"What! Why? For how long?" He asked, surprised by this latest development.
"She's leaving because of our disgusting display last night, because of our fight. Taker's and mine. She won't be coming back till we work out our differences. Oh, Kane, it's all my fault. If I hadn't'r insisted on changing the angle, then none of this would of ever happened. I feel as though I've lost my best friend." She cried like her heart was breaking. Kane took her in his arms, and she buried her face against his chest.
Kane gently stroked her hair, murmuring words of endearment, to her while she vented her grief. Finally her tears stopped, leaving her totally exhausted. Kane picked her up and laid her on the king-sized bed, then lay down beside her, pulling her close. Soon her deep even breathing told him she was fast asleep. He lay there thinking about what she had said, and decided to talk to Kaliegh. Easing off the bed so as not to awaken her, Kane left the room and went in search of Kaliegh.
Knocking on the door of the room she shared with Taker, Kane was unprepared for the look of total dejection on Taker's face, when he opened the door. Taker stepped aside and invited Kane in.
"Is Kaliegh here?" Kane asked, glancing around the room.
"No, she left right after Judy. Kane, I'm afraid I've lost the best thing in my life." Taker said running his hands through his hair, then over his face.
"What exactly did she say?" Sympathy for his friend tore at Kane's heart in the same way Judy's tears had earlier.
"She said she wasn't coming back till Judy and I settled our differences. Said she'd worked out something with Paul and McMahon agreed to it. She wouldn't tell me what it was. Said Paul would explain it all later. Then she left, since I wouldn't, going back home. Kane, I'm sorry I lost my damnable temper last night. I'm sorry I hurt Judy, and most of all, I'm sorry Kaliegh left." Taker's apology shocked Kane most of all! The big man just didn't apologize, EVER!!!!!
"Well, first thing we need to do is find out what Paul knows. I've a feeling I'm not gonna like it." Kane said with a lopsided grin.
Kane dialed Paul Bearer's room. They spoke for a few minutes, then Kane hung up. "He's on his way down. He was headed out the door when I called. Said he thought we might want to hear what Kaliegh had in mind." Taker only nodded.
Minutes later Paul was knocking on the door. Grinning at both big men as he entered the room, he asked them to sit down while he explained Kaliegh's plan. He talked on for about 15 minutes. Shock, amazement and finally resignation was visible on both men's faces. Taker dropped his head, not wanting to believe the proposal he'd just heard outlined. Kane sat silently, considering this new angle.
"And what if Judy doesn't agree?" Kane had to hear the words spoken.
"Well, she's out of a job. It's that simple. Mr. McMahon was not happy with last night's events. She agree's or she's out." Paul watched Kane's reaction as he absorbed this last bit of information.
"I brought them into this. I got them involved. All of this is my fault, you might say, so with Kane's permission, I'd like to try and make this work. I'll talk to Judy. I'll try to work things out with her. Where is she, by the way." He turned to Kane, waiting for a reply.
"She's asleep. I better go back in case she wakes up. What time do we leave for that charity thing?" Kane asked Paul.
"In about 30 minutes." He replied.
"Good. I'll meet y'all downstairs. Oh, and Taker. You might want to ask Judy to have dinner with you, if you're serious about this. It's gonna be a hard sell." Kane left the two men, and headed back to his own room, where the woman discussed was still sleeping soundly.
The restaurant he chose was quiet, and hidden away. Judy had been withdrawn all night long. She didn't even show up at ringside, opting to stay back in the dressing room, instead. Kane told him before they made their entrances just how guilty she was feeling.
"She's beating herself up pretty bad over all this.I've never seen a woman with so little self-esteem. Taker go easy on her." Kane cautioned his friend. "I don't know that much about her, but I suspect she hasn't had it very easy."
Taker's entrance music started then, before he could reply. Then, later, after the match, he stopped by Kane's dressing room, and asked her to have dinner with him. Judy looked as though she was going to refuse, when Kane intervened. "You go ahead. I have to call and check in with the kids and talk to the ex, so you go on. I don't know how long I'll be, and there's no need for you to have to wait on me." He reasoned.
"I don't mind!" She was reluctant to be alone with Taker. She didn't know why, just that she was.
So here they were, in a romantic restaurant. For all practical purposes, two enemies. Judy kept her eyes downcast, unable or unwilling to meet his hypnotic green ones. Finally, unable to stand the strained silence any longer, Taker spoke up.
"This is ridiculous! Judy, I'm sorry I let my temper get the best of me. I'm sorry I hit you. That was uncalled for. Please accept my apology." Taker being humble confused her.
Looking up to see if he really meant it or if he was being a smart-ass, Judy saw he really was being sincere, so she relaxed a bit, unaware she had been holding herself so stiff. Nervously picking up her fork and playing with it, she smiled shyly, and offered an apology of her own.
"Taker, I love both Kaliegh and you. I consider her my best friend. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her or you, on purpose. Please believe that!" Her voice was soft and unsure.
Taker couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he had chosen her instead of Kaliegh. Then felt guilty at the thought. Looking across the table at this woman, he felt like a heel all over again when he noticed the bruises barely visible under the careful applied make-up.The big, bad, Taker was touched by the pain behind her words and in the blue eyes looking back at him. Smiling at him naturally for the first time all night, they were soon at ease with each other.
Half way through their Italian dinner, Taker brought up the angle that Kaliegh, herself, had proposed.
"She wants us to be friends. I'd like that, too, if you're willing to give it a try. But this angle is going to be tricky. It's going to be degrading, not only for you, but for me, personally, as well. I'll make it as painless as possible for you, but short of you kicking the shit out of me again, you will have my permission to be as obstinate as you want to be." Taker paused, noticing her look of confusion. "Oh, I didn't really tell you what she suggested, did I?" Taker actually blushed a little." She suggested that Kane "lose" your "services" for a period of time, so that you and I would have to spend more time together, and maybe work this problem out. I know this has been done, but I promise it won't be like that. None of the implied sex stuff. So what do you say? Will you give it a try?" He refused to tell her that her job hung in the balance. He would not let her loose something that he was responsible for her having in the first place.
Judy sat there thinking about this new angle. She really didn't care for it much. Toying with her lasagna, she looked up and found his eyes on her. "You need an answer tonight!" It was a statement, not a question.
Taker picked up his glass and took a sip of wine before answering."Yes, I do." His eyes never leaving hers.
"On one condition!" She said. Lifting an eyebrow, he waited for her to continue. "You have to take me dancing. I love to dance. I'm not very good at it but I love it anyway." She smiled impishly at him, her eyes twinkling merrily.
"Where?" He asked suspiciously.
"Why at a country bar, of course!" She couldn't suppress the laugh that escaped her lips at his pained expression. His eyes rolled back and he groaned at the thought.
"A COUNTRY BAR!!! Why in hell do you want to go to a country bar?" The look of horror on his face was hilarious!
Laughing at him, she replied. "Think of it as a chance for us to get to know one another a little better. As a new beginning of sorts. That's what I want. Take it or leave it." She was enjoying herself.
"Woman, you drive an AWFUL hard bargain! Yes, we'll go dancing! Anything else?" He asked sarcastically.
"Invite Kane, if you'd feel better!" She said, almost wishing he would. For all her laughing during the last few minutes, Judy was very much aware of the seriousness of the situation. She knew that her job with the WWF was probably at stake. Also, she wanted things to be good between them so Kaliegh would come back where she belonged with Taker. It was obvious he would do anything to bring that about.
"No, I think I can handle this on my own. Come on, let's find that hick bar!" Taker held her chair for her, then took her hand as they left the restaurant. But not before getting directions to the nearest honky-tonk.
Several hours later, two tired, and slightly drunk people returned to their hotel. Taker went up to her room with her. Kane was watching t.v. propped against the head board of their bed. He didn't look too pleased with their semi-drunken state.
"Looks like you two kissed and made up!" He said annoyed at them both.
This set off fits of laughter in Judy. Taker merely raised an eyebrow. Turning to her, Taker lifted her hand to his lips, and kissed it, bringing more giggles from Judy. Kane snorted in disgust. "Good-night, m'lady. Till tomorrow!" Taker grinned wickedly, then motioned for Kane to follow him to the door. Judy fell over on the bed, in a heap, giggling at Taker's actions.
"She's agreed. But you owe me BIG TIME! I had to take her dancing at a country bar! That woman is a dynamo! She's good too! Never seen anybody dance like that. Take her sometime, I dare ya. She'll wear you out! Good night,Kane. I get the feeling it's gonna be a long night for you! Hope you're up to it!" Taker laughed at the look on Kane's face. He headed off down the hall to his own room, still laughing.
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Judy, Kane and Taker worked out the particulars of the new angle. She would have to interfere at least one more time so that Kane could "save" her from Taker. Taker would challenge Kane to a match with Judy's services at stake. They all agreed this was the best way to handle the angle.
They had been working out in the gym at the hotel where they were staying. It was a really nice, well equipped gym for a change. It was actually first class. Judy had been doing her martial arts thing, then switched to the weights. Kane and Taker were taking a break, watching her work out.
"She's agreed to work with you in this, the way you want.But one thing! DO NOT hurt her! She's special to me. I will not have her hurt or used by you or anyone else. She's mine whether she realizes it or not!" Kane said conversationally, watching her every move.
"I understand how you feel. Kaliegh is the one I want. I hope you and Judy can make it work. I hope Judy and I do become friends, good friends. But it's Kaliegh I want." Taker said quietly. "And you're right. Judy hasn't had an easy time of it. It's your job to make her happy. I wish y'all the best."
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The next few days flew by. Judy sat at ringside watching the shows enjoying the matches. Then one night she knew it was time to do the deed. She hadn't discussed it with Kane prior to the match, but he would know when she appeared, that it was time.
Taker and Kane were half way through their match, when she made her move. Taker threw Kane into the barrier just across from her, appearing to have hurt Kane. Seeing her opportunity, she jumped the railing and leaped on Taker's back, grabbing a handful of hair in one hand, then wrapping her other around his neck. From the startled look in Kane's eyes, and the sudden tension in Taker's big body, she knew they realized what she was up to.
Taker growled, then reached over his shoulder, grabbing hold of her, pulling her over his shoulder. They had practiced this so many times she could do it in her sleep. She knew exactly how to fall. Taker grabbed her by the throat, and "chokeslammed" her as gently as he could, on the steel ramp. She knew he was being easy with her, but the impact still knocked the wind out of her. She knew come morning she would be stiff and sore as well.
With a growl, Kane grabbed Taker's arm, got him in position, and "tombstoned" him. Then Kane knelt down beside Judy, picked her up, and carried her up the ramp. Once backstage, Kane spun her around in his arms, took off his mask, and kissed her thoroughly.
"You were fantastic! I knew you could do it! But you could have told me!" Kane grinned, staring deep into her eyes. Judy grinned back at him, her color high from the excitement of the show. Kane slung her across his massive shoulder, let out a whoop of laughter, and ran to his dressing room, locking the door behind him.
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Six shows later, Taker walked to the ring with purpose. A match was just about to get under way, but Taker cleared the ring. Motioning for the microphone, Taker called out Kane. Taker didn't have long to wait. The Big Red Machine wasted no time in coming out.
"Kane! I have a proposition for you. As y'all know Jaden has not been at my side for the past few weeks. I had gotten use to having a woman at my side. If you win tonight, I'll be your tag-team partner for the next month. If I win, Blaze has to be mine for the next month. She'll be my ah.... shall we say, my assistant. If you agree, and win, I'll guarantee that we'll have the belts. If I win, you're on your own for 30 days. She will do as I say. She will learn what it means to serve The Lord of Darkness!" Taker's face was hard.
Kane turned as though to leave, when Taker stopped him.
"You're not afraid to loose, are you?" Taker chided him, smirking at the big man.
Kane's head snapped around, his stance rigid and unyielding, his hands clinched into fists at his side. With a sharp nod of his head, Kane agreed to Taker's proposal. Once more, he turned to leave, and once more Taker stopped him.
"The match for Blaze's ah.. "services" will take place here, tonight." Taker silently dared Kane to refuse.
This DID take Kane by surprise. He had not expected the match to happen so soon.
***********
Kaliegh missed Taker....missed him bad. Everytime she closed her eyes, she saw his handsome face, she could hear his voice...feel his touch. She longed to feel his body against hers...his strong arms around her.
Kaliegh sighed knowing just how easy it would be to throw away all her reservations and pretend that she wasn't bothered by all this anymore. But she wasn't about to stand back and watch Taker and Judy rip each others throats out everytime they were around each other. She only hoped she had done the right thing and when all was said and done, she and Taker could be together again.
Kaliegh missed Judy too. Many times she caught herself picking up the phone to call, or turning on her computer to e-mail her. finally after staring at the phone for several minutes, she would hang it up.
That Monday night, Kaliegh watched RAW from her home with great apprehension, and felt a small bit of hope when she saw the beginning stages of the angle being played out. She had talked to Paul Bearer the day before and he thought that all concerned parties were going to cooperate. Before saying good-bye, Paul reassured her that she was doing the best thing for both Taker and Judy.
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Jim Ross: Good gosh Almighty!!! Did ya hear that King? A match tonight here on RAW between the Undertaker and Kane for Blaze's services.
The King: Yeah, what's up with that? Just two weeks they were beating the crap out of each other and now he wants her by his side.
Jim Ross: Well, it has also been two weeks since we have seen Jaden. Seems she just vanished into thin air.
The King: Yeah, and when she shows up again, she can manage me any day.
Jim Ross: In your dreams, King. She wouldn't come near you with a ten foot pole. Alright we have the Headbangers vs. The Legion of Doom. And yet to come, Kane vs. The Undertaker!
Kaliegh switched off the TV before the match even started. She knew what the outcome would be. Taker was to win the match and Blaze's services for the next thirty days. And hopefully by the end of that month, they would be friends.
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Kaliegh wandered around her home, not knowing what to do. She was downright bored. She had become used to being on the road, and now being at home for the last two weeks was beginning to drive her a little nuts. Before she knew what she was doing, she picked up the phone and called Mr. McMahon's cell phone number. When he answered she told him that she was ready to come back to work, but did not want to be aligned with Taker and Judy...not just yet. Mr. McMahon told her that he was certain that there was a new angle open for her and that he would call her back in the morning with the details.
Kaliegh hardly slept that night, and practically fell on her face running to the phone when it rang the next morning. She listened carefully as McMahon laid out the plans for Kaliegh's next move.
"That will be perfect...Thank you. Yes, I can be there next Monday for RAW." Kaliegh thanked him again, and after making him promise not to breath a word of this to Kane, Judy, or Taker, she said good-bye.
-----------
One week later, Taker was in his dressing room getting ready for his match against Val Venis. He was a bit on edge because this was the first time Judy would be accompanying him to the ring, and he wasn't sure how things were going to go. He had a TV monitor in the room and was half heartily watching and listening to the matches that were going on.
Jim Ross: Okey, we've got NAO and Triple H. against the Brood in what should be a real slobber knocker. And here comes the Brood now.
The King: Look! JR, LOOK!! Jaden is here!! Jaden is with the Brood!!
Hearing the sound of her name, Taker's head whipped around in the direction of the TV. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Suddenly there was a pounding on the door. Kane and Judy burst in, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Are you seeing this?" Judy asked Taker who was just as confused as she was. "What is she doing?"
"I have no idea, but I'm going to find out right quick." Taker said as he threw the door of his dressing room and stormed off in the direction of the arena entrance. Finally the match was over and Kaliegh came into the backstage area with the rest of the Brood. Taker gently grabbed her arm, while throwing menacing glances towards Gangrel, Edge, and Christian. He led her back to the locker room area, not able to believe she was really here with him.
"First off, I have missed you like crazy. God, you looked good out there." Taker said as he slowly took in each of her features. "But, What are you doing? You should have told me, Kal. It hurt seeing you out there with them tonight."
"Well, I guess you know now how I feel then don't you?" Kaliegh lifted her eyes to meet his. The look there was cold, angry, and very sad.
This whole thing was YOUR idea, though." Taker couldn't believe the tension that stood between them like a huge wall.
"Yes, I know that. But that doesn't make the pain any less." Kaliegh lowered her head as tears began to fall from her eyes. She was totally miserable. "Do you think I'm enjoying this? I hate having to be away from you and Judy. It kills me a little bit more each day. But I don't know what else to do. I refuse to stand back and watch you and Judy destroy each other. So, when this angle is over, and you and Judy can prove to me that you are on friendly terms, then I will come back to you. Until then I'm going to be with the Brood whether you like it or not. You will continue to keep your distance from me as well."
Taker was totally shocked at Kaliegh's demands. "You mean you expect me to stay away from you knowing that you are in the very same building that I'm in?"
"Yes, I do. And you will do it if you want me back when this mess is all over with." With that Kaliegh left, leaving Taker in stunned silence.
---------
A few hours later, Judy called the front desk at the hotel and asked for Kaliegh's rooms number. For the last half hour she paced the floor debating if she should call or not.
"Judy, will ya just call her. The worst thing she's going to say is that she doesn't want to talk to you and I don't hardly think that will be the case." Kane said, trying to calm and reassure her.
"Okey, I'll do it." Judy said as she picked up the phone and punched in kaliegh's room number. On the third ring, Kaliegh answered.
"Kaliegh?" Judy started, not quite knowing what to say. "Can we get together, have some coffee, and talk?"
"Um...No, I don't think so. Sorry." Kaliegh replied, her voice was cold and distant. Then she hung up.
Judy carefully replaced the phone to it's cradle and turned to Kane as her eyes filled with tears. "She doesn't want to talk to me, Kane."
Kane tenderly pulled her into his arms, not able to believe that Kaliegh could be so cruel.
"What room is she in?" Kane asked.
"433. Why?"
"That bitch is fixin' to get an attitude adjustment, compliments of me." Kane growled as he headed for the door. He'd teach Kaliegh a good lesson in manners. Nobody was going to hurt Judy that way.
"Kane, no...don't." But it was too late. He was on the elevator by time Judy got out the door.
Kane pounded on Kaliegh's door and it was only a few seconds before she answered it.
"What the hell is your problem?" Kane snarled at her as he pushed her aside and walked into the room. "You are nothing but a heartless bitch. Judy's life has been hard enough and she doesn't need you making it any harder...you have no right."
"You don't know shit, Kane!" Kaliegh yelled back at him, her anger rising to equal his. "Yeah, so Judy has had a hard life. But she's not the only one, you know." Kaliegh paused, then taking a deep ragged breath, she continued. "I was married once. The bastard abused me mentally and physically for five long years." Kaliegh sat down in the nearest chair. Suddenly she felt very tired...very worn out.
Kane suddenly felt ashamed for his thoughtless actions. "I'm sorry, Kal. I had no idea...."
"Yeah, well, that doesn't matter anymore. He's dead now. Judy shot him in self-defense. She also suffered his wrath a few years ago. He attacked her, beat her, and left her for dead. Every time I saw her and Taker fight, it brought back memories of the abuse that we both endured. I know that one reason why Judy is so hostile towards Taker is because the man that I was married to, the man that attacked her, looked a good bit like Taker. They had the same eyes for sure. So you see, that is why I feel I have to be so hard on them...force them to become friends. I love them both so much, and I will not chose between them if they can not get along with each other. It's just as hard for me as it is for Judy and Taker. But in the end, hopefully everything will have worked out. I hope you can understand how I feel as well, Kane. I'm not doing this to be selfish or heartless and cruel.
Kaliegh got up and opened the door for Kane. Kane stood to leave, then stopped. "I understand now, and I hope you'll forgive me for my actions here tonight."
"You are forgiven. Good night, Kane."
"Good night, Kal." Kane said and then was gone.