The Price of Fame
The lights came up slowly on a wrestling ring that had been constructed in Madison Square Garden. In the center of the ring stood a tall man with short curly red hair. It was the Undertaker, or rather it was Mark Calaway before he became the Undertaker. He was dressed as he does now, in a light blue shirt, jeans, and boots. However, tattoos did not yet adorn his arms, and the wedding band he wore was different from the one he wore now.
"Awe-inspiring, isn't it?" said a voice from the darkness. "Someday, those that fill these seats will be chanting your name and the sound of it will be so loud that even the deaf will be able to hear it."
"Is that a promise?" asked Mark.
"No, but it is a reality that could happen if you really want it. Do you really want it?"
"Yes," said Mark. "I want to be famous."
"And what will you give me to make you famous?"
"Whatever you ask for," said Mark.
"If I ask for your soul and your eternal allegiance will you give it to me?"
"Yeah, sure," said Mark.
"Thank you, Mark." With that the darkness crept towards him from all sides until it enveloped him.
"What the Hell is this?" demanded Mark.
"Payment for services rendered." The lights came up and Mark was now in a very different place. Sounds of unbearable suffering echoed far away. Blood dripped freely down the walls, which appeared to be made of human bones. This was Hell. Mark began to step forward, but a circle of flame erupted around him, trapping him within. Damian walked out to stand in front of him. An amused smile crossed his lips. "I have so many changes to make before you will be ready."
Mark tried to move, but was again met with flames. Damian reached out his hand and Mark began to lift from the ground. He was brought unharmed through the flames to face Damian. "Your soul for the power to conquer the world and become famous," said Damian. Dark specters swarmed about Mark, pulling and tugging, scratching and biting. Then in a bright flash a dark shadow flew away from Mark's body, flew about the room, and into Damian's green eyes. "It is done," he said to Mark. "You will get all that I promise, and more." He moved his outstretched hand down and slowly Mark lowered to the ground until his feet once again came into contact with the floor. Mark lifted his head and opened his eyes to look around. They glowed an inhuman green. He could sense the power he now possessed and the feeling of it was intoxicating.
"You belong to Hell now, Mark," Damian said with a twisted smile. Mark just through back his head and laughed a cruel and sinister laugh that echoed throughout the rooms and halls until it was all that could be heard.
With a start, Mark woke up from his nightmare. He looked around the room frantically until he realized he was in his own home, with Sara. She was still sleeping peacefully next to him. Carefully he brushed the hair back from her face and just stared at her. Gently he caressed her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm. She gave off a small sigh in her sleep. Quietly he leaned towards her and gave her a little kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," he said softly to her.
Kane struggled to try and free himself. With a savage yell he wrenched his arm free of the spike that pinned it to the wall. Almost immediately, the hole that had been put in his arm from the spike closed up and was gone. Quietly, he raised his arm up towards the heavens. Then, as he brought it down, a column of fire erupted up from the floor directly beneath him. In an instant, his whole body was engulfed by the flames. His flesh crackled as he felt his restraints melt away. Once he was freed of his bonds, the column of flame slowly brought him to the ground. Once he felt his feet touch the floor he walked out of the fire, unhurt. Both of his eyes glowed green as the power he had invoked to free himself still coursed through his veins. Quietly, he walked back through the halls to the locker room that he had found Damian in. His mask was waiting on the sofa for him. With his gloved hand he reached forward and picked it up. It glowed in the darkness of the room as he put it back on his face. He could hear the sounds of countless souls screaming in agony as he secured the straps. When he was done he turned, walked back into the darkness, and was gone.
To be continued…
