**Chapter 15: Fighting for Emma**

As the Red Room agents closed in, Yelena's grip on Yamato tightened, her fingers wrapping around the hilt like a vice. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow over the scene, but the air was electric with tension. Emma's eyes were wide with fear, her small body trembling as she clung to Yelena's leg. The sound of children's laughter from a nearby playground seemed out of place, a stark contrast to the danger that loomed before them. The leader of the agents, a ruthless handler Yelena had encountered before, sneered at her. "You think you can protect her, White Widow?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "You think you can keep her safe from us?" Yelena's response was a swift and deadly slash of her katana, the blade slicing through the air with a soft whoosh. The agent dodged, but Yelena's attack was relentless, her battōjutsu skills honed to perfection. She parried and riposted, her movements a blur as she took down agent after agent. Emma watched, her eyes fixed on her mother with a mixture of fear and awe. Yelena could feel her daughter's gaze, but she didn't falter, her focus solely on defending Emma. The sound of clashing steel and the agents' grunts filled the air, punctuated by the occasional cry of pain as Yelena's katana found its mark. As the fight raged on, Yelena's senses became heightened, her awareness of her surroundings acute. She could smell the sweat and fear emanating from the agents, their bodies tense with anticipation. She could hear the sound of her own breathing, the beat of her heart pounding in her chest. But despite her focus, Yelena couldn't shake the feeling that she was being pulled back into her old life. The Red Room agents were relentless, their training and conditioning making them formidable opponents. Yelena's muscles strained with each blow, her movements becoming a blur as she fought to protect her daughter. Just when it seemed like the agents would overpower her, Yelena landed a decisive blow, sending the last agent crashing to the ground. The handler snarled, taking a step back. For a moment, Yelena thought she saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. But then his expression hardened. As the agents retreated, Yelena turned to Emma, who was watching her with a mixture of fear and admiration. Yelena knelt down, pulling Emma into a tight hug. "I'm okay, sweetie," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "Mommy's here to protect you." Emma's arms wrapped around Yelena's neck, holding her tightly. "I was scared, Mommy," she whispered, her voice trembling. Yelena's heart swelled with love and protectiveness. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispered, her voice soft with emotion. "But I'm here now. And I always will be." As they hugged, Yelena's gaze lingered on the handler, who was watching them with a cold, calculating gaze. She knew he wouldn't stop until he caught or killed her. But for now, she had her daughter safe, and that was all that mattered. The warmth of the sun on their skin, the sound of children's laughter, and the feel of Emma's small body in her arms were a balm to Yelena's frazzled nerves. She knew she couldn't stay hidden forever, but for now, she was determined to protect her daughter, no matter what it took. As they pulled back, Emma looked up at Yelena with wide eyes. "Mommy, you're a superhero," she said, her voice full of wonder. Yelena smiled, her heart full of love for her daughter. "I'm just a mom, sweetie," she said, her voice soft with emotion. "But I'll always do my best to keep you safe." The sound of sirens echoed in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment. Yelena's gaze flicked towards the sound, her mind racing with possibilities. The Red Room agents might have retreated, but she knew they wouldn't stop until they caught or killed her. And she knew she had to be ready.