Tarnished Armor (UC,Mi/L,MATURE) [COMPLETE]

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 10
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens*
Thanks to my wonderful friend and Beta Andi04 without whose help this story would not be possible.

I would like to Thank everyone for all the wonderful feedback, you are all great and I love you for it

Liz stood frozen in the door way, the shock of what was reveled to her while in the tub had he still reeling and this, while this was sending her over the edge. Clutching the lapels of her robe she gathered what was left of her dignity and tried to smile.

“Liz I know that you probably don’t want to see me right now or maybe ever but I really need to talk to someone and I don’t have anyplace else to go, please, please let me come in?” Tess was standing there in front of her, looking small and shaken. He face drawn and pale. Liz stepped back and nodded not trusting her voice, and Tess walked in. Shutting the door behind her Liz and Tess stood in awkward silence for a moment, and then Liz spoke.

“Tess why don’t you wait for me in the kitchen, I am going to go get dressed then I’ll join you. Help you self to a drink.” Liz said trying to regain her balance, desperately wanting to regain that control. Tess nodded and wandered off toward the kitchen. Liz quickly went and dressed her mind racing, Tess wanted to talk. They hadn’t talked in along time. In weeks, maybe longer, not really talked any way.

Liz hurried to the Kitchen and found Tess sitting at the table, waiting; she looked up as Liz came in and seemed to shrink into herself more.

“I put on water for tea, I hope that was ok.”

Liz sat down “That’s fine Tess, are you alright?”

Tess’ blue eyes filled with tears as she looked at Liz, she shook her head and in an emotion filled voice replied “No Liz, something is very wrong, and I don’t know how to fix it. I don’t even know how to start.”

~*~

Max and Michael were on their second beer and third shot, conversation hadn’t been a big part of what they were currently trying to do. Each had their own agenda, and was willing to go the distance to see it out. Max looked at Michael, and as he did he remembered that he could easily sit in silence all night long just to be perverse. That was just how Michael was, so Max thought a minute about what to say.

“So where are you staying Michael?” he asked causal like, he figured that was a good opening question.
Michael grunted in Max’s direction he knew exactly what Max was trying to do, but at least he had won this small contest of wills.
“Well you mean you don’t know Max after all you handled the paper work for me.” He said in the most monotone voice he could muster as he took another swig of beer. Max was looking at him with a slightly sick expression and Michael took another drink to hide his smile.

“You are the one who bought The CrashDown then?” Max sounded queasy, as he lifted his beer. “So this means you are sticking around then?”

Michael nodded “Yeah I missed this place” he lied with practiced ease “I figured it was time to come home.” Michael signaled the bartender for another round. “Besides this is where most of my family is.” He knew that would set Max off just a little and from the look forming on his face he was right.

Max couldn’t believe the words coming out of Michael’s mouth, time to come home, where his family was. Yeah sure.
“Michael you stopped thinking about us along time when you left, you just walked away from everyone and everything. So don’t talk to me about family.”

Michael was glad that he had learned to control his temper over the years, because he felt like belting Max right now, but it wasn’t the time, not yet. He need to know why, what had caused this and if he could maybe fix it. He didn’t really want to write Max of as a lost cause, but if necessary he would take Max down. He was hurting people, he was hurting Liz and that had to stop.
“Max believe what you want I left because there had to be more than this, more than all of us just circling around and suffocating, I left because I had too.” Michael knew Max would never see that as the truth, and it was or at least part of it.

Max finished his beer and started on the new one, taking along pull before speaking “I guess it doesn’t really matter anymore, Maria and Isabel left too. I am certainly not mad at them, so why should I be mad at you.” Max gives him a half smile.

Michael tried not to smirk at Max’s generous attitude; did he ever listen to himself speak? So instead he just nodded and smiled. This was getting old quick though Max was playing it close to the chest he needed to get something from him and soon, because he wasn’t sure how much more of this shit he could take.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 11
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens*

Kyle sat alone, staring vacantly at the TV screen, unaware of what was even on. He took another drink from the beer he was holding. Kyle didn’t know what to do, he had his job, but if you got right down to it Liz was his only friend too.

With all the alien shit over the years he gradually lost anyone else he considered a friend. His dad was gone; he’d been gone for years. Michael wasn’t really the same guy he used to know, granted he liked Michael and always had but eight years was a long time. Kyle thought Tess had been a good friend, but apparently that was over too.

He had lost her and just about everything else since he learned about the aliens. Kyle sighed and turned off the TV; he wasn’t really watching it anyway, he didn’t want to do anything. Everything he felt was overwhelming him, the inability to save Liz, the loss of the Parkers, who had been like his own family, Alex, and now Tess.

Kyle felt broken, bruised, battered, and suddenly for the first time since he was a child he started to cry, soul wrecking sobs that shook his body. Covering his face with his hands he knew that something had to change, had to give, even if Michael could fix things, he couldn’t keep living his life this way. It was time for a change, but what he didn’t know.

~*~

“Tess what are you saying?” Liz was puzzled at what would bring Tess to her door, she wasn’t really the enemy but Liz felt like she was at the moment.

“Liz, Kyle came to see me today and said some things and got me thinking. He talked about things I don’t remember happening and it made me wonder if… well if maybe Max wasn’t Mind Warping me too.” Tears streaked her face and her voice was horse with anguish.
Liz looked at her and knew that it was probably what Max had been doing she had already discussed it with Michael, but to hear Tess saying it and to have her come here, it just made it seem more real. Liz knew that Max was to far gone to be saved; that there was nothing that Michael could do that would help him.
“Tess I think you are right, I told Michael that I though that earlier today, and he is going to try to help you too.”
Tess looked relived “Thank you Liz, after all I did I don’t know what to say.”

~*~

Max was drunk and he still wasn’t talking, Michael sighed this was getting him nowhere.

“Max my man” Michael said trying to sound and appear drunker than he really was “I need to get home, I have a shit load of stuff to get started in the morning.” Michael patted Max on the back; Max didn’t move his head was still resting on the bar.

“Max, you still alive in there?” Michael leaned over him; the bartender came over and saw Max’s condition.

“Hey man you need to get your buddy out of here, no one sleeps here. So get the hell out.” Michael slapped Max’s face; he opened his blurry eyes, and then groaned.

“Come on Max time to get you home” Michael decided that Max wasn’t going to be able to walk, so he picked him up fireman style and tossed him in his truck. Mumbling to himself Michael started to drive back to Liz’s house.

It didn’t take long to get there and Michael once again carried Max to the house and knocked on the door, seconds later Liz opened it and looked decidedly unhappy at their condition. Liz motioned to the bedroom and Michael dropped Max on the bed, and then walked out.

Michael followed Liz to the kitchen and saw Tess sitting there; she stood up when she saw him and hugged him, which surprised him slightly.
“Michael it is good to see you.”

“You too Tess, how have you been?”

“I’ve been better, but haven’t we all.” She said matter of factly.

Michael smirked “Yeah that about sums it up.”

Tess stood up gathering up her jacket and purse “Thanks again Liz, call me later and we’ll figure out away to get together ok.” She hugged Liz, then hugged Michael again and walked out.
Michael looked at Liz strangely, “What was that about, why did she leave like that she could have stayed?”
Liz shrugged and sat down and asked “So Max is drunk huh?”

“Yeah I was trying to pump him for info but he was talking even after I primed him.”
Liz smiled “I could have told you that it wouldn’t work.” Then she laughed.

Michael stared at her “It is good to see you laugh, Liz.”
Liz looked at Michael and wondered if she should bring up what she saw, she knew that they needed to talk about it but she wasn’t sure if this was the time.

“Liz what are you worried about?”

“Huh?” she looked puzzled

“You’re chewing on your lip; you do that when you’re worried.”
“Oh um, well it’s like this” her voice almost shook with nerves “I got these flashes when you tried to heal me, and I well think we need to talk.” Her face went pink.

Michael stared at her, his face carefully blank. Speechless as he tried to figure out what she might have seen.

“Ah sure Liz, what kind of flashes?” he tried desperately to not sound nervous.

“The ones that showed me how you feel about me Michael.” Liz’s voice was soft and curious know, she wanted to know why he never told her.

Michael looked away for a second, and then looked back at her. “Oh those flashes.” He said sheepishly; trying to avoid the truth, and to pretend that he didn’t know what she was talking about.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 12
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens*


Tess walked out of Liz’s unsure of what she should do; she felt with more and more clarity that Kyle had been telling the truth. They had a relationship, the thought staggered her. The inability to remember what had been going on between them was more than irritating it was down right pissing her off. She sat in her car and fumed for a moment, her inability to act was pissing her off too.

She couldn’t get rid of the feeling that things were quickly coming to a head, Max would be made to pay; she would do everything in her power to help. Tess suddenly decided to go to see Kyle, she wanted to talk to him more, she wanted to remember all the things she had forgotten, she wanted to remember what they had been like together. Slowly driving toward his house she was becoming more nervous then she ever felt. She wondered if he would even want to see her after this afternoon.

~*~

Michael sat silently not answering Liz for a moment, he didn’t know what to say, he wasn’t good at these things. He knew what he felt, and he knew his inability to express himself would be detrimental, he needed to honest but he was; well he was scared damn it. That was not something he cared to admit but he was. He looked at Liz and saw the questions written all over her face, he had never loved her more, and he knew that this wasn’t the best time to discuss these things. He knew it was most likely too soon, but now that she had asked he couldn’t back down. He knew it was time to put all his cards on the table, after all she had asked.

~*~

Max was dreaming, if you could call it that, he was aware of everything around him it was almost more real then when he was awake. He started to look for him, his guide his other half. He looked and felt bereft when he couldn’t find him as quickly as usual. Then suddenly he appeared it was like looking in a mirror, after all they were the same person. He smiled at the one who had lead him to his true self, showed him his desires were able to be grasped.

“Zan, I was worried when I couldn’t find you.” Max’s voice was filled with relief.

“Max I told you as long as you want me here I will never leave, we are bound. We have a destiny to fulfill it is what we were created for, what we are meant to do.” Zan looked at Max as he walked over to him the raw power that he radiated never failed to impress Max.

“I know these things Zan; you have been telling me these things since you joined me here, since we became whole.” The tone was formal and almost subservient, Max knew that Zan had been different in life, but death evened the playing field. Zan’s death had granted him access to all the things in life he had missed.They clasped hands, it was an unnecessary motion, but the greeting was always done, it was a ritual. They fell in step, side by side as always.

“Max, our victory will be assured if you retain control over Tess and Liz, but Michael’s presence is weakening your hold over them, you must stop him. If you don’t we will never rule this pathetic little planet.”

“I never understood why they were so vital to our plans, they are both so weak.”

“It isn’t for you to understand it is for you to trust me and do as I tell you, they are necessary, essential to our triumph.” Zan was stern and unforgiving.

“I will do as you say, you have never been wrong.”

“Of course I haven’t I know all that needs to be done, that is the perk to being dead. You just need to make sure you do as I say.”

“We are as one Zan why would I do anything differently than as you say, you are me and I am you. Together we will rule, together we are stronger then we ever were alone.”

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 13
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens*



Kyle heard a knock on his door and sighed he figured it was Michael, and he really didn’t want company. He was in no mood. He pulled himself out of his chair and he did; he realized he was well on his way to being drunk. He snickered to himself, yep he was pathetic. He heard the knocking again and yanked the door open saying “Michael I know you…” trailing off as he saw Tess standing there. Kyle’s mouth suddenly went dry and he felt quite sober. Tess’ hand was still hanging mid-knock and she slowly let it drift down.

“May I come in?” Tess suddenly felt less confident and couldn’t remember why she was there.

Kyle just stepped back as he nodded, quickly shutting the door and rushing to clean off the couch as he remembered the room was a mess. Tess chuckled inwardly, some things never changed…she paused she remembered. She remembered everything. Glee filled her as she looked at Kyle she felt love for him surrounding her heart, tears threatened to fall again. She turned and sat down, and looked at Kyle who was staring at her awkwardly.

“Kyle I wasn’t sure why I came here at first, but while I was watching you clean the couch, I suddenly remembered.”

Kyle leaned forward “Remembered what?” his tone hesitant

“Everything.” She said with a grin the size of Texas.

~*~
Liz watched the emotions play across Michael’s face, she waited patiently. She knew he would answer in his own time.
Michael reached out and took Liz’s hand, rubbing his thumb back and forth across the back of it as he started to speak “I ‘m not really sure when it started, or even how to be perfectly honest. One day I just realized it was there, it was stronger than anything I felt for Maria, or any other girl.

It was almost painful; no it was painful. You never saw me, not really you saw Max. What I saw was you and how you changed, how you were wasting away. I couldn’t watch it, and I couldn’t stop it. So I left. I loved you so much, but I just left.” His voice was soft the whole time he spoke and he never looked at anything but their hands. Liz put her other hand on top of his wanting the contact while she searched for the words to say, to express what she felt.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t see you Michael, I saw you, I was even attracted to you.” He looked up at that his eyes boring into hers as she spoke “I thought you hated me, and to be honest I enjoyed the banter we had going. It was fun and it made me laugh. I saw Max because; well because that was what he wanted me to see. There were so many times I want to break free, but I just couldn’t. I wasn’t strong enough. I cried when you left, did you know that?”
Michael shook his head and mouthed “No.”

“I did.” He reached out to her and pulled her into his arms, surrounding her with all the love he felt for her for so many years.

~*~

Max jerked awake; he felt stiff and his mouth tasted horrible. Sitting up slowly he worked it back and forth thinking about what Zan had told him. He needed to regain control, Liz and Tess were his power base, and with them in his control he became infinitely stronger. He could access Zan’s powers easier, not that he couldn’t do that anyway it just was less of a drain. Plus with their powers under his control no one could stop him, no one. Just let them try.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 14
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.

*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens. Also this means thoughts.*

Kyle was frozen to the floor, he had heard her, the words were still pulling in his brain, but they weren’t registering. Tess was standing there grinning at him, her face almost glowing and he was frozen in shock. He didn’t know what to do, what move to make or even what to say. Tess stared at him as he stood there with his mouth hanging slightly open, almost in a fish like manner. She could tell he was at a loss so she decided to help him out.
She moved toward him in a decidedly feline manner, placed her hand at the back of his neck and drew his mouth to hers. Her body hummed at the thought of this at the thought of being with him. Slowly she ran her tongue across his bottom lip, and as she did it; it seemed to jerk Kyle out of his stupor; he grabbed her and yanked her to him as they explored each others mouths. As they reacquainted themselves with the feel and sent of the other. Tess ran her hands under Kyle’s shirt and racked her nails teasingly a crossed his chest, she felt him shudder as he gasped against her mouth. Kyle couldn’t remember ever feeling this good all he knew was he never wanted this to end. He started to run his lips and tongue down her throat when Tess suddenly went ridged and gasped. Her expression was no longer that of pleasure but one of intense pain. Boundlessly she started to slip from his grasp and slid to the floor. Kyle started to panic he caught her and took her to the bedroom, as he felt helplessness settle in once again.
~*~
Max had woke up and searched for Tess through their connection, he needed to touch base with her to reaffirm his hold over her. The three of them would form an invincible power base, while he would be the one controlling all the power. The one who made it happen, all he needed to do was end Michael. Isabel wouldn’t be a problem ever, she had no interest in her powers anymore and he could always kill her too. He figured if he left her alone she would ignore him too. After all she was too wrapped up in Maria and her work to really care. Max sneered at the thought of his own flesh and blood sleeping with someone of their own sex, but Isabel always had been weak and needy. He got up and went to the master bath to wash out his mouth; he always hated the way it tasted after drinking.
Ah there she is, and the little bitch is cheating on me already. It hasn’t even been eight hours. Max chuckled menacingly to him self as he changed his clothes. She always was a whore; it is reassuring to know some things never change. Max knew exactly where she was and what she was doing; he pushed out through the connection and forced his way into her mind. He was displeased and she was going to know it. Max casually pulled a black turtle neck on as he did this; it was as if he wasn’t even exerting himself. Once in Tess’ mind he sent waves of pain toward her, showing her what he did to traitors, as she could consider herself if she didn’t return to him. He saw her faint and smiled grimly, task one done now on to his unfaithful whore of a wife. He strode out the door and paused as her heard Liz and Michael speaking in the kitchen. Well, well it looks like this is going to be Michael’s last night after all. Max leaned against the door frame to listen to their every word.
~*~
Liz had crawled into Michael’s lap as he was hugging her; she had never felt more comfortable. It was like coming home. She laid her head on his shoulder basking in the warmth of his love.
Michael was lost, he had been for years, but the second Liz moved on to his lap it was all over again. For longer then he cared to admit he had dreamed of holding her like this, nuzzling her neck, the silk of her hair against his skin. Now he had her, she was where he had always wanted her and had never believed she would be. He felt his heart swell; it was such an exquisite pain loving Liz.
“What now Michael? What do we do? Where does this leave us?” Michael could hear the confusion in her voice.
“You are mine now Liz it is as simple as that, I never should have left you alone and I never will again.” Michael “s tone was firm but loving, yet Liz could sense the underlying regret. “ We will fix this, and I will take care of Max. I don’t care what I have to do, he needs to be stopped.” Now there was pain lacing his tone at the loss of his once brother. Michael ran his hand up and down Liz’s back comforting her and just taking pleasure in the ability to touch her.
Neither knew Max was listening at that moment or that Tess was lying unconscious on Kyle’s bed.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 15
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens. Also this means thoughts.*
Max chuckled to himself as he thought out his plan, he pondered making his move now, it would be easy and he did have the advantage but things like these required careful planning.

Max was so caught up in his thoughts he failed to notice Michael stiffen and then whisper in Liz’s ear as he felt an uneasy tension that signaled to him he was being watched.

“Liz” Michael’s voice was a mere brush of breath against her skin “Max is watching us.” His tension and anger bled through; in even this softest of tones. Liz tried unsuccessfully not to shudder; she felt a frigid tingle of fear run down her spine. Her body going taunt Michael tightened his grip on her.

“Michael” Liz mouthed against his ear “What should we do?” She couldn’t hide the terror in her tone.

“You can mind warp some right?” Michael thought he had seen that as he had tried to heal her but wasn’t sure. Michael felt Liz nod. “Are you any good at it?”

“Some what.” Not sure of what Michael wanted.

“I want you to let him see us still here, hold it as long as you can alright?” Liz nodded again, Her face tightening in concentration as she tried to pull the warp together. Michael watched Liz from the corner of his eye, she moved her head slightly to give him the go ahead and Michael sprang into action. Setting Liz aside on another chair he went out the side door of the kitchen to circle around behind Max.

Kyle stared at Tess as she lay unconscious on his bed he didn’t know what to do, her blonde hair spilled over his hands as he caressed her cheek and leaned down to gently kiss it. He knew this wasn’t a fairy tale and she wouldn’t wake just because he kissed her, he just couldn’t stop himself.

He loved her so much and knew if he lost her now, after just getting her back he would die. His whole life he had never felt so helpless, first Liz and now Tess. He just seemed unable to protect what was his. Kyle wracked his brain he needed to be able to do something; suddenly his mind went to the healing stone Liz had given him to hang on too. Scrambling to get it he wondered if he would even be able to do anything with only one. Grabbing it from his hiding spot under the floorboard he rushed back to Tess’ side. Taking a cleansing breath he sat on the bed next to her and prayed to every God he knew that this would work. Please let this work was all Kyle could think of as he focused on the amber colored stone while wrapping his hands around Tess’.


Max was pondering his next step as he watched Liz and Michael, it sickened him how his wife just sat there so passively and let that loser fondle her. If he hadn’t needed her so much and if he hadn’t had a connection with her from the healing he would have to kill her as it was she was going to have to be punished. Max smiled coldly at the thought of punishing her, it was his favorite thing to do with Liz lately, the only pleasure he had really. Max was so absorbed in his thoughts for torturing Liz; he never felt Liz’s shaky mind warp, he pushed aside his need to connect to Zan and explain what he had learned after all he wasn’t stupid he could do some things on his own. Closing his eyes he imagined what he would do to Michael for laying his filthy hands on his wife.

Michael watched Max close his eyes and knew it had to be now. He threw his body into Max’s causing them both to crash into the floor. Max’s eyes opened and he tried to twist away as soon as he felt Michael’s touch, but it was no use he was unable to recover quickly enough. Michael looked into Max’s startled eyes and pressed his advantage, slamming his fist into Max’s face he heard a crack and blood began to spurt from Max’s nose. Grunting in pain Max shoved Michael off as he kneed him in the groin. Scrambling to his feet he noticed Michael’s face had gone pale from the pain.

“Really Michael is that all you have? Here I thought you were the tough Bad Ass General and yet here you are whimpering on the floor.” Michael saw red at the mocking tone Max had taken; it wasn’t so much what he said but how he said it. Michael knew they were almost evenly matched physically, Max had been working out apparently. Twisting on his back as quickly as he could he sent a blast toward Max, seeing Michael moving Max tried to get out of the way but was caught in the left arm.

Gasping at the pain that now radiated through his arm Max swore and tried to send a return blast but Michael had already moved, in fact he was right in front of him shoving a fist into his stomach. Grunting as it connected Max now knew he needed to connect with Zan if he wanted to beat Michael.

Kyle concentrated on the healing stone in his hand; images of him and Tess flooded his mind. Them laughing over something in school, him asking her on their first date, every image that meant anything to him at all was pouring over him. All the hopes, all the despair, all the love and anger he feed it to the stone. Kyle’s eyes opened as he felt the stone growing warmer, he saw it was glowing and quickly shut them again. He kept his focus on the stone as hard as it was, he wanted to look at Tess, to see if it was working yet but he restrained himself. More and more images came faster and faster it was all Kyle could do to hang on.

Liz saw the fight and stood by helplessly, she didn’t know what to do. She saw Michael and max go down. Then blood, she heard the words, yet she couldn’t move. She was frozen with fear. She wanted to help Michael with her entire being but how?

Max reached out to Zan and felt him respond, he heard his voice inside his mind telling him what to do. As Michael shoved a shoulder into his stomach Max reached down and boxed his ears, moaning in pain Michael staggered back. Max grinned a feral smile; he reached out his now glowing hand toward Michael’s head. When Liz shouted, reaching out her hand she threw Max against the wall. Max winced as he was held there he struggled as Liz began to shake, her powers weak form disuse and a lack of training. Michael got to his knees and added his power to Liz’s to prevent max from coming down. Zan raged inside Max’s mind, he was screaming for Max to break free and to kill the traitor Michael.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 16
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated R, Marital violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.
*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens. Also this means thoughts.*

*Okay this is the second to last chapter everyone and I will be posting the last with in the week...*

Kyle winced at the heat emanating from the stone, his hand was red hot and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep holding it; when suddenly the room was exploding with white light. He saw it through closed eyes and winced as he opened them the light was so bright. It pulsed and throbbed in time with his and Tess’ heart beat. Suddenly Tess arched up off the bed gasping, her pale face now flushed. She fell back against the bed, took a deep breath and smiled weakly at Kyle.

Max had been pushing against the force field that Michael and Liz held him in when he felt it, a sharp-jagged pain lacing through him pulsing like fire in his veins. The pain was White-hot and it burned behind his eyes causing him to moan, his knees were giving out causing him to slump against the shield.

Liz shivered as she lowered her hand letting Michael take over she couldn’t believe she had attacked Max, her stomach rolled and clenched. Leaning weakly against the wall Liz sighed and shook her head in disgust, she had never been this weak before. She remembered a time when she had been strong; it was clear and sharp in her mind. She could almost taste how badly she wanted that strength back. Looking toward Michael, she noticed his brow dampen with sweat, blood dripping from his mouth and cuts on his knuckles, she knew he was the kind of man who would let her find her own way. Yet he would stand beside her to lend her strength or support if she needed it, Michael was just that type of person.

Michael pushed himself against the wall and inched his way up till he was standing. Staring at Max as he moaned Michael wondered what was happening. He knew that what ever it was he wasn’t doing it, it hadn’t been a long fight but he was already sore. Max threw a nasty punch. Not at all like Michael remembered. Holding the shield for this long and at this intensity was draining too, but in a good way. Not using his powers for so long had been wrong he had missed it and wouldn’t make that mistake again. Rolling his neck he watched max intently; unable to figure out what was going wrong, he had puzzled over how to help Max but it seemed he might be beyond help.

Zan screamed in Max’s mind he too felt the pain from the bond being broken. Zan hadn’t thought it was possible to break it in anyway other then death. Recovering quicker then Max he began to push Max to force him into action, telling him to shake it off.

“Max get up! Right now, I know the bond between us and Tess has broken but you can still draw strength from Liz. That bond is still intact although it’s weak.”
Max’s image shuddered at the pain his body still felt, and also the mental agony from the loss of the bond. Max staggered toward Zan almost falling on to him, Zan reached out and grabbed him, to support him and keep him up right. Zan brushed the hair from Max’s eyes and sighed he never understood how Max could be so weak when he was so strong.

“Zan the pain…” Max gasped, leaning into Zan for the support.

“Max you need to push it away, do you want to lose? If you lose we die, you know that, and even if we don’t lose I will be truly dead. Do you want to be alone?” Zan’s voice was forceful as he pushed Max into standing, as he spoke Max was slowly shaking his head.

“No God no I don’t want to be alone.” Adamant he started to stand by himself.

“Reach out and draw strength from Liz and kill Michael, it seems Rath is the betrayer. Once again for a woman. How incredibly weak.”

Max nodded, closing his eyes he pushed open the bond with Liz and started to draw her powers and strength to himself. Liz was watching Michael when she suddenly staggered, and fell forward to the floor gasping in pain. Michael turned toward her helpless, unable to release Max even though he seemed to be unconscious.

“Max you can do this, fight, win then no one will stand against us!” The burgeoning insanity in Zan’s voice was lost on Max.

Kyle was stunned by what happened. Looking down at Tess he felt his heart swell, gently touching her face he bent down and gave her a soft kiss.

Tess sighed; she was sore and tired but knew she couldn’t lay there. Michael and Liz were going to need her if they wanted to stop Max.

“Kyle we have to go to Liz’s, they are going to need us.”

“Tess you need to rest, I don’t know what happened to you but…”his concern was tangible.

Tess cut him off mid-sentence “Kyle I’ll explain later but they are fighting Max right now and they need both of us.” Getting up of the bed Tess moved slowly to the door, gasping at her as she said ‘both’ Kyle nodded and followed her. Moving quickly they went to the car, Kyle taking advantage of his status as an officer; he turned on his lights and they sped toward Liz’s.

Michael’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at Liz writhing in pain, unable to stop himself he dropped the shield holding Max and went to her side. Liz moaned as Michael gathered her into his arms.

“Liz, come on baby, don’t do this, fight what ever it is. I know you can.” Feeling helpless, he buried his face in her neck.

“Aw” Max’s voice broke through Michaels’ fear for Liz, he stiffened and slowly set her down, then turned toward the sarcastic voice. “Isn’t it the sweetest thing, the way you paw at my wife, I do believe after I kill you I will have to punish her to cleanse her from your touch.” Max’s eyes bore into Michael’s, the lack of sanity their cause Michael to shudder. Before he had a chance to move Max was on him, tossing him into the wall. Michael grunted and immediately fought back, throwing and uppercut to Max’s jaw. As he connected he heard a small crunch and knew had had broken something, Max grinned through the pain as blood poured from his mouth. It didn’t matter Liz’s energy would heal him.

Liz let out an anguished groan as Max took more from her to heal his jaw as he fought; in her mind she knew if she didn’t fight all would be lost. She knew the images in her mind were lies and meant to cause her pain; she just didn’t know how to escape them.

Max moved to blast Michael but hit the wall as Michael had moved to quickly. Launching himself toward Michael again he found a wall blocking him suddenly. With a groan he hit it and slumped to the floor, turning to see Tess standing in the doorway, his one hand raised the other linked with Kyle’s.

Tess was fuming she saw the energy moving from Max to Liz, and she knew now how to stop Max. Letting go of Kyle’s hand she knelt down beside Max, placing her hand on either side of his head she let herself be drawn in.

[burningchaos]

Tarnished Armor
Chapter 17
Author: burningchaos

Category: Au

There are aliens but, Michael left Roswell before graduating, also he and Maria never really dated. Alex died accidentally, Tess is evil but not the way you think. Maria is living out her dream in NYC, Isabelle is there too, a fashion designer. Kyle is Liz’s only friend.

Polar stories

Rated m, Marital violence

Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even my house.

~ So here it is, the end, or maybe the beginning. It is so hard to tell. I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it. I will miss this.~

*In this world of mine alcohol has only the normal effects on the aliens. Also this means thoughts.*


Tess felt Max’s consciousness surround her it was hot and smothering. Max’s mind was crowded and confused. Tess had a hard time finding her way around; she paused to focus and was blasted from behind. She stumbled and fell forward catching herself with her hands. As she turned she winced; she had to see who had blasted her. She needed to see if her new theory was correct. She gasped as Zan came into her line of vision; she had been right but how? How was he here?
“Tess how lovely to see you. I am pleased you are here.” Zan purred; his tone was dripping with menace. He walked over to her with a grace and ease he hadn’t possessed in life.
“Tess my love really what do you think you can do? Did you really think you could stop me?” Bending to look her in the eye, he reached out and stroked her cheek. Tess shivered at the contact, not in fear, or desire but revulsion. Zan chuckled softly as he saw her reaction to him.
“Oh my lovely Queen no longer wishes to be touched by me? How very sad.” Tess pushed Zan away and rose to her feet, Zan watched her but didn’t move, he didn’t really see her as a threat, which is why he hadn’t already killed her. He didn’t know though, he hadn’t seen the new bond that Tess had, one that made her more powerful than Zan and Max, because it was a bond forged of love. She loved Kyle.
Tess walked backwards to make Zan think she was threatened and afraid, she had always been a wonderful actress because Zan smirked as she moved, He was falling in line and didn’t even know it. Tess struck suddenly and without warning. Her power engulfed Zan, flames licked at his feet as she began to burn him from Max’s mind.

Max screamed it was an unearthly sound that caused every one to shudder. He arched his back up off the floor and almost bent in two. Michael and Kyle lunged forward to hold him down as Tess sat there her hands still attached to his head as if nothing happened. Kyle looked at Michael his expression worried and tight. Neither knew what was going on and both were worried about the women they loved. Michael looked toward Liz, he felt helpless, and he wanted to be at her side, helping her, finding out what was wrong.
Liz was lost, the pain was draining her and she had been pulled into Max’s mind. It frightened her; it was crowded with images of pain and destruction. Max saw Liz wandering around and decided to confront her, he could tell she was frightened; she had her arms wrapped around her body as she shivered.
“Liz, I was expecting you.” The words rolled off his tongue, they were smooth and dark. His face and posture were calm, oozing confidence. As Liz looked at Max she realized she was no longer afraid, there was no reason she could define, it just was suddenly true. Liz felt calmness wash over as she came to this conclusion. She was no longer his prisoner she was free. Liz felt strength that had been long gone flow through her veins as she stared at her husband.
Tess continued to assault Zan, she poured everything she had into destroying him, she could see she had already broken the connection they had with Liz. Zan screamed as the pain washed over him again and again. He was slowly fading, returning to the nothing where he should have stayed.
Max started as he suddenly felt Zan’s pain, and there connection fade. He rushed past Liz to go to his other half, his center and was stopped by Liz. She had decided to take matters intro her own hands, by blasting him. Max fell forward and was still.

Zan fought, he thrashed and screamed. “You don’t understand what you are doing, Max can not live without me.”
“I think that he can, but even if he can’t it will be worth it to destroy you.” Tess’ voice was cold and emotionless as she spoke. Flames started to shoot from Zan’s mouth and then suddenly he was gone. Tess wilted in exhaustion, but knew it wasn’t over. She turned and ran, looking for Max.
Liz stared down at Max he was still and pale. His face containing all the innocence he once possessed, and for a fleeting moment she remembered why she had fell in love with him, that love was long gone but now she could hold on to that and try to use it to erase all the bad he had done to her.
“Liz what are you doing here?” Tess was out of breath, Max’s mind was a maze and it felt as if she had been running for hours. She knelt beside Max and motioned for Liz.

“We need to strip him of his powers, we need to stop him from doing what Zan wanted him to do.” Tess’ face was intent and serious.
“Are you so sure that is necessary? With Zan gone he should be normal now right?” Liz wanted to not hurt Max she understood what it was to not have control.

“Yes Liz it has to be done.” Tess leaned over Max and ran her hands over his body, passing just above it, her hand glowing bright orange. She looked at Liz after a minute “It’s done Lets go.” Taking Liz’s hand again they disappeared.

Max was groaning as Tess took her hands from his head, Liz started to sit up with an addible moan. Michael let go of Max and helped her rise.

Tess looked around the room “It’s done, Zan is dead and Max has no powers. I striped him of them.”
Kyle and Michael’s face contained nothing but shock and relief “What do you mean Zan?” Michael asked cautiously.
“When Zan died he reached out to Max, to hold on to prevent fully dying. It drove them both insane.” Liz held onto Michael tightly as Tess spoke “It wasn’t all Max, it was because Zan was there in his mind edging him on, making him power hungry.”
“So it is over?” Kyle asked the tension starting to leave his body.
“It is.” Tess fell into his arms sobbing as he comforted her. Liz buried her face in Michael’s neck sighing at the sense of peace he brought her. Michael caressed her back and hair, nodding.
“No for us it is just starting.” Liz looked up into his eyes and smiled.

“You’re right it is.”