CHAPTER 6

The Hardy's, Lita, and Jericho preceded Edge into the arena and were immediately surrounded by many of their fellow wrestlers.

Undertaker walked over to study Edge. The young man was subdued, showing none of the fight that he was so well known for. "What are you going to do, boy?"

Edge looked into the older man's eyes. "You know who did this, don't you?"

Taker nodded and gestured to the APA who stood behind him. "We were all apart of the Ministry. The Blood Bath was the Brood's calling card."

Bradshaw shook his head, "You know we've got to get them back soon. No telling what Gangrel will do."

The Rock cocked an eyebrow. "Don't tell me that sick freak is back."

Jericho sighed, "No there's another blood crazed asshole running through New York." And everyone wondered why he and the Rock rubbed each other the wrong way.

Trish Stratus put a hand on her hips glaring at both men to silence them. Jericho looked like hell and this wasn't the time for their bickering. "What does he think he's going to accomplish?"

"Excuse me, but I believe I can answer that."

Everyone turned to see a man dressed entirely in black standing behind them. Quick as lightening, Edge rushed the man spearing him to the ground. Edge straddled the man grabbing a handful of hair. "Where are they?!" Edge growled, "What does Gangrel want?"

"What the Master has always wanted . . . his Brood. He wants you Edge," the man grinned as Edge's worst fears were confirmed.

Taking a deep breath Edge asked, "And if I refuse?"

The pinned man shrugged, "Then a certain fiery young woman may have an unfortunate accident."

"Don't do it, Edge," Jericho warned from behind him, "It's too risky."

"If I agree, where does he want us to meet?" Edge demanded lowering his voice so the others wouldn't hear.

"Tomorrow night at 8:00 pm there will be a black Mercedes outside your apartment. The driver will take you to Gangrel," The thug replied calmly.

Edge nodded and stood up releasing his prisoner. "Get the hell out of here."

The others watched in shock as Edge allowed the man to walk away.

"What did he say?" Matt asked grabbing the blond by the arm.

"You can't be thinking of going back," Jeff added remembering his own time under Gangrel.

Edge ran a hand through is hair in frustration, "You guys don't understand. If I don't go someone will get hurt."

"He needs Christian," Lita pointed out realization dawning on her.

"But he doesn't need Kayla," Jericho finished grimly leaning wearily against a wall.

Bradshaw shook his head, "Don't do it. We'll figure something else out."

Edge shook his head and began backing away. "I need to think," Edge told them, "I just need to be alone."

The Intercontinental Champion turned and walked away. Edge had rounded the corner before he felt a heavy hand on his arm. Turning he saw Stone Cold Steve Austin regarding him with a serious expression. The two man locked eyes for several long moments. "They don't understand," Edge said finally breaking the silence.

Austin shook his head, "No, they understand, they just don't like it." Austin leaned against the wall. "This is a loose, loose situation. You don't go Kayla gets hurt. You go and then all three of you are exactly where Gangrel wants you."

"I can't let her get hurt," Edge whispered, "And Gangrel knows it. He knows how much I love her."

Austin nodded, "I like that little girl, Edge, she never goes looking for trouble but when someone else starts it she finished it. Kayla's got fire, you don't find that kind of determination too often."

Austin again laid his hand on Edge's shoulder; this time there was a fatherly feel to it. "Stone Cold will promise you this; you do what you have to do, but no matter what I'll see all three of you free."

Edge extended his hand and the rattlesnake shook it, "Please keep an eye on Matt, Jeff, Lita and Jericho, don't let them do anything stupid," Edge pleaded, knowing the others would go crazy when they found out.

"You have my word," Austin promised releasing Edge's hand. "Be careful, boy."

Edge nodded before turning and walking away his shoulders slumped in defeat.