The creepy laughter could be heard echoing around the halls again, bouncing of the cold concrete walls and sending a shiver down the spine of anyone who heard. The lights flickered whenever a ground shaking boom rumbled around the old abandoned building. The people running around the halls in panic losing their balance slightly before returning to running to safety again. Their fear taking over as they realised their enemy had surrounded them. Shane stayed in his office, calmly sat wit his feet on the wooden desk in the middle of the room, the two empty cells to his right now filled with his younger sister and brother in law, they too not paying attention almost as if they had given up hope of ever seeing the light of day or regaining what had been ripped from them by someone they trusted so much.
Ric Flair soon come bursting through the door, worry clear on his features as a dishevelled look radiated from him. He looked like he had been in a game of cat and mouse, only this time he was the mouse rather than the determined cat. Shane look up for seconds before returning to reading the recent surveillance report, as well as the head count on those who were constantly walking around the once abandoned building. Noticing Karen Jarrett and her children were missing, much like Charlotte, Daniel and Jeff Jarrett were although the latter three were known in terms of location. The older McMahon child found the surveillance report far more intriguing than Karen and her family being missing, mostly due to what those watching the mansions had reported recently.
"How are you so calm?" shouted Ric, if only to get his puppets attention, not that it worked as the man was more than happy to keep his relax position while reading the report, if someone looked at him they wouldn't be able to tell his enemies had the upper hand by blocking all the exit routes. "Our enemies surround us and you're here reading some report. Jinder" he once again shouted, only this time he called for one of the many to be running around the halls in a blind panic, he had been one of the first to realise something was wrong when the three hounds appeared on the CCTV footage chaining each door closed, adding a few bolts to it to make sure it wouldn't be broken through, along with a few construction bricks just for good measure. The Wyatt's creepy laughter only serving as a way to strike fear into those trapped inside the old warehouse building.
"Yes boss" muttered Jinder between his gasps of breath, sweat on his brow from running aimlessly up and down the halls in an attempt to find a way out before it was too late. Yet every door was the same and the windows were all barred off. The hopeless was beginning to set in as he realised what those who had been targetted were attempting to do. Scaring them was one thing, but completely annihilating them was another and apparently what those who had banded together were attempting to do. The younger man quickly figuring the much older man he had been taking orders from, would likely be sending some more he and other high ups seen as dispensable to their dooms. As he had done so many time before in order to further his course, although all the much older man had managed to do was isolate himself from anyone who would dare ally themselves with him.
"Take a few men and target the girls" demanded Ric as he watched the other who seemed to realise the situation was far more serious than Shane was showing. Shane on the other hand didn't react at all, instead he listened with Ric as Hunter chuckled to himself from his place in one of the cells located in the room. Clearly showing he knew something the pair whom had taken over the business he had once run with an iron first had either been oblivious too or hadn't spotted. The older white haired man soon turned to one he had once looked upon as a son, curious to know what had tickled his amusement, the younger man was in no position to be laughing yet here he was, doing just that and annoying Ric at the same time. "What's so funny Hunter?" asked Ric, his annoyance and irritation clear to hear in his voice, as the question directed had an underlining threatening tone to it. Yet the bold man in the cells didn't seem to care for the unspoken threats or the danger his life was in, as he knew why those who had worked together had come, just as he knew why they had suddenly decided to be so bold.
"They sent the girls away weeks ago. Took Nikki Bella with them" cheerfully responded Hunter as he wrapped his hands around the bars, separating him from the man who had once been his mentor. Yet now he knew he held the cards to the situation. "You ordered Charlotte to kill Zarah. They know it was you hence why none of your rescue attempts have succeeded. To prevent the same thing happening again they sent the girls somewhere else. Somewhere you wont find them" taunted Hunter, his smile one of victory as it dawned on Ric his only means of leverage was no longer an option. Just as it dawned on him both Stephanie and the man before him had likely been aware of what he had been up to and worked with those who sought to destroy him.
"Looking for this?" asked Stephanie as she held up a GPS tracker, as well as revealing she was the reason why those who now worked under the Shield were able to find the base so fast. Her wicked smile one of triumph as she refused to make the same mistakes her father and brother had. Instead she had realised Ric's true intentions when he had mistakenly mentioned Charlotte in present tense rather than past. Upon that she convinced Hunter as well as Batista and Randy to join forces with those in the Shield and eliminate their common enemy. "You already knew the girls weren't with them didn't you?" asked Stephanie, she had quickly realised Ric didn't seem to surprised to learn the woman those at Shield wanted to protect and loved so much weren't hidden away in one of the secure mansions. Instead he appeared pleased about it. It was only then Stephanie noticed Cena wasn't wondering the halls in a blind panic as others were, it dawned on her, neither she nor her husband had seen him after the first few days of being locked in the cells where Paige and Zarah had once been imprisoned.
"Charlotte wasn't their only inside source" came the unmistakable voice of Zack Ryder when he made himself known via the video call, both Stephanie and Hunter looking confused on who he was despite him being employed by them. "You see I knew from dating Emma and still being in contact with her, she was going on a girls vacation, although she didn't say where. She didn't even know who I truly was let alone who I worked for" continue the blond from Long Island as Princess Mansion was easy to see in the background, although those he was working with in Mike Kanellis, Andrade, Enzo and Cass seemed to be having problems of their own, neither having seen the confusing scene before them. Such as the Wyatt's walking around, showing their laughter around the once abandoned building his employers were occupying was merely a recording, the others who had locked them inside were using to terrify those inside and cause more havoc than necessary.
"But she didn't take her phone with her. Prevented you from finding them hence why Cena's not here" replied Hunter quickly realising the blond hadn't taken anything that could easily be tracked with her, instead she had left the devices at the penthouse, no doubt already under surveillance as were the mansions under the enemies name. Hunter could only smirk at that idea of the girls all being in a safe place along with the two young children, far out of reach from those who wanted to use them against those who loved them so dearly. "They already know you're there" commented Hunter almost as he was tormenting the five on the video call, the Wyatt's once again making themselves known this time however appearing to free Daniel Bryan from his prison although whether that was to end his misery or allow him to return to what remained of his life was anyone's guess.
On Island Noir, Summer was walking around the many villas and pool area, the sight of her slightly younger sister staring from the cliff where the villas were located out over the ocean being a normal thing to see. It was clear she missed being home and able to do whatever she wanted without being restricted to one place, much like it was clear she missed those she had to leave behind until it was safe to return. Renee was on one of the sun beds, little Freya to her side shaded by an umbrella placed over her play pen. Jordan in the shallow end of the pool with the oldest Bella twin, as she attempted to teach the young boy to swim. Lana on the other hand was on the dock, almost as if she was waiting for the boat to take them all back home or for some sort of delivery or sign from the men they had left behind so many weeks prior. Yet the blond Russian had become more confident in herself since being on the sunny island, she had learnt to accept her scars and once again began to show them with pride rather than being ashamed of them. Cross on the other hand was exploring the forest to the side of the villas as she had been doing since they got there, if only to discover what was hidden inside. Paige and AJ on the other hand had spent their time in different areas, some of the time they would be on the docks with Lana, walking the beaches, in the pool even with Cross as she explored. Other times either one of them would coop themselves up in their villa, the sinking feeling something was going to happen too much for them to handle.
"You okay?" asked Summer as she joined her sister on the cliff edge. The warmth of the sun bringing a small smile to the leggy blond although she worried about what was going to happen. Whether those who had found their special someone would see them again or if the ones who had left siblings behind would have happy news when they returned home. Both girls worried for their father, knowing he would do all in his power to protect the others, he had been aware Summer liked Adam Cole, much like he had likely seen Nikki's attraction to Roman, after all the oldest Bella twin had all but become a mother to his young son. Emma could only look up and nod, the feeling she had that bad news was coming, almost haunting her especially when she thought of what was on the line.
"Yeah just got the sinking feeling something's going to happen. Since mum went back to stay with uncle Mark, I've had this gut feeling that something not right" whispered Emma, revealing what was bothering her, the unsettling feeling blocking her attempts to enjoy the island, much like she had a feeling she wouldn't get to see Zack again when all of this was over. "I'm going to call Zack, put things right with him" responded the younger blond, soon getting up from her spot and returning to her villa to the left, a small smile coming to her lips upon seeing Paige still looking at the results of the test she had taken, no doubt trying to figure out how to tell Seth the treatments she had been receiving had worked. Although she was also aware the youngest hound would no doubt become even more protective of her. Much like she knew Punk had become more so of AJ since she had revealed she was two months pregnant before leaving for the island.
Becky, Sasha and Bayley at this moment were walking along the beach, each keeping a close watch on Lana as she once again sat on the docks with her feet hanging over the edge. It being clear each of them missed someone, Sasha missing each of the boys and their little qwerks, Bayley missing their fun loving way and being able to hug each of them, where as Becky missed not being able to do something to help and Finn. Although each of the three girls were at least glad being hidden away on the island would give them less to worry about. Much like they took the opportunity to bound with those they shared the island with, as well as celebrate with them when something happened. Jordan calling Nikki mummy, and asking about his dad being one of them much like they celebrated when AJ revealed her good news to them and when Lana began to show her confidence once again.
"We should hear from them soon" quietly spoke Sasha, a little excitement coming to her although she knew it was only the weekly report and a little update from the boys on how everything was going, that also being the chance the girls got to update them on anything that happened while being on the island. "Hopefully their attempt to stop the enemy went off without a hitch and without any causalities" continued the purple haired woman, she dreaded the weekly update sometimes, especially when the boys told them what they had planned as well as Charlotte rescue attempts had failed thanks the Wyatt's constantly thwarting the plans of the five attempting to break her from her prison, unaware they had moved her somewhere else. Most likely to be the last place those who wanted her back would think to look.
"Lets hope its good news" replied Becky, a small smile coming to her lips as she remembered what Paige had told her, especially when she knew the two had been planning for it, Seth of course already looking to the future for his motivation. Much like she could guess a few others were also doing the same. Tomasa on the other hand had made it clear his motivation was the oldest one in the book, revenge. Much like Aleister, Rusev and the Undisputed Era was. "I don't think any of us could handle hearing one of them had been hurt or killed in their crusade. Especially with the hormones around here, plus we've all got a future to look forward to" continued the Irish woman as she looked around seeing Summer on the cliff edge replacing where Emma had once been, everything seemed so peaceful yet nothing actually was.
"The guys are calling" came the unmissable voice of Nikki before taking the two year old in her arms to the shared villa each of them would spend time together in and get their weekly update. She knew for sure Punk would ask how AJ was doing, where as Dean would just be enthusiastic to see his wife and daughter again, much like the others would be happy just to see their faces again, even if it was only through a video call. The three just looked towards each other before Sasha began to walk over to Lana, happy to help her to her feet so the four of them could walk back up the trail to the villas together. No doubt dumping into Cross on the way.
"What happened to you?" questioned Lana upon seeing some of the boys on the video with cuts and bruises, even a few appearing to be in more pain than they showed or wanted either of them to see. "At least tell us all of you are alive" continued the Russian beauty as her ascent came through thick, as did her almost overwhelming concern, especially when she couldn't see all of them in the shot, then again she also noticed AJ was missing from the room so she quickly figured she had a separate call with Punk, probably just as worried about the state he was in. The ravishing Russian looked between each of them, noticing both of the young children were in the play pen in the next room. She had a feeling it was something serious by the way Cross had stopped bouncing around without any cause for it.
"We went through with our plan" responded Aleister as he held a hand to the back of his neck. An ice pack there to help ease the pain a little, although he wouldn't admit it seeing Cross there was enough to at this settle him for a little while. "Took out the majority of them Ric included. Stephanie and Hunter have Shane and Charlotte now. Should be safe for you ladies and the kiddos to come home" continued the man who had become known as the devil, watching as both Summer and Emma smiled slightly upon seeing their father, a bandage around his arm was the worst injury he appeared to have. "Finn here will give you a run down of the injuries. If only to give you girls peace of mind and a reason to throttle us when you get back" finished Aleister with a small smile on his lips, especially when he spotted the way both Paige and Cross looked at each other, both rolling their eyes shortly after.
"Kane got a bullet graze, Aleister took a beating from some of the others but had help from Tomasa who finally settled the score by being the one who took out Ric. Tomasa also has a broken arm and possibly collar bone. Undisputed Era got a few bruises and a concussion each" spoke Finn as he listed the injuries, as well as who had ended the mini war for good on the part of Ric Flair. "The Wyatt's were clear they actually saved us, Karl, Luke and Styles each got hit with a few different items but should be okay, Rusev went head on with Shane, come out the better for it. Finally got justice for his beautiful Russian Queen. Dean has a torn muscle or two but otherwise okay, Seth's knee gave out on him, he had surgery the other day, Roman has a few broken ribs and still tormented by what happened but otherwise good" continued the man known by most as the Demon King, remembering the injuries each had gotten from the fight they had gone running head first into, just as he knew what the Samoan was going to ask Nikki when she returned had a lot of them torn.
"What about you and Corey?" asked Sasha, standing next to her two closest friends, the two she could confidently call sisters. Her purple hair up in a messy bun in an attempt to keep her cool in the high temperatures the island had to offer, although she enjoyed the tropical island and the peace it which it offered. Each of the girls watched as both men looked at each other, Corey clearly with a broken nose and struggling to breath, where as Finn looked relatively normal apart from the dark blue sling around his shoulder.
"Finn has a few torn muscles in his shoulder but other than that he's fine. I have a broken nose, wrist and ankle" mumbled Corey in response, just as he knew there were likely to be a punch or two when the girls finally got home, he could see the concern each of the women on the video chat held for them, it was something even those in space could see, well at least it was in his opinion. "Nikki your mum and siblings are okay as well. We sent them to England so they weren't targetted, Randy and Batista went with them for extra measures" uttered the man known as the Saviour of Misbehaviour, giving the oldest Bella twin the reassuring news her family members were safe and had survived the entire thing without any real knowledge of what was going on. "We're sending the jet to come and get you girls, should be there in the morning. Ready to bring you home" finished Corey as he looked around the room to the boys. Noticing the way Becky looked over to Paige as if trying to convince the raven haired beauty to do something, although it appeared to have not worked when the woman known as the Princess shook her head in response. Clearly not ready to say what she was hiding and what only a few appeared to know. The video call soon ended with the normal goodbyes and love you that so often ended a conversation.
Once the call was over, Seth hobbled off to the living room out of the way from whatever was going to ensue, much like Dean if only to stare at the area where his little girl would normally be happily playing with her favourite toys. A small smile soon come to his features upon realising their biggest enemy for the time being had finally being stopped for good, he wondered about more children with Renee, giving Freya a younger sibling. He could imagine a future where there were kids running around with smiles on their lips as they caused mischief and mayhem. Just as he knew the man to his side also wanted to start is own little family with the woman he called wife and lover. Finn soon joined the pair alongside Aleister, neither man saying a word as the silence took over the small group, the uncertainty that was once there now replaced with a sense of security and a brighter future.
"Are you serious about leaving?" asked Corey as he turned his attention to the Samoan, seeing the man nod slightly as he wondered if the man he was left in the room with had gotten what he had asked for. "Okay, here's the papers you asked for, you make sure you think everything over a couple more times, especially with leaving Jordan behind" continued the Saviour of Misbehaviour as he handed over the black plastic file folder with all the paperwork he had asked for. "He's already lost his mother, make sure you come back so he doesn't lose his father too" he commented before leaving the room entirely, he knew trying to convince Roman otherwise would be useless especially when it come to Jordan, the Samoan had it drilled in his head the toddler would be better off with others he trusted rather than with his last remaining parent.
"When I'm gone, make sure Nikki gets this" muttered Roman, having a sixth sense Finn was near by, no doubt having seen Corey leave the dinning room. Yet he didn't hear any response from the other man there, when he turned slightly to see who was there he was surprised to see Kane. The much older man appearing confused on what he was referring to, although he could also see anger there as well, clearly having realised whatever he was planning on doing had nothing to do with his two year old son. "Kane" surprisingly spoke the Samoan, attempting to hide the paperwork he had scattered across the table, failing to gather them all up before the much older man picked one of them up. As Kane scanned over it, Roman getting the feeling of dread, even more so when the older man peaked over the top of the paper with fury burning brightly in his eyes.
"Do you want Jordan to resent you when he's older?" asked Kane, the simple question spoke with concern for what the toddler would be like when he was older enough to understand everything. Roman could only shake his head in response, the feeling of guilt suddenly washing over him, just as he began to get nervous about what he had planned to do and the situation he now found himself in. "Then don't make the same mistake Mark did with Paige. He's the same age as Paige was when her mother was taken away. Mark buried himself in his work so much he pretty much abandoned her and left Krystal and myself to raise her. Leaving him behind will lead him growing up the same way she did" calmly spoke the former detective, remembering when he had all but raised the raven haired girl as his own and even telling her stories of her mother. The Samoan man only nodded, noticing how Kane wasn't trying to convince him to stay but to take his toddler son with him.
"He'll have someone who loves and cares for him here. I can't care for him, not at the moment. He's better off here without me" replied Roman as he confessed his feeling to the much older man. "I was supposed to protect Zarah, instead she died in my arms. How am I supposed to protect and raise him knowing the same thing could happen again if I fail. Knowing my mistakes could lead to me losing him too" whispered the Samoan hound as he wiped tears from his eyes and told what he feared for the future, he knew if anyone would understand it would be Kane, after all both of his girls were born during the time he was originally part of the criminal underworld, he knew the man must have felt the same fear even dreaded what would happen if he failed to protect one of his girls.
"If you leave him behind you lose him anyway. The only difference would be him alive and resenting you for abandoning him regardless if you thought it was for the best" mumbled Kane in response doing all he could to convince the younger man to take his son with him when he went. He could understand why he wanted to leave, the feeling of guilt of Zarah's death and the happiness of those he called friends and brother being too much for him to handle. Yet he didn't see that as a viable reason to leave his son, the only reminder he had of Zarah behind when the boy needed him so much. "He needs you Roman. What are you going to tell him when he asks where you were when he was growing up? When he asks you why you left?" continued the much older and wiser man, he wondered if he was getting through to the Samoan sitting at the table before him or if he was talking to a brick wall for all intense and purposes. "Look at Mark, he regrets the decisions he made after Saraya died, he realised too late what they caused. Now his oldest daughter wont even speak to him let alone visit. He made the same choice as you and regrets it every day" finished Kane, knowing his brother truly felt guilty and regret for what he had chosen to do, just as he knew if Roman went through with it he would only live to regret the decision made.
"She's also happy now, plus she still has the man who raised her, here with her when she needs him most. Jordan can be that happy too. I've already ruined his life once, I wont be able to live with myself if I do it again" replied Roman as if he was trying to justify the decision he was making, he could see by the look Kane was sending his way the older man wasn't convinced although he knew Roman was right when he mentioned Paige was happy now, she knew the truth that her father had hidden from her, she knew who she was and had people she trusted surrounding her. Yet he still couldn't understand why Roman was choosing to leave his son behind knowing he was going to make the same mistake that lead Mark to regret what he had chosen.
"Then why are you leaving him behind?" asked Kane as he looked at the grieving father, he could understand the much younger man was grieving the loss of the woman he loved and mother of his only child, yet he knew leaving the boy behind was the worst mistake Roman would make for both father and son. "Do me a favour, before you make any concrete decision talk to Paige. Ask her what it was like growing up knowing your father abandoned you after losing your mother. Ask her why she resent Mark so much. Maybe then you'll understand why leaving Jordan behind is the worst mistake you'll ever make" finished the former detective before leaving the room, knowing he left the Samoan with something to think about. He could at least be thankful the man was planning to leave the young boy with someone who would love him as her own. Although he doubted Nikki Bella would be too pleased with him for doing such a thing without any kind of warning. Roman soon looked at the paperwork he had in front of him, the forms for Nikki to become Jordan's legal guardian waiting to be filled out along with his mobile phone. He wondered if he should take the advice of the older man and talk to the raven haired Princess who had given him the chance at justice.
"Hey Sasha is Paige there?" asked Roman upon hearing the chirpy voice of Sasha on the phone, that alone brought a small smile to his lips, the thought of the women being excited to come home after almost two months away. He knew for sure AJ would be showing in her pregnancy now, especially if Punk had the dates right. "Hey Paige can I ask you something? Your uncle gave me the advice to ask you about something before I went through with what I'm planning" he continued upon hearing the unmissable voice of Paige on the other end, her English ascent making it difficult to miss who was on the phone much like Lana's Russian one and Becky's Irish one make it impossible for others to miss who was speaking. He calmly listened to her response while mulling over whether or not he should ask her the question, just as he began to dread her response when she figured out what he had planned although he knew it wouldn't be as bad as Seth and Dean's. "What was it like growing up with your only parent being absent?" asked Roman putting the younger woman on speaker so he could read over the paperwork and listen to the response she gave him.
"Honestly at the time I didn't think much of it due to uncle Kane and aunt Krystal being there for me" responded Paige, showing at the time it didn't bother her all that much due to her aunt and uncle being like parents to her and giving her the support she needed the most. "But as I grew older it felt as if I had done something wrong where he didn't want to be around me, eventually that spurred the thoughts of him not wanting a daughter in the first place, hence why I became such a rebel during my teen years. Now I look back on it all I feel is resentment, he took my mum away then all but abandoned me, all because I reminded him of something he chose to do. I feel as if I paid for his actions. Literally if the assassination attempt didn't happen he would have noticed I was even still around" finished the raven haired beauty, revealing how she had felt growing up when it dawned on her, her dad wasn't around. Roman soon thanked her before saying his goodbyes knowing she had no doubt picked upon what he planned to do.
"Corey" called Roman, noticing he had caught the attention of his closest friends in the living room, the curiosity both had painted on their features along with the slight questioning look, almost amused the Samoan. He soon handed the black plastic folder back to Corey, a small smile on his lips about what he was going to ask next. "Can you get papers for joint custody please? Talking to Paige gave me the wake up call I was in need of. I don't want Jordan to grow up resenting me" finished the Samoan watching with nerves as Corey nodded to his question, a small smirk of his own upon hearing the woman he had watched over for so long had unknowingly helped keep a father and son duo together. He soon walked away leaving the Samoan to answer the question the four in the living room were likely to ask him although he could also guess the oldest hound would no longer dread telling them what he was going to do now he had ultimately made the best decision he could for his son.
"Is it weird to say I miss Cross?" asked Aleister, breaking the silence that had fallen over the group, although the smile to pass over his lips suggested he had done it on purpose if only to see the reaction of those in the room with him. To the Dutchman it was laughable, the look Seth and Finn shared along with the gobsmacked one of Roman and the knowing look from Dean, he just found the amusing side in it. "I miss her not being able to stay still for more than five seconds, the crazy laughter and bonkers personality" explained the Dutchman showing he truly missed the woman he had called friend for so long, she had been a constant at his side for over a decade it felt weird her not being there when he turned these past few months. Although he was sure it was a similar thing for some of the others. Like Corey not turning to see his every move been watched carefully by Sasha or Finn realising what life could be like without Becky around to light things up and remind him why he found himself in so many wars.
"Its not weird. If anything is actually quite sweet to hear" responded Finn showing his rare softer side, the side not many got to see. "Things will be back to normal soon, a toddler or two running around, hormonal AJ back, Paige no doubt kicking Seth's ass then helping him back to full health again, Renee doing the same with Dean. Hell just seeing Cross laugh a literally the door bell ringing" added the Irishman as he thought of how different and quiet things had been since the girls had been sent away for their own safety. He would be the first to admit it had been too quiet for his liking, the Undisputed Era weren't random enough to replace, Summer, Emma, Paige or Renee. Much like Tomasa had quickly realised he wasn't even close to being as out there as Cross.
"Yup no more videos, get the real thing back again" sarcastically added Roman, showing his good mood wasn't just a flash in the pan like it had been in recent months. Instead it was hopefully going to be a long term thing, or at least he was intending it to be. "Will be nice to have them back. I'll admit I've missed all the family like qwerks they bring with them" added the Samoan seeing the now very questionable look Dean was sending his way from his spot on the corner unit, Seth too doing the same from behind the pillow although the Iowan's was mix with pain. "What we've all being mopy, they bring the love that keeps us all together" finished Roman almost ignoring the identical look Finn and Aleister shared, almost as if they were thinking the same thing.
"Who are you? And what have you done with Roman?" asked Seth, his voice muffled slightly from the black and silver cushion Paige seemed to love so much, the smell of her perfume mixing with his own aftershave, although it still reminded him of the woman he loved so much. Dean soon began to chuckle to himself, more for the expression the Samoan in question had frozen on his features, although he seemed to understand the sudden sarcastic yet muffled question one of his best friends had asked. He had gone from almost depressed to the total opposite with a simple phone call with Paige no less. It was almost as if her words had hit home or she had shone a light on something he was missing.