Disclaimer: Same as before
Note: Text in italics is thought.
Part III
"Are you feeling alright, man?" Scott Hall asked. He, X-Pac, and Kevin Nash were sitting in the hotel cafe the next morning. "You've been quiet all morning and you've barely touched your breakfast."
"I guess I'm just not hungry," Kevin replied. After finally settling into a dreamless sleep the night before, he had at last begun to relax. He awoke at sun's first light feeling fully rested and came to the conclusion that the recent dreams were a product of his subconscious. I just feel guilty about beating on Kane. But he had to admit that the attempted mugging had been real... Except that there was no body to be found. Because Kane took the body... As he tried to rationalize all the events, he'd noticed a business card lying on the bedside table. It read:
Your presence is requested tonight...
11 PM... SHARP!
Lateness shall be looked down upon...
An address was written on the back. He saw that it was a few blocks away from the hotel he was staying in. He'd somehow have to find a way to ditch the guys before he set out. This definitely didn't sound like a place they should visit... Not without an invitation at least.
"I just have a lot on my mind," he said after a while. "I'll be fine... Ow!" He looked down and saw that his hand was bleeding again. What IS going on?
"You okay?" Scott got up to check on his friend. "You need a first aid kit?"
"No... I'm fine." Without thinking, he lifted his injured hand to his face and licked the blood that was coming from the opening. Seeing the weird looks he was getting from his companions, he decided to make a hasty exit. "I got things to do... I'll catch you guys later."
"Anything we can help with?" X-Pac asked.
Like you've ever done anything helpful! "No... Thanks... I'll have to deal with this on my own." Putting his money on the table, he got up and slowly walked away from the two.
"We're on for tonight though, right?" Scott asked.
"Uh.. No.. Something came up... Sorry..."
"What's up with him?" Scott asked X-Pac.
"I dunno." He went back to his coffee.
Kevin spent the rest of the day in his room. He hated to disappoint Scott, but there was no way he could tell them where he was going. He was under enough pressure to pass the test... Hell, he didn't even know what the test was. If it was one of strength, he was pretty sure he could get by. But something told him that it would be no easy feat. What are the odds of a human being getting through a trial given by a bunch of vampires? I just have to think positive. Psyching myself out won't help my situation... or Kane's... He certainly couldn't stand the thought of letting him down. I'll do it for him... and for me… I love the guy... even the way he calls me "Idiot". He sighed. There was no way he was going to give that up. His mind made up, he was content to watch the sunset.
After grabbing a quick dinner, Kevin headed to the bathroom for a nice, hot shower. Once he'd dried off, he dressed in a black button down shirt, black dress pants, and black boots. Realizing that his damp hair would dry in the night air, he decided to let it hang loose about his shoulders. He splashed on a bit of cologne, grabbed his jacket, and headed out the door. The clear air allowed him to organize his thoughts. I just have to do this... There's no turning back now. This is gonna be a long night. And what's the worse that could happen to me? I fail the test and they kick me out. At least my hand would stop bleeding sporadically. As if to mock him, his wound opened again.
"Aw hell," he mumbled. A soft breeze ruffled his long blond hair as he ran his finger over the cut. Doesn't hurt... He frowned.
"You lost or somethin?"
He looked up to see Bradshaw leaning against the wall of a building. Wasn't he beat up on Raw? "Yeah, I guess I am... I'm looking for this place." He handed Bradshaw the card he had received.
"You're in the right place," Bradshaw said, handing back the card. "Follow me... I'll show you the way."
Bradshaw held the door open for Kevin and he followed him through the entrance. Once inside, he was surprised that he hadn't noticed he had arrived at his destination. With the bass pounding techno music and the multi-colored flashing lights, he should've heard the ruckus from two blocks down.
"Soundproofing," Bradshaw yelled over the noise.
"What?"
"The whole place is soundproof. That's why you couldn't hear the noise from the outside."
"Oh!" He followed Bradshaw through the dark and smoky club as best he could. He hoped he didn't get lost in the gyrating Goth crowd. Most of the people were dressed in black leather or denim and covered in makeup. As he was taking in the atmosphere, he didn't see Bradshaw stop short and ended up bumping into him.
"Through there," Bradshaw said, gesturing to the door in front of them. "The Clan's been waiting for you." He swiftly turned on his heels and disappeared into the mob.
"Clan?" Kevin asked himself as he went through the door. "I have to meet The Clan?"
"Of course," Undertaker said. "Everyone does... at least those who want to join us."
He was stunned to see some of the Federation's finest located around the room. The Rock was sitting on a couch with Shane McMahon who had his head resting on The Rock's shoulder. RVD sat in a chair nearby with Edge standing behind him. Bradshaw came through another door and Jacqueline on the loveseat. Most shocking of all was Taker sitting in the middle of a black leather couch with HHH sitting at his feet. This just gets stranger by the minute!
"But the fun is just beginning," The Rock said, smiling and baring his fangs.
"Let me guess," Kevin started. "You're still mad about the whole 'nWo ganging up on The Rock' thing, aren't you?"
"Save the fighting for later," Taker said to the Rock. "Remember... Business before pleasure." He turned to Kevin. "Please... Have a seat." He motioned to a chair in the middle of the room.
Not wanting to appear rude, especially in a room full of vampires that held his future in their hands, he quickly sat down. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat as eight pairs of eyes bored holes through him. Every so often, one would lean over and whisper something to another. So this will be my clan... Better company than Scott and X-Pac.
"Assuming you make it through tonight," Edge said.
"I'll be fine," Kevin said. Kane silently entered the room from a side door. He was wearing a white silk shirt and black leather pants. His long brown hair was held back with a black ribbon and a few loose strands fell across his face. As he approached Nash, he couldn't help but admire the way he gracefully walked across the room, as if his feet barely touched the ground. He got to his feet as Kane stood in front of him. "You look... amazing," he sighed, wrapping one of Kane's stray locks around his finger.
"Thank you," Kane replied. He stared at the floor, hoping Nash wouldn't see the tears in his eyes. But he did.
"You know why you're here," Taker said, interrupting the two. "Don't you?"
"Yeah," Kevin said. "Something about me cutting myself on a knife." He noticed Kane about to say something and cut him off. "I know... I know... Idiot!"
Taker laughed. It was the most blood chilling sound he'd ever heard in his life. "Well, you two get along like a married couple. But the deciding factor will be whether you possess the inner strength of an immortal. Whether you have the power to endure the Transformation."
"I can do it... I will do it!"
Taker stood. "The Lady will be the judge of your character." He signaled to Bradshaw. "Take him to get changed."
Bradshaw took Kevin by the arm. "I guess I'll be seeing you," he said to Kane.
"Yeah... And Kevin... I'm sorry."