20

Fallon glanced towards the basement stairs when she heard someone thudding down them. A quick glance at her watch told her that it was only three A.M., it was a little late for callers and last she knew Tigress was sound asleep. She stared at the stairwell, her hand reaching for her athame, which rested on the couch arm beside her. A sigh of relief escaped her when she seen who it was.

"Planning on murdering me?"

She smiled slightly, resting the athame back in its place. "Not just yet Dead Man."

The Undertaker nodded, studying her thoughtfully. She was sitting on the purple couch clothed in a silk gold nightgown that emphasized her gentle curves, her legs curled underneath her and a book encased in gold velvet on her lap, a peacock quill poised between her fingers.

Fallon's eyes narrowed slightly. "When you've finished."

Ignoring her, he silently crossed the room, reclining against the desk, careful not to touch the Red Book. "What're you doing?"

"Writing."

'Taker eyed the book in her hands. "B-O-S?"

"Yes. I'm recounting our little trip down illusion lane." Fallon sucked on the nib of her quill for a moment before finishing her paragraph. Sighing she closed the book, tucking it underneath a cushion. "So what's on your mind?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"And that brings you here because?" Fallon stared at him, trying not to smirk.

"I'm not entirely sure just yet." 'Taker started strolling around the well lighted room, taking time to study it thoroughly, something he hadn't been able to do earlier. "Tomorrow night, will you and your sister be accompanying us?"

Fallon nodded, her eyes widening slightly at the thought of using her magick in front of millions of people. "I suppose so. Not like we have a choice, do we? We did promise Kane to help him with those two… witches."

As if sensing her concern, he said; "If anything happens, it'll be explained away. People believe it all to be part of the show."

"Just out of curiosity, how does one mix wrestling and magick?"

"Very carefully apparently." He didn't bother to explain how he happened to become involved in all this.

Fallon rose from the couch, crossing the room to pick up a crystal. She ran her palms over it repeatedly for a few moments, watching as it began to glow. "Show me Kane." She murmured.

'Taker watched as she stared into the crystal, the white light emanating from it shrouding her face. "Well?" He asked as she set the crystal back down.

"He's pacing a room talking to himself." She traced a finger over the purple tapestry. "Does he do that often?"

"I wouldn't know. Kane and I have been estranged for some time until the other night."

"What do you mean?"

"We don't generally get along."

Fallon didn't ask why, not sure she wanted to know. She knew 'Taker walked mainly on the Darkside, he had made that very evident when they first met. Technically the whole illusion thing never really happened, it was merely that, an illusion. But Fallon could remember everything that had happened. There were months of memories crammed into her head, memories she knew didn't happen in the normal sense though it did occur, out of time.

'Taker watched as Fallon walked around the basement, apparently unaware she was lost in her own thoughts. He could guess at what she was thinking about and couldn't help but smile, recalling the illusion in his own mind. True, it was just an illusion, but he knew the emotions that came from her had been real. "They were intended for Stephen though." A voice spoke up inside his head. He banished the words quickly, knowing that Stephen was merely a reflection of another part of himself, same difference to him.

Unbidden a memory from that time sprang to mind:

"Stephen, where are you taking me now?" Shemaine demanded, a smile on her face, conflicting with the severe tone she used.

"It's a surprise my love." He replied, squeezing her hand as he led her through the forest, brushing aside low hanging branches. He halted in tiny clearing, barely room enough for them both to stand without brushing a shrub. "Now, close your eyes."

Shemaine did, the smile still playing her face. She gasped when she felt a cloth being tied around her head "Is this really necessary?"

"It is." Stephen's voice was husky as he gently pulled her forward.

Shemaine giggled nervously as she tripped over what felt like a log, instantly being pulled up by strong arms. When she stumbled again, Stephen chuckled warmly, the rich baritone sound washing over her. She gasped again when she felt him lift her into his arms. "Stephen!"

"It'll be quicker this way." His breath was hot on her neck.

Shemaine sighed contentedly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, resting her head against his massive chest. "I could get used to this."

"I bet you could."

They were quiet until Stephen abruptly came to a halt, carefully setting her down. He waited until she had regained her footing before untying the cloth.

Shemaine blinked as bright sunlight assaulted her eyes, raising a hand to shield them. It was a few minutes before she could see properly. What she saw took her breath away.

They were standing on top of a hill, gazing down at a secluded valley, rich with game. A river wound its way throughout the entire dale, sparkling in the afternoon sun. A herd of deer was cautiously coming out of the wood that made up the back of the valley, edging towards the springy meadow.

Shemaine turned to stare up at Stephen. "It's beautiful." She whispered.

He smiled down at her, wrapping his arms about her slender frame, pulling her close so they were body to body. "When we come back from our honeymoon in the mountains, our new home will be awaiting us, here."

"Honeymoon?" Shemaine's lips curled into the barest hint of a smile. "Is that your way of proposing?"

"Aye."

"I must say, I don't think much of your manners."

Chuckling, Stephen lifted her so they were face to face, kissing her soundly.

Shemaine tossed her head back, laughing as he trailed kisses down her throat. "Stephen, you're impossible."

He made a noise that clearly stated he agreed with her.

Shemaine, threaded her fingers through his auburn hair, her breath catching when he pressed her tightly too him. "I love you, my Prince." She murmured.

"And I you, Princess."

Fallon snapped out of her reverie, meeting 'Taker's gaze, knowing that he too had been dwelling on that particular moment. She couldn't keep herself from blushing, glancing down to avoid his eyes.

"I believe I'll head back to the hotel now." 'Taker said softly, approaching her. "Kane and I will be here later today."

"That's fine." Fallon kept her head bowed. She finally looked up when she heard him disappear up the stairs, breathing a sigh of relief.

***

"Where've you been?" Kane demanded the minute 'Taker walked into the room. "I've been waiting for you for hours!"

"I was out." He removed his cloak, tossing it into a nearby chair. "What are you doing in my chambers?"

"Waiting for you to return." Kane stared at his brother curiously. "Where were you?"

"That is none of your concern."

"You went to see her."

'Taker knew who Kane meant and only grunted, sinking down onto the bed and running his fingers through his black hair.

"Are you falling in love with her?" Kane demanded.

"Kane, quit prying into my affairs." 'Taker snapped, baring his teeth.

***

Tigress bounded down the steps into the living room in a surprisingly good mood. She grinned at the sight of Fallon in the kitchen, standing at the sink staring out the window. "Nice to see you up bright and early."

Fallon turned around and smiled wanly, a cup of steaming coffee in her hand. "Yeah."

Mildly concerned Tigress poured herself a mug, adding creamer and sugar quietly. She observed her sister out of the corner of her eye, frowning. Fallon looked like she hadn't slept a wink. "Are you all right?"

Fallon nodded. "Yeah, I just didn't sleep very well last night, you know? I can't wait for all of this to be over."

"I hear you. If we can finish this tonight, tomorrow Kane and Undertaker will be out of our lives for good."

Fallon seemed troubled.

"What's wrong Fal?"

"I just don't think that things are easy as all that. Those two witches aren't pushovers, they'll be expecting something tonight."