by Danzig

Even though I loved to watch the storms, I couldn't say that I didn't fear them. They always made it darker than normal. I'm not afraid of the dark, but of what is hiding in the shadows. I've been living in the woods for a few months now, and in that time, I've seen wolves, buzzards, and even a bear. That's why I always let Nanook in at night. He's a mix of sheppard and husky. He looks like a hound from hell, but is a lovable dog.

Nanook sat beside me, as I sat in the window seat, watching the storm. I jumped when he started to growl at some unseen thing in the shadows outside. "What's the matter, 'Nook? Is it a wolf?" His growl became louder. I looked out in the direction he was looking. Lightening struck, and I saw a person standing in the driveway. "Why the Hell would anyone wanna stand out in this?" Lightening flashed again, and the person was closer. I saw that it was a man with long hair, and wearing a long hooded robe.

The next lightening strike hit a tree in the front yard. The man stood on the sidewalk leading to my door, as if nothing had happened. His head turned quickly toward me. He walked toward the door. His strides were graceful, not oaf-ish as I'd expected.

Nanook began barking when the man knocked on the door. "Calm down, 'Nook," I said as I got up to answer the door. "He could be broke down on the road. Now, stay." I opened the door, and said, "how can I help you?" "May I use your phone?" I let him in, and showed him to the phone. He gave me a slight curve of his lips, then stepped up to me. "May I use you," he asked with an evil grin. His little grin told me he would even if I told him no. His eyes glowed red. Nanook barked, snarled and growled at the man. With a wave of his hand, the front door slammed shut, as did the one connecting the foyer and den, closing off Nanook from the two of us.

"What do you want from me?" Stupid question, but it's all I could think to say. "Your body." His eyes roamed over my curves. I stared him in the eyes. 'Do I get your's in return,' I thought to myself. He was quite a handsome man, standing almost 7 feet tall, long black hair, and pale green eyes.

He went to close the space between us, but I stepped backward. It continued that way, until I was up against the wall. His hand went to my face, then down my neck and chest, then took my breast in his hand. "You want me as well?" My mind screamed, 'Oh God, yes!' "God has nothing to do with this."

He came down on my lips hard, taking the breath from me. I put my hands on his chest to push him away, but he never moved, never released my lips. His hands went to my wrists, and he made my arms wrap around his neck. I moaned as his tongue slid past my lips. He ran his hands up my thighs, then under my shirt to rest on my bare hips. He ended the kiss, and said, "you must have been waiting for me." "Why would I wait for you? I don't even know who you are." "I am the Lord of Darkness. And, you have been, because you're not wearing any panties."

My hands went to the front of his robe, and found the zipper holding it closed. "And what are you hiding from me under here?" He grabbed my hand. "Don't let any part of me scare you," he warned. He kissed my wrist, then laid my hand back at the zipper. 'Why would I be afraid of his body,' I asked myself. When I got the robe off of him, I saw a couple reasons. He was a huge man with hard muscles covered with tattoos. What scared me the most was his enormous manhood. "I said don't let ANY part of me scare you." To show him I wasn't intimidated, I took his length in my hand, and stroked him. His eyes rolled back, and he released a moan. He licked his lips, and said, "bedroom." "What?" "Where's your bedroom?" "Upstairs , to the right."

He picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bedroom and laid me on the bed. I sat up just long enough to take my shirt off. He laid down next to me. He laid his hand over my chest, then slid his palm over my breast. He squeezed it gently before moving further down to my center. He let the very tip of his tongue follow the path of his hand. His long pointed tongue worked wonders on my clit, before spreading my lips, and delving inside. He grabbed my hips, and lifted them off of the matress. As my orgasm crept up on me, I moaned, "oh, Lord..." He stopped and crawled up my body like a stalking panther.

"Tell me what you want," he said in a low, deep voice. "I want you inside me." He entered me with one slow thrust. I gasped as he tried to fit all of his inches into my small hole. His thrusts were slow at first, but worked up to a fast, satisfying pace. He nibbled on my neck, as he continued to glide in and out. I was putty in his hands. He could have done anything to me, and I would not argue with him.

He rolled onto his back, taking me with him. I sat up, and rocked my hips. As I slid down his length, he would buck, sending himself deeper inside me. He sat up to knead and suckle my breasts. I held him to my chest, and moaned out, "ooooohhhh, my Lord..." "Yes, my Lady?" "Make me come for you." He pulled my hair, making me lean my head back. His lips came crashing down on mine, in a painful, hot, lustfull kiss. Our tongues writhed together, in a sensual dance, one trying to control the other.

As my orgasm peaked, and began to fade, a rumble could be heard from his chest. As I let my lips barely skim across his neck, the moan finally escaped him. He guided my hips faster and faster over him, until he released his seed within me. Exhausted, and spent, I climbed off of him, and laid down. He pulled me into his arms, and kissed me hard.

"You know, if you go to sleep now, I won't be here when you wake up," the Lord of Darkness said. "Will you return tomorrow night?" He smiled down at me, brushed a few hairs from my face, and said, "I will come back every night for an eternity, just to have you." Satisfied with his answer, I snuggled into his warm, hard chest, and fell asleep.

Now, as I sit here in the window seat, I watch as the storm brews while the sun sets. A smile curves my lips, as I know my wicked lover comes with the storm.

by Chris Isaak

My Lord of Darkness... He is such a mystery to me. How he can ooze evil and hatred, yet make love to me with such passion, is beyond my understanding. Obviously, he couldn't understand it, either. His visits became fewer, and he wouldn't stay all night. One night, he was so deep in thought, he wouldn't look me in the eyes. We still had sex, and I fell asleep in his arms, as usual. When I awoke in the middle of the night, he was standing by the window naked, staring out into the yard.

by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne

Finally, the night arrived. When Taker arrived, he was not alone. The man from my dream, and a shorter, heavier man accompanied him. Considering I was only in my under garments, I was none too pleased. I hid myself behind Taker's body from the other two. "My lord, you could have mentioned they were coming with you tonight." He looked over his shoulder. "I need them for the ceremony. What is the problem?" "I'm practically naked, and there are two strangers in my house!"

At this time, Nanook had come out of hiding, and was growling at the two men. "Control your dog," Taker said. "Nanook, come." Nanook ran to my side, and sat staring at the two. "Mideon, you are in charge of bringing the dog over." "Yes, my lord." "He can come with us?" "I wouldn't want to leave your friend here." I wrapped my arms around him, and pressed my body to his back. "I believe you remember Mideon. The other gentleman is Paul." I stuck my head out from behind him, and said, "hello." "Hello," Mideon replied. "Greetings, my Lady."

Taker turned around to face me. He softly petted my cheek with his hand. "There is no need for modesty, my love. They will see you without these on during the ceremony." "You should have told me, Taker, so I could mentally prepare." "He is the Lord of Darkness, and you should recognize him as such," Paul scolded. Taker glared over his shoulder at him. "She is my bride, and may call me what she wishes. If you correct her again I will have you gaurding the slaves in the sulfur mines." Paul put his head down. "Yes, my Lord."

Taker snapped his fingers, and my bra and panties disappeared. The only thing that remained were my garter and stockings. I looked down at myself, then up at him, questioningly. He smiled. 'I like the garter,' he mind spoke to me. 'Why didn't you do that before when you visited?' 'Because it was more fun to undress you myself.' "My, Lord, we should get started," Paul said.

"Go ahead of us, and prepare the room. We will follow momentarily." "Yes, my Lord," they both said. "My Lady, where may I put your hound, so I may find him when we are finished?" Mideon asked. I looked down at Nanook. "Bedtime, Nanook." He ran up the stairs, and into the room across the hall from mine. "All you have to do is close the door." "Thank you, my Lady." Paul and Mideon went up the stairs, and left Taker and me alone.

"Are you ready, my bride?" "Yes." "You may think I am torturing you at first, but I assure you that I will not do anything that is not required. But, I also assure you that it will not be pleasant." "Death never is." "I mean before I kill you." I sighed. "Let's get this part over with." He leaned down, and softly kissed me.

"My Lord, we are ready for your bride," Paul said from the top of the stairs. As he ended the kiss, he took my hand. He lead me up the stairs, and into the bedroom. There was a circle of candles around the bed, none of which were lit. Taker lead me to the bed, making sure that I didn't step between the candles. As I laid down, my wrists were bound to the headboard. I turned concerned eyes to Taker. "Just relax, and try to clear your mind."

Paul and Mideon stepped outside the circle, and began chanting in another language. "Once I start, I can not be interrupted, so no matter what happens, relax, and stay calm." "I will, Taker." He pulled his hood over his head, and waved his hand in an arch in the air. As he did, a knife, a chalice, and a book appeared. They floated as if held by ghosts.

He waved his hand, and the book opened to a page that was marked by a black ribbon. He read from the book in a language that sounded like Latin. As he did, the circle of candles lit. He took my bound right hand, and cradled it in his. He grabbed the knife, and slid the blade across my opened palm. He set the knife back where it was, and grabbed the chalice. He held it under my hand to catch the blood as it dripped. The flow slowed, then came to a stop. He lifted the chalice, and said, "I drink of her blood to make her part of me." He put the chalice to his lips, and emptied it of its contents. With a flash of lightening, two more men appeared in the room. One was a tall white man with shoulder length black hair, the other a tall black man. They stood beside Mideon, and chanted with him and Paul.

Taker let go of the chalice in front of him, where it floated. He took the knife, and sliced his palm. "Jody, I need you to say as I did.' His blood dripped into the cup, until he made it slow, and then stop. He took the chalice, and held it to my lips. "I drink of his blood to make him part of me." He tilted the cup, and I drank the thick, warm fluid. As I was drinking, there was another flash of lightening. When Taker made the chalice disappear, I saw that three blonde men stood beside Paul. They joined the chorus of chants, as they looked on.

Taker began reading from the book again. After a moment, he grabbed the knife again. "I brand her with my mark, to protect her in my realm." He leaned over me, and began carving something into my chest. I held my breath and closed my eyes to help me deal with the pain. When he stopped, I opened my eyes to look at him. I must have missed a flash of lightening, because at the foot of the bed, just outside the circle stood a tall, heavy-set black man with pale blue eyes. I repeated Taker's words in my head, 'no matter what happens, relax and stay calm.'

The book disappeared, then Taker raised the knife high above his head. He said four words; ana nadra darkne dienve. The others began to chant those words. I closed my eyes, because I knew it was time for me to die. A white hot pain seared through my chest as he plunged the knife into me. My eyes went wide. As I gagged on my last few breaths, he leaned over me, and kissed my lips. A wall of flames surrounded us, blocking out the other men. "I will meet you on the other side, my love." Then, he disappeared, as well as everything else that was in the circle. I began falling down a tunnel of flames.

As I continued to fall down the tunnel of fire, my fear grew. I closed my eyes, as tears began to fall. Then, I felt his arms around me. "Hello, my Lady." "Taker! I'm so scared!" "Do not fear. I will let no harm come to you." I opened my eyes, and noticed that a white robe had appeared over my body. "What the hell..." "The robe?" "Yes. Why is it white?" "Because you are my bride of light. You were born different from the rest of us. The color will change to suit you when we land."

"Who were the others in the room?" "The first two were Bradshaw and Farooq. The three blondes were Edge, Gangrel, and Christian..." "Christian? The wrong name for someone associated with you." He chuckled. "He is nothing like his name. The last one is Viscera." "How much longer will we be falling?" "Are you ready to land?" "Yes!"

He let go of me, pointed his feet downward, and fell faster. I closed my eyes, and waited to hit solid ground. After a moment, I felt his arms; one under my knees, the other behind my back. I opened my eyes, and looked up into his. "We are home." I wrapped my arms around his neck, and pulled myself closer. I watched as a dark violet color inched up the sleeves of the robe.

I looked around at my new surroundings. The entire area looked red from the glow of the lava rivers. It seemed like a large cave. Stelagtites hung from the ceiling, while stelagmites stood from the ground. We were on a ledge on the wall, with the river about a thousand feet below. "Would you like for me to carry you across the threshold? That is a human tradition, is it not?" I was in awe, so I didn't answer him at first. "Um, yes, it is." A door appeared in the cave wall, and he carried me through it. As he set me on my feet, I looked around. "I hope you don't mind, but I liked your home. I thought you would feel more comfortable with familiar surroundings." "It's wonderful, Taker."

I became uncomfortably hot, so I unzipped my robe. He caught my hand, and stopped me. "Mideon should be here momentarily with Nanook." I barely heard him. I looked beyond him in the mirror on the wall. I stepped closer to the mirror, to get a good look at the image he had carved into my chest. I gingerly followed the lines of the T, then the X across the bottom. He came up behind me, and laid his hands on my shoulders. "It was necessary. It will let the gaurds know who you are." "I don't mind. I like it, actually." He leaned down, and kissed my neck.

"Pardon me, my Lord, my Lady..." Mideon said from the doorway. "Your hound. He didn't like the trip." I smiled at him. "Thank you, Mideon." I walked over to him, and took Nanook's collar. "May I say, madam, that you look beautiful in purple." "Thank you." "That will be all, Mideon," Taker said. "Yes, my Lord." As he walked away, the door closed.

"He is very sweet. If I may ask, why is he here?" "Have you heard of the Boston Strangler?" "Yes." "That's him." "Are they all..." "Murderers? Yes." "I suppose I don't have to worry about them, since I am already dead. Atleast they weren't rapists." "You wouldn't have to worry about those, either. They are castrated upon arrival." I petted Nanook, then released his collar to let him run free.

As I stood, Taker walked up behind me. He pealed the robe away, as he pressed his lips to my skin. "There's only one more thing left to do." "And what is that?" He let the robe fall to the ground. "Consumate our marriage." "Mmm... I love this part." I turned around to face him. He leaned down, and kissed me. As he did, he picked me up. Our kiss was interrupted by a knock on the door. He growled as he ended the kiss. "What is it!?" "They have attacked, my Lord." He set me down, and told me to put my robe back on. I did as he said, as he went to the door. Once I was dressed, he opened the door. On the other side stood a ten foot tall creature with the torso, legs and arms of a man, birds claws for feet, claws for fingers, a lizards head, and large bat wings coming from his shoulders.

"What happened, Azerian?" "They attacked the army after you left." "Where were they?" "They were down here, reenergizing. They were getting ready to go back into battle, when they attacked." "How many are gone?" "Roughly one hundred-fifty, my Lord." "Shit..."

I slowly walked toward them, mesmerized by the creature. "One of them left this note for you, my Lord." Azerian handed Taker an envelope. He disregarded the blood as he opened it. As I stood in front of the creature, he turned to look at me. I raised my hand to touch his face, but stopped. "May I?" "Yes, my Lady." He leaned down, so I could study him more closely. As Taker read the letter, I slid my hand over the creature's cheek, feeling his red, leathery skin. I looked toward his eyes, which were cast down in respect. I dropped my hand, and said, "thank you, Azerian." "Any time, my Lady."

"Gather what is left of our forces. Release some of the spawn, if you must. Storm the gates, and make sure Peter does not survive." "Yes, my Lord." Azerian turned around. As he jumped from the cliff, his wings spread, and he gracefully glided to the bottom. Taker closed the door. "What's going on?" "The constant war between good and evil. They attacked because of you." "What did I have to do with it?" "They are not happy with our union. You were supposed to go "upstairs" when you passed on. They are worried because two from opposite sides of the battle have joined and created a child. Saint Peter wrote that it was prophecized that our child will not make it to birth. He is wrong. Our child is prophecized to control the universe, both good and evil, one day." "Which would bring peace to both sides, right?" "Right." "So what is the problem?" "They want good to reign over the universe." "There can't be good without evil, and vice versa." He smiled at me. "I'm glad you share my position in the war."

He stared at me with a wicked grin. "What?" "Where were we?" My robe disappeared. "Shouldn't you..." "No." 'If we don't do this within five hours, they can come take you,' he explained in my head. "Then, what are we waiting for?" He easily lifted me off of my feet, and carried me upstairs.

When I awoke (I think it was the next morning, but it's hard to tell), Undertaker was gone. "Damn it. I thought he said he wouldn't have to take off like that." I heard his laugh in my head. 'I'm down stairs, love. Azerian is updating me.' I opened the bedroom door, and heard Azerian say, "my apologies, my Lord, but this is no laughing matter." "I'm not laughing at you. My bride awoke, and is cussing me for not being beside her." "Then, my apologies to her, as well."

"Carry on, Azerian." "As I was saying, my Lord, Peter was not there when we arrived." "What? He's always supposed to be at the gates." "I found out he is on a special assignment, my Lord." There was a pause in the conversation. "Get the Acolytes up here now. I will join you in a while." "Yes, my Lord."

After a moment, I heard him bounding up the stairs. As he came in the room, he said, "I need you to..." He stopped when he saw that I was still naked. "What were you going to say?" "Um..." "Hey, babe, snap out of it." I snapped my fingers in front of him, and suddenly, I was dressed. "What the fuck..." He shook his head. "You're powers are coming in. As my bride there will be a few changes from your mortal self." "Is there some kind of manual on this, so I know what to look forward to?" He smiled. "Paul can help you. Are you feeling alright?" "I have a pain in my shoulders, but I'll be ok." "That's your wings." I looked at him, shocked. "My what?" "There's no other way to get down from here." "Will they be like Azerian's?" He smiled at me. "We'll find out when they come in."

"What were you going to say when you came in?" "We have a problem. If Peter was sent on a special assignment, then we can bet that he is after you." "But we consumated our marriage." "Not to take you with him. To harm our son." I was speachless for a moment. "I'm carrying a boy?" He petted my hair, then smiled at me. "I need you to stay here with Bradshaw and Farooq, while I find out what is going on." He laid his hand on my cheek, and traced my lower lip with his thumb. I closed my eyes, and leaned into his touch. "I will stay." "You should be safe with the Acolytes. They are my personal gaurds." "Ok." He leaned down, and kissed me. "They are outside. I must go." I opened my eyes. "Be careful, Taker." "I will."

After Taker left, I went down stairs. As I reached the bottom step, a man appeared, decked out in full riding leathers, blue eyes, and long white hair hanging loose. "Who are you?" I asked. "Taker sent me to gaurd you from inside." I eyed him suspiciously. "No, he didn't." "What would make you think otherwise?" "Because you called him Taker, and not Lord." He grinned at me. A spear of white light appeared in his hand. He slowly walked toward me. "Acolytes!" "Yell all you want. They can't hear you." 'Taker, help me!' my mind screamed. 'I'm on my way.'

I tried to back away from the man, but he caught me. "What the hell do you want from me!?" "You're child's life ended before it begins." "Never!" I stomped on his foot, then punched him in the face. He touched the spear to my arm. The pain was so excruciating that I had to stop fighting him. "Imagine if that goes through you." He pointed the spear lower. "Or what it will do to your child." I sucked it up, and gave him an upper cut. He wound up laid out on the floor.

A large area of the wall disappeared. I looked up, and saw Taker flying in. "What the hell..." he said as he landed. I felt out of breath as the adrenaline coursed through my veins. Bradshaw stepped up behind him. He started laughing. "Holy shit! Farooq, she cold-cocked Saint Peter!" Farooq stepped to Taker's side. "Well I'll be damned..." My eyes were locked on Taker's. "No one threatens my child's life." I bent over to take the spear from Peter's hand. "Stop," Taker yelled. I looked up at him. "His will hurt you." Bradshaw tossed me his spear, which seemed to be made of brimstone. I twirled it in my hand to get a feel for it, then plunged it into Peter's chest. His leathers changed into white robes as he faded out of sight.

Taker came up to me, and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. "Is he gone for good?" I asked. "No. He was sent back to the gates." "You picked one hell of a woman, my Lord," Bradshaw said. Taker looked into my eyes. "That she is." I smiled up at him. "We're not going to take anymore chances, though. Acolytes, inform Paul that for the next 37 days I will be at my bride's side at every moment." "Yes, my Lord."

As the Acolytes left, I said, "37 days?" "Your pregnancy is accelerated here. Every week passes as a day." He squeezed me tight against his body. "I've never been afraid, until I knew you were in trouble." "I know how to take care of myself. Everything is so confusing down here, though." "This time will allow me to teach you what you need to know."

The World Needs a Hero
by Megadeth

An Iron fist quietly sits inside the Velvet Glove
Take control, untouchable just like God above
I can't escape, wrapped in red tape,
What will become of me?
If I object, then I defect my country 'tis of thee

The White House is calling
Tell them I'll call them back
Just tell them anything
Yeah get them off my back

The world needs a hero

Not that I would ever lie
But I have no choice
Words I say heard today are not mine,
Just my voice

NATO is on line 1
They want to talk to me
Tell them that I'm not in
Tell them that I'm not free

The world needs a hero

Phantom rule,
The hidden jewel who's really in control?
On puppet strings,
A nation swings undermined by moles

The UN is on hold
Tell them I'll call them back
Yeah tell them anything
Just get them off my back

The world needs a hero

Solo - Mustaine
Solo - Pitrelli

Dave the White House is calling
They want to talk to me
Tell them that I can't be bought
Tell them that I'm not free

The world needs a hero

Solos - Pitrelli

By the 36th day, I had figured out what hell was for Undertaker. Unfortunately, it was living with a very moody pregnant woman. On the 33rd day, Mideon had suggested that I stay in bed, and Taker agreed with him. As he sat beside me on the day before our child was due, I grabbed his hand. "Taker, I know this hasn't been easy on you, but it's almost over." He gave me a slight grin. "Do not worry about me. I will be fine once our son is in your arms."

I gave his hand a slight squeeze. "What should we name him?" He thought for a moment. "Lucian? It's close to his grandfather's name." I smiled at him. "I like it." I felt a pain in my lower abdomen, then a warm rush between my legs. "Taker, it's time." "Already?" "Yes." "I'll get Mideon." "Hurry." As he left, I closed my eyes, and breathed through the pain.

As the contractions slowed, I opened my eyes. Beside the bed were two robed figures; one in red, the other in a violet shade lighter than mine. I grabbed the brimstone spear from the side of the bed, and pointed it at them. "Who the hell are you?" The tall one in the red robe, cocked his head. When he did, I saw the mask that covered his face. The short one pulled back the hood on her robe. "Please, allow us to help with the delivery." "Taker!"

Not moments later, he was back with Mideon. He looked at the two figures. "What are you doing here?" "I'm here to see my nephew." "Well, he's not here yet." "So I see. Allow us to help." I screamed as the contractions began again. Taker began barking out orders. "Mideon, catch the child. Kane, take her other hand, and help her push. Shyann, water, towels." I bent my knees, and spread my feet, then looked at Taker. "Does he have to be down there?" "I trust Mideon's hands more than mine at the moment. No matter if human, demon, or Lord of all evil, becoming a father is a nervous occassion."

With Kane's hand in my left, and Taker's in my right, they helped me sit up, and push. "I don't see anything," Mideon announced. "Let her relax until the next one." As I laid back, Taker laid his hand on my stomach. "He is fine. He just doesn't want to exit." He looked up at me, and grinned. "Can't say I blame him." I shook my hand free of his, and hit him in the jaw. "You'not wanting to exit' is why I am in so much pain, so if you don't mind I don't want to hear your jokes!" Our eyes locked as he told Kane and Mideon, "that is not to leave this room." Kane was laughing beside me. I turned to look at him. "You're next, buddy, for scaring the hell out of me." He sobered. "Yes, dear sister."

As Shyann returned with the water and towels, I had another contraction. Taker took my hand again, and they helped me push. "I see the head. Keep going. You're doing fine." After a moment, I felt a small release in the pressure below my waist. "The head is out. One more, then it's all down hill," Mideon said. They let me relax for a moment before helping me push again. Then, it was all over.

While Mideon and Shyann took care of Lucian, I looked at Taker. He grinned at me. "You have one hell of a right hook." "I'm sorry I hit you, my love." He kissed my hand. "It was understandable, but don't do it again." "I won't." He leaned down, and kissed me. When it ended, I tugged at the other hand that was still in mine, as I turned to look at Kane. "Now, I want a few answers, please." Taker sighed. "This is my brother, Kane. The woman is his bride, Shyann." "My apologies for arriving today. Undertaker and I usually don't see eye to eye." He looked up at Taker, then back to me. "But family is family, and we wanted to see the newest members." I smiled at him. "Well, so far, I'm glad you did come. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known I had a brother-in-law."

Shyann walked over to us, carrying Lucian wrapped in a towel. I released Kane and Taker's hands, to take my child from her arms. I laid Lucian on my right side, so Taker could see him, too. I let his tiny hand grasp my finger. "He has your black hair," I said to Taker. "And he will have your blue eyes," he said. "He will be as irresistable as his father." "And, he will have his mother's heart."

As Taker and I looked at our child, Mideon walked up to him. "My Lord, if I am no longer needed, I will leave you to your family." He didn't take his eyes off of Lucian as he said, "thank you, Mideon. That will be all." As Mideon walked to the bedroom door, he shook his head. "Something is really wrong. He actually thanked me." "Don't get used to it," Taker said. "Yes, my Lord."

"What is his name?" Shyann asked. "Taker came up with Lucian before I went into labor." "After Lucifer, no doubt," Kane said. "What would you have named him? Able?" "Undertaker, Kane, please don't fight," Shyann said. "Today is about the child. And Lucian is a fine name for him."

I looked at Shyann, amazed. She was the first I had heard speak to Taker like that. She smiled at me. "We are both married to stubborn men. You will learn." I looked at Taker. "Why don't you guys go talk, and try to work things out? Give Shyann and me a chance to talk." He looked up at Kane, who shrugged. "I will do it for you. Do you mind if we take Lucian?" "Alright, but no fighting around him." He leaned over, and kissed me. "You have my word, my bride." I carefully put Lucian in his arms, then he and Kane left the room.

Once they were gone, I turned to Shyann. "You are the first woman I have seen since I've been here." "I'm sad to say there aren't many of us down here. We're outnumbered by fifty thousand to one." "Not very good odds." "Except for the ladies in the brothels."

There was a flash of white light. As the light faded, I saw Saint Peter. "Where is he?" "Go to hell." "I'm here, aren't I? Now tell me, where is he?" "Like I'll ever tell you." He threw one of the light spears, and it pinned my left shoulder to the bed. I sucked in a sharp breath as the pain seared my shoulder. "You must have a lot of balls to come into Taker's home like this," Shyann said. I grabbed the spear with my right hand, and eased it out of my shoulder. "If I remember correctly from my teachings, it is forbidden," I said.

I held the spear in my right hand, as I stood on the bed, and got in his face. "But... How can you..." he stammered. "How can I hold your spear without it burning me? You must have forgotten, I am of the light. Last time we met, I was trying to save myself, which is selfish, and of the dark side. But I am protecting my son, which is selfless, and of the light." I grabbed his beard. "But you are being very selfish, Peter. You may not take what is not your's. That would be of the dark, correct?" He nodded.

I drew the spear back just as Kane and Taker made it to the top of the stairs. "Jody, no!" Kane said. I drove it into his stomach. Taker ran into the room, and tackled me. "Duck and cover!" Shyann ducked under the bed, as did Taker and I. Kane hid behind the door. After a few seconds, there was a loud boom. I looked Taker in the eyes. "Ok, what the hell was that? And where is Lucian?" He looked at me wide-eyed. "Lucian is with Paul, and you just got rid of Saint Peter." "For good?" "Yeah." "Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?" "I do not know. You have to answer to the man upstairs for doing it." "I... have to... see God?" Taker hissed. "Do not say that name." "Well, do I?" "Yes." "Oh, hell..."

by Filter & Crystal Method

As Kane, Shyann and I waited for Taker to return, I asked them to stay with us. "I'm not sure that's a good idea. Taker and I will never get along," Kane said. "But like you said, you are family. Besides, I'll go insane if I have to be surrounded by men all the time." "But I'd just be one more added to the nine that will be here anyways." "But having your bride here puts me at ease, and gives me a woman to talk to. And, if there was ever a time when your family needed you, it is now. So, if not for your brother, then for your nephew." He sighed as he looked at Shyann, who was smiling at him. "Alright, we'll stay." Shyann leaned over, and kissed his masked cheek. "Thank you, baby." "Yeah. You won't be thanking me when you two have to pull us apart."

Just then, the door burst open. I ran to see who it was. "Damn it! You three almost gave me a heart attack!" The three blondes looked at each other, then Edge stepped forward. "Our appologies, my Lady, but your heart has to work in order for you to have an attack." "You are a cocky little..." "Jody, be nice to your gaurds," Taker said from the doorway. "My gaurds?" "Yes. Gangrel is to watch over the house. Christian is not to leave our son at any time. And Edge is to stay with you at all times." I grumbled. "Why do I get the one with the attitude problem?" "So he can combat your's," Taker laughed. I stepped up to Taker. "Hunny, I love you, but you are such a smart ass."

He gathered the entire Ministry in the living room, along with Kane, Shyann and me. "This is how it goes, guys. Bradshaw, Farooq & Mideon, you three take the outside. Gangrel & Viscera, you two have constant watch over the inside. Christian, you have constant watch over Lucian. If anything happens to that baby I'll string you up and let the buzzards peck at your balls." Christian gulped hard. "Edge, stay with my bride at all times. Keep her from killing anyone else. Paul, you will be called upon as needed, but your main job is to help Jody and Shyann take care of Lucian." "What about me?" Kane asked. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather have with me, little bro." Shyann and I shared a sly grin. "Now, everyone to their posts."

Once everyone scattered but me, Shyann, Kane, Edge & Christian, Taker addressed us. "You four, try to stay together as much as possible. When he comes there would be more to fight him until Kane and I get here." "You mean if he comes." "I know he will." "Damn it, Taker, give me something to hope for." "You want something to hope for?" he asked, completely deadpan. He leaned down, and whispered, "hope that I can get these guys out of here by tonight, so I can lay my Lady down, and treat her like my wife." I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. "Well... You know how to get a girl hot and bothered." He kissed me, before standing up straight. "Kane and I are going to strategize with the troops. I'll be back as soon as I can." As Taker walked off, Kane leaned down to recieve a kiss from Shyann. "Be careful." He gave a swift nod before following Taker.

Sometime later, Paul returned with a bottle for Lucian. As I started feeding him, I asked, "what is this?" "Goat's milk." "Yuk!." "That is what both Undertaker and Kane grew up on." I gave a small laugh. "Well, they are some big guys..." "Young Lucian will be, too. It's hard to believe Undertaker is a father. Seems like it wasn't long ago when I was feeding him like you are." "You've been with the family for a long time, then." "Oh, yes. I was chosen for Edge's job when Taker's parents were in much the same situation. Peter knew that Undertaker would sire the chosen one. While Lucifer was gone, I fell in love with Undertaker's mother. That is how Kane came to be." I tried not to appear shocked, but I don't think I did a good job hiding it. He smiled. "Only the inner sanctum knows. Lucifer was none the wiser."

"That is why Taker and Kane fight so much," Shyann explained. "Taker found out at an early age. One day, he called Kane a bastard. Kane went on a rampage. He injured himself, which is why he wears the mask." "Along with injuring himself, he killed Lucifer, and my sweet Jezebelle." "Damn... I wouldn't want to piss him off. Nor would I want to make the same mistake their mother did." I turned around, and looked at Edge, then back to Shyann and Paul. "You couldn't pay me to get in bed with him." "No offense, my Lady, but the feelings are mutual," Edge said.

There was a blinding flash in the room. Then, we saw St. Peter. Edge and Christian took a fighting stance, with their brimstone spears in hand. "Don't waste your energy. It's not him. He has sent us a message." I stared at the translucent figure. "This message is for the big dog's bitch. The entity that you killed today was not me. You killed my son, Mordecai." I looked at Paul. "I thought they couldn't..." "They are forbidden to procreate." "So how does he have a son?" Peter's figure continued. "Mordecai was created to combat your husband, but as I see he must have been weak for you to defeat him." "I didn't have any problems kicking your ass, either." "But, as the Bible says, eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth. I will take your son, and he will die before he can rule."

With the message over, the figure disipated. "Was that supposed to scare me?" "I believe it was, my Lady," Christian said. "It was a rhetorical question. I know he wanted to, but he doesn't scare me. I've knocked him on his ass, and sent his ass back before. I can sure as hell do it again." "You promised not to kill anyone," Paul reminded. "I promised not to kill anyone. I didn't say I wouldn't kick some ass." "You have to wait until Peter comes to you," Edge said. "The hell I do." "Bradshaw, Farooq and Mideon will not let you out of this house, my Lady, nor will I."

Feeling frustrated, I asked Shyann to take Lucian. "I feel like beating my head on the wall for awhile." As I handed him to her, she said, "you aren't really going to beat your head on the wall, are you?" "I might." "You know, you do still feel pain..." "It didn't hurt me when I was alive..." I ran up the stairs, and into the bedroom. I started hitting my head on the paneled walls. After a few times, Edge came in. "Want me to hold your hair back, so it won't cushion the blow?" "Fuck you." "I thought you just said that nobody could pay you to do me?" "Damn it, Edge! I don't need your shit."

He grabbed my shoulders, and pushed me to the bed. He made me sit, and kneeled in front of me. "I realize this is hard on you. I'll probably never understand how hard. I'm not going to risk the Lord putting me in the sulfer mines, because I let you beat your head on the wall." "Then let me go kill Peter." He sighed. "I can only imagine the torture he'd give me if I let you do that." I groaned. "But, I can't stop you from killing him if he comes when no one else is around." I gave him an evil grin. "Maybe you aren't such an asshole." He smiled. "I have my moments."

by Biohazard