Ch 22

The night of the pay-per-view started with the Undertaker opening his locker room door, revealing Bella waiting for him. She was reading a book while holding an apple in her hand. A sinister grin crossed his lips as he came up behind her, grabbing the apple startling her.

"You could have asked. I would have given you the apple," she said, closing her book standing up.

"I'll give it back to you shortly. We need to talk."

"Is it about the last test for Hunter to pass? I'm sure you're planning to test him tonight," she said, crossing her arms staring up at him.

"Patience, angel. Raw will be his last test. I don't have to do anything he is going to prove by his own doing that he once again doesn't care about what you want. All he cares about is getting what he wants."

"Then what did you want to talk about?" Bella asked, curiosity in her eyes.

"Bella, do you know why Paul Bearer called you my Lilith?"

She shook her head slowly no, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"The story of Adam and Eve is very well known but the story of Adam and Lilith isn't shared as often. Some believe Lilith was Adam's first wife," he began, his voice deep. "She was created as his equal, but she refused to submit to his way. She chose her own path, a path of power and defiance. She fell from grace. She was the mother of all demons. The queen of the darkness. You have the same power to choose your own path, Bella. To become my Lilith. You can choose to walk with me in darkness and rain hell on anyone that gets in our way," he paused, staring deeply into her troubled eyes. "Tonight I want to see what path you will choose without a deal forcing you to do anything. I need to know what you want," he reached out, running his finger tips slowly along her cheek. "I want you to decide will you come to the ring with me tonight or will you stay here. I'll make it simple for you to answer me. You don't even have to say a word. I'll be the snake tempting you with this apple," his voice filled with dark amusement. "All you need to do is take a bite of the apple. If your answer is yes if it's no you can throw the apple away," he smirked brushing it against her lips. " You are the one in control of your destiny at this moment. Bella, will you give into the temptation of trusting me and continuing your journey into darkness by accompanying me to the ring for my championship match?" Bella's eyes widened as she understood the gravity of his words. She hesitated for a moment, then took a bite of the apple, her eyes never leaving his. A wicked smile crossed his lips as the camera faded out.

The Undertaker's theme music overtook the arena and the crowd reacted immediately. He appeared looking as menacing as ever as he made his way to the ring. Bella walked beside him showing no nerves. He gave her a nod as he entered the ring and she stayed with Pall Bearer.

The match began with the Undertaker and Austin circling each other, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Finally Austin made the first move starting an hour of the two men going back and forth exchanging blows and moves. Austin hit the stunner on the Undertaker making Bella wince.

Suddenly, Shane McMahon, Hunter Helmsley and Chyna ran down to ringside distracting Austin before he could cover Undertaker. Austin climbed out of the ring going after them. Hunter started exchanging blows with Austin. Shane attacked Austin from behind, knocking him to his knees. The Rock's music rang out as he raced down to the ring to help Austin. As the battle kept going along the outside of the ring Bella moved to where Undertaker was recovering. His eyes went to hers as she held his gaze for a few moments then nodded like she understood what he wanted. She cautiously went towards where the Rock was. He had knocked out Chyna and was about to do the same to Shane while Austin exchanged blows with Hunter.

"Rock, let Shane go and stop helping Austin. This isn't your fight you need to go backstage," Bella's voice was filled with confidence as she spoke, making Rock instantly stop and let go of Shane. His dazed expression went to Bella as he walked towards her like a zombie. "You're done for the night. Leave the arena once you do, you're free to do whatever you want." Bella said motioning to the ramp. Rock didn't say a word just started up the ramp.

"Where are you going?" Austin exclaimed, shoving Hunter away as his stare went to the Rock leaving. His gaze went to Bella. "What the hell did you do, you little witch?" he angrily asked, coming towards her. She was about to answer when Hunter got back to his feet and rushed towards Austin. Austin sensed Hunter coming and at the right moment grabbed Hunter whipping him into Bella full force knocking both of them into the nearby ring post. Bella laid motionless, triggering the Undertaker. With a roar, he turned his full fury on Austin pulling him into the ring and delivering a series of devastating moves.

With one final, thunderous chokeslam, the Undertaker pinned Austin for the three-count. The referee's hand hit the mat, and the bell rang, signaling the Undertaker's victory.

Ignoring Hunter and the others still recovering from Austin's and Rock's assault , the Undertaker quickly rolled out of the ring rushing to Bella. He gently scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Pall Bearer grabbed the championship belt as Undertaker carried Bella up the ramp. Hunter slowly sat up staring in disbelief as Undertaker disappeared backstage with his sister in his arms.