now." She smiled shortly, another glare sent to Hunter for good measure before she made her way down the corridor.
Hunter watched the retreating form, straightening his suit jacket as he turned to Batista and Randy. "We're just waiting from the go ahead from Vince..then that redhead is in."
Batista and Randy exchanged a look, the self proclaimed Legend Killer voicing the question. "How did that go?"
Hunter waved it off dismissively, "She just needs some time to warm up to the idea."
Randy nodded, jamming one of his hands into a pants pocket. "I'm sure she will H..after all, what woman in her right mind could turn down an offer like this?"
Hunter smiled approvingly, "Precisely. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for her..an elite membership." His smile darkened, "One that she can't refuse."
"Right." Randy nodded along, not wanting to raise any suspicions between himself and Hunter. "She'll change her mind H, and if not..I'm sure she can be persuaded otherwise."
Hunter nodded shortly, "Look, tell Ric I'll be there in a minute..I've got some other business I need to take care of..arrangements that need to be made."
Randy and Batista sent Hunter a questioning look, the big man voicing the question this time around. "Arrangements?"
Hunter nodded easily, removing his cellphone. "Just travel arrangements big guy..after the screw up with that dumb broad last week? Putting us at seperate hotels."
Batista nodded shortly, "Yeah..I wondered about that."
Hunter rolled his eyes, "I'm just going to assure it won't happen again."
"Right well..we'll let Ric know." Randy mentioned with a grin, "See you H."
Hunter waved shortly, scrutinizing the display panel of the phone. His call was concerning travel arrangements..but he wasn't about to elaborate to his Evolution cohorts. Somethings were just better left unsaid until the time was right. And this phone call was one of those things. In the best interest of protecting his investment in having Lita with Evolution; Hunter knew there were certain steps to be made. This was just one of those steps.
Review Responses:
Latisha C: yeah..I think the name change better reflects me..lol. What with my odd tendencies at pairings. As for Lita/Batista..my lips are sealed..hehehehe. Thank you for the review!
together: Oh but the world would be so boring if everyone got along..lol. Birthday party will come in the next chapter. Thank you for the review and for the belated birthday wishes!
iaera: Thanks! I'm sorry if somethings still aren't clear..but I'll try to clear them up soon. Not everything but at least a few things. Thank you for the review!
CNIMBWM: See response above..lol. My lips are sealed. Suspicious gifts? Whatever gives you that idea..bwahahahahaha. Thank you for the review!
Losing Grip: Thank you! My updates are starting to become irratic..but I'll just update as the muses call..I can't stick to a schedule..lol. Thank you for the review!
Myth: Yeah, those two will probably be one of the deciding factors in Lita not losing her sanity. They're both being protective ..just for different reasons I guess and to different extents. If that makes sense..lol. Birthday party covered in next chapter..I think..lol. Thank you for the review!
huntersgirl: Sorry to make ya wait another chapter..lol. I had intended on putting it in this one but then..nah..I changed my mind. Thank you for the review!
Carol: It was all because of one song..I tell ya, that happens a lot and most of the time I can make something of it. As for who is behind everything, it's a rather ..delicate issue..but I'll clear that up..not anytime soon, but more hints will be dropped in later chapters. I'm always trying to look for different sides of people (even if it is just miniscule) and I'll run with it as much as I can..lol. Thank you so much the review!