Shield Maiden

A/N: There's no actual wrestling in this chapter, sorry if that disappoints anyone but it just wouldn't have fit with my plan. Also, I fixed the little naming error in this chapter.

This chapter is the last one so I hope you all enjoy it.

Emilee (Guest): Well, I feel it is far past time for Trips to get put in his place, but sadly real life doesn't go my way…so I make my own version. I hated what they did to poor Cody but rest assured I have plans in place. I have this little fantasy in my head where all the kids of Superstars end up being raised by the whole group in a way, every generation. Vince adores his Godchild so of course he gives her whatever she wants lol. Their reactions to the video will be entertaining to say the least lol…especially Mr. 'I don't dance' Dean Ambrose…though he dances all the time in the ring.

Rossi's Lil Devil: I have a lot of fun stuff planned so just stay tuned in.

LynnStark: Thank you. The Hunter I see on screen is very much an ass so that's how I'm keeping him as. I felt so bad for Cody through all of that mess, but don't worry…I have plans. Stardust creeps me out so bad though...I'm not going to make him as crazy as they've been showing him on TV.

Chapter 7

Dean, Roman, and Seth were sitting on the sofa in their hotel suit watching Ariala pacing the room and growling into her phone. The three men shared a look before Dean rolled his eyes at his brothers and stood up, going over to the angry female and pushing her down onto Roman's lap while hanging up her phone. When she turned her growl on him he just smirked at her, chuckling a bit when Roman's arms caged her in and made her pout at them.

"Easy Sweetheart. You need to relax and calm down."

"I can't calm down Dean. I'm too worried about Cody. Hunter's planning something bad I just know it. Cody said Hunter wants him, his brother, and his father there on Monday night. Nothing good can come of this I know it."

"He wants us there too Aria…The Shield…which includes you."

"I'm gonna kill him Seth…I really am."

"No you're not Baby Girl."

"I most certainly am Roman. I hate that man. I used to like him but not after all the crap he's been pulling lately."

When her phone started ringing again Dean looked at it and groaned, earning several raised eyebrows from Ariala and his brothers.

"Vince is calling, let her up Ro."

Roman let go of her and she snatched her phone back from Dean, answering quickly to avoid upsetting her godfather.

"Hi Uncle Vince. No, no I'm not ok. You were watching? What part of that whole thing seemed fair to you? No I will not stand back and let Hunter ruin Cody's career. He doesn't deserve that. He's a good wrestler Vince, and the fans adore him. You want to do what?! Absolutely not! I'd rather see him turn heel again than to have you do that Vince. Ugh…I'll think of something…just give me some time alright? Thanks…oh…and I have a request from my Shield boys. Well…Dean mostly. He wants a more form-fitting vest. He says the one wardrobe gave him keeps pinching his skin when he wrestles. I'll check that out then. Thanks again Uncle Vince."

The boys gave her confused, and somewhat amused, looks as she hung up. They had only heard her end of the conversation but they were able to figure out a lot of it.

"So, what's he trying to do with Rhodes?"

"Ugh…the writers want to give him a crazy gimmick…literally. They want to make him go insane from losing his job. Vince is giving me a couple weeks to come up with some other idea."

"Don't they have enough crazy guys here already? I mean…they have Dean, no offence bro, and Wyatt with his two sidekicks. I think that's enough crazy don't you Rissa?"

"Exactly my point Seth. Which is probably why Vince is letting me help out. Oh, Dean, he also gave me the name of the company the wardrobe people have been using for your vests and gear. If you guys want we can check it out on my laptop and see if we can find something better?"

The guys shared a look before making a beeline for the small kitchen table in the room, prompting Ariala to laugh at how eager they were.

"I'll take that as a yes then."

She picked up her laptop and sat at the table, booting it up and heading straight to the specified website. The guys ended up crowding around behind her and peeking over her shoulders; Dean was looking over her right shoulder, Seth over her left, and Roman was looking over her head. As she scrolled through the site one of the guys would point out something he liked and she'd add it to the virtual shopping cart. Dean remained quiet until she clicked on a specific style of skin tight tactical vest, his lips curling into a boyish grin as he pointed to it.

"I want that one."

"Hey, I'm not gonna complain about that choice."

Dean turned that grin on her as she added the vest as well and went to pay for the handful of items…using Vince's account, of course.

"Alright…they should be delivered directly to Vince by Monday night's show so that handles that. Now to figure out Cody's problem…"

"You need to take a break Rissa. This much stress is not good for you…"

"Seth is right Baby Girl, you need to relax for a bit."

"I can't relax Roman, I have to help Cody…he's like family to me…"

"You'll figure somethin' out Sweetheart, and we'll help you…but for right now you need to unwind a bit. Let's watch a movie…anything you want Sweetheart."

"Riddick…please?"

"Sure thing Sweetheart. Whatever you want."

"Dude…whipped…"

"And you two aren't?"

Seth had no comeback for that one because he knew Dean was right…she had all three of them wrapped around her little finger and she didn't even have to try. She was their sister now…their responsibility to protect and comfort…and they all took that role very seriously, even Dean who usually didn't take anything other than his career seriously. Dean put the DVD in and then settled on the couch, pulling her onto his lap as they all curled up together to watch, eventually falling asleep in a tangle of limbs on the sofa.

When the next Raw finally came around Ariala was a nervous ball of energy and it was making everyone backstage wary of her…except her Shield. They were the only ones brave enough to go near her while she was pacing the halls and growling under her breath. The rest of the group was currently in Randy's locker room with Cody and his family while Dean tried to coax Ariala out of the hall and into the room with them, eventually succeeding. Ariala had come up with an idea that might work for Cody but it would require a bit of deception from her and her Shield…which they were all-too happy to provide.

"You three are such a bad influence on me…"

"Us? We're the bad influence? Honestly Sweetheart…I think you're corrupting us."

Ariala gave Dean an unamused look which brought a laugh out of most of the men in the room. Dusty Rhodes was sitting next to Ariala while Cody was in front of her with his head in her lap. Dustin, known to most as Goldust, was on the other side of his father and Randy was in a small chair while the Shield shared a second sofa. The Darth Vader March from Star Wars blasted through the room and made several of the men jump a bit in shock. Ariala just laughed and answered her phone.

"Hi Daddy. I'm alright. How are you feeling? Any Better? Good, glad to hear it. Has Michelle decided to hit you yet? Oh I have a plan in place already. Vince and I have been conspiring over the last week and tonight we put our latest little plan in place. I'm being careful Daddy, promise…and if things go wrong I have my own personal Shield to protect me. Right guys?"

"Damn fuckin' straight Sweetheart."

"Anyone wants to get to you Baby Girl…they'll have to get passed us first."

"We're not about to let you get hurt if we can stop it. I know we're not the only ones around here that want to keep you safe either."

"Hear that Daddy? I have my own personal army backstage."

They all shared a laugh and Ariala talked to her father for a bit longer before hanging up with a soft smile on her lips. Seth turned to her and raised an eyebrow as a grin took over his lips.

"Soo…you use Darth Vader's March to identify your dad?"

"Yep…got a problem with that Sethie boy?"

Seth shook his head at Ariala and laughed as he pulled her into a gentle side-hug. Ariala giggled a bit then locked eyes with her Shield and huffed a soft sigh.

"So…anyone not ready for this shit?"

All she got in return was several sets of raised eyebrows, giving them all an eye roll in return. She stood from the sofa and stomped out the door, her boys right behind her as they headed to their entrance spot. They waited until they heard Hunter calling them out to the ring and slowly made their way down the stairs through the crowd. Ariala was kept in the middle of the three muscular men who glared at the fans with looks that dared any of them to try and touch her…none of them seemed brave enough to challenge them. She flipped over the barricade first, her boys jumping over behind her, and they all stood outside of the ring. Hunter and Stephanie stood in the ring with The Big Show as Hunter called the Rhodes family down to the ring next, Dusty leading his sons out to face the sadistic man. Dusty stood face to face with Hunter, staring the man down despite his nerves. Hunter had a decidedly evil smirk on his face as he spoke to Dusty.

"My wife and I are willing to give your son his job back…but only one of them."

Stephanie spoke next, her tone of voice overly sweet and friendly…and obviously fake.

"You heard him Dusty. Only one of your sons will keep his job with the WWE…and you get to be the one to make the choice. Which one will you choose? The good son who always does everything you ask, the one who has done everything he could to make you proud? Or, will you choose the son you ignored for so long, the one you didn't even know about at first? The choice is yours Dusty."

Dusty started shaking his head the moment Stephanie said he had to choose between his two sons. Ariala's hand gripped Dean's arm tightly to try and keep herself under control, wanting very badly to hurt Stephanie and Hunter.

"I can't do that Stephanie…I can't choose between my boys."

"Either you choose…or we will."

"Now, now Hunter…don't be so harsh. I can understand how difficult this choice must be for you Dusty. Fine. We'll make the choice for you, however, you still have another choice to make tonight. Your choice, Dusty, is how you wish to be taken out tonight. You can choose to be dismantled by the Shield…"

She motioned to the boys and they slid into the ring holding steel chairs, Ariala standing behind them as they literally shielded her from everyone else in the ring.

"…or you can choose to be knocked out by the Big Show."

The Big Show's face took on a horrified look as he started begging Stephanie not to make him do that to Dusty. He and Dusty were friends, and he respected the older man immensely. Dusty's face went stony and he glared at Hunter and Stephanie, refusing to play their game.

"If you won't choose I'll choose for you…and you won't enjoy my choice."

The Big Show had actual tears streaming down his face as Stephanie pointed at Dusty and told Show to do what he was told. Ariala was rapidly losing her composure at what she was witnessing and Seth noticed it, nudging Dean in the side and motioning to their girl. Dean dropped the steel chair he'd been holding and pulled Ariala against his chest, letting her hide her face against him to try and keep calm. Hunter noticed the interaction and let a wicked smirk cross his face.

"Stephanie…perhaps we should let the Shield handle this one…"

He motioned to Ariala and Stephanie frowned at him. She noticed how upset the other woman looked and felt a bad for putting her in this position and making her so upset.

"No Hunter. I want the Big Show to do what I'm telling him to do. I will NOT be disobeyed. Show…I know you like Dusty. Would you rather see him be torn apart by the Shield?"

Show shook his head at her words. He knew, like everyone else did, exactly what the Shield was capable of. The three men could be vicious when provoked, and even when not provoked, and Show knew Ariala could be as well but only if you made her angry.

"See? I know you don't want to see that so I'm giving you the chance to help him. He's not leaving this ring conscious, so either you do it, or they will."

At this point Ariala had heard enough and she stepped out of the circle of Dean's arms, grabbing a microphone as she moved closer to the other woman.

"Actually, Stephanie, you're wrong. The Shield will be doing no such thing. Dusty, bring your sons over here behind me please."

She waited until Roman got Dusty, Cody, and Dustin behind the Shield before continuing on.

"Now that they are out of harm's way we can, hopefully, talk like adults. Stephanie…I am not going to allow you to hurt Dusty. The man is like family to me and you know that. I grew up with Cody…as did Randy, Natalya, Ted…we all grew up together. We're all a very large extended family and when you mess with one of us…you mess with all of us."

She spread her arms out and the old theme music of The Legacy came on as all of the people she'd just mentioned came out onto the stage with their families behind them. Randy had brought his father 'Cowboy' Bob Orton with him, Ted had brought his father 'The Million Dollar Man', and Natalya had brought her husband Tyson Kidd and several members of the Hart Dynasty out with her…including Bret 'The Hitman' Hart. Ariala watched Hunter's face go pale as he looked at the legends up on the stage, going even paler when The Undertaker and Kane joined them as well.

"You see…we've all gotten more than a bit tired of your threats and intimidation tactics…and we're not the only ones either. Isn't that right, Uncle Vince?"

Vince McMahon's music played as the man walked onto the stage and down to the ring, moving to stand by Ariala as he faced his daughter and son-in-law.

"Show? You may leave now…go on."

Big Show thanked Vince and Ariala before sliding out of the ring and heading to the relative safety of the backstage area.

"Stephanie…I am very disappointed in you for this little stunt. Punishments like this were only meant to be used for those wrestlers who put others in danger by being reckless or sloppy. This was never meant to be used on those who work hard and do their best every single day. Cody Rhodes is one of those hard workers. Cody? Stephanie and Hunter had gone to the creative team about a new idea for you…but Ariala was against it so I let her come up with her own plan. Personally…I think her idea is better. You're going to shift a bit and become more like your father and brother, to carry on the family legacy. Ariala?"

"Starting next week Cody Rhodes will no longer be a part of the WWE…instead we will see the birth of Stardust. That's all Vince and I are willing to share at this time, if the WWE Universe wants to know more then they'll have to tune in next Monday like everyone else. Goldust has already signed a new contract with a different company so he will be leaving the WWE entirely, but he will not be forgotten. He and Dusty will live on in Stardust."

Ariala smiled at Cody and hugged him close as he smiled softly at her. She motioned for him to take his family up to the ramp with everyone else. She planned to have Cody dress in a new outfit that would be a blend of his father and brother, yet uniquely his own style…she also planned to have him be a bit of a heel character with a few odd quirks but not completely crazy. Hunter turned to Seth and gave him a pointed look, wanting him to do something. When Seth just raised an eyebrow at him Hunter growled and lifted up his microphone.

"Seth Rollins…I believe you have something to do now. Remember what we discussed?"

Seth stepped forward, leaning over Ariala's shoulder to talk into the microphone as Dean and Roman came in close on either side of them.

"Oh I remember…but the thing is…that little threat you made just won't work anymore. For those of you in the WWE Universe who are unaware of that which I speak…let me enlighten you. Two weeks ago Hunter came to me and threatened to fire my brothers, Dean and Roman, unless I did exactly what he wanted. I was afraid for them so I agreed to his demands. What he wanted was for me to turn on my brothers…to attack them and hurt them…to betray my family."

Seth had to pause while the fans booed loudly at Hunter, none of them liking the idea of the Shield falling apart like that. Ariala reached up with one arm to tangle her fingers in Seth's hair, making him purr a bit before continuing.

"However, that threat now means absolutely nothing. Vince changed our contracts remember Hunter? He made it so he, and he alone, can fire any of us four. Once he did that I no longer had to worry about my brother's careers…or mine for that matter."

Ariala interrupted Seth, pulling gently on his hair to silence him which made Dean smirk at the two-toned man, earning him a middle finger from the same man.

"Which means, Hunter, that the Shield is now stronger than ever. There is nothing you can do to tear us apart now. You can't make us turn against each other. We're a family…a pack. You can't threaten us, you can't intimidate us, and you can't beat us. We work for ourselves, and the only person in this entire business we'll answer to…is my Uncle Vince…who, incidentally, will give me damn-near anything I ask for."

Hunter dropped his microphone and launched himself at Ariala, his hands closing around her throat as he tried to choke her. Dean saw red and lost it completely. He started tearing into Hunter…kicking, biting, punching, clawing…doing anything he could think of to get the bastard off of his girl. It worked and Seth dragged Ariala out from under Hunter as Roman joined Dean, pulling her close and gently checking her throat which was dark red and already starting to turn purple as it began to bruise. Seth growled low in his throat and Ariala gave him a gentle push into the fray. When he gave her a questioning look she nodded and moved to stand by Vince and a horrified Stephanie as Seth joined his brothers in destroying Hunter. Ariala looked at Stephanie and opened her arms to the other woman, smiling softly when Stephanie turned into her for comfort.

"It'll be alright Steph…they aren't going to kill him I promise."

"I've never seen him like that before. I knew he was upset with you undermining his authority and challenging him but, I never expected him to do something like that. I am so sorry Aria."

"It isn't your fault Steph…you couldn't have known."

"I'm just afraid now…what if our daughters get defiant when they get older? Would he hurt them too?"

"Not if he knows what's good for himself he won't. Those little angels have a large army of Superstars wrapped around their little fingers already…if anyone tried to hurt them the result would not be pretty."

The two women shared a small smile and hugged before Ariala pulled away and gentle touched each of her men to get them to pull back. That single touch was all it took for Roman and Seth to step back and stand beside her, but Dean was still too angry at the man for trying to hurt his girl. Ariala had to grab Dean's face in her hands and kiss him hard to distract him from his desire to cause pain. Her searing kiss short-circuited his brain for a moment and he let her pull him over to her and his brothers.

"It's alright now Dean. Hunter is a bloody mess so you can stop now. I want to go see the trainers before we go back to the hotel ok? I need some of that bruise cream they have."

Dean's face took on a sorrowful look as he took in the appearance of her rapidly darkening throat. The expression, along with the tender way he was touching her, earned a lot of awws from the crowd, and for once Dean didn't even care. He gently lifted her into his arms, bridal style, and carried her out of the ring and up the ramp to get her backstage. Roman and Seth followed as Dean carried her all the way to the Trainer's room, refusing to let go of her for even a single second and forcing the trainer to examine her while she sat in his lap. The man gave her a small jar of cream and told her to gently rub that into the affected area 3-4 times a day, but most especially after her shower before bed.

"I'll take care of her Doc. Come on Sweetheart, let's get you to bed."

Ariala snuggled into Dean as he carried her to the car, Roman and Seth grabbing everyone's bags and loading up the car. Roman chose to drive so Seth and Dean could fuss over Ariala in the backseat. Once they got into the hotel room Dean carried Ariala to the bedroom and carefully stripped her down before trying to carry her into the shower…though she refused to let him.

"Dean…you're still wearing your clothes. I can handle a shower on my own love I promise. I'll call you as soon as I'm done ok?"

Dean looked reluctant but he agreed, sitting on the bed to wait for her. Once she was clean she called him like she'd promised and he took the towel from her to dry her off himself. She rolled her eyes at his behavior but let him take care of her regardless, she could tell he needed to do this and had no problem letting him. Once she was dry he picked her up and put her in one of her short nightgowns before laying her carefully in the center of the bed. He picked up the jar of cream and gently rubbed it into the soft skin of her throat, scowling at how dark the bruise had already gotten and knowing just how hard Hunter had to have squeezed for that to happen.

"He was trying to kill you…right there in the middle of the fucking ring."

"Dean…"

"No Baby Girl…Dean's right. The only reason those bruises would be that dark this fast is if he applied the full force of his muscles."

"They're both right Aria…the man wanted to kill you out there. I wish you'd have let us hurt him more than we did."

"Guys…come here."

Roman laid down on one side of her and Dean took the other while Seth chose to drape himself across her legs and lay his head on her stomach. She let one hand fall to run her fingers through Seth's hair, soothing the slightly younger male and making him purr softly, and her other hand reached over to entwine her fingers with Dean's to calm his nerves and reassure him she was alright. Roman watched all of this with a soft smile and let one of his big hands pet her hair as she spoke softly to them.

"I know what he was trying to do…believe me I understand. It isn't a problem anymore though…or at least it won't be for long."

"What do you mean Baby Girl?"

"Roman? Do you honestly think Vince is going to let Hunter get away with trying to kill his Goddaughter? No chance."

They all chuckled a bit at her use of her Godfather's catch phrase, Dean rubbing his nose against her neck and breathing in her scent.

"Read this text guys."

Ariala, I apologize for what happened in the ring tonight. I should have anticipated something like that. I've had Hunter arrested for attempted murder.

They all blinked at the message Vince had sent her, staring in stunned silence until Dean started a low dark laugh that slowly morphed into a full-on belly laugh. It didn't take long for the rest of the group to join in and they ended up laughing until their sides hurt.

"I think we can expect great things to happen from here on out boys. Vince has it set up for Roman and Seth to go after the Tag-Team titles, and for you to go after the United States Championship Dean. I have every faith that my men will rise to the challenge and come out with gold around all of their waists…right boys?"

The wicked little smirks they gave her were answer enough and would have terrified anyone else who saw those looks.

Ariala just snuggled further into them and gave a soft sigh of contentment. She loved these three men, and they loved her in return. Their loyalty ran deep and they would remain devoted to her and each other as she would to them. What more could she ask for?

A/N: This was the end of what I had planned for this fic and so here it shall end. I do hope you've all enjoyed this story as much as I have. I will now be focusing on The Lunatic and The Wolf, as well as another Wrestling fic, called 'Solaris', which I will be starting up soon…also involving Dean Ambrose/Jon Moxley…I can't help it the man is perfect. He's gorgeous, had that sexy gravelly voice, and can cut a promo like no one else. He is all that and the whole potato chip factory…screw the bag of chips lol.