"What does he want?" asked Emma as she looked towards those she worked with. Quickly noticing how Adam Cole suddenly seemed hesitant to answer her question almost as if he was afraid of how she would react. Stephanie and Hunter close by, the same unsure expression on their aged features, especially when they had a sneaking suspicion they knew what was to come and that Baron had made an alliance with Charlotte in order to better his chances of getting his revenge. Emma soon looked over to Bobby, Roderick and Kyle hoping they had some sort of answers for her, yet she was met with the same look of confusion she was sure was painted on her sun kissed features.
"We suspect Baron is working with Charlotte. His attack on Seth was likely just the start" responded Stephanie, knowing the words to pass through her painted lips would be worse for anyone who knew of the structures she was about to mention, knowing most described them as demonic much like the creators of both were often called the devil in disguise for thinking of such a way to torment and torture those who were put inside them to fight for their lives. "Both the War Games structure and the Elimination Chamber are missing, as are the keys to both. What ever Charlotte has planned wont be good for anyone she sees as an enemy" added Stephanie delivering the bad news and seeing Emma had heard of at least one of the structure, the fear on her features suggested she knew what fate would await those who were put inside.
"Your boys there, cousin, father, all those at Shield will be a target" added Hunter, he knew all four members of Undisputed Era had been inside War Games in the past, the mental scars still haunted them yet the did their best to hide it from those around them, even Tommaso had been trapped inside it at least once, the man acting as if he was unphased by the horrors he had seen inside at the acts he had to commit in order to survive, yet his silence in the moments when he thinks no one noticed him gave it away he still suffered from the flashbacks and panic attacks from it. The guilt of having to kill the innocent people trapped inside with him just to survive, never leaving him, much like their faces were burned into his memory as a permanent reminder.
"Oh my god" whispered Emma as she realised who would be target number one when it come to the twisted ways of Baron, Charlotte, Andrade and Cena. The fear in her eyes growing as she ran from the room in hopes of warning anyone she cared about, what was to come and to keep a close watch on the four her were determined to wipe them from the face of the earth. "Come on pick up please" uttered the brunette woman as her frustration started to take over, she could sense at least one of those whom she worked closely with had followed her, no doubt to get answers. "Aleister, Charlotte and her band of idiots are going to aim at my dad. They're gonna take out the one with the most experience and knowledge first. Their biggest threat" rambled Emma, hoping the Dutchman would understand her, a sigh of relief escaping her upon hearing his response, yet the dread also there on what could happen now the four who seen all as an enemy had their focus set on one person.
"They wont be able to much without Charlotte" came a voice filled with the Irish ascent. When Emma turned around she was met with the sight of the fiery haired woman, who had once been close friends with the blond in question, Sasha and Bayley either side of her. Both of which had changed their appearance since Emma had last seen them. Bayley now had a short hair style and a more menacing look placed firmly on her features where as Sasha had made her purple hair a thing of the past, replacing it with the stunning blue she had now. The three women, determined not to let the blond they had once called friend take another they cared for away, much like they were determined she was going to be brought to justice one way or another, even if that meant they would be risking their own lives.
"We trapped her in one of her the elimination chamber right after we helped the Wyatt's raid the warehouse she was using as a base" commented Sasha at least hoping their could be a little of piece for the older blond to learn the one to give the orders was trapped in one of the torturous concoctions for the time being. Well at least until someone figured out what to do with them. "Seth is fine by the way. He's back at the mansion, trying to help Paige as much as possible with baby Morgan" added the blue haired woman, knowing family meant everything to Emma and other members of the Shield, hence why they had done everything in their power to help and make sure no one else would be lost at the hands of Charlotte.
"My dad is the only one who keeps us from falling apart. He raised us to be fighters. Hell he practically raised Paige. None of us can lose him. We wont survive" tearfully responded Emma, knowing rather well if her father was taken away those who he worked with in Shield would fall apart, none more so than his closest family. She knew her mother would be lost with little chance of finding her way again, Summer would likely go into herself refusing to talk to another about it and likely be in denial, where as she was sure Paige would be hit with the grief of losing another who had been a parent to her. Yet she knew she herself wouldn't be able to handle the loss of her father, least of all because of four who wanted some form of twisted justice for someone who had gotten his comeuppance after years of betraying and double crossing other she was supposed to have an alliance and working relationship with. "He is the glue that holds the two sides of our family together. Without him the entire family splits. Nothing will stop Mark from coming for Paige, from taking her and running" added the dark haired woman as she went over what would happen if her father was to fall at the hands of another. She knew for Shield wouldn't be the same without the one most called Princess there to run it and be the friend she was to everyone who personally knew her.
At Architect's Armoury, Seth attempted to find a comfortable position on one of the corner units in the large living room, Dean near by with his newborn daughter in his arms. Offering to take over to parent duties to allow Renee time to herself for a while, a smile on his lips upon noticing little Morgan in her carrier besides Seth. All concerns the younger Iowan had over being a father now gone now his little princess was by his side and healthy. Both men with the necessary things scattered around them so they didn't have to disturb the mothers while they had some time to themselves. Finn roaming the area along with Aleister if only to give reassurance nothing had changed with the security detail if anything Finn planned to up the security now their was four kids living in the mansion.
"You know if someone told me a few years ago each of us would have a family of our own. I would have told them they were crazy" came the quiet yet still booming voice of Roman, a soft smirk placed on his lips upon seeing what both he called brothers were like from the archway. The older Samoan soon walked into the room, taking a seat between the two men, being careful not to wake the two youngest residents, already knowing both had a set of lungs on them. "So how are little Saraya and Morgan doing today?" asked Roman, finding it sweet how Renee and Dean had gone on to name their second daughter after one of the women who had long since passed on. Much like her middle name was after another they had lost on the journey so far, yet this time in memory of another.
"Miss Morgan is doing okay. Happy as long as she has her penguin toy and her favourite fleecy blanket" responded Seth, looking over to the baby girl he could call his own, how she held on to the little penguin toy with the tightest grip she could muster, her blanket keeping her warm as she quietly slept without a care in the world. She only made a small sound when he moved the blanket up a little bit more. Roman could only smile, remembering when he had done that for Jordan before going on the run, even now he would do anything for his little boy, hence why he had asked Nikki to have joint custody. So that his son had a loving mother figure in his life and to keep him on the right track.
"As is Saraya here. Got to have her little rattle and something of Renee's. Wont sleep if she doesn't" laughed Dean as she looked to his little girl, a proud smile once again over taking him as he thought of everything he had and the words Roman had spoke from the archway. He knew deep down they were true. Each of them had gained so much in the last few years since moving to Florida. All three of them were now father's and had so much more to fight for, so much more to lose if anything went wrong. He knew he would be devastated if anything happened to either of his girls, much like Seth would be. Just as he knew Roman had still yet to heal or move forward after the loss of Zarah, yet he did his best for the son he had with her, keeping him safe and giving him everything he believed Jordan would need, even someone who could love him and be the mother he would one day need, yet seemingly forgetting the young boy would also need his father to help keep him on the right side of the tracks and keep from making mistakes he would one day regret.
The knocking on the door soon disturbed the peaceful atmosphere between the three men, each looking towards the large double door entrance as if expecting the worse to come from it, a force of habit the three men had yet to break out of. Finn walking through, almost as if he was hoping whomever was on the opposite side would leave if he took his time. Much like it was obvious he already knew who was on the other side hence his hesitation to open it or allow the mysterious visitor entrance into the luxurious home. The Irishman soon sensed the eyes of the three men on him, to which he turned to face them as if to put off answering the door a little longer.
"Its Mark" uttered Finn, quickly spotting Seth catching onto the reason why Finn was taking so long to answer and likely already knowing why the older man was there in the first place. "He's here to get Paige, he thinks he can convince her to go back to Orlando" added the man known to so many as the Demon King. He soon spun on his heels, plastering a fake smile on his lips as he opened the door to the much older man, knowing his visit would once again be in vain, as his mission for her to return had failed for years on end now. Yet the older man had yet to give up or realise the chances off success were getting lower with each day she moved forward with her life. Much like he was actually pushing her away the more he tried to succeed.
"Where's Paige?" asked Mark as soon as the door was opened to him. The smaller Irishman only stepping aside to allow him entrance, not bothering to speak a single word. He knew it would only fall on deaf ears hence why he didn't waste his breath with it. "She doesn't belong in this life, she doesn't deserve the danger being here will bring to her" uttered the older man, noticing the three hounds in the living room paying little attention to him, instead they continued on with their conversation as if they hadn't even noticed he was there. He soon realised the large mansion was unusually quiet, the two oldest children seemingly not there as were the girls to normally roam the home were also missing, something the older father of two found unsettling.
"Then where does she belong?" questioned Aleister, a look of disobedient in his eyes as he looked to the man who was a living legend in the criminal underworld. Yet he had turned his back on the legacy he held there and everyone he had once called friend. "With you, away from those she calls friends, away from her husband and daughter, away from everything Saraya wanted her to be and who she was born to be?" added the Dutchman, not surprised when Mark swung around to face him, glaring daggers at him for the words that effortless slipped from his tongue, yet the tattooed man didn't seem to even noticed instead he glared back at the older man. "Tell me where does she belong? Since you seem to know best" finished the younger man as he waited for the response to his questions, he knew Finn wouldn't have said anything, hence why he had. If only to make the older man open his eyes and see what was in front of him.
"She belongs with her family" responded Mark, his voice low and dangerous as he turned his attention fully to the smaller Dutchman, completely ignoring everyone else around. "With her mother, sister and me. With those who truly love her. As far from the danger all of you pose" responded Mark, spotting Summer from the corner of his eyes coming down the stairs, her expression suggesting she had heard the words to escape from his lips. Much like she pulled Aleister back upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, showing she would be the responsible adult in the situation. As well as showing the boys would step back and listen to the girls they watched over as well as valued them.
"There are two young kids in that living room. This isn't the place to start an argument so grow up both of you" scolded Summer as she walked off, all but dragging Aleister with her, if only to remove him from the situation, while also realising her uncle was ignoring not only the danger Paige returning to her old life would pose to others around her but also what her raven haired cousin wanted. "As much as Paige would appreciate you standing up for her, uncle mark isn't gonna listen to anyone until he sees it for himself" informed the leggy blond as she let go of the Dutchman's collar, almost thankful he hadn't put up much of an argument against her when she pulled him from the situation. Leaving Finn the far more level headed one to hopeful talk some sense into her uncle, even though she had long since believed it would be pointless. Especially if his words were anything to go by.
"So what do you suggest we do?" asked Aleister, his voice quieter than normal as his eyes kept flickering towards the door leading to where Mark stood with Finn, no doubt silence taking over as neither man backed down. He strongly imagined the hounds would be diffusing the tension between the two men, especially if it had flooded over to them in the living room. "Allow him to take Paige away from her family with us, willingly put his wife and youngest daughter in danger" added the older Dutchman, sarcasm echoing in his voice as she looked over to the leggy blond, almost jumping when he heard the voice of her younger sister come from behind him. The concern there almost worrying yet he also knew her sudden appearance would be a welcome surprise.
"We do what dad taught us and stand our ground" uttered Emma as she walked passed, clearly going to prevent the argument that was sure to erupt between the two in the forayer of the mansion. A soft smile threatening to take over her lips upon seeing the hounds in the living room focusing on the youngest residents for a while and attempting to enjoy the silence of normality in their crazy lives. "It doesn't matter whether Paige is with you or here with us, danger will follow her. Only difference is everyone here knows the truth and can prepare for anything. The only danger posed her right now is you, if she wants to go with you then she will but her family is here, whether you like it or not" added the dark haired woman, quickly noticing the stunned looks being sent her way, particularly from the three in the living room who had only really known her as a quiet and shy person.
"Where has this version of Emma being hiding?" questioned Dean, shaking his heads moments later before returning his attention to the little girl in his arms. Seth could only offer a soft grin to the dark haired woman he called family. Roman on the other hand shook his head after it sunk in who had been so direct to the well respected police officer before them. The dark haired woman in question could only watch as her uncle left the mansion still in shock she had been the one to speak up and by the obvious changes she had made in terms of her appearance. Now more determined than ever she wasn't going to be a victim or damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. Much like she appeared to be more comfortable living in the world he had once tried to destroy and the one Kane had taken her and her sister from at a young age.
"This version always been there but hidden and I think I know who Baron and those working with him are going to target next" responded Emma seeing the dread appear on Seth's features upon being reminded of whom was still a looming shadow of threat of each of them. His mind clearly taking him to the memory of the attack which had left him on death's door. "I think he's gonna target my dad. He's the one who made sure this version of Shield was hidden when it was in its original form, he's the one who made sure Paige had something to find and in turn gave you lot a place to go. He's also the one who trained or has been a role model for most of us. He's the oldest and therefore has the most knowledge" added the dark haired woman, knowing deep down without her father to guide them, there was a strong possibility of each being sitting ducks when it come to being attacked. Each almost relied on Kane, they would be lost without him.
"Not to mention it would tear a family apart" came the Irish ascent from behind Emma. There stood Finn, his blue eyes cold as normal although the softness on his features suggested he was agreeing with Emma on who the next target would likely be. "If they take out Kane then Mark will blame Shield for it, if that happens then Emma, Summer and Paige will suffer the most. Crystal would stay loyal where as Mark would try and convince them to go home. The three girls would be caught in the middle" added the Irishman, he already knew Crystal would remain with Shield, making it clear those she called her girls would still need her, just a much as she would likely need them.
"I'll send a message out for him, let him know to be on the look out" chimed Aleister before walking off to the security hub, he knew he could find the number to Kane's emergency phone and his police radio. He knew the man still carried the radio with him even when he had left the Orlando service. Yet apart of him hadn't completely let go as he still helped out with the Tampa Police Department, showing although he had ties to both sides of the law, he wouldn't turn his back on either side until he was given no other choice. "Officer Kane Calaway respond please" calmly spoke the Dutchman through the radio, the sudden feeling of dread tightening in the pit of his stomach, as if he knew they were already too late. "Radio 14-20, do you copy?" asked Aleister, concern beginning to flood into his voice the longer the calls were left unanswered. Yet he soon felt a wave a relief wash over him as he heard Kane's voice on the through the speaker system in the hub.
"Yeah what's up" responded Kane, the noise in the background suggesting there area he was located was busy. "Hold on Aleister, trying to contain a fight that's broken out in the street between two guys one of them looks like Andrade" added the older man, not giving Aleister the chance at giving him the warning. The sudden feeling of dread and uncertainty soon come rushing back to the smaller man known as The Devil by many who knew him or had heard of him. He soon left the hub, grabbing hold of the radio in a tight grip as she stormed through the halls of the mansion. His heart sinking when the familiar sound of gun shots rang out through the radio, forcing the Dutchman to a halt, Summer and Emma looking over to the radio he held in his hand in horror of what they heard. Paige and Renee on the stairs, worried expressions on their features much like the two youngest children seemed to know something was wrong as did Nikki who appeared from the room converted into her office.
"Someone needs to check on Kane" whispered Aleister, his voice almost sounding broken, as if worried if he spoke any louder then the fear each of the five women before him were feeling would be brought to a reality with three of them losing someone who had raised them. He was almost thankful Crystal wasn't in the mansion, but with Michelle intending to inform her of little Morgan's birth and that both mother and daughter were healthy. Even having a few pictures with her to show her what the little girl was like, even how the first time parents were handling everything. "He said he was breaking up a fight, one of the guys looked like Andrade" uttered the Dutchman as it suddenly hit the girls before him how bad things could truly be, tears suddenly appearing in her eyes as her heart began to break at the sudden possibility her father could have been seriously injured or worse. She hoped for the best like Summer did but also knew when it come to it also expect the worst.