Author Note: Thanks goes to loveactually, MariaDimension, LivHardy, lovethemafia, emmasmummy and Becka D for becoming followers to this story. Also, thanks goes to Leasha Orton, AngelsDestiny22 and LivHardy for the awesome reviews. This story wouldn't be what it is without the great encouragement from all of you readers.

"Standing here helpless

Where do I go

If you leave me alone

Where do I turn now

If it don't work out

As far as I can see

This isn't the way

That you said it would be..."

'Stranded' by Heart

Chapter 8: The Promise

"Come on Rydia, you can do this!" Mia shouted from the floor outside the practice ring.

"Shut it, Mia. I'm trying to concentrate!" Rydia shouted back.

"Pay attention!" A deep harsh voice interrupted the sibling quarrel.

Rydia turned her attention back to her trainer inside the ring. It had been five days since Stephanie McMahon and Hunter approved of her acting abilities. They sent her to be trained with someone they trusted to do the job correctly and that was none other than Randy Orton. Mia sucked up her bitter hatred for him to be present as often as she could.

"Do it again." Randy stated.

Rydia ran towards the ropes, using them as leverage to launch herself into Randy's body. He fell flat on his back and a smile curved his lips. She impressed him and caught on quick. He also took great enjoyment in watching them argue. He knew that Mia was uncomfortable being there around him and even he was uncomfortable being around her. There was too much history between then that just couldn't be forgotten.

"Much better this time around." Randy commented.

"Thank you." Rydia answered quietly.

"Yeah, now let's review. Lock up."

Rydia did as she was told. She locked up with Randy in the center of the ring. His hands held firm on her shoulders as were hers on his. "Good, arm takeover." He ordered. She flipped him over her shoulder by hooking her arm with his.

"Very good, now try the sleeper hold."

Her arm snaked around his neck, holding it in the crock of her elbow. She applied pressure but held back so as not to actually harm him. He had warned her about the risks involved with using the move. His hand wrapped around her hand and used his upper body strength to pull her grip apart. He flipped her onto her back.

"Not bad for a beginner." He complimented holding his hand out to her.

She ignored his gesture and got up on her own. Rydia didn't like the idea of him trainer her to become a wrestler; but as part of the company, she didn't complain about it. Randy took the hint that she still held a grudge against him for breaking up with Mia and backed away from her. "Alright let me ask one question before I say you're dismissed." He asked.

"And what's that?" Rydia asked.

"Do you think you are ready to take bumps? I know you have to take one tomorrow night on live TV."

"I'm fine, I'll see you in the morning."

Rydia stepped out of the ring and placed her hand on Mia's shoulder. Randy leaned against the ropes and watched them walk away. There were days when he missed Mia's company and others he just missed her entirely. He wanted to tell her that he was sorry; but she had been so hostile every time he tried. He didn't blame her at all.

"So how are you feeling?" Mia asked Rydia as they stepped outside the building.

"Great! I feel like going for a run."

"Can't really do that around here."

Mia studied her sister closely. There was something deep within that she was trying to bury. Whether it had to do with Nick, she didn't know; but the fact that she was obsessed with staying busy for the last five days rose a red flag to her brain. The warm breeze caressed Rydia's cheeks. It made her think about Roman. There was something about him that drew her in. In fact, she couldn't wait until the next day so she could see him.

"Mind telling me what's wrong." Mia insisted.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You think I haven't noticed that you've been drowning yourself in things to keep you busy so you don't have think?"

Rydia stopped walking almost instantly. It came as no surprise to her that Mia would have picked up on her new behavior. Mia tucked a stray chunk of her hair behind her ear and waited patiently for her sister to answer her accusation. "Look, there is just too much on my mind all at once. I thought working myself at something all the time would help me forget about it all."

"You can't run from it, Ry. Nick did what he did because he's insane. It had nothing to do with you and it wasn't your fault. You need to understand that."

"That's not even all of it."

"What else is there?"

She asked the question before he brain caught up with her mouth. A smile formed on her perfectly shaped lips at her realization. "It's wrong to feel this way so quickly. It makes it look like I'm on the rebound and I'm not." Rydia expressed tear stricken. Mia wrapped her arms around her older sister lovingly. No words were exchanged; but both knew what the other would have said. All she needed to do was comfort her.

Monday Night Raw, Before Show

Sounds of clicking heels on the floor were heard as Mia and Rydia walked into the arena. Bright green earbuds were visible in Rydia's ears. The flow of music was mentally preparing her for the upcoming match she would be involved in. As scripted, she would have to take a bump; but she wouldn't actually have a match until she was fully trained by Randy.

"Rydia!" Roman's voice yelled from down the hall.

Mia turned to look at her engulfed sister. She reached up and pulled out one of the her buds. Rydia protested in anger. at the loss of music in her ear. Mia ignored her testy reaction and pointed behind her. Rydia turned around to see Roman approaching them. She instantly became lost for words. His dark eyes held warms and a longing behind them that just melted her entire core.

"How has the training been going?" He asked.

"Good, she's a natural." Mia answered.

"That's awesome. Is Randy treating you alright?"

Mia groaned at the mentioning of his name. The bitterness that she had buried now rose to surface, bringing back the memories she didn't want to remember. Dean and Seth turned the corner laughing at the contents of a piece of paper in Seth's hand. "What's up girls?" Dean asked settling himself from the fit of laughter.

"Nothing really. We just got here." Mia answered in a soft voice, trying desperately to hide her excitement to see him.

"How is the training going, Rydia?" Seth inquired.

"Oh that's right, I forgot that she's training to be one of us." Dean teased wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

Rydia felt completely at ease around them, despite having an arm around her shoulder. Mia shrugged and smiled at the display of affection. It was exactly what she needed to stop thinking about Nick and quite possibly stop drowning herself in work. "It's going pretty well I'd say. Randy told me told that I was pretty good for a beginner."

Roman frowned at the sound of Randy's name escaping her lips. He didn't like the idea of him training her; but he wasn't in a position to argue with authority on the subject that was already touchy to begin with. Seth noticed his friend's difference in attitude and smiled to himself. He knew that Roman fancied the dark haired, blue eyed beauty that stood before him and he wondered how much longer he would wait before he admitted it.

"It won't be long before you will be one of us." Dean pointed out.

"Sorry to end this conversation so early; but I need to go over some things with Ry before tonight." Mia interrupted.

"No problem. We will see you later." Seth injected pulling at the arms of his two buddies.

Once they had turned the corner, Mia shifted to look directed at her sister. The flush in her cheeks were fading away and her natural tone of skin was reforming. They stepped into the woman's locker-room to change into their attires for the night. Rydia unzipped her bag and dug through the mess of clothes that were scattered throughout.

"What did you need to go over with me?" Rydia asked trying to break the unnatural silence between them.

"I just want to make sure that you are ready for this. You can't back out once you're out there."

"I'm fine, Mia. I'm pretty confident that I can do this. You act like I'm going to get hit with a chair tonight."

"You just never know."

Rydia understood her little sister's concern; but it irritated her that it was that extreme. She pulled out a pair of light colored jeans with her favorite angel clipped belt. Pulling them on, she couldn't decided between the colors blue or green. Her eyes scanned both tops over and over again before she finally closed them and grabbed one.

"Ry?"

"Yeah..."

"Has Randy said anything about me when I'm not around?"

"Not a word; but he looks at you when you are there."

Monday Night Raw, The Show

Michael Cole, JBL and Jerry Lawler talked about the previous week, specifically about Mia and AJ Lee's match that was interrupted by The Wyatt Family. They also stated The Shield's presence as well. 'Light It Up' started up and the crowd started to boo the Diva's Champion upon entrance on stage. Tamina walked closely behind her protectively. AJ skipped around the ring before entering it. Her music was cut off by Mia's tacky trance-like entrance theme that Rydia hated with a passion.

Mia stepped out onto the stage dressed in bright blue halter top and matching shorts. Her long dark brown hair was pulled up in a classy ponytail. Rydia walked behind her dressed in the light colored jeans she had picked out earlier and a dark green scoop-neck crop top. The metal of her belly ring sparkled against the lighting of the arena.

Lilian Garcia announce both women and the referee called for the bell to start the match. Rydia stood in front of the announce table with her arms crossed over her chest. AJ and Mia locked up dead center of the ring. AJ turned around taking Mia's arm along with her, applying pressure to the joint at the shoulder. Mia slapped the joint to get feeling back into it before leaning forward to flip AJ onto her backside in front of her.

Mia kicked the smaller diva in the back sending her forward onto the mat. Using her upper body strength, she picked up AJ onto her shoulders. She wiggled out of the predicament, landing on her feet. Mia turned to attack; but was caught by a clothesline. A sly smile replaced the frown on the Diva's Champion's face. Tamina ripped the title belt from Lilian's hands and began to walk closer to the ring. AJ took the title from her hand and walked out on the match.

"This is pointless!" She screamed at the crowd.

Mia stood in the middle calling her a coward. Her anger obviously settling on her facial features. The lights went off in a similar fashion as the week before and when they came back on Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper were standing directly in front of Mia, while Erick Rowan was stalking Rydia on the outside.

Michael Cole was appalled by the display and continuously asked what was going on. Rydia backed up and climbed into the ring to stand beside her sister. The Wyatt Family formed a circle around them. The siblings tried to back away but were soon trapped in a corner. Mia ducked down to rolled out the bottom; but Bray quickly grabbed her ponytail.

"Mia!" Rydia shouted.

'Special Op' sounded and made the family look around for the owner of the music. Bray still held a tight grip on Mia's hair. Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns leapt over the barricade and rushed into the ring like madmen. Luke and Erick protected Bray and his captive. Rydia stayed in the corner watching the brawl unfold before her eyes.

Dean slipped through the two larger men to get to Bray. He let go of Mia's hair and delivered a huge right hand to Dean's jaw. Mia slipped out onto the floor and Dean was tossed out like piece of trash. She rushed to his side, asking if he was alright; but inside the ring, Seth was being overwhelmed by Luke Harper and Roman had his hands full with Erick Rowan. It left an opening for Bray to snag Rydia from the corner.

She struggled against his hold. Her hands pushing up against his to release her arm. Bray leaned her back with his arm around her neck. He was setting her up for his finisher called the 'Sister Abigail'. Mia looked up from Dean and saw the event taking place inside the ring. Trying to stay in character, she hoped that Rydia was ready for what was about to happen. Bray placed his lips on Rydia's forehead.

"His eyes are everywhere. Be careful of who you give your heart to." He whispered before concluding with the finisher.

She lay on her back with her eyes closed, listening to everything around her. The crowd boo'd them completely for their actions and once Roman was able to get away from Erick he went after Bray. The Family scattered and left the ring, their job completed. Mia rolled inside the ring and leaned over her fallen sister.

After the Show

Rydia sat on the bench in the locker-room going over Bray's words in her head over and over again. It seemed like a warning to her; but she didn't understand what it would mean. "Was he talking about Roman?" She thought. She looked up when the door opened. Mia walked in and sat down next to her.

"What's wrong hun?" She asked.

"Bray said something before he gave me his finisher. He said that 'his eyes are everywhere. Be care of who I give my heart to'."

Mia was confused. It was similar to the riddle he had told her and Dean five days ago. There was a meaning behind it; but she had a theory as to what was happening. She took Rydia's hand into her and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Come on, let's get out of here. Are you up for going out?" Mia asked.

"I don't know, maybe just for a little bit."

They quickly gathered their belongings and stepped out the door only to be greeted by Dean, Seth and Roman. All three had their bags in hand. Mia smiled, knowing that they would probably join them in their outing. "Dean, can I talk to you?" Mia asked.

"Uh...yeah. I'll ride with you. Rydia can ride with the others." He replied.

Rydia looked at Roman. His smile made her stomach flutter each and every time she saw it. He reached out a took her hand, pulling her closer. Seth placed his hand on her lower back, urging her forward. "We will see you there." Seth called out.

All five of them walked out into the parking lot. Roman opened the door for Rydia to enter on the passenger side front. Seth got into the backseat, while Roman climbed into the drivers seat. Mia hoped that she was wrong about her theory; but the way things have been playing out, she doubted that she was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Dean asked.

"Do you remember what Bray told us?"

"You mean that riddle we didn't understand?"

"Yes. Bray told Rydia something similar tonight in the ring."

Dean knew her enough to know when she was panicking. Her voice became higher pitched and faster spoken. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him. "Calm down. We will figure it out. She's out with all of us tonight. He'd be stupid to try something tonight." He softly spoke in her ear.

"He tried the last time and she was out with all of us then to." Mia replied.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"A split up? He's expecting us to stay in a group."

She shifted out of his arms a little. Nick was getting under her skin and The Wyatt Family's involvement was now making her fear grown even more. Dean wanted to comfort her and be there for her through all of the problems. His hand slid up her arm and hovered above her heart. "When are you going to let me in? I know your heart races when I'm near you. I can feel it beat a hundred miles a minute when I kiss you." He whispered in a seductive voice.

"I..." She tried to speak before he put a finger to her lips.

"Stop fighting your heart, Mia. We are stronger together, remember that."

Dean pulled his finger away and turned away from her. He opened the drivers side of her rental car before he realized that she still had the keys. He could only imagine what her face expressed if he were to turn back around to see it. Mia reached out to touch his hand, slipping the keys inside his palm. She didn't let go of his hand and mentally pleaded for him to face her.

The second he returned to face her, lips crashed upon his. His fingers tangled themselves in her hair, deepening the kiss even further. Her tongue slipped through his parted lips, playing the desperate part of needing to feel. He broke away for only a moment to look into her glassy blue eyes. "Mia..." He whispered.

"Don't you dare leave me, like he did." She cried.

"I'm not going anywhere. You can count on that, princess."

She sunk into his arms, feeling his lips on her forehead. He had tried for so long to make her understand that he care about her and now that her life was in danger he had proved it. He taken a punch to the jaw for her. How could she not feel for him. Now, if only, they could protect Rydia from the same danger that endangered her own well-being.