Forgive My Hesitation

Rating: M for language, violence

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing you recognize.. That should cover it properly.

Spoilers: From RAW, January 2nd.. A few on back and up to RAW, January 16th… just not like you might expect.

Eventual Pairings: Lita/John Cena, Stacy/Chris Masters, Lilian/Batista, Victoria/Tyson Tomko, Trish/Jeff, Candice/Not telling, Maria/Not Telling

Summary: When Lita takes a stand, she finds help from friends and from people that she never would have expected.

Notes: nothing new to add at this time…and wow! An update in only a day….so yeah… umm…enjoy? There are two surprises in this chapter…one good…one not so good….and another twist to the main event. And I do apologize in advance, but there's a lot of jumping around (skipping over stuff) in this chapter.

-x-x-x-

The tension in the locker room before RAW kicked off, was thick enough to cut with a knife. For starters, there was Lita's 'match' at the end of the night…and the added fact that the Smackdown wrestlers would be gone from the building by that point in time. Of course, that didn't mean that they couldn't do some damage to Edge before hand.. Dave wanting to do just that should the opportunity present itself. And even if that opportunity wasn't there…well, then he would just make one. Chris Masters promised that he would stay with the redhead as long as possible and even if he couldn't walk down to the ring with her, he would be at the curtains…just in case his presence was needed. But, even that was no guarantee that the young wrestler would be able to reach the ring in time. The last time he had parked himself at the curtain area, Lita had ended up in the hospital.. Granted, he knew that wasn't his fault and a part of him wondered…why was she even booked to wrestle tonight when she had just suffered a concussion? Was Edge that ruthless and sadistic or was creative just that stupid? The answer to the first part was simple…yes, Edge was a bastard who would do anything that he could to assure things were going to his liking. And tonight was just proof of that sadistic streak….even more so then last week's attack. The other part, however, Chris wasn't quite sure…he knew that the McMahon's were pretty much calling the shots as far as matches were concerned for RAW.. But Stephanie was apparently close to Lita. And while he couldn't speak for Shane or Vince…Shane had shown up at the hospital with his sister, Shane had been the one to get the preliminary information on the Diva's health. That left one more McMahon for questioning and while he really didn't want to cross the boss…Chris couldn't help but wonder if Vince McMahon was really thinking things through. Certainly, he had booked himself and Carlito in a match tonight and he was allowing the Smackdown wrestlers to appear but.. The main event lead to a lot of questioning where it concerned Mr. McMahon's morals, ethics and sanity.

Chris paused in his pacing long enough to cast a questioning look around the locker room. "Is Mr. McMahon really that…evil? I mean, booking Li in a match, even though she suffered a concussion last week?"

Chris Benoit gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "I believe that he is capable of being that vile but.. Given the circumstances and Stephanie's connection to Lita.. I don't want to think that he would purposely book her in a match that could cause more harm."

"But it will," the younger man stated bluntly, "maybe not too much physical harm, but it will cause harm."

Randy raised an eyebrow at the young wrestler, "so what are you trying to say Chris? Do you think someone else booked that match? I mean.. Bitchoff is gone, Theodore Long wouldn't do something like this.. And Heyman? I haven't seen his slimy ass since June."

"While Austin re-hired me…and Mick? Despite his occasional violent tendencies.." Lita half shrugged, a distant look in her hazel eyes. "I don't think Mick would do that either."

Masters nodded after a moment, "so if it's not any of them… then do you think Edge just bypassed McMahon? I wouldn't think he'd have that much--"

"Stroke?" Dave snorted, setting his championship belt on the table in the room. "He doesn't.. he might be wearing that strap now, but he won't be for much longer. Aside from that, there aren't many people who do have that kind of influence."

Randy frowned then, "you don't think H would have something to do with it…I'm not sure how much influence he still has but--"

"The only way to find out, is to ask Mr. McMahon.." Rey interrupted before the conversation could go any further. "I'm with Benoit on this though.. I don't think Mr. McMahon could be that cruel.."

The Crippler nodded, "well if you do find out…and if it does involve Heyman? Let me know so I can go look for a bar of soap."

Chris Masters opened his mouth to question that only to shut it quickly when there was a knock at the door…and since he was closest, the young man opened the door to reveal a stagehand, informing the Diva that she was needed in five for the opening segment.

"Another Monday night…another night in hell.." Lita stated on a sigh, the Diva pushing herself up from the couch. "I guess I'll see you guys after this is over."

Randy shook his head, "wrong.. We're walking with you until the curtains.. Stephanie said we could have one unplanned segment if we wanted it…and I think right after the opening segment is a good a time as any."

The redhead rolled her eyes, "you just want as much camera time as possible.."

The Legend Killer flashed his trademark smirk, holding the door open for everyone. "And let the audience miss the opportunity to see me in a suit? Come on babe, you know you love me just as much as everyone else."

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, the title belt now draped over his shoulder. "Which would mean none at all.. Let's face it, Randall, you aren't exactly loved on Smackdown."

"What have I told you all about calling me Randall?" The third generation wrestler heaved an over dramatic sigh, "no one… but no one, calls me--"

"Randall?" Lita cut in with a smirk, "yeah we know.. You've told us a billion times at least, not to call you Randall."

Randy was just opening his mouth to reply to that, when he cut himself off…blue eyes narrowing sharply at the 'thing' approaching them. "What do you want?"

Edge sent them a short lived smile, "I'm here to collect her.. We have to be in the ring for my announcement." Having said that, he reached for the Diva, grabbing her wrist so he could yank her forwards. "She'll see you chump stains later."

Dave cracked his knuckles as they disappeared through the curtains. "Fucking bastard.. I'll rip his head off tonight."

Chris Benoit rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We should probably find a monitor…maybe one or two of us can stay here, but.. If we really want to know what's going on out there? We need to find a monitor."

Dave nodded shortly, wanting to go out to the ring now but…knowing that it wasn't quite possible yet. "Can someone please find out who booked that damn main event?"

A voice spoke up from behind them, causing each man to cringe. "That would be me."

Chris Benoit squared his shoulders, turning slightly to face the speaker. "How did--"

"How in the hell did you get your job back?" Randy quite demanded to know, his arms crossing over his chest. "I thought you were gone for good."

Eric Bischoff smiled smugly, "as you can see…I'm still here. And as of this moment? You are looking at the sole head of the creative team for RAW."

Chris Masters raised an eyebrow, "so you aren't the G.M…"

"Almost there," the white haired man replied, the smug smile still in place. "As I just informed you, however, I am in charge of the creative aspects for the show.. That means any and all matches? I have final approval. Any outside interference? It has to be run by me."

-x-x-x-

As the full weight of his words sunk in, Dave couldn't shake the feeling that things were going to be considerably worse over the next three weeks.. Having Eric Bischoff back only meant trouble for the people he didn't like. People like his sister and the former WWE Champion. Unfortunately, it also meant that people on his good side, like Edge it seemed, would have everything handed to them on a silver platter. And that could very well change the outcome of the Royal Rumble match between Edge and Cena.. A match that was now being announced by the evil incarnate himself. Forcing themselves to ignore the new arrival, the Smackdown wrestlers and Chris Masters turned their attention to the monitor.. Noting that Lita was trying to distance herself from the blonde man, but to no avail. And after he had made the announcement that Cena wouldn't be getting his re-match until the Rumble…Edge dropped a bombshell. Aside from Bischoff, the collective at the monitor and the redhead in the ring listened on in horror as the WWE Champion informed the RAW audience that the title would be defended that night. But, instead of an evening gown, tuxedo match as they had been anticipating…this match would be a T.L.C match. The real terror and magnitude of the announcement fully set in with the audience and the RAW announce team when Edge revealed that his opponent would be Lita.. Joey Style protesting instantly, King adding his own opinions against it while even Coach seemed to be against the idea. But, before Lita could say a word in protest.. Eric Bischoff's music hit the speakers…the former RAW G.M. making his way down to the ring to affirm Edge's main event announcement. As if things hadn't been bad with the evening gown, tuxedo match…things had just taken a sharp turn for the worst. True enough, Lita had participated to some extent in the T.L.C matches involving Team X-treme, Edge and Christian and the Dudleyz…but she hadn't been an actual competitor. Cursing Eric Bischoff to his doom, all Dave could do was wait until the commercial break…hoping that he would be able to calm the visibly nerve wrecked redhead.

Lita paced back and forth, trying to tune out the fact that she was in the main event. "Damn it… damn it, damn it, damn it!" Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, "why…I thought he.."

Dave put his hands on his sister's shoulders. "Li…before you make us all dizzy…sit down."

His sister arched an eyebrow, "and do what? Calm down? I can't calm down, Dave.. Y'all are gonna be kicked out of the arena by that point and the only two people backstage who could do anything to help me? They're banned from ringside." Heaving a frustrated sigh, she started to continue: "How in the hell am I supposed to--"

"I didn't say anything about calming down, I just said sit down." Her brother intoned firmly, gently forcing her to in fact take a seat. "Now…freak out all you want to, but just stay sitting.. You're making me dizzy."

Randy sent her a look, "I'm not gonna say calm down either, because.. If I could? I'd go find Bischoff and rip him in half…we can't do that, but we might be able to weaken Edge."

"That's not good enough," the Diva buried her face in her hands for a moment. "As long as he's still walking? He'll still want that match… I can't.. I mean, I've been in a steel cage match, I've been speared into a ladder, hit with chairs and put through tables but… the actual T.L.C? and now, Bitchoff is back, for who knows how long.. My chances of getting away from that evil bastard are--"

"Li.." Chris Masters interrupted shortly, the young man currently sharing the couch space with her and Orton. "Sweetie, now I'll say it.. Calm down. Take a deep breath and just try to calm down. We have time to think of ways to make this less hellacious--"

"Stealing from J.R.'s vocabulary?"

Chris rolled his eyes at Randy, instead continuing his quasi-speech to the Diva. "And as far as tonight goes? I don't care if I get suspended, there is no way in hell they're going to keep me from that ring."

Lita blinked, biting her lower lip as she read the clear cut honesty on Chris' face. "Chris… I can't ask you to do that…what if you do get suspended? Who else is going to be there to stop him?"

Dave settled a hand on his sister's shoulder. "I'll talk to Ty and Gene, possibly Kane and Show.. They haven't been banned from ringside and the T.L.C matches…there's no D.Q. I doubt the bastard has many allies backstage so.. We'll lessen the chances."

The redhead nodded numbly, wrapping her arms around herself. "I just.. I'm scared. I can't go out there.."

"Yes, you can." Chris Masters smoothed back some of her hair, "Li.. I don't blame you for being scared, because I know I would be.. I've never been in a T.L.C match or any kind of match where that stuff was legal. But you can do this…and like D just said, you won't be completely alone, okay?"

"Thanks Chris.." Lita sighed, her legs curling beneath her. "I guess I should go find some appropriate gear.."

With Rey staying behind; Dave, Randy and Chris Benoit set off to seek out some possible allies.. Chris Masters having to leave for his tag match later. Of course, even if they did have allies…there was no guarantee that Lita would escape this match unscathed.. Still, just having someone or several someone's as back up would help ease Dave's worry.. Shortly after they returned from a semi-successful recruitment.. Dave, Randy, Chris and Rey had to leave the locker room to confront Edge…of course, that was only after they had gotten Shawn Michaels to sit with Lita; Trish, Tyson and Victoria added to the mix.

Dave paused as he packed up his things, "we'll be in the parking lot, baby girl.. Once that match is over, just meet us there."

Trish gave her friend's hand a squeeze. "I'll…pray. I don't know what else I can do, honey."

Lita sent the blonde woman a shaky smile, "I wouldn't ask you to put yourself at risk, Trish.. You've got too much going for you."

Randy stood in front of the Diva trio, pulling the redhead gently to her feet for a quick hug. "We'll be out back.. Kane, Show and Tyson have all agreed to help."

The redhead nodded, giving a hug to each Smackdown wrestler before they left…her stomach dropping to her knee's when the locker room started to empty. Nervous didn't even begin to describe how she was feeling at this moment.. Pre-match jitters didn't cut close… she was scared. Plain and simple, Lita was scared.. For her safety and quite possibly for her career.

RAW Main Event

"Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a T.L.C match for the WWE Championship!" Lilian Garcia forced a smile, not liking this at all.. "Introducing first, she is the challenger… from Sanford, North Carolina… Lita!"

"I can't believe that we're about to see this as our main event," Joey Styles shook his head, "for our more sensitive viewers.. You may want to change the channel."

"I agree.. This is low.. Even for Edge and Bischoff." The King blinked, "and I'd like to know.. Just how did that sleaze get his job back?"

"And he is the WWE Champion, hailing from Toronto, Canada… Edge!"

Lita started counting backwards in her head… whether it was to the inevitable, to her doom or otherwise.. She wasn't quite sure. All she did know at that point, was that the blonde man that she had once considered a friend…was now standing in the ring opposite her, as her opponent. In a match that she had very little experience in.

"As you can see, there are tables set up outside the ring, ladders and chairs.. All three are legal weapons in this match." Joey Styles paused, waiting until Mike Chioda had called for the bell. "And this match is officially underway."

"The rules for this match are simple.. There are no rules. To win this match, you must set up and climb a ladder to reach the WWE Title belt."

The Diva winced, cursing under her breath as she was slammed back in the turnbuckles.. Knowing that he was enjoying every single second of this….but that didn't mean that she was going to let him have his way entirely.. Smiling slightly, Lita brought up her knee, her smile widening as the blonde man stumbled back…clutching at his family jewels. But, she knew he would retaliate.. So, in preparation, she grabbed the nearest chair.. Holding it above her head and waiting for the right moment to strike him across the back. That movement buying her a little bit of time to at least grab one of the ladders outside of the ring…but not long enough. Lita was just sliding the ladder back in the ring, when it was kicked into her, her back hitting the security barrier with a loud thud. She could vaguely hear the crowd speaking about how this should be stopped.. Many of them quiet from the get go.. And if she could read lips, or even see the RAW announce team from here, she would've been able to see the clear disgust and disdain for the match. But, with Eric Bischoff back in charge, to some extent anyway, the match would go on until there was a winner. And go on it did.. Edge biding his time, each and every move calculated…thus far leaving her head undamaged. Her back and her ribs, however.. .well those were hurting her so much that it was starting to become hard for her to walk, let alone participate in a match. But, it wasn't the end just yet… the bitter end coming when they were both in the ring.. The Diva having to use the ladder to pull herself to her feet.. Only to be speared into that ladder.. Her head snapping against the ladder as her back to the brunt of the move.

And that was when everything went black, Lita laying in a motionless heap on the mat, blood trickling from her head.

Big Show, Kane and Tyson were all watching in stunned disbelief and shock.. The men having been locked rather conveniently in their respective locker rooms. Chris Masters was just heading through the curtains when the Diva hit the match…pausing in his tracks when he saw who was coming through the crowd. Smiling in victory, Edge started to climb the ladder…but soon enough, the blonde man was climbing back down, slipping out of the ring to grab two of the steel chairs. His intent was clear, he was going to finish what he had started last week.. The blonde man sliding one chair beneath her head, while he brandished the other. Unfortunately for Edge, his back was to the crowd.. A man making his way hurriedly through the stunned audience, pausing at the ring apron to grab an object of his own. If it was possible, the RAW audience and the announce team gasped in unison as Triple H brandished his sledge hammer.. Slamming it forcefully into Edge's back. And when the Canadian turned, the Game smiled grimly starting to lift the weapon to hit him again when the WWE Champion made a run for it.. Chris Masters forgoing any sort of altercation on the ramp as he passed by. His sole concern right now… the motionless redhead in the middle of the ring.