Redemption (CC M/L / Mature) (Complete)

[kerri240879]

Part 21.

Tess opened the door to Liz’s room quietly, peeking around its edge with a smile. Her smile wavered however, when she saw that Liz was crying again. Liz sat in the chair by the window with tears streaming down her face as she silently stared outside.

“Oh, Liz,” Tess whispered, putting the ice cream down and hurrying to her side. Tess slipped her arms around Liz’s trembling shoulders, holding her tightly as Liz’s slender body was wracked with tears.

Tess helped Liz to her feet, and half guided, half carried Liz back to bed. After she helped Liz lie down, Tess crawled back into bed with her, the two girls facing each other as Liz continued to sob.

Tess didn’t say a word. She just stroked Liz’s hair and wiped her face with a tissue she found under the pillow. Liz’s sobs slowly died out, leaving her weak and drained. She opened her eyes and met Tess’s concerned gaze.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Tess asked softly.

Liz shook her head. Tess nodded and they continued to lie there together without words. Liz closed her eyes, turning her face further into the pillows as Tess stroked her hair gently. She gave a hiccupping shudder, her body slowly relaxing as Tess continued to stroke her head gently.

“Liz…what’s wrong?” Tess asked again finally.

Liz lifted her gaze, heartbreak stamped across her face. And without a word spoken between, Tess just knew.

“It’s Max isn’t it?” she whispered. Liz nodded and Tess waited silently.

“When he came to see me before…and he did what he did…I was so angry Tess. I mean…why did he do that?”

Tess smiled slightly. “We all do crazy things for people we love, Liz.”

Liz sighed. “He wants to know so badly. But…how do I tell him? How do I tell him that I lied to save him? That everything I did was because he asked me to? How do I tell him that even though I love him, I don’t know how to be with him anymore?”

Tess sat up, seemingly ignoring Liz’s question as she walked into the bathroom. She returned a few minutes later with a face washer and tilted Liz’s head back as she once more wiped underneath her new friend’s eyes.

Tess tossed the face washer onto the night table and picked up the ice cream container. Liz could see that it was vanilla and a small smile crossed her face as Tess produced two spoons and a bottle of tabasco sauce.

Tess climbed back onto the bed at Liz’s feet. Liz sat up as Tess peeled the foil lid away and handed Liz a spoon. They ate in silence for a few minutes. Liz watched as Tess methodically dug each spoonful of ice cream out and sprinkled it with tabasco before she ate it. The minutes crept by in comfortable silence before Tess finally lifted her gaze.

“Do you want Max to love the new you, or the old you?” she asked out of the blue.

Liz nearly gagged on her spoon. Tess reached out to rub her back as she spluttered and coughed. When she’d finally calmed down, Liz thought about it before answering honestly.

“The old me is gone, Tess. I’ve changed so much. And I don’t mean because of…you know. I haven’t been with Max in such a long time. It’s been nearly a year. And the time we did have together was really only a month or so.”

“I’ve changed since then. I mean, it’s been four months since we even kissed and that one kiss we did share in Whitakers office was Max using his powers to form a connection to show me what we’d once had. Not what we did have.”

“I mean…I’ll always love him Tess. I can’t help that. When he healed me, he became a part of me. He gave me part of himself and took part of me in return. But I don’t know how to love him now. I don’t know if he can love this me now. Does that make sense? Or am I losing my mind, Tess? Because I feel like I’m slowly going crazy here. I don’t think I know how to love him anymore, or if I even want too. I don’t know how to stop though.”

Tess sighed softly, reaching out to take Liz’s hand. She rubbed her thumb over Liz’s hand gently and was startled when a flash flickered through her mind with knee weakening clarity.

“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m done….”

Tess jerked slightly, her eyes widening as she stared at Liz in shock. Before she could ask Liz about the flash however, the door opened and a doctor walked in. Tess glanced at the doctor and then looked back again. The doctor shut the door and turned back to face the two girls with a feral smile.

“Well, well…the King’s whore, and…the King’s whore. Two pretty birdies with one stone…time to finish what he started,” he purred.

The man moved quickly, his hand glowing with power as he moved toward the bed. Tess didn’t hesitate. She shoved Liz over to the opposite edge of the bed. Liz hit the floor hard as Tess flipped down beside her.

Tess stood up, her hand outstretched as she used hers powers to knock him back a few feet. Scrambling around the edge of the bed, Tess knocked him back down again as he started to climb to his feet.

She landed a solid kick at the base of his spine as he stood up, his husk exploding as Liz whimpered on the ground behind her. Tess whirled around as the skin particles floated around them. Skidding to a halt on her knees, Tess helped Liz to her feet.

“Come on…I have to get you out of here,” she whispered, helping Liz back onto the bed.

Tess threw Liz’s clothing haphazardly into her bag before running to the bathroom and collecting her toiletries. Tess paused suddenly, noticing that Liz was staring at the scattered skin across the floor, her face a peculiar shade of green.

Without a word, Tess waved her hand over the mess and Liz’s colour returned to normal as she watched the skin disappear. Taking a final look around the room, Tess slung the bag over her shoulder before helping Liz out of the room.

As they approached the nurse’s station, Liz felt Tess’s body start to hum with power. The nurse looked up, a frown crossing her face.

“You shouldn’t be out of bed, Miss Parker. Come on now,” she said as she started to stand up.

Liz whimpered and Tess closed her eyes tightly. The nurse sat down slowly, a dazed look crossing her face. Liz could feel the power rolling off of Tess and immediately realized that Tess was creating a mind warp. As she watched the nurse, Liz saw her nod slowly.

“Of course, Mr Parker. I understand that Liz is ready to go home. Why don’t you sign these release forms…Thank you. Be well, Elizabeth.”

Tess nudged Liz’s arm gently, her eyes still closed. Liz nodded, guiding Tess toward the hospital doors. Tess maintained the warp until they were outside, her body slumping as she let the warp drop.

“Come on,” she gasped out weakly, the two girls hurrying towards the car park.

“You have the mustang?” Liz asked when she saw Kyle’s car.

Tess nodded, sliding into the low-slung sports car and starting the powerful engine with a roar. With a squeal of tires, they pulled away and headed for Liz’s house. As she drove, Tess pulled her cell phone out and dialled Max’s phone number. When he answered, Tess didn’t waste time.

“Max, it’s Tess. I’ve got Liz with me and we need you to meet us at the Crashdown. I’m not asking you this Max - I’m telling you. We’re telling Mr. Parker the truth. I suggest you tell your parents as well.”

As expected, Max exploded but Tess cut him off easily.

“Max! A skin just tried to kill Liz in the hospital. What happened tonight wasn’t a fluke. It was all alien related, Max. The whole attack on Liz was about us. And the Parkers and your parents are going to need to know. This is going to get ugly and it’s going to get ugly quickly.”

Tess listened for a few more minutes as Max sputtered before she cut him off once more. “Max…I’m not asking for your permission. I’m telling you. Either I do it with you there…or I do it alone. Either way…they know tonight.”

With that Tess hung up and pulled in behind the Crash down. Liz looked stunned, her face pale in the dim light of the car. She turned to face Tess, who was biting her lower lip. The two girls stared at each other for a moment before Tess spoke again.

“Liz…there is so much I need to tell you. So much you need to know. But what I need from you is the promise you’ll listen before you pass judgment. But that will come. What I need from you now is for you to trust me.”

Liz looked at Tess hard before nodding slowly. She didn’t know why, but she did trust Tess. More than anyone else at that point. At Liz’s nod, Tess flipped her cell phone open and entered a code. Liz knew Tess kept part of her phone book locked and she was about to find out why.

“Yo…what’s up?” a familiar voice drawled.

“You said if I ever needed you…that all I had to do was call,” Tess began. A wry smile crossed her face and Tess reached out to touch Liz’s knee.

“I need you now,” she continued. “How long until you can get here...”

Part 22.

Jeff sat in the darkened café silently with his head in his hands. Nancy had left without a word to Liz a few hours earlier, pleading with him to understand. That was the problem though. He didn’t understand. He didn’t want to. All he knew was that his wife was abandoning their daughter when she was in desperate need of their help.

The sound of the bell over the café door had Jeff looking up in surprise. When he saw Tess helping Liz through the door, he immediately sprang to his feet. Hurrying to their sides, he slid his arms around an obviously weak Liz and helped her into a booth.

“What is it?” he asked. Tess held her hand up, silencing him.

“The others are on their way, Mr. Parker…can you just wait a little longer please? Then we’ll tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know.”

Jeff nodded, looking at the two girls closely. Tess looked like she was about to drop at his feet and Liz looked shell-shocked. Without another word, he gathered Liz into his arms, and with a tilt of his head, led Tess up to the apartment.

Jeff gently set Liz down on the couch, his hand shooting out to steady Tess as she rocked slightly on her feet. Jeff helped Tess onto the couch before picking up the phone and calling Jim. He only got the answering machine though, and with a sigh, he turned back to face the girls.

They had gravitated toward each other, sitting side by side with their hands clenched together. Liz’s head was resting on Tess’s shoulder and both girls were already fast asleep. Jeff sighed before heading into the spare room and grabbing a blanket. Returning to the couch, he flicked the blanket out. As it floated out above the girls, time slowed to a crawl for Jeff as three things happened simultaneously.

He saw a silver hand print on Liz’s shoulder, the skin smooth where a black bruise had once been, where teeth marks had once been. He knew that Liz’s attacker had bitten her there. That she had an infection raging through her body because of it. But it was no longer visible.

The second thing that happened was that he saw the tiny flames that lazily circled Tess’s hand, which was firmly entwined with Liz’s. It didn’t appear to hurt, because neither girl was flinching, nor did he smell smoke. But silver rimmed flames still crept over Liz and Tess’s hands before flickering out.

The third and final thing that told Jeff that Tess was definitely different was when her eyes snapped open as the shadow of the blanket past over her face. Her eyes turned silver black before a wall of flames separated him from the two girls.

Jeff stumbled back even as the flames disappeared. He blinked, wondering if he’d seen it or not. Tess was staring at him in wide-eyed fear. Jeff could still feel the heat on his face. His legs gave way then and Jeff collapsed onto the floor with a thud.

“Oh my god…are you OK? Did I hurt you?” Tess squeaked, slipping from the couch and reaching out with her hand. Jeff felt her hands run over his face, shocked that he could feel her fear as well as see it. Her eyes were wide with it, her breathing shallow. He shook his head mutely and Tess covered her mouth as she fought back tears.

“Oh god…I’m sorry, Mr. Parker. I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. Jeff looked at her, knowing that what he’d seen was real, but realising something at the same time. Tess was truly distressed and he instinctively knew she had only been protecting Liz.

He managed to nod. Tess’s eyes skittered over his face and body. Jeff wondered why, until Tess bit back a sob and reached for his hand. It was only then that he felt the mild singe of a burn. Glancing down, he saw the mild reddening of his left hand. Tess’s pale skin was in startling contrast to the red flesh.

Jeff looked back up at Tess, who was openly crying now. Glancing back down at his hand, he watched as she ran her index and middle fingers over the small burn. He felt a tingle, and when she removed her hand, the burn was gone. All that was left was a slightly silver sheen on his skin.

Several pieces of the puzzle that was his daughter’s life snapped into place at that instant for Jeff. The handprint he had seen not only on her shoulder, but also in a distant memory. He followed that memory, remembering the afternoon the gun had gone off in the café....

He could clearly remember Liz saying that she has just broken a ketchup bottle. But when he had gone to check on her, he had found her standing in front of her mirror in only her underwear, a silver handprint melded into her stomach just below her ribs.

For some reason, Jeff had simply stayed quiet, watching as his daughter ran her fingertips over the fingers of the print. He knew now, that the red substance on her flesh had been drying blood, not ketchup as he had so innocently thought.

That’s when Liz had started to change. She had become secretive. She started lying to him and Nancy. Sneaking out all the time. Jeff had lost count of the amount of times he had heard Liz and Max’s hushed whispers from the balcony.

“What are you?” Jeff managed to ask at last.

Tess looked up at him, fear and grief palpable in her eyes.

“I’m just a girl, Mr. Parker. A seventeen-year-old girl, who’s slightly different. I’m not here to hurt anyone. I just want a normal life. A chance to love and be loved. I’m not so different from Liz. From you.”

Jeff nodded and helped Tess to her feet. Gently leading her into the kitchen, he sat her down before sitting down across from her. Reaching out, he gripped her hands in his before asking again gently.

“What are you, Tess?”

Before she could answer, a soft knock echoed on the front door. Jeff stood up, pausing before he went to answer it.

“Will you still be here when I get back?”

Tess looked up and nodded. Jeff smiled gently before he went to answer the door. He found Max, Isabel and their parents on his doorstep, as well as Jim and Kyle Valenti, Alex, Maria and Michael.

He let his nine guests in and led them toward the kitchen. Max broke away from the group and headed to Liz as Jeff hung back to watch from the shadows. Max reached out gently, running his hand down over Liz’s body, a hair’s breath from actually touching her. When he didn’t pause, Jeff watched on.

Max slumped slightly, reaching up to brush her hair back from her face before stretching her out on the couch and covering her with the blanket Jeff had dropped. Max swiped his hand over his face before bending down and pressing his lips gently to her temple.

“You’re OK now, Liz. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Liz opened her eyes and stared up at Max as he hovered above her. Without a word, she reached up and touched his cheek gently. Max closed his hand over hers before turning his head and pressing a kiss into her palm. He spoke softly, his lips grazing her hand gently.

“No matter what happens, Liz. No matter what we go through. Just promise me something.”

Liz looked up at him again.

“I’ll try,” she whispered.

Max smiled sadly, remembering a time when she would have simply said, “Anything.”

“Just remember that I love you. That I’ve always loved you. And that I won’t push for answers anymore. I just want you.”

Liz nodded as Max brushed his knuckles over her forehead.

“Sleep now, Liz. It’ll all be different in the morning. Just sleep now.”

Liz nodded, closing her eyes as Max once more brushed his lips over her temple. Her breathing evened out, her chest rising and falling slowly. Max continued to watch her for a moment as Jeff watched him in turn. And when Max spoke again, Jeff knew what Max said was the truth.

“How the hell have I breathed without you? You’re everything to me, Liz. You can run all you want this time. Coz I’ll just keep chasing you. You once said I was your whole world. You’re mine too, Liz. My heart. My soul. My everything. Please don’t forget that.”

With a soft sigh Max stood up, knowing he was about to have one of the worst nights of his life. Yet he knew that Tess was right. He needed to do this. With another sigh, Max headed for the kitchen, not seeing Mr. Parker where he still watched from the shadows.

[kerri240879]

Part 23.

Hey Guys. Just so you know in this chapter when you have double italics “hello” it’s some one talking. But when you have single italics ‘hello’ it’s someone’s thoughts. You’ll see what I mean…. One more thing…when I describe the alien, think along the lines of Mystique from the Xmen movie…enjoy!

When Jeff entered the kitchen a few minutes later, he paused at the doorway, taking the scene before him in. Phillip and Diane Evans sat at the table together, holding hands. They both looked tired and worried, Jeff wondering what they were thinking at that moment. Were they wondering if their children were mixed up in something illegal? Or did they too notice and too easily dismiss the strange things that seemed to keep occurring?

Jim was sitting at the head of the table; the figure of authority in this profound moment. Tess was sitting on Jim’s lap. Jim was rubbing small comforting circles on her back, while speaking softly in her ear as he did. Tess was nodding at what ever he was saying, her eyes trained on Kyle who knelt at her feet. Kyle had his left hand splayed over Tess’s knee, his right hand holding hers tightly in silent support. His gaze was unwavering as they seemed to speak without ever saying a word, Kyle’s left hand running in a gentle caress up and down Tess’s thigh.

Max, Isabel and Michael were huddled in the far corner of the kitchen, speaking in hushed tones. Jeff focused on them, watching as a multitude of emotions flickered over their faces. Michael was angry. His face was pale; his stormy eyes all but shooting sparks as he glared at Max. But fear lurked in those expressive eyes, eyes that were normally shuttered. A muscle jumped in his jaw, showing Jeff just how tightly Michael was holding his anger in.

Isabel was also pale, but where Michael was angry, she had a look of pleading on her face. Her hands were clenched by her side, her whole body sending out signals of deep fear and distress. She was frightened, from the tips of her blonde hair, all the way down to her leather booted feet. She kept glancing at her parents, before her gaze would skitter across to Alex.

Max too was pale. Fear also lurked in his golden eyes, but Jeff knew it was fear for Liz, not for what was about to happen. Max was resigned to his fate, even though he looked like he felt like running from the room. His eyes darkened suddenly when Michael said something softly, his gaze skewering Michael in place. What ever he said in return had Michael scowling, but nodding in agreement.

Alex and Maria sat side by side at the table. They too were watching their friends. When Michael broke away, Maria slipped from her seat, crossing the room to stand before her boyfriend. Michael looked down at her, his whole body relaxing when Maria reached up and cupped his cheek. Without a word, Michael pulled her into his arms, burying his head in the crook of her neck as she held him tightly.

Alex watched as Isabel hugged Max, before crossing to him. Alex reached out and pulled Isabel into his lap, his hand gripping the back of her neck as he ran his thumb over the tightly bunched muscles. Alex spoke softly in her ear, before Isabel turned and hid her face from view in his shoulder. But Jeff knew she was crying, the obvious shaking of her body telling him this as Alex turned her partly to hide her from sight as he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

Jeff sighed softly, unable to move as he continued to watch them. Was he really ready to hear what ever this secret was? His mind was snapping him back and forth in his memories. He knew it was a big secret, and that it involved all the kids in the room. The way they were so secretive, and so tightly bound together. They all had other friends, but they always gravitated together, never letting anyone new into their tightly formed group.

He could clearly remember a conversation with Liz before she left for Florida. She had come home one afternoon, her whole body wracked with sobs. That’s when Jeff had first realised just how serious it was between his daughter and Max Evans. Liz had been on edge for a day or two before that, but when she’d walked in that afternoon, she had looked, for want of a better word, utterly destroyed.

Jeff had found her in her room, her face pale, and her eyes bleak. When he had sat beside her, she had turned to look at him, Jeff feeling like he was facing a stranger. He had asked if she was ok, that she wasn’t acting normal. Liz had laughed humourlessly.

“There is no normal. Just the knowledge that I’ll never be ok again.”

Jeff had been astounded. Liz had then turned to face him, tears lingering on her lower lashes.

“I want to go to Aunty Rachel’s for the summer Daddy. I need to find my own destiny now.”

Liz had almost choked on the word ‘destiny,’ her whole face paling before she promptly burst into tears, and ran for the bathroom. She had locked herself in, not emerging from her safe haven until Jeff had called his sister, and had arranged the whole thing. Only then did she come out, her face void of emotion. She had packed her bags, and gone to bed with out another word.

Jeff had gone to check on her just after he had closed the café for the night. He had heard Maria’s voice in her room, giving him the reason to pause and listen rather than announce his presence. As he listened to his daughter and her friend talk, he had found himself pressing more firmly against the door, starved to know more of his daughters sorrow, and the reasons behind it.

“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing Liz? I mean, we just got him back from that monster, and he needs you right now.”

“It doesn’t matter Maria. None of it does. I heard the message. You didn’t. His destiny is with Tess. Not me. It doesn’t matter how I feel. It doesn’t matter that I love him more than anyone else. That I’ll always love him. His destiny is her…not me.”

“That’s bullshit Liz, and you know it. You told me yourself, that Max said he didn’t want his destiny, that he only wants you. You’re running because you’re scared, and I understand that Liz, I really do, but if you run now…she wins.”

Liz choked back a bitter sob, her words belying what she was really feeling.

“She’s already won Maria. And I can’t stay here and watch him fall in love with her.”

“Bullshit Liz! Stop throwing the pity party that only you’re invited to, and take a good look at yourself! Max loves you. He told you that chica, and I know you love him. Who cares about the mum-o-gram! He’s risked everything for you Liz…being exposed. Hours at Pierce’s hands. Michael and Isabel’s wrath for saving you that day. Everything Liz! And I’m not going to let you throw all that away!”

Liz had sighed softy. “Ok Maria…I’ll talk to him.”

But Liz had never spoken to Max. She had simply boarded the plane the following morning, and had disappeared from Roswell. Maria had been furious, demanding the number for where she was staying. Bt it had been Max Jeff had watched. When he came into the café that morning, his face had been pale, and he had been unsteady on his feet. Dark circles had rimmed his eyes, and he had been nervous.

When Jose had had dropped a pan, the echo sounding like a gun shot, Max had almost passed out, his face deathly pale as he gripped the counter top tightly. Isabel had been with him, and she had supported her brother as he all but ran from the café. Jeff had taken a step towards their booth, and he could clearly remember seeing Max’s handprints on top of the table, where his sweat soaked hands had been only moments before. Max had been ridged with fear as Isabel led him away, his legs all but giving out from under him when Isabel had helped him into the passenger side of the jeep.

It had taken a few days, but Max had eventually returned to the café. He had asked Jeff softly, if Liz was home. Jeff could clearly remember the look on Max’s face when he told him that Liz was gone. The light in Max’s eyes had gone out, utter heartbreak stamped across his face. He had turned without another word, stumbling away and out the door.

“Jeff?”

Jim’s voice snapped him out of his memories; Jeff realising that everyone was waiting for him to join them so they could get started. He walked forward on wooden legs, sitting at the opposite end of the table from Jim. He kept his gaze lowered for a moment, gathering his thoughts and trying to steady his thumping heart.

“Mr. Parker?”

Jeff looked up, meeting Max’s frightened eyes. Before Max could speak though, Phillip took the choice out of his hands.

“What’s this about Max?”

Max shot a frightened glance at Tess, who nodded. Glancing at Michael, who also nodded. And at Isabel, who pleaded with her eyes. Taking a deep breath, Max raised his gaze, fear darkening his eyes as he looked at his mother and father.

“You asked me once, to tell you my secret. To let you in. And I never would. I told you then that it was nothing bad. Nothing dangerous. The words of a boy, who thought he was safe as long as he hid in plain sight. Who thought that he would never have to have this conversation with anybody.”

Max turned his gaze towards Jeff. The two men locked gazes, before Max lowered his gaze. But not before Jeff saw the pain that flooded the younger man’s eyes.

“I never wanted anyone to get hurt. I’d rather die than see any of you hurt because of who I am. And also because I was so scared that you would turn away from me in disgust. But that doesn’t matter anymore.”

Diane reached out, covering her son’s hands with her own.

“Nothing you tell us Max could make us turn away from you. You’re our son. We love you. Nothing will ever change that.”

“Don’t be so sure of that Mum.”

Max withdrew his hands slowly. Silence settled over the group, the adults realising that Max was serious. They watched in silence, holding their breath as Max reached out for Isabel’s hand, needing her strength as he finally spoke again.

“I’m an alien.”

Part 24.

In the silence that followed, you could have heard a pin drop. Then the questions started. Some disbelieving. Some almost funny. Most down right scary. Hours slipped by unnoticed, Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess answering what questions they could. They gave a small demonstration of what powers they had, Jeff, Diane and Phillip soaking up the information like it was liquid gold.

The truth about the shooting in the Crash Down came out, Jeff nodding slowly. Pieces of the puzzle were snapping into place all around him, the truth coming out in small fragments at a time.

“So that’s your handprint on Liz’s shoulder then?” Jeff asked Max softly.

Max nodded. “I healed the bite at the hospital. The print will fade in a few days. They always do.”

Jeff looked up sharply. “How many people have you healed Max?”

“Just Liz and Kyle.”

Jeff swung his gaze to Jim, who sat up straight. “How do you come into this Jim?”

“Last year I hounded these kids after Liz was shot. I damn near ran them to the ground. But somewhere along the lines, things changed for me. I started helping them.”

“What changed?” Phillip asked.

Jim sighed. “I found Max out in Bitter Lake with a man called Hubble. He had Max frozen in fear, while threatening to shoot him. I shot him to save Max, and when I called Max ‘son,’ he asked me if I would treat my own son like this. I felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. Before me stood a frightened young man. Not a dangerous killer. And I stopped hounding them that day.”

“Max continued to stay out of trouble, and hide in plain sight. But then we found out the FBI was hunting Max. And things changed for good. I started to help them…started to keep them safe.”

“The FBI?” Phillip asked faintly. “What did they have to do with this?”

“They took Max,” a new voice said.

Everyone swung around. Liz stood in the doorway, the blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Her face was void of all colour, her eyes flat. She started to sway slightly as she stood there, not really seeing everyone looking between her and Max. Max stood up, crossing over to her as she rocked on her feet.

“You shouldn’t be up Liz,” he said softly, gripping her shoulders gently. Liz shook her head, Max ignoring the way she tensed up as he pulled her gently into his arms. He ran his hand up and down her back, the tension slowly leaving her body. Liz sighed softly, before lowering her head to his chest.

Max’s shoulders started to shake slightly, Jeff tilting his head as he watched Max sweep his hand around the back of Liz’s neck, and rub the tension away with his thumb. Max sighed softly, resting his head against Liz’s for a moment. But when she swayed again, he straightened up, helping her into the seat he had just vacated.

Kneeling down, he tugged the blanket firmly around her slender shoulders, making sure she was covered and warm enough. Liz looked down, her pained gaze capturing Max’s. They stared at each for a single moment, before Phillip cleared his throat, and broke the spell. Max blinked, looking up at his father, while Liz lowered her gaze.

“What did Liz mean Max? Who took you?”

Max sighed again. “It doesn’t matter Dad,” he muttered softly.

Liz looked up sharply. “Doesn’t matter? God Max! If you’re going to tell the truth, don’t leave any of it out! I know you never told anyone but me what he did to you! But don’t you think you owe your parents the complete truth? It’ll help them understand why you were so scared to tell them…help everyone understand.”

Max looked at Liz, silently pleading with his eyes. Liz sighed, before shaking her head. “If you won’t tell them Max…I will.”

Turning to face the others, Liz took a deep breath, and met his parent’s eyes head on. “The FBI had a section called the special unit. They were alien hunters. And last year just before summer, they caught Max. They had him for twenty four odd hours, and in those twenty four hours, they tortured him.”

Phillip’s mouth fell open, Diane turning pale. “What did they do him?” Phillip wheezed.

“They drugged him. Tried drowning him in ice water, just to see if he could breath under water or not. Used psychological equipment on him. Making him see things that weren’t real. They told him they had killed me, just to see if he felt human emotion. They used electric shock treatment on him, until he bled.”

Max sat down on the floor with a thud, his head lowered as everyone stared at him in horror. He didn’t really see them looking at him. He was once more back in the white room, Pierce standing above him with a sadistic smile on his face. Max saw the scalpel twinkle once, before a phantom pain hit his chest. Liz continued to talk, even as Max rested his head on her knee.

“They beat him for hours, and then made him heal himself in front of them so they could study how he did it. All the while a man stood behind him, with a gun to his head, letting him know that if he tried using his powers to escape, they would kill him. When Pierce tried to make Max show him how to use the communication orbs, Max didn’t know how to use them. So Pierce started cutting him open…while Max was awake. No drugs this time. Just this sick bastard who wanted to hurt Max because he’s different.”

Liz reached down, threading her hand through his hair as tremors racked his body. By the time Liz had finished speaking, Diane was openly crying, Phillip not far of it himself. Liz sagged slightly in her seat, pinning his parents in place with her honest gaze.

“Max is a teenaged boy. He likes ice cream, and hates yoghurt. He loves English, and learning. He’s human. The only difference is, is that he’s been granted the amazing ability of being able to heal people. Max doesn’t play God. He healed me because he loved me. And he healed Kyle because the Sheriff saved him from Pierce. And if the wrong people found out…imagine what they’d do to him. What they’d do to Isabel. Michael. Tess.”

Phillip nodded slightly, before standing up and rounding the table to kneel by Max’s side.

“Show me Max.”

Max knew what he was asking, and weakly shook his head. His memories were suffocating, reminding him of the pain he had endured. Phillip reached for his shirt, pulling it open before Max could stop him. There in the centre of his chest, was a faint scar, Max leaving it there as a reminder of why he couldn’t trust anyone with the secret.

Phillip sat down with a thud, his face pale as he stared at his son’s chest. Reaching out, he traced the scar lightly with his finger, before his eyes suddenly slid shut, images flicking through his mind.

White walls. Bright lights, blinding his hazy vision. Bone wracking pain. Fear. A face loomed above him, a sadistic smile gracing his face.

"This man will hurt you. This man will help you. Tell me what I need to know and he will take the pain away."

"Who’s inhuman now?" ‘God…I want to die…’

"Open him up."

Phillip snapped his eyes open, Max’s hand gripping his wrist where he had yanked his father’s hand away when he felt the connection form. Father and son stared at one another, before Phillip nodded weakly.

“I understand now Max…I understand.”

[kerri240879]

Part 25.

Max stared at his father silently, Phillip unable to look away from Max’s eyes. As they stared at each other, Phillip found himself falling into his son’s endless gaze. He watched in fascinated silence as Max’s eyes darkened, gold flecks burning through his son’s normally gentle eyes.

He berated himself as they stared at each other. He should have known his son was this special. That something had happened to him last summer. Phillip had lost count of the amount of times his son had woken up; muffling his screams in his pillow during the long months Liz had been gone.

“Show me Max…”

It was a whispered plea that Phillip made, unable to look away from Max’s suddenly alien eyes. He was desperate to know more. More about his son. More about his alien side. More about the secret he had kept all his life. Phillip needed to know. He needed to learn what made his son who he was. Both the good and the bad. And when Max slowly released his grip, allowing his father to touch his chest again, the transition into Max’s mind was seamless. Eternal. Silky….

Her hair is so silky. So soft. It falls through his fingers easily, slipping across his bare arm as her head tilts backwards.

“No, Max. We can't do this.”

‘God...’ Her hand brushes his bare chest. ‘This feels so right…’

“I know.”

‘Please don’t stop me…I can’t stop now…’

“You know, could I, uh…could I get sick?”

‘Can she get sick? Can I get sick? God…I don’t care…I need her…I want her…. so much…’

“I don't know anything. I don't even know who I am. And I have no idea what that is...and what's right...or wrong.”

‘I want to crawl into you…it’s warm where you are…safe…I want to make you mine…take you…make you mine…’

Phillip blinked once, before falling further into his son’s memories.

‘Zan…’

Solid warmth. Liquid warmth. Smooth surface. Distorted images. ‘Someone’s calling me…’

‘Zan….’

Pushing against a wall. A wall that gives…spilling his warmth, leaving him blinking in the cold air. Golden eyes look around. Looking into familiar eyes. One pair gold. The other silver. Recognition.

‘Vilandra…Rath…’

His sister holding her hand out. Reaching for it, even as his body trembles with the cold air.

‘Wait…’

Turning back…blonde curls spilling around a sleeping face. Reaching out, and touching the remaining pod.

‘Avaria…’

‘Zan…come…’

Bright sunlight spills into the dark…an opening in a rock wall…one final look at the last pod…

‘Zan…’

Taking his sisters hand, and leaving her behind…Avaria…

Phillip jerked slightly; Max struggling to break the connection with his father before he went in too deep. He’d seen enough…no more…

Hazy…distorted…Pierce’s face swimming in and out of view…. his inhuman voice skittering through the fog…

“I’m going to find out one way or another….”

An angry voice sounding near by…. “See! This is getting us nowhere! I want everything flushed out of his system now! …. I want him completely coherent for the next phase…”

‘What…where am I…Liz?’

Pain… ‘It hurts…god it hurts…I want to go home…I want to die…I’m not alone in here…’

"Don’t even try. Don’t even try to use your abilities, Max. The serum we injected you with…very effective in suppressing neurotransmitters in your cerebral cortex."

‘Oh god…no more…what are you doing to me? Why are you doing this to me? What are you putting on my head now?’

"That’s not your real weakness though, is it? It’s not that you’re part alien, it’s that you’re part human. I’ve been going about this the wrong way the whole time."

A whirring noise…and an image flickered before his eyes…

“You have feelings….”

‘Oh god…Michael…’

Michael’s face swims before his eyes. His expressive grey eyes look up shyly; a side of him Max knows he hides behind a rough front, and a bad attitude.

‘My brother…best friend…Michael…’

“Emotions….”

Isabel bites her lower lip, tears sparkling in her eyes as she looks at him.

‘Isabel…Izzy…I want to tell Mum and Dad now…I’d die to protect you…I’ll kill Pierce before he gets his hands on you…’

“Friendship…”

Alex and Maria singing together…Maria’s beautiful voice…Alex’s skilful fingers on his guitar…

‘Alex…Maria…I never knew humans who were as funny and loyal as you two…god…you’re jokes and laughter…I want to hear them again….’


“Love…”

Liz looks up at him, a smile crossing her face as she tucks her hair behind her ear…

‘God I love you…I’ve always loved you…’

Liz dead on the ground…blood spilling from her lifeless lips…

“NOOOOOOOOOOO” ‘Kill me now…’

"I just wanted to show you what can happen…what will happen."

"You’re evil."

"I’ll tell you where it is, just don’t hurt Liz."

"You do have feelings…just like us…whatever you are, you better tell me the truth…for Liz’s sake…"

Phillip fell backwards again when Max wrenched his hand away again.

“No more…please Dad…no more…I can’t…”

Phillip felt strong hands tug him away from Max, and he turned to look at who held him. Michael’s grey eyes met his own, worry sparkling in his gaze. Phillip knew now that his would turn silver when he let his alien side out. Just as Max and Isabel’s would turn gold. He wondered briefly what colour Tess’s would turn, Max’s soft sob wrenching him back to the present.

“What did you see?” Michael whispered, looking across at Max who had buried his head in Liz’s lap.

Phillip swallowed, grief rising in his heart.

“I saw everything.” He turned to face his trembling son. “You’re safe now Max. I’ll die to protect you from that monster!”

Michael made a strangled noise, Phillip looking back up at him. “What is it Michael?” he whispered.

“No need to protect him Mr. Evans…”

“Why? What…”

Michael swallowed hard. “You don’t have to worry about Pierce…because I’ve already killed him.”


Part 26.

“What?” Jeff whispered.

Michael raised his eyes, the haunted look in them sending chills down Jeff’s spine.

“When we got Max out, Pierce came after him again. And I killed him.”

“There’s more to it than that Michael…it isn’t your fault he’s dead…please stop blaming yourself!” Isabel burst out.

“Would someone please tell me what’s going on?” Jeff cried.

Isabel turned to face Jeff, her face pale as she took up the tale.

“My power is called dream walking. I can go into people’s dreams, and watch them. Find out what they are thinking. When Pierce had Max, I dream walked him to find out where they were holding him. It was so hard to get in, because he was drugged, and it was like being in a bad dream.”

“Max managed to tell us who had him, and where they were holding him. We followed his directions, and came across an abandoned army base…Eagle Rock. While we were trying to figure out how to get to Max, Nasado came across us. It was him who helped get Max out. He had me dream walk Max again, to tell him of the plan…”

“What plan?” Jeff interrupted.

Tess looked up, and with a sigh, started to speak.

“I was to get into Pierce’s mind…make him see what he wanted to see. He wanted to see the orbs working. While I was warping him, the others were going to get Max out.”

Tess lowered her gaze, Isabel speaking up again.

“I dream walked Max while they were starting to…operate on him. It was sheer good luck Tess warped him when she did, because other wise….” Isabel’s voice trailed off, her face turning white as she buried her head in Alex’s shoulder again.

“I watched the entire time Mr Parker. They started cutting Max’s chest open in front of me. I was standing with Nasado on the other side of some two-way glass, and I watched as they cut him open…while he was awake. The warp started, and we broke through the glass, and I had to mainly carry Max out of there…some alarms went off when Pierce realised it was all an illusion, and he came after us…”

“I came into the base and found Max and Michael as Michael was carrying him out. They had started to lock the place down as I ran around the corner,” Jim interrupted. “Pierce drew his gun, and he was going to shoot Max or Michael. I shot him first. He took a hit to the shoulder, and he went down. It bought us enough time to get Max through the door, and out of the base.”

“You helped save my son,” Diane murmured

Jim shook his head. “No Diane…Liz came to me, and told me where to look. I didn’t find out the whole truth until the following day. All I knew was that the FBI had a seventeen-year-old boy, and they were holding him against his will. When I came around that corner, time slowed literally to a crawl for me.”

He shuddered, assaulted by his memories as he gathered his thoughts. “Michael was holding Max up, and dragging him towards the doorway. Max was only dressed in scrubs, and he was so pale. So weak. Blood from the incision was running down his chest, and he looked like he was ready to drop. Michael looked like he would die to protect Max. Then Pierce came around the corner…”

Jim lowered his gaze. “Pierce went down, and I put my arm around Max to help Michael get him out. How we got him out to the car is beyond me, because by then he could barely walk. But we got him out, and then we split up. We didn’t find Max and Liz again until the following morning.”

“Then what happened?” Phillip asked. Liz looked up, her fingers continually running through Max’s hair.

“I had Max in the Jetta. We thought we were safe, and Max started to put some other clothes on. That’s when they started shooting at us. I lost control of the Jetta, and we crashed. I dragged Max out of the car, and we started running. We ran across country, with agents and dogs following us. We came to the road, and kept running. That’s when they caught up with us…on the bridge.”

Liz sighed. “They came at us from all directions. So I pushed Max up onto the guardrail, kissed him for luck, and we jumped. We hit the water, and we got swept down stream. We finally managed to pull ourselves out of the water ten minutes later, and we started running again. When Max dropped from sheer exhaustion, we stayed put in an old bus. When daylight came, we started running again.”

Jim took up the tale when Liz looked over at him. “When we realised Max and Liz weren’t at the mine where we had arranged to meet, Michael and I went looking for them. We found them being run down by the FBI in Hummers. Michael told me to pull over, and he raised his hand, and blew the Hummer’s engines up. That’s when I knew they were all different. Not just Max.”

“They got in the car, and I took them back to the mine. I kept looking at them in the rear vision mirror. Even though I knew Max was still hurt, he was more concerned about Liz. They sat close together, just like they are now. And when I asked Max once more, what was going on, he sent Liz ahead, even though she was reluctant to be separated from him.”

“How did Pierce come back for Max?” Phillip asked softly.

“Max refused to run when Isabel and Michael suggested it. He said he would rather face Pierce, than spend the rest of his life running. And face him they did. Max questioned Pierce, and when we gathered to talk, Pierce managed to free himself. He grabbed a gun from Kyle, and turned it on Max. Michael defended Max, and Pierce was killed in the cross fire.”

“And so was Kyle,” Tess murmured. “Kyle was hit with a stray bullet. That’s why Max healed him. And that’s why Jim…Dad… continues to protect us with everything he is.”

“Dad?” Michael asked softly. Tess nodded. “Yeah… Jim and Kyle have taken me into their family…into their home.” Tess slid her eyes over to Jim.

“They know everything about me…the good and the bad. And yet they still want me to stay. Be a part of their family. I know the true meaning of the word now Michael…Nasado wasn’t my father. He didn’t care for me like they do. I was a means to an end to him. A way to get home. It didn’t matter to him who got hurt…who would have gotten hurt.”

Liz sat up straighter, Tess’s earlier words coming back to her.

“There is so much I need to tell you. So much you need to know. But what I need from you is the promise you’ll listen before you pass judgment.”

“Tess? What are you talking about? What did he do to you?” she whispered.

Tess looked over at Liz, before she lowered her eyes in shame. She felt Kyle squeeze her hand, lending her strength as if he knew she was about to be judged, trailed and executed. With a deep sigh, Tess retold her tale. No one said a word while she spoke, Tess keeping her eyes lowered as she spoke softly. When she was finished, she finally raised her gaze.

“I know you probably don’t trust me know, but I’m telling you the truth. Max…check Alex over…then you’ll see. You all know when I’m mind warping now…you can all feel it.”

Max nodded, rising to his feet and motioning to Alex. The others watched on in silence as Max scanned Alex from head to toe, before shaking his head.

“He’s fine. Tess hasn’t warped Alex at all.”

“Why Tess?” Isabel broke out suddenly. “God! We trusted you!”

“I still trust you,” Liz murmured. Tess glanced at her hands, before shaking her head.

“There’s more. I asked you to trust me before Liz, and I’m so glad that you did. But there’s still so much to say tonight.” Tess looked up, her steady gaze finding Max. “I asked you to tell your parents for a reason Max. That what was happening here was alien related.”

“What do you mean?” Jeff asked quietly.

“Liz and I were attacked tonight at the hospital by our enemy…a skin. He said he was there to finish the job…he called Liz the king’s whore…” Max’s eyes slid shut, a memory flooding his mind.

“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m finished.” Max blinked, the mechanical voice echoing slightly in his ears.

“How can you be sure Tess?” Isabel asked, Max shaking his head as the flash left him weak.

“Because of what the guy said to Liz,” he managed weakly.

“Who? ...The skin?” Isabel asked.

Max shook his head. “No…the guy who attacked Liz…he asked her if I would still want her when he was done…but he referred to me as ‘his highness’…. he knew who Liz was, and he knows who I am.”

“His highness?” Phillip asked weakly.

Max blushed, Maria speaking up for the first time.

“Your son is the king of Antar…King Zan. Isabel was Princess Vilandra. Michael was Rath, the king’s second in command, and the leading general of all the army. And Tess was Avaria…and Max’s wife.”

Once more silence filled the room, only to be broken by Tess.

“That was then…this is now. I’m not tied to Max…Liz is. Just like Michael and Isabel aren’t betrothed…they too have moved on…left behind the old ways, and embraced the new. We make our own destiny now…”

Max’s head snapped up, Max and Tess sharing a lingering glance, before Max nodded slowly. Max sighed, before turning to face the others.

“Tess is right…this is because of us. We need to work out what we are going to do…to protect each other. To protect Liz.”

“I’ll stay here…sleep on the balcony. I don’t need to go home Max,” Michael offered.

Jeff shook his head slightly. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’d feel better if you all stayed tonight. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you four are aliens, but Tess saved my daughter’s life, as did Max. I’m indebted to you both. You’re secret is safe with me, and you are always welcome here…just don’t blow anything up….”

His small joke eased the tension, Phillip and Diane asking if they too could stay, so they could speak more with Max and Isabel. Jeff nodded, Tess holding her hand up before the others left. “One more thing…. I think I know who was behind the attack on Liz.”

“Who?” Max asked, watching as Liz paled. Tess stood up, rounding the corner of the table and kneeling by Liz’s side.

“I need to connect with you Liz…just to be certain.”

Liz nodded, Tess reaching for her face even as Max protested. But it was too late. Tess was in, and locked in the horrifying moment…

“Hello, beautiful. I’ve been looking for you…”

“What do you want?” ‘Oh my god…who are you?’

“I can smell your fear…”

“I’m going to enjoy this…”

“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m finished….” ‘Max?’

“I’d rather die than let you touch me!” ‘Please…don’t hurt me…don’t do this…don’t…no…Noooo…’

Human skin melts away, revealing the true nature of the beast. Red eyes. Long slender limbs. Blue scale like skin. Elongated fingers, that end in razor sharp nails. Fluid strength. Amazing grace. Terrifyingly real….

“You might die yet baby…but not before I’m done…”

Tess broke away from Liz with a gasp, gagging as she tried to claw her way out of the flash completely. Liz’s eyes rolled up in her head, and she sagged into her father’s arms as she fainted. Max dropped to his knees, shaking Tess as she started to cry.

“What did you see?!” he demanded frantically.

“Oh god…Max…oh gd…I know who it was…I know who actually attacked her,” Tess managed weakly.

”Who?” Max whispered.

Tess raised her eyes, terror turning the blue green color of her eyes murky. She swallowed hard, and then shattered their whole world with a single name.

“Kivar.”

[kerri240879]

Part 27.

The pale light of day was only an hour away, the birds starting to stir as the last of the stars died in the sky. A crisp wind stirred fallen leaves, sending them skittering along the footpath in a gentle dance. Roswell was silent; its people unaware of what had been taken forth during the night.

Tess sat in the corner of Liz’s room, silent as she watched over its inhabitants. Liz was curled up in Max’s arms, Maria holding them both tightly from the other side of Liz. Michael was curled up behind Maria, his hand entwined with Maria’s, and through Liz’s as well.

With a soft sigh, Tess stood up, walking out into the lounge room. Alex and Isabel were asleep on the couch, curled tightly together as they slept. Kyle was asleep in the armchair, Jim on the love seat near by. Tess sighed softly, before moving into the kitchen area.

Her revelation about Kivar had shattered them all. Liz had stayed asleep, her father carrying her into bed. Max had shaken her again; demanding to know how she knew it was Kivar who had personally attacked Liz. Kyle had started yelling at Max, telling him to leave her alone, Tess unable to form the words he needed to hear.

Tess sighed softly, bracing her hands against the sink as she lowered her head. She now knew how Liz had felt when Future Max had asked her to save them all. Like the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. More was to come. More anger. More fear. More pain. Betrayal. How would the others react to the results of her phone call? She’d know with in the next twenty-four odd hours.

“Oh fuck it,” she spat softly, reining her emotions in rapidly, leaving her cold. Hard. Untouchable. Inhuman. She was ice…in and out. Nothing could touch her. Break her. She was on her own. Number one. No one to care for. No one cared for her anyway. What did it matter?

“Tess?”

The voice was soft. The plea in the tone was audible.

Tess turned slowly, her ice walls up as she met Liz’s gaze head on. Liz was everything she wasn’t. Warm. Loved. Cared for. Fragile. Human.

Liz reached out, touching Tess’s hand gently. Tess struggled against the feelings that simple gesture brought forth in her. The two girls locked eyes, and fought a silent battle of wills as they stared at each other. A war…that Liz knew she had won when Tess sagged, her eyes losing the cold, brittle edge.

“Come with me,” Liz whispered, leading Tess back through the apartment and out onto her balcony. Liz shut the window, the two girls sitting on the lounge chair together. Liz flicked the blanket out over them both, their shoulders touching as they looked up at the sky.

“Tell me what happened,” Liz whispered at length.

Tess shook her head. “You’re not ready yet Liz…I won’t do that to you. I can’t do that to you. When you are ready though…then we’ll talk about it.”

Liz nodded, bitting her lower lip thoughtfully as the two girls stared at each other. Tess could see Liz’s mind ticking over, so she wasn’t surprised by Liz’s next question.

“Who did you call?”

Tess smiled slightly. “A friend. A friend who has some powerful friends. They’ll be here at some point today I think.”

Liz smiled slightly, knowing that Tess would tell her in her own good time.

“Why did you call them?” she asked instead.

Tess sighed. “He told me that if I ever needed him, to just call. That he’d protect me with all he had, and more.”

“So where did you meet him?” Liz asked. Tess smiled slightly, knowing what Liz was really asking.

“I met him a few months ago. But I’ve known him for longer. I’ve known all of them for longer.”

“Tell me about them?” Liz asked, resting her head on Tess’s shoulder. Tess nodded.

“They’re all Antarien. Pure blood shape shifters. The only way you can tell is by the eyes. Remember that Liz. They hold no human emotion. Just pure energy. Pure power. They’re a unit together. Powerful. Different strengths. Different talents. But a unit none the less.”

“Like you guys?” Liz asked softly.

Tess nodded slowly. “Yeah…kinda…but a lot more powerful. They’re most deadly when they drop their human shields, and let the alien out. I can remember what it was like to watch them fight on Antar. The fluid grace and strength they displayed. It’s almost chilly watching them. When they believe in a cause, they’ll give their lives for it.”

Tess watched as the first rays of sunlight spilt across the sky, turning the pale sky to pure fire.

“Jy’s my…cousin if you like. Well up there he was anyway. He’s got the most brilliant green eyes. Almost like acid. Kyan…now Kyan’s a hottie! Purple eyes, a silent nature, yet don’t cross him…he’ll kill you before you blink. Lyra’s his mate. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and temper that puts Michael’s to shame.”

Tess turned to face Liz slightly. “Jy's mate is Serena.”

Liz’s mouth fell open at that, Tess nodding as she made the connection. “That’s right…Serena.”

“Tell me about her?” Liz whispered. Tess smiled.

“Serena is beautiful. Down here…she dresses like a punk. Dark hair that’s streaked blonde. She too has purple eyes, but not as dark as Kyan’s. Her mind is her power. She’s brilliant. So smart. Her strength will put most guys to shame. But Jy revels in it. Serena is also Max and Isabel’s cousin.”

Tess sighed softly, Liz lacing her fingers through Tess’s as they sat there.

“Lyra is Michael’s cousin,” she admitted at length. “That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t said anything as yet. Lyra wanted to tell him personally. It’s a big family affair,” she said with a bitter laugh.

“And the other?” Liz whispered.

Tess sighed, feeling the gentle squeeze that Liz gave her hand.

“Because of who else is coming.”

“Who?” Liz asked.

Tess closed her eyes. “Max’s gonna kill me over this Liz. For keeping it from them for so long. After everything else, this will tip him over the edge.”

“Who?” Liz asked again.

“Ava…and Zan.”


Part 28.

“Zan? …But he’s dead,” Liz whispered.

Tess shook her head. “No he isn’t. He’s alive and well, and definitely kicking.”

“When did you meet him?” Liz asked softly.

“In New York, when Max and I went there for the summit meeting,” Tess admitted softly.

“Why didn’t you say anything before that?” Liz asked in surprise.

Tess laughed bitterly. “Because he ordered me not too. And as he has the seal, I couldn’t disobey him.”

“But Max has the seal too,” Liz protested softly. Tess snorted.

“They are one and the same on the inside…well…not really…umm…shit.” Tess blew her breath out in frustration, massaging her temples as she tried to gather her thoughts together.

“Ok…Zan and Max are one and the same. Lonnie and Rath were right when they said they were more alien than we are, but what they didn’t understand was, that Zan also had the seal, on the off chance that anything ever happened to Max. They are both king, it’s just that Zan is stronger than Max power wise. Max is the true King, but Zan was more than just a dupe.”

Tess rubbed her hands across her eyes, her voice softening as she thought about Zan. The gruff front he presented her, and the gentle way he had held her face in hands that were rough and calloused.

“When you saved Max from Lonnie and Rath, they dragged me away with them, where Niko took a nice little stroll around in my brain. While he was doing that, Lonnie and Rath were arguing about how to get home now that Max had destroyed their chances. They never saw him coming.”

Tess sighed again, Liz turning to face the other girl. “Show me?” she whispered. Tess bit her lower lip, before nodding and closing her eyes. They sank into the connection easily, strengthening their friendship as Tess opened up to Liz.

“Niko man, just fuckin kill her already…she ain’t gonna give it up to ya man!” Lonnie spat angrily.

Tess opened her eyes slightly as Niko’s grip on her face eased, the ice in her mind retreating slightly. Movement behind them caught her eye, Tess watching as a dishevelled Max held his finger to his lips as he walked up behind Rath. Tess was too weak from fighting against Niko to even nod, the sickening crunch of bone echoing in her ears as Max caught Rath’s chin and head, and twisted easily, breaking his neck in one swift movement.

Rath’s body hit the ground as Lonnie and Niko whirled around, both of them spotting Max standing over Rath’s body. A smirk crossed Max’s face, his eyes turning golden as he made a kissing motion at Lonnie.

“You’re dead! We killed you!” Lonnie cried, backing away with Niko as Max walked towards them with feline grace. Max smirked, his eyes turning cold.

“Ya gonna wish I was Lon…ya shoulda checked it before ya went off on ya mission, but that was always ya problem…it was always ‘bout ‘you’. What ya wanted, and what ya were willin to do to get it. Ya fuckin with da wrong player here Lon...”

“Max…Nikolas…” Max whirled at her voice, spotting the reason why she had spoken.

Tess watched helplessly as Max flicked his hand at Niko as he tried creeping away. A bolt of bright blue energy flew out of Max’s hand, hitting Niko in the chest. The energy blast caused the smaller skin to burst into flames, his screams echoing around them as he fell to his knees.

Niko’s screams died down to a gurgle as he collapsed face first on the ground, before exploding into a pile of burnt ash and skin. Lonnie made a sound of distress, her movement stopped by the wall behind her.

“Please…it was…Kivar! He made me do it! I never wanted to hurt ya…ya my baby brother. I love ya.”

Max snorted, Tess closing her eyes weakly as he stopped before Lonnie.

“Hey I love ya too Lon…but ya betrayed me. Not once, but twice. And that I ain’t ever gonna forgive ya for, nor will I ever forget it. It’s you or me Lon…and I ain’t dyin a second time in this life.”

Lonnie screamed suddenly, the scream cut off abruptly. Footsteps echoed towards her, Tess curling into herself as she tried to make herself invisible. She didn’t know this Max. It wasn’t her Max…it was the other Max. Zan…

Rough hands gripped her face, gently pulling her into a sitting position. A thumb swept unde her eyes, wiping away tears that were streaming silently down her face. She knew he was kneeling in front of her, leaving her nowhere to run.

“Aves…baby…open up Aves…let me in”

The voice was gentle, a caress on her bruised mind. But Tess knew better. She had seen the violence behind that voice. He would hurt her. They always did. One hand slid around to the back of her head, supporting her neck as the other hand tilted her back even further.

“God dammit Ava! Come on baby, let me in…. let me in…”

Tess shivered slightly when soft lips brushed her own.

“Let me in baby…”

Those lips brushed hers again, and clung. A gentle kiss that turned sexual very quickly. Tess felt Zan drag her up onto her knees, her chest crushed against his. His hand sank into her curls, holding her head gently as his tongue brushed her lower lip. Instinct had her lips parting, another shiver skittering down her spine when cool metal mixed with heat slid over her own tongue.

She gripped the front of his torn top, feeling the muscle under her fingers as the hand holding her jaw slid down her back, and around her waist. Her head swam under the gentle assault of his mouth, his arms the only thing that kept her from falling. Tess whimpered when Zan jerked back suddenly, her eyes opening slightly in confusion.

“Aves?” Zan’s breath skittered across her cheek, Tess shaking her head slightly against his hand.

“Tess…” she mumbled, drawn into the dark passion that swirled through out his golden gaze. He smirked slightly, letting her slip down out of his arms. Sitting back on his feet, he regarded her silently.

“Where’s Ava?” he asked softly.

Tess rocked back and forth slightly on her knees, Zan reaching out and brushing his hand over her brow. The pain in her head lightened some, Tess finally able to focus on him.

“Where’s Ava?” he asked again.

“Back in Roswell. She refused to return to the city with them,” Tess mumbled.

Zan sank down onto his knees slightly, his eyes closing in relief.

“That’s my baby…ok…here’s da thing Tess. I don’t want anyone knowin I’m alive. But I promise ya this…ya ever need me? For anything at all? Ya call me ok. I’ll be there.”

“Why? Why would you help me?”

Zan smirked. “Coz I know what Nasado was like. I know what he did to ya. And I know ya on ya own. I know what that’s like.”

“But Max’ll want to…”

“That’s an order Tess. Ya tell no one. Not a livin soul. But I got ya back baby girl. I’ll take care of it.”

Tess nodded, running footsteps causing them to look up as four people burst into the room.

“Fuck it to hell and back man! It’s one thing to scrape ya nearly dead carcass of da road, but it’s somethin else to put it back together when ya take on da runt and ya psycho fuckin sister! I should kick ya arse back to fuckin Antar!”

Zan snorted. “Chill Serena. They’re all dead now. I thought they had Aves…I wasn’t takin that fight down with out killin all three of them. Ya know that; so back it off baby girl. I ain’t throwin down with ya over that shit!”

The blonde snorted. “Damn Zan…getting hit by that truck fucked with ya vision man…that ain’t my boy’s cuz…shit. That’s Ava’s double. So yeah…ok…it’s Jy’s cuz, but ya know what I mean man! Lookit aiight…blonde moment!”

Zan started laughing. “Ya cool Lyra. Guys…this is Tess. Tess…Serena’s my cuz. Her boy Jy is your cuz. Lyra is Michael’s cuz. And her boy Kyan. This is the reason I gave ya an order. It ain’t time for us to party down with ya crew in Hicksville…but the time will come. Remember…ya need me…just call.”

Before Tess could ask what he meant, more footsteps thundered towards them. Max ran into the room as the others melted into the shadows, dragging the only body left with them. Rath’s.

“Tess! Tess! Tess, are you all right?” Max cupped her face in his hands, Tess looking up at him in a daze.

“I don't know.”

“What happened?”

‘They tried to get inside my head, find out where the granolith is. I...I didn't want them to...so I fought back.”

“How?”

“I...I don't know.”

“Where are they?”

“I don't know.”

“Tess...Tess, are you all right?”

“I'm ready to go home now. Home to Roswell.”

“Ok.”

Max helped her to her feet, Tess spotting Zan over his shoulder. Zan winked at her, before once more placing his finger against his lips. Tess nodded slightly, Zan smirking once more, before melting away…

Liz opened her eyes slowly, looking at Tess in surprise.

“So now you know. I won’t blame you if you hate me for this Liz…but I thought I was doing the right thing?” Tess mumbled.

Liz sighed, before folding Tess into her arms, and giving her a tight squeeze.

“That’s ok Tess…Max’ll understand. They all will.”

Neither of them saw Michael slip away from the window, from where he had been listening with a slack jaw the entire time.

[kerri240879]

Part 29.

It was a sombre, dishevelled group that assembled in the kitchen an hour later. Michael watched Tess from his corner of the kitchen, a cup of coffee in his hand, and a scowl on his face. He wanted to talk to her about what he’d over heard, but from the fragile look on her face, and the protective way in which she had hovered near Liz put him off.

Liz had taken one mouthful of coffee, and had turned a really weird shade of green, before bolting for the bathroom. Tess and Max had followed her, helping her clean up, before putting her back to bed. She had fallen asleep, Max and Tess both watching her. When Michael had checked last, all three of them were asleep again.

He knew he couldn’t go to either Max or Isabel over this. Max was still reeling from Tess’s confession last night, and Isabel looked as if she didn’t trust her. He didn’t want to trouble Liz, and he knew Kyle would back Tess no matter what. As much as he loved Maria, he knew she couldn’t keep her mouth shut, so that left Alex.

Michael slid his gaze over to the lanky young man in question, his cool grey eyes measuring and watching as Alex drank his coffee. As if feeling Michael’s gaze, Alex looked up suddenly, green eyes locking with grey. Alex’s eyes were serious; yet they held no discrimination as they slid over to Tess, and then back to Michael.

As the two boys watched each other, Alex cleared his throat.

“Hey Michael…I was wanting to look over some…paint colours. I was thinking of painting my room, and I was wondering if you could help me?” he asked casually.

Michael swallowed his snort, before placing his coffee cup in the sink. “Sure, no worries. Want to go now?” he asked just as casually.

Alex nodded, and after kissing Isabel good-bye, they left the Parker’s residence, and climbed into Alex’s car.

“Where too man?” Alex asked softly.

Michael shrugged, Alex starting the car with a sigh. They drove in silence, Michael nodding when they pulled up at the lake ten minutes later. Alex shut off the car, and climbed out. He led Michael down to the dock, Alex dropping down so he could swing his legs out over the edge.

Michael sat beside him, as silent as ever as they watched the ripples move across the water. The lake was peaceful, yet Michael knew that if a wind picked up, it would become wild. Rampant. Unbridled. Deadly. A small frown appeared between his eyes, and he scowled once more as he looked out over the water.

“Do you know that if a butterfly brushes it’s wings over the edge of the ocean, it can cause a tsunami on the other side of the world?” Alex asked out of nowhere.

Michael looked at Alex like he had grown a second head. “Huh?”

Alex smirked slightly, looking down at his hands.

“It’s called the chaos theory. Something that you think is small and insignificant can set of a chain of events that leave catastrophic results. Another way to look at it is like this. Drop a pebble into a still pool of water, and watch and see just how far the ripples will travel. Cause and effect.”

Alex slid his gaze over to Michael.

“Take Tess for example. When she rang last night to tell Max she was telling Mr. Parker the truth, she would have weighed up the pros and cons first Michael. Would the unwavering love he has for his daughter, expand to accept the truth of why she was still alive in the first place? Would he be grateful that Max had put it all on the line to save Liz, or would he shun him because he was different?”

Michael opened his mouth to protest, and then snapped it shut again. Alex settled back on his hands, and then spoke again.

“Would it have been better to keep him in the dark, and let the shit hit the fan when another alien attack came, or would it be better to include him now, when Liz was still safe? With him included now, Jeff can add knowledge. Max’s parents can add support. No more lying.”

Michael shook his head slightly, wondering where Alex was pulling all this from. Alex watched him struggle, a small smile playing around the corners of his lips.

“So ok…suppose she did all this. Why didn’t she at least give us a say in the matter?” Michael asked.

Alex squinted as he looked back over the water.

“Did Isabel or Max tell you what happened yesterday morning?” he asked.

Michael looked at him again, his frown once more back in place.

“I arrived at the hospital to see Liz, and Tess was sitting by the window. She was wearing tracksuit pants that were huge on her, and a tee shirt that was a size to small for her…attributes. Her hair was a mess and she wasn’t wearing any makeup.”

“What’s your point man?” Michael interrupted. Alex sighed, looking Michael dead in the eye.

“That’s when I knew I could trust her, no matter what else happened. She finally looked human Michael. Not the carefully groomed girl, who had been trying to fit in for so long. Just a human girl, who had spent the night in a hospital, guarding another girl, who stood in the way of destiny.”

“She’s keeping something else from the others Alex.”

Alex smiled slightly. “As I said Michael…cause and effect. She’s not doing this to betray you guys. She’s probably doing this to protect herself. Did you ever think of it that way?”

Alex looked straight at Michael, and spoke softly.

“You guys don’t let anyone get close. Not even those who love you. And when Tess revealed that she was one of you, you accepted her for information only. Help with your powers. Help with memories. You didn’t let her in like she wanted to be let in Michael. None of us let her in like that. So is it any wonder that she’ll protect herself before you?”

“Then why is she helping Liz so much?” Michael asked bitterly, stung with the truth behind Alex’s words.

“Because Liz is letting her in. Letting her help. Liz needs Tess right now, because they aren’t emotionally attached like the rest of us are. Therefore Tess can see what she’s seen, and not be as affected as the rest of us would be. There’s also the fact that Tess hasn’t really left Liz alone since she was attacked. Let me ask you something Michael. What’s pissed you off more? The fact that Tess took the choice out of your hands, or the fact that the whole truth came out?”

Michael scowled again. “That’s the fuckin problem Alex. The whole truth hasn’t come out! She’s still hiding something from us.”

“What’s that Michael?” Alex asked calmly.

“The fact that Zan’s alive. The fact that he’s on his way here, all because Tess asked him to come. Or how about the fact that I have a cousin, and she never told me about it!” Michael exploded. He stood up angrily, shoving his hands in his pockets as he scowled out over the lake.

“I know that Zan ordered her to keep her mouth shut. I know that…Lyra…wanted to tell me herself, but Tess still could have warned me. She knows how important it is for me to find out more about home. Whether or not I have any family. And she kept that from me.”

“You have family Michael. Isabel. Max. What about Maria? Liz? Even Kyle and I? Speaking of family Michael, did you ever wonder how Tess felt? The man who raised her showed her no human affection. No love. Sound familiar? You and Tess grew up in the same way Michael. Ok, so she didn’t grow up in a trailer park, but she still grew up in an abusive home!”

Alex stood up, going toe to toe with Michael, his normally calm green eyes shooting sparks.

“Let me tell you something Michael. You, Max and even Isabel are about to be in for a very rude awakening. Tess is here to stay. I could be sprouting out indignantly about the fact that if Nasado were still here, she would be currently mind warping me to decode that damn book that’s so important to you! But I’m not. I’m willing to give her a chance.”

Alex jabbed Michael in the chest with his finger, the warning light in his gaze crystal clear.

“You once told me I was a really good friend Michael, so take some friendly advice. Don’t jump on her about this, because if Zan’s on his way, and he’s coming because Tess called him…what do you think he’d do to you? What do you think Liz will do? Or Kyle? The sheriff? I’m telling you as a friend Michael. Get over this, and while you’re at it, get over yourself!”

Michael nodded, too shocked to say anything else. Alex blew his breath out, his shoulders slumping as he levelled Michael with another look.

“Michael…you’d have to be a special kind of stupid not to know that this is only the beginning. Why else would Tess call Zan? So take my advice man, and give her a chance or we all die…it’s as simple as that. And frankly? I’m too young. So how about it? You ready to jump on the ‘Tess has changed for the better’ bandwagon? Coz it’s about to leave the station man.”

Michael nodded again, feeling less angry, and more confused. Alex clapped his hand on his shoulder as a gesture of friendship, Michael smiling weakly. But in the back of his mind, he knew he’d have to talk to Tess, and soon.

Part 30.
The song Maria writes in this chapter belongs to Shawn Colvin. It’s called ‘When you know.’

Maria sat out on the balcony in the weak sunlight, her song book open and resting on her knees. From her vantage point she could see Max and Liz asleep in bed. Tess had left the room a few minutes ago, leaving the estranged couple to sleep in peace. Isabel was talking to her parents, and Jeff was talking to Jim. Kyle was still asleep, Maria somehow knowing that Tess would be watching over him.

A soft sigh caught her hearing, Maria watching as Max sat up in bed. He wiped his hands over his face and then through his hair. He turned to face Liz, a sad smile crossing his face. Lying down on his side, he ran a single fingertip over Liz’s eyebrow. That same finger feathered down over her cheekbone, easing the swelling in her friend’s eye. He didn’t heal it completely, but at least it wouldn’t hurt as much now.

Maria picked her pen up, watching Max and Liz as she started to write. As she wrote, she thought about Max and Liz, and they way the two leaders of two separate groups, brought them all together. Kept them together. And with a single lie, nearly destroyed each other, and the group.

When you know, that you know, who you love, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know, and you know, that you know.

Liz’s eyes opened slowly, her gaze sleepy as she stared up at Max. For one moment, her gaze was unguarded, the love she tried so hard to hide shining in her eyes. But then reality crashed into them, and her eyes became shuttered. Max sighed softly, before giving her a sad smile.

When you feel in your skin, in your bones and the hollow
Of your heart, there's no way, you can wait till tomorrow.
When there isn't any doubt about it, once you come this close
Cos you know and you know that you know.

“How you feeling now?” Max asked softly.

Liz shrugged. “Tired. Sore.”

“Did…did you sleep ok?” Max asked, stumbling over the question.

Liz nodded, licking her dry lips as Max stared at her. Max’s eyes flicked to her mouth, and then back to her face. The look of longing in his gaze wasn’t lost on Liz, and she blushed slightly.

“Liz…can I ask you a question?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you still think of me?”

You can feel loves around you, like the sky round the moon
This is how love has found you, now you know what to do.

Liz looked up into Max’s eyes, the lie ready to spill from her lips. But she saw naked pain in his gaze. Pain she had put there. And the lie stuck in her throat. When she was able to speak again, what she had planned on saying didn’t come out. But the truth did.

“I always think of you Max.”

“You never slept with Kyle Liz. And I know I said I wouldn’t push, but…what did I do wrong?”

Liz’s eyes widened slightly, and she sat up, her dark hair swinging around her shoulders.

“Please don’t lie anymore Liz. Just tell me.”

The plea was obvious, as was the pain in his voice and eyes.

When you know that you know who you need, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.

Liz was clearly struggling with whether or not to tell him, Maria holding her breath as her pen skimmed over the page. Maria knew Liz had struggled with this for the longest time, shouldering the blame and the guilt, and the responsibility. And for once, Maria hoped her friend wouldn’t take the high road, and actually feel with he heart, rather than think with her head.

And it's time you come in from the cold.
And you know that you know.

“You never did anything wrong Max.”

“Then why?”

Liz looked out her window, spotting Maria sitting there. Her eyes widened when Maria simply looked at her. And then nodded. And Liz knew. It was time.

“What would you do Max, if you had the chance to save everyone you’ve ever known? Everyone you’ve ever loved. Would you pay the ultimate price, to ensure their survival? Or would you be selfish, and bury your head in the sand?”

Max blinked slightly. “I’m not sure I understand Liz.”

Liz swallowed hard, Maria giving her an encouraging look.

“What would you do, if someone gave up everything they’d ever known, to come back in time, to save everyone? Would you help them, knowing that if you didn’t, the world would end? Or would you ignore it, and hope to god they went away?”

Liz lifted her face, her gaze haunted.

“You came back in time Max. Fourteen years in time. Because the world you lived in, was ending. Everyone but you and me was gone. Michael. Isabel. Alex. Kyle. Tess. Maria. Jim. Our parents. They were all dead. Your enemies invaded, and took over, eradicating the human race to find you.”

Liz swallowed, Max wearing a look that was shock, pain, and surprise all at once.

“You told me that Tess had left. And without her…”

“…We were weaker as a group,” Max finished weakly.

Liz nodded, her eyes down cast. “But what’s that got to do with you and me?” Max whispered.

Liz smiled through her tears. “Because you loved me Max. Because of the way we treated Tess. She couldn’t handle it anymore, and she left. And the world as we know…it just…it ended Max. Because of us. Future Max told me she was critical to your survival, and that I had to push you towards her.”

“You want me to help you and Tess get together?”

“I need you to help me fall out of love with you.”

The memory flickered through Max’s mind, his eyes sliding shut in pain as he looked away.

“I asked you to do that? I asked you to carry this on your own?” he wheezed.

Liz nodded unhappily, Max reaching out and cupping her face in his hands.

“Don't you realize what you are to me...and you're always gonna be? You're the love of my life…everyone else is gonna be second best.”

Liz started crying when he turned her own words back on her.

“God Liz. I’ve loved you since the firs time I saw you. If you couldn’t come to me, you should have at least gone to Michael. Or Isabel. We could have spoken to Tess.”

“I said all that to him Max. He wouldn’t listen. And when he disappeared, I knew…you didn’t…love me anymore.”

Max laughed softly, shaking his head as he looked into her eyes.

“I’ll admit Liz. For one very intense moment, I hated you almost as much as I’d loved you. But then Tess sat down, and I looked at her, and she was being a friend, and I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t not love you. And she saw that.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore Max. What’s done is done. I can’t change that. I know I hurt you, and I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. But I had no choice.”

Max smiled slightly, the pain still lingering, but not as sharp as it had once been.

“So what do we do now Liz?” he asked sadly, knowing that what he had just heard wasn’t the full story. He also knew the rest would come in time.

Liz shook her head. “I don’t know Max.”

Max bit his lower lip slightly, before looking her in the eye.

“Did you mean what you said at the hospital? You know…that you didn’t love me anymore?”

Liz looked up, her sadness a heavy cloak on her slender shoulders.

“I’ve changed Max. So have you. What I need now is for you to be my friend. To get to know me again. That’s all I can offer you right now.”

Max nodded, and then stuck out his hand. Liz looked at him in surprise, before reaching out and taking the offered hand.

“Hi…Max Evans.”

Liz started crying softly, even as she shook his hand.

“Liz Parker.”

Maria closed her eyes, before opening them again, and climbing over the ledge. As she climbed down the fire escape, she heard Max’s final words as he pulled Liz into his arms.

“I can wait Liz.”

[kerri240879]

Part 31.

Michael scowled as he worked the grill. Jeff had decided to open for business after all at Liz’s insistence, but not before Jeff had pulled fatherly rank, and told her she wasn’t to set foot in the café, due to the gossip already floating around Roswell. She didn’t need it, and he didn’t need to be hit with a lawsuit for punching anyone who looked at her funny.

Liz had smiled, tears swimming in her gaze as her father kissed the top of her head and sent her back up stairs. Maria was running around like a headless chicken, the café filled to bursting with people. Most were concerned, others just plain curious. Two other waitresses ran with her, Sarah and Annabel. Jeff was also helping out, when movement caught Michael’s eye. He dropped the spatula in shock, before cursing as his burgers caught on fire. Jose started laughing as he elbowed Michael out the way.

“You prepare and dish, I’ll cook young Michael,” he said, oblivious to Michael’s surprised look.

Michael nodded silently as he stared at the scene before him. Isabel was pouring drinks, and manning the cash register, her cheeks stained a light pink. Tess was standing at a table taking an order, looking like she had been a part of the waitress team for years. The antenna on her head bobbed merrily as she nodded, a friendly smile splitting her face as she hurried towards the order window.

“An order of one Will Smith and Saturn rings, with a Sigourney Weaver please Jose. Oh...hey Michael.”

Tess turned and walked quickly over to the drink machine, pouring a cherry coke and lemonade, before serving the drinks, and then moving on to the next table. Michael shook his head, before going back to his job. He kept his eyes on both Tess and Isabel as the lunch crowd got bigger, and then he didn’t have the time to watch them any longer.

Four hours slid past in the blink of an eye, the crowd slowly leaving until only a few tables and booths remained occupied. Michael watched as Tess walked through the swinging doors to the break room, deciding now was the time to talk to her. Throwing his rag down on the bench, he turned to Jose.

“I’m just gonna go take five,” he mumbled, Jose waving him away with his spatula. Walking into the break room, he looked at Tess as she sat slumped on the couch. She was rubbing her eyes with the heels of her hands, the headband on the couch beside her. Crossing the room, Michael sat down beside her, Tess turning to face him, a resigned look on her face.

“What is it Michael?” she asked warily.

Michael paused before speaking, remembering what he and Alex had spoken about earlier that morning at the lake.

“I haven’t said anything to anyone but Alex about this, but when were you planning on telling us about Zan?” he asked quietly.

Tess sighed, slumping further into the couch. “I was going to tell you all today, but then Mr. Parker opened the café, and when I saw how busy it was, I offered to take over Liz’s shifts until she heals.”

Michael nodded, chewing on his lower lip thoughtfully. “Have you kept in contact with them since New York?” he asked.

Tess nodded. “Yeah. I speak to Jy at least once a week, and I speak with Zan then as well. Zan isn’t checking up on you guys, he’s checking up on me. Making sure I’m ok. And as Jy is my cousin, he keeps in touch too. But I mainly speak to Ava. She’s like a sister to me Michael. We speak at least three times a week. It’s nice, you know…to have that with her.”

“Why didn’t yo tell me about…”

“…Lyra?” Tess interrupted. Michael nodded, Tess sighing as she looked down at her hands. “Because she didn’t want you to know yet. She didn’t feel you were ready to know. They didn’t know where we were, until the hit on Zan. She’s seen you though. They all have.”

“When?” Michael exclaimed softly.

“When Zan came after Max and me to find Ava. They stopped for a break, and then kept going. Zan stayed with Jy and Serena, and Kyan and Lyra came here. Lyra said to me later, that it was like coming home. She never felt right with Rath, yet watching you, and seeing that temper of yours, she knew. She didn’t need to look at you face, she could feel you.”

“What does she look like?” Michael asked, desperate for some answers. Tess looked at him.

“Do you trust me?”

Michael nodded without thinking, a small gasp escaping his mouth when Tess grabbed his hand and fed him a flash. It trickled through his mind slowly, showing him everything…

A couple walked into the café, taking a seat at the counter. Sapphire blue eyes peered out from under the rim of a baseball cap, searching the café slowly. They landed on Tess, who jerked when she recognised the owner of those eyes. A delicate eyebrow arched, Tess tilting her head in the direction of the kitchen.

Lyra looked towards the kitchen, her gaze landing on Michael as he scraped the grill. Recognition flared in her gaze, a small smile playing around the corners of her lips as Michael thumped a plate on the counter, and rang the bell. He waited a few minutes for Maria to stop talking, before bellowing at the top of his lungs, “ORDERS UP!”

Maria sauntered over, picking the plate up, and tossing him an annoyed look. “Chill out Spaceboy,” she purred, Michael scowling as he went back to preparing another order. Lyra turned to her companion, nudging him gently. Purple eyes locked onto Michael’s face, a smirk crossing Kyan’s face as he grinned at Lyra. They stood up, and left as silently as they’d come, Lyra looking back once more, before she walked out.

Michael blinked rapidly as Tess let his hand go. His emotions were crashing through him rapidly, leaving him breathless and weak.

“She’s beautiful,” he mumbled.

Tess nodded, Michael looking down at his hands.

“We have the same lips,” he mumbled again. Tess smiled.

“She’s a shape shifter, but this is as close to what she really looks like in human form.”

Tess stood up slowly, cracking her back slightly as she arched. Glancing back down at Michael, she spoke softly.

“I didn’t keep this from you deliberately Michael. I know how important family is to you. I was just following an order.”

Michael looked up at her. “Is Zan going to cause trouble?” he asked quietly.

Tess couldn’t hide the grin that lit up her face. “Zan’s trouble with a capital T Michael. But he’s not going to be a problem if that’s what you think. He’s coming here to help. He’ll be able to teach you to control the powers you do have, and learn the ones you don’t. But he has a wicked sense of humour, and he’s a flirt at the best of times. They all are.”

“Will Zan go for Liz?” he mumbled, worrying about Max’s reaction.

Tess shook her head. “Nah…he’s too wrapped up in Ava. Always has been. But then again, I wouldn’t put it past him to flirt with Liz just to yank on Max’s chain for the hell of it either.”

“But Ava told Liz Zan didn’t love her like that,” Michael said.

Tess smiled again. “That’s what he wanted her to think. He knew something was up with the others, so he kept Ava at arm’s length.”

“So he believes in destiny then?” Michael asked, shuddering at the thought.

Tess snorted. “He believes in destiny as much as you guys do. He loves Ava because he chooses too…not for any other reason. I’d better get back…Michael?”

Michael looked up, seeing Tess standing there and chewing on her lower lip.

“I never meant to hurt you with this…I’d never do that to you.”

Tess walked away quickly, leaving Michael to brood alone with his thoughts, and the vision of a girl who had pale blonde hair, and sapphire blue eyes. His family. Michael shut his eyes at the unfamiliar tickle in them. He was no longer going to be alone. Michael wasn’t sure what scared him more. No longer being alone, or not measuring up to Lyra’s standards. Only time would tell. Time, he knew, they were running out of.

Part 32.

The last of the customers left for the day, Maria locking the door with a sigh. She slumped down into one of the booths, yanking her headband off and tossing it on the table. Michael was scraping the grill, Maria watching him closely for a moment. His lower lip was caught between his teeth, and it was obvious he had something on his mind. Maria knew she’d get it out of him…when she had the strength to move again.

Isabel was curled up in Alex’s arms, her eyes closed as she snored softly. Maria smiled slightly. Isabel hadn’t stopped all day, and the last few days had taken their toll on her. It hadn’t taken much for Alex to coax her into the booth, and not much more coaxing for her to rest her head on his shoulder. Sleep had claimed the ice princess, Maria thinking she had never looked as innocent or as beautiful as she did right then.

Max and Liz were sitting together too; Liz curled up in a colourful blanket as they spoke softly. They both looked wrung out, having gone through the emotional wringer today. When Liz had first come down stairs with Max, Pauly, Tommy, and Ricky had been sitting at a table with Kyle. Liz’s hair was in a loose braid, her frailty obvious as Max kept his arms around her as they slowly crossed to a booth. They had all looked at her in shock, Kyle standing up and crossing the room to give her a gentle hug.

The other boys had followed quietly, joining Max, Kyle and Liz for a few minutes. Liz had rested her head on Kyle’s shoulder, Kyle’s arm circling her gently when she closed her eyes. Kyle had given Max a wry smile, before brushing his lips over her temple, being careful of the stitches. Max had been the first to speak.

“Kyle, you’re in English with Liz. Can you get her assignments tomorrow? I can get the biology ones, and Izzy is picking up the maths and Spanish notes.”

Kyle had nodded silently. “Sure Max. Are we meeting up here after school?” Max had nodded again, his eyes never leaving Liz’s face when he softly thanked Kyle.

Maria hadn’t missed the looks the other guys had shared. They hadn’t cracked any awful jokes, nor had they made it obvious they were staring at the bruising that circled Liz’s throat, and marred her face. “Umm…Liz? We’re both in creative writing. Do you want me to get you the assignments?” Pauly had asked softly.

Liz and Max had looked at him in surprise, Kyle just smiling softly to himself. He knew his friends were pains some times, but he also knew that they knew Liz was one of his best friends. Liz had smiled slightly, her eyes dark with pain and grief.

“Thanks Pauly. That’d be great.”

Pauly had blushed. “No worries. I’ll drop in after school, just in case I need to let you know what happened in class.”

Liz nodded again, Pauly glancing at the other guys and then standing up.

“We’ll leave you to it then guys.”

Pauly had reached out, shaking hands with Kyle. He had paused, and then looked over at Max. Max had looked up, Pauly noticing just how badly this had affected Max. The circles under his eye stood out in stark contrast to his tanned face. Pauly had stuck his hand out, Max covering his surprise and shaking his hand.

“See ya both in school tomorrow then,” he had said, Max nodding as they left.

Maria smiled slightly. Kyle had left Max and Liz to talk, returning to his table to wait for Tess. Maria glanced around at the thought of Tess. The blonde alien had surprised Maria today. She had worked hard, covering Liz’s section, and getting the job done. When she had first come down stairs in the uniform, Maria had been struck silent. She had been standing near Jeff when Tess walked over to him, her hair a mass of loose curls around her face.

“Mr. Parker? I know you’re down a waitress with Liz being out, so I’m happy to fill in until she’s better. Is that ok with you?”

Jeff had nodded, quickly explaining the sections to Tess, who had nodded, and then gotten stuck into it. She hadn’t messed up a single order, or dropped a single plate. A memory jumped out at Maria suddenly, causing her to smile. Well…maybe just the one plate…and it had been for a good cause!

Pam Troy had walked in with Tiffany Green and Lindsay Cooper, the three girls taking a seat in Tess’s sections. Tess had taken their order, and the girls had then gone back to being their usual bitchy selves. They hadn’t noticed Tess returning a few minutes later, a bowl of Alien brains spaghetti in her hands….

“Well personally, I think the little bitch deserved it. I mean…she cheated on poor Max Evans with Kyle. Everyone knows that. She’s probably saying its rape to cover it up!” Pam had said.

Tiffany’s mouth had fallen open. “That’s nasty Pam. Even for you. No one deserves this. Not even Liz. I mean I know you hate her, but she didn’t deserve this, and you’re just being a bitch for saying it.”

Pam had snorted, not seeing Tess’s eyes light up from within in anger, Maria close enough now to see the illusion of flames flicker behind her eyes, before they became ice cold.

“Well I still think she’s a little whore...hey!”

Tess covered her mouth with mock dismay, her hatred and anger visible in her eyes. She had dumped the whole plate on Pam’s lovely white pants and top ensemble, the red sauce seeping into the material.

“Ohhh…I’m so sorry…here…let me help you.”

She had bent down, swiping at Pam’s top. Pam glared at her, but then paled when Tess turned her head, looking the other girl straight in the eye.

“The great thing about pasta sauce Pam, is that it eventually comes out in the wash…blood doesn’t. And if I ever hear you speak about Liz like that again, I’m going to spill yours. In great quantities. Are we clear? Or would you like a demonstration now? Coz I’m quite happy to scratch your fucking eyes out.”

Tess had straightened up, her smile back in place. “Thank you for coming to the Crash Down…let’s hope we don’t see you again. Bye-bye now!” she trilled with a fake smile, waving her fingers as she said bye-bye.

Maria had burst out laughing when the other girls slunk away, Tess whirling around to face her. Her eyes had been uncertain, a look of hesitancy on her face. Maria had sauntered over to her, and glanced at the mess in the booth. When she had looked back up at Tess, her eyes had been sparkling with laughter, and acceptance.

“Let me know when you’re ready to spill it…I’ll hold her down.”

Tess had giggled at that, Maria nodding as they both got back to work. Maria looked around the room for Tess. She spotted her putting the last of the glasses away, while Michael used his powers to help him clean the grill. They were talking quietly, Maria sitting up straight as Tess’s face paled. Tess covered her face and turned away slightly, Michael gripping her shoulder gently and speaking softly in her ear.

Maria watched in confusion as Michael turned Tess slightly into his chest, Tess’s shoulders shaking as she cried. Michael was still talking softly into her ear, Tess shaking her head. Michael spoke again, Tess looking up at him. She nodded slowly, Michael squeezing her shoulder and then steering her out into the dining area.

“Max…Tess has something she needs to tell us all. But before she does…I’m telling you now.” Michael’s gaze flicked to Alex, and then back to Max. “I support her on this Max. I know her reasons, so hear her out, before you jump down her throat.”

Max nodded in confusion, the others gathering around the booth as Liz pulled Tess down beside her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Tess looked panicked, Kyle sliding into the booth beside her and Liz and slipping his arm around her. Tess swallowed hard, and then raised her gaze.

“Max…I…we’re…umm…”

Michael sighed, and interrupted her.

“Tess made a phone call yesterday. She rang for back up. For help. The people who are coming aren’t going to hurt us. They’re going to help.”

“Who’s coming Tess?” Max asked.

Tess closed her eyes. “Your cousin Serena. Her lover, my cousin, Jy. Kyan. His lover, and Michael’s cousin, Lyra.” Tess opened her eyes, and looked at Max, pleading silently with him to understand. “Ava and Zan.”

Max blinked, now understanding why Michael had said not to jump on Tess over this.

“I thought Zan was dead,” he said carefully.

Tess shook her head. “No. I don’t know how he survived being hit by the truck, but Serena bought him back, and healed him. By the time he was almost 100% better, we were already in the city. When you found me…do you remember asking me where the others had gone? And how I said I didn’t know how I’d fought back?”

Max nodded. “I was telling the truth Max. I had my eyes closed when Zan killed the others. I know he broke Rath’s neck, and I know he vaporised Niko, but I have no idea what he did to Lonnie. But he ordered me not to tell you. When I rang him the other day, he told me then, to let you know he was coming.”

“When are they going to get here?” Max asked, his head spinning with all the new information he was being fed. The roar of a motorbike’s engine cut him off, Max watching as Tess swallowed weakly, obviously recognising the bike. “Now?” she answered weakly.

[kerri240879]

Part 33.

Max watched as the bike was turned off, his fear and hope causing his stomach to twist. Kyle slid from the booth when Tess nudged him, both of them watching as the rider yanked their helmet and black leather jacket off. They dropped them on the bike, before walking over to the café doors. Tess slid from the booth, and took a hesitant step forward. Max saw the lock on the door glow, before the door was yanked open, and a young man stepped through.

Time seemed to slow for the others, and they watched as Tess took another step forward. The guy was slender, yet muscular at the same time. Even Isabel blinked at his sensual good looks. He wore black leather pants low on his hips, and a sleeveless black tee shirt. Jet-black hair stood up in every direction, his pale skin gleaming under the dim lights of the café.

High cheekbones highlighted his eyes, his lips a deep red. Isabel looked at his mouth, Alex watching as she blushed as the guy sucked his lower lip between his teeth. A very full lower lip…. Isabel dropping her gaze when Alex chuckled softly in her ear. Bright green eyes swept the room, holding everyone captivated. Thick black lashes lined his eyes, a tattoo of a scorpion visible on his collarbone. Tess’s breath hitched in her throat, those amazing green eyes landing on her, before flashing emerald fire.

Tess took another step forward, only to have the guy cross the room in three long strides, and sweep her into a tight embrace. One hand cradled her neck, the other arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he pulled her closer. He bent his head to rest it against hers as he closed his eyes in obvious relief. Tess wrapped her arms around him, her body visibly shaking. Strong hands cradled her face as he pulled back slightly, his accent thick with a New York twang.

“Tess…”

He breathed her name softly, his gaze sweeping her face as Tess gripped his wrists as she looked up at him.

“Hey Jy,” she mumbled. “Where are the others?”

Jy smiled slightly, just a gentle uplifting of the corner of his mouth. “Bout an hour away sweet doll. I left ‘em behind when Kyan stopped for gas…I started pickin up on ya emotions ‘bout four hours ago, and I couldn’t wait for ‘em. I had to see ya…make sure ya were aiight.”

Jy paused, his head tilting as his eyes narrowed slightly. He swept his thumbs under Tess’s eyes, concern filling his own.

“Tess…. what is it? What’s wrong? Ya been stressing off ya nut for da last three days, but ya peaked last night…enough to call Zan…what da hell’s goin on? …Other than Kivar?”

Tears filled Tess’s eyes, and she was once more pulled into strong arms, her neck stroked as she cried on his chest.

“Hey…it’s ok sweet doll…it’s ok now…come on…shhhh…”

Jy leant against the edge of a table, still holding Tess close as she wept softly into his chest. He whispered softly into her ear, his fingers glowing even as they were in constant motion on the back of her neck. Tess hiccupped, her head lolling slightly against Jy’s chest as he continued to whisper to her. Max watched as Jy stood up not five minutes later, and swung Tess into his arms. She had fallen asleep thanks to those glowing fingers, Jy shifting her in his arms so that her head rested on his shoulder. Max stood up, indicating to the now empty half of his booth.

“You can sit here if you want,” he said softly. Jy simply nodded as he slid into the booth, Tess still locked in his arms. As if feeling the gazes of the others even in sleep, Tess turned more into Jy’s embrace, tucking her head under his chin as she slept in his lap. Kyle approached him, a blanket in his hands from where he had retrieved it from the break room.

“Here…it’ll keep her warm,” he mumbled, Jy looking up at him. Kyle stood still, letting Jy measure him up, as if he was assessing his intentions. It was all he could do, not to squirm under Jy’s alien gaze, but stay still Kyle managed to do.

“So you’re Kyle. You’re the one she won’t admit to carin ‘bout,” Jy said finally, liking what he saw.

You could have knocked Kyle down with a feather. His eyes widened, and he sank into the booth next to Jy, automatically picking Tess’s feet up and resting them in his own lap. Jy flicked his gaze down, watching as Kyle stroked Tess’s ankle softly. Flicking his gaze back up, he saw that Kyle wasn’t even aware that he was doing it.

“What do you mean?” he mumbled, Jy smirking slightly as he looked at Kyle.

“How ‘bout some intro’s first, then I’ll tell ya what I mean,” he suggested, raising his eyebrow.

Kyle blushed, but indicated to each person.

“Max. Isabel and Alex. Michael and Maria. Liz. And I’m Kyle.”

Jy smirked again, letting his gaze sweep each person. When it landed on Liz though, he frowned slightly.

“So you’re da reason Tess called us. She wouldn’t say much last night, but when I rang her this mornin, she said that one of her friends had been attacked. I take it then, that it was you?”

Liz blushed, but nodded as she lowered her gaze. Jy chuckled softly, reaching across the table to grip her hand. Liz looked up, Jy smiling slightly.

“Don’t ever lower ya gaze to me Liz…not to any of us. Ya ain’t done nothin wrong. Tess rang, and asked for help. She said that she had a shit fight on her hands. So here we are…well…some of us anyway!”

Liz smiled at his words, and she nodded as Jy gave her hand a squeeze, before reaching up and tangling it in Tess’s hair again. Kyle coughed slightly, before glancing at Jy, a pale blush staining his cheeks.

“What did you mean before? About Tess and me?” he asked softly.

Jy snorted with obvious amusement.

“So you’re livin in da land of denial too hey? Damn, between you and da blonde bombshell here, ya could bottle da stuff, and sell it on Ebay and make a nice tidy sum.”

Kyle blushed, Jy snorting with laughter again. He shifted Tess on his lap, before glancing at the windows.

“Ya might wanna lock us in then, if ya wanna know ‘bout it,” he said softly, indicating to the people who were glancing in as they walked past.

Max and Michael both stood up, Max going that one step further to step outside and grab Jy’s jacket and helmet. Jy nodded his thanks when Max set them down on a table, only to smile slowly up at Isabel when she set a cup of black coffee in front of him. She blushed again, Jy chuckling softly. Michael recalled Tess’s earlier words, about how they were all flirts, and he couldn’t help but grin as a flustered Isabel sat back down.

“Mmmkay then…so ya’ll wanna know how I know ‘bout sweet doll and da sheriff’s son here…how we knew ‘bout ya’ll when I’ve only just met ya’s yeah?” Jy asked bluntly after he’d taken a mouthful of coffee.

Everyone nodded, Kyle leaning forward slightly. Jy glanced at him, and raised his eyebrows with a smirk. Everyone noticed, and quiet laughter filled the café. It broke the tension, Kyle blushing as he sat back in his seat. Jy shook his head, before holding his left hand out over the surface of the table. The table shimmered, before going opaque.

Everyone glanced at Jy in surprise, his answering smirk crossing his face slowly. “No talking now…show time’s about to begin,” he murmured. The group turned back to the tabletop, watching as it shimmered again. Just like Jy said, ‘show time’ began, soft gasps echoing as images appeared like a movie on the tabletop…

Jy and Tess were sitting on the UFO centre’s roof, looking out over the main street. You could clearly see Jy’s bike parked in the street below, his helmet and jacket beside him.

“Who’s that with…Michael?” Jy asked, pointing out Maria as she and Michael argued out the front of the Crash Down.

Tess nodded as she smiled. “That’s Michael, and his girlfriend Maria.”

“Damn man, she’s got a set of lungs,” Jy said, whistling softly as Maria stomped away.

Tess laughed softly. “I think she and Michael enjoy their fights Jy. They’re good together though.”

“So tell me ‘bout them,” Jy said, settling back against the edge.

Tess shrugged. “I don’t really know them Jy. I mean…we all circulate together, but it doesn’t really go any further than that.”

Jy sighed, before spotting Alex and Isabel. “And them?” he asked.

Tess shrugged again. “Alex and Isabel.”

Jy frowned. “So that’s da one Nasado wanted ya to mind warp?” he murmured.

Tess scowled. “Don’t mention his name to me Jy. He’s dead, and all I can say, is thank god!”

Jy chuckled softly, pulling Tess against him and giving her a kiss on the temple.

“Settle down little fire starter…it’s all good. So…is that your Zan then?” Tess shook her head as Max sat down at an outdoor table.

“No…that’s Max, and he was mine in our last life Jy. He belongs to Liz in this one.”

Jy peered over the edge of the building again. He searched the sidewalk, and finally spotted the ‘Liz’ in question.

“She’s beautiful,” he admitted.

Tess sighed. “Yeah she is. It would make it all so much easier if I could hate her Jy, but I can’t. I’ve never been able too. She’s an enigma.”

“What do ya mean?”

Tess sighed. “Liz is nice to everyone Jy. Genuinely nice. And she’s smart. I guarantee it, you look up the head of molecular biology in ten years, and it’ll be her. There’s just something about her.”

Jy nodded, Tess sighing as they continued to watch everyday life pass them by.

“And who’s that?” Jy whispered, pointing out a familiar figure. Tess smiled again, her whole face lighting up.

“That’s Kyle. I live with him and his Dad.”

Jy smirked slightly, watching Tess out of the corner of his eye as he started humming the bridal march under his breath. Tess glanced at him. Jy kept humming. Her eyes narrowed, and before Jy could move, she slapped him on the back of the head.

“Hey! That’s not nice ya know!” he hissed, rubbing the back of his head.

Tess snorted, Jy narrowing his eyes as he stared at her. Tess glanced at him again, and then shook her head. “No way Jy! I am not going to let you ‘peek’ as you so nicely put it, into my brain. If you want to know something, just ask!”

Jy started laughing. “Ok then fire starter! But tell me somethin Tess…why haven’t you told him how ya feel?”

Tess shook her head slightly. “I don’t feel that way about Kyle…what are you laughing at?” she huffed as Jy laughed at her.

“I’m laughing at you, ya blonde! Jesus Tess. I’m an empath sweet doll. Ya know that. And I can tell ya now, ya heart beats that little bit faster when you talk about him, and when you saw him, you did da whole internal happy dance! Ya like da guy! Just admit it!”

Tess pouted, before shaking her head.

“Do not.”

“Do too,” Jy returned.

“Nu-uh.”

“Uh-huh…Tess has a crush!” The last part came out in a singsong way.

Tess narrowed her eyes. “I’m telling on you!”

Jy started laughing again. “Who ya gonna tell?” he teased.

Tess took her phone out of her back pocket, and flipped it open. Hitting speed dial, she hummed “you’re gonna get an ass whooping” under her breath.

Jy frowned, his face paling when Tess smiled.

“Hey Serena…Jy’s picking…hey!”

Jy grabbed the phone from Tess, his voice innocent when he spoke.

“She’s just poutin baby, coz I know she has a crush…no I’m not pickin on her…baby…no…awww come on Serena…baby…. please don’t say ya gonna hold out on me…. baby…. pfthht…fine…” Jy huffed, and turned to face Tess, who was grinning at him.

“Sorry Tess.” Tess made a whipping motion complete with sound effects, Jy shooting her another glare, before turning his attention back to the phone.

“That better baby? …Yeah…so I’m gonna get some huh? …What are ya wearin? …Take it off for me baby…HEY!”

Jy rubbed his ass where Tess had zapped him, before hanging up the phone on a laughing Serena. Tess shook her head.

“No way are you having phone sex on my phone Jy!”

Jy pouted, Tess holding the phone out of reach when he moved. The two cousins glared at each other, before Jy finally sighed.

“What are ya so scared of sweet doll? I mean, incest inducing comments aside, ya fuckin hot! I know ya like him, so don’t bother denyin it. What’s da problem?”

Tess shook her head, before glancing down.

“It’s not a problem of whether or not I care for Kyle Jy. I’m just scared that he’d laugh at me. I mean…I don’t let anyone in Jy. You know that. But what if I let him in, and he laughs? What if…”

Jy silenced her with a finger to the lips.

“What ifs get us no where sweet doll. So ya take a deep breath, and jump in with both feet…coz at da end of da day? He might just feel da same way…”

The ‘movie’ faded, Jy sitting back and picking up his cup. Silence filled the café, the group staring at a sleeping Tess. The silence was broken when Jy put his cup back down and smirked. Wondering what he was smirking at, Max jumped slightly when the roar of another bike was heard. Without turning, Jy spoke.

“Hey baby….”

Part 34.

Everyone glanced up as the bike was turned off. The rider swung gracefully from the bike, and tugged their helmet off. A young woman approached the doors, the lock glowing again as she let herself in. Setting her helmet down, she unzipped her jacket, and pulled it off. Thick black hair, that was streaked blonde on top slid free from under the jacket, and swung down around her face as she lent forward to touch her toes.

She moaned softly when her back cracked, before standing up and tossing her hair out of her face. Where Jy was at least six foot tall, she stood no more then five foot five, her body slender and curvy in all the right spots. Her eyes were a strange violet colour, pulsing internally with power and light. A sulky look was on her face, the others somehow knowing it was because she was tired.

Like Jy, she was wearing black leather pants, with a white tank top. On the tank top were the words, “I don’t have PMS…. I’m just a bitch.” Her eyes were heavily rimmed with black eyeliner, her mouth a deep red. A thick black leather cuff circled one wrist, a chunky black leather watch on the other. She looked over at the group, a sensual smile crossing her face when Jy turned to grin at her.

Without a word, she crossed over to them, and slid into the booth behind Jy. Leaning over the edge of the seat, she kissed him hello. Jy raised his hand, sinking it into her hair and holding her head in his palm as he kissed her back. They broke apart a minute later, the girl looking over Jy’s shoulder at Tess.

“Oh Tess…” she murmured, leaning further over the edge so she could Tess.

Kyle blushed when she wiggled again, her hips resting on his and Jy’s shoulders as she bent down and kissed Tess softly on the lips. The girl brushed a loose curl out of Tess’s eye, before sliding back into her own seat. She remained kneeling, her face unreadable as she finally looked at the others.

Jy smirked when they started fidgeting, an answering smirk crossing her own face. Standing up, the girl left the booth and came around to sit beside Liz. The girl looked at Jy, an unspoken conversation apparent between them when Jy scowled at her. She raised a single eyebrow, Jy huffing as he broke eye contact.

“Fine! Guys, this is Serena. Baby…Max, Isabel, Alex, Michael, Maria, Liz and Kyle.”

Serena smirked again, her gaze slowly flicking over each person. Measuring. Feeling. Looking deep with in each of them. They all felt the gentle caress of her mind as she looked into them. Checking them out with her powers. Serena seemed to linger longest on Isabel and Michael, a slight nod letting them both know she had been deliberate in what she was doing.

“Hey,” she finally said. Her voice was husky, her eyes lingering again on each person.

“What were you doing just then?” Isabel blurted out, unable to not keep quiet. Serena smirked lazily, stretching before she answered.

“Readin ya. Checkin out what made ya ticked.” Isabel blinked, opening her mouth to speak. But it was Michael who beat her to the punch.

“Yeah? What’d you find then?” he asked sarcastically. Serena laughed at that, crossing her arms over her chest before speaking to each person. She started with Michael.

“Ya hide behind stone walls, not letting anyone in. Ya want a family, and ya so scared of screwin that up, that ya keep everyone at arms length. Ya love Maria with everythin ya are, but ya scared that it’s gonna blow up in ya face. Ya fight with her, coz ya enjoy it, as does she. It’s what makes ya strong. And ya nothin like that screw up Rath. Ya turn to Max for direction, and ya question everythin he says, coz ya wanna keep all of ‘em safe, human and alien alike. It’s just who ya are.”

Michael’s mouth dropped open in shock, Serena winking at his reaction. She was spot on, and she knew it. Serena looked then to Maria.

“Ya love Michael just a fiercely as he loves you. You hate ya Dad coz he walked out on ya, so ya tend to view men as a species who ain’t to be trusted. Ya take all ya hidden emotions, and put them down on paper, in the way of songs. Ya used to envy what Max and Liz had, but ya now know that Michael is da one for ya. Ya loyal, and fiercely protective of Liz. If anyone was to hurt her, even Max, ya wouldn’t hesitate in taking them down…metaphorically speakin.”

Serena smirked when Isabel lowered her head, Isabel afraid of what Serena would see with in her, and that she would confirm her worst fears.

“Da ice princess. What no one knows is that a heart of pure heat beats behind those icy walls. You love Alex, and admire da way his brain works. You love Max and Michael more than anything, includin ya own life. Ya carry ya guilt like a mantel, due to learnin ‘bout ya past life, and what ya did to Zan in it. Ya use ya popularity and looks, to hide from people, yet when ya do let ‘em in, they have a friend for life. And like spaceboy, ya ain’t nothin like Lonnie or Vilandra for that matter.”

Isabel started crying softly, Alex wrapping his arms around her as she lowered her gaze. Serena moved onto Alex.

“Da boy who wonders how da hell he got as lucky as he did, when da ice princess finally let him in. Let him see her. And he sees her as beautiful. You’re smart, and ya loyal. Ya carry anger at da moment due to Liz, and ya carry guilt that it happened. Ya wonder if she blames ya, coz ya weren’t with her when it happened. And ya know in ya heart, that if ya find da guy who did it, ya gonna lay ya life down to protect her and Maria. Ya carry no animosity towards Tess, coz ya know she’s changin. And I hope ya never lose what makes you Alexander Charles Whitman, coz ya a damn good man.”

Kyle blushed when Serena’s gaze deliberately skipped Max and landed on him.

“You’re in love with Tess. You have been since she first moved in, and snapped ya boxers that mornin. Ya think she’s beautiful and fragile and that she’s da best thing that’s ever happened to ya dad and you. She’s startin to let ya in. Ya know this, when it’s just da two of ya at home, and she curls into ya when ya watchin ya movies. She makes two bowls of popcorn, so ya don’t have to eat da spicy one.”

Serena tilted her head slightly.

“Like Maria, ya tend to have trust issues, coz ya Mum walked out on ya’s when ya were little. But when it comes to you and Tess, it’s not a matter of whether ya trust her or not, coz ya do. It’s a matter of whether or not ya think ya good enough for her. That’s what’s held ya back for so long. Ya so damn scared of going up against her memories of Zan that ya hiding ya love inside. I’m tellin ya now man. Don’t. Coz she’s mad assed in love with ya too. She’s just as scared as you, but when ya finally get ya shit together, and she lets all her walls down, she’s gonna love ya like no one else…includin what she had with Zan.”

“Tess ain’t had it easy, and she’s gonna fight what’s she’s feelin, coz she’s just as scared, if not more so. Liz is da first person she’s truly let in, and she’s gonna die to protect Liz if it comes to that. She’s moved out from under Nasado’s fucked up spell, and she’s standin on da edge of a chasm. All she needs to do is let go. Ya damn well better be ready to catch her when she does Kyle, coz other wise ya gonna have to deal with Jy.”

Serena sat back, and glanced between Max and Liz. Her face was calm, pity swimming in her eyes.

“Da king and his chosen queen. Whether we rule down here or up there, this is da life ya have chosen Max. Ya can’t change what’s happened. So let it go, and start to heal. Pierce was as evil as they come, and ya nightmares and ya fears is what Kivar’s gonna use against ya. Zan can help ya with that if ya let him. He knows betrayal better than anyone.”

“Ya loved Liz enough to expose who ya were when ya healed her. Ya love her still, just as she loves you. Ya should be changin ya name to guilt, coz that’s what swims in ya right now. Guilt over what happened to Liz. Both da attack and Future Max. Of what he asked her to do. And ya so damn scared that ya never gonna be able to love her freely. Cut it da fuck out. Ya need time, as does she.”

“You on da other hand Liz, ya hold back on Max on purpose. Ya convinced that he belongs with Tess. That’s why you were able to help Future Max so easily. Ya put ya own happiness aside, in da hope that Max would be happy. He ain’t. Ya feel guilt from walkin away from him that day, believing ya were doin da right thing. Ya weren’t. He knows it. Tess knows it.”

“Ya thought ya were tellin da truth when ya said ya didn’t love Max anymore. Ya so damn confused, ya wouldn’t know love, if it came up and bit ya fair on da ass. Ya so scared that he’s gonna wake up and realise he loves Tess, that ya built a wall around ya heart, and he can no longer get inside of ya. Ya no longer know who ya are, or where ya place is with ya friends. The attack only made things worse.”

“What none of ya realise is da reason behind Kivar’s attack. Ya think it was to hurt Max through Liz. It wasn’t. When Max healed Liz, he changed her. Gave her some of who he was. Some of the seal. And Kivar knows this. He knows with da war, that Max’s people are fighting for him and Zan. He also knows that if he gets da royal heir, he can rule unopposed.”

Liz went white, Max also blanching at what she was saying. The others looked on in confusion, Liz starting to sway. Serena reached out and grabbed her face in her hands. The two girls locked eyes, Liz slowly calming down as Serena continued to stare at her.

“It ain’t gonna happen Liz. He ain’t able to that down here. He can’t control it. But that’s what it’s all about. Ya started somethin with Max last year. It’s slowly building in both of ya. Kivar picked up on it, and decided he’d rather have ya in his bed, than let ya go to Max’s. He knows if you and Max get back together, one things gonna lead to another, to da point that ya ain’ gonna be able to control it. It’s then that ya gonna be vulnerable. Coz if Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”

“What do ya mean?” Max wheezed, sitting down with a thud. Serena shook her head, cursing Nasado under her breath as she did.

“Antarians mate for life Max. We don’t do casual sex….”

Jy snorted, Serena glaring at him.

“What da hell was Zan doin then?” Jy asked sarcastically. Serena’s eyes flashed brightly with anger, and she turned that anger on her lover, not caring what the others thought.

“Ya know as well as I do Jy, what it cost Zan to do that to Ava. To keep her away, and to let her think he didn’t want her. That he was happier fuckin random faces, than doin her. He did what he did to keep her safe, so back it up off of my cousin Jy, or so help me god, I’ll rip ya a new one! Lovers or not, I will take ya down over this!”

Jy snorted, but looked down. Serena sighed, lowering her own gaze and massaging her temples. Jy sighed then, reaching out to cover Serena’s hand.

“I love ya babe…ya know I do. Just as ya know I’d do anythin for Zan. I know he did what he did for a reason, but he hurt Aves babe. And I’m havin trouble forgivin him for that. Ya know I view Aves and Tess as sisters, not as one person split in two. I’d kill for both ‘em…that’s just it. And I’m goin against da grain with this. I’m sorry.”

Serena nodded, and then looked back at Max. She’d deal with Jy later.

“As I was sayin Max…we mate for life. And coz you’ve changed Liz, she’s gonna be da same. If Kivar gets to her first, that’s it. It’s all over. He’ll get da heir, and then he’ll kill her. This was never about you. It was about her. He ain’t gonna be able to get back here in pure form for a while, so you have time. But that time’s runnin out. So you have to work on ya powers, and ya have to be willin to go to da bat for her. Coz when Kivar comes back? …. It’s gonna be a shit fight.”

“How much time do we have?” Max asked weakly.

Serena gave him another look of pity. “You have maybe a month…two at most.”

Max blinked then, hearing Serena in his head. A private conversation just for him.

“And in that time…ya’d better bond with Liz, coz if ya don’t, and he takes her…she dies Max. We all do.”

[kerri240879]

Part 35.

“So tell me Serena…did ya scare da shit outta ‘em with da fact ya can read people so easy?” Laughter accompanied that question, everyone turning to look at who had spoken. Two new people sat on the counter, seven mouths falling open in shock. Serena smirked, shaking her head as she stood up to make the introductions.

“Get fucked Kyan. Guys…this is Kyan and Lyra…. shut up Kyan!”

Kyan snorted, jumping down from the counter and turning to help Lyra down. It gave the others time to look at them, Serena and Jy shaking their heads as Kyan kept laughing at Serena. Max glanced out the window, his surprise obvious when he saw another two bikes parked outside. None of them had heard them arrive, but then again, they had all been caught up in what Serena had had to say.

Kyan was about the same height as Jy. A strong angular jaw was covered with a five o’clock shadow, his sensual lips in a constant smirk. Dark purple eyes were framed with dark lashes, his black hair spiked. The tips of his hair were bleached blonde, giving him a surfie look. Faded jeans sat low on his hips, a tight black tee shirt showing his muscled body off.

Lyra was slightly shorter than Serena, her blonde hair layered and swinging as Kyan lifted her down and set her on her feet. Startling blue eyes checked the group over, Michael blushing when they lingered on him, before moving on. Lyra stretched, showing off a tanned stomach when a pale grey tan top rode up. Army fatigue style cargo pants rode low on her hips, all the guys blushing when she turned around. She had a hole in the seat of her pants, just below the cheek of her ass.

“When did you guys get in?” Jy asked, reaching out to shake Kyan’s hand. Kyan shrugged.

“Round ‘bout fifteen minutes ago…just in time to see ya get ya ass kicked by ya woman again man!”

Jy scowled, but tilted his head back when Lyra cupped his jaw in her hand. Seven mouths fell open when Lyra kissed Jy on the lips, Lyra smirking when she let him go.

“Ya might be getting ya ass kicked Jy, but it lets people know who wears da pants in ya relationship…right Kyan?”

The question was directed at her lover with raised eyebrows, Kyan shrugging.

“What can I say babe? …If I want in ya pants, I let ya wear mine.”

Jy snorted, Serena laughing out loud. Lyra smirked again, trailing her hand over Kyan’s stomach.

“That’s right baby…ya pussy whipped, and ya know it.”

“And proud of it,” Kyan purred, grabbing Lyra by the hips, and hitting her hips with his own.

Seven faces turned bright red at the blatantly sexual way they were with each other, yet it was obvious that Serena and Jy were used to it, and not fazed in anyway.

“I’ve been hittin on that sweet ass of yours for years now baby…mmm…I ain’t gettin sick of it yet,” Kyan murmured in Lyra’s ear, running his hands down over her ass. Lyra laughed, the sound low and throaty as Kyan lowered his head to her shoulder, biting down lightly when his lips met her skin.

“Hate to break up da fuck feast ya caught all up in Kyan, but where da hell are Zan and Aves?” Jy spoke up, Kyan smirking when he lifted his head. He continued to hold Lyra close to his body, one hand sliding up her back to cradle the back of her neck. His hand tangled in her hair, and with a slight movement of his wrist, Kyan tugged Lyra’s head back to expose the smooth skin of her throat.

“I ain’t his keeper Jy. Zan’s a big boy now. Don’t stress it man…he’s around. And as for Aves? …She’s with him.”

“Fuck Kyan, ya gotta learn to keep ya dick in ya pants man. It won’t fall off if ya ain’t getting any in da next twenty minutes.” Jy raised an eyebrow as he waited, both guys locked in a silent conversation. It was obviously funny, because Kyan grinned.

“I’ll cut his dick off, if he ain’t lettin me go in da next five nanoseconds,” Lyra huffed.

Kyan snorted with laughter at that, Jy smirking as Kyan released Lyra from his embrace.

“Chill baby…ya know ya love it,” he purred, Lyra rolling her eyes as she glanced at Michael again.

“Phfft…. hate to be a cock block guys, but Jy’s right. Where did you leave Aves and Zan?” Serena asked.

Kyan sighed, watching his lover as she watched Michael. “I dunno Jy. Ava was scared about comin here, and Zan was talkin to her. He sent us ahead…said he’d meet up with us here.”

Michael blushed slightly. “I think I know what’s wrong with Ava…the last time she was here, Isabel and I weren’t the nicest to her.”

“We were worried about Max though Michael. I’m sure Ava would understand that.”

A soft snort broke the staring contest going on between all of them. Tess shifted on Jy’s lap, her gaze sleepy as she blinked herself awake. Jy turned to face her, a soft smirk on his face.

“Heya sweet doll…how ya feelin now?”

Tess answered in a way that had Serena, Kyan and Lyra laughing, and the rest of the group hiding smiles. She slapped him on the back of the head.

“Yeouch! What da fuck was that for?” Jy squeaked, Tess glaring at him as she slid from his lap.

“I told you last time Jy, don’t use your powers on me. It’s not nice! …. I’m telling on you!”

Her last comment, along with the matching pouts she and Jy wore, broke everyone up into laughter. Kyan came forward, and grabbing Tess around the thighs, swung Tess up into a tight hug. Tess shook her head, staring down at Kyan from where she was at least a head’s hight above him.

“Hey Kyan…you gonna put me down now?”

While Kyan and the others were talking more with ease, Lyra approached Michael. They had been staring at each other for a while now, and the closer Lyra got to Michael, the more he blushed. Lyra came to a halt in front of Michael, and stared up at him. Reaching out, she slid her arms around his waist, Michael blushing again.

“Is that any way to greet family?” she whispered softly.

Michael blushed again, but he gave in, and let Lyra hold him. He closed his eyes when he felt her hand tread itself through his hair, and he rested his head on her shoulder. No matter what happened now, he was home. They all were. But then reality intruded, Max’s voice rising above the din.

“Where’s Liz?”

Part 36.

Just to let you all know, you might not like Zan for a while. But keep in mind, the reasons behind his attitude and his actions. You’ll see what I mean as we go along. Enjoy.


Liz slipped away easily while the others were chatting. Her stomach was churning, her head filled with anguish as she replayed what Serena had told them. Fear had become her enemy, twisting and churning through out her body. It left her cold and clammy, the beginnings of a monster headache thudding behind her eyes.

“If Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”

“Coz when Kivar comes back…”

“You have maybe a month…two at most.”

“Coz when Kivar comes back…”

“Oh god…” Liz clapped her hand over her mouth, blindly pushing the bathroom door open and falling to her knees. Tears ran down her face as she threw up, her whole body trembling. Resting her head on the edge of the toilet, Liz cried softly. When another wave of nausea rose, she gagged, her whole body growing weak as she gripped the edge of the toilet.

She vaguely heard the toilet door open, her tears coming faster when strong hands slid up her shoulders. Leather clad knees slid past her thighs, strong hands gathering her hair away from her face as she retched again. A gentle hand rubbed her back, Liz falling back weakly against a strong chest. A cool hand rested against her forehead, gently pressing her head back against his shoulder.

Liz could feel the entire length of his body pressed against hers as he knelt behind her, one arm around her waist to hold her up, the other smoothing her hair back over her head. Liz shivered, before he pushed her forward again, once more holding her hair back as she finished emptying the contents of her stomach. When she was finished, she collapsed back against his chest again, her eyes sliding shut weakly as she panted.

“Ya aiight?”

Liz opened her eyes, getting her first glimpse of Zan. He was so similar yet so different from Max that she blinked. The same eyes. Same nose. Same lips. Same everything. Yet where Max’s eyes were gentle and warm, Zan’s were unreadable and cold. His hair stood up in thick spikes, a goatee covering his chin. Then there were the tattoos and piercings. The leather pants. The tight black tee shirt. And the faint whiff of cigarette smoke.

“Ya aiight now?” Zan asked again, his accent as thick as Jy’s.

Liz nodded weakly, Zan reaching out for the wall, and standing up. Liz went with him as he stood, his arm locked firmly around her waist. Liz stumbled when he took a step backward, Zan grabbing her before she could collapse. He swept her up into his arms, and walked into her room. Liz closed her eyes, feeling the softness of her mattress as Zan laid her down in her bed.

“Oh Lizzie girl…Zan…get me a face washer.”

A cool hand accompanied the familiar voice, Liz turning her cheek into Ava’s hand as the mattress dipped beside her. Ava slid her free arm around Liz’s waist, Liz resting her head against Ava’s chest as she closed her eyes. The bed dipped behind Liz, a calloused hand turning her face. A warm face washer wiped over her mouth and face, gentle fingers sweeping her hair backwards.

“Da fucker did a number on her face” Zan murmered softly, his fingers moving gently over the remaining swealing in Liz’s eye. Liz opened her eyes, staring up into Zan’s steady gaze. He gave her a crooked smile, Liz bursting into humiliated tears. Zan simply pulled her into his arms, Liz resting her head on his chest as she cried. She felt Ava shift behind her, before another pair of arms slid around her tear wracked body.

Zan met Ava’s gaze over the top of Liz’s head, the anger in his gaze visible. Ava smiled gently in return, knowing the true reason behind Zan’s anger. Ava let her mind drift slightly, remembering another time…another place…and the overwhelming guilt and sadness that both she and Zan carried behind their eyes. The reason they had come back to Roswell. The reason, Zan came with murder in his heart, and revenge on his mind...

Ava left Roswell, carrying a secret under her heart. She had told Liz that Lonnie and Rath didn’t like loose ends, but she had another reason for moving on. Another life to think about. A small part of Zan that would live on, even though he was gone. A child. His child. A child, that he had never known existed. He had died before she could tell him.

Ava had moved on to New Orleans. The city that had a soul. The city of good food, and even better music. The city, in which she planed on getting lost in. Making a new life for herself. For her child. And move on she had. She got a job. An apartment. And a sense of rightness that she had never felt before.

She worked at The Devil’s Inn, a Cajun bar and restaurant. The owners, Louisa and Grant, had taken one look at her punk outfit and appearance, and had shaken their heads. But when Ava had appeared the following day, minus the piercings and streaked hair, they had given her a chance.

She worked hard, Louisa surprised when Ava would work the split shifts. From six am until two pm. a two hour break. And then from four pm until two most mornings, six days a week. She never complained, and did her job well, and had hid the fact she was pregnant until it all came crashing down six weeks later.

Louisa had opened the bar; surprised that Ava wasn’t waiting for her. Louisa had shrugged, figuring that Ava was running a few minutes behind. But when Ava failed to appear by eight, Louisa knew something was wrong. Ava was always punctual. Louisa had left Grant running things, and had crossed the road to the apartment building Ava lived in.

Running up the stairs, Louisa had knocked on the door. A soft moan had caught her hearing, Louisa trying the door. It had been locked, and she’d run for the super intendant. When Frank had let her in, she had found something she knew would haunt her until the day she died.

Ava had been curled up in the foetal position in the small lounge room. Curled up, in a large pool of blood. Ava had both hands clenched around her abdomen, her face deathly pale, and her lips tinged blue. Ava had been delirious, her eyes flat when Louisa rolled her onto her back.

“Ava sweetie, are you ok? How far along were you?”

Ava hadn’t answered, her eyes unseeing as she stared at the roof. Grant and Frank had been summoned, and between the three of them, had cleaned Ava up, and put her back to bed. The one thing Ava had said was no hospitals, and she adamant on that. So Louisa moved in with Ava for a few days, making sure she ate, and trying to get the silent girl to talk.

Only a week later, Zan showed up on her doorstep. Louisa had taken one look at him, a knowing smile on her face. This was the young man she had heard Ava call out for in her sleep. So she had slipped away, giving Zan directions to the bedroom. Zan had picked up on Ava’s sadness and over whelming guilt, the feelings crashing through him.

He had climbed the stairs silently, his heart in his throat as he peered through the door of Ava’s room. She was lying on her side facing the window, her back to the door. Zan had stood in her doorway, suddenly unable to speak as he stared at her frail form. Her feelings were a suffocating blanket in the air, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to sort through them.

But then Ava had muffled a soft sob, Zan taking a silent step through the door. And when she spoke, unaware that he was standing there, Zan had realised just how damaged his relationship with her was. And the true reason behind her guilt and pain. It had shattered his heart, and weighed him down with guilt.

“I’ve gotta be goin fuckin nuts. I can still feel ya. But I guess that’s my punishment for not bein able to save ya that day. For not bein able to save our baby. I tried Zan. I tried so hard, to keep her with me. She was all I had left of ya, and I lost her too. What did I do that was so bad, that I’m bein punished like this? You didn’t want or love me, and da one thing I tried to hold onto, I lost as well.”

Zan’s jaw had dropped at her soft speech, his feet propelling him quietly across the floor to her side. He had lain down behind her quietly, Ava freezing when the bed dipped behind her. She felt an arm slide around her waist, tugging her back against a familiar body gently. A calloused hand caressed her abdomen gently, healing warmth spreading through out her limbs. Ava grew drowsy, and she fought to keep her eyes open.

“I know this is a really great daydream, but I hope to god I remember how this felt,” she wept softly, unable to fight off her fatigue any longer. It was then that Zan let part of his grief and guilt go, his tears as silent as his lover. Without moving from where he lay, he kicked his shoes off, and slid under the blankets with Ava.

When she woke up four hours later, she had rolled onto her back, staring up into Zan’s open gaze. That had bought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t really remember the last time he had been so open with her. But there he was, alive, his gaze open. Love shone in his gaze, along with guilt, hatred and self-discrimination.

“I’m sorry baby…I’m so sorry.”

It was whispered, Zan barely able to get the words out as Ava stared up at him through wounded eyes. Her eyes had filled with tears, Zan pulling her further into his embrace. And as the last of the sun’s rays had died away, they cried in each other’s arms. For each other. For the betrayal of family. And for the loss of their child...

“Aves…”

Ava opened her eyes, guilt swimming in her gaze. Zan sighed, shaking his head as he continued to hold Liz in his arms. He knew what she was thinking about. He was thinking about it too. Things had changed in the last five months. He and Ava weren’t together at the moment, both deciding to restart their relationship at ground level. To build a friendship first, and then see what happened.

But it was still hard. On both of them. Want and need swamped them both at the best of times, Zan spending a lot of time in cold showers, and Ava biting her nails in frustration. While they still shared the same bed, Ava would wake in the middle of the night to find Zan curled around her. If he woke, he’d bolt for the shower, leaving Ava wondering why the hell they were holding back in the first place. But then she’d remember, and her tears would fall once more.

Ava looked over at Zan, a sad smile crossing her face when she lowered her eyes to Liz’s sleeping form. Reaching out, she moved a stray strand of hair back from Liz’s face. She could feel Zan’s gaze on her, and she struggled to find the words she knew he wanted to hear. The reason why she had been so addiment on coming back here with them. The reason why, she had directed him up a fire escape to Liz’s room.

“She helped me Zan. When I was here last. She took me in, and gave me a place to stay. She’s…she’s a friend Zan. And I ain’t had to many of them. So when I spoke to Tess, and she told me it was Liz…I knew…this was my chance to make things right. To thank her, for opening her heart to me, when she and Tess weren’t getting along back then.”

“What ‘bout…Michael? And Isabel? They hurt ya last time Aves…whether or not they meant it, they still hurt ya. It was Rath and Lonnie all over again.”

Ava sighed, knowing just how pissed Zan had been when he found out that snippet of information from Jy.

“They were just bein loyal to Max Zan…. let it go.”

Zan scowled, and shook his head, before glancing down at Liz. She was asleep, her face troubled as she fought internal demons. Zan sighed, sliding from the bed with feline grace. Ava followed him, Zan bending to cover Liz over with a blanket as Ava closed and locked the window. Zan turned to watch Ava as she sealed the window shut. No one but her or Tess could open it now, until one of them took away the seal.

“I’m glad ya here Aves.”

Ava turned to face Zan, her surprise written all over her face.

“I thought you were gonna spank my ass for comin” she said, a gentle note of teasing entering her voice.

Zan grinned at that, his eyes lighting up momentarily with humour, before they darkened with something that sent a shiver down Ava’s spine. He crossed the distance between them, before lowering his head slightly so his breath brushed her cheek.

“Oh I’m still gonna spank ya ass…not yet though. But trust me baby…” Ava looked up at Zan, her eyes locked with his. “…Ya gonna enjoy it when I do.”

Ava blushed, lowering her gaze as warmth crossed her cheeks, and spread through her belly. It wasn’t so much what he’d said…. it was the tone he’d said it in. A promise lingered in his voice. A promise, Ava knew he’d keep. Zan smirked at her flustered face, before taking her hand in his, and leading her down stairs. As they approached the swinging doors, they heard a male speak.

“Where’s Liz?”

Ava sighed, glancing back at Zan as he dropped their jackets and such on the couch. He waved her forward, Ava knowing he’d be right behind her. Pushing the doors open, she was unaware the others were about to be shown the fallout of the anger Zan held within him, and how much betrayal could mess with a person….

[kerri240879]

Part 37.

Ava pushed through the doors first, the others glancing up as she let it close behind her. She took a hesitant step forward, Michael reaching for her without thinking. His hand closed around her arm gently, tugging her forward. A sharp spear of fear flooded her body before she could contain it, her mind flooding with memories of Rath, and the violence with which he had treated her. Jy shot up out of his chair when the door opened behind Ava, his warning shout coming too late as Zan stepped into the café. Jy knew Zan had felt Ava’s fear, just as he had, and he knew it wouldn’t be good.

Zan’s eyes narrowed when he saw Michael grip Ava’s arm, and he snarled softly. Time seemed to slow at that point, Zan’s eyes flooding gold. His hand glowed as he flicked it, and Michael wrenched away from Ava. Even as Michael spun around, Zan lashed out with his power. Michael gripped his head in pain, before a startled cry escaped his mouth as Zan hit him in the chest with a solid blast. It launched him into the air, and sent him flying across the room.

Even as Michael flew through the air, Zan was moving. His hands shot out, gripping Ava’s arms gently as she swayed. He pulled her into his arms, one arm around her waist holding her up, the other hand holding her head as she buried her face in his chest. Michael hit the counter, and then the floor with a groan. Zan lowered his head and spoke softly in Ava’s ear as he ignored the horrified looks he was getting. Ava whimpered, Zan’s head shooting up. His eyes landed on Michael, his voice low when he spoke.

“Ya touch her again asshole, and I’ll rip ya fuckin throat out. I killed ya dupe…who says ya gonna come out any better?”

Max stood up angrily, Zan simply raising his eyebrows.

“Whatcha gonna do boy? Ya wanna throw down over this? Try me Max…just fuckin try it, and lets see who comes out on top, coz I guarantee ya boy, I’ll bury ya ass where ya fuckin stand, so sit…back…down.”

Max took a step forward, Zan’s eyes narrowing. His hand glowed again, a ball of fire appearing on his palm. It spun lazily, the flames circling his wrist as he raised an eyebrow at Max.

“Take another step Max, and we’ll see how good my aim is…and just how good at healin ya really are…”

Max blanched, sitting down with a thud. He watched as the flames winked out of sight, causing Jy to sigh as he stood up. He slid from the booth, and slowly approached Zan and Ava. Reaching for his cousin, he was humiliated when Zan flicked his fingers, causing Jy to stumble back a step and trip. Jy landed hard, his hurt obvious as he stared up at Zan. Looking into Zan’s eyes, he saw his friend was lost between the past and the present, an internal war going on as he struggled to calm down.

“Zan…. relax man. It’s all good,” Kyan said. Zan ignored him, his angry gaze centred on Jy.

“I fuckin told ya yesterday Jy…no one touches Ava. She’s been through enough man…ya know this. Ya swore to me…ya fuckin promised me Jy…. Rath touches her again, and I’ll kill all of ‘em….”

Zan broke off abruptly, burying his face momentarily in Ava’s hair. The others watched in silence, unsure of what was really going on. Jy lowered his gaze, his nod almost lost as he sighed. Kyan reached out, gripping Zan’s shoulder gently. Zan swung his head up, his gaze molten gold, and burning with anger and grief. Kyan smirked at him, before nodding his head slightly.

“Ya aiight Zan…calm it da fuck down bro…ya aiight. Aves’s cool…we’re all cool. Calm it down bro. Ya don’t wanna do this man…come on…look at Ava…she needs ya bro…come on.”

Zan blew his breath out in anger, his eyes slowly turning a darker shade of gold. Shaking his head, he cupped Ava’s face in his hands, tilting her head back so he could see into her frightened gaze. Like him, she was having trouble differentiating between the past and the present. She had retreated into herself, hiding inside where she wouldn’t be hurt. Zan sighed softly, before sweeping his thumb over her lower lip.

“Aves…baby…come on baby…let me in…”

Zan lowered his head, rubbing the tip of his nose against hers. He felt Ava jerk in his arms, before her arms slid around his waist, clutching him tightly. Zan sighed, closing his eyes as he held her tighter. What he didn’t know, was that the others saw the flash of naked pain that crossed his face and lingered in his eyes. Zan buried his hands in Ava’s hair, his chin resting on her head as they held each other tightly.

Maria hurried to Michael’s side, helping him to stand up as he continued to stare at Zan with a mix of fascination, envy and fear. Somehow, deep inside, he knew Zan wasn’t going to hurt him. That it had just been a knee jerk reaction, but the amount of power he had displayed, and the control he had used with his powers, had earned Michael’s respect…even with the circumstances.

Tess stood up slowly, approaching Zan quietly. She reached up, touching his cheek gently. Zan opened his eyes, pain swimming in their depths as the two shared a look. Tess slid her arms around Ava from behind, holding onto her double as Ava shook silently within Zan’s arms. She knew what was going on behind those expressive eyes, so it was no surprise when Zan let Ava slip out of his embrace, and into her own arms. Tess led Ava out to the back room, Kyle slipping out of his seat, and following the two girls.

Zan was silent as he watched them go, before turning to face the others. Crossing the room, he held his hand out to Jy. Jy looked up at him, before grasping Zan’s wrist. He let Zan help him to his feet, their eyes locked as they stared at each other. Jy finally nodded, his free hand reaching out to grasp Zan’s shoulder.

“I know man…I know better than anyone remember. But ya can’t let ya anger out like that man…. I know what ya goin through Zan…but ya gotta trust me on this. Trust Tess. They ain’t Rath and Lonnie. It ain’t gonna go down like that again. And ya know me man…I’ll kill anyone who lays a hand on Ava. But they don’t know what’s goin on man…they don’t get what went down. And they’re gonna be in da dark until ya shed some light on da sitch.”

Zan snorted, before shaking his head. “Fuck that Jy…I ain’t into sharin…ya know this…so drop it already.”

“Zan…” Jy began.

“I said, fuckin drop it Jy!”

Kyan snorted, stepping over to where the two aliens were squaring off. He clamped his hand down on Zan’s shoulder, his trademark smirk firmly in place. But his voice was serious when he spoke. Serious enough, that Zan actually listened.

“Zan…bro…ya my best mate, so ya know this comes with love and all that girly shit. Ya gotta listen to us man. Do ya really think we were gonna let ya walk in here, without readin ‘em all first? Do ya really think, that they’d still be standin if they were anythin like Lonnie and Rath? Fuck no! I’d kill ‘em first, no hesitations. I ain’t got no ties here Zan other than Lyra…ya know that. Ya da reason I’m here. Nothin else.”

Zan shook his head, Kyan’s grip on his shoulder tightening.

“Zan…come on man. I know this shit fucked ya up one side, and down da other, but ya gotta get it together for Aves. I know ya in and out man…ya drownin…. I know it…Jy knows it…. I’m holdin out a hand here Zan…. all ya gotta do is take it.”

Zan looked Kyan straight in the eye, his voice low when he spoke again.

“Do ya know what it felt like, to walk into da room, and find her lyin there like that man? How would ya feel if it was Lyra? How would you react? How would ya handle knowin it was ya fault?”

Kyan sighed softly, his eyes dark with grief.

“No I don’t man. But I know what it felt like when we found ya that day in New York. And ever since then Zan…ya’ve been a walkin time bomb. I know ya love her Zan…but ya can’t change what happened. Ya can’t carry this on ya own. All ya can do is help her, and let us help you. And trust me when I say, that if I see any of Rath or Lonnie in ‘em, I’ll kill ‘em. Simple as that.”

The others held their breath as they watched. At the back of their minds, Isabel and Michael knew they should be worried with the comments, but they weren’t…not really. So they kept quiet, watching silently as Zan tilted his head back slightly, obviously fighting with himself. He sighed heavily, before slowly nodding. He glanced at Michael, who shrugged.

“If I was you, I would have done the same thing,” he admitted softly, Zan nodding his head. Max stood up, approaching Zan cautiously. Zan turned to face him, Max blinking at the residual anger that was held in Zan’s gaze. Max held his hands out, a gesture of peace. Even at his worst, Michael had never been like this, so he approached his double with caution.

“Do you know where Liz is?” he asked softly. Zan stared at Max for a moment longer, before nodding.

“We found her upstairs. She was sick…we took care of it, and put her back to bed. She’s sleepin now…Aves sealed her window shut.”

Max nodded, both guys turning when a soft voice called Zan’s name. Max watched as Zan relaxed, Ava shooting a timid glance at Michael as she crossed quickly to Zan. Zan slid his arm around Ava, his free hand cupping her chin so he could tilt her head back slightly. They gazed at each other silently, Zan smiling wryly as he pulled Ava into a hug.

“I ain’t ever really been able to say no to ya,” he murmured in her ear. Ava nodded against his shoulder, before pressing her lips to his cheek in response. Zan flushed slightly, his fingers brushing the spot her lips had touched. He caught Ava’s eyes as he did, both of them blushing slightly. Before she could change her mind, Ava pushed him slightly towards Max.

“Go…ya need to do this Zan. I’ll…I mean…we’ll be here when ya get back,” she whispered.

Zan nodded, and with a sigh, turned to face Max. Tess walked out of the backroom as Zan spoke, Kyle behind her. They all watched as Zan lowered his gaze, before flicking it back up again, his gaze meeting Max’s.

“Ya got somewhere we can talk?” he asked quietly, slipping some car keys out of his pocket.

Max nodded, handing the keys to the Jeep to Isabel. They turned for the front door, Tess nudging Ava. Maria and Isabel both noticed, and they watched as Ava glared at Tess. Tess rolled her eyes, glancing towards Zan again. She made an impatient gesture with her hands, Ava poking her tongue out in response. Zan cleared his throat, catching their attention, both girls turning innocent eyes towards him.

“Aves…ya gonna be ok while I’m gone?”

Ava nodded, Tess nudging her again as Zan turned away slightly. Tess rolled her eyes, huffed loudly, and then grabbed Ava by the arm. The contact allowed her to mimic Ava’s voice. As she spoke, she pushed Ava forward, a twinkle in her eye as she did.

“Zan!”

He turned back, a small spark of hope in his gaze. Ava glared at Tess, before glancing back at Zan. The hope in his eyes wasn’t lost on her, so she bit the bullet. She took the two steps separating them, and reaching up on tiptoe, pressed her lips quickly to his. It was fleeting, but the smile that lit up Zan’s face was priceless. It had been the first physical contact that was even remotely sexual that they had had in almost five months, and it stunned everyone in the room who knew this.

Ava blushed, biting her lower lip as Zan took a step away from her. He took another step, and promptly bumped into the table behind him. Ava giggled when he blushed again. Max hid his smile, the others all looking at everyone but Zan as he turned towards the door again. He took another couple of steps, before pausing. He glanced over his shoulder at Ava, a smile breaking out over his face.

Ava smiled in return, ducking her head when Zan brushed his fingers over his lips. Max chuckled then, guiding Zan to the door by the arm. They reached the door, Zan glancing back at Ava once more. He stopped when she met his gaze, a small smile gracing her face.

“Go…I’ll be here when ya get back Zan.” With another nod, they were gone. Ava turned to Tess then, a frown crossing her face. A frown however, she couldn’t keep up for long. A smile split her face, and with a soft squeal, Ava launched herself at Tess, catching the girl she considered a sister in a tight hug. Everyone laughed then, and they settled down to get to know each other some more.

Part 38.

Max followed Zan down the footpath, Zan gesturing to a familiar Trans Am. It was the same one Rath and Lonnie had come to Roswell in, Max watching as Zan slid into the driver’s seat. Six duffel bags were stacked in the back seat, Max glancing at them as Zan started the car. Metallica’s ‘I Disappear’ blared out of the speakers, Zan hitting a button on the dashboard.

Max watched as the soft-top roof retracted, leaving them in an open-air car. Zan shifted into reverse, the tires spinning on the damp road as he backed out of the space quickly. He’d gripped the headrest of Max’s seat as he reversed, checking over his shoulder. Max saw the flash of a tattoo on the under side of Zan’s wrist, before he was forced to grab the edge of the dash board, Zan planting his foot on the gas pedal, and taking off down the street.

They were silent as they drove, the blaring music making conversation difficult. Max gestured every now and then, to which way he wanted Zan to go. Max watched Zan though, as he tapped a static rhythm out on the steering wheel as he drove. He was singing along to the song, his voice low. Max listened to what he was singing, getting a new insight into how Zan ticked.

“Do you bury me when I'm gone?
Do you teach me while I'm here?
...Just as soon as I belong,
Then it's time I disappear.”

His double had a lot of anger in him that was for sure. It was freaky in a way, looking at Zan and seeing his own face. But the more Max looked at him, the more subtle differences he saw. His jaw was set at a stubborn angle, and his nose had obviously been broken. But it had been reset well. Zan’s hair was also longer, the thick spikes standing up on end. Max had seen streaks of dark red in his hair, adding an edge to his overall look. Zan’s eyes were also lighter than his, and they seemed to change into different shades of hazel and gold. And while Max’s own eyes were clear and open, Zan’s were guarded, the icy film of betrayal obvious in his gaze.

“Ya finished checkin me out yet?”

Zan’s voice was low, the music shut off with a wave of his hand. Max blushed, Zan’s low chuckle setting his ears on fire. Max shook his head, directing Zan into the parking bay at the lake. Zan shut off the engine, and swung gracefully from the car. When Max shut his door, the car beeped, Zan setting the alarm with the keys.

They walked in silence down to the dock, before leaning against opposite guardrails. Zan reached into his pocket, producing a packet of cigarettes. Max was silent as Zan tapped the pack against his hand, and lit his cigarette. The end flared as he inhaled, the smoke drifting around his face slowly as he stared straight back at Max.

“Where are you staying?” Max blurted out, unable to think of what else to say. Zan shrugged.

“I ain’t thought that far ahead as yet. I do know, that one set of shifters will be with Liz every night. She’s da main target, so they made da decision to have one set on duty, while da other slept. You guys are with her during da day, but it’s at night that she’s vulnerable.”

Max nodded, before taking a deep breath.

“We told Mr. Parker and my parents the truth yesterday. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for the others to stay with Mr. Parker and Liz…. and we have a spare room at our house…if you’re interested…. I mean, we can say then, that we’re cousins or…brothers…and it won’t raise any eyebrows.”

Zan nodded. “Whatcha folks like?”

Max smiled slightly. “They’re great people. They took the fact that we’re aliens like it was nothing. I was always so scared that they’d reject us, but they didn’t.”

“What do they do?” Zan asked, tossing his finished smoke out over the water. There was a small flash of light, the butt disappearing before it could hit the surface of the lake.

Max blinked in surprise before answering. “My dad’s a lawyer, and my mum…well…she’s something different entirely. I hope you have a steel lined stomach…”

Zan tilted his head slightly, Max grimacing. “She loves watching Martha Stewart…. Don’t get me wrong, I love her to bits, but god she can’t cook for anything!”

Zan snorted with laughter, Max grinning slightly. “I’m not joking Zan…. make sure you wear something with deep pockets when she makes a frittata…. Ughhh.”

“K then…thanks,” Zan mumbled, moving to the end of the dock and sitting down. Max nodded, moving to sit beside him.

“What powers have ya got?” Zan asked.

Max shrugged slightly. “I can make a shield, but I can’t hold it for any more than a few minutes. I can heal, and we can all manipulate the molecular structure of things.”

Zan’s jaw dropped open, and he swung his head to look at him.

“Ya fuckin with me right? That’s all ya can do?”

Max blushed, but he nodded, Zan groaning slightly as he scrubbed his hand over his lower jaw.

“Shit…k then. Damn! This is gonna be harder than I thought.”

“What can you do?” Max asked softly.

Zan sighed before answering. “Heal. Manipulate. Throw a shield. Borrow powers from other aliens. Shift to a degree. Dream walk. Mind warp. Blast. Control people. And that’s just da start of ‘em.”

Max’s jaw fell open, Zan shaking his head slightly as he glanced down.

“What do you mean, that you can…shift?”

Zan glanced at him, and with a smirk, waved his hand over his face. Max scrambled back slightly, ‘Isabel’ snorting with laughter at his reaction. Another wave of his hand, and Zan was back. Max’s jaw fell open again, Zan snorting with laughter again.

“How’d you do that?” Max asked in shock.

“Easy. All your powers are easy Max. It’s mind over matter. With shifting, ya changin da basic structure of ya face. I ain’t able to hold it for long, but I can do it. You can too. Ya just never been shown how. Ya can do everythin I do.”

“What do you mean?” Max cried.

“How do ya throw your shield? Ya basically hold ya hand out, and ya will ya energy to form a barrier. It’s da same thing when ya blast. Ya throw ya energy, and it comes out. Once ya know da basics, ya can do what ever ya want.”

Zan fished another smoke out of his pocket, the snap of his Zippo lighter echoing across the lake.

“Startin Tuesday, we’re gonna divide ya’s up. Work one on one with ya powers.”

“How?” Max asked, turning to face Zan.

“We spoke ‘bout it before we got here, and we figure that it would be easier like that. Jy’s takin Michael. Isabel with Lyra. Tess with Kyan. And you’re with me. Ava’s gonna go group to group, lendin a hand where she can. Serena’s gonna stay with Liz. Da other thing we’re doin, is teachin da humans to fight properly.”

Zan glanced at Max then, his gaze steady. “Jy with Kyle. Kyan with Alex. Lyra with Maria. And I’ll be workin with Liz.”

Max frowned slightly. “Why you?” he asked, hoping his voice was steady.

“Coz ya changed her Max. When ya healed her, ya changed what makes her human. And it ain’t gonna be pretty when her abilities start emerging. Her abilities are gonna be like ours, not like da shape shifters. Add to da fact, that Ava’s not really in da right place in her mind, to be showin Liz how to control it…so that leaves me.”

Max nodded, not entirely happy with the situation at all. He continued to watch Zan, remembering how protective of Ava Zan had become earlier, and his threats against Michael and himself.

“Would you really have hurt me if I’d taken another step?” Max asked quietly, needing to know where he stood with Zan.

Zan simply nodded. “Yeah. When it comes to Aves…yeah. I wouldn’t have hesitated Max. I would have killed ya, and not even blinked an eye over it.”

Max shuddered. “How can you be so casual about it?” he asked quietly, shocked that Zan and the others spoke about death so easily.

Zan glanced at Max, and then held his palms up. “I have more blood on my hands Max, than you’ll ever spill. It’s da nature of da beast. Kill, or be killed. And when it comes to Ava? …I don’t hesitate.”

“Tess said that you…killed…. Lonnie, Rath and Nikolas in New York.”

Zan’s eyes turned icy at the mention of their names. He lifted himself into a standing position, a scowl on his face as he turned away slightly. Shoving his hands in his pocket, he glanced out over the water, his whole body tense as he stood there.

Max stood up slowly, his gaze worried as he stared at Zan’s back. When Zan spoke again, his voice was low.

“What do ya want me to say Max? Yeah, I killed my own sister. Da man I thought was my best friend. And da psycho runt who helped ruin everythin that was good about me when we were younger.”

“I thought they killed you,” Max whispered.

Zan shuddered slightly, before shocking Max once more.

“They did.”

Max swallowed hard, before asking a question he knew would send him flying if it angered Zan.

“Tell me about it?”

Zan turned to face him, his face pale.

“Ya think ya strong enough for it Max? Can ya take what I have? Can ya give what I want in return? Are ya really ready to wake up? Coz if we do this, that’s what’s gonna happen.”

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

Zan looked down, chewing his lower lip slightly as he contemplated his words. When he looked back up again, his eyes were shifting between hazel and gold, the combination seductive in holding Max’s gaze.

“Lonnie and Rath were right when they said ya’ll were more human than us. But it’s still there Max…just waitin to be set free. If we do this…there ain’t no goin back. Ya gonna be stronger. More alien. Ya gonna want things, and ya gonna be hard set fightin ya natural desires. Things will change for ya…but whether we do this tonight or not…ya gotta be woken anyway…it’s da only way.”

Max bit his lower lip, but nodded anyway. Zan nodded at his consent, and reached for Max’s face. As he did, his eyes flared pure gold, his hands cool when they grasped Max’s face. The connection was immediate, as was the blinding pain that ran rampant through Max’s body. Max gasped, and grabbed at Zan’s wrists.

“Let go…let go Max…”

Zan’s voice was deeper, his strength overpowering Max easily. Max let out a cry, falling to his knees as Zan’s gaze burned into his own. He could feel it tearing its way out from inside. It was instinctive. Primal. Pure alien. Max sobbed in pain, his tears sliding down over Zan’s fingers as Zan forced Max’s head back, his gaze unwavering as he opened his end of the connection fully.

“Let go…”

Max shuddered as he felt Zan’s seal flare against his temple. That was the tattoo he’d seen earlier, and it’s burning pain was intense as Zan let his powers unleash fully. Another strangled scream echoed across the silent lake, before Max stopped fighting and let Zan guide him where he wanted Max to go. Max sobbed once more, before there was darkness…. and then nothing else mattered…

[kerri240879]

Part 39.

Thanks guys

An ice-cold hand squeezed her throat, causing spots to swim before her eyes as she struggled to breathe. The sound of ripping cotton had her bucking wildly beneath his weight, a low chuckle echoing in her ear. Rancid breath swept her chin, hard lips bruising her mouth as he kissed her passionlessly.

“Does he touch ya like this baby? …Has he had the pleasure of burying himself in that sweet body of yours yet? Or do I get to take that too? Ya gonna love it Liz...that’s if it doesn’t kill ya…I bet his highness won’t stand for sloppy seconds…not that there’ll be much left once I’ve torn ya apart…”

“Please…let me go…”

“Why should I baby? Ya da king’s chosen…. and as I rule da planet, that makes ya mine too…”

“But Max and I aren’t together! He won’t care about this, coz he’s with Tess!”

“Ya might be smart my dear, but you’re a terrible liar. Don’t worry Lizzie…I’m gonna make sure ya enjoy it…”

“Noooo! …”

The scream that echoed around the silent apartment caused several things to happen at once. Michael jumped, his nerves shot to the point that a lamp shattered. Isabel gave a very undignified squawk. Kyle fell off the edge of the couch, Tess landing on top of him from here she had been sitting on his lap. Ava went bone white. And Maria and Alex both ran for Liz’s room, getting tangled in the doorway as they tried to get through at the same time.

Seven people ran for Liz’s room when the second scream emerged, Jeff beating them all to Liz’s side. He scooped his daughter into his arms, shaking her gently as she struggled against him. Tears were streaming down her face, her jagged nails gauging his cheek as she lashed out at him. Jeff cried out in pain, five parallel grooves starting to weep blood.

“Nononononononono…don’t hurt me…nononononononono……….”

Maria burst into tears, Alex pulling her close as Tess elbowed her way past them. She hurried over to the bed, her hands gentle as she pulled Liz away from Jeff. Liz struggled even as Tess slid onto the bed behind her, Tess wincing when Liz’s elbow caught her left cheekbone. As suddenly as it had started, it ended, Liz falling back against the blonde alien with a whimper. Tess’s hand glowed as she ran it across Liz’s brow, but she knew it wasn’t enough. Liz still continued to jerk slightly in her arms.

“Maria…come here…I need your help,” Tess said in a low voice.

Maria jerked in Alex’s arms, but hurried to Tess’s side. She sat down beside Liz, taking her hands when Tess instructed her to.

“Talk to her Maria…talk about your childhood…your earliest memory of each other…” Tess whispered.

Maria bit back a sob, Liz’s eyes open and vacant as she stared at the ceiling. Tears continued to stream down her face, Liz once more locked away in her mind.

“Do…do you remember the first day we met Liz? We met in kindergarten. We were drawn to each other, because we were both wearing red sneakers, a denim skirt and our hair was in piggy tails. You were wearing a light blue tee shirt, and mine was pink. I’d found a baby bird on the ground, and you came over to see why I was crying. I remember looking up at you. You were chewing your bottom lip like you do when you’re upset, but too scared to show it.”

Maria reached out, gently wiping away Liz’s tears, even as they continued to fall.

“You asked me what was wrong with the baby, but neither of us knew. So we took the bird to a teacher…I think her name was Mrs. Fending. She helped us put the bird into a box, and told us it was our responsibility to look after it. Do you remember how seriously we took that? I would bring in little pieces of biscuit and you would bring in bacon pieces. I remember how we both cried when the bird was well enough to be set free.”

“You’ve been my best friend ever since. Two peas that are polar opposites, yet part of the same pod. You know me better than anyone Lizzie…I know you on the same level. I know what makes you who you are, and he can’t take that from you…. Lizzie? It’s gonna be ok Liz…you’re stronger than this…you’re stronger than him.”

Liz slowly stopped struggling against Tess. Tess nodded in encouragement, twisting slightly as she laid Liz down. Maria stretched out on one side, Tess on the other. Liz’s eyes slowly slid shut, Maria resting her hand on Liz’s stomach. Maria looked at Tess when the other girl’s hand brushed her own, Tess meeting her gaze straight on.

“You did really good Maria,” Tess whispered softly, before lowering her head to the pillow.

Isabel crept forward softly, her hand shaking as she touched Mr. Parker on the shoulder. He turned to face her, his eyes dark with grief. The scratches on his cheek stood out, the bleeding stopped.

“May I?” she whispered, gesturing to his face.

Jeff nodded, Isabel touching each deep scratch gently with her fingertip. Jeff felt a warm tingle run down his cheek, Isabel watching as the skin knitted back together. When she was done, she stepped back, Alex’s arms sliding around her waist. Jeff ran his fingers down his face, a look of awe appearing in his steady gaze.

“Handy gift you have there Isabel.”

Isabel blushed. “Max is much stronger in that area than I am.”

Jeff nodded, several frightened gazes flicking to the window when it abruptly slid up. A pair of leather clad thighs slid through, Jy twisting slightly as he slid through the window.

“Mmmkay then…. I’ve got Jy on da roof next door, and Serena on ya own roof. Lyra’s on da one across da street, and I’m crashin on da balcony. All of ya…. go home. Get some sleep. Ya gonna need it.”

“When are you going to sleep?” Jeff blurted out.

Jy winked at him. “We only need a few hours to regenerate, so tomorrow while da kids are at school. I just spoke to Zan. He’s bringin Max back to Max’s place. Max offered for Zan and Ava to stay with ya Isabel. He also said that ya wouldn’t mind if da rest of us crashed here Mr. P.”

Jeff nodded weakly, Maria sitting up to protest. “What about Liz? I should stay here.”

Jy shook his head. He crossed the room quickly, brushing his hand ove Liz’s brow. “She won’t wake or dream until tomorrow now Maria. You need to go to school tomorrow. So you need to sleep tonight. Go on.”

It was with much reluctance that the others left, Ava following Isabel after a long look at Jy. Jy simply nodded in reassurance, knowing the reasons behind her pale, frightened gaze. Jy stopped Jeff with a simple glance, yet he remained silent until he heard Kyan whistle from the roof next door.

“Mr. P, there was something else I wanted to ask ya before we go any further tonight.” Jeff nodded, Jy glancing towards Liz’s frail form.

“Do ya care about what ya learnt these past few days?”

Jeff glanced up. “Max saved my daughter’s life Jy…I’m in debt to him.”

Jy watched Jeff leave silently, thankful that he wouldn’t have another problem to take care off…

Part 40.

Isabel pulled into the driveway, and cut the engine to the jeep with a sigh. She’d dropped Alex off at home, before heading for her own. Ava sat in the backseat silently, chewing her nails as she stared at Isabel. Isabel swung from the jeep, and motioned to the front door. Ava looked up, and swung from the car silently.

“It’s not the Hilton, but it’s home.”

As Ava drew closer to Isabel, she spoke softly.

“It’s more than we ever had.”

Isabel sighed, dropping her eyes guiltily. Ava sighed herself.

“I ain’t meaning nothin by it Isabel. But it is more than we ever had. So I don’t expect da Hilton…I’m just grateful for a pillow.”

Isabel gave Ava a small smile, knowing just how uncomfortable around her the other girl was. She led Ava to the front door, and pushed it open. Ava followed her through, Isabel calling out for her mother and father as Ava silently shut the door. Hearing footsteps, Ava shrank slightly into the shadows, watching silently as Diane pulled Isabel into her arms for a hug. But Diane spotted her anyway.

“Hello Tess. How are you tonight?” Diane asked, even as she did a double take. This wasn’t Tess…was it?

Isabel turned to Ava, and held out her hand. Ava flinched; Isabel sighing softly as she walked the few steps separating them, and gently took Ava’s hand in her own. With a gentle tug, she led the other girl forward.

“Mum…Dad…this is Ava. Remember how Max told you there were two sets? …Well Ava is Tess’s double.”

Both Phillip and Diane nodded, Ava lowering her gaze slightly. But her eyes flew back up when Diane spoke.

“It’s lovely to meet you Ava. Would you like something to eat or drink?”

Ava swallowed. “Just a glass of water if it ain’t too much trouble,” she said, her voice husky and low.

Diane stared at Ava silently, and then held out her hand. Ava took her hand hesitantly, a small smile crossing her face at Diane’s next words.

“I think I can manage more than a glass of water. How about some toast and tea?”

Isabel and Phillip watched as Diane led Ava to the kitchen, Isabel smiling when Ava shot a glance over her shoulder at Isabel. But her smile faded when she turned to look at her father.

“Daddy…we need your help.”

Phillip nodded, leading Isabel into his office quietly. They sat down together, Isabel biting her lower lip as she wondered how to begin. Her father however, beat her to it.

“If Ava looks that much like Tess, what does her Max look like?”

Isabel smiled. “Zan and Max are identical. But Zan’s a lot rougher around the edges Daddy…and I do mean a lot. I was wondering though, if he and Ava could stay here while they are in Roswell.”

“We only have the one guest room Isabel,” her father reminded her gently.

Isabel blushed slightly, her hands twisting in her lap.

“Daddy…Zan and Ava have been together for a long time by the sounds of things. But they aren’t together now. And I think they need each other. I know they won’t…do anything…while they are here, if that’s what’s worrying you.”

Phillip smiled as Isabel stumbled over the words, and he steepled his fingers under his chin as he gazed at his daughter.

“Why do they need each other?” he asked softly.

Isabel glanced at her hands again. “Rath and Lonnie…they’re Michael and me in the other set…they tried killing Zan Daddy. And he seems to have trust issues. He’s arrogant, and he swears a lot. But he’s still like Max Daddy. What Max might have turned out like if it hadn’t been for you and Mum.”

Isabel raised her gaze slowly, fear swimming in the dark depths.

“We need his help Daddy. That’s why I’m asking. We’re going to say he is our brother or cousin. I wouldn’t ask otherwise Daddy.”

Phillip blinked, suddenly seeing what Isabel was trying to show him. She needed his help. Not only Zan’s. She was including him in the trouble that plagued his daughter and son’s lives, and Phillip knew if he said no, they wouldn’t come to him again.

“Ok then Izzy…I’ll help you make up the bed for them.”

Isabel smiled brightly, and followed her father up the stairs to make up the guest room. They didn’t take all that long, and as they started back down the stairs, Ava and Diane came out to greet them. Just as the group was about to move into the lounge room, a knock sounded on the front door…if you could call it a knock. It sounded more like someone falling against it. Phillip reached out, the door swinging open. Zan stood in the doorway, Max unconscious in his arms.

“Max!”

Isabel hurried forward, slipping her arms around him from the other side as Zan hoisted him up again. They ignored Diane’s frantic questions of wether Max was all right or not, and between the two of them, half carried, half dragged Max up the stairs. Isabel opened Max’s door, and stood aside as Zan dragged him over to his bed. It was only when Zan dropped Max onto the soft mattress that she rounded on him.

“What did you do to him?” she cried angrily. Zan turned on her swiftly, his eyes glowing slightly as he glared at her.

“I ain’t done nothin that shoulda already been done! Ya protector…the wise and wonderfully fucked up Nasado was meant to wake ya’ll ages ago, but he didn’t. That’s why ya ain’t got ya memories, and why ya as weak as they come! So back it off Isabel. I gave Max da choice, and he chose this…I ain’t forcin nothin on no one, but as he knows, if ya’ll wanna survive this war, ya gotta know where ya came from, so we do it my way!”

Isabel took a step toward him, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly. “Then why is he like that huh? Why does he have that weird colour on his eyelashes? …I mean, is that blood? What the hell did you do him Zan?”

Zan snorted, lowering his head slightly so he could stare into Isabel’s eyes directly.

“I woke him up…that’s it. The blood on his eyes? Phfft…it ain’t no picnic in da park princess. It hurts like nothin ya ever felt before. Ya alien side’s rippin free…makin itself right at home in da drivers seat. He’s still ya bro…he’s just stronger now. But don’t worry princess….” Zan chuckled slightly. “…Ya time will come too.”

Max’s soft moan cut the argument short, Zan grabbing Max’s bin as Max rolled weakly to the side. Gripping Max’s head gently, Zan guided Max to the bin. Isabel dropped to her knees as Max vomited. When he finished, Zan placed the bin by the bed, and rolled Max back onto his back. Diane bit back a sob when she saw the red tears that leaked from the corners of Max’s closed eyes. Zan lifted Max’s eyelid, Isabel gasping slightly.

“See…he’s still Max…. just more alien now,” Zan said softly, letting Max’s eyelid drop. Max’s lashes fanned down across his skin again, hiding the burning gold depths of his eyes behind them.

“Zan?”

Ava peeked at him from behind Phillip, Zan sighing softly as he held his hand out to her. Ava hurried to his side, Zan wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his face against her stomach as she stood before him. Ava ran her hands through Zan’s hair gently, feeling the warmth of Zan’s breath against her stomach.

“I had to do it Aves…it was da only way.”

“I know that Zan…I know. But Jy was right Zan…ya gotta tell ‘em everythin. I know ya think ya in da right hidin da shit that went down with Rath and Lonnie and Niko, but how can ya teach ‘em what they’re up against, when ya ain’t willin to share what makes ya da man ya are today?”

“Ava…I can’t.”

Ava tilted Zan’s face back, her touch gentle as she feathered her index finger along his eyebrow. Zan stared up at her; Isabel was able to see his gaze was completely open with Ava. Even as Ava ran her finger down the side of Zan’s face, and along his lower lip, she started to speak.

“Ya not to blame Zan. Ya never were. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d be dead. Ya know this. Ya ain’t able to change what happened to da baby Zan. What were ya meant to do? Ya were smeared across da street.”

Zan’s eyes closed in pain, Ava still touching his face gently.

“How were ya to know that Kivar would come to me like that? How were ya meant to know he’d hurt me? Ya didn’t know I was pregnant. But if ya had of known? …Ya would have died once more to protect her and me. Ya have to tell ‘em everythin Zan…why they need to be woken. Why ya have so much hatred for Kivar.”

Isabel’s hand came up over her mouth as Ava spoke, so many things starting to make sense. She glanced over at her mother and father, and saw that they too, had gone pale. They too, were feeling the pain and guilt Zan carried on his shoulders. Zan, who looked so much like their own son.

“I can’t Aves…please baby…not yet. It’s hurts too much.”

Zan’s voice cracked slightly as he finished speaking. Ava nodded, Zan closing his eyes as he once more rested his head on Ava’s stomach. But not her stomach, Isabel realised. He was resting, where his child should have lain. Even as Isabel watched him, Zan pressed a gentle kiss just below Ava’s belly button. It bought tears to her eyes when she saw the single tear that slid down his face, his lashes glinting slightly as he pulled back slightly.

“Get some sleep baby…ya need ya rest. I’ll stay with Max tonight…make sure he’s ok.”

Ava nodded, and brushed her lips over his cheek. Phillip and Diane headed to the kitchen to make Zan something to eat, knowing he needed a few minutes to calm down before they spoke to him. Isabel walked out as well, waiting in the hallway for Ava. So she heard Zan speak again, her heart breaking slightly.

“Aves?”

Ava turned to face Zan, who looked at her with open eyes.

“If it takes me da rest of my life, I’ll make it up to ya baby…I promise.”

Ava smiled slightly, and then spoke quietly.

“What’s my favourite song Zan?”

Zan frowned slightly. “Always by Saliva…why?”

“It reminds me of ya… ‘I love ya, I hate ya, I can’t live without ya.’ This life. Our last life. Da next one too…I’m always gonna love ya.”

Ava turned then, heading for the door. Zan’s voice stopped her though as she stepped through.

“Ava? …” Ava glanced back at him. “I love ya too baby.”

Ava smiled. “I know.” And then she was gone.