A/N: Okay, so here's chapter two. Sorry it took so long, but I spent last week in Memphis and had very little computer time and have spent this week trying to catch up on sleep. However, I'm back and I have time again, so I'll try and get them out faster (at least once a week). Any mistakes, feel free to blame on my Kindle, which is what I typed most of this on.

Now, without further ado, Enjoy :)

Chapter 2: Tell Me Everything You Know

Zack was awake for quite a while before his bladder overruled his desire to stay warm and comfortable in the bed. He pulled himself up, wincing at the aches and pains left over from all the unneeded medical equipment from the past few weeks. It was rough going, but he eventually made it to the bathroom and relieved himself and as he was washing his hands, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and he had to do a double take. There was something profoundly different in his appearance, but he couldn't figure what it was. He stared, taking in every inch of his face until he met his own eyes, and that's where he saw it. There was a fire to match the one in Kane's eyes, almost as if his decision to 'embrace the hate' had unlocked something in him, changed him irrevocably, and he wondered if this was anything close to how born again Christians felt. He left the bathroom with a new spring in his step, Kane was still asleep, and so Zack took the liberty of getting a look at him without his mask or get up. He looked almost...normal. Like he could wake up, get dressed, and go to a day job, work all day, and then go to a bar, drink and shoot the shit with his co-workers. But Zack knew better than to think any such thing, the man was a monster, as close to a demon as someone was likely to meet, and Zack was finding he like that fact more and more.

"Like what you see?" came the low rumble of Kane's voice, snapping Zack out of his thoughts.

"Sorry," Zack said sheepishly, averting his eyes. Kane laughed sitting up and stretching.

"Don't be," he said; "We're in this together now, you needn't be afraid of me any longer. As long as you follow my orders and stay unwaveringly loyal, you will be safe from anything and everything that may come your way, including myself."

Zack was surprised at how sincere he seemed to be, after all the things he'd done, and now he was promising to protect him. Zack could feel that he could trust the man, he'd never lied before and Zack could tell that he was telling the truth now.

"You ready?" Kane asked, getting out of the bed.

"Ready for what?" Zack asked, a thread of fear working it's way through him.

"We've got a plane to catch. More shows, more cities, life goes on."

A plane. Zack hoped they'd be catching a separate plane from the rest of the roster, not knowing how he'd be able to deal with Cena evaluating him the entire time. But in the end, he could never be so lucky. At the airport, he could see Beth and Natalya as they boarded the plane, Miz was farther back in the line in front of Swagger, talking to him, a rare smile on his face. Behind them, Vickie was, as usual, pumping up Dolph's ego as he nodded along. Punk passed by Zack and Kane, alone as usual, ear buds in, and when he noticed Zack, he nodded, a slight smirk as if he already knew what Zack was up to. He shook it off, knowing that there was no way Punk could know.

As he boarded the plane, he spotted John, seated next to Randy, and averted his eyes quickly, breathing a sigh of relief as he realized they would be sitting in a row far behind them. As he took his seat, he could see Cena perfectly, but he wouldn't be able to look at Zack without being completely obvious about it. Zack settled into his window seat, Kane taking his spot next to him, and he stared out the window, waiting for take off. It was strange being on a plane, sitting quietly, lost in his own thoughts without Cena's hands on him or his feet sneaking up Zack's leg, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Reflection was something he'd never been big on, he'd always preferred to live in the moment, but he'd changed he realized, and things were different. While self reflection had once made him uncomfortable in his own skin, he was finding that now it was helping him come to terms with the changes that were being thrown his way. He'd worked his entire life to make it to the WWE, almost an entire year to make them notice him, and now, at the end of that year, he was being treated like absolute shit. They'd lied, they'd hurt him, and they'd made him out to be someone he'd always known he wasn't. Kane had told him the truth, had taken him under his wing, and showed him what he was meant to do.

He settled back into his seat and his eyes drifted shut of their own volition; he found himself in a desert, the most beautiful he'd ever seen. It stretched on forever, the sun, large and red on the horizon, was setting quickly. John stood about twenty yards away, his back to Zack, staring off into the distance.

"John?" Zack called, unable to help himself. His rational brain argued vehemently against saying anything, but his dream brain wouldn't listen.

John didn't turn around, but he spoke; "Look at it Zack, tell me what you see." He seemed distracted, his tone emotionless and distant.

Zack went to stand next to him, trying to see what his ex-lover saw. He looked out over the landscape, it was mostly empty, other than the sun, which was setting the entire scene on fire. "It's beautiful," he whispered, awestruck. That his mind could create such a scene amazed him, but at the same time he wasn't surprised, it perfectly reflected his current emotional state.

"I thought you'd say that," John said, smiling sadly. Zack didn't reply, not knowing exactly what to say. Instead, he spent more time enjoying the view, which didn't change; no matter how long they stood there, the sun never seemed to get any lower and the air didn't get cooler. He tried to make sure it was burned into his mind, not wanting to forget what he was seeing when he woke up.

John snuck a glance at Zack, who appeared to be asleep and dreaming something that made him happy. John turned back around and sighed, he knew that he shouldn't be surprised that Zack was moving on so easily, he'd always known that whatever it was that Zack felt for him it was probably just a passing crush. But that Zack would move on to someone like Kane? That was something he never could have predicted.

"Stop it," Randy grumbled from next to him.

"Stop what?"

"Moping. You're like a lost puppy left out in the rain. Either he'll come around, or you'll need to move on. But you can't keep on like this or people are going to catch on and the shit storm that will follow will be much worse."

John had to agree with that. Faking a smile would always be much easier than dealing with the press, something everyone who spent any length of time in the spotlight had to learn in order to survive. So he slapped a smile on his lips and leaned back in his seat, hoping he looked more relaxed than he felt.

"Stewardess," he called, damned be political correctness; "could you please get me a pillow? He asked, flashing her the most charming smile he could muster. She nodded, blushing and hurrying off, returning with the requested item. John smiled again showing off his teeth and dimples, thanking her and leaning back into the pillow. Slowly but surely he drifted off, and found himself in a dream more real than any he'd ever had.

He was on what appeared to be a beach, clouds making the sky almost as black as a starless night, rain imminent. Standing at the shore line, foamy water swirling around his feet, was Zack, staring off into the distance, as if assessing the coming storm.

"Zack?" He asked, unsure of what was happening.

"What is this John?" He asked, but his voice held an indescribable wisdom that told John he already knew.

"A dream," he stated, surprised that he still registered that.

"But why?"

At first, John didn't understand the question, but then it came to him; why would he be having such a dream? What could bring such a vision on? The threatening storm was a perfect reflection of the roiling emotions he'd resolved to keep hidden behind a fake smile.

"You," was John's simple answer.

"Of course," Zack returned, just as simply.

That's when the clouds broke and the wrath of John's grief and rage broke free. Wind ravaged the land and stirred the water, rain pounded ruthlessly into everything it could hit. And John was afraid.

Cena turned back to stare at them for a moment and Kane was glad Zack was asleep, so that he didn't have to see it. The man turned back around and began a muttered conversation with Orton and came back with a relaxed smile. He flirted with a stewardess for a moment and she brought him a pillow, thoroughly enjoying the attention. He kicked back in his seat and drifted off and Kane could see the instant when he finally fell into sleep because the smile fell from his face. Next to him, Zack jerked awake, a small, disappointed noise bubbling forth from his lips.

"Welcome back to the land if the living," Kane greeted his newly awakened protege.

"How long was I out?" He asked, still not fully back from his dream world.

"About half an hour," Kane said; "we've still got a way to go."

Zack sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes once more, but not falling asleep. Kane studied him, pleased with what he saw; Zack had followed his every order and Kane could tell that the boy wouldn't stop until he'd proven himself in every way possible. And even Taker's boy approved, even if his Master didn't.

Zack could feel Kane's eyes on him, but knew better than to acknowledge it or point out how uncomfortable it made him. He wanted to make the man proud of him and see how far he could go under his wing.

After four hours in the plane, it finally landed in their latest town. Zack stumbled off the plane, his legs stiff from disuse. His arm was grabbed and he was being dragged out to the pick up area, where a large black limo was waiting. He was ushered in and found a seat before looking around. He almost fell out of his seat when he found two other men staring back at him. The Undertaker, in all his glory, sat straight up in his seat, an air of commanding power surrounding him. Lounging across the seat, his head in Taker's lap, was none other than CM Punk, a signature grin on his lips and amusement in his eyes. Kane slid in next to him, nodding toward Taker, muttering a greeting. Zack was unsure of how to act; Punk appeared to be relaxed, but Punk was never one to be nervous about anything, so he opted to sit ram rod straight.

"Relax," Kane whispered; "you're among friends here."

Zack didn't know how to trust that; Taker was no longer staring at him, but at Punk, and the lack of attention from the dead man helped him to relax marginally, leaning back in the seat and staring out the window. The ride was silent until they pulled up in front of a hotel that Vince would never pay for and they piled out Taker and Kane going to check in, leaving Zack and Punk alone to wait.

"Stop being so nervous," Punk chastised good naturedly.

"I can't help it, bro," Zack said, anxiety tainting his voice. Punk just laughed and clapped him on the back as Kane and Taker returned. They had adjoining rooms and Zack was amazed at the size and quality of the room. It was quite possibly the best he'd ever been in and he could barely contain himself from acting like a kid in a candy store. He calmly walked over to the bed and sat down, taking a moment to let the room sink in, taking in the two king beds, the large window overlooking the city, and the extravagant furniture adorning the room. He was surprised to see that his bags had made it as well, but decided not to ask Kane how he'd gotten them.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, his father was calling. He stared at it for a moment, debating answering it, before pressing ignore. Now was no time to be talking to his father.

"Why are we here?" He asked, hoping the question was okay.

Kane looked at him for a moment, amused, before coming to sit next to him.

"Understand Zack, you are no longer part of the regular roster, you are above them. With me, you will reach heights you never before even dreamer existed."

Zack listened on, amazed at the new world he was finding himself in.

"And Undertaker?" He asked, trying to understand exactly what he'd gotten himself into.

"My brother and I are doing the same thing. He's training his own protege, molding him the way I am molding you."

"Punk?" He asked, surprised that the other man would subject himself to taking orders. Kane nodded.

"There's something my brother sees in him. The same thing I see in you I expect."

"And what do you see in me?" Zack asked, casting his eyes downward as the bold question escaped him before he could stop it.

"Myself," Kane answered, standing up and walking over to the bathroom. "I am going to take a shower. Make yourself at home, do whatever you like."

Zack nodded dumbfounded. Whatever he wanted? There were so many things, but somehow he felt that Kane was trusting him not do anything too outrageous. He crawled into his bed and flipping on the large flat screen TV, surfing through the channels. He found Jersey Shore and thought about stopping to watch, but found that after a few moments, everything they did annoy and sickened him. He continued flipping through channel after channel, searching for something decent to watch. He finally just settled on the show Kane had been watching the night before, apparently called Supernatural. It made more sense to him the more he watched it and he found himself getting quite into it. He was so engaged in the show that he didn't notice Kane as he emerged from the shower until he spoke.

"Finally getting it?" He asked, startling Zack out of his trance. Zack looked up and was stunned at what he saw; Kane stood a few feet away in nothing but a towel slung low around his waist. The man was much better looking than he appeared in costume and it took Zack a moment to recover.

"Yes sir. I just have one question. Are Dean and Castiel supposed to be..." he didn't quite finish it, not knowing exactly what he was going for.

Kane just smiled understandingly; "Finish the episode, then take a shower, we've got somewhere to be."

Zack nodded and went back to watching his show, becoming immersed immediately. As it finished, he began getting his things around for his shower. Kane sat in one of the plush chairs in nothing but boxers and Zack couldn't help but think he'd looked more at home in the hotel from the previous night.

With one last look at Kane, he closed the bathroom door and got in the shower. As the warm water hit his skin, he allowed himself to sink into his own little world for a while. His thoughts drifted through the last few days, and he felt a small pang of loss when it came to John, but it was quickly replaced by a feeling of home when thoughts of Kane invaded his mind. As he allowed the water to pour down his back and soothe his muscles, his thoughts turned from his new life, to Kane in a towel, lounging in nothing but boxers, and he found himself growing hard. He hadn't been touched in weeks, John refusing to do anything once he'd been injured. He wrapped a hand around his erection, stroking it lightly at first, then building speed. He braced one hand against the wall as thoughts of Kane swirled in his head and water poured over his back, and he pumped his cock furiously, feeling release building. As his strokes became more erratic, he couldn't help but release a few quiet grunts and moans, followed by a louder one as he came over his hand. He stood panting as he let the water wash away the evidence. He washed his hair and scrubbed his body quickly, making up for lost time, before jumping out and drying off, throwing his clothes on and leaving the hot, steamy room, enjoying the feel of the cool air on his over heated skin.

Kane was pulling on a shirt and tuned to look at Zack.

"Good shower?" He asked and Zack could swear that he knew.

"Yes sir," Zack answered, casting his eyes downward in embarrassment.

"Are you ready to leave?" Kane asked.

"Just need to get my shoes and socks on sir," Zack answered, hurrying to do so.

In the car, he did his best to sit still even though his nerves were on fire from anxiety. He didn't know where they were going and knew better than to ask, especially with Taker staring him down. He made a point of taking his cues from Punk, who seemed to know what he was doing. Punk was relaxing back into the seat and Zack attempted to do the same, trying to trust the people he was surrounded by completely, but finding it hard when he knew so little about them and their goals. The ride was long and Zack grew more and more anxious as time stretched on until they finally came to a stop in a parking lot in front of a hotel even better than the one they were staying in. He could only conclude that they were meeting someone very important.

"You're lucky," Kane whispered as they boarded the elevator; "We're in a town he had business in."

Zack held his tongue, knowing he'd meet the mystery man soon enough.

The elevator dinged and the door opened onto a hallway, which they followed to the end and Taker knocked on the door to the left and stood back. The door was thrown open and Zack had to fight to appear as unphased as Punk, because standing in the doorway was none other than Vince McMahon, signature grimace in place. He threw the door back before retreating back into his room; the others followed, Zack bringing up the rear, trying to blend into the background. It didn't work though, and Vince's eyes landed on him instantly, making him wish he could sink into the ground and disappear.

"This the new kid?" He asked, looking to Kane for an answer.

"Yes sir," Kane answered and Zack was almost knocked down at hearing Kane use the honorific. It wasn't like him to see others as above him, but Zack gathered that it was because Vince was a superior and it was only customary.

"Of all the boys on the roster, this is the one you choose," Vince said, disappointment clear in his voice. "At least Taker here has some taste."

"I assure you sir, this boy will not disappoint. I've kept a good eye on him for a long time, he's the perfect choice for the job."

Vince grumbled about Kane's future depending on him being right and sat at the desk, getting on his laptop.

"So tell me Zack, how far are you willing to go to follow the orders given to you?"

"As far as is necessary sir. I promise I won't stop until it's done or I am dead," Zack said confidently, hoping his answer was what Vince was looking, because it was the truth and he didn't think lying would do him any good. Vince stared at him for a moment before breaking out in a smile.

"Good man," he said; "But know that there's no backing out," he warned and Zack nodded, not wanting to back out and not wanting to fail those in his new world. Vince seemed satisfied and dismissed Zack.

There was some hushed talk amongst the older men, leaving Zack and Punk alone to wait until they were done.

"Relax Zack, you've been accepted," Punk said, reclining on the bed that Vince obviously wasn't using.

"It's just so surreal, you know? Everything's happening so fast," Zack confessed.

Punk laughed, "I've only been in for about two months myself. But we're special, we've been chosen to be the next generation of super powers in the WWE," Punk explained.

"But why me?" he asked, stunned that Kane would choose him, a Long Island kid who was still fairly new to the game.

"He sees something in you that no one else on the roster has. I can see it too; you're determined, you're strong, and once you put your mind to something, you won't stop. Plus, the fire; that's probably what Kane sees most in you."

"What fire?"

Punk just looked at him and winked as their Masters returned.

"Come boys," Taker ordered and as they all filed out of the room, Zack could feel Vince's eyes on him all the way out.