The Undertaker's Brides

Jean woke up to find herself in her own bedroom at home but, being cautious, she didn't automatically believe it. First she stood on her bed and jumped off, willing herself to fly as she did so. This didn't work. Neither did her attempts at shape shifting and conjouring up a cigarette.

After making a cup of coffee she went to her study and reread the printouts she'd made of the Brides' emails concerning dreams. Satisfied that these exchanges had, indeed, taken place she wrote another email reporting the major details of her latest dream and mailed it. Then there was nothing to do but wait until the replies came in.

She passed the time doing necessary tasks of housework and shopping, irritated by how trivial it all seemed in comparison to the dream world. For all that she tried to keep busy, the hours until she could reasonably expect to hear from the others just dragged by and she was on edge by the time she went back to her computer. To her great relief, there was a whole batch of emails from the Brides concerning the latest events in their shared dream.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent in answering her mail with emphasis on how important it was for everyone to know they were dreaming during their nocturnal adventures. She had no idea if her words would have any effect once her friends were asleep but it was certainly worth a try.

At long last she was tired enough to go to sleep and she went back to bed, thankful that she'd soon be leaving the dreary, mundane waking world behind again for while.

The next thing she knew, she was back in the poker game looking at the same lousy hand she'd had at the moment she woke up.

Nikki blinked and said "I've really got to take a break .. my eyes are getting tired. I could've sworn Jean just vanished and came back again."

"You and me both" said Kaleigh, looking puzzled.

Jean explained what had happened and then all the Brides looked puzzled.

"So why were you only gone for a split second if you were awake all day?" asked Judy.

"It could be the dream world is outside space-time or something," Jean ventured. "And this meant I could return to it almost at the point I left."

"I'm sure Jean's right" confirmed Taker who'd joined the game once he was convinced his Brides were, indeed, going to play for beans.

The game broke up soon afterwards because it was getting near dinner time and, as Cindy remarked, it always took a while preparing enough food for such a large group of people.

"But you don't have to cook here," Jean pointed out. "You can just think it into being. Like this."

She conjoured up a dish full of boiled potatoes and the others looked delighted.

"I LIKE this idea," Cindy said with a grin and began concentrating furiously.

A bowl of peas half wavered into existence then disappeared again so Jean said she'd go away and let them practice. This was a good excuse to leave the kitchen and she signalled to Taker for him to accompany her. There was something she wanted to discuss.

-----

"We've really got to find some way of dealing with Paul Bearer," she said once she and Taker were settled on the sofa. "Even though the Brides have tried various methods nothing ever gets carried through, maybe because, unconsciously, we don't think it right to dispose of a WWF character. All supposing dream world inhabitants can be killed, of course," she added. "And even if it is possible, it wouldn't be right to do it."

"I sense that we can't be killed because we don't have mortal bodies," he said, looking at her curiously. "But I'm interested in hearing why you think he shouldn't be harmed seeing as he tried to kill Kaliegh."

"Well, even if he's self aware it's unlikely he's any older than you in this respect," she explained. "And it could be that our belief in his being thoroughly evil is helping to keep him that way."

"So what do you suggest?" he asked.

She sighed. "I haven't the faintest idea. I think it's time I returned to Annwn because there's so much I can learn there and it will probably be useful for us too. Kal and I only saw one aspect of it and there are many others but I didn't tell her that because she was confused enough already."

"Meanwhile I have to try and protect the rest of the Brides when I haven't the faintest idea what I'm doing either," Taker replied, sounding rather bitter about it.

"But there is something you can do and it's essential," she said.

"Everyone seems to know they're dreaming right now but you've got to ensure that they always remember it. I know from my own experience how easy it is to slip back into unawareness and we've seen what happens if someone believes Paul Bearer can harm her."

"You're right," he agreed. "But if you're going back to Annwn I must give you a gift for the Lord Arawn." Then he looked puzzled. "But I don't know what kind of thing's appropriate. The WWF scriptwriters didn't give me the ability to choose presents for people."

"Do you have anything which could be seen as symbolising status in your own realm?" she asked him.

He thought for a moment then said "Not really. Everything I've got just appeared there at one time or another depending on the latest WWF plotline." Then he came to a decision. "Perhaps if I took you to my place you could help me find something."

"Good idea," she agreed.

He stood up and held out a hand. "We'll have to teleport there so you'd better hang on to me as you don't know where it is."

---------

There wasn't much of Taker's realm. The major part was a dream world replica of Death Valley which was just as hot and arid as it's waking world counterpart. Then there was the workshop for making caskets with a door which opened into a grey blankness as if nobody had ever bothered thinking what might lie beyond it. Finally there was the house where he lived; a grim Victorian Gothic mansion in the middle of a cemetary where it was always night with clouds drifting over a full moon. Unlike Kiri's parlour, however, this house seemed vague and ill defined so that no matter how hard one looked at the building it was impossible to get a clear picture of it.

"Well, it's certainly weird and creepy," Jean commented.

"And it's the same inside," he told her. "I think thousands of Undertaker fans imagined it's the kind of place I'd live in and it came into being through their half formed ideas."

Taker's possessions were limited too; a hearse parked outside the front door and, in a gloomy room, several floor standing candelabra holding perpetually burning candles and an assortment of caskets.

"I store clothes and things in most of them," he explained then indicated a highly polished, expensive looking model. "And I used to sleep in that one."

She studied him curiously. "Are you supposed to be a vampire, then?" she enquired.

He gave her the barest hint of a smile. "No. I guess a lot of fans just thought I should sleep in a casket. And I went along with it the same as I went along with everything else. Now I've become aware, though, I'd rather sleep in a bed."

"That's great," she said, looking and sounding delighted. "It means you're no longer bound by what others think you should be and are free to make your own choices."

"That doesn't help where choosing the Lord Arawn's gift's concerned, though," he replied, looking puzzled again. "I suppose I could send him a casket?" he added hopefully.

"Perhaps an urn," she suggested. "You could always create one specially."

He looked even more puzzled at her words. "Talking of urns, what happened to THE urn. Everyone seems to have forgotten about it since Judy brought it back to the Parlor."

She laughed. "The WWF scriptwriters seem to have forgotten about it too so I shouldn't worry about it. I think it only became important for a while because I believed it was and managed to convince the others."

He couldn't think of a better explanation so concentrated on the task of creating an urn. The result was a replica of the one last used in the WWF and Jean winced because it was a crude, clumsy looking object which didn't really give a good impression of high status. They spent the next few minutes working on it between them and finally succeeded in producing an elegant version which seemed to be made of solid gold although she couldn't have sworn to it.

It certainly felt heavy enough for solid gold, though,and she was glad she knew where Annwn was and could teleport there.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," she told Taker.

He almost smiled again. "Aren't you going to bite me goodbye this time?" he enquired.

She laughed. "Not with these teeth. They aren't sharp and pointy enough."

Then she was gone, leaving him alone in his room.

He looked around it with his new awareness and realised he disliked the place because of all the memories it invoked. He had hidden away here, in pain and half blinded after Mankind had burned him. Then there had been the emotional pain from being betrayed and blackmailed and recalling his so called childhood. For a moment he was tempted to destroy this groteque house and all it contained but then he thought of a better idea.

He had the ability to make choices for himself now and that included the house and its interior decor. One day, when they'd dealt with the Paul Bearer problem, he would adapt his realm to suit himself. Perhaps he could even bring the Brides here to make suggestions and help in the recreation.

There was, however, one thing he intended to do right now.

He went outside into the perpetual night and raised his arms. At first nothing seemed to be happening and then the moon slowly began to set. Then there was a pearly greyness before the sun rose, bathing him in the golden light of a new dawn.

Kaliegh decided she needed a night away from the Parlor. It just so happened that she heard a promo for a WWF show within driving distance of the Parlor. The Undertaker already promised to have a ringside ticket waiting for her at the gate.

She greatly anticipated going to the show. It had been ages since she had been to a live WWF event. She let her mind drift back to the first time she had ever seen The Undertaker in person. Her heart pounded so hard, she thought it would burst right through her chest. He was breathtaking. She had always thought it was her imagination that he had looked right at her....but now she knew different. Even back then, The Undertaker had selected his Brides. A small smile crept across her lips at the memory.

"Whatcha smilin' about Kal?" Nikki asked, startling her out of the daydream.

"Nikki!! Damn!! You scared the Hell out of me!!" Kaliegh yelled at Nikki in mock anger. "I was thinking about the first time I saw Taker in person. Even then he had plans for us, Nikki. He was just waiting for the right time."

"I remember the first time I saw him too." Nikki said with a faraway look in her eyes. "He looked right at me. I always thought it was my imagination playing games with me, but since all of this has happened...I have to agree with ya, Kal. I wonder just how long he waited before he finally summoned us."

"I waited a Hell of a long time." A deep, smooth voice said, interrupting their conversation. "Hello Nikki....Kaliegh." The Undertaker said, a ghost of a smile on his sensual lips. "Kaliegh, I'm leaving for the arena now. I'll send a car for you in three hours...I don't want you driving alone. You can ride back with me after the show."

"Alright, Taker...See ya later."

"Okey....Kal, spill the beans. What kind of wicked plan have you got cookin' in your head?? And don't say you aren't up to anything...I can see it in your eyes."

"Oh...nothing..." Kaliegh said, an evil grin on her face.

********************

After relaxing in a steamy, hot bath, Kaliegh styled her hair. "When was the last time I actually did my hair?" she thought to herself. She pulled on a faded, comfortable pair of Levi's and put on a plain black t-shirt. When done dressing, she went downstairs to tell the Brides and Kane good-night. Kaliegh was disappointed that she would not be able to see Kane wrestle tonight. But the Undertaker had convinced the bookers to rearrange their schedules so that one of them would be with the Brides at all times.

After what seemed like forever, the limo pulled up in front of the Parlor and she was on her way to the show.

**********************

The arena was packed. It always amazed Kaliegh how many people loved the WWF. She found her seat easily and started a conversation with the lady next to her. Soon the first match was being announced and the action was underway. The time flew by and before she knew it, it was Taker time. His entrance as always, was spectacular. As he brought up the light and climbed into the ring, The Undertaker turned and looked directly at her. Pointing in her direction, he mouthed the words, "This ones for you." She felt a deep blush creep into her face and had the feeling that every last person in the arena was staring at her. the Undertaker easily took control of his opponent and after a Tombstone Piledriver, got the pin.

The Undertaker had left instructions for her to meet him at the side entrance after the show. Soon she spotted his big, black four wheel drive pull up. "Let me drive.." she asked him. She had sold her own truck a while ago and deeply regretted it. She was aching to get behind the wheel of a truck again. "I don't think so, Kaliegh." The Undertaker said. Kaliegh fixed her best puppy-dog eyes on him and with a pout on her lips said, "Please...." The Undertaker, not being able to resist her eyes, decided it would be alright if she drove, just this one time. "Oh Thanks!!!!" she said, barely able to contain her excitement. She shooed him over into the passenger's seat and slid behind the wheel. She squealed out of the parking lot, leaving The Undertaker with a look of shock on his face. She headed out of town and once again surprised him when she turned onto a gravel road.

"Where ya goin' Kal??" he asked, confusion masking his green eyes.

"Oh....well, I thought I check out the four wheel drive....You know make sure it works and everything. We're gonna do a little ditch hopping.....So fasten your seat belt."

The Undertaker didn't even consider arguing, He actually thought it sounded like a good idea. After cruising through several miles of ditches, Kaliegh pulled over. "You wanna drive?" She asked him.

"As if you needed to ask." He replied, his green eyes gleaming. "Except this time we're heading for that field right over there."

Kaliegh jumped out from behind the wheel and went around to the back of the truck....running right into The Lord of Darkness, who was heading for the driver's seat.

"Oh!! Pardon me, sir." Kaliegh said, barely able to breath at the closeness of him. She tried to step around him, but was cut off when he stepped to the side...once more blocking her path. She tried stepping around the opposite side but was again stopped.

With an evil gleam in her eyes she said, "So....ya wanna play games, huh?" She then turned around and took off running through the ditch. She didn't get far though. Because of The Undertaker's long legs, he soon caught up with her. He gently grabbed ahold of her arm, spinning her around. He slipped an arm around her waist, and used the other hand to tilt her head upward, so that she was looking directly into his handsome face.

Looking into his eyes, she found them to be lit with fiery passion. She melted into his body and was wrapped up in his massive arms. Butterflies fluttered around in her stomach as he lowered his head and kissed her....gentle at first....then with more hunger. She threw her head back as his mouth traveled down her neck, sending shivers down her back. He buried his head deep in her hair, inhaling the sweet scent. "I want you, Kaliegh. Please...Let me love you." He whispered softly in her ear.

He returned his lips to hers and kissed her with raw passion. Kaliegh sighed from the pure pleasure that he was giving her. "I want you too." She murmured, her voice trembling with desire.

The Undertaker was about to lay her down on the soft grass when a car skidded to a stop, barely missing the truck. In the dark night, they saw the figure of Paul Bearer coming towards them.

"Well, well, well......What have we here? Looks like a couple of lovebirds to me." Bearer said, a disgusting leer on his face.

The Undertaker immediately stepped in front of Kaliegh to protect her and said, "What the Hell do you want Paul?"

"You know what I want, Deadman." Paul shot back. "I want your pretty little Bride." he said pointing at Kaliegh. "I can give her far more than you ever could.....I can make her SO happy.....She will be mine, Undertaker....Ooooohhhhh Yyyeesss."

"There is only one way you'll ever get her or any of my Brides, Paul....and that would be over my dead body."

"Oh, Deadman....it would be my pleasure." Paul Bearer said, pulling a gun out of his pocket.

The deafening sound of the gun being shot rang in her ears. Acting on impulse, she shoved the Undertaker with every ounce of strength she had. He hit the ground with a thud, but more important, Kaliegh pushed him so hard that he collided with Paul Bearer, knocking him off his feet.....rendering him unconscious.

"Are you okey?" The Undertaker asked her, scanning her body for wounds.

"I'm okey...are you hurt?" She replied.

"I'm not hurt, but I'm not so sure about Paul." He said, gesturing to the small mountain laying on the ground. Kaliegh walked over to where Paul was laying....looking like a beached whale. "He'll be alright." She said, a look of disgust, marring her features. She started to walk away away but decided to give him a swift kick in the head...for good measure. "That will keep him quiet for awhile." Kaliegh said, heading back towards the Undertaker.

"Damn!!!! Leave it to Paul Bearer to ruin everything." she said to him, her blue-grey eyes sparkling with anger. Her mood was soon changed though when she looked into his eyes....they still held the fire and passion that had been there before. The Undertaker scooped her up with ease, and while kissing her gently, lowered her to the soft ground below.

Book Eleven of The Undertaker's Brides

© 1998 by The Brides of Darkness

**This story cannot be used in any way without written permission