Shadows ( CC / Mature) (Complete)

[FallenMagic]

Part 31

The silence was foreboding. It held questions which no one was willing to ask, not sure if they wanted to know. Most of all they didn’t want to ask for fear of being mislead. Mislead by someone they trusted, at least for the moment. Looking at their faces, Maria could see the flicker of fear lingering in their eyes. She could hear their unsaid thoughts floating through the silence. Because she was wondering those things too.

Do we really trust her? Is she telling the truth? Why should we believe her? How does she know about Kivar? And what are we going to do now?

Too much had happened in the small span of time. Alex’s death, Liz’s death, future Max, the skins and now this. One after another the assault had continued until it seemed like an eternity had passed before they could breathe easily. It had been so long since anything went right for them that they stopped hoping. They stopped hopping for things ever to be right again and this just reinforced their thoughts.

Kivar. Maria thought with fear filling her. He’s here and he’s looking for us.

The lull was broken finally by Max who, trying to full fill his role as leader, asked Ava the question that had been bugging them the most since Ava’s proclamation. “After everything that has happened, with Lonnie, Rath and the skins… how can we trust you?” he asked.

“Liz may have trusted you, but I’m not so sure I do.” Michael put in from where he stood. He knew he had found Ava being attacked by skins, intent on killing her but that wasn’t evidence enough of her innocence for him. Call it instinct or paranoia.

“That ain’t none of my problem.” Ava replied with a shrug. “Just thought I’d let you know that Kivar’s on to you. Whether you believe me or not is not my problem, it’s yours.”

“How do you know that he’s on to us?” Isabel asked.

“Why else would he himself be here?” she asked. She sighed. “Look, it all up to you really. If you don’t wanna be caught off guard, I’d suggest you be careful. He ain’t gonna settle for losing this time.”

None of them said anything as they already knew this the moment she had mentioned his return.

Finally Max sighed, turning tired eyes back on Ava. “Thank you.” He said.

“Yeah. Whateva.” She said, waving it aside. Her voice softened a bit as she bit her lip. “Yo, sorry to hear about Liz and Alex. Knew you guys were tight.”

“Yeah, we were…”Max replied. He cleared his throat. “We’d…we’d better get back down. The Parkers are going to wonder what we’re doing here for so long.”

Everyone began to move back downstairs with the exception of Tess, Maria, Michael and Ava.

“You can come too Ava.” Isabel offered with a small smile.

“Nah, you go on. I’d better be goin’” she replied motioning out the balcony.

“Where are you staying?” Maria asked suddenly.

“One of those dingy hotel type place…” she replied nonchalantly.

“You can-you can stay at my place if you want…”Maria trailed off.

Ava’s eyes looked at her with surprise. “You don’t have to.”

Maria shook her head. “No, please. I would like it.” She replied. And she did. She knew Liz would have offered immediately if she was here.

Ava nodded gratefully. “Cool.” Ava replied.

“Yeah, well I have my shift to finish and then we can go.” Maria offered.

“You can wait with us.” Kyle offered.

Ava glanced around the small group of friends and smiled. This was turning out better than she had hoped.


TBC......

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Hmmm...you'll have to see where I'm taking all of this... and I've got a treat for you guys! I'm posting two chapters!

Part 32

Kyle and Tess walked slowly through town heading towards the Crash Down the next morning. They walked in silence, unsure of what to talk to each other about. Everything between them had changed in that one instant when Kyle had decked a guy who was checking out Tess.

“She’s my sister!” Kyle had cried out before sending the guy sprawling.

Tess swallowed the disappointment she still felt whenever she thought about it, determined not to let it affect her. But she couldn’t help wanting something more from Kyle than brotherly love. She didn’t understand what had brought that on really. Ever since she had moved into the Valenti household, she had felt this immediate attraction towards Kyle. At first she had brushed it off as friendship, seeing he was the only one not overtly suspicious of her every move but then gradually things had changed.

When they were together the air crackled with tense energy, just waiting to be relieved by either one of them making the first move. But they just hadn’t been ready then. In fact she had barely begun to notice the changes in him when he had asked her to the prom. She had been surprised, flattered but surprised.

She also had been occupied with Max. She admitted to herself reluctantly. She had yet to know where she stood with him. Was she his friend, something more…what? She wished she knew. She was sick of this dance they were doing.

She sighed inwardly to herself. Not like it matters anymore. She thought. Kyle isn’t interested anymore.

She tried to think back to when Kyle’s feelings for her had changed. Was it when she had made them that Christmas dinner? Maybe she had gone too far to fit in. Or was it when Kyle realized that he loved Liz Parker?

She frowned when she thought of that. She had to admit that it had hurt her more than she liked to admit when she had found out. She had tried to pretend that she didn’t care, that she was happy to make a move on Max but in reality, she had to do everything from locking herself up and crying. And she hated to cry. It was the first thing Nasedo had taught her, that tears were the first signs of weakness.

She still didn’t get why he did what he did. It was all so sudden. She was so sure they were making progress. When she had asked Liz about it in Copper Summit, it wasn’t to be polite or even curious, in reality she was trying to see if it had really happened. Maybe she hoped it was a rumor. But that had been quenched really fast.

What is it about Liz Parker that drives guys crazy? She wondered.

“She doesn’t fit in this small town.” Kyle said.

“What?” Tess looked up startled, thinking she must have spoken out loud. But Kyle was looking at Ava who was standing outside the café with Isabel, watching them come up the street.

“Ava.” Kyle replied, nodding towards her. “She needs to tone down her image if she wants to fit in here. She will attract a lot of attention.”

“I’ll talk to her about that.” Tess offered. “Seeing we’re look-alikes she’d fit my clothes.” She flashed Kyle a teasing smile. “And maybe I can try some of hers.”

Kyle didn’t say anything but interestingly enough his eyes went a bit wide and he ducked her gaze quickly.

Hmm…interesting. Tess mused thoughtfully. Tess suddenly felt very weak and tripped. She grabbed on to Kyle’s arm, trying to right herself. Instinctively Kyle’s arm were round her waist as he held her steady.

“You okay?” he asked, concern lining his features. “You look very pale.”

“I’m fine Buddha boy.” Tess relied smiling weakly, confused by the dizziness she felt. She felt her stomach go queasy. “I just don’t feel so good…”

“You don’t look so good either.” Kyle replied. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Tess nodded. She straightened herself, throwing Kyle a grateful look. “No, seriously I’m fine. Just a dizzy spell.” She replied. She grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the Crash Down. “Now come on, let’s go! I feel like having a sundae mixed with Tabasco and mustard!”

Kyle gagged. “Now I’m sure you’re not feeling okay! That sounds gross!” he muttered, but being willingly dragged along.

[FallenMagic]

Part 33

Kyle watched Tess with growing concern. They had been at the Crash Down for an hour now and Tess seemed to get paler. Even though she was acting like nothing was wrong, he knew better. She was finding it more difficult to keep up with the conversation and at one point she had looked like she would fall right out of the chair.

He glanced around the table to see if any one else noticed anything wrong, but he found Isabel in an animated conversation with Ava, much to his surprise, and Max as usual having no clue to what was going on at the table, his glued to where Maria was working, thinking about Liz.

Seeing Max wallow in his grief made Kyle remember what he had wanted to talk to him about. By mutual agreement he and Maria had decided not to tell them yesterday but right now, when everything seemed semi-normal, he wondered if this was the right time. Maria and Michael were supposed to join them after their shift anyway. Kyle looked towards the counter where he found Maria flirting with Michael in their own fight-and-grope way.

Semi-normal is the most normal our lives get anyway. He observed wryly.

Kyle looked back at Tess and was alarmed when he saw her eyes seem distant and far off.

“Tess?” he asked, touching her hand lightly to get her attention. By now, Max was also looking at her curiously.

“Tess, you all right?” he asked.

“Tess? You okay?" Ava put in, touching her hand lightly and gazing at her intently.

Tess looked at her and then at Kyle in a slight daze and then abruptly sprang up. She swayed slightly and grabbed the table to hold on to. Kyle and Max both jumped up to grab her if she should fall. Isabel and Ava looked at her in concern.

“What’s wrong Tess?” Isabel asked.

Tess didn’t answer anyone of them, staring into space. Then she just as quickly whirled around and ran towards the bathroom.

“Tess!” Kyle called after her.

But Tess barely heeded his call and she ignored Maria’s concerned voice asking her what was wrong. She barged into the bathroom and locked the door with her powers, not caring if it was noticed. She stood their shakily for a minute, her back against the door, her breathing labored.

She rubbed her stomach lightly, trying to soothe the pain that she felt. She felt light headed and as if the room was spinning. Her stomach churned and she sank to the floor, next to the toilet and threw up.

After throwing up some more, she leaned against the wall, wiping the sweated matted hair off her face. She took deep gulps of air, trying to stop the burning in her lungs, like she had run a marathon.

What’s going on? Tess asked herself worriedly. What just happened back there?

After a few moments, when she had steadied herself, she pushed herself off the floor. At first she felt a little dizzy but just as quickly it came, it passed. She grabbed the side of the sink, letting the coolness seep into her hands. She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes glazed, and her hair damp with sweat.

I look like if I just rolled out of bed. She grimaced. She ran her hand in front of her face, using her powers to turn herself back to normal. Much better. She thought satisfied. She opened the tap, just letting the water run and taking comfort from the gentle sound.

But she was still confused as to what had happened right now. The dizzy spells and her spacing out. It had never happened before and according to Nasedo it never should, with her being an alien hybrid. She was contemplating this when she felt a warmth spread through her abdomen to her entire body. She glanced down in surprise, lifting her shirt slightly and putting a hand to her stomach.

A knock interrupted her. “Tess?” Isabel’s voice came through the door. “Are you okay?” she asked, concern apparent in her voice.

“I’m fine.” She replied, barely able to tear her gaze away from the mirror and her stomach. “I’m fine…” She whispered this to herself but her face belied this statement. She looked back down to where her hand was on her stomach and she found herself gently rubbing it.

“I just think I’m pregnant…” she whispered to herself in astonishment.


TBC.......

Note: Please don't kill me! I promise there's a reason for everything and a solution to every problem, even this one. You'll all get your answers soon! Just hang on okay? Please?

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: I promise I'll make things better! You'll understand soon


Part 34

Maria sat in Liz’s room, fiddling with her stuff as she fondly remembered happier times. She picked up a picture of her with Liz and Alex sitting together in the quad and smiled. They were so happy then. Everything was so simple and uncomplicated. She had two of her best friends in the world with her and her whole future lay out before her, yet to be determined, yet to be filled out by her.

But now, I might have just a week to live for all I know. She thought bitterly. But then she sighed and pushed those angry thoughts away. She had chosen to be a part of this. She had the option of walking away so many times before but she had remained. She wasn’t about to bail out anytime soon.

She put the picture down and walked over to where Liz kept her journal. She had always known where Liz kept it even though she pretended she didn’t. She slid it out of its hiding place, opening it to the last few pages. Some papers fluttered to the ground as she was opening the pages. She bent to pick them up, curious as to what they were.

She frowned when she saw Leanna’s and the Olsens’ phone number written boldly across the front. She put the diary down carefully on the dresser and sat down on Liz’s bed, shuffling through the papers.

Her eyes grew wider with every sentence she read. She knew Liz was meticulous but this was so organized! On the pages Liz had written down the dates and the events that had taken place since Alex left for Sweden, recapturing every detail perfectly. The events unfolded into detailed information of Alex’s emails from Sweden, his phone calls and she had even managed to pull up the timing for some of the phone calls he had made. They also held an account of what Liz’s had been doing. The last item she had done was search through his stuff for clues: the tickets and the poem.

Maria sat there in a state of confusion and daze for a minute as she considered the probability that maybe Liz had been right about Alex’s death.

I mean we know aliens! She thought. A lot weirder things have happened. This wouldn’t be the first.

Maria slowly turned over the piece of information Liz had meticulously stored, wondering again if Liz had been on to something, that maybe Alex had been killed. She remembered all the things Liz had pointed out at, the things they all had refused to see. They appeared so clearly to her now. How could she have missed seeing what Liz was talking about?

**Flash **

Liz turned to look at them in Alex’s room. “If there is anything any of us should have learned over the last year and a half, it's that nothing is ever what it seems.”

** Flash **

I know what I know, and I am gonna find out the truth.

** End flash **

Without even realizing what she was doing, Maria found herself reaching for Liz’s phone. Glancing at the number on the paper she began dialing the operator, asking for a connection to Sweden. Before she knew it the bell was ringing on the other side. After a few rings a bleary voice came on.

“Hello?” Maria said into the phone. “Mr. Olsen? Hi, I’m Maria Deluca from Roswell and I’m sorry I’m calling at such a time but I just wanted to thank you for the flowers you sent Alex.”

She paused when she heard the man’s reply. “Alex. Alex Whitman.” She told him over the phone. “He was an exchange student from Roswell, New Mexico last month.”

She listened carefully to the man denying knowing anything about any exchange student. “Oh, okay. I must have gotten the wrong Olsen’s…” she replied confused. She shut of the phone and looked again at the number.

That’s funny, that’s the number. She thought. She carefully flipped through the pages on evidence Liz had fond and came across a picture of Alex with Leanna. She looked at it guardedly.

** Flash **

Liz telling the others determinedly her theory. “It wasn't an accident. He was murdered.”

** End flash **

What if maybe Liz was right…? She wondered.


TBC....

[FallenMagic]

Part 35

Serena was sitting on the patio in the evening, contemplating their next step when Alex came to join her. He came and sat down on the chair next to her, staring at the sprawling desert for a while in silence.

“Where’s Liz?” she asked Alex.

“Sleeping.” He replied. “The premonitions have taken a lot out of her, both emotionally and physically.

“That’s good. She needs her rest other wise she’ll just get weaker.” Serena said, glad that she was able to rest.

It had been around two days since Liz had her first premonition and ever since then they had occurred four times already, always the same, always just as haunting. Every time they occurred they just left Liz more shaken than before, having to relive Max’s death again and again. The last premonition had left her unconscious for at least ten minutes. After the third one Liz had been too scared to close her eyes, fearfully of having initiated them again. In just a matter of a couple of days Liz had gotten weaker and more distraught, fearing for the battle which her premonitions depicted. Though they had discussed it they couldn’t figure out if Liz was part of the battle or not, or whether she was just projecting herself in them.

“Why are they coming over and over again?” Alex asked, his voice tinged with fear.

Serena sighed as she turned her head to look at him. “I really don’t know.” She replied. “This doesn’t happen with Antarians, at least not according to the studies we did in the future. It could be that since Liz is human and not exactly supposed to have these powers, they have a different effect on her.”

“Or maybe they’re a warning.” Alex answered thoughtfully. “Maybe it’s an indication that we’re supposed to go back to Roswell and stop it from happening. I mean, premonitions happen for a reason right?”

Serena pondered over this. “Maybe.” She relented. “But we can’t go back to Roswell just yet.”

“Why?” Alex demanded. “Aren’t these a clear indication? What if they are supposed to stop once we’re back in Roswell?”

“Firstly, we’re not ready yet. Liz needs to get a sound hold of her powers. She may be a fast learner but you have to remember that’s she’s still new at this. I need more time with her.” Serena told a frustrated Alex. “You remember how Michael was so bad at controlling his powers until Tess taught him?”

“She might not have to use her powers immediately. We can use the time lapse to train.” Alex argued.

“But she might also have to.” Serena pointed out. “And after that last premonition Liz is not strong enough to face any alien and use her powers, not without putting herself at risk.”

Alex clamped his mouth shut, his face angry. Serena was right of course. Even if Liz didn’t have to use her powers immediately, she was still weak and he was in no way going to risk her health and life.

“You guys are worrying way too much about me.” Liz’s voice came from the patio door.

Serena and Alex wiped around, not having heard her come outside. Liz’s face wore an amused and a slightly exasperated look.

“Liz!” Alex cried, jumping up from the chair and hurrying to her. “You should be resting.”

“I’m not an invalid Alex.” Liz’s scolding voice replied as she took Alex’s vacated seat. “And please stop worrying so much. I’m fine.” She said, looking them squarely in the eyes.

“You heard us?” Serena asked guiltily.

Liz nodded, a half smile of her face. “Oh yeah!” she replied. “And I don’t appreciate you making such decisions for me. I should have a say in going back to Roswell.”

“But you’re weak after—” Alex began but was cut off by a stern glare from Liz.

“Alex, stop it.” She scolded him. “I am fine! Nothing is wrong with me!” She gave Alex a soft look.

Alex and Serena looked at her critically, not sure whether to believe her. Finally Alex sighed and sat down on the floor, facing the girls.

“Okay I believe you.” He told her. “If you say you’re all right, then I’ll take your word for it.”

“Thank you.” Liz said graciously.

“Fine, fine.” Serena sighed rolling her eyes. “I know better than to argue with you.”

“And God knows you know me well enough!” Liz giggled.

Serena grinned. “Two life times of Liz. I think I know enough.” She replied.

“And as for Roswell…I agree with Serena. It’s not time yet.” Liz replied just as firmly but giving Alex an apologetic look. She knew he really wanted to go back, but it was not time yet. Liz paused looking at Serena quietly, wanting to voice the question that had been on her mind before she came here. “Serena,” Liz began her voice soft. Serena looked at her, immediately knowing what was going to ask.

“What was she like?” Liz asked, looking at her hesitantly. “The other me, I mean.”

Serena looked at Liz quietly for a while, marveling how little she had changed in both time lines. Alex too, leaned in closer, curious to know more about this future they were trying to change.

“A lot like you actually.” Serena told her with a tender smile. “There is so much of her I see in you. She…” Serena paused to give Liz a gentle smile. “You were so kind and gentle. So thoughtful and brilliant. Max depended so much on you…in his eyes you grew more beautiful every passing day. No one could be more beautiful or loving or more intelligent than his wife…and he was right.”

Serena touched Liz’s shoulder lightly, almost trying to touch the Liz she knew. “And you still are… There’s not much that’s changed.” Serena told a blushing Liz. “We were afraid that making you do what we did, it would have changed you, made you more bitter, more…broken.” Serena paused as she let the pain pass. “But I was relieved to find you still like before, still standing with your head up, believing that love would still conquer all.”

Liz looked at Serena in embarrassment, blushing at her compliments. Serena was looking far off into the night, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she remembered the Max and Liz she knew.

“Did they have any children?” Alex burst in, eager to know more.

Serena laughed as she brushed away a stray tear and noticed Liz go red. “Yes, actually. Two.” She replied.

“Max never told me anything about the future except out wedding.” Liz whispered.

“That timeline changed when you went through with your plan and a new one took its place but even that was not any better.” Serena told her.

“How do we know that this new future will be any better?” Liz asked fearfully. It was not a very optimistic piece of information, that they failed to change the future…twice.

“We don’t.” Serena replied with a small shrug of her shoulders. “But we went through a lot of details when considering this time jump, going over events which might be changed to make our chances for our future better. The first thing we decided was that I would go, not Max, nor anyone else who lived here during that time period. I was perfect for this since I didn’t know you until much later. Then we figured out that Alex’s death and Liz’s return from Sweden may have been a deciding factor in the incidents.”

“So you changed them.” Alex put in. “You saved me and brought Liz here, not allowing her to go back.”

“That’s right.” Serena nodded.

“But why can’t we go back?” Liz asked.

“Because then things would have happened that would have broken you later on. Hurt you so badly that you would have begun to doubt your involvement with the aliens.” Serena told her.

“What things?” Liz asked.

“Some very bad things.” Serena replied seriously. “And since we’re avoided them, I hope, it would be better not to talk about them.”

Alex and Liz bit back their questions, knowing from Serena’s tone that this talk was over. And they didn’t really mind. There were some things better left buried.


TBC.....

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Welcome aboard panthergirl2002! Oh I definitly have loads of stuff up my sleeve

Part 36

Max drove his jeep up to Eagle’s Point the next morning, wondering why Tess wanted to meet him here. She had called him last night asking him to meet her here at ten. He quickly parked his car out of sight, not wanting to take a chance on the car being noticed by anyone driving past.

He climbed the formation, stopping to wave his hand over the entrance. The door slid open silently and he stepped in.

“Tess?” he called out once he was inside.

“Over here Max.” he heard her reply. He followed the sound of her voice and found her sitting near their pods.

He walked slowly up to her, noticing her nervous wringing of her hands. Tess looked up from her hands and smiled shakily at him in greeting.

“Thank you for coming Max.” she said.

“Is something the matter?” he asked, slightly alarmed by her serious tone.

She sighed as she waved to the empty space on the ledge next to her. “Sit down please.” she said.

Max looked at her for a moment before sitting down next to her. He waited for her to say something but she sat there staring at the floor, biting her lip in obvious agitation.

“Max…”she began softly. “I have to tell you something.”

Max touched her hand lightly, trying to make her look up at him. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.” He told her, trying to put her at ease.

By now he was getting a bit worried by her hesitance. All sorts of scenarios ran through his head. Right from alien invasions to her trying to tell him she was in love.

What possibly could have her this nervous? He wondered. But since he didn’t want to scare her with his own nervousness he tried to keep his emotions in check. But what she told him left him stunned.

“I’m pregnant…”she said softly, so softly that he had to strain to hear.

Max abruptly took his hand away from hers, staring at her in shock. At first it didn’t really register what she had told him but then it sunk in and he felt sick. He felt his whole life turn upside down in front of him. Tess noticed his reaction and had to bite her lip hard from crying.

“What did you say?” he whispered, his eyes wide.

Tess now met his eyes with her teary ones. “I’m pregnant Max…”

“But how…when…how is…” Max stuttered, not sure which question to voice first, if he could get his thoughts under control first, that is.

“That night…in the observatory.” Tess told him.

Max got up abruptly and walked a few paces away from her, his eyes darting all over the place as he tried to come to terms with the news. He ran his hand through his hair, his thoughts going at a million miles per hour.

Is it even possible? And just once? What am I going to do? Can the baby survive? What did we do?

“Max?” Tess wavering voice brought him back to attention. “Say something.”

“What do you expect me to say Tess?” he asked her. His body was tense and stiff as he turned around to look at her. “My whole life’s been turned around in a matter of seconds. What can I say?”

“Well I’m so sorry I just ruined your life Max.” Tess replied, her voice wry and bitter. “Because this sure hasn’t changed my life.”

She stared at Max coldly and Max flinched, realizing that this had affected her as well. “My life’s just perfect, because I sure as hell don’t mind this alien life force growing inside of me!” Tess cried angrily. She got up and stormed over to him, glaring at him. “Guess what your Highness, I don’t like this any more than you do!”

“I’m sorry Tess.” Max apologized, backing away. “I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.”

“Of course you didn’t.” she spat out. “You don’t care about anyone but yourself! How it will affect you, how this has ruined your perfectly planned life. Because there surely isn’t anyone else’s life at stake! There isn’t anyone who matter as much as Antar’s king Zan!”

Max looked at her, shrinking back as she descended on him, her eyes stormy and angry but mostly hurt. Max hadn’t wanted to sound like that but he couldn’t argue that he had thought about himself first before he even considered what this might mean for Tess.

“Tess, I’m sorry.” Max began. “I…it was just…a shock to me…that’s all. It took me by surprise.”

“Like it wasn’t a shock to me?” Tess demanded. “It’s not like planned for this to happen.”

“Well neither did I!” Max burst out, getting frustrated by her angry words.

Tess stopped talking, and backed away a step or two. She just stared at him with anger, hurt and…coldness. She stared to back away slowly. She then turned around quickly and began walking back outside.

“Tess, wait!” Max called, hurrying after her. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” She replied curtly, without stopping.

Max grabbed her arm and turned her around. “We have to figure out what’s we’re going to do. You can’t just leave.” He replied.

Tess jerked her hand out of his grasp. “We aren’t going to figure out anything. It’s very apparent you don’t want any part in this. What I have to do next is something I have to decide for myself!” she turned back to head outside. But again Max stopped her.

“You need me Tess.” Max’s voice pleaded. “The baby is alien. We need to work together on this.”

Tess stopped and looked at him incredulously. “That’s all you’re worried about isn’t it?” she asked with a dry laugh. “How this might prove dangerous for you? Well you don’t have to worry Max. I’m keeping this baby and I’ll figure out what to do next.”

Max could only stare at her as she left the pod chamber. He sat down on the floor, his head in his hands. He hadn’t meant to come off like that, but he was worried. About how this would affect them all, how this might affect their future.


TBC....

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: I know what you guys are going through and I promise to make it all better. Have faith!

Part 37

Maria paced the length of her room, trying to sort through her frantic thoughts. She had been up all night, trying to figure out whether Liz’s information was wrong or if Alex had even gone to Sweden. Ever since yesterday when she had called the Olsens, she had been trying to figure out how they didn’t know Alex. Last night, after tossing and turning to hours she had taken out the papers she had taken from Liz’s room and tried dialing up both Leanna and the Olsens. But again it had been the same response. They had never heard of Alex Whitman before.

Maybe Liz wrote down their number wrong. I mean I know Alex left for Sweden. He-he had pictures and phone calls and emails! Maria rationalized.

Suddenly she stopped midway her pacing and stared at her computer as an idea began to form in her head.

Email! Maybe I can trace them! She thought.

She hurriedly logged into her account, calling up all of Alex’s emails. She printed them all and then carefully went over them. So, she had the emails, now how does she trace them?

That was Alex’s expertise! Maria thought glumly. She didn’t even know where she was going with this. Wasn’t even sure why she was doing this. She was just feeling very unsettled after yesterday, like something was not right.

Realizing that she couldn’t trace the emails herself she tried to think of other people who could. A name popped up in her head and she grabbed the emails and scurried out the door, not even bothering to respond to a startle Ava who had just rolled out of bed.


* * * * * * * * * * *


“Please, please, please tell me you can trace this email for me!” Maria pleaded with a guy wearing specks; whose names she was sure was Derek.

Derek looked at the emails in Maria’s hands and then back at her. “These are encrypted but I can if you give me some time.” He told her hesitantly.

“Than do it!” she ordered, pushing the papers to him.

He took the papers slowly, as if thinking it through. He let out a deep breath. He shuffled through them, already trying to figure out his route. “You know what you’re asking me to do is illegal right?” he asked her, glancing at her then back at the email printouts.

“Yes, I know.” Maria replied calmly. “What’s your point?” she asked blinking at him.

Derek shook his head in amusement. “Nothing. Just making sure you know that.” He told her with a smile. “I’ll get back to you if I find anything.” He promised.

“Great!” Maria enthused. But inwardly her stomach was feeling queasy. She didn’t have a good feeling about this. She had an odd feeling that she just might be shock by what she would find.


TBC....

Note: Posting another part by tonight so keep a look out!

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Parker Evans thank you! I'm so glad you like it and think so highly of it even though I've dabbled into Rebel (Which I assure you will not last too long!). People usually start flaming me by then lol


Part 38

Alex shifted on the couch uncomfortably for the third time in the past five minutes. Liz looked up from the movie they were watching, at him, biting her lip. Alex had been jumpy all day, he couldn’t seem to still for more than a few minutes, and when she asked him about him he couldn’t explain why.

“I just have an odd feeling of dread…”he had replied, his face confused and a little bit scared.

Alex closed his eyes, slouching down on the couch. Liz watched the flicker of worry pass over his features as soon as he closed his eyes. Alex opened his eyes, unable to let sleep take him. He turned his head slightly and found her staring at him with concern.

“What?” he mumbled in a sleepy voice.

Liz bit her lip again as she wondered whether she should worry him further. Even though it had been a couple of days now since she had the last premonition, Alex had still wanted to go back to Roswell, if just to see if everything was fine. But not only had Serena refused but so had Liz. Liz knew Alex had been somewhat hurt and disappointed at her taking Serena’s side, but she knew that they couldn’t rush into anything. If they were to go back, they would need new identities, a place to stay without raising suspicion. Plus she had been convinced that the premonition hadn’t been about the immediate future, at least not for a few days. After a lot of argument Alex had reluctantly agreed to wait until at least Serena could fix some things up for them in Roswell.

“Spill, Parker.” Alex ordered, noticing her quietness.

Liz tucked her hair behind her ear and turned to face Alex. She played with the ring on her finger as she avoided looking at him. “Have you – um – have you felt…you know some changes in anyone recently?” she asked.

“Some people…”Alex replied cautiously. He looked at her curiously, waiting for her to meet his eyes but she refused to meet his gaze.

“Is it-”she broke off, looking up from her hands and briefly meeting his gaze. “Who?” she asked.

“Are you sensing some changes Liz?” Alex asked, smoothly avoiding her question. He wanted to know where she was going with this.

Liz shrugged, tucking her hair again behind her ear. “Maybe…”she began hesitantly. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She looked at Alex, her eyes pooling with unshed tears. “Max…” she finally relented. “Today I felt this huge change in him. He was hurting Alex, I could feel it. What I felt today…I can’t explain it really…” she looked at Alex, trying to make him understand. “It was like this huge burden fell on his shoulder, he was confused, upset and…guilty?” she finished, confused at why she felt the guilt most strongly. “Did you…feel anything?” she asked hesitantly.

“There was a shift in him.” Alex allowed. He didn’t tell her that he felt everything she did and more. He didn’t tell her that Max’s guilt seemed to revolve around Tess and Liz. He didn’t know how he knew that but he just did. “I have felt Maria change…and somehow I’m beginning to pick up on Kyle.”

“Kyle?” Liz asked. “How?”

Alex shrugged. “Don’t know really…he seems to be coming through Maria…it seems she might have gotten close to him.”

“Wow. So many people are changing…”Liz’s soft voice said in slight awe and sadness. “People I would never have expected…”

“Liz, Max would have had to change.” Alex pointed out gently, knowing why she was hurting so badly. “And isn’t this what you had tried to make happen. For him to change so he could get over you?”

Liz nodded but didn’t trust herself to speak. Alex gently took her in his arms and smoothed back her hair. “Let it out Lizzie. I’m here.” He whispered.

That was all the encouragement Liz needed. The tears she had been holding back since she felt the change were released. She held on to Alex, sobbing. Alex just ran his hand up and down her back like he used to do when they were young, letting her cry.

Finally, after a long while her cries quietened down and her breathing turned slow and low. Alex looked down at her and found her having tired herself to sleep. He smiled to himself, looking at her peaceful face. He lay her back down on the couch, not wanting to wake her up. Then he lay down next to her and let sleep finally take him too.

** Dream **

The darkness invaded their thoughts, suffocating them. They tried to move but couldn’t. It was as if they were bound, chained to the nightmare they knew they were about to witness. The darkness began to swirl with images, flashing by too quickly to really make out. Haunting sounds of screams and cried filled the darkness as they tried to shut out the agonizing voices but they kept getting louder and louder until they felt they could bear no more.

“Please, make it stop!” Alex heard Liz cry from next to him.

Almost as if granting her wishes the sounds stopped and so did the images. Darkness prevailed once again. They relaxed but not for long but the next flash took them by surprise. In front of them lay Roswell, they found themselves standing in front of the Crash Down. Liz and Alex glanced at each other, wondering what the hell was happening. Were they in this dream together or was one of them an imagination?

Before they could say anything though a blast knocked them to their feet. Looking up from the ground they felt the horror blaze through them. They tired to get up and run to the fire engulfed café but once again they found themselves bound by the invisible chains. They could only watch as Maria ran to the burning café, screaming Kyle’s and Liz’s name. But Max grabbed her before she could get too close.

“Max, let me go!” she screamed. “Kyle and Liz are in there! We have to save them! Please Max!”

“Maria, they’re dead!” Max yelled back at her, trying to get through her hysteria. “And if we don’t get away from here, we will be too!”

But even as he was saying this his own tears were streaking down his face as he glanced at the burning café.

“No! Kyle! Liz!” Maria yelled, breaking down into uncontrollable sobs, with Max’s arms around her as he too shed silent tears.

Alex and Liz watched in growing horror as once again the scene changed. They were just outside Roswell. They noticed the scorch marks around the desert floor, like some huge battle had taken place. Then they saw Michael…cradling Maria’s lifeless form.

“Maria!” Liz yelled in shock. “No, Maria!”

She began to run towards them, followed by Alex. She briefly wondered how she could move but that thought was only replaced by dread and pain as she neared Michael and Maria. She could see that Michael was crying brokenly, refusing to let her go.

“Oh God!” Alex cried, coming up next to Liz, who had frozen in place. He tried to pull Liz away but she refused to move, just staring at Maria’s dead body. “Liz…”

“Maria…” she whispered in anguish.

The scene around them changed once again. This time they were in some abandoned warehouse. Max was tied to a pole, next to Isabel. Isabel looked battered, barely alive.

“Isabel!” Alex breathed out in pain.

“Not many people can say they got to kill Zan…twice!” Kivar’s mocking voice rang through the air.

Max stared defiantly at Kivar. “You’ll never win Kivar!” he cried.

“Oh, but I already have…” his smug voice replied.

“This is the future Alex.” Liz’s soft and shocked voice reverted through the air. “This was what Serena came back to change…I’m sure of it.”

“Not if we change it.” Alex replied determinedly, but feeling a sense of despair and dejection set in.

The darkness began to enclose them again and they knew that the dream was ending. They were thankful that this nightmare was about to end, it felt too real for comfort. But just before it ended, they saw one last final image. An image that shook Liz to the core.

Max…dead.

** End dream **


Both Alex and Liz sat bolt upright together, gasping for breath, their faces beaded with sweat. They turned wide, horror filled eyes at each other. Both knew instantly that they had seen the same dream. And they really doubted that it was just a dream.

“Oh God.” Liz whispered in horror. “Oh God…”

“This is what Serena is here to change…” Alex said as it dawned on him. Serena had never told him exactly what had happened in the future, always had been too upset to. Even when she had told him about future Max and why she was back she had just given him a brief look into what had happened. But now they knew.

“I think it’s time we go to Roswell.” Alex replied grimly, still haunted back Isabel and Maria’s images.

“I think you’re right.” Serena’s voice came from the door. They turned to find her standing in the door way, her face grim. “It’s time to go to Roswell.”

TBC...

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Thank you all!


Part 39

Michael sat on his bike outside Maria’s house, debating with himself whether to go in or not. Even though he had wanted to talk to her about Liz ever since he had overheard her and Kyle talking, he had pushed it aside till now. There had been more important matters at hand, namely Ava. But now, with everything settled down to an extent, he planned to talk to her.

But he couldn’t make himself go inside. Truth was he felt guilty at eavesdropping on them. He knew it was silly but he couldn’t help feeling that what he did was wrong and that she wouldn’t like it when she found out about it.

It’s not like you did it on purpose. He told himself.

Finally, steeling himself he got off his bike and made his way to the back. He really didn’t want to bump into Mrs. Deluca right now. He could already see her distrustful look as she warned him about hurting Maria.

Like I ever would. He thought to himself, conveniently forgetting the past times he had. He had no intention of doing so anymore so why think about it, right?

Once he got to her window, he peeked inside and found her sprawled over her bed, paper scattered haphazardly around her as she concentrated on them. He smiled to himself as he watched her. He waited for her to look up and see him but after a few minutes, when she still hadn’t looked up from her work, he rapped lightly on the window.

Maria was startled by the sound but when she saw Michael she beamed. She jumped up and ran to help him inside. Once he was inside she kissed him lightly on the lips.

“Hey space boy.” She murmured, still pressed up against him.

Michael kissed her lingeringly again, smiling as she melted into him. “Hey yourself.” He replied.

When Maria leaned in to kiss him again, he gently extracted himself from her. He knew if he got distracted by this he wouldn’t get a chance to talk to her and he really wanted to know the details. Maria frowned when she felt him let go of her and step back.

“What’s wrong Michael?” she asked, missing his embrace.

Michael took her hand in his gently and looked into her eyes. “Maria, I need to ask you something and I need you to be honest with me.” He told her seriously.

Maria looked at his solemn face with concern as she nodded. “Of course.”

Michael took a deep breath before he spoke. “That day at the Crash Down when Ava came, you and Kyle were arguing…” Michael began.

“Oh that,” Maria said, laughing nervously. “That was just a dumb fight.” She replied, trying to wave aside the question in his voice.

But when Michael’s gaze never left hers she stopped talking. He regarded her seriously before saying in a low voice. “I heard you guys that night, talking…about Liz.”

Maria took a sharp intake of breath and pulled her hand away from his. She turned around and began to gather up the papers on the bed. “I – I don’t know what you’re taking about Michael.” She said, refusing to look at him, even though she could feel him staring at her. “Kyle and I—”

“I need you to tell me what Liz did.” He continued, ignoring Maria’s last few words. “Why did she do it?”

Maria didn’t say anything but she stood still, the papers in her hands as she stared down at them, wondering how he had heard them. She felt secretly relieved that he had found out but she was also upset by this. She still wasn’t sure if she should tell the others. She knew she would have to eventually but right now she wasn’t ready.

“Maria?” Michael’s voice was soft and pleading, asking her to tell him. She felt his hands on her waist as he gently turned her around and made her look up at him. Her eyes were swimming with tears as Michael asked her, “Liz didn’t sleep with Kyle did she?”

Maria shook her head slowly, as tears slipped down her cheek. Michael cupped her cheek in his hand, wiping away the tears trailing down her face.

“Then why did she let Max think she did?” Michael asked.

“I can’t tell you Michael.” She sobbed. “God, I wish I could but I made a promise…”

“You were planning on telling us anyway.” Michael reminded her.

“I – I still don’t know whether I should…”Maria told him. “I-I’m not sure…” She looked away from him as she cried silently.

“Maria, I need to know.” Michael pleaded. “It’s driving me crazy, not knowing what happened. Please tell me!”

“I can’t.” Maria cried in anguish.

“Why?” Michael nearly shouted in frustration, can not understanding why she was so hesitant. “Why can’t you tell me?”

“I just can’t!” Maria yelled at him, tears swimming in her angry eyes.

Michael threw up his hands in frustration. He moved back, turning away to look out the window, before turning to look back at her.

“You might think you’re being all noble here. Keeping Liz’s secret. But Kyle is right. We all deserve to know what happened that night! And not just because it affects our lives but because you can only keep this inside of you for so long!” Michael told her, his voice loud and frustrated. “If you keep this inside you…it’ll kill you. It’ll eat you up inside!”

He paused to look at Maria who was still not looking at him, crying softly as she futilely tried to hold back the memories. His voice grew soft as he spoke to her,

“I know, because I have secrets too. Secrets I never let anyone see. Not Max, not Isabel. And it ate me up inside. Having to lie and hide from the people you love.” He told her.

Maria turned to look at Michael in anger, anger because he wasn’t backing down, because he kept pushing her.

“You really want to know why she lied Michael?” she hissed at him, seething with rage. “Do you really want to?”

She stepped up to him, her face so close to his that she could see the golden speck in his eyes.

“Because he asked her to.” Although he could hear the anger in her voice, her voice was barely a whisper.

“Who?” Michael asked, although he had an idea.

“Max.” Maria replied, her voice hard and cold. “From the future.” She looked up into Michael’s shocked brown eyes, her eyes radiating her anger. “Because he made her promise not to say anything to anyone! He asked her to sacrifice her love for him! He asked her to make his past self fall out of love with her.”

Michael listened to her angry voice in shock, can not believing it possible. “Why?” he asked. “Why do that to her? And how could he go back to the past?”

“He used the granolith. He had to…because otherwise the world would end fourteen years in the future.” Maria told him.

She tired to calm herself down as she related what had happened and what Liz had told her, but the more she told the angrier and bitter, she got. She related to Michael all that Liz had learned about the future, her wedding, why Tess left and why she had to change all of that. She told him about how they all had died in the future. By the time she was done, her eyes were red from crying, although hardness lined her features.

“Does that answer all your questions Michael?” she asked bitterly. “That was her secret. One she wanted to tell Max so many times but her love for him stopped her.”

Maria laughed dryly. “He himself stopped her.” She looked at Michael, almost accusingly. “Do you know how much it killed her to break his heart that way? How much she hated to see him with Tess, to see all her dreams about having a life with him ebb away?”

Michael could only stand there in shock as Maria ranted off at him, letting out her pent up anger. “Remember how she didn’t want to go to Vegas?” she asked. “That’s because they got married there! It killed her to be there in the same hotel and know that that dream would never turn out.”

“I’m sorry Maria. I didn’t know.” Michael finally whispered, finally able to talk. “I am so sorry for messing up your lives.”

Maria looked at Michael’s guilt ridden face and felt hers soften. She hadn’t meant to come across so angry and harsh but she had needed to vent. She had it holed up for so long, her anger and frustrations that all it had taken was a little push. She came and stood where Michael was standing and cupped his cheek.

“No, I’m sorry.” She told him, enveloping him into a hug. Her voice was soft once again and more…dejected. “It wasn’t your fault. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

They both didn’t say anything for a while but just held on to each other. Finally Michael broke away.

“Are you going to tell him?” he asked her.

Maria looked away. “Kyle wants to but I’m not so sure I do.” She whispered.

Michael nodded, not saying anything. “It’s your call because she was your best friend and Kyle was involved too.” He replied. “And I have to say I owe Kyle for helping her out.”

“Yeah…”

“When did Liz tell Kyle?” Michael asked.

Maria sighed and raised weary eyes to his. “A while after she told me. She felt so guilty keeping this from him.”

Michael kissed her lightly. “If you decide to tell Max and if you want, I can break it to him.” he offered.

But Maria shook her head. “No, if anyone is going to tell him it’ll be me or Kyle.” She looked at Michael gratefully. “Thank you though.”

Michael nodded, knowing that when and if Max ever found out, he’d never stop blaming himself.



TBC.....

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Telling Max....That seems like the easy way out don't you think? Oh and read this part closely...let's see if any one can see the first hint at a heppy ending I've laid out...


Part 40

Max sat alone on a bench in the park as he watched the little kids playing about. He sat watching them for a long while, can’t help but thinking that soon it might be his kid playing here. Along with that thought came an overwhelming sense of guilt. Guilt at the way he had reacted, guilt at his lack of concern for Tess and the baby. But most of all he felt his horror at how this betrayed his memory of Liz.

He closed his eyes against the onslaught of his emotions. He couldn’t stop himself for berating what he had done with Tess. He couldn’t stop himself from feeling sick when he thought about how he would have faced Liz after she found out had she been alive. Although he knew that it would have broken her heart when she would have found out about Tess’s pregnancy, he felt that this was just worse. He felt as if he had betrayed every memory he had of Liz, every loving glance, every loving word. He didn’t think he deserved her; he didn’t even deserve to have any memory of her. He knew he was being hard on himself but he felt like he deserved it. Look at what he had done! He slept with Tess on the night Liz died and barely two months later she’s pregnant.

He let his head fall into his hands as he swallowed the bile he felt rising up in his throat.

What will the others think? What will they say? He wondered.

To people it will seem as if he had never loved Liz at all. That he hadn’t even waited to move on after her death. He could already hear their words ringing in his head, could see their disgusted look. He had chased her for months, professing his love for her. He kept persisting after her, even when she didn’t want anything to do with him. He had even forced her into going to Florida for the summer, just so she could get away from him, but even then he had pursued her, promising her his undying love in front of the whole town. And after all was said and done, what did he do? End up getting a girl pregnant not two months after her death?

He didn’t want that. He didn’t want them to doubt his love for her. He may have made an irrevocable mistake, but his love for Liz was true and unwavering. He really didn’t remember all that well how all of this had happened, how the night had transpired. He just remembered Tess coming to him and he remembered hazily what they had done.

He didn’t understand how he could have done that, how he could have turned to Tess. But it didn’t matter anymore. The point was that he had and there was nothing he could do about it. Maybe he had turned to Tess in a moment of weakness. He was just so tired of having Liz push him away and for reasons he didn’t understand. He didn’t understand why she had kept pushing him away even though every fiber in him screamed that she loved him and that this hurt her just as much as it hurt him. Liz defying him, blaming him for Alex’s death had just been the thing that had finally completed his defeat of ever getting her back. What she had said before leaving had struck him real hard. It had made him finally try to look at things from her point of view and he hated to admit it but she had been right.

She may not have meant everything she had said in that moment of anger, but she had been right. Alex had died because of him. Because he wasn’t careful enough, because he had dragged them into their messed up lives.

Max tried to stop the tears from falling but they did anyway. He covered his face in his hands, silently crying. He sat there, with is head in his hands for a long while before he felt someone standing in front of him.

“Hey, yo, you okay?” Ava’s voice came.

Max wiped his eyes quickly and looked up at her concerned face. He tried to smile but it came out weak and strained.

“I’m fine.” He replied quietly.

“You don’t look fine. You look like hell.” Ava offered bluntly, sitting down next to him, not bothering with asking him if he wanted to be alone or not.

“I’ve had a rough day.” Max told her, shrugging, not really wanting to talk to her.

Ava shrugged casually. “Whateva.” She replied, turning her face to look at the small kids on the swings. “So cornball.” He heard her mutter under her breath.

Max didn’t say anything, just letting himself revel in his grief and neither did Ava bother talking to him. But he could feel her watching him every now and then. Finally, when her staring continued he looked up irritably.

“Something the matter?” he asked.

She leaned her head thoughtfully to one side as she replied. “That wasn’t right…what you did with Tess.” She replied.

“What?” Max asked in shock. “Wh-what do you mean?”

“The way you treated her.” Ava told him causally. “I figure if someone is carryin’ your child then you’d not brush ‘em off like that.”

Max just gaped at her for a second, wondering how she knew about Tess being pregnant in the first place.

Ava sighed and rolled her eyes at his shocked expression. “Livin’ on our own helped us develop our powers a bit more than you did livin’ in this crappy town.” She told him, almost as if reading his mind. “I knew that day at the Crash Down when she was sick. It didn’t take some sort o’ scientist to figure it out.”

Max looked at her guardedly. “How did you know that I…um…brushed her off?” Max asked his face turning pink with guilt.

Ava smirked at him. “You haven’t been listenin’. I can pick up vibes from people, especially you lot. And since Tess is my other half,” she replied shrugging, “Well, she comes across the clearest.”

“That didn’t really answer my question.” Max replied. “How did you know…”he trailed off not wanting to repeat the question and be reminded of how badly he had reacted.

Ava sighed. “Yo, no need to be so suspicious aight? Like I said, I could feel her emotions this morning. Like she was very upset or somethin’ regardin’ you. And I knew when I met her this morning that she told you and you didn’t take it well.”

Max looked down at the floor. “No, I didn’t take it well at all.” He replied quietly.

“You know Max, I would have thought you would have it figured out by now.” Ava told him.

Max looked back up at her. “Figured what out?”

She looked closely at him. “That you can’t keep ignorin’ everythin’ that doesn’t go right.” When Max turned away again she chuckled. “You doin’ it again.” She waited until Max had turned back to her.

“I know you and Liz were tight and had the whole soul mate thing goin’ on, something like me and Zan…but you have to accept that she’s gone.” Ava told him. “And with this alien baby you have to know how much at risk you are. It could get very dangerous for you here, should the baby show weird signs.”

Max looked at her, almost angry that he had to be lectured by her too. “So what do you want me to do?” he asked, his voice cold. “Announce to the world that I got Tess Harding pregnant?”

“No one is askin’ you to do that.” Ava replied shaking her head. “But you could be there for her. She needs you more than you know. Her life’s turned and she has no way of knowin’ if she and her baby is goin’ to be all right. The least you can do is help her out. Accept your fuckin’ mistake and move on.”

Max looked at her quietly, knowing she was right. That was the least he could do. After all it had been his fault too. It wasn’t as if Tess was the sole one responsible.

“Tell me,” Ava asked. “Had it been Liz pregnant instead of Tess…would you have left her hangin’ like that?”

Max was startled by the question, and by the look on Ava’s face he knew she knew that he would never have done this had Liz been pregnant. When he didn’t answer her Ava smiled sadly.

“So what the fuck are you waiting for?” she asked. She looked almost sadly and wistfully at him. “Maybe you can do what Zan and I couldn’t have. Have a family.”

Though Max seriously doubted that he got up, determined to go to Tess’s right now to at least offer his support. He was just walking away when he turned back and gave Ava a small smile.

“Thanks.” He said before jogging away.

Ava smiled to herself watching him jog out of sight. She didn’t know he could be so easily swayed. She had expected to use a lot of guilt on him before he agreed to support Tess.


TBC....