EP 25

(Chris Jericho and Phoenix are sitting in the Ministry locker room before everyone else has shown up. Chris is getting ready for a match against Kobi Kingston.)

Phoenix: Hey, Chris.

Chris: Hey. How's it going?

Phoenix: Good. You?

Chris: Okay, I guess. I've been challenged by Kobi. He thinks that I can't do anything without Kane to back me up, so I am going to show him just how stupid of a move he's done.

Phoenix: How are things between you two? Do you want to be partners with Kane again?

Chris: Not really. Ever since we lost the Tag Team titles, he's been staring at me funny, like he would chew me up and spit me out. I know he blames me for our loss to Edge and Big Show, but I he didn't have my back either. I don't care what he says. It's as much his' fault as anyone else's.

Phoenix: I agree with you.

Chris: (sighs) Yet, I know it is what Eden and the Ministry wants so…I will if I have to.

Phoenix: Chris, aren't you getting a little too attached to her?

Chris: To who? (Phoenix gives him a look that says "You know who.") We're friends.

Phoenix: And you couldn't possibly want more? Please.

Chris: Look, I know she is married to Undertaker. I just want to be there for her any way I can.

Phoenix: I hope so for your sake. I wouldn't want Undertaker mad at me.

(Just then, the door bursts open as Eden comes barreling from the hallway into the locker room and runs straight for the bathroom. Chris moves to the door and knocks on it.)

Chris: Eden, you okay? (He gets no response.) Eden?

Phoenix: You probably should let her be. She's been sick all week.

Chris: Hasn't she gone to the doctor's yet?

Phoenix: She has an appointment tomorrow. God, I hope he figures out what is wrong with her.

Chris: Well, there is a bug going around.

Phoenix: Yeah. (She then seems to get a thought that makes her smile.) Hey, you don't think…?

Chris: Think what?

Phoenix: You know. What usually happens to a married couple with a healthy sex life?

Chris: No. No, he's the Dead Man. Dead Man.

Phoenix: From what Eden has told me he's not all "Dead".

Chris: I really didn't need to hear that.

Phoenix: It's the truth. She could be pregnant.

Chris: I highly doubt it. Look, I have to head out to the match. Keep an eye on her, please.

Phoenix: Of course. She's my friend, too.

Chris: I know.

(Chris heads out of the locker room as Phoenix enters the restroom to look in on Eden.)

(Chris is heading to the ring, psyching himself up along the way when he runs into Kane. Kane stares down at Chris with restrained anger.)

Kane: We need to talk.

Chris: Can it wait? I have a match.

Kane: No. (Chris rolls his' eyes and crosses his arms.)

Chris: Okay, shoot.

Kane: We're going to get the titles back from Edge and Big Show next Monday.

Chris: Says who?

Kane: Says me.

Chris: Why would you want to wrestle with me since you have made it very clear you hate me for losing the titles before?

Kane: Because it is what Undertaker wants, and what he wants goes.

Chris: Then get another Tag Team partner. Ask Christian or Ted or Cody to be your new partner.

Kane: No, it has to be you.

Chris: I don't know. Has anyone told Edge and Big Show about this?

Kane: I've already issued the challenge. They are happy to face us once more.

Chris: I have to admit, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on Edge again. (He ponders it for a moment.) Okay, you got a deal. Next Monday, we'll take back those titles, and we'll wipe the floor with those two idiots.

Kane: Good. (He smiles evilly as he walks off. Chris shakes his head and continues to walk towards the ring, psyching himself up some more.)

(Kobi Kingston's music erupts into the auditorium as he makes his' way towards the ring. Then, the Ministry's music sounds as Chris follows shortly behind. The two men face off, each showing off their impressive array of moves. Chris puts Kobi into the Walls of Jericho a couple of times, but each time Kobi manages to get out of them without tapping out. Then, just when it seems like Chris has the upper hand and is a synch to win the match, Kobi pulls off two finishers back to back and pins Chris for the win. The crowd is up in a roar as Kobi walks back up the ramp, fist pounding the air. Chris is stunned by the loss and angrily walks towards the back.)

(Chris is still fuming as he makes his' way through the back stage towards the locker room.)

Chris: Son of a bitch! Aargh! (As he is making his way to the locker room, he hears someone throwing up and turns a corner to find Eden with her head over a trash can. Instantly, his' anger is gone as he quickly moves to help her. He grabs a hold of her hair to hold it as she continues to dry heave.) Take deep breaths. Slow your breathing. That's it. (Eden is finally able to stop dry heaving as she straightens up and continues to follow Chris' instructions to deep breath.)

Eden: I was trying to make it to the ring to help you, but…I just couldn't stop.

Chris: I'm really worried about you. This isn't healthy.

Eden: Is there anything about me that is "healthy?" (She gives a faint smile. Chris doesn't smile back.) Come on, it's a joke. Laugh please. Everyone's being all serious around me lately.

Chris: That's because we care. You've been sick for the past week. This could be something serious.

Eden: Serious like a baby?

Chris: I wasn't going to say that, but… (Eden moves to sit in a steel chair while Chris sits in another one next to her.)

Eden: I know that Phoenix is absolutely excited about the notion that I could be pregnant. She thinks it's wonderful.

Chris: And how do you feel about it?

Eden: I'm scared as all Hell.

Chris: Is it because of who the father is?

Eden: What? No. No, Undertaker has nothing to do with it. I mean, he obviously had something to do with it. (Chris actually laughs at her joke, which makes Eden smile.) No, I'm just worried that I will be just as crappy of a mother as my Mom was. I mean, come on. She was a slut, and my own father hates me. Not exactly the best parenting role models. You're lucky you had such a great mother and have a wonderful Dad.

Chris: I know I am. I know that no matter what comes my way, they will always be there to believe in me.

Eden: What if I screw up? What if I make this child resent me as much as I resent Vince?

Chris: You won't.

Eden: How do you know that? I could end up giving birth to the next Albert Fisher.

Chris: I know you won't because you know what not to do. Plus, just because your parents didn't know how to truly love you doesn't mean that you don't. You'll love any child you have and give it what you weren't able to have.

Eden: I guess you're right. When did you get to be so insightful? (She smiles at Chris. He smiles back.) Ugh, I feel worse than before. I think I need to go home.

Chris: Do you want me to help you back?

Eden: Please. I don't think I can make it on my own. (Chris helps Eden to her feet. They take a couple of steps and then Eden loses her footing. Chris quickly wraps an arm about her waist to help her stand up.) Oh, that wasn't fun. I guess all this being sick has taken more out of me than I thought.

Chris: Here. (Chris pulls Eden into his' arms and carries her towards the locker room.)

Eden: This really isn't necessary.

Chris: I'm not dragging you there. (Eden smiles weakly and then lays her head on his' shoulder. They get a couple feet down the hallway when they run into Undertaker. He looks angry.)

Undertaker: What do you think you're doing?

Chris: I'm carrying Eden to the locker room. She hasn't been feeling well.

Undertaker: I know she hasn't been. I've been taking care of her. I don't need your help.

Chris: She's my friend and I wasn't going to leave her stranded with her head over the trash can.

Undertaker: You need to learn your place.

Eden: Guys, stop it. Please, for my sake. (Chris and Undertaker stare each other down.) Honey, he was just helping me back to the locker room so I could ask you to take me home. He's being a good friend.

Undertaker: Maybe he's being too friendly.

Eden: Undertaker, I've told you there is nothing for you to worry about.

Undertaker: I'm not sure there isn't. (He holds out his' arms.) Give me my wife. (Chris hands over Eden, who wraps her arms around his' neck and lays her head down.

Eden: Please, no more fighting. Just take me home.

Undertaker: Of course. (Undertaker walks off with Eden in his' arms. Chris watches them until they are out of sight. Once they are gone, he gets a frustrated look on his' face and punches a canister before walking off in the opposite direction.)

EP 26

(Christian and Phoenix enter the Ministry locker room where a content Eden sits. She is bruising out her hair and has a half smile. The two wrestlers look at each other with a quizzical look and join Eden at her vanity.)

Christian: Eden?

Eden: Huh? Oh, hey guys. How are things?

Christian: Okay.

Phoenix: Everything okay with you? What did the doctor say?

Eden: Oh, everything fine. We got some really good news.

Phoenix: Really?

Christian: Don't keep us waiting. What did the doctor say?

Eden: It's a secret.

Christian: What? Why?

Eden: I don't want to say anything just yet. First, I have some unfinished business that I need to take care of with Vince.

Phoenix: What business?

Eden: Something that needs to be settled before I can share the good news.

Phoenix: When do you plan on doing this?

Eden: Tonight. At the end of the show, I'm going to call out Vince and have him meet me in the ring. Everything will be explained then.

(Chris and Eden are sitting alone in the locker room, talking. Chris has a solemn look on his' face. Eden still looks happy, but its clear Chris' lack of enthusiasm concerns her. )

Chris: Congrats.

Eden: Could you sound any more depressed?

Chris: I'm sorry. I'm just in shock. I mean, the last time we talked, you made it seem like this was the last thing you would want.

Eden: True, but you helped me see that it doesn't have to be all bad. Plus, this just further affirms my and Undertaker's relationship.

Chris: I pretty sure everyone knew that you two were together. You've both made it very clear that you're the new power couple of the WWE.

Eden: Yes, in the WWE we are a power couple, but this shows that relationship goes outside of the arena and is real.

Chris: Just tell me that you're truly happy about this, and I'll be happy for you.

Eden: I'm happy, Chris. I really, truly am.

Chris: Then, I hope the best for the two of you.

Eden: Hey, don't act like this means that I'm through with the Ministry or you. I'm still going to be here, running the Ministry with the Undertaker as I have been.

Chris: Good. It would be far more depressing without you here to keep the mood light.

Eden: Are you still concerned about Kane? He says he wants to put the past behind him and move on to getting the Tag titles back.

Chris: I know…I've just never liked the idea of working with him. A partner has to be someone that you know has your back and you can trust. I don't know if I have that with him.

Eden: We are all members of the Ministry. We have each other's back all the time. If one of us needs help, we are all there to lend a hand. That's what we all agreed to.

Chris: I guess so. (Kane comes walking in to the locker room with a scowl on his' face.)

Kane: Ready?

Chris: Yeah.

Eden: Kane, has Undertaker talked to you yet? (Kane says nothing but looks at Eden with disgust before walking away. Chris and Eden share a glance and then Chris follows Kane out. Eden watches after them with a worried look on her face.)

(Chris and Kane make their way down to the ring. Chris tries to talk to Kane, but he simply stares up at the top of the ramp and watches with fury in his' eyes as Edge and Big Show comes waltzing down. They taunt Chris and Kane, but they seem unaffected by the teasing. Then, the groups split to their sides. Chris and Edge are first to face off. Just like at the pay-per-view, it is a brutal match. Kane and Chris trade off only once during the entire match. When Chris gets into the ring a second time, he is isolated into the side of the ring where Big Show and Edge take turns assaulting him. Chris manages to get away from them briefly, but when he tries to tag in Kane, the colossal giant moves away. Chris stares at him in disbelief as Kane hops down from their side of the ring and walks away. Chris doesn't get a chance to truly react as Edge and Big Show resume their assault on Chris. When Kane gets half the way up the ramp, Eden appears at the top and orders him back to the ring. She yells at him to go back and help Chris. Kane looks back at the ring and gives an evil grin. He turns and looks at Eden and then continues to head back into the back stage area. Eden becomes panicked and runs into the back area for a brief moment before returning to the ring with Phoenix, Ted, Christian, and Cody. They run off Edge and Big Show and the match is declared a disqualification on the Ministry. Edge and Big Show retain their titles as they leave. Eden is in the ring, checking half dazed Chris and worried to the point of almost crying. Once the coast is clear, Ted and Christian help Chris make his way slowly back to the locker room with a worried Eden being escorted by Phoenix and Cody.)

(The entire Ministry is standing in the locker room around Eden who is yelling at Kane. Kane seems uncaring about what she is saying to him. Undertaker sits off to the side with his arms crossed, listening and not saying anything.)

Eden: What in the Hell were you thinking? Because of you, Chris is right now on his way to the hospital to make sure that there isn't anything broken.

Kane: Good.

Eden: Good? Good? Don't forget that we're a team. When one of us is in trouble, then we're all in trouble. I don't know what bug crawled up your ass and died, but you better straighten up or you're out of the group.

Kane: That's not your choice to make.

Eden: Oh no? Remember it was I who put this group together. If I want to, I can kick your ass out and that will be final.

Kane: I'd like to see you try. (He gives a smug grin to challenge Eden.)

Eden: The only reason I've been putting up with your crap for this long is because you are Undertaker's brother, but trust and buh-lieve that my patience with you is wearing very thin. If we can't trust each other, then there is no hope of the Ministry lasting for much longer.

Kane: (Kane gives a laugh.) You, of all people, have no business preaching trust.

Eden: What do you mean?

Kane: Who's the father?

Eden: What? How dare you ask me that!

Kane: You carry another man's child inside of you, and you expect us to trust you.

Eden: This is Undertaker's kid, no one else's.

Kane: I find that hard to believe.

Eden: Screw you, Kane. I don't care what you think. My husband knows the truth and doesn't believe you. Right? (Undertaker remains silent.) Right? Undertaker? (He continues to be silent.) You know what, screw you both! (She goes storming out. The others follow after her, each giving Kane a disapproving stare. Undertaker moves to stand with his' brother. They share a look and then Undertaker walks out.)

(Eden is standing around with the others. She is still upset at the Undertaker's show of distrust. When the Undertaker comes walking up to them, Eden simply stares at him in anger. She moves next to him as if to say something, and then simply walks away. The rest of the group watches as she walks away from him towards the ring. He simply watches her go with a cold stare.)

(Eden enters the arena with a determined saunter. Once in the ring, she grabs a microphone and addresses the audience.)

Eden: I'm not out here to give some long, drawn out speech tonight. I'm here to address one person tonight: Vince McMahon. Vince, I know you're back there. Please join me at the ring.

(There is a long pause as people wait to see if Vince will show up or not. Eventually, Vince's music starts up. He makes his way down to the ring but keeps distance between them.)

Vince: What do you want now, Eden?

Eden: I wanted to talk to you about something that I am sure both sides of our little feud would want. I'm here to discuss the terms of a truce between the Ministry of Darkness and the WWE.

Vince: What kind of trick is this?

Eden: No trick. I want the hard feelings between us to end here and now. No more resentment. No more bitterness. Just peace.

Vince: If you truly want peace, then you know what has to be done.

Eden: What's that?

Vince: I want the Ministry over and done with, and that includes you getting the hell out of the WWE.

Eden: Now that's not exactly peaceful, Vince.

Vince: That's my terms. I'm tired of the Ministry and the entire headache they cause.

Eden: Don't you remember the terms of the Pay-per-view feud? Disbanding of the Ministry is no longer an option on the table. We fought to be here, and we're not going away; no matter how important it may be to me now.

Vince: And why is that? Why would someone who has spent all of her time here trying to destroy my family and under mind me in my business want to give in now?

Eden: It's not just for me…but also for my child. (There is a roar through the arena as Vince gives a completely shocked expression.) That's right. I just found out today that I'm pregnant, and I don't want the kid to come into the world in which his mother is at war with his grandfather. (Vince paces the ring, uncertain about how to think or feel.)

Vince: And why should I care about your child?

Eden: I know you, Vince. You may not like me, but I know how attached you are to the thought of being a grandfather and how devoted you are to your grandkids. As you daughter, I would want you to be in your grand-son or daughter's life.

Vince: What is your angle?

Eden: No angle... just peace. (Eden extends a hand out to him.) Peace for me and my child. (Eden continues to stand there with her hand out. Vince looks it over and then looks up at her. It is clear that Eden is on the verge of tears about the whole situation. He ponders a bit more and then accepts Eden's handshake. She gives a weak smile and then moves to head out of the ring, but stops when Vince doesn't let her hand go. She looks at him with a confused expression, but then Vince lets go. He then stands facing her with his arms open. Eden gives him a confused look in turn, uncertain about his motives. He mouths to her "It's okay," and she breaks out into tears. Eden rushes into Vince's arms and hugs him as she cries. It's obvious that there is still tension between them, but they are both accepting of this truce.)

Chapter 27

(Eden and Phoenix are hanging around the backstage talking when Stephanie McMahon shows up.)

Stephanie: Eden.

Eden: Stephanie. Is there something I can do for you?

Stephanie: Is it true?

Eden: Is what…oh. Yes, it's true.

Stephanie: Well…congrats.

Eden: Thanks, Stephanie.

Stephanie: You're welcome. (She walks off, leaving Eden and Phoenix to talk.)

Phoenix: That was weird.

Eden: Yeah. I've been getting that ever since last Monday. Lillian has actually offered to give me any baby clothes that Stephanie and Shane no longer need. I think she likes the idea of having another baby to play with.

Phoenix: Are you going to let her near the baby? After all, you're the reason why her marriage is on the rocks.

Eden: She is a smart woman who knows that it's not my fault her husband had an affair. Hell, she's way better than my mother ever was.

Phoenix: It's got to be trippy for you.

Eden: It is.

Phoenix: How are things at home?

Eden: I've been avoiding Undertaker since his' obvious show of distrust. I've even resorted to sleeping in a hotel room because I don't want to see him. He's being totally irrational.

Phoenix: You can't blame him.

Eden: What?

Phoenix: Well, he's got his brother in his ear telling him that there is no way he could be the father and spreading rumors about you and Chris.

Eden: What kind of rumors?

Phoenix: Nothing in particular. He's just using the fact that you two are very close against you.

Eden: That S.O.B.! Just because his marriage to Lita didn't work doesn't mean he has the right to mess with mine.

Phoenix: What are you going to do?

Eden: Well, once my husband comes to his senses, we're going to work this out and then I'm going to teach Kane a lesson in messing with his' sister –in-law. (Just then, Undertaker comes walking up. Both women give him a rather angry look, but ignore their harsh stares.)

Undertaker: Phoenix, I need to talk to my wife.

Phoenix: Eden?

Eden: It's fine. (Phoenix walks off. Undertaker moves to stand where Phoenix had been.) You wanted to talk?

Undertaker: You need to come home.

Eden: And where is that?

Undertaker: You know where it is.

Eden: Do I? You seem to have made it clear that you don't trust me, and there is no home without trust.

Undertaker: I never said I didn't trust you.

Eden: Yes, you did when you were silent and remained silent as your brother stood there before our entire group and called me a whore!

Undertaker: Kane has never been in his' right mind, you know that.

Eden: I do…but there is only so much any person can take.

Undertaker: You need to settle things between you two, also.

Eden: Why? Why should I settle anything with the man who openly calls me a slut?

Undertaker: Because he is my brother. (Eden seems unmoved by the fact.) You want me to make peace with Vince, the man who has on several occasions tried to run me or break my spirit. If you want me to do it, then you have to make peace with Kane, end of story. (The two of them stare at each other with icy glares.)

(Ted and Christian are standing in the locker room when Kane walks in. He says nothing, but moves to his locker and begins preparing for a possible fight. Ted and Christian look at him briefly and then start talking as if he isn't there.)

Ted: So, how's Jericho? Have you been to see him yet?

Christian: He's doing better. The doctors say he'll make a full recovery as long as he gets some rest and relaxation.

Ted: Good. The Ministry needs him. He's one of our best wrestlers.

Christian: Yes. You know, Eden's been there to see him a lot too.

Ted: Oh?

Christian: Yeah. She's really devoted to the Ministry and making sure that all of its members are well taken care of.

Ted: She truly is an asset to us. (Kane lets out a growl. It's clear he's been ease dropping on their conversation. Ted and Christian, who seem satisfied that Kane has heard them, walk out with a smile just as Undertaker comes walking in. Kane gets up from where he is sitting and punches a wall.)

Undertaker: What's the matter with you?

Kane: You should have heard them both. They're laughing at you behind your back and you don't even see it.

Undertaker: Who?

Kane: Everyone. The Ministry, WWE, everyone! You're playing the part of the idiot to that wretched woman.

Undertaker: I am not an idiot.

Kane: Then why are you letting her ruin everything?

Undertaker: She's not.

Kane: She is with that stupid bastard in her belly.

Undertaker: That bastard is my kid. (Kane looks him up and down with a disbelieving look.)

Kane: You don't really believe it, do you? You, a father? (Undertaker is silent.) I knew it. You don't believe this anymore than I do.

Undertaker: I never said that.

Kane: You don't have to. It's clear in your eyes that you know you couldn't possibly be the father.

Undertaker: Isn't there? What if the child is mine?

Kane: And if it is? Do you truly want to be the father?

Undertaker: I don't know. I don't know how to think about it until I know that it is mine.

Kane: Then, we should find out before this goes any further.

Undertaker: How?

Kane: You leave that to me. (He gives an evil grin and walks out.)

(At the end of the show, Eden walks up to an empty locker room with a bouquet of roses and a note attached to them. She looks down at the note and then at the door number. She walks into the room and looks around like she is looking for something…or someone.)

Eden: Kane? Kane, I got your note. It says you wanted to talk. Well? (She continues to look about the room for him. When Kane is nowhere to be seen, she gives a sigh and drops the flowers.) I knew it. (Before she can take a step, the lights in the room go out. It is completely dark. We hear a tussle and Eden scream before the lights come back on. Eden is gone and the roses on the floor have been clearly trampled. The entire audience is left in shock as the show ends.)