Part four
Taker waited till she was out of sight before he spoke to Vince.
" Vince I have done nothing to her since she came into my care. She has
already accepted me as her Lord, and has agreed to willingly join my
Ministry. As for what I want, you're nowhere even close in your
assumptions. As far as her being returned to her family that will not
happen for she is with her family, and there is no way that you will ever
be able to put me away. I'm worth to much for you to get rid of me, so if
anyone is going to get put away it's going to be you and that bastard on
the floor." Taker then walked off and left Vince to think. He didn't want
to waste anymore time. He had a plane to catch, and girl to test.
Chrissie could feel the both men leering at her. She was nursing her hand;
it had started to turn black and blue from the blow she had given Mike. God
I wish they would stop staring. Chrissie felt a hand running up her leg and
caressing her thigh. She nearly jumped out of skin when she saw who was
doing it. The larger of two men brought his other hand across her cover to
expose her breasts. She tried to get away from him but the other one held
her firmly in place. The first continued his assault, he worked one of her
breasts out and begun to kneed it, and work the nipple in his fingers. His
other hand came to rest on her most private spot. He tried rubbing her
through the pants. Her breathing began to quicken as she started to panic.
She saw Taker come out and apparently so had they because her breast was
slipped back into her top, and they removed their hands from her. Taker
motioned for them to go sit up front with the driver stating that he wished
to speak with me alone. Both smirked as they complied they knew I was in
for it. I watched Taker get in and sit across from me. I heard the door
close up front and the car moved forward. I was still panicking from the
earlier assault.
" Come here" I made my way to sit next to him. I kept my eye's hidden
praying he wouldn't see the fear in them.
" Give me your hand." I once again complied, and he examined it. He could
see the swelling and the bruising. He ran hid fingers over my knuckles,
which made me wince. He laughed at this. I met his eyes and saw that he was
looking at me with pride.
" I will say this. It appears that your friend is worse off than you are."
I gave him a small smile. " I'll have a doctor come and look your hand at
my next stop. I would like to thank you for saying we did not abduct you.
Since you performed so well I will count this as the first part of your
test. You have proven yourself loyal."
" Thank You.." I sat there a moment unsure of what to call him. He was
reading my thoughts again and became amused with my problem. Unfortunately
the incident prior to him getting in the car was also on my mind. His
expression went from one of amusement to one of rage.
" You will call me my Lord." He was speaking through gritted teeth. Taker's
rage was starting to grow. He now realized why all the others had failed;
His supposed loyal members had all tempted them before he ever got to test
them. He knew he would have to take her innocence soon. That he was looking
forward to it, she was very strong but at the same time wished to keep him
happy. Even if it was only for her sake, he knew now that his wishes had
not been conveyed when it concerned her. That would be fixed as soon as
they got to the airport. He saw her shrinking away from hoping not to get
caught by his anger. Taker grabbed her sides and pulled her into his lap.
He purposely set her so she was straddling his thighs. Her head was lowered
so she wouldn't get struck. He raised her chin with his hand so she was
looking at him.
" They will not do that again. None of them will dare think it when I get
done." He was stroking the base of her neck with one of his fingers. He
usually wasn't this nice to the other captives; then again the others
hadn't come to him willingly. She brought him a sense of peace, and relief.
She was very quite and had a very good grip on her emotions. The others
would have started to plead for their lives the minute they saw that knife,
she had shown fear but nothing more than that. He could also feel a
strength in her, which would be utilized. He turned her body so her back
was to him; he then began to rub her neck and shoulders. She let out a
slight moan as he began to work the tension out. He wanted her to come
totally willing to him. Even though he could take her anytime he wished he
wanted her to trust him. The safer she felt with him the less likely she
would leave. The only way he could do that was to isolate her from the rest
of the Ministry. Taker felt her lean back against him, and judging by the
steady breathing she had fallen asleep. He wrapped his arms around her to
keep her still. The screen went down in the front of the car to show the
Acolytes turned as if to speak. Their mouths were slightly open when they
saw the sight, which greeted them. They were going to tell Taker that they
were pulling into they airport but they seemed to lose their train of
thought. Taker began to stroke her hair and he spoke to them in a low tone.
" You will not touch her in that manner again. It took great restraint not
to stop this car and beat you two senseless for what you have done. It
seems quite obvious that my wishes were not conveyed about her. So I will
restate them again. She is mine and no one else's. Any of you that attempt
to take her from me you will pay for it. She has already proven herself
loyal to me, and to the rest of Ministry as well. Mideon will pay for his
words, and you to will pay for your actions. When we arrive go and make
sure everything is ready for us to depart." Both Acolytes had been
listening to them from behind the screen the whole ride. She had only
spoken once in the entire ride. The only way he could have found out is by
reading her mind. They both knew that they were in serious trouble, and so
were Mideon and Paul. No matter what happened Taker was not going to give
her up. The car came to a halt and both of them jumped out of the car to
escape Takers gaze. They rushed over to where the rest of Ministry to
quickly inform them of what had happened.
" WE have a very serious problem." Paul was the first to speak up.
" What is our problem?"
" Taker knows." Mideon went pail then he spoke up.
" How much does he know?"
" Everything. He stated that both you and us would pay for what we've
already done to her."
" How did he find out? She's to quiet to tell." Paul was getting nervous.
Taker had never been protective of the other one's before.
" He must have read her. We didn't have enough time to calm her before he
came. He also stated that if anyone else tried anything with her that they
would pay for it." Paul excused himself and wandered over to the back of
the limo. The Acolytes continued to give their account of what happened and
what they saw when they had arrived.
Taker felt Christine stir a little as she began to wake up. Christine was
surrounded by warmth. She tried to shift her position, which made Taker
groan slightly. He looked out and saw Paul walking towards them. He looked
beyond Paul to see the rest of the Ministry huddled together. Taker felt it
would be best to at least have her conscious when Paul got in the car. He
gave her a nudge then shifted his body so she would be forced to wake up.
He ran a finger along her chin a spoke into her ear.
" Time to wake little one. You'll have plenty of time to rest on the
plane." Christine's eyes opened, and she looked around. For a moment she
had forgotten where she was. Looking down she saw two huge arms encircling
her body, and noticed that she was on his lap. She tried to fight out f his
grasp but his muscles only tightened.
" I asked for you to wake up. I am by no means ready for you to get up."
The car door swung open and Paul slid in. He went into shock at what he
saw; every other female that traveled with him was usually cowering on the
other side of the car. This one was curled up in his lap. Paul cleared his
throat before he spoke.
" I take it you are pleased with this one?"
" Very" he began to stroke her hair again. Taker felt her tense up in
Paul's presence and he wanted her relaxed.
" About what Mideon said." Paul was abruptly cut off. He saw Takers anger
rise.
" It is something he should be punished for. I personally told you to relay
my wishes and you did not. You both gave me more work when I had to calm
her nerves before bringing her down. That cost me time. Now my two most
loyal members attempt to take her before me. I will not stand for
disobedience, nor will I share her. She has proven her loyalty that is one
of the major parts of the test. I will finish the rest when I return home
with her. Now is everything ready for our departure.
" Yes"
" Then go tell the rest to board the plane. I wish to speak with her for a
moment alone. WE will join you shortly." Paul shot knives at her with his
eyes. He got out of the car and slammed the door behind him. Taker watched
as he stalked off and headed towards the plane with everyone else in tow.
He felt her body begin to shift again. He reluctantly released his hold on
her, and found that she had turned to face him.
" I'm sorry for all the trouble that I have caused."
" You have done nothing wrong. They honestly thought that they could turn
you from me. It seems that's why none of the others passed. You don't have
to worry, nor be afraid of them. They will not do anything of that nature
to you again. We will be on a plane for several hours with them. I want you
to stay close to me. They won't dare try anything with me there. I also
need you to stay calm and relaxed." His hands had moved from her hair down
to her side, and the top of her thigh.
" Yes my lord."
" Very good. Now it's time for you to join the others." Both of them exited
the car and headed to the plane. Christian watched Taker get on the plane
with the girl in tow. He could hardly believe what he had heard and saw.
Gangrel would not be pleased with this. Even though the Brood was still
part of the Ministry all three of them knew that they were on their way
out. All three had sensed the power that she possessed and Gangrel had
decided that he wanted her for himself. If they had her then nothing would
stand in their way. Christian pulled out to report back to Gangrel.
" Your sure he's done nothing to her?"
" No but the other members of the Ministry have tried, and she has resisted
them all. There is another problem."
" That would be?"
" The guy that Taker took her from is just as insistent on getting her as
you are. Taker will not let her out of his sight long enough for us to grab
her."
" He will have to leave her alone. There is no way he will leave her with
the rest of the Ministry which means he will have to leave her in his room.
He is waiting till he can get her alone. You said that he will return to
his home after the show tonight?"
" Yes"
" Then we will have to get her before he leaves." Christian watched
Gangrel's smile grow, he knew that Taker would not give her up easily nor
would it be easy to reach her if she was left alone. Taker had ways of
keeping his captives secured till it was their time to be sacrificed. Both
knew that were in for one hell of a night.
Mike paced around his hotel room waiting for Taker to leave. Vince had
found out where they were staying and placed Mike and few other members of
the Corporation close to the Ministry's rooms so when the time came Mike
could very easily get Christine and get out. After that was done Vince
could then take down the Undertaker and the rest of the Ministry.
Part Five
Taker had taken Christine directly to the hotel after the plane landed. He
watched his Ministry more closely and saw them all looking at her. She had
slept most of the flight, which kept her at ease. He watched as she sat on
the bed fiddling with her hair and looking out the window. He had
established a permanent mind link with her so he always knew what she was
thinking. Her mind was blank and she was relaxed, she turned to look at him
and gave him a puzzling look. He knew he had to leave her here. If he
wanted to test her loyalty to him then the only way to do that was to leave
her alone. She had already proven it once today, but he needed to be sure.
" Little one you will stay here tonight. I do not trust them enough to
leave you with them. I expect you to be here when I return. I will bring
one of the federation doctors back with me to look at your hand." She gave
him a smile
" Don't worry I'll be here. I promised to be good and to not run away, I
will not go back on my word."
" Then I will leave you. If you get hungry call room service, do not admit
anyone but them. I will see you when I return." Taker brushed his hand on
her cheek and then left. Chrissie let out a small sigh as she fell back on
the bed. She took the remote from the nightstand and began to flick
channels.
Mike saw Taker and his follower's leave he waited for them to get in there
appointed cars and leave. He then went to get his accomplices and the
supplies. He knew that Chrissie was pissed at him and wouldn't go with out
a fight. She had only been with that freak one night and he had already
changed her. Mike looked at the bruise on his face. She hadn't broken his
nose but she definitely had done some serious damage. He gathered up
everything he needed and placed it in a bag. The others were waiting
outside his door.
I sat in the room for the longest time just staring at the ceiling. I
remembered that hadn't gotten a chance to shower earlier this morning so I
decided to take a nice long bath. The water felt good as it soothed my
aching muscles. I washed my hair and sat in the water till it went cold.
She slipped out and dried her body off. Taker had pointed out a small bag
and told her there were a few change of clothes in it for her. I pulled out
a tank top, bra, panties, and a pair of loose fitting pants. I put my hair
in a braid and sat back down on the bed. I felt my stomach rumble and
reached over to call room service.
Mike had waited about two hours after Taker left. He and the others sat
poised outside her door. Mike stood up and with one swift kick he turned
the door into splinters.
Taker had been listening to her mind the whole time. He smiled when she
went to take a bath. He had only wished he could have seen it. He blocked
her out as he prepared for his match. So far she had stayed and he knew
that she would not leave him. He felt her mind go from a state of
relaxation to one of panic. He could sense her fear, and anger. He heard
her mind begin to scream for help, he heard her mind begin to scream for
him. He was on his feet and headed towards the exit when Vince cut him off.
I saw the door shoot off the hinges and fall to the floor. Mike stepped
through with an evil look in his eye. He had a length of rope in his hand,
plus two other guys with him to prevent my escape.
" Now Chrissie why don't you be a good girl and come with me. If you do
then we won't have to restrain you." He was speaking to me as if I were a
child.
" I told you before Mike I want nothing to do with you! Now take your
buddies and get the fuck out!" I was on my feet by this point looking for
any means of escape.
" Wrong Answer." He lunged at me attempting to grab me. I stepped out of
his reach and scrambled around the shattered table towards the door. The
other guy's with him were blocking my way. They kept me distracted long
enough for Mike to come up behind me. He grabbed my wrists in one hand and
pushed me to the wall with the other. I watched as one of the other men
gave Mike a pair of handcuffs. He snapped the metal around my wrists
securing them in place. He threw me to other man who held on to me. I began
to kick at both of them in an attempt to get free. I tried to scream, but
the minute my both opened a rag was placed in it and then secured by
wrapping another one around my head. Mike came back with the length of
rope.
" Lift her up so I can get her legs." The one holding me complied while the
other stepped over and still my thrashing. He had sick smile on his face
and Mike wrapped the rope around my ankles and then just above my knee's.
My mind began screaming, hoping someone would hear. I remembered how Taker
was always reading my thoughts. I began to call to him hoping he would
come.
" Bring her in here and set her down on the bed so I can finish up, and
then we can leave. I kept trying to move my body so it would be more
difficult but one of them reached out and pulled on my hair to still me.
Mike then wrapped the remaining rope around my arms to keep them still.
" Now for the finishing touch." Mike picked up a piece of the broken table
and hit her in the back of the head. He watched her fall into a heap and
blood trickle down from where he struck her.
" Grab the rest of our stuff and get it to the car. I'll bring her down
through the service entrance in the back. I've already set it up with the
manger. I also need one of you to call Vince and tell him it's done." Mike
grabbed Chrissie and threw her limp body over his shoulder. He looked out
the door to ensure there were no witnesses.
Taker glared at Vince demanding him to move with his eyes.
" Where are you going?" Vince already knew the answer.
" I don't answer to you, and it's none of your business where I'm going so
get out of my way." Taker could still hear Christine screaming then as
abruptly as it started it stopped. He probed her mind trying to find the
reason for her distress but all he found was darkness. Something was not
right. Vince's cell phone ringing snapped him back to reality. Taker saw
the look of triumph on Vince's face. Vince talked for a few moments longer
and then turned his attention back to Taker.
" Actually Taker it is my business. You work for me therefore I need to
know your whereabouts. It doesn't look good for one of my top stars to walk
out in the middle of the show. Particularly right before his match. I'm
going to tell you this right now. If your not out there in that ring
tonight then your ass is fired. Got me?"
Taker growled at this but agreed. He could get to Christine after the
match.
Gangrel walked down the hall and smelled fresh blood. He walked to Takers
room to find the door kicked in and the room a wreck. Someone had gotten
here before him. Gangrel turned to see Taker step off the elevator and head
his way. Taker quickened his step when he saw Gangrel standing in his
doorway. Taker looked at the room before him. The door was in pieces before
him, and room was in shambles. He moved forward to see a small pool of
blood on the comforter of the bed, and the piece of table that caused it.
Taker then turned to Gangrel.
" Where is she?"
" I don't know. I only just arrived."
" What are you doing here?"
" I came to check on her. I sensed her distress and came."
" Why didn't you come get me?"
" I tried but I saw you with Vince, and then you stormed off before I could
catch you." Taker didn't hear the last part. He ran a hand through his hair
and looked around. He could still smell her scent. He looked at the blood.
It was still partially wet, which meant it was fresh. He turned to Gangrel.
" Go get Paul and tell him I wish to see him. After that I want you to find her. They couldn't have gotten far." " Of course Taker" " Gangrel one more thing. I can sense her thoughts, and I can sense yours. So I suggest you do not try to keep her from me. I have claimed her for my own and I will not share her." " I'll send Edge and Christian out as well. Don't worry Taker we'll find her." He left to go find Paul. Gangrel grumbled the whole way. " Damn Bastard. It figures he would keep her to himself." The worse part was that Taker knew about his plan. Yet he had not acted on it. Gangrel stopped at Paul's door and beat on it till he answered. " What!!" " Taker needs to see you immediately." " Tell him I busy." " He's not in the mood to argue. I suggest you go see him before he drags your ass down there." "Fine" Paul grumbled. Gangrel watch him amble down the hall. When Gangrel saw that Paul was near Taker's room he left to go find Christine. Paul wandered in half expecting Taker to be making preparations to return home. Instead he saw the room torn apart and their latest hostage gone. " Where the hell is she!" " She's been taken. By whom I'm not certain. I have the Brood searching for her." " Are you sure she didn't escape?" Taker glared at Paul " She gave me her word, and told me she would not break it! I sensed her panic. Trust me Paul she would and could not do this much destruction." Paul looked around the room and agreed. He waited a few minutes before he spoke again. " Do have an idea of who could have taken her." " I don't know who came and took her, but I know that Vince has something to do with this. I want the Ministry to try and find out who is behind this. Tell them to conduct themselves as if nothing has happened. I will return home and use my power to try and locate her. I've called the manager of this place and he's on his way up. I need you to get what you can out of him." They stood in silence for a moment before they were interrupted. " Holy Shit!" Both looked up to see the manager of the hotel standing in the doorway. Paul turned to him a motioned for him to follow. They both went to Paul's room. Paul came down the hall about ten minutes later. " Well?" " Vince is definitely behind this. The manager said he saw Bossman and Show here earlier along with some guy he didn't recognize. He checked the computers and found that all three rooms were registered under the name of Galyon. They paid off one of the clerks to tell them where you were staying. One can assume that they waited for you to leave, and then they broke in. The manager talked to one of the kitchen staff and he was told that Bossman and Show left about two hours ago along with a smaller man who had a woman slung over his shoulder. I would think that Galyon would take her home with him." " Is his address in the computer?" " They're checking on that now. I've told them not to involve the police." " Good" " They're also going to move you to another room and pay for your expense's." The manager reappeared in the doorway. " Here is the information you requested Mr. Bearer. Here are the keys to your new room as well. If I find out anything else I'll come tell you immediately." The night bellman helped Taker move his bags to the new room. Taker bid Paul goodnight and he flopped down on the bed. He closed his eyes and began to search for Christine's mind. He needed to at least know she was safe. He could sense her fear, and slowly began to hear her calling to him. Taker entered her subconscious and called to her. He could hear her, he just couldn't find her; looking around he saw a small light radiating from something, or someone. He rushed towards hoping it would be Christine. As he approached he could see a small figure dressed in all white. The light radiated from her was her pure heart. She was afraid and seemed to be crying. " Christine?" She nearly jumped out of her skin when he spoke her name. She looked up at him with fear in her eyes. " Please don't be angry with me. This was not my doing." She was on her knees begging him for mercy. Her fear wasn't because of her captors it was because she was afraid of him. "Christine I am not angry at you. I am angry at those who did this." " Then why are you here?" " I am here to calm you. I can sense your thoughts and feelings. I heard your screams and answered them as soon as I could find you. Vince would not let me come aid you when they first took you. Rest assured that I am coming to reclaim you, and those that have done this will pay. Now are you able to show me exactly what happened to you?" Christine nodded and showed him the images of her abduction. She watched Takers anger grow as the events unfolded. She shrank away from him even further. " Do you know where they have taken you?" " No, I've been out of it this whole time." " As I said before this is not your fault nor will you be punished for it. You have nothing to fear. It will be morning soon and you need your strength little one. Remember I can still hear your thoughts, so if you become aware of your true whereabouts call them out to me." "Yes my lord." He watched as she bowed and then left his presence. Taker then returned to his own subconscious and gladly welcomed sleep. Part Six Christine awoke the next morning to her head once again throbbing. It wasn't fun waking up two days in a row like that. I remembered what had happened last night and was surprised that I could move my arms. All the restraints had been removed. I looked down to see that I was in my old pajamas. I looked around and realized I was in my room at home. I got up to look out my window and saw bars on my windows. Funny I don't remember those. Maybe the neighborhood has gone down since we left. I heard my stomach grumble, and headed to the door. When I opened it there were more bars, which formed into a cell door. I pushed on it only to find it locked. I was home all right, but I was a prisoner in it. Mike had taken no chances with the Undertaker anymore. I shut my bedroom door and sat back down on the bed. I concentrated and focused on Taker hoping he would hear. I was soon rewarded. My Lord? There was silence. Can you hear me? I have found out where they have taken me. And where is that little one? Home, but it's not my home anymore. They have placed bars on my window and door to keep me here. I'm sure they have ways of keeping you out. I looked at my calendar and saw that I only had two weeks till I had to report back to school. Then another two before classes started. My Lord. Yes I may have a way out yet. Do tell I have to go back to college in two weeks. Then I start classes in another two. Mike can't keep an eye on me all the time particularly when classes start. Do you live in your home, or on campus? On campus Very well contact me when you leave for school. I will look for a college close to my home so you can continue you studies. Yes sir, a hard slap to the face interrupted her train of thought. " Ow " she rubbed her face and looked up at Mike. " What had you so happy?" she knew Taker was still listening he was always listening. Maybe this was the test he spoke of. Mike was about to smack her face again when she spoke. " Being home! I missed it so much while we were away." He seemed suspicious of her answer " What did that freak do to you?" " Nothing" His nose was still badly bruised from where I had hit him the day before. " What about yesterday?" I was caught; I was kicking myself for everything I had said. I felt my anger grow as remembered what had happened last night. " What about yesterday! If you hadn't pissed him off maybe it wouldn't have happened. Do you have any idea what I went through? He didn't do anything to me but his minions did. The whole time I was with them they looked at me like I was a piece of meat." " Well I'm not surprised. I saw the outfit you were in." " You think I choose to wear that?" " Maybe" " It was either comply or get beaten, tortured, and god knows what else. It should have been you!" I was yelling at him, but I didn't care anymore. " Mike I told you in the hotel to leave me alone!" " I heard you." " So why did you still come and kidnap me." " Me kidnap you, he must have seriously screwed with your mind. As I recall he took you at the end of a show, and then kept you under lock and key. I couldn't believe that he left you alone." " He left me alone because he trusted me. I can't imagine what he'll do to me when he gets me back." I lied about the last part. Taker knew what had happened to me. I also knew that he wasn't going to hurt me, at least not as bad as Mike. " He's not going to get you back." " What?!" " We're moving. My parents got an offer to work over seas and they want us to go with them. They said we could go to school over there, and everything. He won't be able to find you in time." " When are we leaving?" I was panicking. " Two days don't worry about your stuff. It's going to be sent over to us. Just pack a couple of week's worth of clothes. I'll come get you when lunch is ready. Mom can't wait to see you" He shut my door, and then the 'cell' door and locked it. I knew Taker could feel my moods I could only hope that he felt my current one. I began to cry, a feeling of calm swept over me along with the urge to sleep. He was once again standing before me looking distressed. Little one, what has you so worried? He's taking me away. Taker gave an evil little laugh He cannot take you anywhere where I cannot find you. Now where is he taking you? Somewhere in Europe. He won't tell me exactly. He made a hissing sound which made her back away. When are you leaving? Two days. That does not leave me much time. I have gotten his address from the manager of the hotel. I will come for you soon. How much security does he have? I'm not sure; he's locked me in my room. There are bars everywhere. I don't want to go with them. Taker became confused. He knew Galyon had taken her home. He assumed she was with her family. He decided to play a little game with her. You do not wish to go with your family? They are not my family. My parents died when I was younger, and I've lived with the Galyons since. Then you wish to be rid of them? Very much. Do you wish to be rid of me? Her eyes grew large. No! Why? To be rid of both me, and them would give you freedom. I've sensed that thought many times. I would never try to run. I promised you I wouldn't! She was close to tears. Her image began to fade and her voice became unclear. He felt a stinging pain shot through her body. Someone was waking her up. Do not fear little one, I know you would not leave me. I will come for you very soon. He then released her from her sleep. Chrissie awoke to Mike slapping her hard on her cheek. " Ow! Why must you do that?" He didn't answer her. He yanked her to her feet and dragged her down the hall. " You slept through lunch. Mom saved yours." " Where are they?" " They had to make preparations for the move. So it's just us." She looked around the house searching for any added security. To her surprise she found none. Then again they were getting ready to move " You must have been having one hell of a dream." " What makes you say that?" " I came in and you were smiling. Now what were you dreaming about?" " I don't remember. It was probably not important." She gave him a smile and turned to her food. Taker made the arrangements to get to Christine. He would need the full Ministry at his side. He didn't know what security the house possessed, and Christine had been on edge since she had been abruptly awakened. Normally having any emotions made him sick. But this girl had sparked something in him. He could feel a fire burning with in her. Now he just needed to harness it. Vince had been digging at him all day. He would enjoy the look on Vince's face when he found out Christine was back where she belonged. He had done some research on her family since his last conversation. Her parents had both died when she was eleven. He remembered hearing about it through Paul. Both of them had been well versed in magic, and the mystic arts. Her mother was a healer, and practiced white magic. Her father was an alchemist, and had been taught all forms of magic. He was also very knowledgeable in the dark arts. While he didn't practice black magic he was a source of information that did. That meant Christine would have inherited their gifts. It was now a necessity to get her back. He had sent Paul and Mideon ahead to check on the security. He wasn't anticipating much but he still wished to be prepared. This would not be an easy task. Christine looked out the window to see Paul and Mideon staring in. Mike was about to turn when she grabbed his attention. " Mike" " What?" " How about you tell me a little more about where we're going." " Dad says it's top secret. He thinks Taker has some sort of mind meld with you." " Well can you at least tell what the weathers like so I know what to pack?" " Dad told me warm, and lots of sun. Not much different than here." Chrissie forgot that they lived in Florida. " Well I think I'm going to go get dressed. Did your parents say when they would be back?" " Nope" Chrissie wandered back down the hall with Mike behind her. Her heart sank when she heard him lock the door after she went in. She waited till he was gone then wandered over to the window. They had bars on them but she could still get them open. Mideon and Paul had followed her to her room, and were surprised to see her open a window " Do you know how close you came to getting caught?" " Even if we did they would pay for it tomorrow." Mideon was giving her a look again. " Listen up, Taker will come for you tomorrow night. He will have the entire Ministry here with him. My advice to you would be to do everything your told. Chrissie didn't see Mike's parents pull up, nor did she see that Paul and Mideon were in direct view. She had no time to react when Mike's father practically broke her door down. He reached out and yanked her away from Mideon and Paul by her hair. " Looks like no matter what I do the same freaks keep trying to find you." He looked at Paul. " Go back and tell whom ever you work for that he will not corrupt her, nor we he turn her into his kind." Chrissie spoke up " What are do you mean his kind?" This earned her a hard belt to her mouth. " A devil worshipper, a freak. I've worked hard to ensure you didn't take after your parents. Fooling around in their spells and such. It was a blessing when they died." He still had hold of her hair and he began to drag her out of the room. Paul and Mideon watched and could only stand there slack jawed. Paul had been there when Taker did the research on her parents. He had forgotten that they had left behind a daughter. " I resent being called a freak." " Well if you don't wish to called a few other things then I suggest we find a way to get her out of here. Taker will not be pleased if any harm comes to her." Mideon shook his head in agreement Mike's father threw Christine down the stairs to the basement. " Clara! Get a pair of scissors and get down here." Christine was desperately trying get away from him. Mike's mother came down with a pair of scissors and looked down at Christine. " Tom I don't think you should do this. We don't know anything about this guy or what he wants with her." " You want to join her?" " No" " Then braid her hair." " Why?" " Because you're going to cut it off. I'm sick of looking at it." Mike had come down the stairs to give his father something. Clara braided Christine's hair very quickly. She checked to make sure the ends were even.
" I'm sorry dear, I really am." She then picked up the scissors and turned to her husband. " Well what are you waiting for? Cut it off." Clara turned back to Christine and placed the scissors at her shoulders. It took about five good cuts before the braid fell to the floor. She picked it up and handed it to her husband. Who went upstairs, Clara and Mike were hot on his heels. " Tom what are going to do with it?" " Give it to those two lurkers as a warning." Paul and Mideon had begun to move back to their car when they saw the man from earlier come storming up to them. " Here take this to you master, and let it serve as warning. Tell him that if he comes anywhere near here that she'll lose a lot more than her hair." Mideon stepped forward. " You will not harm her in any way. This is not her doing. If you seek one to beat then I suggest you turn to your son. Besides Christine belongs with us, and she will return with us; let her prove her loyalty. Bring her out and let her decide who she would rather go with." Tom laughed at that. " Why so you can put her back under your spell. No and she does not belong with you. Your master forced her to join you." Paul interrupted him. " She joined of her own accord. None of us were in there with her. Taker persuaded her on his own. He also doesn't like when something is taken from him. She is very valuable to him, and he will stop at nothing get her back. One more thing you will pay for any and every wound you inflict on her." " Then he can pay for her hospital bills." He put the braid in Paul's hand and went back to the house. He knew Taker would be arriving later on in the afternoon. " We need to get to the airport. It's imperative we tell Taker about this." Mideon simply nodded while looking at the braid. They watched as the plane landed and taxied up to them. Taker emerged first with the rest of the Ministry behind him. Taker and Paul rode separately so they could talk. " Did you find where she is?" " Yes, but there are problems. The father has threaten physical harm if come anywhere near her. He knows about her parents, and what potential she has." " I've sensed her distress all day what exactly has he done to her?" " This" Paul held up the braid and handed it to Taker. He watched as his hand tightened around it. " Take me to her." " What?' " You heard me. I cannot wait till tomorrow. I will not risk her being injured." As Taker spoke he heard Christine scream, he probed into her mind to find the source. He could feel a stinging pain on his back. " We need to get to her now! He's already making good on his threat." " How can you tell?" " Because I can feel it." Taker was right Tom was making good on his threat he had been beating on Christine for a good hour and a half. He started by lashing at her back with his belt. He had since progressed to kicking and throwing punches. She knew he was getting tired, and the pain was dulled after a while. He had tied her hands to a poll to keep her from running. She felt darkness began to seize her, and she gladly welcomed it. Tom saw that she had lost consciousness and stopped. He seemed satisfied with his work and left locking the basement door behind him. Taker walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. A small woman who appeared to be frightened answered it. " Good evening ma'am, are your husband or son home?" " No they went out. Is there anything that I can help you with?" " Perhaps, I'm looking for a Christine Elisabeth Parker. I was told she lived here." She backed away " Your him, aren't you?" " That depends which him your referring to." " The one that kidnapped Christine." " Yes, but the only reason I took her was to teach your son a lesson. That was before I knew about her parents. She holds great potential, and I wish to help her achieve it. Besides all she finds here is misery, and pain." " I can't let you take her." " I came to ask you for her without anything happening to your family or home. If you refuse I cannot be responsible for what happens." She tried to shut the door but he stopped her. He pushed his way into the house backing her against the wall. " Christine belongs to me. She gave me her mind, body, and soul willingly, and I will not leave until she is returned to me." He heard a car pull up and grinned. " Now unless you wish to become a childless widow I suggest you show me where she is hidden." Before she could answer Tom and Mike burst through the door. Taker grabbed her throat and lifted her off the ground. " Who are you?" " I am the one you stole Christine from, and if you wish your family no harm you will release her to me." " Not a chance." " Dad, he's not playing. Just hand her over." " Why?" " Because she's his." " Now you're buying into this!" " She's different! I lied about who did this to me he pointed to his nose. It wasn't Taker's minions; it was Chrissie, look at her right hand. I think she might have broken it. If he's here then his minions aren't far behind him. Just let her go dad." True to his word the rest of the Ministry appeared in the doorway. " Bradshaw and Farooq will stay here with me, the rest of you search the house and don't stop till she is found. Taker set the small woman down, and turned her towards him. " You cannot save your husband, but you can save your son." " She's yours, please just take her and go." Mideon appeared about a minute later. " Master" " What" " She's in the basement, but she needs medical attention. It appears as if she's been beaten with in an inch of her life. There's blood all over her. I'm not sure of the source." " Get the others and take care of him," pointing to Tom " The other two will not be harmed." He then turned to Clara. " You will not tell another living soul what really happened to him." She simply shook her head as he moved to the basement. His rage grew even more when he saw Christine. She was tied to a poll with bruises, and cuts all over her body. Her hair was raggedly cut and hiding her face. He pulled out his knife and cut her hands loose. He carefully scooped her up and carried her back up the stairs. He walked past Tom's broken body and carried her to his car. He instructed Paul to have the others tie up the loose ends. He then got in the car and told the driver to go the nearest hospital. When the screen was lifted and they were out of sight. He went into her mind and found darkness. He searched for her but could find her. He delved deeper but only silence. There were no dreams, and there was no emotion. He could feel all her pain, and wished to make it stop. He had heard everything from her stay there. She was right it should have been Mike. But he had felt her power; he could see it in her eyes. Now that he had the information on her parents made him want to harness it even more. He felt the car lurch to a stop. He looked out the window and saw that they had arrived at the hospital. He carried her into the emergency room and placed her on a bed. He then grabbed the first doctor that walked by. He began to protest till he saw Christine. The doctor had her ushered into an examination room. Part Seven " Can you tell me what happened to her sir?" " She was kidnapped, and beaten by her captor." " Do you if he sexually assaulted her?" That was something that hadn't crossed Takers mind. " No, I found her like this. I thought it wise to get her to a hospital." " Are you a relative?" " I'm her guardian of sorts. Her parents died when she was eleven." " I need to do some x rays to check for broken bones, there's definitely internal bleeding. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to go wait in the waiting room. I'll come and give you an update as soon as I can." Taker watched as Christine was rolled down the hall, as she disappeared through a set of doors he was ushered into the waiting room. Taker sat there for hours waiting for any news. He tried to go into Christine's mind several times but only found darkness. The rest of the Ministry had gone back to the hotel. Paul had stayed with him to keep him sane. A doctor finally approached them. " Excuse me, but did you gentlemen come in with a Christine Parker?" Taker jumped to his feet. " Yes we did. Do you have any news?" " Well, we were able to stop the bleeding. I'm afraid there might be brain damage. She had some pretty bad shots to the head. Until she regains consciousness there's not a whole lot we can do for her." " Can we see her?" " Not at the moment. She's still in recovery but as soon as she comes out I'll send someone for you." He gave them a smile and walked off. " What will happen if she does not awaken? You can't harness her power then, she will be useless to you then." " I will not let her sleep for forever. There are ways of bringing her back." " You're obsessed with this girl. She has changed you, and turned you away from your original course." " She is the key part of my destiny. She is also the only one powerful enough to defeat me. Would you rather fight her, or have her on our side. We would be practically invincible if she stood with us." Taker heard a small voice in his mind. Paul was about to speak again when Taker silenced him. " I think she's trying to wake up" " What makes you say that?" " She's calling to me. Watch for the doctor, I'm going to try to find her." He probed into her mind and found some of the darkness lifted. He followed the small voice till he came upon her form. It was very faint, and weak. My lord, why are you here? You don't remember what happened little one? Yes Then you understand why I'm here. You are safe and in a hospital away from the Galyons. They will not harm you again, I have seen to that. You must awaken it is the only way they will let me in. I can't I'm not strong enough. You didn't hurt Clara did you? It wasn't her choice; she wanted no part in this. No little one, the only one hurt was Tom. She tried to stand but couldn't gather the strength to. She began to fade further. He instantly began to worry. She was losing the fight for her life. Little one you must hold on. I cannot afford to lose you again. Her voice was gone he could no longer hear her. He went to her fading form and grabbed hold. He used his power to feed some of his strength into her to keep her alive. All he needed was for her to regain consciousness and he could take her out of here. She began to reappear and her voice soon returned. He gave her everything he could before pulling away. He left her with only one thought Wake up! Her eyes flew open and see looked around the small room. It had filled with nurses and doctors. Her whole body ached from the beating she had received. The doctors soon left her and Paul joined her. He had a disgusted look on his face as he looked at her. Taker soon followed him looking very tired. " Paul get out! I need to speak with her alone." " She will be our destruction." " She will be our salvation because she will never leave us again." Paul got a small smile as he left. " No she won't." Taker had stayed with her for a week before he had to go back to the federation. The day she was released she received a note from taker telling her to meet him at a very specific address. So she packed up her things and followed the note. It lead her to a small graveyard and to two graves, the graves of her parents. She was hit with a swarm of memories both good and bad. She remembered her mother telling her of her destiny and how to defeat the man in black. She screamed in pain when someone grabbed her by her hair and pulled her back. " You dare run from me!" She was met with a very pissed off Taker. " I followed your instructions I would." " Silence, you'll pay for this when I bring you home with me." He dragged her behind him making her stumble and fall. She wondered how he was going to make her pay seeing as her body wasn't completely healed. He pushed her into the back of a waiting limo and slammed the door behind him. He hadn't believed Paul when he said she was gone. " It was truly foolish for you to try and play me for a fool." " Please listen my lord." He held up his hand. " I have listened to enough of your ramblings, you have already proven to be to much trouble. Had you been anyone else I would have been rid of you long ago. I will see to it that your never leave my sight again. He came through on his word. She was either right behind him or attached to something close by so he could watch her. He refused to touch her. She had to watch numerous sacrifices and countless women share his bed. At first she had been embarrassed but after a few weeks the shrieks and moans had become common to her till one night he didn't bring someone to bed with him. He simply stared at her contemplating something. " What am I to do with you little one?" " Continue to punish me?" He let out an evil little laugh " I could have done worse. I could have you beaten and given to the others but I didn't." She didn't answer him. She had learned to bite her tongue around him. " You should be thanking me." She still didn't answer. She kept her eyes forward trying to shut him out. He got up and grabbed the chain that was connected to her wrists. He gave one hard yank and pulled her to her feet startling her. " Particularly since your time to be inducted has come." He ran his fingers through her hair and reached up to detach the chain from it's resting place. He turned her to face him and raised her face. She still had her eyes averted from him. " Christine look at me." She slowly brought her eyes up. For the first time he saw the emptiness, and hatred in them. They had gone from silver to a dull grey losing their brilliant light and strength. She was even more beautiful since she had healed and gotten rest. He pulled her wrists up and placed the key into the locks. He let the manacles fall to the floor. He saw that her wrists had to be repeatedly bandaged and treated for cuts. She pulled her hands away from him and began to unlace her top. She let it fall to the floor and then undid her pants. She soon stood before him stark naked. The scars from her life with the Galyons showed in the firelight. She began to mentally prepare herself. Losing ones virginity was a big deal. She had hoped to stay one till she married but that wasn't an option. " Why do you resist me?" " I'm not resisting. Do what you want. You've said it yourself a thousand times, there is no escape." " Then why won't you give yourself to me completely." " You only said mind, body, and soul. You never said heart." He let out a long sigh. She had become what he didn't want. She wasn't going to fight him, plead with him, or anything. " What would make you become the old Christine?" " Nothing, she died a long time ago." " Then get dressed and leave." " What?" She began to show signs of life " I don't want this version of you. You're not strong enough, and basically worthless to me." " Your letting me go?" " Yes I'll inform the others." He left the room shutting the door behind him. She slipped back into her clothes and left his chamber for the last time. She felt a twinge of happiness return to her life. She was going to be free again. The rest of the Ministry was nowhere to be seen so she slipped her coat over her shoulders and stepped out of the door. She never looked back after that. A smile crossed her lips for the first time in months.
" Go get Paul and tell him I wish to see him. After that I want you to find her. They couldn't have gotten far." " Of course Taker" " Gangrel one more thing. I can sense her thoughts, and I can sense yours. So I suggest you do not try to keep her from me. I have claimed her for my own and I will not share her." " I'll send Edge and Christian out as well. Don't worry Taker we'll find her." He left to go find Paul. Gangrel grumbled the whole way. " Damn Bastard. It figures he would keep her to himself." The worse part was that Taker knew about his plan. Yet he had not acted on it. Gangrel stopped at Paul's door and beat on it till he answered. " What!!" " Taker needs to see you immediately." " Tell him I busy." " He's not in the mood to argue. I suggest you go see him before he drags your ass down there." "Fine" Paul grumbled. Gangrel watch him amble down the hall. When Gangrel saw that Paul was near Taker's room he left to go find Christine. Paul wandered in half expecting Taker to be making preparations to return home. Instead he saw the room torn apart and their latest hostage gone. " Where the hell is she!" " She's been taken. By whom I'm not certain. I have the Brood searching for her." " Are you sure she didn't escape?" Taker glared at Paul " She gave me her word, and told me she would not break it! I sensed her panic. Trust me Paul she would and could not do this much destruction." Paul looked around the room and agreed. He waited a few minutes before he spoke again. " Do have an idea of who could have taken her." " I don't know who came and took her, but I know that Vince has something to do with this. I want the Ministry to try and find out who is behind this. Tell them to conduct themselves as if nothing has happened. I will return home and use my power to try and locate her. I've called the manager of this place and he's on his way up. I need you to get what you can out of him." They stood in silence for a moment before they were interrupted. " Holy Shit!" Both looked up to see the manager of the hotel standing in the doorway. Paul turned to him a motioned for him to follow. They both went to Paul's room. Paul came down the hall about ten minutes later. " Well?" " Vince is definitely behind this. The manager said he saw Bossman and Show here earlier along with some guy he didn't recognize. He checked the computers and found that all three rooms were registered under the name of Galyon. They paid off one of the clerks to tell them where you were staying. One can assume that they waited for you to leave, and then they broke in. The manager talked to one of the kitchen staff and he was told that Bossman and Show left about two hours ago along with a smaller man who had a woman slung over his shoulder. I would think that Galyon would take her home with him." " Is his address in the computer?" " They're checking on that now. I've told them not to involve the police." " Good" " They're also going to move you to another room and pay for your expense's." The manager reappeared in the doorway. " Here is the information you requested Mr. Bearer. Here are the keys to your new room as well. If I find out anything else I'll come tell you immediately." The night bellman helped Taker move his bags to the new room. Taker bid Paul goodnight and he flopped down on the bed. He closed his eyes and began to search for Christine's mind. He needed to at least know she was safe. He could sense her fear, and slowly began to hear her calling to him. Taker entered her subconscious and called to her. He could hear her, he just couldn't find her; looking around he saw a small light radiating from something, or someone. He rushed towards hoping it would be Christine. As he approached he could see a small figure dressed in all white. The light radiated from her was her pure heart. She was afraid and seemed to be crying. " Christine?" She nearly jumped out of her skin when he spoke her name. She looked up at him with fear in her eyes. " Please don't be angry with me. This was not my doing." She was on her knees begging him for mercy. Her fear wasn't because of her captors it was because she was afraid of him. "Christine I am not angry at you. I am angry at those who did this." " Then why are you here?" " I am here to calm you. I can sense your thoughts and feelings. I heard your screams and answered them as soon as I could find you. Vince would not let me come aid you when they first took you. Rest assured that I am coming to reclaim you, and those that have done this will pay. Now are you able to show me exactly what happened to you?" Christine nodded and showed him the images of her abduction. She watched Takers anger grow as the events unfolded. She shrank away from him even further. " Do you know where they have taken you?" " No, I've been out of it this whole time." " As I said before this is not your fault nor will you be punished for it. You have nothing to fear. It will be morning soon and you need your strength little one. Remember I can still hear your thoughts, so if you become aware of your true whereabouts call them out to me." "Yes my lord." He watched as she bowed and then left his presence. Taker then returned to his own subconscious and gladly welcomed sleep. Part Six Christine awoke the next morning to her head once again throbbing. It wasn't fun waking up two days in a row like that. I remembered what had happened last night and was surprised that I could move my arms. All the restraints had been removed. I looked down to see that I was in my old pajamas. I looked around and realized I was in my room at home. I got up to look out my window and saw bars on my windows. Funny I don't remember those. Maybe the neighborhood has gone down since we left. I heard my stomach grumble, and headed to the door. When I opened it there were more bars, which formed into a cell door. I pushed on it only to find it locked. I was home all right, but I was a prisoner in it. Mike had taken no chances with the Undertaker anymore. I shut my bedroom door and sat back down on the bed. I concentrated and focused on Taker hoping he would hear. I was soon rewarded. My Lord? There was silence. Can you hear me? I have found out where they have taken me. And where is that little one? Home, but it's not my home anymore. They have placed bars on my window and door to keep me here. I'm sure they have ways of keeping you out. I looked at my calendar and saw that I only had two weeks till I had to report back to school. Then another two before classes started. My Lord. Yes I may have a way out yet. Do tell I have to go back to college in two weeks. Then I start classes in another two. Mike can't keep an eye on me all the time particularly when classes start. Do you live in your home, or on campus? On campus Very well contact me when you leave for school. I will look for a college close to my home so you can continue you studies. Yes sir, a hard slap to the face interrupted her train of thought. " Ow " she rubbed her face and looked up at Mike. " What had you so happy?" she knew Taker was still listening he was always listening. Maybe this was the test he spoke of. Mike was about to smack her face again when she spoke. " Being home! I missed it so much while we were away." He seemed suspicious of her answer " What did that freak do to you?" " Nothing" His nose was still badly bruised from where I had hit him the day before. " What about yesterday?" I was caught; I was kicking myself for everything I had said. I felt my anger grow as remembered what had happened last night. " What about yesterday! If you hadn't pissed him off maybe it wouldn't have happened. Do you have any idea what I went through? He didn't do anything to me but his minions did. The whole time I was with them they looked at me like I was a piece of meat." " Well I'm not surprised. I saw the outfit you were in." " You think I choose to wear that?" " Maybe" " It was either comply or get beaten, tortured, and god knows what else. It should have been you!" I was yelling at him, but I didn't care anymore. " Mike I told you in the hotel to leave me alone!" " I heard you." " So why did you still come and kidnap me." " Me kidnap you, he must have seriously screwed with your mind. As I recall he took you at the end of a show, and then kept you under lock and key. I couldn't believe that he left you alone." " He left me alone because he trusted me. I can't imagine what he'll do to me when he gets me back." I lied about the last part. Taker knew what had happened to me. I also knew that he wasn't going to hurt me, at least not as bad as Mike. " He's not going to get you back." " What?!" " We're moving. My parents got an offer to work over seas and they want us to go with them. They said we could go to school over there, and everything. He won't be able to find you in time." " When are we leaving?" I was panicking. " Two days don't worry about your stuff. It's going to be sent over to us. Just pack a couple of week's worth of clothes. I'll come get you when lunch is ready. Mom can't wait to see you" He shut my door, and then the 'cell' door and locked it. I knew Taker could feel my moods I could only hope that he felt my current one. I began to cry, a feeling of calm swept over me along with the urge to sleep. He was once again standing before me looking distressed. Little one, what has you so worried? He's taking me away. Taker gave an evil little laugh He cannot take you anywhere where I cannot find you. Now where is he taking you? Somewhere in Europe. He won't tell me exactly. He made a hissing sound which made her back away. When are you leaving? Two days. That does not leave me much time. I have gotten his address from the manager of the hotel. I will come for you soon. How much security does he have? I'm not sure; he's locked me in my room. There are bars everywhere. I don't want to go with them. Taker became confused. He knew Galyon had taken her home. He assumed she was with her family. He decided to play a little game with her. You do not wish to go with your family? They are not my family. My parents died when I was younger, and I've lived with the Galyons since. Then you wish to be rid of them? Very much. Do you wish to be rid of me? Her eyes grew large. No! Why? To be rid of both me, and them would give you freedom. I've sensed that thought many times. I would never try to run. I promised you I wouldn't! She was close to tears. Her image began to fade and her voice became unclear. He felt a stinging pain shot through her body. Someone was waking her up. Do not fear little one, I know you would not leave me. I will come for you very soon. He then released her from her sleep. Chrissie awoke to Mike slapping her hard on her cheek. " Ow! Why must you do that?" He didn't answer her. He yanked her to her feet and dragged her down the hall. " You slept through lunch. Mom saved yours." " Where are they?" " They had to make preparations for the move. So it's just us." She looked around the house searching for any added security. To her surprise she found none. Then again they were getting ready to move " You must have been having one hell of a dream." " What makes you say that?" " I came in and you were smiling. Now what were you dreaming about?" " I don't remember. It was probably not important." She gave him a smile and turned to her food. Taker made the arrangements to get to Christine. He would need the full Ministry at his side. He didn't know what security the house possessed, and Christine had been on edge since she had been abruptly awakened. Normally having any emotions made him sick. But this girl had sparked something in him. He could feel a fire burning with in her. Now he just needed to harness it. Vince had been digging at him all day. He would enjoy the look on Vince's face when he found out Christine was back where she belonged. He had done some research on her family since his last conversation. Her parents had both died when she was eleven. He remembered hearing about it through Paul. Both of them had been well versed in magic, and the mystic arts. Her mother was a healer, and practiced white magic. Her father was an alchemist, and had been taught all forms of magic. He was also very knowledgeable in the dark arts. While he didn't practice black magic he was a source of information that did. That meant Christine would have inherited their gifts. It was now a necessity to get her back. He had sent Paul and Mideon ahead to check on the security. He wasn't anticipating much but he still wished to be prepared. This would not be an easy task. Christine looked out the window to see Paul and Mideon staring in. Mike was about to turn when she grabbed his attention. " Mike" " What?" " How about you tell me a little more about where we're going." " Dad says it's top secret. He thinks Taker has some sort of mind meld with you." " Well can you at least tell what the weathers like so I know what to pack?" " Dad told me warm, and lots of sun. Not much different than here." Chrissie forgot that they lived in Florida. " Well I think I'm going to go get dressed. Did your parents say when they would be back?" " Nope" Chrissie wandered back down the hall with Mike behind her. Her heart sank when she heard him lock the door after she went in. She waited till he was gone then wandered over to the window. They had bars on them but she could still get them open. Mideon and Paul had followed her to her room, and were surprised to see her open a window " Do you know how close you came to getting caught?" " Even if we did they would pay for it tomorrow." Mideon was giving her a look again. " Listen up, Taker will come for you tomorrow night. He will have the entire Ministry here with him. My advice to you would be to do everything your told. Chrissie didn't see Mike's parents pull up, nor did she see that Paul and Mideon were in direct view. She had no time to react when Mike's father practically broke her door down. He reached out and yanked her away from Mideon and Paul by her hair. " Looks like no matter what I do the same freaks keep trying to find you." He looked at Paul. " Go back and tell whom ever you work for that he will not corrupt her, nor we he turn her into his kind." Chrissie spoke up " What are do you mean his kind?" This earned her a hard belt to her mouth. " A devil worshipper, a freak. I've worked hard to ensure you didn't take after your parents. Fooling around in their spells and such. It was a blessing when they died." He still had hold of her hair and he began to drag her out of the room. Paul and Mideon watched and could only stand there slack jawed. Paul had been there when Taker did the research on her parents. He had forgotten that they had left behind a daughter. " I resent being called a freak." " Well if you don't wish to called a few other things then I suggest we find a way to get her out of here. Taker will not be pleased if any harm comes to her." Mideon shook his head in agreement Mike's father threw Christine down the stairs to the basement. " Clara! Get a pair of scissors and get down here." Christine was desperately trying get away from him. Mike's mother came down with a pair of scissors and looked down at Christine. " Tom I don't think you should do this. We don't know anything about this guy or what he wants with her." " You want to join her?" " No" " Then braid her hair." " Why?" " Because you're going to cut it off. I'm sick of looking at it." Mike had come down the stairs to give his father something. Clara braided Christine's hair very quickly. She checked to make sure the ends were even.
" I'm sorry dear, I really am." She then picked up the scissors and turned to her husband. " Well what are you waiting for? Cut it off." Clara turned back to Christine and placed the scissors at her shoulders. It took about five good cuts before the braid fell to the floor. She picked it up and handed it to her husband. Who went upstairs, Clara and Mike were hot on his heels. " Tom what are going to do with it?" " Give it to those two lurkers as a warning." Paul and Mideon had begun to move back to their car when they saw the man from earlier come storming up to them. " Here take this to you master, and let it serve as warning. Tell him that if he comes anywhere near here that she'll lose a lot more than her hair." Mideon stepped forward. " You will not harm her in any way. This is not her doing. If you seek one to beat then I suggest you turn to your son. Besides Christine belongs with us, and she will return with us; let her prove her loyalty. Bring her out and let her decide who she would rather go with." Tom laughed at that. " Why so you can put her back under your spell. No and she does not belong with you. Your master forced her to join you." Paul interrupted him. " She joined of her own accord. None of us were in there with her. Taker persuaded her on his own. He also doesn't like when something is taken from him. She is very valuable to him, and he will stop at nothing get her back. One more thing you will pay for any and every wound you inflict on her." " Then he can pay for her hospital bills." He put the braid in Paul's hand and went back to the house. He knew Taker would be arriving later on in the afternoon. " We need to get to the airport. It's imperative we tell Taker about this." Mideon simply nodded while looking at the braid. They watched as the plane landed and taxied up to them. Taker emerged first with the rest of the Ministry behind him. Taker and Paul rode separately so they could talk. " Did you find where she is?" " Yes, but there are problems. The father has threaten physical harm if come anywhere near her. He knows about her parents, and what potential she has." " I've sensed her distress all day what exactly has he done to her?" " This" Paul held up the braid and handed it to Taker. He watched as his hand tightened around it. " Take me to her." " What?' " You heard me. I cannot wait till tomorrow. I will not risk her being injured." As Taker spoke he heard Christine scream, he probed into her mind to find the source. He could feel a stinging pain on his back. " We need to get to her now! He's already making good on his threat." " How can you tell?" " Because I can feel it." Taker was right Tom was making good on his threat he had been beating on Christine for a good hour and a half. He started by lashing at her back with his belt. He had since progressed to kicking and throwing punches. She knew he was getting tired, and the pain was dulled after a while. He had tied her hands to a poll to keep her from running. She felt darkness began to seize her, and she gladly welcomed it. Tom saw that she had lost consciousness and stopped. He seemed satisfied with his work and left locking the basement door behind him. Taker walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. A small woman who appeared to be frightened answered it. " Good evening ma'am, are your husband or son home?" " No they went out. Is there anything that I can help you with?" " Perhaps, I'm looking for a Christine Elisabeth Parker. I was told she lived here." She backed away " Your him, aren't you?" " That depends which him your referring to." " The one that kidnapped Christine." " Yes, but the only reason I took her was to teach your son a lesson. That was before I knew about her parents. She holds great potential, and I wish to help her achieve it. Besides all she finds here is misery, and pain." " I can't let you take her." " I came to ask you for her without anything happening to your family or home. If you refuse I cannot be responsible for what happens." She tried to shut the door but he stopped her. He pushed his way into the house backing her against the wall. " Christine belongs to me. She gave me her mind, body, and soul willingly, and I will not leave until she is returned to me." He heard a car pull up and grinned. " Now unless you wish to become a childless widow I suggest you show me where she is hidden." Before she could answer Tom and Mike burst through the door. Taker grabbed her throat and lifted her off the ground. " Who are you?" " I am the one you stole Christine from, and if you wish your family no harm you will release her to me." " Not a chance." " Dad, he's not playing. Just hand her over." " Why?" " Because she's his." " Now you're buying into this!" " She's different! I lied about who did this to me he pointed to his nose. It wasn't Taker's minions; it was Chrissie, look at her right hand. I think she might have broken it. If he's here then his minions aren't far behind him. Just let her go dad." True to his word the rest of the Ministry appeared in the doorway. " Bradshaw and Farooq will stay here with me, the rest of you search the house and don't stop till she is found. Taker set the small woman down, and turned her towards him. " You cannot save your husband, but you can save your son." " She's yours, please just take her and go." Mideon appeared about a minute later. " Master" " What" " She's in the basement, but she needs medical attention. It appears as if she's been beaten with in an inch of her life. There's blood all over her. I'm not sure of the source." " Get the others and take care of him," pointing to Tom " The other two will not be harmed." He then turned to Clara. " You will not tell another living soul what really happened to him." She simply shook her head as he moved to the basement. His rage grew even more when he saw Christine. She was tied to a poll with bruises, and cuts all over her body. Her hair was raggedly cut and hiding her face. He pulled out his knife and cut her hands loose. He carefully scooped her up and carried her back up the stairs. He walked past Tom's broken body and carried her to his car. He instructed Paul to have the others tie up the loose ends. He then got in the car and told the driver to go the nearest hospital. When the screen was lifted and they were out of sight. He went into her mind and found darkness. He searched for her but could find her. He delved deeper but only silence. There were no dreams, and there was no emotion. He could feel all her pain, and wished to make it stop. He had heard everything from her stay there. She was right it should have been Mike. But he had felt her power; he could see it in her eyes. Now that he had the information on her parents made him want to harness it even more. He felt the car lurch to a stop. He looked out the window and saw that they had arrived at the hospital. He carried her into the emergency room and placed her on a bed. He then grabbed the first doctor that walked by. He began to protest till he saw Christine. The doctor had her ushered into an examination room. Part Seven " Can you tell me what happened to her sir?" " She was kidnapped, and beaten by her captor." " Do you if he sexually assaulted her?" That was something that hadn't crossed Takers mind. " No, I found her like this. I thought it wise to get her to a hospital." " Are you a relative?" " I'm her guardian of sorts. Her parents died when she was eleven." " I need to do some x rays to check for broken bones, there's definitely internal bleeding. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to go wait in the waiting room. I'll come and give you an update as soon as I can." Taker watched as Christine was rolled down the hall, as she disappeared through a set of doors he was ushered into the waiting room. Taker sat there for hours waiting for any news. He tried to go into Christine's mind several times but only found darkness. The rest of the Ministry had gone back to the hotel. Paul had stayed with him to keep him sane. A doctor finally approached them. " Excuse me, but did you gentlemen come in with a Christine Parker?" Taker jumped to his feet. " Yes we did. Do you have any news?" " Well, we were able to stop the bleeding. I'm afraid there might be brain damage. She had some pretty bad shots to the head. Until she regains consciousness there's not a whole lot we can do for her." " Can we see her?" " Not at the moment. She's still in recovery but as soon as she comes out I'll send someone for you." He gave them a smile and walked off. " What will happen if she does not awaken? You can't harness her power then, she will be useless to you then." " I will not let her sleep for forever. There are ways of bringing her back." " You're obsessed with this girl. She has changed you, and turned you away from your original course." " She is the key part of my destiny. She is also the only one powerful enough to defeat me. Would you rather fight her, or have her on our side. We would be practically invincible if she stood with us." Taker heard a small voice in his mind. Paul was about to speak again when Taker silenced him. " I think she's trying to wake up" " What makes you say that?" " She's calling to me. Watch for the doctor, I'm going to try to find her." He probed into her mind and found some of the darkness lifted. He followed the small voice till he came upon her form. It was very faint, and weak. My lord, why are you here? You don't remember what happened little one? Yes Then you understand why I'm here. You are safe and in a hospital away from the Galyons. They will not harm you again, I have seen to that. You must awaken it is the only way they will let me in. I can't I'm not strong enough. You didn't hurt Clara did you? It wasn't her choice; she wanted no part in this. No little one, the only one hurt was Tom. She tried to stand but couldn't gather the strength to. She began to fade further. He instantly began to worry. She was losing the fight for her life. Little one you must hold on. I cannot afford to lose you again. Her voice was gone he could no longer hear her. He went to her fading form and grabbed hold. He used his power to feed some of his strength into her to keep her alive. All he needed was for her to regain consciousness and he could take her out of here. She began to reappear and her voice soon returned. He gave her everything he could before pulling away. He left her with only one thought Wake up! Her eyes flew open and see looked around the small room. It had filled with nurses and doctors. Her whole body ached from the beating she had received. The doctors soon left her and Paul joined her. He had a disgusted look on his face as he looked at her. Taker soon followed him looking very tired. " Paul get out! I need to speak with her alone." " She will be our destruction." " She will be our salvation because she will never leave us again." Paul got a small smile as he left. " No she won't." Taker had stayed with her for a week before he had to go back to the federation. The day she was released she received a note from taker telling her to meet him at a very specific address. So she packed up her things and followed the note. It lead her to a small graveyard and to two graves, the graves of her parents. She was hit with a swarm of memories both good and bad. She remembered her mother telling her of her destiny and how to defeat the man in black. She screamed in pain when someone grabbed her by her hair and pulled her back. " You dare run from me!" She was met with a very pissed off Taker. " I followed your instructions I would." " Silence, you'll pay for this when I bring you home with me." He dragged her behind him making her stumble and fall. She wondered how he was going to make her pay seeing as her body wasn't completely healed. He pushed her into the back of a waiting limo and slammed the door behind him. He hadn't believed Paul when he said she was gone. " It was truly foolish for you to try and play me for a fool." " Please listen my lord." He held up his hand. " I have listened to enough of your ramblings, you have already proven to be to much trouble. Had you been anyone else I would have been rid of you long ago. I will see to it that your never leave my sight again. He came through on his word. She was either right behind him or attached to something close by so he could watch her. He refused to touch her. She had to watch numerous sacrifices and countless women share his bed. At first she had been embarrassed but after a few weeks the shrieks and moans had become common to her till one night he didn't bring someone to bed with him. He simply stared at her contemplating something. " What am I to do with you little one?" " Continue to punish me?" He let out an evil little laugh " I could have done worse. I could have you beaten and given to the others but I didn't." She didn't answer him. She had learned to bite her tongue around him. " You should be thanking me." She still didn't answer. She kept her eyes forward trying to shut him out. He got up and grabbed the chain that was connected to her wrists. He gave one hard yank and pulled her to her feet startling her. " Particularly since your time to be inducted has come." He ran his fingers through her hair and reached up to detach the chain from it's resting place. He turned her to face him and raised her face. She still had her eyes averted from him. " Christine look at me." She slowly brought her eyes up. For the first time he saw the emptiness, and hatred in them. They had gone from silver to a dull grey losing their brilliant light and strength. She was even more beautiful since she had healed and gotten rest. He pulled her wrists up and placed the key into the locks. He let the manacles fall to the floor. He saw that her wrists had to be repeatedly bandaged and treated for cuts. She pulled her hands away from him and began to unlace her top. She let it fall to the floor and then undid her pants. She soon stood before him stark naked. The scars from her life with the Galyons showed in the firelight. She began to mentally prepare herself. Losing ones virginity was a big deal. She had hoped to stay one till she married but that wasn't an option. " Why do you resist me?" " I'm not resisting. Do what you want. You've said it yourself a thousand times, there is no escape." " Then why won't you give yourself to me completely." " You only said mind, body, and soul. You never said heart." He let out a long sigh. She had become what he didn't want. She wasn't going to fight him, plead with him, or anything. " What would make you become the old Christine?" " Nothing, she died a long time ago." " Then get dressed and leave." " What?" She began to show signs of life " I don't want this version of you. You're not strong enough, and basically worthless to me." " Your letting me go?" " Yes I'll inform the others." He left the room shutting the door behind him. She slipped back into her clothes and left his chamber for the last time. She felt a twinge of happiness return to her life. She was going to be free again. The rest of the Ministry was nowhere to be seen so she slipped her coat over her shoulders and stepped out of the door. She never looked back after that. A smile crossed her lips for the first time in months.