Dark Saviour

Chapter 24 - Choices and Drastic Measures

….

A/N: There is some bloody violence in this but I know some people have been waiting for it so, enjoy.

….

Jeff woke with a start, bolting up into a sitting position, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. As his gaze swept the room for whatever had disturbed him, his gaze fell on Taker's empty bed, although it was obvious that the man had slept in it. Jeff glanced quickly over at the door to the bathroom, hoping to see the Deadman stepping out of it. To his disappointment, the door stood wide open, the room completely dark.

"Where did he go?" Jeff asked aloud, his panic giving way to confusion and another emotion he couldn't quite identify. He jumped when someone pounded on the door.

Maybe that's what woke me up, Jeff thought as he slowly crawled out of bed. Looking through the peephole, a habit he had picked up after one too many unwanted visits, and saw Kane standing outside the room, looking rather impatient.

"What the hell?" Jeff muttered as he unlocked the door, stepping back slightly to allow Kane to enter the room. "What are you doing here, Glen?"

"I was wondering if Mark was here," Kane answered as he looked passed the smaller man, taking in the two disheveled beds. "And I'm going to take a wild guess that he's not."

"No," Jeff said simply as he shook his head. "I don't know where he is."

"How could you not know?"

"I'm not his mother. He doesn't have to tell me where he goes," Jeff shrugged, smiling. "I also did just wake up."

Kane nodded slowly in understanding. "But it would have been nice of him to let you know, even if he just left you a note or something."

"If you say so," Jeff said as he grabbed a cup and poured himself some coffee. "So, what can I do for you?"

"Nothing, I guess," Kane replied as he took out his cell. "I was only looking for Mark. If he's not here, then I guess all I can do is try to call him again," he said as he dialed the number. After a few seconds, he took the phone away from his ear and stared at it, a frown on his face.

"What's wrong?" Jeff asked.

"His cell is turned off," Kane answered, smiling. "I guess since you're here now, he doesn't need to keep it on all the time."

"What do you mean by that?"

"When you left he had his cell on constantly," Kane explained, shaking his head.

"Why?"

Kane shrugged as he looked up from his phone to stare at Jeff. "No one really knows, but it sure made it a hell of a lot easier to get a hold of him," he answered truthfully.

"I'm sure you must have some idea?"

"Of course I do," Kane replied. "I personally think it was because he was hoping you'd call him."

"Why would I call him?"

"Maybe to catch up? See how he's doing without you? I don't know how close you two got before you left," Kane replied as he watched Jeff's face carefully, trying to read the man's emotions. "Anyway, I'm sorry for bugging you. I'm going to go see if I can find Mark down in the bar."

"Can you wait a second? I'll come with you," Jeff said as he quickly downed his coffee and grabbed a change of clothes.

"Why?" Kane asked, slightly confused.

"I'd like to help you find him," Jeff answered as he headed into the bathroom to change.

"You know you don't have to do that, right?"

"I know," Jeff answered through the closed door. "But I want to."

"All right," Kane said, smiling slightly. Although he didn't know exactly why Jeff wanted to help him find Taker, Kane was thrilled that the smaller man had afford to help him. With Jeff voluntarily helping him look for his brother, he might just be able to pull off the matchmaking plot of the century.

"So we were going to check the bar first, right?"

"What?" Kane asked, his thoughts scattering. "What did you say?"

Jeff shook his head, shrugging on a jacket as he stopped next to the Big Red Machine. "I asked if we were still checking the bar first?"

Kane nodded, slightly embarrassed that he had been caught not paying attention. "Uh . . . yeah, we can check there first."

"All right then. After you," Jeff smiled, grabbing his phone and keys off the small table near the door.

"Right," Kane nodded slightly before leading to the elevator that would take them down to the lobby and the hotel bar.

However, even as they approached the entrance to the bar, they both knew that they wouldn't find Undertaker in there. When the Deadman was in a room, there was a certain aura that emanated from it that clearly signaled his presence. Neither man felt that aura.

"Where else could he be?" Jeff asked, looking up at Kane as he leaned against the wall near the lobby entrance.

"Who are you looking for?"

Kane and Jeff turned simultaneously to see Shawn and Rey walking toward them. Rey was looking at them with a frown on his face.

"We're looking for Mark," Jeff replied honestly.

"Why?"

"Because I need to talk to him," Kane replied.

"And you?" Shawn asked, turning to face Jeff.

"I want to ask him something," Jeff answered, shaking off the feeling of dread that was trying to settle in his gut. He couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. "And I figured I'd give Glen some company."

"Why?"

"Shawn, stop asking so many questions," Rey interrupted.

"But I like asking questions," Shawn whined.

"You still shouldn't ask too many of them," Rey replied.

"Why not?"

Rey shook his head. "Anyway," he said, looking up expectantly at Jeff and Kane.

"Anyway, what are you guys doing down here so early," Kane asked.

Rey hung his head in embarrassment while Shawn beamed brightly. "We're taking Fred for a walk."

"Fred?" Kane asked as he looked between Jeff and Rey for an explanation.

"Yes, Fred the rubber chicken. He was bored so we needed to take him out for a walk," Shawn answered.

"It seems like you're not too keen on the idea, Rey," Jeff said, watching as the smaller man's face turned a brighter shade of red.

Rey shook his head slowly. "Shouldn't we get going, Shawn?"

Shawn nodded. "Yeah, we better. Fred's getting a little antsy," he smiled before he turned to Jeff and Kane. "Would you like to come? We can look for Mark at the same time."

"Sure," Kane replied, turning to look at Jeff. "If you don't mind."

Jeff shook his head. "I don't mind. It's not every day that you get to walk a rubber chicken."

"Great," Shawn exclaimed. "Isn't that great, Fred?" he added as he walked out of the hotel doors.

It was only then that both Kane and Jeff noticed the red string Shawn held in his hand. At the end of the string was Fred the Rubber Chicken, who had the string wrapped around his neck. Kane, Rey and Jeff followed after Shawn, keeping at a slight distance so as not to be associated with Shawn, but staying close enough that they could keep an eye on him.

They walked in silence until Kane looked at Rey, his brow raised. "Do you always go for a walk with Shawn and Fred?"

Rey nodded glumly. "Yeah."

"Why?" Jeff asked.

"Somebody's got to watch him," Rey explained.

"Yeah," Kane agreed. "Wouldn't really want to trust Shawn to behave all by himself?"

"Ah, Shawn's harmless," Rey replied. "Mark on the other hand . . ."

"What's wrong with Mark?" Jeff asked.

"Nothing."

"Bull," Jeff replied. "What did you mean?"

"On the defensive much, Hardy?" Kane asked, trying to hide his amusement at the reddish tinge that was creeping into the younger man's face.

"What do you mean by that?" Jeff replied, stopping short.

Kane shrugged. "You just seem so ready to defend my brother."

"Well, uh . . ."

"Don't worry so much," Rey laughed. "He's just teasing you."

"Am I?" Kane asked.

"Yes, you are," Rey replied, taking hold of Jeff's arm. "Now, lets leave the poor boy alone and find out where Shawn went."

"What?" Jeff asked, looking around quickly for any sign of the Showstopper. "Where the hell did he go?"

"That's what we need to find out," Kane replied, using his height to see over the crowd.

"How could I lose him?" Rey said, turning around to look behind him.

"You didn't lose him," Jeff replied.

"Do you see him?"

"Yeah," Jeff nodded.

"Where?" Kane asked his brow furrowed. "I don't see him."

"How could you not?" Jeff laughed, pointing into the distance. "Don't you see the flying chicken?"

Rey and Kane turned in the direction that Jeff was pointing to and both men shook their heads, joining Jeff in laughing at the site before them.

"What the hell is he doing?" Kane asked, watching Shawn in disbelief as he skipped down the road, Fred swinging back and forth in the air. All three men couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for the rubber chicken.

I told him to put the string around Fred's waist, Rey thought as he rubbed his brow.

"I think that he may have had some sugar," Jeff mused.

Rey shook his head. "What am I going to do with him?"

"I have no idea," Jeff answered.

Jeff and Rey both shook their heads before moving forward through the crowd after Shawn's bobbing head. However, both men stopped when they heard Kane laughing behind them.

"What's so funny?" Jeff asked, turning to stare at the Big Red Machine.

Kane shook his head, tying to catch his breath. "Nothing."

"Bull," it was Rey's turn to say it.

"Honestly, it's nothing."

"Bull," Rey and Jeff said in unison.

"Fine," Kane sighed. "I was laughing at Shawn."

"Why?" Jeff asked.

"He's choking the chicken."

….

Earlier

Undertaker walked down the street, the light from nearby street lamps illuminating his way, although he was not really paying attention to where he was going. His phone was clenched tightly in his fist as his mind raced over his current situation. Taker honestly didn't know what to think or believe in anymore. He had never thought his life would take such a turn that it would leave him so emotionally and spiritually drained. Looking up as the world around him darkened, Undertaker stopped as he noticed he had made his way into the middle of a park. Taker glanced up skyward and watched as the stars faded and the sun's light crept over the trees.

Closing his eyes, Taker let out a sigh. I've never been so lost. What the hell am I supposed to do? he thought bitterly as his mind flashed to what had happened earlier that morning.

Flashback

Taker walked down the alley, a bad feeling enveloping him. He knew that he shouldn't be here, but he had to figure out what the bastard had to say. Taker needed to know what the proposition was. So, here he was, in the middle of a dark alley like he was told to, waiting for the lying bastard to show up, while half expecting him to chicken out.

"I'm surprised you're here."

Undertaker turned around abruptly, coming face to face with Cena. "What's your proposition?"

"Down to business so quickly," Cena tsked, smirking. "I thought we could have a drink before we got down to business."

"I don't think so," Taker replied. "I don't drink with assholes like you."

Cena shrugged. "Your loss."

"Sure it is," Taker said, rolling his eyes.

"Of course it is," Cena replied. "Just ask Jeff. He could tell you all about what you're missing."

"Leave him out of it," Taker snapped, his eyes clouding slightly in anger.

"Aw, did I touch a nerve?"

"You always hit a nerve," Undertaker retorted. "It's you."

"Ouch, that hurt," Cena said, putting his hand on his chest, feigning hurt.

"Oh please . . ." Taker replied, rolling his eyes.

"It's true. You hurt me," Cena smiled, moving closer so that he could stand next to Taker, almost touching him. "But not as much as I'm sure you've hurt Jeff."

"I've never hurt that kid!"

"That kid," Cena smirked. "Interesting."

"What's interesting?" Taker asked.

"That you didn't use his name," Cena replied, watching the Deadman carefully. "It's almost as if you're afraid to say his name. As if by saying it, you'll be confirming something."

"Confirming what?"

"Like the fact that you love our little Jeff."

Undertaker didn't respond. Instead he looked away from Cena, rolling his eyes as he did so. "You're a little disturbed."

"Am I now?" Cena smiled.

"Oh just shut it! Stop wasting my time and get to the point," Taker snapped, his annoyance getting the better of him.

"Okay, okay, I'll get to the point. Geez, you'd think you didn't like having fun."

"This is fun? How is threatening Jeff fun, you bastard?"

"Calm down, big man. Trust me, if you just tried hitting him once, you'd get such a rush . . ."

Taker growled angrily before grabbing Cena by the throat and throwing him against the wall. "You fucking touch him again . . ."

"You'll do what?" Cena smirked, trying desperately to get out of Taker's grasp without showing any discomfort.

Taker squeezed once more on Cena's throat before letting him drop to the ground. Cena sat there for a few minutes trying not to sputter as he regained his breath. "I didn't think you'd have the guts to do anything. You've truly gone soft," Cena said after regaining his composure.

"It would be a waste of energy to do anything to you," Taker growled, walking away from the man at his feet. "You aren't even worth my time."

"Even if it meant saving Jeff any more anguish?"

Undertaker stopped almost immediately at those words. He spun on his heel and forced Cena to his feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, that if you don't do what I tell you, I can't guarantee Jeff's safety," Cena answered.

"You're the one who's hurting him!" Taker yelled. "Of course you can guarantee his safety!"

"True," Cena shrugged. "And I could stop hurting him if something better came along," He smiled as he looked up at Undertaker.

"Like what?" Taker asked, afraid of the answer.

"Like you, perhaps?" Cena replied as he slowly ran his hand up Taker's arm.

"You've lost it," Taker snapped as he brushed Cena's hand away.

"Have I?" Cena asked. "Have I really? Or is it that you're just afraid?"

"I'm afraid of nothing," Taker responded.

"Then you shouldn't be afraid of what I tell you. I promise that if you do exactly what I tell you, whenever I tell you, that I will not harm Jeff any further," Cena smiled as he let his fingers trail against the Deadman's jaw toward his hair, while his breath fell against Taker's neck.

Undertaker felt his anger rise. His gaze narrowed as he fisted his hand and struck out at Cena. Undertaker caught Cena squarely in the jaw, forcing the younger man to spin in a circle with the force of it. His fury finally unleashed, Taker couldn't hold back any more. He lunged at Cena with all of his anger finally spilling over and attacked him in a blind rage. His only thought was to inflict as much pain as he could to the creature in front of him.

He only stopped when he felt something warm hit his cheek. Stepping back, he put his hand to his cheek and found that his face felt damp. Pulling his hand away he saw the crimson colour of blood coating his fingers. Looking down at where Cena lay, Undertaker realized how much anger he had been holding back. Cena lay in a heap, breathing heavily, blood running from the cuts on his head.

Taker shook his head before turning to walk away from the bloody man on the ground. "What a waste of energy," he muttered.

"You think you'd be rid of me that easily?"

Taker turned to see Cena getting up shakily, blood bubbling on his lips. "You're still alive?"

"You're going to have to do more then that to me if you want to kill me."

"I didn't want to kill you," Taker replied, moving to stand in front of Cena again. "Just had to let out some steam."

"That's too bad."

"Oh? Why's that?" Taker asked.

"If you had killed me, Jeff would have been safe," Cena smiled before coughing.

"What are you talking about?" Taker felt like a bucket of ice had been dumped on him.

Cena shrugged. "I'm just saying . . ."

Taker grabbed a hold of the front of Cena's shirt and threw him against the wall, causing Cena's head to hit it hard. "You so much as touch him again . . ." Taker growled threateningly.

"Oh, I'm going to touch him all right. I'm going to make him beg for mercy while I make his life a living hell."

"You bastard."

"It's not me you should be angry with," Cena said, smiling. "It's all your fault."

"What?"

"If you had only agreed to do what I said, I wouldn't have to hurt him. So now, as long as you're around, I'm going to have to hurt the kid even more than I did before and trust me when I say that I will enjoy every minute of it."

"Why you . . ."

"And I've also got backup on every brand. So, no matter where you run, no matter where Jeff runs, I can find both of you."

Taker growled bitterly before letting go of Cena's shirt. However, before Cena could hit the ground, Undertaker wrapped his hand around his throat again and picked him up in a chokehold. Cena tried desperately to break free of Taker's grasp, but his struggles were in vain. Undertaker threw the younger man into the opposite wall.

Cena could hear his ribs cracking from the force of the blow. He looked up and saw Taker coming toward him, his eyes blank as his movements expressed his deadly intent. In desperation, Cena threw out a wild punch, which to his surprise connected. Undertaker stepped back in shock, allowing Cena the chance to return to his feet. However, because of the blood loss, Cena's punch had only a small effect on the Deadman, who looked at Cena as a predator would its prey. Taker moved forward and hit Cena with another one of his fabled punches, letting the smaller man know the correct way to punch an opponent.

Before Cena could hit the ground again, Undertaker took hold of his arm and spun him around so that he could ram his head into a nearby dumpster, causing more blood to spill from Cena's head. Undertaker could feel his rage mounting at the site of the blood that coated the pavement. Unable to control himself, Taker threw Cena head first into the wall again. This time, Cena didn't get up.

Taker could feel his breath coming in short and shallow as he stared at the sight before him. He couldn't believe what he had done. He was usually able to control his emotions, but for some reason, this time he couldn't. He just couldn't. As Undertaker stood there, staring down at his work, he could faintly see Cena's chest moving slightly. Taker let out a small sigh of relief as he closed his eyes against the sight before him. He hadn't killed the bastard after all. Even though he should have, Undertaker knew that things would be worse if he had. If Cena did have backup, they would know that it was either Jeff or him who had killed Cena and would come after both of them with a vengeance. Let alone the questions that would be asked when the trail inevitably lead to him, or worse, to Jeff. Undertaker really didn't want Jeff to find out about what he did.

"God damn my life. When did it all start getting so complicated?"

End Flashback.

Opening his eyes, Taker glanced down at the phone in his hand and felt the sudden urge to throw it as hard as he could, but he knew better then to do that. He knew that he couldn't let the bastard get the better of him.

"But how am I supposed to do that?" Taker muttered, still staring at his phone. The problem was, he had no idea even how to begin to fix this. He needed help.

Maybe, Taker turned around abruptly and headed back to the hotel with determined strides. Once he was in the dimly lit building, he walked to the elevator and pushed the second floor button. Once the doors closed, Kane and Jeff walked into the lobby on their way to the bar to look for him, oblivious to the fact that they had just missed the man they sought.

The doors finally pinged open and Undertaker made a brief stop at his room to clean up, silently thankful that Jeff wasn't in the room, before walking further down the hall where he came to a stop before knocking on the last door. He tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for the man inside to answer. When his knock was finally answered, Taker found himself staring down at a scowling face.

"What the hell do you want?"

"I need your help, Adam."

Edge scoffed. "And why would I help you?"

"Because by helping me, you'll be helping Jeff," Taker replied softly, hating the emotion he heard in his voice. When Edge didn't respond, Undertaker inclined his head. "Can I come in?"

Edge reluctantly moved to one side, allowing the Deadman to enter. "I guess I should hear this out. I can always kick your ass after anyway if I disagree with what you say."

"If you decide not to help me, I give you full permission to put me out of commission," Taker replied, taking up a spot in the corner. "And end my career for good."

"Now why would you do that?" Edge asked, slightly intrigued as he sat in the chair across from the Deadman. He stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankles, while folding his hands on his stomach, waiting for the Deadman to respond.

"Because I'm tired of seeing Jeff hurt," Taker answered coolly, forcing the swell of emotions he felt down, refusing to betray anything. "And if that mean's taking myself out of the picture, then so be it."

Edge looked at Taker, curiosity etched on his face, replacing his normal smirk. "You've lost me there, Mark. What are you talking about?"

"I mean . . ." Taker paused, closing his eyes against the images that flashed across his vision. He could feel the now all to familiar lump growing in his throat. He had to fight past their growing constriction to continue speaking. "I mean that I don't want to see what I've seen again."

"What have you seen, Mark?" Edge asked, sitting up so he could face Taker more directly.

"More then anyone should see done to someone else."

"Like what?"

Undertaker looked away from Edge once more as his mind went back to the nightmare that only he and Jeff knew about and the more recent act of violence he brought forth with his own hands. He swore he could still smell the blood that had coated both the walls and Jeff along with the smell what he now knew was the aftermath of Jeff's rape. Taker could still feel Cena's blood on him.

"Does it really matter what it is?" Taker asked finally.

"What are you hiding, Mark?"

"I'm not hiding anything!" Taker snapped, standing up abruptly as he walked to the window, turning his back on Edge. "Why must you ask so many damn questions?"

"Cool it, Mark," Edge said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I was only curious."

Taker turned to face Edge, the anger slowly fading from his face. "I'm sorry," he sighed, sitting back down, his head in his hands.

"What did you need my help with?" Edge asked softly as he realized all his previous thoughts were wrong.

"I need you to promise me one thing first."

"What is it?"

"Whatever you do, don't ever tell Jeff."

….

A/N: Hmm, so what could Taker being asking Edge? Guess we'll just have to wait and see . . . R&R.