Thanks again to all of those of you who are reading my story. Thanks also to those of you kind enough to leave fead back.
begonia9508- Thank you.
tequathisy- Basically yes. The aliens could not just heal someone shot by the DU bullets Surgery could still be performed. But you can picture the extra complications you have when trying to perform surgery on a Skin - through the husk.
Thanks again.
Disclaimer- Scenes and ideas may come from the episode Wipeout.
Longest day part 11
Maria-
She looked toward the voice. It was a woman with a bad skin condition. I had to run into a Skin. Why didn’t we check the place out first!
“Well, what do we have here?” the Skin repeated. “You’re human, and your still here. It looks like this is Ana’s lucky day.” She grinned an evil grin, “Mine too. This might even earn me a trip back home.”
“What are you going to do with me,” Maria stammered. Her heart was pounding so hard she could barely hear the Skin’s response.
“Just lay the device down and be a good girl. And I promise I won’t hurt you.” She said, “Not much anyway.”
Device. What device? I am still holding the doohickey! She looked down briefly and pressed the squiggly symbol.
“No!” the Skin cried.
Immediately Maria heard a sound almost like leaves blowing in the wind.
The Skin looked to be having a much worse time of it. Her veins started to pop out and her skin rippled. The Skin screamed, as her husk began to crack open and die. A black viscous liquid ran down from the cracks, where rivulets of crimson started to join it. For a brief moment Maria saw the Skin’s real blue-gray flesh before the Skin detonated in a swirl of flakes.
Maria stood there for some time, stunned by what she had seen and done, and listened to the gentle sound of leaves blowing softly in the wind.
---
Tess-
Tess lay on the ground where Courtney had knocked her down, saving her from a Skin’s blast. It happened again. When are you going to learn to focus, Tess! Twice in one day even. I mean we were shocked by Whitaker – none of us thought she was a Skin. I have no such excuse today. Twice. Daydreaming of my destiny, of who I was and who I will be, I live too much in the future and the past. I have lost my edge, and I need to get it fast or I am not going to live to see the Destiny I so desire.
It is strange that while the Skins seemed to know about my mind warps, but not my other skills. Not that my ‘friends’ really know what I can do either. Strange. It is time to teach them the true wrath of Ava reborn.
She looked at the battle between the two skins. Both of them were firing those golden beams at each other, and both had taken cover behind various exhibits. There were scorch marks all throughout the museum. Some of the alien autopsy dolls were burning fitfully off in a corner. They’re pretty lousy shots. I wonder if I could rush the other Skin to get in range.
She watched as one of the beams hit a mannequin causing its flying across the room with its clothes smoking. Somehow that doesn’t seem to be a good idea at the moment. I might make it, but do I really want to chance it? “Maria hit the damn button already,” Tess said.
How did Richard do it? How did he get me to ignore him, let alone all of those Skins? Subtlety.
That Skin is not really paying me any attention at the moment, why?
Tess thought for a moment. Because he doesn’t see me as a threat, he knows I am there, but will deal with Courtney first. He thinks she is a threat. So as long as I seem harmless, he will probably still ignore me. But I need to get closer if I am going to actually hurt him. Maybe if I warp him to still see me as harmless while I close in for the kill?
Risky. But we have to get out of here. Sooner or later this Skin will get reinforced or get help somehow. Risky, but I will do it. Tess started a low grade mind warp on the Skin, to make herself seem harmless, as she cautiously approached.
“Tess what are you doing? You are getting in the way!” Courtney said.
“Please don’t kill me. I surrender just don’t hurt me,” Tess said to the Skin.
“On your knees, human. It is hard to believe you were once considered fit to be queen,” the Skin said with contempt. He turned to Courtney, who was still hunkering down behind an exhibit and said, “For this, you betrayed us? Betrayed your Race and cause? Betrayed Nicholas and Khi…”
Tess looked up and said regally, “I am still Queen.”
KVAAAP! Tess’s arm completed the arc it had inscribed in the direction of the Skin cutting him nearly in half. He fell down, shock written on his face. He burst into a shower of flakes just before he hit the ground.
It worked. I feel numb. Surely I should feel something? “Why do they do that?” Tess said as she stood up.
“Well, you’re not as defenseless as we had thought. This is a good thing, as we need the help. Um, did you ask something?” Courtney said.
“When a Skin dies, why the shower of skin flakes?”
Courtney shrugged and said, “Well it is an aspect of power backlash. We hold so much power that when we die it gets released. Most of the energy we use to power the husk so when it surges through the body it disrupts it nearly entirely, and causes the husk to explode.”
“Oh.”
“We should check on Maria. Brent may not have been the only Skin in here,” Courtney said. She started to walk back to the employee area. She never made it.
Not that Tess paid much attention as her world exploded. The sound was indescribably loud. Her skin felt like it was on fire. She saw blue and green sparks twitching from her hands and up her arms. Her head began to pound, and somehow over the noise she could hear screaming.
One of the voices was hers.
She glanced at the exit that seemed so very far away. The other voice was Courtney’s. She vibrated and her skin seemed to twitch. She was only a few feet away, but seemed miles. For it was away from the door.
---
Emily-
Emily stared at Ana’s ‘studio’ door. The flash had shaken her. I need to know. I have to know what Ana is capable of. I love my aunt, but I need to know. Know what I am part of. I asked how I could help. But help whom. I mean, that girl had to be one of the enemies right? But she was so very scared. I could totally relate to her. We could have been friends. It could have been me.
I must know. She grasped the handle firmly and opened the door.
The room itself looked innocuous. A bit like a doctors office really, only there were no windows. One wall faced a large mirror, and there was a large examination chair. What is with all the straps? A memory tugged at her awareness, not quite able to break through. There was a small set off cabinets and a small sink. On one of the cabinets was an odd shaped metallic ovoid.
The room felt… wrong somehow. She started shaking. It was all she could do not to run out of the room. This room stinks of fear and pain. What does Ana do here? Why am I so frightened?
She slowly walked into the room, still shivering. She walked up and picked up the orb. How did Ana say these were activated? Another memory tugged at her. The device reminded her of something, but what she could not say. She closed her eyes and called her meager power to her. The device responded and a slight mist formed. Various unrecognizable symbols flashed in the depths of the mist.
Flash- Ana holding the device, staring at a girl strapped to the table. Ana had been pleased if surprised by the results. An idea formed in her head; a sharp, cold, and ruthless idea that she would implement. –End Flash.
Oh. My. God. How could she think that? How could she hurt that poor girl? To take her entire life away and twist it to suite her own purposes, that is just evil. Our cause is just, but still, it can not justify what she did. This can not go unpunished. Who can I tell?
She set the computer down and walked over to the chair. Her fingers brush it slightly.
Flash- The girl felt so helpless. She was full of fear and desperation, and for a moment contact had been made. But it was too late. She could feel her memories fade as the color began to leach out her eyes, as her brown eyes turned blue. Soon she would be gone. –End flash
Emily stumbled away from the chair. Her name was Liz Parker. She lived here in Roswell. We are in Roswell, NM. I have to find her. To apologize for what was done here, restitution will be made. She caught herself in the mirror, biting her lip. We look so similar too, except for the coloring we could be sisters. We even have the same notch above one eye.
An evil thought occurred to her. I was told to protect the patient. But there isn’t a patient here. Unless there is. She stared deeply into the mirror and was afraid.
No she would not do that to me. Ana is my favorite aunt. She loves me. I won’t believe it. We are friends. She wouldn’t; no she couldn’t do that to me.
Could she?
---
Kyle-
Kyle watched while everyone got ready. He slipped behind the counter and grabbed a muffin and a small bottle of water. I’ll just leave a couple of dollars for them. Not going to pick up bad karma over a muffin. He turned to the group and said, “So is it always going to be this way, any time you Martians are visited by folks from the old country?”
“Kyle.” Isabel said shooting me a frosty death glare.
Michael, Max and Richard just ignored him. They were too busy planning.
Maybe I should just keep quiet then. You know I never thought I would miss Alex. He started to eat the muffin. I wonder how long the girls are going to be. Maybe I should have gone with them. Not sure what I could have done, but maybe. Yeah, I just hate sitting here waiting.
He was almost done with the muffin when the noise started. It’s like a loud badly tuned engine. The podsquad tried to cover their ears. Richard continued to smoke.
“What is that?” Kyle asked loudly.
“There is no need to yell, you are not actually hearing anything. They found what I asked them to, and turned it on. It is just static. There is no way the Skins will get in there now. The others should be back and we can set the plan in motion.” Richard replied.
“Yeah, let’s just go anywhere else. This racket is annoying,” Michael said.
Kyle looked out the window at the UFO Center. “Um, does this get worse the closer you get.”
“Yes it does. Get close enough and it can kill.” Richard said.
“Well the girls are still inside. I think something went wrong. We need to do something,” Kyle said.
Kyle, Max, and Michael got up and moved towards the Center. Isabel followed a bit behind them.
Richard was not far behind either. He said, “Max, Michael it is not safe for you in there. It will be hard enough for Kyle.”
Michael said, “But Maria is in there. Courtney is too.” He entered the building.
Kyle stopped Max and said, “Just stay here. We may need you to heal one of the girls. Please just stay here.” He rushed in to help Michael.
Max looked at him with distrust and hate. But he nodded.
Michael was wincing in pain as he helped Tess move an unconscious Courtney up the stairs to the exit. Tess’s eyes seemed glassy and dull.
“No Michael. I will help you. It has cost me too much to have gotten her this far for me to leave now.” Tess said. She turned her faded blue eyes to Kyle. “Go to the employee area and get Maria.”
“Kyle, you help Tess with Courtney, I’ll get Maria out.” Michael said.
“No Michael, you won’t get there. I could only get half way, any further and I would be like Courtney here. Kyle is human. He’ll get her, right Kyle.”
“Yeah Tess, I’ll get her. Guerin, don’t worry I’ll keep her safe,” Kyle said to Michael’s pleading look. Wow, never expected to see that.
With one last look at the employee area door, Michael lifted Courtney and carried her out of the UFO Center. Tess straggled along behind him.
Well I guess it’s just me now. Kyle turned and walked toward the source of the storm of sound that he was ‘hearing.’
In Destiny's Shadow (CC ALL, Teen/Mature) Complete- 08/24/07
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Forum Moderators
Thanks once more to those of you who are reading this story. As always, particular thanks go to those who have left feedback.
Natalie36- Their meeting is not for a few more parts, but it won't be pretty.
xmag- The Tylenol was a good catch, the only question you have to ask yourself is why Ana had it in her RV for her to find and use. As to Tess, she is first and foremost on her own side.
tequathisy- Thank you.
Thanks again to all of you.
Disclaimer- some ideas and scenes may be taken in part from Wipeout, Departure, and The End of the World.
Longest Day part 12
Kyle-
Kyle winced as he opened the Employee only door looking for Maria. I have never been here in this part of the Museum. Yeah I know that Evans works here, and that half of my friends are aliens. I may even hang out at the Crashdown enough to warrant buying stock in them if they ever went public, but well the UFO Center has never exactly been my favorite place. Nearly dying here has not only not changed that, but heightened it. Come to think about it, Evans being here actually isn’t really a plus in its favor for me either.
Now Maria is close to the UFO nut that owns the place. How he persuaded old Milton to sell is beyond me. The number of funny stories my dad and the deputies had about him, was well impressive. The guy lived and breathed aliens. Always trespassing and causing trouble in his endless search for the ‘truth.’ The mere fact that he was right doesn’t change the central fact; he was a nut.
The new guy is just as bad, worse in some ways. He was a multi-millionaire who instead of hitting some tropical paradise came to Roswell. I mean if you are going to go nuts, at least have style about it. Why not learn all about the Bermuda Triangle or something. Between the beaches and the women in bikinis you’ll have a wonderful time. Just crazy I tell you.
Kyle looked around the room. The room contained a lot of computer workstations and monitors, but Maria was not to be seen. “Maria now is a real bad time to be playing hide-and-seek.” The pain in his head was growing worse. He could feel liquid pooling in his nose. He reached up, and noticed a little blood. Even his palms itched and ached a little. “Maria where are you?”
“I am over here,” she said softly. So softly he almost did not hear it over the horrible ringing in his ears.
It is really strange to hear something so loud, and yet be able to hear normally.
“Come on Maria, we have to go now.”
“Just a minute,” Maria said again softly staring at a spot on the floor. There was the seemingly ubiquitous pile of skin flakes.
What did they do, bring a freaking Skin army? “Please Maria, everyone is waiting for us.”
“I killed her Kyle.” Maria eyes filled with tears. “I just hit the button, and it killed her.”
“Oh, Maria, I am so sorry, but we have to go. Max is probably healing Courtney and Tess as we speak.”
“Are they okay? I did not kill them too did I?”
“No, Maria. Come on their waiting for us. Just set down the device.”
“She said that too, right before I killed her. But she was going to hurt me. I could tell.”
Kyle felt light headed. The room began to spin very slowly. “Maria, we really don’t have time for this. We need to go now.”
“But it’s so peaceful here. Can’t you hear the wind softly blowing through the trees?”
That is it. Although it felt like his head was full of molten lava, Kyle walked the last couple of steps to reach Maria. He knocked the device down and grabbed her.
“Kyle put me down. What do you think you are doing?” Maria said as he started the long journey to his friends outside carrying her.
“We are leaving.”
“Kyle, you are bleeding, let me down and I will get a towel or something to stop it.”
“As soon as we get out of here, this place is killing me.”
“I thought it would only hurt aliens?”
“Apparently I’m a little green around the gills since Evans healed me. That it left a mark.” Kyle said. And ain’t that grand.
----
Max-
Is this my fate, to stand back while others act so that I can pick up the pieces? To be a healing machine? Is this part of what it means to be King? To have people ask me what to do? All these questions.
No answers for me, of course, there never are.
Tess, Michael, and Courtney exited the UFO Center. “What happened in there? Where is Kyle or Maria?” Max asked.
Not that I particularly care for Kyle. Maria was my rock last summer, so naturally I care about her. But, Kyle? First he stalks me and Liz. Then he gets shot, but only because he did not follow directions. He actually gave Pierce a chance to hurt us again by arming him. Can I help it if the Sheriff needed more time at the range to shoot straight, that Kyle might be hiding behind the screen? Of course I healed him; I could not let him die. Particularly after everything the Sheriff had done for us that day. But still even after I saw parts of his life flash before my eyes, I still don’t like him. He won’t even call me Max; Evans is the best I can get on a good day. Why does he get a normal life? Why can he have Liz?
Tess looks at me with faded glassy eyes and said, “Kyle is getting Maria. There were Skins inside, they ambushed us. When Maria set off the device we were too close. Courtney needs help.”
“She is a skin,” Isabel said.
Max was quiet. Michael looked ready to run back into the UFO Center. Richard kept an eye out for any Skins that might arrive.
Tess closed her eyes and said, “I know Isabel. But she saved my life. She did not have to. I did not hear her warning so she literally had to knock me down from getting blasted.” Tess reopened her eyes and looked at Isabel, “If nothing else I owe her, so please heal her Max.”
“Alright,” Max said, “But I am looking at you next.”
Tess sat down, obviously exhausted.
Max walked over to Courtney, “Um, she is unconscious. I can’t connect with her. I can’t heal her without it, her injuries are too severe.”
“So force the connection,” Tess said her eyes closed once more.
“How, unless Nasedo showed you something special, I did not think it could be forced.”
“Well sure, how else do you think my power works? Do you think most people want their heads to be messed with?” Tess said eyes opening. “Of course there is not much I can do while she is knocked out though. Umm, Isabel might be able to though. Dream walks are a form of connection, so dream walk her.”
Isabel said, “Even if I get in, even if I can get a connection, how will this help Max?”
Tess replied, “Simple, connect with Max before you go, and push the connection to him.”
“She doesn’t look very good,” said Michael.
“I don’t know Max,” Isabel said. “But I will try.” She reached her hand out to Max. He clasped it gently and the connection sprang to life. There were no flashes or images. No exchange of information, other than the fact that they were there for the other.
Max felt a bit of skittishness about the connection, something he had never felt before. Almost like Isabel was afraid Max would pry into her open mind. And maybe find something he did not want to see. But he would not do that to her. He trusted her. He loved her as deeply as he loved Liz, albeit in a different manner. She was home.
He felt the connection change, could feel an alien presence. It was Courtney. Isabel had succeeded. He raced through the connection, and began to heal Courtney. The flashes were very strange.
Flash- A young Courtney wandering around a room, a bedroom maybe? She had only four fingers on each hand and her skin was bluish-grey. The room was spotless.
- An older Courtney, at some sort of party, where the largest present seemed to be a human looking body.
- Courtney seemingly in that body, the one that was given her at the party, walking and talking to a beautiful woman who although she looked very different, felt at least in part the same. (Was that Isabel?
- Courtney walking through a set of palatial rooms filled with dead bodies. He could feel her sorrow, but the husk hid it from others who could see her at the time.
End Flash
Wow. She is loyal, just not to me. But as long as Michael supports and defends me, so will Courtney.
Courtney’s eyes shot open. She looked first at Isabel and then at Max. “Thank you, thank you both. That was amazing.”
Max walked over and prepared to heal Tess. Tess bothered him. He was attracted to her, although you would be hard pressed to get him to admit it. But he did not love her, not like he did Liz. Worse she exemplified the destiny he wished to avoid. She wasn’t as badly hurt as Courtney had been, her injuries less intense.
Flash- She was cold and alone. They had left her. She called to them, but they must be too far. They did not respond. She was thirsty and hungry, but most of all she was frightened. She could see the door, knew how to open it, but was too scared to leave.
- “I have to take care of some business, I will be right back,” Nasedo said, right after changing his appearance. Into an agent. Tess wondered why everyone always left her.
- At the Pod Chamber, right after hearing of their Destiny, Max leaves her again, this time for Liz.
End flash
He shook his head, trying to clear the hard felt sorrow and grief in Tess’s mind. He looked up and saw Kyle carrying Maria out of the UFO Center. He doesn’t look so good.
“Done with Liz, Kyle? You and Maria seem… close.” Tess said.
“Shut up Tess,” Kyle said. He set Maria down, and she went to Michael, who enfolded her in a massive hug.
“Are you okay? Your nose is bleeding,” asked Isabel.
He waved off Max, and said to Isabel, “I’m fine, just fine,” and collapsed.
Max walked over, paused briefly, and once again started to heal. Just a healing machine. I am not looking forward to these flashes though. Max did his best to ignore them, but one got through.
Flash- Kyle lay in bed with Liz. This was quite the prank. It both surprised and amused him; he really did not think Liz was capable of something so elaborate. He would have to watch his back around her from now on. He hoped she knew what she was doing though, because this could really hurt Evans. But she said nothing else was slowing him down, that she was getting desperate, to have him step back. At least for a while, that she loved him but needed space. Anything for a friend.
When he saw the look on Max’s face, that horrible crushed look, he wasn’t so sure that they had done the right thing. Surely, there had to have been a simpler, more honest way? It’ll take a while to burn off that karma, I fear.
End flash.
Too much, it’s too much. I need time to process all of this, and I just don’t have it. I am so very tired. Max wearily walked to the passenger side of the Jeep.
Behind him he could hear Kyle say softly, “Thank you, Max.”
----
Emily-
Who am I? Am I Emily, or am I Liz? Who is Liz anyway, and why would Ana do something like that to her. To me. Was I one of the enemy? Was I a foolish supporter of a despotic and hapless regime that had clung on long past its relevancy? A traitor to the cause, or rebel?
No matter, it still was not right. Were they talking about me? When Nicholas came, was it I they spoke off? Emily walked out of the room and carefully closed the door. There will be an accounting for this. This I swear by the Granolith and the Holy Antaran Empire!
But it may have to wait. I still have so much to learn
She walked over to the kitchenette and sat at the small table, fingering the stun shot that Ana had given her. I do not know who is involved, how deep the moral rot goes. But I am patient, I will learn.
Memory sequestration is what she said. So my old memories are locked away, somewhere in my mind, unable to be accessed by my conscious mind. My memories are not real. I am not real. The real me is locked away somewhere, beyond my reach. She reached over to grab her training crystal, and focused her worries on it. It began to glow a fitful blue green. A tear graced her eye. And I may never get that back. I may never be the real me again.
The door to the RV opened. As Ragar walked in, Emily lifted the stun shot and held her hand on the firing stud.
“You have quick reflexes,” Ragar said. “Good. We need to move. You have ten minutes to grab some essentials, use the restroom, whatever. We leave then.”
“Why?” Emily asked.
“We are too exposed here. Too many of our sentries and scouts have gone missing. It’s like they have been picked off or something,” Ragar shook his head. “We don’t have time for chit-chat. You have nine minutes thirty seconds to get ready.”
“But what of the patient, what will we do with her?”
He looked at her with a face like granite, “Don’t worry, she will be taken care of. Nine minutes. Now, MOVE.”
Emily rushed around, grabbing things she might need. Thank you Ragar, you just added yourself to my list. I fear it may grow long.
But I will have my revenge.
Natalie36- Their meeting is not for a few more parts, but it won't be pretty.
xmag- The Tylenol was a good catch, the only question you have to ask yourself is why Ana had it in her RV for her to find and use. As to Tess, she is first and foremost on her own side.
tequathisy- Thank you.
Thanks again to all of you.
Disclaimer- some ideas and scenes may be taken in part from Wipeout, Departure, and The End of the World.
Longest Day part 12
Kyle-
Kyle winced as he opened the Employee only door looking for Maria. I have never been here in this part of the Museum. Yeah I know that Evans works here, and that half of my friends are aliens. I may even hang out at the Crashdown enough to warrant buying stock in them if they ever went public, but well the UFO Center has never exactly been my favorite place. Nearly dying here has not only not changed that, but heightened it. Come to think about it, Evans being here actually isn’t really a plus in its favor for me either.
Now Maria is close to the UFO nut that owns the place. How he persuaded old Milton to sell is beyond me. The number of funny stories my dad and the deputies had about him, was well impressive. The guy lived and breathed aliens. Always trespassing and causing trouble in his endless search for the ‘truth.’ The mere fact that he was right doesn’t change the central fact; he was a nut.
The new guy is just as bad, worse in some ways. He was a multi-millionaire who instead of hitting some tropical paradise came to Roswell. I mean if you are going to go nuts, at least have style about it. Why not learn all about the Bermuda Triangle or something. Between the beaches and the women in bikinis you’ll have a wonderful time. Just crazy I tell you.
Kyle looked around the room. The room contained a lot of computer workstations and monitors, but Maria was not to be seen. “Maria now is a real bad time to be playing hide-and-seek.” The pain in his head was growing worse. He could feel liquid pooling in his nose. He reached up, and noticed a little blood. Even his palms itched and ached a little. “Maria where are you?”
“I am over here,” she said softly. So softly he almost did not hear it over the horrible ringing in his ears.
It is really strange to hear something so loud, and yet be able to hear normally.
“Come on Maria, we have to go now.”
“Just a minute,” Maria said again softly staring at a spot on the floor. There was the seemingly ubiquitous pile of skin flakes.
What did they do, bring a freaking Skin army? “Please Maria, everyone is waiting for us.”
“I killed her Kyle.” Maria eyes filled with tears. “I just hit the button, and it killed her.”
“Oh, Maria, I am so sorry, but we have to go. Max is probably healing Courtney and Tess as we speak.”
“Are they okay? I did not kill them too did I?”
“No, Maria. Come on their waiting for us. Just set down the device.”
“She said that too, right before I killed her. But she was going to hurt me. I could tell.”
Kyle felt light headed. The room began to spin very slowly. “Maria, we really don’t have time for this. We need to go now.”
“But it’s so peaceful here. Can’t you hear the wind softly blowing through the trees?”
That is it. Although it felt like his head was full of molten lava, Kyle walked the last couple of steps to reach Maria. He knocked the device down and grabbed her.
“Kyle put me down. What do you think you are doing?” Maria said as he started the long journey to his friends outside carrying her.
“We are leaving.”
“Kyle, you are bleeding, let me down and I will get a towel or something to stop it.”
“As soon as we get out of here, this place is killing me.”
“I thought it would only hurt aliens?”
“Apparently I’m a little green around the gills since Evans healed me. That it left a mark.” Kyle said. And ain’t that grand.
----
Max-
Is this my fate, to stand back while others act so that I can pick up the pieces? To be a healing machine? Is this part of what it means to be King? To have people ask me what to do? All these questions.
No answers for me, of course, there never are.
Tess, Michael, and Courtney exited the UFO Center. “What happened in there? Where is Kyle or Maria?” Max asked.
Not that I particularly care for Kyle. Maria was my rock last summer, so naturally I care about her. But, Kyle? First he stalks me and Liz. Then he gets shot, but only because he did not follow directions. He actually gave Pierce a chance to hurt us again by arming him. Can I help it if the Sheriff needed more time at the range to shoot straight, that Kyle might be hiding behind the screen? Of course I healed him; I could not let him die. Particularly after everything the Sheriff had done for us that day. But still even after I saw parts of his life flash before my eyes, I still don’t like him. He won’t even call me Max; Evans is the best I can get on a good day. Why does he get a normal life? Why can he have Liz?
Tess looks at me with faded glassy eyes and said, “Kyle is getting Maria. There were Skins inside, they ambushed us. When Maria set off the device we were too close. Courtney needs help.”
“She is a skin,” Isabel said.
Max was quiet. Michael looked ready to run back into the UFO Center. Richard kept an eye out for any Skins that might arrive.
Tess closed her eyes and said, “I know Isabel. But she saved my life. She did not have to. I did not hear her warning so she literally had to knock me down from getting blasted.” Tess reopened her eyes and looked at Isabel, “If nothing else I owe her, so please heal her Max.”
“Alright,” Max said, “But I am looking at you next.”
Tess sat down, obviously exhausted.
Max walked over to Courtney, “Um, she is unconscious. I can’t connect with her. I can’t heal her without it, her injuries are too severe.”
“So force the connection,” Tess said her eyes closed once more.
“How, unless Nasedo showed you something special, I did not think it could be forced.”
“Well sure, how else do you think my power works? Do you think most people want their heads to be messed with?” Tess said eyes opening. “Of course there is not much I can do while she is knocked out though. Umm, Isabel might be able to though. Dream walks are a form of connection, so dream walk her.”
Isabel said, “Even if I get in, even if I can get a connection, how will this help Max?”
Tess replied, “Simple, connect with Max before you go, and push the connection to him.”
“She doesn’t look very good,” said Michael.
“I don’t know Max,” Isabel said. “But I will try.” She reached her hand out to Max. He clasped it gently and the connection sprang to life. There were no flashes or images. No exchange of information, other than the fact that they were there for the other.
Max felt a bit of skittishness about the connection, something he had never felt before. Almost like Isabel was afraid Max would pry into her open mind. And maybe find something he did not want to see. But he would not do that to her. He trusted her. He loved her as deeply as he loved Liz, albeit in a different manner. She was home.
He felt the connection change, could feel an alien presence. It was Courtney. Isabel had succeeded. He raced through the connection, and began to heal Courtney. The flashes were very strange.
Flash- A young Courtney wandering around a room, a bedroom maybe? She had only four fingers on each hand and her skin was bluish-grey. The room was spotless.
- An older Courtney, at some sort of party, where the largest present seemed to be a human looking body.
- Courtney seemingly in that body, the one that was given her at the party, walking and talking to a beautiful woman who although she looked very different, felt at least in part the same. (Was that Isabel?
- Courtney walking through a set of palatial rooms filled with dead bodies. He could feel her sorrow, but the husk hid it from others who could see her at the time.
End Flash
Wow. She is loyal, just not to me. But as long as Michael supports and defends me, so will Courtney.
Courtney’s eyes shot open. She looked first at Isabel and then at Max. “Thank you, thank you both. That was amazing.”
Max walked over and prepared to heal Tess. Tess bothered him. He was attracted to her, although you would be hard pressed to get him to admit it. But he did not love her, not like he did Liz. Worse she exemplified the destiny he wished to avoid. She wasn’t as badly hurt as Courtney had been, her injuries less intense.
Flash- She was cold and alone. They had left her. She called to them, but they must be too far. They did not respond. She was thirsty and hungry, but most of all she was frightened. She could see the door, knew how to open it, but was too scared to leave.
- “I have to take care of some business, I will be right back,” Nasedo said, right after changing his appearance. Into an agent. Tess wondered why everyone always left her.
- At the Pod Chamber, right after hearing of their Destiny, Max leaves her again, this time for Liz.
End flash
He shook his head, trying to clear the hard felt sorrow and grief in Tess’s mind. He looked up and saw Kyle carrying Maria out of the UFO Center. He doesn’t look so good.
“Done with Liz, Kyle? You and Maria seem… close.” Tess said.
“Shut up Tess,” Kyle said. He set Maria down, and she went to Michael, who enfolded her in a massive hug.
“Are you okay? Your nose is bleeding,” asked Isabel.
He waved off Max, and said to Isabel, “I’m fine, just fine,” and collapsed.
Max walked over, paused briefly, and once again started to heal. Just a healing machine. I am not looking forward to these flashes though. Max did his best to ignore them, but one got through.
Flash- Kyle lay in bed with Liz. This was quite the prank. It both surprised and amused him; he really did not think Liz was capable of something so elaborate. He would have to watch his back around her from now on. He hoped she knew what she was doing though, because this could really hurt Evans. But she said nothing else was slowing him down, that she was getting desperate, to have him step back. At least for a while, that she loved him but needed space. Anything for a friend.
When he saw the look on Max’s face, that horrible crushed look, he wasn’t so sure that they had done the right thing. Surely, there had to have been a simpler, more honest way? It’ll take a while to burn off that karma, I fear.
End flash.
Too much, it’s too much. I need time to process all of this, and I just don’t have it. I am so very tired. Max wearily walked to the passenger side of the Jeep.
Behind him he could hear Kyle say softly, “Thank you, Max.”
----
Emily-
Who am I? Am I Emily, or am I Liz? Who is Liz anyway, and why would Ana do something like that to her. To me. Was I one of the enemy? Was I a foolish supporter of a despotic and hapless regime that had clung on long past its relevancy? A traitor to the cause, or rebel?
No matter, it still was not right. Were they talking about me? When Nicholas came, was it I they spoke off? Emily walked out of the room and carefully closed the door. There will be an accounting for this. This I swear by the Granolith and the Holy Antaran Empire!
But it may have to wait. I still have so much to learn
She walked over to the kitchenette and sat at the small table, fingering the stun shot that Ana had given her. I do not know who is involved, how deep the moral rot goes. But I am patient, I will learn.
Memory sequestration is what she said. So my old memories are locked away, somewhere in my mind, unable to be accessed by my conscious mind. My memories are not real. I am not real. The real me is locked away somewhere, beyond my reach. She reached over to grab her training crystal, and focused her worries on it. It began to glow a fitful blue green. A tear graced her eye. And I may never get that back. I may never be the real me again.
The door to the RV opened. As Ragar walked in, Emily lifted the stun shot and held her hand on the firing stud.
“You have quick reflexes,” Ragar said. “Good. We need to move. You have ten minutes to grab some essentials, use the restroom, whatever. We leave then.”
“Why?” Emily asked.
“We are too exposed here. Too many of our sentries and scouts have gone missing. It’s like they have been picked off or something,” Ragar shook his head. “We don’t have time for chit-chat. You have nine minutes thirty seconds to get ready.”
“But what of the patient, what will we do with her?”
He looked at her with a face like granite, “Don’t worry, she will be taken care of. Nine minutes. Now, MOVE.”
Emily rushed around, grabbing things she might need. Thank you Ragar, you just added yourself to my list. I fear it may grow long.
But I will have my revenge.
Once more I wish to thank those kind souls who are reading this story. But particular thanks go to those who have left feedback. Thank you very much.
Natalie36- Most likely that will be true, but it will take a while. I expect some problems for Liz/ Emily.
Tequathisy- Thank you. Now to see what Max does with the truth, once he fully realizes that he has it.
Disclaimer- Some ideas and scenes may come from Wipeout.
Longest day part 13
Isabel-
She watched her brother walk to the Jeep with worry. He just healed three people, he must be exhausted. There must be a way to stop this attack. Maybe if I turn myself in. Give myself up to Nicholas. Maybe he would stop.
Or maybe he would continue, try to get us all.
How did it all fall apart last time? How did I betray my brother? How could I betray someone so special to me to the likes of Nicholas? For I like him not at all. He seems… familiar somehow. Like I knew him, and the feeling I have for him is not a good one. There is an evil inside him. It is not just being a skin, as Courtney doesn’t seem to have it in her. Whitaker did, but hid it so well. I could not see it until the very end.
When I killed her I felt justified, like I had done the world some great service. I think that feeling, so different from how I see myself, horrifies me as much as my actions did. Where is the Isabel who does all the charity work, justified to my friends as good for my college applications, but truly something I like to do? To kill in defense of another is one thing, but to feel satisfied about it quite another. What kind of monster am I?
Isabel looked at Maria, who openly sobbed in the arms of Michael. Michael caught Isabel’s eyes over Maria’s small body. His glance conveyed strength and determination, all the while soothing and calming his high strung girlfriend. Maybe he is not hopeless after all. I will have to help Maria; maybe someday we might even civilize him. It’s not likely, but worth the try.
She looked then at Tess. If she did not know that Tess was devoted to winning her brother’s heart, she would think Tess was flirting with Kyle. Kyle noticed her and gave her a grim nod; he was ready to do what needed to be done. Kyle was just Kyle. What more is there to say of him, save that there is more to him than the shallow jock I used to see at parties.
Tess turned and gave Isabel a wan half smile. Both amused and chagrined at Isabel’s regard. And what to think of you? Before you came there was an order, a peaceful amity among us. But with your coming that all changed. You have broken the cohesion we once possessed, that we may in future days need to survive. And yet, you are indeed one of us. That too can not be denied. I like and dislike you in equal measures, for while you have taught us much, you did so at a price.
“I am going to sit with my brother. He will be tired from healing so many, so I will drive for him. Let me know when we leave,” Isabel said to the group. To which she received nods and assents.
She walked to the Jeep, got in the driver’s side, and said to Max, “Just rest for a few moments. I will watch over you as you have done for me.”
She reached out and grabbed his hand. Her connection sprang up immediately. On the surface, his mind was calm, he was resting. But underneath that surface calm, there was a torrent of thought racing through his mind. I wonder what he is thinking about. But she did not pry; her connection to her brother was too precious a thing to spoil. We are going to talk, once this is all over. Inquiring minds still do wish to know. For now she contented herself sending love, strength, and conviction through the bond.
I still can not believe I could betray him, even for a great love. Were we as close then as we are now? No matter, perhaps it is something I had to learn from my last life. This one will be different. I won’t betray my family again. And someday I will tell them of the past, and what I may have done. And beg forgiveness. But for now, I will protect and defend those whom I love. She bent over and gave the resting Max, a small kiss on the forehead. I will protect them from anyone, anywhere, any place. With God as my witness, I will not let us fail, not again.
Not ever again.
----
Kyle-
Kyle could not deny that he liked talking to Tess. Perhaps my worst regret in the whole Max/ Liz fiasco is that it hurt my chances with Tess. No lamp trimming from her while her chances of getting Evans is good. I hate being second place, the back up man, particularly to Max. But what can I say, Tess is hot. I wonder if I could ever convince her to do a photo shoot, even just a private one. Hmm, not likely, but hey a guy can dream. While I am at it though, Isabel isn’t hard on the eyes either, and Liz, maybe even Maria.
Hell, why not a whole Roswell High pinup calendar? Vicky would be good, too. Maybe even Pam once you got rid of that whole Goth look. Hey, I don’t need to talk to them, just look…
He was brought back to the real world from a slap by Tess.
“Hey, what was that for?”
Tess just shook her head, and said, “I can tell from your eyes that you are miles away, at home, and reading one of your stupid magazines. You might just want to focus on the here and now; you know the part about the army of Skins.”
“Um, yeah that. Well, why don’t we get ready. We will need to get their attention somehow.”
“Hate to break in,” Courtney said, “but somehow I don’t think that is going to be a problem. Look down the street.”
Kyle looked over and saw what Courtney was pointing out. There was a crowd walking down Main Street, probably twenty or thirty Skins. “Just great. Well that speeds up our time table a bit,” Kyle turned to Tess, “Shall we?”
Tess and Kyle walked over to the Bronco. As they got ready to leave, Tess rolled down the passenger side window, and said to Isabel. “Iz it’s time, we have to go.”
Isabel left her reverie and said, “Thanks Tess.”
Kyle put the keys into the ignition and said, “See I am not the only person to get lost in thought.”
Tess replied, “Yeah, but I bet hers weren’t X rated.”
She’s probably got me there. Then again you never know. Maybe I should ask…
Tess hit him again.
“Alright, enough with the hitting. Get your head set on.”
“Do these things actually work?”
“Yeah. They are really cool, we should be able to talk to the others with them, and with the ear piece the bad guys can’t hear them. It’s a bit much for a paint ball match, but this guy means business. I wonder if I could join next time he’s in the State. Dad would like it too, could be a nice father son bonding activity.”
Kyle heard in his earpiece, from Michael, “Okay, they see us I think, time to go.”
Isabel must have heard it too, as the Jeep leapt out of its parking spot and zipped away. Kyle looked over at the group still near the UFO Center. “How is Maria going to get to the school?”
“I guess she’ll take the Jetta, she is not supposed to go with Michael.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said softly as he pulled out, and drove towards the school himself.
----
Michael-
She feels so good, how can I ever think of giving her up. But look at how dangerous my life is, how can I not? I just don’t know what to do.
“Okay, Maria, you have to go now. The others have already left,” Michael said to her softly. She still had her head buried in his chest.
“They have left?” asked Maria.
“Yeah,” Michael replied.
“How am I going to get to the High School then?”
“Um, I figured you would use your car.”
“Isabel still has the keys!”
Of course. It can never be simple can it?
“My bike, then.”
Maria laughed her patented sarcastic laugh, “Right, you’re lucky I let you ride on that death trap. Me ride it, by myself, I think not.”
There was a pattern, one that seemed to always be in effect in their arguing. It would start small, and build until they both got so frustrated that one or the other would stalk off. I don’t have time for this. Usually I would just enjoy it, even when she is driving me crazy, but I don’t have time. Just she is so cute when she’s mad.
“Courtney, can you hot wire the Jetta?”
“No problem, come on Maria,” Courtney said, chuckling softly.
Maria backed away from Michael, put her hands on her hips, and said, “This isn’t over Spaceboy.” She turned and walked to the Jetta, where Courtney was waiting.
It never is.
Michael turned to Richard. “Let’s go.”
----
Emily-
Emily dashed about the room, grabbed what she thought she might need and stuffed it into her backpack. Only is it really mine? Is any of this stuff mine, or just props to deceive me? How long have I been hidden from myself? It changes things let me tell you, before I would have been careful not to take anything that Ana might need. Now with her betrayal firmly in my mind, she is lucky I do not have more time.
She stopped for a second, and looked to where Ragar had stood. Where did he go? She walked to the door and opened it. There was a man standing guard, probably another Skin. “Where did Ragar go?” Emily asked angrily.
“He, um, he got called away, ma’am. He, well, he said that he would be right back. And to, um, make sure no one disturbed you,” the Skin said. He looked fearful of her.
Why would he be afraid of me at all? I bet he is afraid I will tell Ana on him or something. That could be useful; I mean I know she is important to these folks. Maybe she frightens them as well.
“What is your name?” Emily asked.
“Devon, ma’am.”
“I will see that Ana knows of your diligence.”
“Thank you, ma’am”
Emily closed the door. Hurry up and wait. Oh well I guess this will just give me more time to loot the place. Speaking of time, something is wrong. Emily looked at the light shining through the windows. I woke up more than an hour ago, but the light hasn’t moved an inch. All the digital clocks need to be reset, but the mechanical one in my bedroom is reading one pm. From the angle of the light, though it can not be later than early morning, what is going on? I mean even if you factor in the later sunrise for the time of year. She glanced out of the windows to take a fix on the sun. This is so strange.
She paused for a moment. What am I doing? I am getting exited by a silly anomaly and I don’t have time to be distracted! I’m probably a science nerd. Was it too much to ask to be popular or something. I hope I really am eighteen and out of high school though.
Which brings up a question, do I really want to be the real me? Enough pointless existential posturing, time to get back to looting.
She heard a sound from outside the RV. Almost like someone had been pushed against the door. Was that a groan? Emily reached for the stun shot, and got it ready to fire.
Ragar opened the door, looked at her, and said, “I hope you are ready. It is time to go.”
“Just let me grab my pack.”
“Right. Keep the stun shot ready, and watch where you are pointing it. No mistakes and we will get along fine.”
Both of them walked out the door. “What happened to Devon?” Emily asked.
“I sent him to help Nicholas. They think they might have an idea where one of the Four is.”
“Yes, I heard Nicholas say he thought they might be able to corner Ava.”
“There is a bit of a skirmish near one of the nearby restaurants. It is more than just Ava, at the very least Rath, possibly Vilondra as well.” He shuddered slightly. “The local UFO Center was booby trapped as well. We are not sure by whom.”
“So things look bad?”
“Yes, and that is why we need to move. I have a car a ways across the parking lot, let’s go.”
She shuddered slightly herself. What could they have been thinking? To resurrect such bad memories, to clone the Four, it is a crime against all that is true and good. Which faction is involved, which of the Five Worlds? Who, after all this time, is helping the Royalists?
I hope they do not meddle in my plans, to find who I was, and to exact revenge on all of the guilty parties. It would be a shame to have to deal with such people.
But if that is what it takes, then bring them forth. For I will get Justice.
They both walked quietly across the parking lot. The wind fitfully played with what remained of Devon’s husk.
Natalie36- Most likely that will be true, but it will take a while. I expect some problems for Liz/ Emily.
Tequathisy- Thank you. Now to see what Max does with the truth, once he fully realizes that he has it.
Disclaimer- Some ideas and scenes may come from Wipeout.
Longest day part 13
Isabel-
She watched her brother walk to the Jeep with worry. He just healed three people, he must be exhausted. There must be a way to stop this attack. Maybe if I turn myself in. Give myself up to Nicholas. Maybe he would stop.
Or maybe he would continue, try to get us all.
How did it all fall apart last time? How did I betray my brother? How could I betray someone so special to me to the likes of Nicholas? For I like him not at all. He seems… familiar somehow. Like I knew him, and the feeling I have for him is not a good one. There is an evil inside him. It is not just being a skin, as Courtney doesn’t seem to have it in her. Whitaker did, but hid it so well. I could not see it until the very end.
When I killed her I felt justified, like I had done the world some great service. I think that feeling, so different from how I see myself, horrifies me as much as my actions did. Where is the Isabel who does all the charity work, justified to my friends as good for my college applications, but truly something I like to do? To kill in defense of another is one thing, but to feel satisfied about it quite another. What kind of monster am I?
Isabel looked at Maria, who openly sobbed in the arms of Michael. Michael caught Isabel’s eyes over Maria’s small body. His glance conveyed strength and determination, all the while soothing and calming his high strung girlfriend. Maybe he is not hopeless after all. I will have to help Maria; maybe someday we might even civilize him. It’s not likely, but worth the try.
She looked then at Tess. If she did not know that Tess was devoted to winning her brother’s heart, she would think Tess was flirting with Kyle. Kyle noticed her and gave her a grim nod; he was ready to do what needed to be done. Kyle was just Kyle. What more is there to say of him, save that there is more to him than the shallow jock I used to see at parties.
Tess turned and gave Isabel a wan half smile. Both amused and chagrined at Isabel’s regard. And what to think of you? Before you came there was an order, a peaceful amity among us. But with your coming that all changed. You have broken the cohesion we once possessed, that we may in future days need to survive. And yet, you are indeed one of us. That too can not be denied. I like and dislike you in equal measures, for while you have taught us much, you did so at a price.
“I am going to sit with my brother. He will be tired from healing so many, so I will drive for him. Let me know when we leave,” Isabel said to the group. To which she received nods and assents.
She walked to the Jeep, got in the driver’s side, and said to Max, “Just rest for a few moments. I will watch over you as you have done for me.”
She reached out and grabbed his hand. Her connection sprang up immediately. On the surface, his mind was calm, he was resting. But underneath that surface calm, there was a torrent of thought racing through his mind. I wonder what he is thinking about. But she did not pry; her connection to her brother was too precious a thing to spoil. We are going to talk, once this is all over. Inquiring minds still do wish to know. For now she contented herself sending love, strength, and conviction through the bond.
I still can not believe I could betray him, even for a great love. Were we as close then as we are now? No matter, perhaps it is something I had to learn from my last life. This one will be different. I won’t betray my family again. And someday I will tell them of the past, and what I may have done. And beg forgiveness. But for now, I will protect and defend those whom I love. She bent over and gave the resting Max, a small kiss on the forehead. I will protect them from anyone, anywhere, any place. With God as my witness, I will not let us fail, not again.
Not ever again.
----
Kyle-
Kyle could not deny that he liked talking to Tess. Perhaps my worst regret in the whole Max/ Liz fiasco is that it hurt my chances with Tess. No lamp trimming from her while her chances of getting Evans is good. I hate being second place, the back up man, particularly to Max. But what can I say, Tess is hot. I wonder if I could ever convince her to do a photo shoot, even just a private one. Hmm, not likely, but hey a guy can dream. While I am at it though, Isabel isn’t hard on the eyes either, and Liz, maybe even Maria.
Hell, why not a whole Roswell High pinup calendar? Vicky would be good, too. Maybe even Pam once you got rid of that whole Goth look. Hey, I don’t need to talk to them, just look…
He was brought back to the real world from a slap by Tess.
“Hey, what was that for?”
Tess just shook her head, and said, “I can tell from your eyes that you are miles away, at home, and reading one of your stupid magazines. You might just want to focus on the here and now; you know the part about the army of Skins.”
“Um, yeah that. Well, why don’t we get ready. We will need to get their attention somehow.”
“Hate to break in,” Courtney said, “but somehow I don’t think that is going to be a problem. Look down the street.”
Kyle looked over and saw what Courtney was pointing out. There was a crowd walking down Main Street, probably twenty or thirty Skins. “Just great. Well that speeds up our time table a bit,” Kyle turned to Tess, “Shall we?”
Tess and Kyle walked over to the Bronco. As they got ready to leave, Tess rolled down the passenger side window, and said to Isabel. “Iz it’s time, we have to go.”
Isabel left her reverie and said, “Thanks Tess.”
Kyle put the keys into the ignition and said, “See I am not the only person to get lost in thought.”
Tess replied, “Yeah, but I bet hers weren’t X rated.”
She’s probably got me there. Then again you never know. Maybe I should ask…
Tess hit him again.
“Alright, enough with the hitting. Get your head set on.”
“Do these things actually work?”
“Yeah. They are really cool, we should be able to talk to the others with them, and with the ear piece the bad guys can’t hear them. It’s a bit much for a paint ball match, but this guy means business. I wonder if I could join next time he’s in the State. Dad would like it too, could be a nice father son bonding activity.”
Kyle heard in his earpiece, from Michael, “Okay, they see us I think, time to go.”
Isabel must have heard it too, as the Jeep leapt out of its parking spot and zipped away. Kyle looked over at the group still near the UFO Center. “How is Maria going to get to the school?”
“I guess she’ll take the Jetta, she is not supposed to go with Michael.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said softly as he pulled out, and drove towards the school himself.
----
Michael-
She feels so good, how can I ever think of giving her up. But look at how dangerous my life is, how can I not? I just don’t know what to do.
“Okay, Maria, you have to go now. The others have already left,” Michael said to her softly. She still had her head buried in his chest.
“They have left?” asked Maria.
“Yeah,” Michael replied.
“How am I going to get to the High School then?”
“Um, I figured you would use your car.”
“Isabel still has the keys!”
Of course. It can never be simple can it?
“My bike, then.”
Maria laughed her patented sarcastic laugh, “Right, you’re lucky I let you ride on that death trap. Me ride it, by myself, I think not.”
There was a pattern, one that seemed to always be in effect in their arguing. It would start small, and build until they both got so frustrated that one or the other would stalk off. I don’t have time for this. Usually I would just enjoy it, even when she is driving me crazy, but I don’t have time. Just she is so cute when she’s mad.
“Courtney, can you hot wire the Jetta?”
“No problem, come on Maria,” Courtney said, chuckling softly.
Maria backed away from Michael, put her hands on her hips, and said, “This isn’t over Spaceboy.” She turned and walked to the Jetta, where Courtney was waiting.
It never is.
Michael turned to Richard. “Let’s go.”
----
Emily-
Emily dashed about the room, grabbed what she thought she might need and stuffed it into her backpack. Only is it really mine? Is any of this stuff mine, or just props to deceive me? How long have I been hidden from myself? It changes things let me tell you, before I would have been careful not to take anything that Ana might need. Now with her betrayal firmly in my mind, she is lucky I do not have more time.
She stopped for a second, and looked to where Ragar had stood. Where did he go? She walked to the door and opened it. There was a man standing guard, probably another Skin. “Where did Ragar go?” Emily asked angrily.
“He, um, he got called away, ma’am. He, well, he said that he would be right back. And to, um, make sure no one disturbed you,” the Skin said. He looked fearful of her.
Why would he be afraid of me at all? I bet he is afraid I will tell Ana on him or something. That could be useful; I mean I know she is important to these folks. Maybe she frightens them as well.
“What is your name?” Emily asked.
“Devon, ma’am.”
“I will see that Ana knows of your diligence.”
“Thank you, ma’am”
Emily closed the door. Hurry up and wait. Oh well I guess this will just give me more time to loot the place. Speaking of time, something is wrong. Emily looked at the light shining through the windows. I woke up more than an hour ago, but the light hasn’t moved an inch. All the digital clocks need to be reset, but the mechanical one in my bedroom is reading one pm. From the angle of the light, though it can not be later than early morning, what is going on? I mean even if you factor in the later sunrise for the time of year. She glanced out of the windows to take a fix on the sun. This is so strange.
She paused for a moment. What am I doing? I am getting exited by a silly anomaly and I don’t have time to be distracted! I’m probably a science nerd. Was it too much to ask to be popular or something. I hope I really am eighteen and out of high school though.
Which brings up a question, do I really want to be the real me? Enough pointless existential posturing, time to get back to looting.
She heard a sound from outside the RV. Almost like someone had been pushed against the door. Was that a groan? Emily reached for the stun shot, and got it ready to fire.
Ragar opened the door, looked at her, and said, “I hope you are ready. It is time to go.”
“Just let me grab my pack.”
“Right. Keep the stun shot ready, and watch where you are pointing it. No mistakes and we will get along fine.”
Both of them walked out the door. “What happened to Devon?” Emily asked.
“I sent him to help Nicholas. They think they might have an idea where one of the Four is.”
“Yes, I heard Nicholas say he thought they might be able to corner Ava.”
“There is a bit of a skirmish near one of the nearby restaurants. It is more than just Ava, at the very least Rath, possibly Vilondra as well.” He shuddered slightly. “The local UFO Center was booby trapped as well. We are not sure by whom.”
“So things look bad?”
“Yes, and that is why we need to move. I have a car a ways across the parking lot, let’s go.”
She shuddered slightly herself. What could they have been thinking? To resurrect such bad memories, to clone the Four, it is a crime against all that is true and good. Which faction is involved, which of the Five Worlds? Who, after all this time, is helping the Royalists?
I hope they do not meddle in my plans, to find who I was, and to exact revenge on all of the guilty parties. It would be a shame to have to deal with such people.
But if that is what it takes, then bring them forth. For I will get Justice.
They both walked quietly across the parking lot. The wind fitfully played with what remained of Devon’s husk.
Thank you to everyone reading this story. Particular thanks to tequathisy for leaving feed back.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout
Longest day part 14-
Maria-
I can’t believe they left me. See if I ever let Isabel drive the Jetta again! What kind of friend forgets she has the keys to my car and leaves me to face an army of angry aliens? I can’t believe I am leaving my life in Courtney’s hands. I mean who cares what she has said, I am going to disappear and then she’ll be all over Michael again. Offering sympathy, and that lout would probably take it!
Maria grew worried when Courtney took a left turn. Away from the school. Maria started to ruffle through her purse looking for her can of Mace. Does pepper spray work on Skins? I hope I remembered it and it’s not sitting next to my cedar oil. “Um, where are we going?”
“I just want to make sure that no one is following us.” Courtney replied.
“Don’t we want them to follow us there?”
“We want them to follow Max and company; I am going to need to use the Jetta to get back to the hotel. If they see me drive off, they might think it’s a trap of sorts. Which it is, just not one we want them to see. You do want us to rescue Liz, right.”
“Yeah,” Maria said softly. I kind of wish I could help.
The car began to sputter and lose power, Courtney asked, “Maria, does it normally do this?”
“No. That is it. No aliens are allowed to drive the Jetta. Pull over. I will drive.”
Courtney pulled over and said, “That is kind of harsh don’t you think. I mean, if your car needs a tune up, it needs a tune up. My being Antaran has nothing to do with it.”
“First Michael steals my car, and then overheats it, and while trying to fix it fries the engine. Do you have any clue how long it took for me to pay my mom back for that? Isabel takes my keys and leaves me stranded in front of a horde of blood thirsty savage aliens. And now you, well I am not sure what you have done to my mom’s poor car but I wish you would stop it.”
“Alright, alright,” Courtney said. “Let’s switch places.”
The both get out of the car and switch, but no matter how hard Maria tried the car would not start up again. She stared at the car. This can not be happening. Liz has been abducted. My mom and Alex have been zapped into some alien dimension. And I just broke the car.
Courtney sighed and got out of the car. “Come on, we have to go. We are not safe here. We can not be more than a half mile from the hotel from here. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to get caught.”
Maria reluctantly got out of the car and looked around. The neighborhood was a mixed zone area. There were a few old houses, some of which had been converted into businesses, and a few newer businesses. There was also one small church. The bell tower, we can go there and we would see everything. It’s perfect. “Courtney, you can open locked doors right?”
Courtney looked at her strangely, “Yeah, but now is not the time for breaking and entering.”
“I have an idea. Let’s go into that church, we can go up to the bell tower and see into the parking lot of the hotel. If that is where they still are, we can watch them from there.”
Courtney thought for a moment, “That is actually not a bad idea.”
Guess I can help after all.
Both of them walked toward the church, when Courtney saw to people head around the corner. She pushed Maria behind a crashed car.
“Hey,” Maria said, muffled as it was by Courtney’s hand.
Courtney held her finger up to her lips, and peaked around the car.
After a second Maria did the same. She saw a tall violent looking man and a slight woman. The woman looked familiar, but she did not know anyone with that shade of hair. Nor anyone with that walked in that confident and arrogant stride. It reminded her of Isabel. They got into a small sedan, talked for a couple of moments, and drove off. I wish they had been closer. I would have loved to hear what they were talking about.
Courtney got up cautiously, “This is bad.”
“Why do you say that, two more Skins gone should make it easier for you guys to get Liz?”
“I did not recognize either of them. And I should have. I know most of the Skins on Earth. There have been rumors of other cells, but I never ran into anyone from one of them. None of us ever found a trace.”
“Us?”
“My fellow Michael worshippers, although there are not so many of us left. I have not heard from any of the others since I got to Roswell. I am kind of worried about them; I know that Whitaker was right behind me, so maybe our cover was completely blown.”
“There are more of you?”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Courtney opened the door, and both of them walked into the church.
----
Emily
Both Ragar and Emily walked quickly across the parking lot.
How am I going to regain myself? Do I have friends who are even now plotting to free me? I hope they are tough, because if the memories I have been ‘given’ are any clue, Ragar will be tough to defeat.
As they neared the place that Ragar had stored his car, Emily saw two girls duck behind a car. Hope they are not part of the rescue team. They don’t seem to be very practiced in stealth. They certainly aren’t with Ana or Nicholas, or they would not be hiding. A local resistance cell? Does anyone else have much this far from Antar? What ever. I should tell Ragar. I should notify Ana or Nicholas that they have company coming.
To chaos with them. They certainly have not been straight in their actions to me, why should I care about them. Emily felt a little guilt start to pool. Of course, did the common soldiers ask for it? Hmm, I am torn.
Ragar opened the door for Emily and got into his side. As Ragar started the car, he said, “It is going to be a bit of a drive. Do you want to listen to some music? The radio won’t work, so if you do, grab my CD case from the back.”
Emily reached for the CD case, more out of curiosity as to the type of music someone like Ragar would listen to than out of a desire to break the silence. But before she could open the case, she saw the symbols on it. There were a few common symbols on it, such as a peace sign. But what really caught her eye were two particular symbols. One was the Whirlwind symbol, which had symbolized Antar since time immemorial. The other was a more recent symbol, the Four Square, symbol of the fallen royalty. A symbol that spoke of their return.
Ragar is a Royalist! That is impossible! Unless… Fear began to flood through her as she readied her stun shot. I am going to die, but maybe, just maybe I can stun it. Then it is possible, we are so close after all, that someone will find it while it is stunned, and kill the abomination.
She turned and saw it smiling at her. “That will not work on me, so don’t even try.”
With a tightly controlled voice Emily said, “You are not Ragar.”
“And you are not Emily. Liz if you want to regain your memories, calm down, and let me drive out of here. Oh, and while you have that case open you might as well pick a CD.”
Emily/Liz dazedly looked through the case. What now? I am a Royalist? Please, at least tell me I am not involved in a soap style love triangle with one of the Royals. Please.
But a sense of foreboding lay upon her. That symbol, the Four Square, she knew it, and not only from the memories given to her as ‘Emily.’ How do I know that symbol, not only what it means, but how important it is? That it is destiny. One that causes me great pain and guilt, and yet, I must protect?
----
Michael-
“Have we lost them yet?” Michael said to Richard.
“No, and we are getting farther and farther from the hotel. We have got to be out of walkie range at this point. And I am going to need some more gas soon, too.”
“I am going to try something.” Michael reached his hand out the window and ruined the tires on the following car. “That should help. Keep driving in this direction for a little bit, and then we will double back.” I hope everyone is okay.
----
Max
They had not realized how fast the closest Skins would get to the school. Isabel had wanted to use the girl’s restroom for a moment, and they thought they had had time.
They were wrong. The Skins had actually been almost right on their tail, at least a couple of them anyway. Now Isabel was caught by them. He could not quite make out what they were saying, but he could tell by the tone that the Skins held her in contempt.
I wish I had a more active power. That I can blast like Michael. Never thought I would feel envious of him, but now is such a time. I doubt it will kill them, but maybe I can through a weak blast at them and at least knock them down. Then Isabel can run.
As he steeled himself to attack, something else intervened.
----
Isabel
“So you are supposed to be Vilondra? You look like nothing more than a stuck up preppy kid,” said the Skin in front of the three confronting her.
“Where is Nicholas? I need to speak with him,” Isabel said. I need to buy time. Where is Max? Hopefully he will stay put. I don’t want him in any more danger than he already is. They probably won’t kill me. He is another story.
“I doubt he has the time to waste with worthless trash like you.” The other Skins were all smiles as their leader taunted Isabel.
“I see. Well then, my time is precious too. And I have wasted too much of it on you. You can leave me now. Come back when Nicholas is with you. We can talk then,” Isabel said. This is going to be tricky. I can see the mop bucket right over there. And those flyers should still be on the office desk. Okay here goes.
“You will be coming with us you stupid little girl.” Before he could finish, a blast of wind whistled through the hallway, coincidentally picking up the flyers off of the admittance desk, blinding the Skins. They followed after Isabel, who was running up the stairs, but were slowed by the slippery floor. The wind must have knocked the bucket across the room, spilling a bunch of soapy water.
----
Tess
“Did you hear that?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, we have company. Get ready Kyle. And thanks,” Tess said.
“Thanks for what?”
“Letting me borrow your room. Letting me keep that old jersey of yours.”
“You’re welcome. They are only things. Besides, you look better in that jersey than I do anyway.” He loaded a bullet into the rifles chamber.
“I hope they are okay.”
“Me too.”
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout
Longest day part 14-
Maria-
I can’t believe they left me. See if I ever let Isabel drive the Jetta again! What kind of friend forgets she has the keys to my car and leaves me to face an army of angry aliens? I can’t believe I am leaving my life in Courtney’s hands. I mean who cares what she has said, I am going to disappear and then she’ll be all over Michael again. Offering sympathy, and that lout would probably take it!
Maria grew worried when Courtney took a left turn. Away from the school. Maria started to ruffle through her purse looking for her can of Mace. Does pepper spray work on Skins? I hope I remembered it and it’s not sitting next to my cedar oil. “Um, where are we going?”
“I just want to make sure that no one is following us.” Courtney replied.
“Don’t we want them to follow us there?”
“We want them to follow Max and company; I am going to need to use the Jetta to get back to the hotel. If they see me drive off, they might think it’s a trap of sorts. Which it is, just not one we want them to see. You do want us to rescue Liz, right.”
“Yeah,” Maria said softly. I kind of wish I could help.
The car began to sputter and lose power, Courtney asked, “Maria, does it normally do this?”
“No. That is it. No aliens are allowed to drive the Jetta. Pull over. I will drive.”
Courtney pulled over and said, “That is kind of harsh don’t you think. I mean, if your car needs a tune up, it needs a tune up. My being Antaran has nothing to do with it.”
“First Michael steals my car, and then overheats it, and while trying to fix it fries the engine. Do you have any clue how long it took for me to pay my mom back for that? Isabel takes my keys and leaves me stranded in front of a horde of blood thirsty savage aliens. And now you, well I am not sure what you have done to my mom’s poor car but I wish you would stop it.”
“Alright, alright,” Courtney said. “Let’s switch places.”
The both get out of the car and switch, but no matter how hard Maria tried the car would not start up again. She stared at the car. This can not be happening. Liz has been abducted. My mom and Alex have been zapped into some alien dimension. And I just broke the car.
Courtney sighed and got out of the car. “Come on, we have to go. We are not safe here. We can not be more than a half mile from the hotel from here. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to get caught.”
Maria reluctantly got out of the car and looked around. The neighborhood was a mixed zone area. There were a few old houses, some of which had been converted into businesses, and a few newer businesses. There was also one small church. The bell tower, we can go there and we would see everything. It’s perfect. “Courtney, you can open locked doors right?”
Courtney looked at her strangely, “Yeah, but now is not the time for breaking and entering.”
“I have an idea. Let’s go into that church, we can go up to the bell tower and see into the parking lot of the hotel. If that is where they still are, we can watch them from there.”
Courtney thought for a moment, “That is actually not a bad idea.”
Guess I can help after all.
Both of them walked toward the church, when Courtney saw to people head around the corner. She pushed Maria behind a crashed car.
“Hey,” Maria said, muffled as it was by Courtney’s hand.
Courtney held her finger up to her lips, and peaked around the car.
After a second Maria did the same. She saw a tall violent looking man and a slight woman. The woman looked familiar, but she did not know anyone with that shade of hair. Nor anyone with that walked in that confident and arrogant stride. It reminded her of Isabel. They got into a small sedan, talked for a couple of moments, and drove off. I wish they had been closer. I would have loved to hear what they were talking about.
Courtney got up cautiously, “This is bad.”
“Why do you say that, two more Skins gone should make it easier for you guys to get Liz?”
“I did not recognize either of them. And I should have. I know most of the Skins on Earth. There have been rumors of other cells, but I never ran into anyone from one of them. None of us ever found a trace.”
“Us?”
“My fellow Michael worshippers, although there are not so many of us left. I have not heard from any of the others since I got to Roswell. I am kind of worried about them; I know that Whitaker was right behind me, so maybe our cover was completely blown.”
“There are more of you?”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Courtney opened the door, and both of them walked into the church.
----
Emily
Both Ragar and Emily walked quickly across the parking lot.
How am I going to regain myself? Do I have friends who are even now plotting to free me? I hope they are tough, because if the memories I have been ‘given’ are any clue, Ragar will be tough to defeat.
As they neared the place that Ragar had stored his car, Emily saw two girls duck behind a car. Hope they are not part of the rescue team. They don’t seem to be very practiced in stealth. They certainly aren’t with Ana or Nicholas, or they would not be hiding. A local resistance cell? Does anyone else have much this far from Antar? What ever. I should tell Ragar. I should notify Ana or Nicholas that they have company coming.
To chaos with them. They certainly have not been straight in their actions to me, why should I care about them. Emily felt a little guilt start to pool. Of course, did the common soldiers ask for it? Hmm, I am torn.
Ragar opened the door for Emily and got into his side. As Ragar started the car, he said, “It is going to be a bit of a drive. Do you want to listen to some music? The radio won’t work, so if you do, grab my CD case from the back.”
Emily reached for the CD case, more out of curiosity as to the type of music someone like Ragar would listen to than out of a desire to break the silence. But before she could open the case, she saw the symbols on it. There were a few common symbols on it, such as a peace sign. But what really caught her eye were two particular symbols. One was the Whirlwind symbol, which had symbolized Antar since time immemorial. The other was a more recent symbol, the Four Square, symbol of the fallen royalty. A symbol that spoke of their return.
Ragar is a Royalist! That is impossible! Unless… Fear began to flood through her as she readied her stun shot. I am going to die, but maybe, just maybe I can stun it. Then it is possible, we are so close after all, that someone will find it while it is stunned, and kill the abomination.
She turned and saw it smiling at her. “That will not work on me, so don’t even try.”
With a tightly controlled voice Emily said, “You are not Ragar.”
“And you are not Emily. Liz if you want to regain your memories, calm down, and let me drive out of here. Oh, and while you have that case open you might as well pick a CD.”
Emily/Liz dazedly looked through the case. What now? I am a Royalist? Please, at least tell me I am not involved in a soap style love triangle with one of the Royals. Please.
But a sense of foreboding lay upon her. That symbol, the Four Square, she knew it, and not only from the memories given to her as ‘Emily.’ How do I know that symbol, not only what it means, but how important it is? That it is destiny. One that causes me great pain and guilt, and yet, I must protect?
----
Michael-
“Have we lost them yet?” Michael said to Richard.
“No, and we are getting farther and farther from the hotel. We have got to be out of walkie range at this point. And I am going to need some more gas soon, too.”
“I am going to try something.” Michael reached his hand out the window and ruined the tires on the following car. “That should help. Keep driving in this direction for a little bit, and then we will double back.” I hope everyone is okay.
----
Max
They had not realized how fast the closest Skins would get to the school. Isabel had wanted to use the girl’s restroom for a moment, and they thought they had had time.
They were wrong. The Skins had actually been almost right on their tail, at least a couple of them anyway. Now Isabel was caught by them. He could not quite make out what they were saying, but he could tell by the tone that the Skins held her in contempt.
I wish I had a more active power. That I can blast like Michael. Never thought I would feel envious of him, but now is such a time. I doubt it will kill them, but maybe I can through a weak blast at them and at least knock them down. Then Isabel can run.
As he steeled himself to attack, something else intervened.
----
Isabel
“So you are supposed to be Vilondra? You look like nothing more than a stuck up preppy kid,” said the Skin in front of the three confronting her.
“Where is Nicholas? I need to speak with him,” Isabel said. I need to buy time. Where is Max? Hopefully he will stay put. I don’t want him in any more danger than he already is. They probably won’t kill me. He is another story.
“I doubt he has the time to waste with worthless trash like you.” The other Skins were all smiles as their leader taunted Isabel.
“I see. Well then, my time is precious too. And I have wasted too much of it on you. You can leave me now. Come back when Nicholas is with you. We can talk then,” Isabel said. This is going to be tricky. I can see the mop bucket right over there. And those flyers should still be on the office desk. Okay here goes.
“You will be coming with us you stupid little girl.” Before he could finish, a blast of wind whistled through the hallway, coincidentally picking up the flyers off of the admittance desk, blinding the Skins. They followed after Isabel, who was running up the stairs, but were slowed by the slippery floor. The wind must have knocked the bucket across the room, spilling a bunch of soapy water.
----
Tess
“Did you hear that?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, we have company. Get ready Kyle. And thanks,” Tess said.
“Thanks for what?”
“Letting me borrow your room. Letting me keep that old jersey of yours.”
“You’re welcome. They are only things. Besides, you look better in that jersey than I do anyway.” He loaded a bullet into the rifles chamber.
“I hope they are okay.”
“Me too.”
Thanks to everyone reading this story. Special thanks to those who have left feed back.
Xmag- who the false Ragar is, is dealt with partially in this chapter. He is not a Michael worshipper though, I'll touch on them in a couple of chapters.
tequathisy- Thanks.
Disclaimer- Scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout
Longest day part 15
Max
Max watched as the Skins tried to follow his sister. He still could not quite bring himself to blast them from behind, assuming of course that he could. He watched as one of the Skins following his sister was hit by something, he could not really see what and tumbled down the stairs. After she hit the ground, she lay there at a crazy angle. A broom handle seemed to sticking straight through her body. He could hear her moaning and whimpering from where he was hiding.
She’s the enemy. I can not heal her. But, it hurts me to see anyone suffer so.
He saw two more of them enter. He saw them stop at the downed Skin. They talked with her briefly. One of them nodded slightly, and vanished right before Max’s eyes. They can become invisible.
I have to let them know.. He reached up and put on his headset. Hopefully at least one of them was paying attention. “Everyone be careful, one of those invisible Skins is walking around.”
He watched as the remaining Skin raised his hand and blasted the wounded one. She cried in agony briefly, before becoming another swirl of flakes.
----
Tess
Kyle suddenly straightened and grew very alert. He turned to Tess and said, “Tess, Max just sent us a warning about one of those invisible Skins. Can you use your powers to sense him? I’m a good shot, but I can’t hit what I can’t see.”
“If he is close I should be able to,” Tess said. She put on her headset, as well and talking through the walkie, she said, “Max do you know which way he was going? We are on the first floor, near the Chem lab.”
Max replied, “Yes, I think he is heading your way. I think they are trying to flank Isabel. She’s on the second floor, but it she keeps running; she’ll have to come down to the first floor.”
“He should be close then,” Kyle whispered to Tess. “Can you sense him?”
Tess closed her eyes, and her face scrunched a little bit. Once more the world seemed to become insubstantial. Kyle’s mind, with its budding talent, blazed at her at such a close range. Mentally she groaned. More Valerium, I must see if he can give me an even larger stock. Last thing I need is for Buddha-boy’s nightmares start to come true. It was bad enough when I was just dosing Liz.
She let her future problems go and forced her senses further out. She could just make out a presence moving towards them slowly. It wasn’t human or hybrid. Rather it had the oily feeling of a Skin. Keeping her eyes closed, she said to Kyle, “He is walking down the hall. He is about forty feet away; he will probably be able to see us in a moment.”
“Um, could you be more specific, that’s a lot of hallway to shoot at.”
“Here let me try something.” Tess reached towards Kyle’s mind and projected an image of the Skin, roughly where she felt him.
“Dear Buddha!” Kyle said as he fumbled briefly with the rifle before leveling it to shoot at the Skin.
----
Kyle-
Kyle was a good shot. He had gone hunting with his father and uncles various times. Hitting a human sized target at only thirty feet was an easy task for him. And his switch to Buddhism had if anything made him a better shot on the range than he had ever been. It had brought him one thing he had always lacked – serenity.
It also brought a different way of looking at things. And gunning down a person is not something he wanted to do. Ever. It gave him a completely new appreciation for the sanctity of life. It was for this reason he had let the trout go earlier this morning, to the dismay of his dad. Oh, sure, he had had values and ethics before he had come back from football camp earlier last summer, but the emphasis on some things was different. Hence the sorrow, the tears that formed at the corners of his eyes. But like his father, and his father’s father before him, he was a defender of order. And to him protecting his family, friends, and home took precedence over the twinges of conscience that such an act engendered. He would pay his karmic debt later, with a smile, knowing he had done the right thing.
And so two bullets later a small storm of flakes graced the hallway near Tess and Kyle’s hiding spot.
----
Isabel
Hide and seek had never been her favorite game. She wasn’t like her brother; she was not good at hiding. She always needed to stand out. And with her looks and attitude she always had. But the stakes had never been higher.
There were only two of them with her on the second floor. She had hurled the broom as hard as she could at the first Skin up the stairs, and she had not seen that Skin since. But they had been more careful afterwards, moving slowly and covering each other. Occasionally they blasted at her, her left hand stung from a near miss. She would heal the blisters as soon as she felt safe.
She blasted back of course, when she had a good shot. But her blasts seemed to be all kinetic punch, without the deadly energy that Michael could muster. She could hurt them, but eliminating them might be harder. Right there, he is hiding by the door. Maybe if I slam the door into him…
The Skin fell down, stunned. This allowed her to take a chance and cross the hallway. She paused briefly when she heard the two shots. I hope Kyle and Tess are okay. Oh, and God, please protect Max.
She looked back down the hallway, into the eyes of a surprised Skin. They both raised their hands and fired. As she flew down the hallway, she saw the Skin hit a nearby fixture and vanish into a puff of ash.
She felt herself hit the wall and her world went black.
----
Emily/ Liz
Classical music had never been her favorite. She had picked the CD pretty much at random, just to have something fill the silence. But as she sat in the car with an abomination, and listened to Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’, she did not feel calm at all. It brought back memories of tales told to her late at night by her grandmother. Fairy tales told, and not the Disney versions.
How she had loved to be frightened then, never thinking a day may come when she would be within arms reach of the closest thing to a troll Antaran science could make. They were fast, unbelievably strong, and nearly invincible. Only by draining them nearly of all their energy, and then disrupting them could you hope to maybe kill one. Otherwise you could hurt one, maybe even do enough damage to kill a lesser being, and if left alone it would revive. With the right equipment it could be revived almost immediately. The Taran Shape-shifter was a nightmare to any who opposed the Monarchy.
It was all she could do to stop from screaming. Poor Devon, I know what happened to him now. That bump was his last moment. I wonder how many other lives it has snuffed from existence. And it knows who I was. It knows me. Can my life get any worse?
The CD moved on to play other songs, music that she had not heard before. But the landscape looked familiar, maybe she did live in the area. Maybe her home was near. Maybe she could forget about all of this and just go home. A new feeling began to crawl into her heart, hope.
So it was with a mixture of hope and despair that she noticed that the car had stopped, at a motel, the Tumbleweed Motel to be exact. The mix was not even close to even, a sip of hope to a full cup of despair. But she clung to that hope, for who has ever been saved by succumbing to despair?
----
Courtney
Courtney felt a bit winded after the climb up to the tower. I have got to kick the smoking habit. I get the same buzz of the patches, so why do I bother? She knew why, it soothed her. It had been a trait picked up in the fifties and sixties that she had never been able to quite get rid of. She was a little surprised when she broke out in a coughing fit.
“Your filthy habits catch up with you Courtney?” Maria asked. “The smoking alone will get you sooner or later.”
“Well, one advantage of a skin is that it purges all the toxins from my body. So that’s not a problem. The nicotine, though… Let’s just say a lucrative drug trade could be started with some nicotine gum back home. The buzz beats alcohol hands down, and it doesn’t have the same downsides alcohol has, with impaired judgment and reflexes. Of course it’s even more toxic to us than to you humans, not sure about the Tarans,” Courtney shrugged.
Maria just looked at her for a moment. She then gestured to the windows. “So do you like the view?”
Courtney walked further into the dusty room, with its peeling ancient paint. This view is perfect. We are at a perfect angle to see them move among their vehicles. “It’s good. This was a good idea. Let’s watch them while we wait for Michael to get ready.”
----
Michael
Michael sipped from his ice cold Snapple while he waited for Richard to finish filling the gas tank. “Are you almost done? We have people to save.”
Richard just glared at Michael.
Xmag- who the false Ragar is, is dealt with partially in this chapter. He is not a Michael worshipper though, I'll touch on them in a couple of chapters.
tequathisy- Thanks.
Disclaimer- Scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout
Longest day part 15
Max
Max watched as the Skins tried to follow his sister. He still could not quite bring himself to blast them from behind, assuming of course that he could. He watched as one of the Skins following his sister was hit by something, he could not really see what and tumbled down the stairs. After she hit the ground, she lay there at a crazy angle. A broom handle seemed to sticking straight through her body. He could hear her moaning and whimpering from where he was hiding.
She’s the enemy. I can not heal her. But, it hurts me to see anyone suffer so.
He saw two more of them enter. He saw them stop at the downed Skin. They talked with her briefly. One of them nodded slightly, and vanished right before Max’s eyes. They can become invisible.
I have to let them know.. He reached up and put on his headset. Hopefully at least one of them was paying attention. “Everyone be careful, one of those invisible Skins is walking around.”
He watched as the remaining Skin raised his hand and blasted the wounded one. She cried in agony briefly, before becoming another swirl of flakes.
----
Tess
Kyle suddenly straightened and grew very alert. He turned to Tess and said, “Tess, Max just sent us a warning about one of those invisible Skins. Can you use your powers to sense him? I’m a good shot, but I can’t hit what I can’t see.”
“If he is close I should be able to,” Tess said. She put on her headset, as well and talking through the walkie, she said, “Max do you know which way he was going? We are on the first floor, near the Chem lab.”
Max replied, “Yes, I think he is heading your way. I think they are trying to flank Isabel. She’s on the second floor, but it she keeps running; she’ll have to come down to the first floor.”
“He should be close then,” Kyle whispered to Tess. “Can you sense him?”
Tess closed her eyes, and her face scrunched a little bit. Once more the world seemed to become insubstantial. Kyle’s mind, with its budding talent, blazed at her at such a close range. Mentally she groaned. More Valerium, I must see if he can give me an even larger stock. Last thing I need is for Buddha-boy’s nightmares start to come true. It was bad enough when I was just dosing Liz.
She let her future problems go and forced her senses further out. She could just make out a presence moving towards them slowly. It wasn’t human or hybrid. Rather it had the oily feeling of a Skin. Keeping her eyes closed, she said to Kyle, “He is walking down the hall. He is about forty feet away; he will probably be able to see us in a moment.”
“Um, could you be more specific, that’s a lot of hallway to shoot at.”
“Here let me try something.” Tess reached towards Kyle’s mind and projected an image of the Skin, roughly where she felt him.
“Dear Buddha!” Kyle said as he fumbled briefly with the rifle before leveling it to shoot at the Skin.
----
Kyle-
Kyle was a good shot. He had gone hunting with his father and uncles various times. Hitting a human sized target at only thirty feet was an easy task for him. And his switch to Buddhism had if anything made him a better shot on the range than he had ever been. It had brought him one thing he had always lacked – serenity.
It also brought a different way of looking at things. And gunning down a person is not something he wanted to do. Ever. It gave him a completely new appreciation for the sanctity of life. It was for this reason he had let the trout go earlier this morning, to the dismay of his dad. Oh, sure, he had had values and ethics before he had come back from football camp earlier last summer, but the emphasis on some things was different. Hence the sorrow, the tears that formed at the corners of his eyes. But like his father, and his father’s father before him, he was a defender of order. And to him protecting his family, friends, and home took precedence over the twinges of conscience that such an act engendered. He would pay his karmic debt later, with a smile, knowing he had done the right thing.
And so two bullets later a small storm of flakes graced the hallway near Tess and Kyle’s hiding spot.
----
Isabel
Hide and seek had never been her favorite game. She wasn’t like her brother; she was not good at hiding. She always needed to stand out. And with her looks and attitude she always had. But the stakes had never been higher.
There were only two of them with her on the second floor. She had hurled the broom as hard as she could at the first Skin up the stairs, and she had not seen that Skin since. But they had been more careful afterwards, moving slowly and covering each other. Occasionally they blasted at her, her left hand stung from a near miss. She would heal the blisters as soon as she felt safe.
She blasted back of course, when she had a good shot. But her blasts seemed to be all kinetic punch, without the deadly energy that Michael could muster. She could hurt them, but eliminating them might be harder. Right there, he is hiding by the door. Maybe if I slam the door into him…
The Skin fell down, stunned. This allowed her to take a chance and cross the hallway. She paused briefly when she heard the two shots. I hope Kyle and Tess are okay. Oh, and God, please protect Max.
She looked back down the hallway, into the eyes of a surprised Skin. They both raised their hands and fired. As she flew down the hallway, she saw the Skin hit a nearby fixture and vanish into a puff of ash.
She felt herself hit the wall and her world went black.
----
Emily/ Liz
Classical music had never been her favorite. She had picked the CD pretty much at random, just to have something fill the silence. But as she sat in the car with an abomination, and listened to Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’, she did not feel calm at all. It brought back memories of tales told to her late at night by her grandmother. Fairy tales told, and not the Disney versions.
How she had loved to be frightened then, never thinking a day may come when she would be within arms reach of the closest thing to a troll Antaran science could make. They were fast, unbelievably strong, and nearly invincible. Only by draining them nearly of all their energy, and then disrupting them could you hope to maybe kill one. Otherwise you could hurt one, maybe even do enough damage to kill a lesser being, and if left alone it would revive. With the right equipment it could be revived almost immediately. The Taran Shape-shifter was a nightmare to any who opposed the Monarchy.
It was all she could do to stop from screaming. Poor Devon, I know what happened to him now. That bump was his last moment. I wonder how many other lives it has snuffed from existence. And it knows who I was. It knows me. Can my life get any worse?
The CD moved on to play other songs, music that she had not heard before. But the landscape looked familiar, maybe she did live in the area. Maybe her home was near. Maybe she could forget about all of this and just go home. A new feeling began to crawl into her heart, hope.
So it was with a mixture of hope and despair that she noticed that the car had stopped, at a motel, the Tumbleweed Motel to be exact. The mix was not even close to even, a sip of hope to a full cup of despair. But she clung to that hope, for who has ever been saved by succumbing to despair?
----
Courtney
Courtney felt a bit winded after the climb up to the tower. I have got to kick the smoking habit. I get the same buzz of the patches, so why do I bother? She knew why, it soothed her. It had been a trait picked up in the fifties and sixties that she had never been able to quite get rid of. She was a little surprised when she broke out in a coughing fit.
“Your filthy habits catch up with you Courtney?” Maria asked. “The smoking alone will get you sooner or later.”
“Well, one advantage of a skin is that it purges all the toxins from my body. So that’s not a problem. The nicotine, though… Let’s just say a lucrative drug trade could be started with some nicotine gum back home. The buzz beats alcohol hands down, and it doesn’t have the same downsides alcohol has, with impaired judgment and reflexes. Of course it’s even more toxic to us than to you humans, not sure about the Tarans,” Courtney shrugged.
Maria just looked at her for a moment. She then gestured to the windows. “So do you like the view?”
Courtney walked further into the dusty room, with its peeling ancient paint. This view is perfect. We are at a perfect angle to see them move among their vehicles. “It’s good. This was a good idea. Let’s watch them while we wait for Michael to get ready.”
----
Michael
Michael sipped from his ice cold Snapple while he waited for Richard to finish filling the gas tank. “Are you almost done? We have people to save.”
Richard just glared at Michael.
Thanks to everyone reading this story, particularly to those kind enough to leave feedback.
tequathisy- thanks
xmag- Well, Tess probably did star in some unpleasant dreams for Liz when she arrived, but that is not what she is talking about. She has been giving Liz some Valerium, a drug whose properties have not yet been discussed.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout.
Longest day part 16
Maria-
“I just got hold of Michael. He said they were refueling the Hummer and will be back in about twenty to thirty minutes. We’re to see how many people are there as much as we can without endangering ourselves,” Maria said.
Courtney lowered the binoculars and said, “Well I count around twelve left at the hotel. Two of them, I do not recognize, including that man we nearly bumped into before got to the church. I don’t see the girl, but there is a Hispanic woman I don’t recall. That makes three new faces. I tell you I don’t like this one bit. They shouldn’t be here.”
“Maybe they are human like me. I mean I am still here in this nightmare, so maybe they could be too.”
“It is possible I suppose, but both of the people who we saw go into the car near the church; they were at the very least not fully human. There was something off about their energy signatures, although the girl’s seemed strangely familiar. Very strange, I have to tell you.”
“Energy signatures,” Maria asked, “You can see their auras or something?”
“Yeah,” Courtney said with a chuckle. “It’s one of the first things a Rhyjhael learns, child’s play so to speak. Probably so we can tell who people are under their husk.”
“So Michael and the rest, they can do that too?”
“Maybe, I am not sure. It is something we are always taught, well the other races learn different stuff.”
“Like what?”
“Looks like today I get to teach. Okay, Antar has three main groups, the Rhyjhaelians, Mitharans, and Tarans. The Rhyjhaelians are those whom you know of as the Skins. We are biologically different from the others; we live in the sea in ancient underwater cities. We developed the husks to do stuff outside of our cities, which we need as we are very sensitive to environmental contaminants. So the first things we learn are to scan people and the environment to make sure we can trust them.
The Mitharans, well they are tricky bastards. I believe that the first things they learn are to scan people, only they learn it much more in depth than we do. They tend to focus a bit more on controlling others, and not being controlled in return. Let’s just say that Tess, who is very Mitharan, has powers that fit squarely with her former race. So does Richard. The Mitharans and Rhyjhaelians hate each other, probably because the Mitharans own a lot of the coastal territories on Antar and we are always fighting over stuff.
Lastly, and definitely not least we come to the Tarans. They’re biologically similar to the Mitharans, but ethnically different. They focus more on manipulating the world rather than each other. They have ruled Antar for a long time. Hell, Antar means world of the Tarans. I think the first thing they learn is how to make light. They even have devices to practice with for that very purpose, a training tool.
As to the Colonies, I am not sure; they probably follow the Taran model. You humans have potential, too. I often wonder what you people will eventually develop into, assuming you don’t get overrun and killed off.”
“Okay. Is there going to be a quiz later, should I be taking notes,” Maria commented, a bit sarcastically.
“Look, little girl. I may look young, but really I am over eighty. I know stuff, things you guys need to know if you want to live. I worked for Vilandra, I was on her staff. I met Rath and Zan and Ava. I can not say I knew them well, but I did know them. For the problems we faced as a world, Zan was too much of a light weight. The reforms he backed were needed, but no one would follow him. We needed strength, and that Rath had. With Vilandra at his side he would have moved our world into a golden age.”
Maria looked worriedly at the visibly angry Courtney, “I am sorry…”
“Let me finish,” Courtney said cutting Maria off. “Things are different now. They are different, I look at Michael, and I can not help but see Rath. But he isn’t really Rath, not really. And with them being so close in age in this life, with them being such good friends. This time loyalty to a regime, loyalty to an oath will not be the only thing that stays his hand. This time, maybe because they grew up together, maybe because they are so close in age, maybe this time they can work together better. Maybe this time he won’t have to choose between success and honor. Maybe, just maybe they can win this time. And so this time without reservations I will follow. I know where I stand, do you?”
Maria looked off into the distance, into the hotel parking lot. She still did not know what to think of Courtney. She did not like her, but Maria realized she would have to get used to her. She really wasn’t going away. My own personal Tess, annoying as hell, but too useful to get rid of or ignore. I’ll have to ask Liz on coping tips, not that I think she has been coping well. I have to start somewhere right?
Maria raised the binoculars to her eyes to catch a better glimpse of what was going on down there. She watched, but she wasn’t really looking. What do you say in a situation like this? I do not want to make her too mad or she might kill me. I guess the truth will have to do. “I don’t really know where I stand. I like Michael, I like him a lot, but there are times when well his insensitivity drives me crazy. I mean, when I saw him with you that one day, I thought we were over, but since then, well I really don’t know. He’s been nice to me today so far.”
She could hear Courtney chuckle, “Yeah well the Antaran military is not the place to learn romance, and from what I have heard his life here hasn’t helped much. Don’t worry; I won’t poach on your territory again. I mean, while mixing business and pleasure, is well pleasurable, it does lead to complications.”
“Thank you.” It’s not going to stop me from worrying about you or some other tramp. She lowered her binoculars to look at Courtney again, only to find that Courtney was also observing the enemy.
“Your welcome and I was serious before, if we get out of this I will try to teach you what I can. I don’t know what you can learn, but maybe I can at least get you able to recognize energy signatures.” Courtney adjusted her binoculars. “It looks like someone kicked over an anthill over there. I really wish I knew who that lady was and what she is screaming at old Nicky for.”
Maria watched Courtney for a few moments, watched as her skin seemed to ripple, as her hands began to tremor. “Courtney, why are your hands shaking?”
----
Courtney
My hands are not shaking. Courtney turned and looked at Maria. “What are you talking about?” Right then a violent tremor swept through her body and the binoculars slipped from her hand. And fell over the ledge and onto the roof tiles to clatter noisily on the ground. With one action I threaten us all, damn it. She ducked down, reaching out with a trembling hand to pull Maria down.
“Courtney, what is wrong?”
Courtney reached up to the corner point of her face and tried in vain to pull a sheet of Skin loose. She tried again on her arms. “Shit, shit. Oh, please God, no.” She reached out with her talents, and found what she was afraid of. Lead dust, probably from the old peeling paint. It probably wasn’t really safe for Maria, but if she was right and her Skin was failing her, then she was dead. She just hadn’t lain down yet.
“Courtney?”
“Maria, I need you to look in my mouth, at my gums.”
“Ewww.”
“Please, my life may depend on it.” She opened her mouth for Maria to check her gums.
“Hmm, well I don’t see anything that a little flossing and some Listerine can’t cure.”
Maybe she was wrong; maybe she still had some time.
Maria continued her inspection, “Do you usually have those weird blue lines on your gums. Is that like some alien thing?”
Courtney was dead of lead poisoning; it would be a little while for the effects to be fully felt. But the tremors, they were indeed under way. They would give way to severe convulsions as her muscles began to spasm, eventually leading to either respiratory or coronary distress. She was in for a couple hours of hell, and then she would die, knowing she had once again failed.
“Are you okay? You look, I don’t know. Like I told you were going to die or something. I mean surely it can’t mean that, right?”
Courtney just sat there, dazed while she breathed in more tainted air, her hands continued to tremor.
“Oh, come on, you have got to be kidding. Who will teach me freaky alien stuff huh? And have you thought of Mr. Parker, I mean, who will cover your shifts once you’re gone.” Maria peeked over the edge, “Oh, no. Please you have to get up. They must have seen your binoculars fall or heard it crash or something, because a couple of them just entered the church.”
Maybe she could not save Michael, but maybe she could save Maria. And hopefully, Maria might be able to save Michael. It’s not likely, but it is what I have got. I will hide her in the attic; it can not be as polluted as this. Courtney stood up and said, “Okay, come on let’s go. I need to get you out of here.”
Courtney shakily climbed down the ladder and into the attic. She scanned the room, and while it was not perfectly safe it was better. Someone needs to call the EPA on these guys. At least the asbestos is still sealed beneath the newer fiberglass. She spied a blanket. That will be perfect.
Maria climbed down behind her and said, “So you are okay?”
“Not really, no. But that is not important; I need you to protect Michael from himself. He is too impulsive and well, he is loyal to the point he might get himself killed for nothing. Promise me you will help him, because he is really stubborn.”
“Stubborn and impulsive, yeah that’s Michael alright.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise, what is this all about anyway?”
“I guess that will have to do,” Courtney said as she weakly blasted Maria, knocking her unconscious. She grabbed the blanket, warped the light around the blanket to dim it from both visible and infrared, and threw it over Maria. She should be safe, even if the light shield won’t last long. It should last long enough. She stood there a second, she came to a decision and reached over and placed her hand on Maria’s head. Her hand glowed briefly before she once again placed the blanket over the unconscious girl.
Memories, it’s the very least I can do for her. And pray she keeps her promise.
Courtney walked towards the stairs that would lead her to the rest of the church, and likely, her former comrades. She was ready to fight and to die. She had done what she could; Michael would have to save himself. Hopefully with some help he would succeed.
It was all she could do, but this time at least, she would be counted on the right side.
----
Isabel-
She hurt. Once more she could smell that burning flesh smell. Only this time it was her, and it hurt.
She could see her headset lying across the hallway, but it might have been across the galaxy for all the good it could do her. I need to figure out a way to protect myself. If I move the headset over here, they will know where I am. I can not count on a lucky break to eliminate them.
She watched as a small blue spark leaped from her burnt hand. Electricity, Whitaker could not stand up to it. Maybe if I could prepare a lightning bolt or something. But I don’t know how. She slumped slightly against the wall unto which she had been flung. And her other hand felt an electrical outlet.
Maybe this would work. I don’t know if there would be enough power to just pull a lightning bolt out of the wall, but maybe I could pool the electricity to build one.
And so behind her back she prepared a surprise for the next enemy to face her.
----
Emily/ Liz
The shape-shifter got out of the car. It walked to one of the Tumbleweed Motel’s doors. It stopped, turned around, and said, “Well come on, don’t you want to regain who you were?”
Emily reluctantly got out of the car and followed the abomination. She walked into the dimly lit room that it opened for her. She did not know what to expect, but she did not expect the room to look so normal. It was clean, but not perfect. The only thing out of place was the large number of photo albums and manila folders lying on the bed.
“Sorry about the mess,” the Shape-shifter said, “It’s a bit of an occupational hazard. Not to mention photography is also a hobby of mine, although it will come in handy right now. Oh, right, we have never really met, at least not personally. I have met you many times, but I doubt you recognize me. The name is Dorian, and you are Liz Parker.”
“I know.”
“What else do you remember? Do you remember Maria and Alex? Your parents, Jeff and Nancy, or your delightful grandmother Claudia, may she rest in peace?” A slight smile covers his face, “Or maybe you just remember Max.”
All of the names touched her, she knew them somehow. They were important, particularly the last. Max, his name brought the most emotion, a veritable storm of longing, fear, desire, and guilt. “I don’t know, they all sound familiar, like of a story I was once told. But it doesn’t seem real.”
“It will come to you. Just look through what I have left and your memories will return. She did not have you long enough to fully program you. And Liz, remember, you are under my protection. I will see that she doesn’t bother you again, as much as I can.”
“Thank you, Dorian,” Emily said softly as she riffled through the books.
“And Liz, try to remember not to remember me. It would be best if everyone did not know I am here.”
“Okay”
“Now I am going to see if I can keep your friends and my wards from getting themselves killed trying to rescue you.” With that, Dorian left the room.
Emily, or was it Liz, sat quietly looking through the groupings of pictures. The memories were starting to come back, and with them came a sprinkling of doubt. Most of her memories brought her joy, but underneath it all she started to be filled with sorrow. She was not so sure she really wanted to be Liz after all.
tequathisy- thanks
xmag- Well, Tess probably did star in some unpleasant dreams for Liz when she arrived, but that is not what she is talking about. She has been giving Liz some Valerium, a drug whose properties have not yet been discussed.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout.
Longest day part 16
Maria-
“I just got hold of Michael. He said they were refueling the Hummer and will be back in about twenty to thirty minutes. We’re to see how many people are there as much as we can without endangering ourselves,” Maria said.
Courtney lowered the binoculars and said, “Well I count around twelve left at the hotel. Two of them, I do not recognize, including that man we nearly bumped into before got to the church. I don’t see the girl, but there is a Hispanic woman I don’t recall. That makes three new faces. I tell you I don’t like this one bit. They shouldn’t be here.”
“Maybe they are human like me. I mean I am still here in this nightmare, so maybe they could be too.”
“It is possible I suppose, but both of the people who we saw go into the car near the church; they were at the very least not fully human. There was something off about their energy signatures, although the girl’s seemed strangely familiar. Very strange, I have to tell you.”
“Energy signatures,” Maria asked, “You can see their auras or something?”
“Yeah,” Courtney said with a chuckle. “It’s one of the first things a Rhyjhael learns, child’s play so to speak. Probably so we can tell who people are under their husk.”
“So Michael and the rest, they can do that too?”
“Maybe, I am not sure. It is something we are always taught, well the other races learn different stuff.”
“Like what?”
“Looks like today I get to teach. Okay, Antar has three main groups, the Rhyjhaelians, Mitharans, and Tarans. The Rhyjhaelians are those whom you know of as the Skins. We are biologically different from the others; we live in the sea in ancient underwater cities. We developed the husks to do stuff outside of our cities, which we need as we are very sensitive to environmental contaminants. So the first things we learn are to scan people and the environment to make sure we can trust them.
The Mitharans, well they are tricky bastards. I believe that the first things they learn are to scan people, only they learn it much more in depth than we do. They tend to focus a bit more on controlling others, and not being controlled in return. Let’s just say that Tess, who is very Mitharan, has powers that fit squarely with her former race. So does Richard. The Mitharans and Rhyjhaelians hate each other, probably because the Mitharans own a lot of the coastal territories on Antar and we are always fighting over stuff.
Lastly, and definitely not least we come to the Tarans. They’re biologically similar to the Mitharans, but ethnically different. They focus more on manipulating the world rather than each other. They have ruled Antar for a long time. Hell, Antar means world of the Tarans. I think the first thing they learn is how to make light. They even have devices to practice with for that very purpose, a training tool.
As to the Colonies, I am not sure; they probably follow the Taran model. You humans have potential, too. I often wonder what you people will eventually develop into, assuming you don’t get overrun and killed off.”
“Okay. Is there going to be a quiz later, should I be taking notes,” Maria commented, a bit sarcastically.
“Look, little girl. I may look young, but really I am over eighty. I know stuff, things you guys need to know if you want to live. I worked for Vilandra, I was on her staff. I met Rath and Zan and Ava. I can not say I knew them well, but I did know them. For the problems we faced as a world, Zan was too much of a light weight. The reforms he backed were needed, but no one would follow him. We needed strength, and that Rath had. With Vilandra at his side he would have moved our world into a golden age.”
Maria looked worriedly at the visibly angry Courtney, “I am sorry…”
“Let me finish,” Courtney said cutting Maria off. “Things are different now. They are different, I look at Michael, and I can not help but see Rath. But he isn’t really Rath, not really. And with them being so close in age in this life, with them being such good friends. This time loyalty to a regime, loyalty to an oath will not be the only thing that stays his hand. This time, maybe because they grew up together, maybe because they are so close in age, maybe this time they can work together better. Maybe this time he won’t have to choose between success and honor. Maybe, just maybe they can win this time. And so this time without reservations I will follow. I know where I stand, do you?”
Maria looked off into the distance, into the hotel parking lot. She still did not know what to think of Courtney. She did not like her, but Maria realized she would have to get used to her. She really wasn’t going away. My own personal Tess, annoying as hell, but too useful to get rid of or ignore. I’ll have to ask Liz on coping tips, not that I think she has been coping well. I have to start somewhere right?
Maria raised the binoculars to her eyes to catch a better glimpse of what was going on down there. She watched, but she wasn’t really looking. What do you say in a situation like this? I do not want to make her too mad or she might kill me. I guess the truth will have to do. “I don’t really know where I stand. I like Michael, I like him a lot, but there are times when well his insensitivity drives me crazy. I mean, when I saw him with you that one day, I thought we were over, but since then, well I really don’t know. He’s been nice to me today so far.”
She could hear Courtney chuckle, “Yeah well the Antaran military is not the place to learn romance, and from what I have heard his life here hasn’t helped much. Don’t worry; I won’t poach on your territory again. I mean, while mixing business and pleasure, is well pleasurable, it does lead to complications.”
“Thank you.” It’s not going to stop me from worrying about you or some other tramp. She lowered her binoculars to look at Courtney again, only to find that Courtney was also observing the enemy.
“Your welcome and I was serious before, if we get out of this I will try to teach you what I can. I don’t know what you can learn, but maybe I can at least get you able to recognize energy signatures.” Courtney adjusted her binoculars. “It looks like someone kicked over an anthill over there. I really wish I knew who that lady was and what she is screaming at old Nicky for.”
Maria watched Courtney for a few moments, watched as her skin seemed to ripple, as her hands began to tremor. “Courtney, why are your hands shaking?”
----
Courtney
My hands are not shaking. Courtney turned and looked at Maria. “What are you talking about?” Right then a violent tremor swept through her body and the binoculars slipped from her hand. And fell over the ledge and onto the roof tiles to clatter noisily on the ground. With one action I threaten us all, damn it. She ducked down, reaching out with a trembling hand to pull Maria down.
“Courtney, what is wrong?”
Courtney reached up to the corner point of her face and tried in vain to pull a sheet of Skin loose. She tried again on her arms. “Shit, shit. Oh, please God, no.” She reached out with her talents, and found what she was afraid of. Lead dust, probably from the old peeling paint. It probably wasn’t really safe for Maria, but if she was right and her Skin was failing her, then she was dead. She just hadn’t lain down yet.
“Courtney?”
“Maria, I need you to look in my mouth, at my gums.”
“Ewww.”
“Please, my life may depend on it.” She opened her mouth for Maria to check her gums.
“Hmm, well I don’t see anything that a little flossing and some Listerine can’t cure.”
Maybe she was wrong; maybe she still had some time.
Maria continued her inspection, “Do you usually have those weird blue lines on your gums. Is that like some alien thing?”
Courtney was dead of lead poisoning; it would be a little while for the effects to be fully felt. But the tremors, they were indeed under way. They would give way to severe convulsions as her muscles began to spasm, eventually leading to either respiratory or coronary distress. She was in for a couple hours of hell, and then she would die, knowing she had once again failed.
“Are you okay? You look, I don’t know. Like I told you were going to die or something. I mean surely it can’t mean that, right?”
Courtney just sat there, dazed while she breathed in more tainted air, her hands continued to tremor.
“Oh, come on, you have got to be kidding. Who will teach me freaky alien stuff huh? And have you thought of Mr. Parker, I mean, who will cover your shifts once you’re gone.” Maria peeked over the edge, “Oh, no. Please you have to get up. They must have seen your binoculars fall or heard it crash or something, because a couple of them just entered the church.”
Maybe she could not save Michael, but maybe she could save Maria. And hopefully, Maria might be able to save Michael. It’s not likely, but it is what I have got. I will hide her in the attic; it can not be as polluted as this. Courtney stood up and said, “Okay, come on let’s go. I need to get you out of here.”
Courtney shakily climbed down the ladder and into the attic. She scanned the room, and while it was not perfectly safe it was better. Someone needs to call the EPA on these guys. At least the asbestos is still sealed beneath the newer fiberglass. She spied a blanket. That will be perfect.
Maria climbed down behind her and said, “So you are okay?”
“Not really, no. But that is not important; I need you to protect Michael from himself. He is too impulsive and well, he is loyal to the point he might get himself killed for nothing. Promise me you will help him, because he is really stubborn.”
“Stubborn and impulsive, yeah that’s Michael alright.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise, what is this all about anyway?”
“I guess that will have to do,” Courtney said as she weakly blasted Maria, knocking her unconscious. She grabbed the blanket, warped the light around the blanket to dim it from both visible and infrared, and threw it over Maria. She should be safe, even if the light shield won’t last long. It should last long enough. She stood there a second, she came to a decision and reached over and placed her hand on Maria’s head. Her hand glowed briefly before she once again placed the blanket over the unconscious girl.
Memories, it’s the very least I can do for her. And pray she keeps her promise.
Courtney walked towards the stairs that would lead her to the rest of the church, and likely, her former comrades. She was ready to fight and to die. She had done what she could; Michael would have to save himself. Hopefully with some help he would succeed.
It was all she could do, but this time at least, she would be counted on the right side.
----
Isabel-
She hurt. Once more she could smell that burning flesh smell. Only this time it was her, and it hurt.
She could see her headset lying across the hallway, but it might have been across the galaxy for all the good it could do her. I need to figure out a way to protect myself. If I move the headset over here, they will know where I am. I can not count on a lucky break to eliminate them.
She watched as a small blue spark leaped from her burnt hand. Electricity, Whitaker could not stand up to it. Maybe if I could prepare a lightning bolt or something. But I don’t know how. She slumped slightly against the wall unto which she had been flung. And her other hand felt an electrical outlet.
Maybe this would work. I don’t know if there would be enough power to just pull a lightning bolt out of the wall, but maybe I could pool the electricity to build one.
And so behind her back she prepared a surprise for the next enemy to face her.
----
Emily/ Liz
The shape-shifter got out of the car. It walked to one of the Tumbleweed Motel’s doors. It stopped, turned around, and said, “Well come on, don’t you want to regain who you were?”
Emily reluctantly got out of the car and followed the abomination. She walked into the dimly lit room that it opened for her. She did not know what to expect, but she did not expect the room to look so normal. It was clean, but not perfect. The only thing out of place was the large number of photo albums and manila folders lying on the bed.
“Sorry about the mess,” the Shape-shifter said, “It’s a bit of an occupational hazard. Not to mention photography is also a hobby of mine, although it will come in handy right now. Oh, right, we have never really met, at least not personally. I have met you many times, but I doubt you recognize me. The name is Dorian, and you are Liz Parker.”
“I know.”
“What else do you remember? Do you remember Maria and Alex? Your parents, Jeff and Nancy, or your delightful grandmother Claudia, may she rest in peace?” A slight smile covers his face, “Or maybe you just remember Max.”
All of the names touched her, she knew them somehow. They were important, particularly the last. Max, his name brought the most emotion, a veritable storm of longing, fear, desire, and guilt. “I don’t know, they all sound familiar, like of a story I was once told. But it doesn’t seem real.”
“It will come to you. Just look through what I have left and your memories will return. She did not have you long enough to fully program you. And Liz, remember, you are under my protection. I will see that she doesn’t bother you again, as much as I can.”
“Thank you, Dorian,” Emily said softly as she riffled through the books.
“And Liz, try to remember not to remember me. It would be best if everyone did not know I am here.”
“Okay”
“Now I am going to see if I can keep your friends and my wards from getting themselves killed trying to rescue you.” With that, Dorian left the room.
Emily, or was it Liz, sat quietly looking through the groupings of pictures. The memories were starting to come back, and with them came a sprinkling of doubt. Most of her memories brought her joy, but underneath it all she started to be filled with sorrow. She was not so sure she really wanted to be Liz after all.
Thanks to everyone reading this story, particularly to those leaving feedback.
xmag- Thanks, it was one of my goals in this portion of this fic to try to make Courtney seem to be of some value. I mean, did you see one of the group shed a tear or even comment on Courtney after she died? And even before she died, she did not give any real help to the podsquad that was not forced on her by circumstance.
As to her life expectancy, well I don't know that I would want to sell her life insurance right now. She certainly thinks she is going to die. The memories were a last minute attempt to help the group. Who knows though, she may suprise me.
secretgurl- Thanks. No Liz/Emily in this part though, she is still looking through Dorian's large photo collection of the podsquad and company. She is going to need some help from her friends, and its still going to be a bit of a bumpy road.
One bit of irony though, with her red hair, lighter skin, and blue eyes, Emily probably looks more like Nancy Parker than Liz does. It had not even crossed my mind until I saw some episodes on the Sci-fi channel the other day.
Disclaimer- Some ideas and scenes may be taken from Wipeout
Longest Day part 17
Kyle-
This is truly agonizing. They had been running around for what seemed to be hours, but according to his watch only twenty minutes. While they had heard from Max, who apparently was still tied up near the admittance office, they had not heard anything from Isabel. All they knew was that she was on the second floor.
In a way it was good that Max was stuck where he was, as the Skins seemed to use that entrance almost exclusively. They had dealt with a couple of others that been wandering through other parts of the school. Max said that the rest were just waiting near the entrance; that almost twenty of them were there. He recognized all of them from Whitaker’s funeral too.
So Michael’s crazy plan seems to be working. I don’t know if I should be grateful, or worried about how it’s all going to fall apart. Michael’s plans don’t usually work that great, or so I have been told. I hope that we are enough of a distraction so that they can rescue Liz. But they better hurry or they will need to rescue us too.
They came to the end of the maintenance passageway. Kyle turned to a tired looking Tess, “Can you sense anyone on the other side of the door?”
Her face crumpled slightly, “No, no one is there. Kyle, how do you know about all of these corridors?”
“Dad was going over the plans to the school one day a couple of years ago. I think they were trying to figure out what to do if there was a shooting or hostage situation, you know preparing for a long shot contingency.” But then I am walking down a maintenance corridor with a reincarnated alien queen, so maybe the odds aren’t so bad. “I have used them a couple of times to pull some pranks, but most often the doors are locked. It has let me get believable alibis though, as I can cut through the basement and get to the other side of the school without anyone seeing me. I even swiped a set of keys, copied them, and returned them.”
“Does your dad know about this?”
“Buddha save me, I hope not.”
“Maybe you’re of more use than I thought,” Tess said coquettishly.
“Thanks, I think,” Kyle replied. He looked back at her, which may have been a mistake. Her eyes are so deep and blue. And even tired and sweaty, she still looks hot. His heart began to race, as he looked at her luscious lips. A trace of desire swept through him as he remembered the night only a few weeks back, when she had been so mad at Max. I want her. I am such a fool, I want her so. But she is not for me. She desires only Destiny, and her vision of Destiny is Max.
He remembered again his date with her last year. How she had used him, leading him on only to constantly frustrate him. He had talked with Liz about that night, about why Tess had done what she had done. How all of it was just to lead Max on, to push him to Destiny. He had not fully believed then, but well it was probably true. No matter how much it hurt his pride. Looking back on it, her interest in him a couple weeks back probably had more to do with her anger at Max than her desire for him.
Damn it.
He wasn’t sure when it had started to matter, when just having fun was no longer the sole object. But it had. I still want her, but she will never really want me. I would only be used, and to be honest, in my knowledge of this, that it would never be lasting, I would only be using her as well. It might be fun, but probably bad karma. He reluctantly turned away, noticing, but believing it to be illusion, the slight flash of disappointment on her face.
Besides, we need to find Isabel and Max. We don’t really have time anyway. “Come on, let’s go,” Kyle said quietly as they walked through the door closest to the eastern stairwell.
----
Isabel-
Her mind was wavering, drifting down the paths her life had trod. She found herself alone in the desert. She vaguely recognized it from her dreams, the dreams that Tess had instigated. There were symbols written in the sand, but she had no time to study them. For she was dressed for a dance, and as the music played she held her partner tight. But the partner changed as the music wore on.
Her first partner was Grant. She was dressed well but casually, she recalled buying the skirt and blouse. She did not really love him, but he was fun. There was no taint of her past with him; she was simply Isabel Evans. He was who she thought she should want. He represented Illusion.
Her second partner was also familiar, Alex. Once more she was in his dream, dancing in his arms in a red dress. She cared for him, and feared that the feelings went deeper. He was kind, considerate, often funny, but perhaps most of all perceptive. He saw her, really saw who she was, and loved her anyway. And it scared her. He represented Truth.
Her third partner was both familiar and strange. She was dancing with a smartly uniformed older man, while dressed in an iridescent white gown. Somehow she knew that they were dancing the wedding dance that they had never really had. For the man was who Michael had once been and had died on their wedding day. She had cared for him, they had been friends, but it was not love that brought them to the altar. He represented Duty.
Lastly she danced with an unbelievably handsome man. Her gown was a shimmering dark gray, it flowed around her as if it were a mere wisp of cloud. She had loved him. And he had loved her. They were soul mates and they had loved each other so deeply, with a bond so deep as to be all but unbreakable. But it had broken; weep for it though she may. For she recognized him, he was Khivar. And he represented Desire.
And so she danced, while a tear tracked down her face.
Behind her back in the real world the electricity continued to pool into her waiting right hand.
----
Michael-
“I can’t seem to raise either of the girls,” Michael said. “Max said that most of the Skins are at the school, though. So if we are going to do this we need to do it soon.”
Richard nodded and pulled the Hummer over. As they had decided in their planning session, he parked around a half block away from the church that Courtney and Maria had staked out. So as to use their intel, but to also approach from an angle.
Michael loosened up and began the mental exercises that Tess had taught him. He knew he was ready when he could feel the energy tingling at his finger tips, ready to be loosed on a moments notice. He watched impatiently as Richard checked all of his gear.
It took only a minute or two and Richard said, “Let’s go.”
Michael merely grunted, and both of them moved stealthily into the hotel’s parking lot.
----
Tess-
Her heart was still racing from the moment that she and Kyle had shared. Why had he stopped? Why can’t Max look at me like that? Why does it have to be so hard? We are married! Why can’t he make me feel like that? She stared at Kyle. I know he likes me, so why did he stop? Her mind almost wailed.
Kyle apparently was thinking different thoughts however, as he rummaged through his pockets. “Hey Tess, do you have fifty cents,” he said as he stared at the vending machine next to the stairs.
“Come on Kyle we don’t have time for that. I’ll buy you breakfast, or lunch, or whatever when this is over, okay? Let’s just find Isabel,” Tess said as she cautiously stalked up the stairway.
“Yeah, well I hope it’s soon. I knew I should have grabbed a bigger breakfast before we went fishing this morning,” Kyle grumbled.
Both of them grew quiet as they climbed the stairs, for they could just barely make out voices. As Tess cleared the stairs she could make out one of the figures, staring down at a girl sitting with her back to the wall. It was Isabel! They had found her, and just in time.
“So, you’re the infamous Vilandra. You know there is quite the prize for capturing you, but after what you did to Lissa. Well I’m just going to put you down like the pitiful bitch you are.”
Tess could not quite catch what Isabel said back. The words seemed familiar, tugging at her memory, even though she had never heard them before. What ever Isabel said shocked the Skin, who raised his hand to blast her.
They were too far for Tess to be able to do much, “Kyle, take that Skin down!”
Before he could take the shot, however, a loud thundering boom came, as a lightning bolt leapt from Isabel’s right hand. Tess was stunned at the power the bolt held. I knew Isabel was powerful, but this is incredible! I should have dragged both Max and Isabel off to practice with Michael this summer. How did she do that? What else can they do that I can’t? How much do they really know?
Kyle passed her and moved towards Isabel. “Come on, I think she’s hurt.”
He stopped well short of her though. Isabel made a dramatic twist of her right hand and lightning played about it. She made a stopping motion with her other left hand, which seemed burnt. Her eyes looked… different, the pupils seemed somehow enlarged and of an oval shape, almost like an almond. She barked some sort of command at Kyle. Her voice was lower and powerful. She seemed powerful and forbidding, even while she sat propped up on the wall.
Tess could feel Isabel projecting her powers to make here seem more majestic and powerful. Something Isabel was actually fairly practiced at, as she used a fraction of her full capability to strengthen her Ice Princess persona. Kyle was looking at her like he had never truly seen her before, awed and slightly afraid.
Isabel turned to her, smiled and said something to her in that strange language. She is speaking Antaran! Tess could almost make out the words. Maybe if she keeps talking I will remember. I have to keep her talking.
But whatever her wishes, Isabel’s eyes changed back and she watched the two of them warily, before succumbing to unconsciousness.
----
Maria-
She was running down a corridor. It was intensely familiar, while being exotic and strange. She was full of fear, there were killers everywhere. No place was safe, and she was more afraid for those she cared for than herself. But she was going to be too late. She knew it even as she ran to their rescue, not knowing if her presence would change the outcome at all. But she had to take a stand.
She was simultaneously afraid of running into opposition and worried why none of her allies were with her. She was all alone.
She came to the Chapel’s door, and once more noticed that no one was there. She knew it was just her imagination, but she could all but hear the roar of the enemy army on her heels. And no one was guarding the King, not that she cared for him, but those whom she loved were of his party. They would fall or stand with him and so, God help her, would she.
The door began to open…
Maria could hear static in her ear. It was so unlike her alarm. She felt stiff, she must have fallen off her bed while sound asleep. It had all been a dream. It must have been some dream; I was even starting to like Courtney too. Huh, I will have to check mom’s dream books to see what it all means. And that last bit was so weird.
Sigh. Time to get up and go to work. At least Courtney and Michael are off today. Hmm, if Alex drops by, I need to see if he can help me persuade Liz to do a movie night or something. She just hasn’t been herself lately. Ah, life in the alien abyss.
She quickly realized that something was wrong. First she was wearing a headset, that’s where the static was coming from. She was also dressed in her Crash uniform, albeit a dirty uniform. Worse, she seemed to be in the attic of St Matthew’s
It’s all real. Instead of a strange dream it’s all a real nightmare.
Where is Courtney? She was acting strange. Why did she leave me here?
She could hear voices coming from downstairs. She quietly walked towards the edge of the stairs to the attic to hear better.
“You checked very well upstairs, there is no one else there?” a deep male voice said.
“No sir. I did not see anyone sir,” was another males voice.
“I can not believe that this expedition has gone so badly. I mean, we are hunting a group of teenagers! I capture one of them, turn my back and someone has taken her back. You Rhyjhael are worthless,” the first voice said. “Where is the renegade?”
She peeked around the corner and saw the thuggish man she had seen earlier leaving with the girl moving towards Courtney. Maria ducked back behind the corner and readied her headset.
I only hope that they are close enough to hear me. Courtney needs their help.
---
Courtney-
The tremors had gotten worse. Well, I am not quite to convulsions yet. Thank heaven for small treasures, even if it’s only temporary. Today had truly shown her how rusty her combat skills were, of course there had not been much call for them. Her tremors had made her accuracy worse, and so it was no surprise that she had been taken really. She had only been surprised they had not killed her out of hand.
She saw a large man walk over to her. While his gait and posture screamed soldier, his look and attitude made his seem more like an extra off some mob movie. Where did they get this guy, Thugs-R-Us? She felt a tiny bit of hope when she saw Zack with him. Maybe she would live through this after all.
“Here she is, Ragar,” said Zack.
Who the hell is this guy? There was no Ragar in our ships records. It bothers me that I do not know who or what he is.
“Why is she shaking like that?”
“Toxic shock I think, probably lead poisoning from the symptoms. Her new skin is too young to peel.”
“You Rhyjhaelians and your disgusting husks. If you were not so useful we would have exterminated you all long ago.”
He turned to face Courtney, “Where is the girl?”
Damn, they must be chasing Maria. I thought I had hid her well enough. It’s good that she hasn’t been caught yet. Good for her. Run, girl. You are my last hope at saving Michael.
His slap brought her out of her reverie. “Where is the girl?” he asked for a second time.
When in doubt, lie. Hmm, he hates us all so, let’s try weak and whiny. “They came and got her. They did not trust me, so they kept me here to watch you guys. Please don’t hurt me.”
He looked at her. “I don’t believe you. You actually know where she is, but you’re probably too weak for me to properly interrogate. Damn. I have to trust that little weasel.” He turned to Zack and said,”Let me know when Nicholas gets here. I want to be present. And if you let her escape…” With the implied threat he left the church.
After Ragar left she looked at Zack. He had been one of her fellow conspirators for so long, a Michael-worshipper so to speak. She did not expect to see the look of pure hatred on her friends face.
But why does he hate me?
xmag- Thanks, it was one of my goals in this portion of this fic to try to make Courtney seem to be of some value. I mean, did you see one of the group shed a tear or even comment on Courtney after she died? And even before she died, she did not give any real help to the podsquad that was not forced on her by circumstance.
As to her life expectancy, well I don't know that I would want to sell her life insurance right now. She certainly thinks she is going to die. The memories were a last minute attempt to help the group. Who knows though, she may suprise me.
secretgurl- Thanks. No Liz/Emily in this part though, she is still looking through Dorian's large photo collection of the podsquad and company. She is going to need some help from her friends, and its still going to be a bit of a bumpy road.
One bit of irony though, with her red hair, lighter skin, and blue eyes, Emily probably looks more like Nancy Parker than Liz does. It had not even crossed my mind until I saw some episodes on the Sci-fi channel the other day.
Disclaimer- Some ideas and scenes may be taken from Wipeout
Longest Day part 17
Kyle-
This is truly agonizing. They had been running around for what seemed to be hours, but according to his watch only twenty minutes. While they had heard from Max, who apparently was still tied up near the admittance office, they had not heard anything from Isabel. All they knew was that she was on the second floor.
In a way it was good that Max was stuck where he was, as the Skins seemed to use that entrance almost exclusively. They had dealt with a couple of others that been wandering through other parts of the school. Max said that the rest were just waiting near the entrance; that almost twenty of them were there. He recognized all of them from Whitaker’s funeral too.
So Michael’s crazy plan seems to be working. I don’t know if I should be grateful, or worried about how it’s all going to fall apart. Michael’s plans don’t usually work that great, or so I have been told. I hope that we are enough of a distraction so that they can rescue Liz. But they better hurry or they will need to rescue us too.
They came to the end of the maintenance passageway. Kyle turned to a tired looking Tess, “Can you sense anyone on the other side of the door?”
Her face crumpled slightly, “No, no one is there. Kyle, how do you know about all of these corridors?”
“Dad was going over the plans to the school one day a couple of years ago. I think they were trying to figure out what to do if there was a shooting or hostage situation, you know preparing for a long shot contingency.” But then I am walking down a maintenance corridor with a reincarnated alien queen, so maybe the odds aren’t so bad. “I have used them a couple of times to pull some pranks, but most often the doors are locked. It has let me get believable alibis though, as I can cut through the basement and get to the other side of the school without anyone seeing me. I even swiped a set of keys, copied them, and returned them.”
“Does your dad know about this?”
“Buddha save me, I hope not.”
“Maybe you’re of more use than I thought,” Tess said coquettishly.
“Thanks, I think,” Kyle replied. He looked back at her, which may have been a mistake. Her eyes are so deep and blue. And even tired and sweaty, she still looks hot. His heart began to race, as he looked at her luscious lips. A trace of desire swept through him as he remembered the night only a few weeks back, when she had been so mad at Max. I want her. I am such a fool, I want her so. But she is not for me. She desires only Destiny, and her vision of Destiny is Max.
He remembered again his date with her last year. How she had used him, leading him on only to constantly frustrate him. He had talked with Liz about that night, about why Tess had done what she had done. How all of it was just to lead Max on, to push him to Destiny. He had not fully believed then, but well it was probably true. No matter how much it hurt his pride. Looking back on it, her interest in him a couple weeks back probably had more to do with her anger at Max than her desire for him.
Damn it.
He wasn’t sure when it had started to matter, when just having fun was no longer the sole object. But it had. I still want her, but she will never really want me. I would only be used, and to be honest, in my knowledge of this, that it would never be lasting, I would only be using her as well. It might be fun, but probably bad karma. He reluctantly turned away, noticing, but believing it to be illusion, the slight flash of disappointment on her face.
Besides, we need to find Isabel and Max. We don’t really have time anyway. “Come on, let’s go,” Kyle said quietly as they walked through the door closest to the eastern stairwell.
----
Isabel-
Her mind was wavering, drifting down the paths her life had trod. She found herself alone in the desert. She vaguely recognized it from her dreams, the dreams that Tess had instigated. There were symbols written in the sand, but she had no time to study them. For she was dressed for a dance, and as the music played she held her partner tight. But the partner changed as the music wore on.
Her first partner was Grant. She was dressed well but casually, she recalled buying the skirt and blouse. She did not really love him, but he was fun. There was no taint of her past with him; she was simply Isabel Evans. He was who she thought she should want. He represented Illusion.
Her second partner was also familiar, Alex. Once more she was in his dream, dancing in his arms in a red dress. She cared for him, and feared that the feelings went deeper. He was kind, considerate, often funny, but perhaps most of all perceptive. He saw her, really saw who she was, and loved her anyway. And it scared her. He represented Truth.
Her third partner was both familiar and strange. She was dancing with a smartly uniformed older man, while dressed in an iridescent white gown. Somehow she knew that they were dancing the wedding dance that they had never really had. For the man was who Michael had once been and had died on their wedding day. She had cared for him, they had been friends, but it was not love that brought them to the altar. He represented Duty.
Lastly she danced with an unbelievably handsome man. Her gown was a shimmering dark gray, it flowed around her as if it were a mere wisp of cloud. She had loved him. And he had loved her. They were soul mates and they had loved each other so deeply, with a bond so deep as to be all but unbreakable. But it had broken; weep for it though she may. For she recognized him, he was Khivar. And he represented Desire.
And so she danced, while a tear tracked down her face.
Behind her back in the real world the electricity continued to pool into her waiting right hand.
----
Michael-
“I can’t seem to raise either of the girls,” Michael said. “Max said that most of the Skins are at the school, though. So if we are going to do this we need to do it soon.”
Richard nodded and pulled the Hummer over. As they had decided in their planning session, he parked around a half block away from the church that Courtney and Maria had staked out. So as to use their intel, but to also approach from an angle.
Michael loosened up and began the mental exercises that Tess had taught him. He knew he was ready when he could feel the energy tingling at his finger tips, ready to be loosed on a moments notice. He watched impatiently as Richard checked all of his gear.
It took only a minute or two and Richard said, “Let’s go.”
Michael merely grunted, and both of them moved stealthily into the hotel’s parking lot.
----
Tess-
Her heart was still racing from the moment that she and Kyle had shared. Why had he stopped? Why can’t Max look at me like that? Why does it have to be so hard? We are married! Why can’t he make me feel like that? She stared at Kyle. I know he likes me, so why did he stop? Her mind almost wailed.
Kyle apparently was thinking different thoughts however, as he rummaged through his pockets. “Hey Tess, do you have fifty cents,” he said as he stared at the vending machine next to the stairs.
“Come on Kyle we don’t have time for that. I’ll buy you breakfast, or lunch, or whatever when this is over, okay? Let’s just find Isabel,” Tess said as she cautiously stalked up the stairway.
“Yeah, well I hope it’s soon. I knew I should have grabbed a bigger breakfast before we went fishing this morning,” Kyle grumbled.
Both of them grew quiet as they climbed the stairs, for they could just barely make out voices. As Tess cleared the stairs she could make out one of the figures, staring down at a girl sitting with her back to the wall. It was Isabel! They had found her, and just in time.
“So, you’re the infamous Vilandra. You know there is quite the prize for capturing you, but after what you did to Lissa. Well I’m just going to put you down like the pitiful bitch you are.”
Tess could not quite catch what Isabel said back. The words seemed familiar, tugging at her memory, even though she had never heard them before. What ever Isabel said shocked the Skin, who raised his hand to blast her.
They were too far for Tess to be able to do much, “Kyle, take that Skin down!”
Before he could take the shot, however, a loud thundering boom came, as a lightning bolt leapt from Isabel’s right hand. Tess was stunned at the power the bolt held. I knew Isabel was powerful, but this is incredible! I should have dragged both Max and Isabel off to practice with Michael this summer. How did she do that? What else can they do that I can’t? How much do they really know?
Kyle passed her and moved towards Isabel. “Come on, I think she’s hurt.”
He stopped well short of her though. Isabel made a dramatic twist of her right hand and lightning played about it. She made a stopping motion with her other left hand, which seemed burnt. Her eyes looked… different, the pupils seemed somehow enlarged and of an oval shape, almost like an almond. She barked some sort of command at Kyle. Her voice was lower and powerful. She seemed powerful and forbidding, even while she sat propped up on the wall.
Tess could feel Isabel projecting her powers to make here seem more majestic and powerful. Something Isabel was actually fairly practiced at, as she used a fraction of her full capability to strengthen her Ice Princess persona. Kyle was looking at her like he had never truly seen her before, awed and slightly afraid.
Isabel turned to her, smiled and said something to her in that strange language. She is speaking Antaran! Tess could almost make out the words. Maybe if she keeps talking I will remember. I have to keep her talking.
But whatever her wishes, Isabel’s eyes changed back and she watched the two of them warily, before succumbing to unconsciousness.
----
Maria-
She was running down a corridor. It was intensely familiar, while being exotic and strange. She was full of fear, there were killers everywhere. No place was safe, and she was more afraid for those she cared for than herself. But she was going to be too late. She knew it even as she ran to their rescue, not knowing if her presence would change the outcome at all. But she had to take a stand.
She was simultaneously afraid of running into opposition and worried why none of her allies were with her. She was all alone.
She came to the Chapel’s door, and once more noticed that no one was there. She knew it was just her imagination, but she could all but hear the roar of the enemy army on her heels. And no one was guarding the King, not that she cared for him, but those whom she loved were of his party. They would fall or stand with him and so, God help her, would she.
The door began to open…
Maria could hear static in her ear. It was so unlike her alarm. She felt stiff, she must have fallen off her bed while sound asleep. It had all been a dream. It must have been some dream; I was even starting to like Courtney too. Huh, I will have to check mom’s dream books to see what it all means. And that last bit was so weird.
Sigh. Time to get up and go to work. At least Courtney and Michael are off today. Hmm, if Alex drops by, I need to see if he can help me persuade Liz to do a movie night or something. She just hasn’t been herself lately. Ah, life in the alien abyss.
She quickly realized that something was wrong. First she was wearing a headset, that’s where the static was coming from. She was also dressed in her Crash uniform, albeit a dirty uniform. Worse, she seemed to be in the attic of St Matthew’s
It’s all real. Instead of a strange dream it’s all a real nightmare.
Where is Courtney? She was acting strange. Why did she leave me here?
She could hear voices coming from downstairs. She quietly walked towards the edge of the stairs to the attic to hear better.
“You checked very well upstairs, there is no one else there?” a deep male voice said.
“No sir. I did not see anyone sir,” was another males voice.
“I can not believe that this expedition has gone so badly. I mean, we are hunting a group of teenagers! I capture one of them, turn my back and someone has taken her back. You Rhyjhael are worthless,” the first voice said. “Where is the renegade?”
She peeked around the corner and saw the thuggish man she had seen earlier leaving with the girl moving towards Courtney. Maria ducked back behind the corner and readied her headset.
I only hope that they are close enough to hear me. Courtney needs their help.
---
Courtney-
The tremors had gotten worse. Well, I am not quite to convulsions yet. Thank heaven for small treasures, even if it’s only temporary. Today had truly shown her how rusty her combat skills were, of course there had not been much call for them. Her tremors had made her accuracy worse, and so it was no surprise that she had been taken really. She had only been surprised they had not killed her out of hand.
She saw a large man walk over to her. While his gait and posture screamed soldier, his look and attitude made his seem more like an extra off some mob movie. Where did they get this guy, Thugs-R-Us? She felt a tiny bit of hope when she saw Zack with him. Maybe she would live through this after all.
“Here she is, Ragar,” said Zack.
Who the hell is this guy? There was no Ragar in our ships records. It bothers me that I do not know who or what he is.
“Why is she shaking like that?”
“Toxic shock I think, probably lead poisoning from the symptoms. Her new skin is too young to peel.”
“You Rhyjhaelians and your disgusting husks. If you were not so useful we would have exterminated you all long ago.”
He turned to face Courtney, “Where is the girl?”
Damn, they must be chasing Maria. I thought I had hid her well enough. It’s good that she hasn’t been caught yet. Good for her. Run, girl. You are my last hope at saving Michael.
His slap brought her out of her reverie. “Where is the girl?” he asked for a second time.
When in doubt, lie. Hmm, he hates us all so, let’s try weak and whiny. “They came and got her. They did not trust me, so they kept me here to watch you guys. Please don’t hurt me.”
He looked at her. “I don’t believe you. You actually know where she is, but you’re probably too weak for me to properly interrogate. Damn. I have to trust that little weasel.” He turned to Zack and said,”Let me know when Nicholas gets here. I want to be present. And if you let her escape…” With the implied threat he left the church.
After Ragar left she looked at Zack. He had been one of her fellow conspirators for so long, a Michael-worshipper so to speak. She did not expect to see the look of pure hatred on her friends face.
But why does he hate me?
I would once again like to thank those of you for reading this story. In particular, thanks to xmag for your kind feed back.
xmag- It is more a case of apples and oranges. But Tess doesn't really realize that. She has recieved more training than any of the others, but really a lot of their skills are coming from repressed memories. An example would be Max's shield. He did not need to practice to generate it, although with practice he is getting better at holding it. Also in my backstory Vilandra is more than a spoiled princess, so she has more than just fashion tips and dancing steps to draw on.
Lastly, not to minimize what Isabel did regarding her lightning bolt, she did not really generate the bolt. She built it slowly from an electric outlet over the course of ten to twenty minutes. Tess doesn't realize that, so she is seeing Isabel as better at something than she may actually be.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas are from Wipeout, as are a couple of lines of dialog.
A/N- Please note that the section regarding Courtney is a little grim.
Longest day part 18
Kyle-
Wow. I have known that Isabel has been an alien for some time; she has even used her powers around me on occasion. Not often, mind, but she has. But not like a few minutes ago. To be honest both Tess and Isabel are a little scary. At least there on my side or more realistically I am on their side.
Kyle moved closer to Isabel, walking through the drifts of floating ash. Kyle turned to Tess and noticed that she was staring at Isabel with an odd look on her face. Her face was full of awe and a touch of envy. Kyle turned back to Isabel and carefully moved her slightly. That was when he noticed the burn near the center of her chest, the blouse she had been wearing singed around the entry point of the blast. There was a slight glowing iridescence coming from the wound, a pale glow he had last seen on Liz’s stomach last fall. Her left hand still released tiny green sparks.
“Tess, come here, Isabel is hurt pretty bad. I know that Max is the healer, but can you do anything for her?”
Tess rushed over to check on Isabel. “Well, I can help her a little. But the broken ribs and the energy burns, Max is going to have to do.” Tess looked around, “Do you think you can move her to a less exposed area? It is going to take Max a few minutes to heal her, and then he will need to recover.”
“Is it safe to move her? I mean, I know a good place, near one of the emergency exits. But if I am going to hurt her too badly by moving her, we should just have Max meet us here.”
Tess’s hands glowed as she ran a scan over Isabel. She said, “It is bad, but it looks worse than it probably is. As long as Max gets there quickly we should be fine. It will be painful for her. Hmm, but I think I can fix that, at least for a little while. Just pick her up and I will call Max.”
Kyle nodded and slung the rifle over his shoulder. He reached over and picked up Isabel. Looks like all that weight lifting is going to come in handy today after all. Buddha, but she is big girl. While Tess was talking on the walkie with Max, Kyle walked back towards the stairs.
Now that he had his arms full carrying Isabel, he felt helpless. As he walked down the stairs Tess had caught up with him, her face was full of thought. Personally he could not see how she could be so calm about all of this. He felt as if a whole swarm of Skins was staring at him right now.
Unfortunately he was right.
----
Max-
Max stared down at the body of the unconscious Skin. It actually worked. I wonder how far I can project it and how many I can stun at a time. The Skin had wandered into the admissions room where Max had been hiding for a while. He peeked through the window towards the main school entrance. He could see around ten Skins standing there talking to a new arrival. Walt Crawford.
Where did the others go?
He saw Walt Crawford talk into a walkie, and with a smile on his face he ordered the rest of the Skins to walk down the hallway, towards his sister and friends. I have to warn them!
“Kyle, Tess, please be careful. I think they know where you are and are headed towards you. Please take cover.”
There was no response.
“Michael, Courtney, Richard, anyone. We need help as soon as you can get here. Hello?”
Again, there was no response.
He was alone. He was alone and unarmed. His eyes drifted to the collapsed Skin. But maybe not helpless. He steeled himself for the confrontation and quietly left the admissions office. He followed cautiously after the Skins, prepared to defend his friends.
---
Tess-
She was deep in thought when she noticed that Kyle had stopped and let Isabel down onto the ground. Isabel moaned in pain, even though she was still unconscious. Her eyes whipped around to see why Kyle had changed their plans. He quickly brandished a gun, but before he could get off a shot, it was blasted from his grasp. He was then thrown against the wall.
Kyle!
She saw lots of Skins. They were surrounded. She did notice the maintenance corridor nearby. If she could just distract them they might just be able to escape again…
“Well what do we have here? If it isn’t the lost queen of Antar, with a wounded princess in tow. And another human, what did you do pass out flyers asking for human help?” Walt Crawford asked shaking his head slightly.
“You know who I am, don’t you think you should just leave me alone. If you do I won’t destroy you,” Tess said. It was a bluff of course, but hopefully they would not know that. Eighteen, I need to warp eighteen. I have never managed more than nine, and that was for a very brief time. I have to pick something terrifying to them. But what would frighten them so badly they might blindly flee.
Fire.
She did not expect Walt’s reaction at all. He was laughing, at her. At the very idea that she might be a threat.
Why do they think I am so weak?
“Oh, that was good. Look Ava, we know who you are. Now if you were one of the others, well maybe I might be a little worried. All you are is Zan’s spoiled child bride, his very own Marie Antoinette.”
No! I won’t accept that. I will show them. She started to pull all of the energy she could, she poured in all of her fear, pain, and sense of rejection. With the power filling her, she could sense all of them. The world began to lose coherence as she began the warp. Fire, I will give them fire.
A tiny corner of her mind noted the change of expression on Walt’s face. Time seemed to slow as she saw the humor change to shock and then to terror. Tess’s breath became faster and harsher, as though she was running hard.
I will give them fire.
The hallway filled with flame. Tess could feel the hard little points that represented the minds of the Skins as they winked out. She felt them shrivel, burn, and die. She felt two of them escape, leaping out of the way at the last minute. But they were so full of horror, they could only think of escape.
She was completely exhausted. The real world snapped back into focus, but it seemed only partly real. Why am I at school, I thought it was a Saturday? And why is it raining inside the building?
She collapsed even with the fire alarm blaring in the hallway. The world went dark.
---
Emily/Liz-
Dorian had pictures of everyone and she recognized most of the people in them. Friends, family, and acquaintances; she recognized them all. She could feel her memories, her very self, hovering just beyond reach. But there were some people who had more pictures than others.
The most common was a dark haired boy, one who grew up to be the young man she had seen in the flash she had had earlier today. She blushed at the intensity of emotion these pictures brought to her. For she loved him, wanted him more than anything, and he was as unreachable to her as the stars; but somehow she knew that was not by his choice. She knew that he loved her with a blinding intensity. He was Max, and he was first in her heart, and likely always would be.
The second was a cute blond girl, who grew to be a beautiful, if haughty, young woman. Her feelings toward her were complex; admiration, envy, resentment. She liked and disliked her, always an ally, but not always a friend. Her name was Isabel, and she was Max’s sister. It was a source of constant complication to their friendship.
Then there was Michael. His photos started later than the others. She knew him moderately well. He was annoying, aggravating, and impulsive. He was also intensely loyal to his friends, though he did not make friends easily. She was not sure she liked him, even though she trusted him, if not always his judgment.
Lastly there was a little slip of a girl. She had dark eyes and dark hair. It was herself. Of them all, she was the only one with baby pictures. But the strangest thing about all of her photos is how they felt differently than the other three. She had felt an intense devotion to them, whereas her photos felt like she was a puzzle. That she was some mystery that needed to be solved. That somehow she had changed everything somehow with her mere existence.
There was one picture in particular that drew her. That carried both the puzzlement from her pictures and the devotion from theirs. She stared at it. It seemed simple enough, just Max and Isabel getting off the bus and going to elementary school. Isabel’s eyes were full of joy and wonder. Max’s eyes were full of fear, overlain by shock at something he saw off camera.
-Flash-
It was the Royals first day of school. It struck him as immensely funny that the High King of Antar was going to be taught in a small school in a small town. The Evans had done well so far; he had to see some way to repay them. He only wished he had done so well by Rath, or Michael as he was going by now. At the very least he would try to get him transferred to this school, to be with the few of his kind on the planet.
It was a shame that he was stuck using such primitive recording equipment to cover their first day, but he had grown used to his camera. It was both a crucial part of his job, and had become a joy as a hobby as well. He got the camera ready as he saw their bus pull in. He started to take pictures as they got off the bus.
Vilandra was off the bus first and she looked overjoyed to be out and about. She always did love the social scene. Zan slowly took steps down the stairs, looking fearful. It is hard to believe that cocky Zan is so shy here and now. It is something we are going to have to work on. At that moment the unexpected occurred, Zan’s eyes looked across the playground and saw something. Dorian watched as emotions flickered across Zan’s face. It was if a light bulb had just lit, illuminating everything. Dorian watched in shock as the fear left Zan’s eyes and filled with hope and love.
Dorian looked to where Zan’s gaze had dropped. And he saw several little girls, but the one that seemed to draw the Royal gaze was a small dark haired girl. He took a shot of her. How does this change things? Without Ava here, how will he bond with the correct person. Is it already too late? She looked unremarkable, human. But somehow, he could feel things had changed. For the better or the worse he was not sure, but things had indeed changed.
End Flash-
----
Courtney-
“So aren’t you going to help me Zack?” Courtney asked. Her body was still wracked by the tremors brought on by her poisoning. What has happened? Why does he hate me?
“Help you? Why would I do that? You destroyed the Harvest! Lots of us are going to die now all because of you. So if you expect me to pity you, you are dead wrong. And hopefully soon just dead,” Zack replied. “You might as well just tell me where you stashed the girl. Or better yet, tell me where those damn hybrids keep the Granolith.”
“But he is alive again. They all are, and they are working together this time. If we help them we can make the war end. We can heal all the wounds that have opened. For God’s sake, we can finally have peace!”
“Still clinging to your worthless superstitions and your naiveté, grow up Courtney. It has been what, over fifty years since we landed here? It’s been longer back home; Khivar’s got a firm grasp on Antar now. He won’t give it up easily. Your so called saviors are dead, their clones are just hapless kids who Nicky will sweep up and destroy. After we gain the Granolith, we will return as heroes.”
“No please, you didn’t, you didn’t betray us did you?”
“They are all gone Courtney. Khivar still remembers you, for you we needed proof, the others well. They are all dead, and when you’re gone, you can tell them in whatever hell you traitors will inhabit, that you have failed. Utterly failed to save Rath for a second time. Come to think on it, you will likely be able to apologize to him yourself. Whatever, you obviously are not going to talk to me. But when you do see them, give them my regards.” Zack then kicked Courtney, hard, several times in the stomach.
Courtney lay there trembling and gasping for a breath. Run Maria, run. Help Michael. She closed her eyes certain things could not get worse. Until…
“Well,” Nicholas said, “imagine my surprise when my soldiers told me they had found you, Courtney. You always were the first to make new friends; I just want to know where yours might be hiding.”
“Go to hell Nicholas.”
“You know Liz Parker wished me the same. I have to admit I am impressed that your friends managed to grab her out of our little camp. But it seems they have abandoned you. Come on, Courtney be reasonable. All you have to do is talk.”
“Not until you need to shave daily.” Her muscles started to ache, a sign that the convulsions were not far. Not a good way to go, but soon I will have peace. Looks like they got to Liz, I must have been out for a while.
“You know we could heal you. We still have some of the chelating drugs. You have what, heavy metal poisoning? Lead poisoning probably. You know what is next; muscle spasms and severe convulsions. Not fun, the pain is supposed to be excruciating.” Nicholas grabbed her arm, which had been tensing up.
Courtney felt like her arm had been dipped into an acid bath. Her screams filled the room. When he let go of her arm, the pain subsided but did not disappear. Her screams faded to whimpers.
Nicholas looked at her and said, “Well it seems your lungs are still holding up. Help me and I will help you. I can give you the drugs to take away the pain, to remove the lead from your body. Come on, you have always been a survivor, surely you are not going to die for a couple of human kids standing in our way?”
Courtney could feel her muscles starting to tense, could feel the pain build. Tears began to roll down her face. Please, God, let me hold.
But she could feel herself wavering, could already sense the rationalizing going on in the recesses of her mind. The pain was just so great. I mean he could just rip it from my mind anyway. She could feel as her will drained by the agony, leaving in its place only a desire for the pain to end.
Sometimes things are decided by the slimmest of margins. For while pain and fear battled duty and honor in Courtney’s mind, with the former slowly winning, it was Nicholas’s impatience that ruled the day. Nicholas shook his head in disgust, turned to his fellows and said, “Hold her down, she is going into convulsions, and I am going to have to mind rape her.”
And once more the area was filled with Courtney’s screams.
----
Michael-
Michael had been surprised at how empty the Skin enclave was. Their first order of business had been to capture a Skin to let them know where Liz had been stashed. After a quick and vicious interrogation, we learned that she had already escaped. That only a few had been left because they were either at the school chasing Max and company or out trying to get Liz back.
It was just like Liz to escape without letting us know, making us risk our lives for no reason. And so we had just planned to whittle down the Skins’ ranks when we got the call from Maria.
“Michael, you have to save her. Courtney has been captured, and their hurting her. She is sick too, and well just hurry okay?”
“Um, where are you,” Michael asked over the headset. “Are you still at the Church, I told you to stay out of trouble?”
“We did, it’s just that trouble found us anyway. And he is kicking her, Michael why aren’t you already here yet?” Her voice was starting to get full of emotion.
He knew what that sound meant, she was going to cry. He hated it when she did that, it always made him feel guilty. He was always afraid it was something he had done. He knew he hurt her a lot, he could read it in her eyes. It was one of the reasons he had tried to stay away from her this summer, that and how dangerous he had become. It was just so hard, for the world was always so much grimmer without her.
He needed her, and it scared him. “Don’t worry, we are on the way. Stay out of sight.” Michael turned to Richard, “Did you hear?”
“It’s that church over there?”
“Yeah.”
Richard ruffled through his pockets, checked his pistols, and said, “Let’s go.”
----
Maria-
She was huddled in a corner in the attic, wrapped in the blanket Courtney had originally covered her with. The tears flowed freely down her face. She rocked back and forth sobbing. She could not think of how she could help Courtney, but as the screams began, she could not help feeling that she had failed the older woman.
Please hurry, please be safe. I swear if I make it through this things are going to change. Time is not something I am going to waste again. I hope they are all okay, I don’t know if I could make it if someone… if someone… died.
And so her thoughts went, as she sobbed to the sound of Courtney’s screams.
xmag- It is more a case of apples and oranges. But Tess doesn't really realize that. She has recieved more training than any of the others, but really a lot of their skills are coming from repressed memories. An example would be Max's shield. He did not need to practice to generate it, although with practice he is getting better at holding it. Also in my backstory Vilandra is more than a spoiled princess, so she has more than just fashion tips and dancing steps to draw on.
Lastly, not to minimize what Isabel did regarding her lightning bolt, she did not really generate the bolt. She built it slowly from an electric outlet over the course of ten to twenty minutes. Tess doesn't realize that, so she is seeing Isabel as better at something than she may actually be.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas are from Wipeout, as are a couple of lines of dialog.
A/N- Please note that the section regarding Courtney is a little grim.
Longest day part 18
Kyle-
Wow. I have known that Isabel has been an alien for some time; she has even used her powers around me on occasion. Not often, mind, but she has. But not like a few minutes ago. To be honest both Tess and Isabel are a little scary. At least there on my side or more realistically I am on their side.
Kyle moved closer to Isabel, walking through the drifts of floating ash. Kyle turned to Tess and noticed that she was staring at Isabel with an odd look on her face. Her face was full of awe and a touch of envy. Kyle turned back to Isabel and carefully moved her slightly. That was when he noticed the burn near the center of her chest, the blouse she had been wearing singed around the entry point of the blast. There was a slight glowing iridescence coming from the wound, a pale glow he had last seen on Liz’s stomach last fall. Her left hand still released tiny green sparks.
“Tess, come here, Isabel is hurt pretty bad. I know that Max is the healer, but can you do anything for her?”
Tess rushed over to check on Isabel. “Well, I can help her a little. But the broken ribs and the energy burns, Max is going to have to do.” Tess looked around, “Do you think you can move her to a less exposed area? It is going to take Max a few minutes to heal her, and then he will need to recover.”
“Is it safe to move her? I mean, I know a good place, near one of the emergency exits. But if I am going to hurt her too badly by moving her, we should just have Max meet us here.”
Tess’s hands glowed as she ran a scan over Isabel. She said, “It is bad, but it looks worse than it probably is. As long as Max gets there quickly we should be fine. It will be painful for her. Hmm, but I think I can fix that, at least for a little while. Just pick her up and I will call Max.”
Kyle nodded and slung the rifle over his shoulder. He reached over and picked up Isabel. Looks like all that weight lifting is going to come in handy today after all. Buddha, but she is big girl. While Tess was talking on the walkie with Max, Kyle walked back towards the stairs.
Now that he had his arms full carrying Isabel, he felt helpless. As he walked down the stairs Tess had caught up with him, her face was full of thought. Personally he could not see how she could be so calm about all of this. He felt as if a whole swarm of Skins was staring at him right now.
Unfortunately he was right.
----
Max-
Max stared down at the body of the unconscious Skin. It actually worked. I wonder how far I can project it and how many I can stun at a time. The Skin had wandered into the admissions room where Max had been hiding for a while. He peeked through the window towards the main school entrance. He could see around ten Skins standing there talking to a new arrival. Walt Crawford.
Where did the others go?
He saw Walt Crawford talk into a walkie, and with a smile on his face he ordered the rest of the Skins to walk down the hallway, towards his sister and friends. I have to warn them!
“Kyle, Tess, please be careful. I think they know where you are and are headed towards you. Please take cover.”
There was no response.
“Michael, Courtney, Richard, anyone. We need help as soon as you can get here. Hello?”
Again, there was no response.
He was alone. He was alone and unarmed. His eyes drifted to the collapsed Skin. But maybe not helpless. He steeled himself for the confrontation and quietly left the admissions office. He followed cautiously after the Skins, prepared to defend his friends.
---
Tess-
She was deep in thought when she noticed that Kyle had stopped and let Isabel down onto the ground. Isabel moaned in pain, even though she was still unconscious. Her eyes whipped around to see why Kyle had changed their plans. He quickly brandished a gun, but before he could get off a shot, it was blasted from his grasp. He was then thrown against the wall.
Kyle!
She saw lots of Skins. They were surrounded. She did notice the maintenance corridor nearby. If she could just distract them they might just be able to escape again…
“Well what do we have here? If it isn’t the lost queen of Antar, with a wounded princess in tow. And another human, what did you do pass out flyers asking for human help?” Walt Crawford asked shaking his head slightly.
“You know who I am, don’t you think you should just leave me alone. If you do I won’t destroy you,” Tess said. It was a bluff of course, but hopefully they would not know that. Eighteen, I need to warp eighteen. I have never managed more than nine, and that was for a very brief time. I have to pick something terrifying to them. But what would frighten them so badly they might blindly flee.
Fire.
She did not expect Walt’s reaction at all. He was laughing, at her. At the very idea that she might be a threat.
Why do they think I am so weak?
“Oh, that was good. Look Ava, we know who you are. Now if you were one of the others, well maybe I might be a little worried. All you are is Zan’s spoiled child bride, his very own Marie Antoinette.”
No! I won’t accept that. I will show them. She started to pull all of the energy she could, she poured in all of her fear, pain, and sense of rejection. With the power filling her, she could sense all of them. The world began to lose coherence as she began the warp. Fire, I will give them fire.
A tiny corner of her mind noted the change of expression on Walt’s face. Time seemed to slow as she saw the humor change to shock and then to terror. Tess’s breath became faster and harsher, as though she was running hard.
I will give them fire.
The hallway filled with flame. Tess could feel the hard little points that represented the minds of the Skins as they winked out. She felt them shrivel, burn, and die. She felt two of them escape, leaping out of the way at the last minute. But they were so full of horror, they could only think of escape.
She was completely exhausted. The real world snapped back into focus, but it seemed only partly real. Why am I at school, I thought it was a Saturday? And why is it raining inside the building?
She collapsed even with the fire alarm blaring in the hallway. The world went dark.
---
Emily/Liz-
Dorian had pictures of everyone and she recognized most of the people in them. Friends, family, and acquaintances; she recognized them all. She could feel her memories, her very self, hovering just beyond reach. But there were some people who had more pictures than others.
The most common was a dark haired boy, one who grew up to be the young man she had seen in the flash she had had earlier today. She blushed at the intensity of emotion these pictures brought to her. For she loved him, wanted him more than anything, and he was as unreachable to her as the stars; but somehow she knew that was not by his choice. She knew that he loved her with a blinding intensity. He was Max, and he was first in her heart, and likely always would be.
The second was a cute blond girl, who grew to be a beautiful, if haughty, young woman. Her feelings toward her were complex; admiration, envy, resentment. She liked and disliked her, always an ally, but not always a friend. Her name was Isabel, and she was Max’s sister. It was a source of constant complication to their friendship.
Then there was Michael. His photos started later than the others. She knew him moderately well. He was annoying, aggravating, and impulsive. He was also intensely loyal to his friends, though he did not make friends easily. She was not sure she liked him, even though she trusted him, if not always his judgment.
Lastly there was a little slip of a girl. She had dark eyes and dark hair. It was herself. Of them all, she was the only one with baby pictures. But the strangest thing about all of her photos is how they felt differently than the other three. She had felt an intense devotion to them, whereas her photos felt like she was a puzzle. That she was some mystery that needed to be solved. That somehow she had changed everything somehow with her mere existence.
There was one picture in particular that drew her. That carried both the puzzlement from her pictures and the devotion from theirs. She stared at it. It seemed simple enough, just Max and Isabel getting off the bus and going to elementary school. Isabel’s eyes were full of joy and wonder. Max’s eyes were full of fear, overlain by shock at something he saw off camera.
-Flash-
It was the Royals first day of school. It struck him as immensely funny that the High King of Antar was going to be taught in a small school in a small town. The Evans had done well so far; he had to see some way to repay them. He only wished he had done so well by Rath, or Michael as he was going by now. At the very least he would try to get him transferred to this school, to be with the few of his kind on the planet.
It was a shame that he was stuck using such primitive recording equipment to cover their first day, but he had grown used to his camera. It was both a crucial part of his job, and had become a joy as a hobby as well. He got the camera ready as he saw their bus pull in. He started to take pictures as they got off the bus.
Vilandra was off the bus first and she looked overjoyed to be out and about. She always did love the social scene. Zan slowly took steps down the stairs, looking fearful. It is hard to believe that cocky Zan is so shy here and now. It is something we are going to have to work on. At that moment the unexpected occurred, Zan’s eyes looked across the playground and saw something. Dorian watched as emotions flickered across Zan’s face. It was if a light bulb had just lit, illuminating everything. Dorian watched in shock as the fear left Zan’s eyes and filled with hope and love.
Dorian looked to where Zan’s gaze had dropped. And he saw several little girls, but the one that seemed to draw the Royal gaze was a small dark haired girl. He took a shot of her. How does this change things? Without Ava here, how will he bond with the correct person. Is it already too late? She looked unremarkable, human. But somehow, he could feel things had changed. For the better or the worse he was not sure, but things had indeed changed.
End Flash-
----
Courtney-
“So aren’t you going to help me Zack?” Courtney asked. Her body was still wracked by the tremors brought on by her poisoning. What has happened? Why does he hate me?
“Help you? Why would I do that? You destroyed the Harvest! Lots of us are going to die now all because of you. So if you expect me to pity you, you are dead wrong. And hopefully soon just dead,” Zack replied. “You might as well just tell me where you stashed the girl. Or better yet, tell me where those damn hybrids keep the Granolith.”
“But he is alive again. They all are, and they are working together this time. If we help them we can make the war end. We can heal all the wounds that have opened. For God’s sake, we can finally have peace!”
“Still clinging to your worthless superstitions and your naiveté, grow up Courtney. It has been what, over fifty years since we landed here? It’s been longer back home; Khivar’s got a firm grasp on Antar now. He won’t give it up easily. Your so called saviors are dead, their clones are just hapless kids who Nicky will sweep up and destroy. After we gain the Granolith, we will return as heroes.”
“No please, you didn’t, you didn’t betray us did you?”
“They are all gone Courtney. Khivar still remembers you, for you we needed proof, the others well. They are all dead, and when you’re gone, you can tell them in whatever hell you traitors will inhabit, that you have failed. Utterly failed to save Rath for a second time. Come to think on it, you will likely be able to apologize to him yourself. Whatever, you obviously are not going to talk to me. But when you do see them, give them my regards.” Zack then kicked Courtney, hard, several times in the stomach.
Courtney lay there trembling and gasping for a breath. Run Maria, run. Help Michael. She closed her eyes certain things could not get worse. Until…
“Well,” Nicholas said, “imagine my surprise when my soldiers told me they had found you, Courtney. You always were the first to make new friends; I just want to know where yours might be hiding.”
“Go to hell Nicholas.”
“You know Liz Parker wished me the same. I have to admit I am impressed that your friends managed to grab her out of our little camp. But it seems they have abandoned you. Come on, Courtney be reasonable. All you have to do is talk.”
“Not until you need to shave daily.” Her muscles started to ache, a sign that the convulsions were not far. Not a good way to go, but soon I will have peace. Looks like they got to Liz, I must have been out for a while.
“You know we could heal you. We still have some of the chelating drugs. You have what, heavy metal poisoning? Lead poisoning probably. You know what is next; muscle spasms and severe convulsions. Not fun, the pain is supposed to be excruciating.” Nicholas grabbed her arm, which had been tensing up.
Courtney felt like her arm had been dipped into an acid bath. Her screams filled the room. When he let go of her arm, the pain subsided but did not disappear. Her screams faded to whimpers.
Nicholas looked at her and said, “Well it seems your lungs are still holding up. Help me and I will help you. I can give you the drugs to take away the pain, to remove the lead from your body. Come on, you have always been a survivor, surely you are not going to die for a couple of human kids standing in our way?”
Courtney could feel her muscles starting to tense, could feel the pain build. Tears began to roll down her face. Please, God, let me hold.
But she could feel herself wavering, could already sense the rationalizing going on in the recesses of her mind. The pain was just so great. I mean he could just rip it from my mind anyway. She could feel as her will drained by the agony, leaving in its place only a desire for the pain to end.
Sometimes things are decided by the slimmest of margins. For while pain and fear battled duty and honor in Courtney’s mind, with the former slowly winning, it was Nicholas’s impatience that ruled the day. Nicholas shook his head in disgust, turned to his fellows and said, “Hold her down, she is going into convulsions, and I am going to have to mind rape her.”
And once more the area was filled with Courtney’s screams.
----
Michael-
Michael had been surprised at how empty the Skin enclave was. Their first order of business had been to capture a Skin to let them know where Liz had been stashed. After a quick and vicious interrogation, we learned that she had already escaped. That only a few had been left because they were either at the school chasing Max and company or out trying to get Liz back.
It was just like Liz to escape without letting us know, making us risk our lives for no reason. And so we had just planned to whittle down the Skins’ ranks when we got the call from Maria.
“Michael, you have to save her. Courtney has been captured, and their hurting her. She is sick too, and well just hurry okay?”
“Um, where are you,” Michael asked over the headset. “Are you still at the Church, I told you to stay out of trouble?”
“We did, it’s just that trouble found us anyway. And he is kicking her, Michael why aren’t you already here yet?” Her voice was starting to get full of emotion.
He knew what that sound meant, she was going to cry. He hated it when she did that, it always made him feel guilty. He was always afraid it was something he had done. He knew he hurt her a lot, he could read it in her eyes. It was one of the reasons he had tried to stay away from her this summer, that and how dangerous he had become. It was just so hard, for the world was always so much grimmer without her.
He needed her, and it scared him. “Don’t worry, we are on the way. Stay out of sight.” Michael turned to Richard, “Did you hear?”
“It’s that church over there?”
“Yeah.”
Richard ruffled through his pockets, checked his pistols, and said, “Let’s go.”
----
Maria-
She was huddled in a corner in the attic, wrapped in the blanket Courtney had originally covered her with. The tears flowed freely down her face. She rocked back and forth sobbing. She could not think of how she could help Courtney, but as the screams began, she could not help feeling that she had failed the older woman.
Please hurry, please be safe. I swear if I make it through this things are going to change. Time is not something I am going to waste again. I hope they are all okay, I don’t know if I could make it if someone… if someone… died.
And so her thoughts went, as she sobbed to the sound of Courtney’s screams.
Thanks once more for everyone reading this story, and in particular, xmag, Sternbetrachter, Natalie36, dusk, and Luna-Seer. Feedback is always appreciated.
xmag- Well Michael is on the way, whether he is fast enough, is covered in this post. Also covered is a bit of Liz's speculation on Dorian's identity. Just rememer that when I introduced him a few parts back that Emily(Liz) recognized him as a shape shifter. That's why she kept calling him an 'abomination.' As for Zack, he pretty much has to keep his preconceptions, because otherwise he has committed some pretty horrible things for no real reason. Rationalization is not only a human trait.
Natalie36- In a couple of parts all the survivors will meet, but it is going to take a while for them to get there. Two parts, maybe three at the outside.
Sternbetrachter- Thanks. Alex will have his part to play, just not yet.
Dusk- Thanks. I think I mention in my comments a couple parts back about how I felt that Courtney was underused. So many possibilities. In this one she decides to whole heartedly help Michael, and by extension the rest of the group. As to her survival, well even Nicholas called her a survivor. She is still not someone I would sell life insurance to at the moment.
Luna_Seer- Thanks. Most of your questions are adressed above. As to Liz and her memories, well it's only a matter of time before she is found. How much she will remember by then, whether she will be fully Liz, or still Emily is still to be determined.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas maybe taken from Wipeout. A bit of revised dialogue was take from Surprise, and an idea and a trace of dialogue from Chant Down Babylon is also present.
Longest day part 19
Max-
He was never quite sure why he raised his shield, but it manifested right in time. The whole hallway seemed to fill with a river of flame, rushing towards the admittance office. Just as suddenly it winked out, and through the smoke and haze he could see Tess waver and fall.
He could hear the loud footsteps of a couple of Skins, who were likely running for their lives. He let them run; he needed to help his friends. He lowered the green shield, and felt the sprinklers begin to soak his clothes. The paint along the walls was blistered and smoking as if from some great heat. The posters were gone, either burnt by the flames, or drenched by the sprinklers.
Max walked towards his friends. He noticed Kyle slowly pick himself up. Both Isabel and Tess lay so very still on the ground. He rushed to Isabel and prepared to heal her. Her wounds were serious, and normally he would need whomever he healed to be awake, to allow him to connect. But ever since they had left the pods, they had shared a bond. He could use that to open the connection. Strangely there did not seem the resistance he had noticed when he had healed major injuries before. Perhaps it was the bond they had always had.
And while he tried to honor her privacy, the images came, they always did. Most of them he knew, although it was strange to see things from her perspective rather than his. But there was one that caught his attention.
Flash-
Whitaker was a Skin. Some how she had captured and beaten Tess, she had thought Tess was her. She had killed Nasedo. But why, why go through all the trouble?
Whitaker stared at Isabel with a knowing smirk and said, “You don’t remember do you? Let me give me a piece of history about your planet. Your name was Vilandra, and you were beautiful, more beautiful than you are now.” Her gaze became sharp, piercing. “You had a great love. And for him, for Khivar, you would do anything. You betrayed your brother, your race.”
“No,” Isabel said. I couldn’t, no I wouldn’t do that would I? She’s lying, she has to be. She’s a Skin, she hurt Tess, she admitted to killing Nasedo. It can’t be true!
But she could feel that what Whitaker was saying had some truth. She did not know the details; she might never really learn them. It was not entirely a lie.
“You sacrificed him,” Whitaker continued. “You sacrificed everyone, even yourself. And history my dear, always repeats itself.”
But not entirely the truth either. Her parents were lawyers; she knew how much details could really matter. Isabel raised her chin, and with a sense of confidence she did not really have said, “God you are such a liar. Come on Tess.” She reached over to help a battered Tess back up again. “We are leaving,”
End Flash-
What to make of this? Surely this is one of the reasons for the distance that has opened between us. How many secrets is she keeping? How many are the rest of my friends keeping from me as well?
His reverie was broken when he noticed that Isabel’s breathing had evened out. Her eyes fluttered open and as she looked at Max, one of her rare, but radiant genuine smiles broke out. He could feel her gratefulness and love soaring through their bond, but he could still feel in the recesses of her mind a sense of wariness. Of worry of what he would do if he learned her secrets, of how it would hurt him.
And was she wrong? How did he feel? He wasn’t really sure himself, he had learned so much today. So he masked his new knowledge, masked his sense of hurt. She wasn’t the only one harboring secrets now.
She started to get up and brushed herself off. She looked to him and said, “Thanks Max. Thank you. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I am now. Just a little tired. You worried me, Iz.”
“I’m okay now, you do good work.” Isabel looked down and repaired the burnt areas of her blouse. “You know we should leave, this hard water from the sprinklers is going to just kill my hair. Hey where are the others?”
“Yeah I should take a look at Tess,” Max said. He looked over to where she had fallen. Only to see Tess cradled in Kyle’s arms. He held her with a tenderness that surprised Max.
Kyle spoke quietly to Tess, “Come on now, we have to get up. Come on little Tessa, it’s time to wake up.”
Isabel stood transfixed, seemingly as surprised as Max.
Tess opened her eyes slightly. She looked up at Kyle and smiled softly. “Kyle,” she said and snuggled closer to him before she fell back asleep.
Kyle smiled softly back at Tess, “Okay, princess, I guess I will have to carry you. But I am taking a rain check on that meal.” He looked up and saw both Max and Isabel staring at him; his smile slipped a little, becoming lopsided. He looked at Isabel and said, “It’s good to see you up and about.”
“Yeah, it’s good to see you too. Don’t you think we should go though, after Max looks at Tess of course?”
“Hmm,” Kyle said, “I think she’s just tired out. She doesn’t seem hurt any where.” As Max reached over to check on Tess, Kyle asked with a smirk, “So where to Senor Presidente?”
Max concentrated and ran his hands around an inch from Tess. “Your right Kyle, she just over exerted herself. Did you see what she did?”
“The hallway you mean, yeah, pretty freaky.” He got up still carrying Tess, “So where to, I got to admit this place isn’t my favorite even when I’m not being soaked by the sprinklers. Come to think of it, that alarm is getting on my nerves. So the Crash is out, and I presume we want to avoid any of our homes. The Skins have to know about them. So that leaves either the Tumbleweed or the Pod Chamber as the last rally points.”
Max could feel Isabel’s heated gaze burning a hole into his skull. He turned to her. Yeah, it’s not going to be pretty. Max could almost feel himself starting to cringe.
Her voice started softly, but by the end she was nearly screaming, “You told Kyle and not me about this whole stupid rally point scheme? Kyle? Whatever. Let me know where we are going. I am going to be in the Jeep. Assuming you think it’s relevant for me to know! Argghh!” With that last huff of indignation, she stalked out of the school.
Both Kyle and Max warily followed her. Max shook his head. It’s going to be a long day. He turned to Kyle and said, “So you really care for Tess.”
Kyle gave him an unreadable look. He spoke slowly, as if thinking carefully of his words. “Yeah, I do. Liz also. I care a lot about both of them.” He was quiet for a moment and looked away. He then continued softly, “But they both have eyes only for you.”
Max was quiet and he stopped walking, lost in thought.
Kyle looked back at him, “I need to go grab the cruiser, and I will meet you at your Jeep.”
And Max was once again alone.
----
Emily/Liz-
She needed to think. She was starting to get a grasp on who she was. Her memories were still scattered, but she got the gist of it. The others were Royals. So why did he have so many pictures of her? I can’t be the missing one. I can’t be Ava!
Wait. I have baby pictures. I was born. I have parents, they had pods. I can not be Ava.
Thank God. But somehow, I know she’s an issue.
I need to think, I’m getting too emotional. She reached over to her training crystal. She concentrated for a few moments, and as the device grew warm and began to glow dimly, Emily could feel her mind clear.
The real question is why he has taken all these pictures. I mean, only a parent or stalker would take this many pictures. Here are Maria and I at eight in our ballerina tutus. I still can’t believe I let her persuade me on that. Who would care? And, he’s a shape shifter. Hmm. She grabbed a pencil off the desk and wrote all she knew about Dorian, about shape shifters, about the reborn Royals.
She was shocked at the most likely conclusion. Well he did say he was off to protect his wards, who would try to save Liz. I think it is right.
Dorian was a Royal Protector.
----
Maria-
Maria was uncertain how long she had been sobbing. But she did notice that the screams from downstairs had grown piercing in intensity. Her grief was kindling a sense of determination inside her. The frustration continued to build, but what was she to do? She glanced around the dimly lit attic, trying to find anything she could use. There were boxes of stuff all over the place. But this was a church, what kind of useful stuff could she actually find anyway. It’s not like she could beat them over the head with candles and hymn books.
She walked over to a section that seemed to hold camping supplies. There were some tents, a couple of sleeping bags, a couple of tarps, camping stuff. There was also, on a nearby table, a flare gun and a box of flares. Hmm, there must be a camping trip soon, ‘cause I can’t see these always being let out. I mean a kid could hurt themselves with that. I wonder if it can be used as a weapon. There was a little booklet next to the flare gun and she looked through it briefly. At best it gives me one shot. But it is more than what I have. She grabbed the flare gun and a couple of flares.
She looked around again, there had to be something else, anything that she might use. And leaning against the wall she saw something, baseball bats. Thank heavens for Little League, I guess. She walked over and grabbed a small metal bat. It still wasn’t much, not against blast capable aliens. But she wasn’t completely helpless anymore.
And just in time, as over her walkie, she heard, “Okay, Blondie, we are right across the street. How many of them are in the church?”
She responded, “Five, I think, be careful Space boy.”
“Right, just stay put.”
Like she was going to mount her own attack, much as she might want to, she was not eager to die. What was she going to do with him?
From downstairs she could here the sounds of gunfire and explosions. She walked over to the stairwell to get a better look, and was surprised when she saw a Skin limping up the stairs. Maria shrieked in fright, and started hitting him with the bat. Exactly how many times she hit the Skin she never knew. But she stopped when she realized that he was unconscious.
She noticed it was quiet downstairs, the screams had stopped. Maria could hear Courtney’s voice talking quietly, but could not make out the words. It was the voice that replied that set her heart a twitter. Michael. He had saved them.
She moved down the stairs as if floating on air. Her heart soared as she saw him, slightly battered and desperately needing a haircut. He looked beautiful to her. Both Michael and Richard were doing something to Courtney, and had their backs both to her and the outside door.
And that is what made her heart plummet from its airy heights, to the deepest pit of despair. For at the door stood Ragar, and he was starting to raise his arm.
Time seemed to slow dramatically. She would have fired her flare gun, but it wasn’t loaded yet. She would never be able to reach Ragar in time to hit him with the bat. But Michael was closer. Maybe she could tackle him, get him out of the line of fire. She screamed, “Michael, look out!” All he did was look at her, and for a moment their eyes met. His wary brown met her vivid green, and she could feel the love that for whatever reason he tried to repress.
But time is fickle, and the moment passed. She raced down the stairs so very quickly, and slammed into Michael. As he fell, she could feel his arms begin to embrace her. But her right side seemed to catch fire as she was ripped from his grasp.
She could feel herself spinning into nothingness, as her world went white.
----
Michael-
He had been surprised how well their attack went. Nicholas and most of his men had focused so much on Courtney; they were completely caught off guard. Only Ida Crawford had put up much of a fight, and she had fled herself when Nicholas had fallen. She had run off carrying his body, even though she had to have been shot several times by Richard. He himself had blasted several of the others.
But it was Courtney that frightened him. Even now she was shaking so very hard, whimpering in between words. Maria was safe, Courtney had hid her upstairs, and as soon as they were done helping Courtney, and they would fetch Maria. These were his thoughts as Maria raced down the stairs.
He heard her warning, and instinctively looked at her. Her eyes caught his, so very green, so very beautiful. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but if that were true, most peoples’ eyes were shuttered and barred. But not hers. He could see her, all of her in her eyes. It was one of the things he loved about her. She did not hide. He knew that he himself did, that in a way it was part of what caused her pain. One day I will have the courage to show her who I am. And she will likely leave me after that, once she truly knows me. But she deserves to know.
She stunned him as she slammed into him, his arms reaching to hold her small body. Only to feel her torn away, tossed through the swinging doors and into the worship area. He felt a killing rage come upon him. His eyes looked at the assailant as the room filled with a sharp white light. And he destroyed Ragar.
It was but moments as he raced down the aisle to gather a broken Maria into his arms. Never before had he so wished he had Maxwell’s powers. While after his talks with Valenti this summer, he no longer thought of himself as evil, he so wished he could heal her. That he had good powers.
Her breathing was ragged and harsh. Only half of her chest seemed to rise with each breath. The other side seemed shattered and glowed with a malignant silver hue. She coughed roughly, and her eyes fluttered open. Her mouth moved slightly.
“No, don’t talk, little pixie. You’re badly hurt. You just need to hold on and we’ll get Max to patch you up. Just hold on,” Michael said. But he could see it would not matter. He could see it in her eyes, her beautiful glorious eyes. She was leaving him. Traveling down a path he wasn’t on, and with his heritage, who knew if they would meet again? Do aliens even have souls? He knew that Maria did, for he could see it. And she was beautiful. And she was leaving him, forever. His world to lose part of its light, forever. Her breathing stopped.
Michael looked up into the church. How can you do this to me! Why her! He felt his resolve grow. He would not let her leave, not without him. He turned his attention to Maria once more, her eyes glazed over. But he could still see her, barely. And he latched on, to hold her or to follow he was not sure.
Tears were rolling unashamedly down his face as he called to her, “Please, don’t go. I don’t know what I would do without you. You…you… make me feel… alive. Please, I beg you. Don’t leave me here alone.”
He could feel his power flow through his hands and into her, could feel her. Could feel as her essence, her soul surrounded him. As she came back, her eyes filled with life once more. And pain. For he could call, and she could listen, but he still could not heal her.
It was not who he was. But now at least he could share the pain, could help her hold on. For how long he did not know. But one thing was certain; if she left now she would not be alone.
xmag- Well Michael is on the way, whether he is fast enough, is covered in this post. Also covered is a bit of Liz's speculation on Dorian's identity. Just rememer that when I introduced him a few parts back that Emily(Liz) recognized him as a shape shifter. That's why she kept calling him an 'abomination.' As for Zack, he pretty much has to keep his preconceptions, because otherwise he has committed some pretty horrible things for no real reason. Rationalization is not only a human trait.
Natalie36- In a couple of parts all the survivors will meet, but it is going to take a while for them to get there. Two parts, maybe three at the outside.
Sternbetrachter- Thanks. Alex will have his part to play, just not yet.
Dusk- Thanks. I think I mention in my comments a couple parts back about how I felt that Courtney was underused. So many possibilities. In this one she decides to whole heartedly help Michael, and by extension the rest of the group. As to her survival, well even Nicholas called her a survivor. She is still not someone I would sell life insurance to at the moment.
Luna_Seer- Thanks. Most of your questions are adressed above. As to Liz and her memories, well it's only a matter of time before she is found. How much she will remember by then, whether she will be fully Liz, or still Emily is still to be determined.
Disclaimer- Some scenes and ideas maybe taken from Wipeout. A bit of revised dialogue was take from Surprise, and an idea and a trace of dialogue from Chant Down Babylon is also present.
Longest day part 19
Max-
He was never quite sure why he raised his shield, but it manifested right in time. The whole hallway seemed to fill with a river of flame, rushing towards the admittance office. Just as suddenly it winked out, and through the smoke and haze he could see Tess waver and fall.
He could hear the loud footsteps of a couple of Skins, who were likely running for their lives. He let them run; he needed to help his friends. He lowered the green shield, and felt the sprinklers begin to soak his clothes. The paint along the walls was blistered and smoking as if from some great heat. The posters were gone, either burnt by the flames, or drenched by the sprinklers.
Max walked towards his friends. He noticed Kyle slowly pick himself up. Both Isabel and Tess lay so very still on the ground. He rushed to Isabel and prepared to heal her. Her wounds were serious, and normally he would need whomever he healed to be awake, to allow him to connect. But ever since they had left the pods, they had shared a bond. He could use that to open the connection. Strangely there did not seem the resistance he had noticed when he had healed major injuries before. Perhaps it was the bond they had always had.
And while he tried to honor her privacy, the images came, they always did. Most of them he knew, although it was strange to see things from her perspective rather than his. But there was one that caught his attention.
Flash-
Whitaker was a Skin. Some how she had captured and beaten Tess, she had thought Tess was her. She had killed Nasedo. But why, why go through all the trouble?
Whitaker stared at Isabel with a knowing smirk and said, “You don’t remember do you? Let me give me a piece of history about your planet. Your name was Vilandra, and you were beautiful, more beautiful than you are now.” Her gaze became sharp, piercing. “You had a great love. And for him, for Khivar, you would do anything. You betrayed your brother, your race.”
“No,” Isabel said. I couldn’t, no I wouldn’t do that would I? She’s lying, she has to be. She’s a Skin, she hurt Tess, she admitted to killing Nasedo. It can’t be true!
But she could feel that what Whitaker was saying had some truth. She did not know the details; she might never really learn them. It was not entirely a lie.
“You sacrificed him,” Whitaker continued. “You sacrificed everyone, even yourself. And history my dear, always repeats itself.”
But not entirely the truth either. Her parents were lawyers; she knew how much details could really matter. Isabel raised her chin, and with a sense of confidence she did not really have said, “God you are such a liar. Come on Tess.” She reached over to help a battered Tess back up again. “We are leaving,”
End Flash-
What to make of this? Surely this is one of the reasons for the distance that has opened between us. How many secrets is she keeping? How many are the rest of my friends keeping from me as well?
His reverie was broken when he noticed that Isabel’s breathing had evened out. Her eyes fluttered open and as she looked at Max, one of her rare, but radiant genuine smiles broke out. He could feel her gratefulness and love soaring through their bond, but he could still feel in the recesses of her mind a sense of wariness. Of worry of what he would do if he learned her secrets, of how it would hurt him.
And was she wrong? How did he feel? He wasn’t really sure himself, he had learned so much today. So he masked his new knowledge, masked his sense of hurt. She wasn’t the only one harboring secrets now.
She started to get up and brushed herself off. She looked to him and said, “Thanks Max. Thank you. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I am now. Just a little tired. You worried me, Iz.”
“I’m okay now, you do good work.” Isabel looked down and repaired the burnt areas of her blouse. “You know we should leave, this hard water from the sprinklers is going to just kill my hair. Hey where are the others?”
“Yeah I should take a look at Tess,” Max said. He looked over to where she had fallen. Only to see Tess cradled in Kyle’s arms. He held her with a tenderness that surprised Max.
Kyle spoke quietly to Tess, “Come on now, we have to get up. Come on little Tessa, it’s time to wake up.”
Isabel stood transfixed, seemingly as surprised as Max.
Tess opened her eyes slightly. She looked up at Kyle and smiled softly. “Kyle,” she said and snuggled closer to him before she fell back asleep.
Kyle smiled softly back at Tess, “Okay, princess, I guess I will have to carry you. But I am taking a rain check on that meal.” He looked up and saw both Max and Isabel staring at him; his smile slipped a little, becoming lopsided. He looked at Isabel and said, “It’s good to see you up and about.”
“Yeah, it’s good to see you too. Don’t you think we should go though, after Max looks at Tess of course?”
“Hmm,” Kyle said, “I think she’s just tired out. She doesn’t seem hurt any where.” As Max reached over to check on Tess, Kyle asked with a smirk, “So where to Senor Presidente?”
Max concentrated and ran his hands around an inch from Tess. “Your right Kyle, she just over exerted herself. Did you see what she did?”
“The hallway you mean, yeah, pretty freaky.” He got up still carrying Tess, “So where to, I got to admit this place isn’t my favorite even when I’m not being soaked by the sprinklers. Come to think of it, that alarm is getting on my nerves. So the Crash is out, and I presume we want to avoid any of our homes. The Skins have to know about them. So that leaves either the Tumbleweed or the Pod Chamber as the last rally points.”
Max could feel Isabel’s heated gaze burning a hole into his skull. He turned to her. Yeah, it’s not going to be pretty. Max could almost feel himself starting to cringe.
Her voice started softly, but by the end she was nearly screaming, “You told Kyle and not me about this whole stupid rally point scheme? Kyle? Whatever. Let me know where we are going. I am going to be in the Jeep. Assuming you think it’s relevant for me to know! Argghh!” With that last huff of indignation, she stalked out of the school.
Both Kyle and Max warily followed her. Max shook his head. It’s going to be a long day. He turned to Kyle and said, “So you really care for Tess.”
Kyle gave him an unreadable look. He spoke slowly, as if thinking carefully of his words. “Yeah, I do. Liz also. I care a lot about both of them.” He was quiet for a moment and looked away. He then continued softly, “But they both have eyes only for you.”
Max was quiet and he stopped walking, lost in thought.
Kyle looked back at him, “I need to go grab the cruiser, and I will meet you at your Jeep.”
And Max was once again alone.
----
Emily/Liz-
She needed to think. She was starting to get a grasp on who she was. Her memories were still scattered, but she got the gist of it. The others were Royals. So why did he have so many pictures of her? I can’t be the missing one. I can’t be Ava!
Wait. I have baby pictures. I was born. I have parents, they had pods. I can not be Ava.
Thank God. But somehow, I know she’s an issue.
I need to think, I’m getting too emotional. She reached over to her training crystal. She concentrated for a few moments, and as the device grew warm and began to glow dimly, Emily could feel her mind clear.
The real question is why he has taken all these pictures. I mean, only a parent or stalker would take this many pictures. Here are Maria and I at eight in our ballerina tutus. I still can’t believe I let her persuade me on that. Who would care? And, he’s a shape shifter. Hmm. She grabbed a pencil off the desk and wrote all she knew about Dorian, about shape shifters, about the reborn Royals.
She was shocked at the most likely conclusion. Well he did say he was off to protect his wards, who would try to save Liz. I think it is right.
Dorian was a Royal Protector.
----
Maria-
Maria was uncertain how long she had been sobbing. But she did notice that the screams from downstairs had grown piercing in intensity. Her grief was kindling a sense of determination inside her. The frustration continued to build, but what was she to do? She glanced around the dimly lit attic, trying to find anything she could use. There were boxes of stuff all over the place. But this was a church, what kind of useful stuff could she actually find anyway. It’s not like she could beat them over the head with candles and hymn books.
She walked over to a section that seemed to hold camping supplies. There were some tents, a couple of sleeping bags, a couple of tarps, camping stuff. There was also, on a nearby table, a flare gun and a box of flares. Hmm, there must be a camping trip soon, ‘cause I can’t see these always being let out. I mean a kid could hurt themselves with that. I wonder if it can be used as a weapon. There was a little booklet next to the flare gun and she looked through it briefly. At best it gives me one shot. But it is more than what I have. She grabbed the flare gun and a couple of flares.
She looked around again, there had to be something else, anything that she might use. And leaning against the wall she saw something, baseball bats. Thank heavens for Little League, I guess. She walked over and grabbed a small metal bat. It still wasn’t much, not against blast capable aliens. But she wasn’t completely helpless anymore.
And just in time, as over her walkie, she heard, “Okay, Blondie, we are right across the street. How many of them are in the church?”
She responded, “Five, I think, be careful Space boy.”
“Right, just stay put.”
Like she was going to mount her own attack, much as she might want to, she was not eager to die. What was she going to do with him?
From downstairs she could here the sounds of gunfire and explosions. She walked over to the stairwell to get a better look, and was surprised when she saw a Skin limping up the stairs. Maria shrieked in fright, and started hitting him with the bat. Exactly how many times she hit the Skin she never knew. But she stopped when she realized that he was unconscious.
She noticed it was quiet downstairs, the screams had stopped. Maria could hear Courtney’s voice talking quietly, but could not make out the words. It was the voice that replied that set her heart a twitter. Michael. He had saved them.
She moved down the stairs as if floating on air. Her heart soared as she saw him, slightly battered and desperately needing a haircut. He looked beautiful to her. Both Michael and Richard were doing something to Courtney, and had their backs both to her and the outside door.
And that is what made her heart plummet from its airy heights, to the deepest pit of despair. For at the door stood Ragar, and he was starting to raise his arm.
Time seemed to slow dramatically. She would have fired her flare gun, but it wasn’t loaded yet. She would never be able to reach Ragar in time to hit him with the bat. But Michael was closer. Maybe she could tackle him, get him out of the line of fire. She screamed, “Michael, look out!” All he did was look at her, and for a moment their eyes met. His wary brown met her vivid green, and she could feel the love that for whatever reason he tried to repress.
But time is fickle, and the moment passed. She raced down the stairs so very quickly, and slammed into Michael. As he fell, she could feel his arms begin to embrace her. But her right side seemed to catch fire as she was ripped from his grasp.
She could feel herself spinning into nothingness, as her world went white.
----
Michael-
He had been surprised how well their attack went. Nicholas and most of his men had focused so much on Courtney; they were completely caught off guard. Only Ida Crawford had put up much of a fight, and she had fled herself when Nicholas had fallen. She had run off carrying his body, even though she had to have been shot several times by Richard. He himself had blasted several of the others.
But it was Courtney that frightened him. Even now she was shaking so very hard, whimpering in between words. Maria was safe, Courtney had hid her upstairs, and as soon as they were done helping Courtney, and they would fetch Maria. These were his thoughts as Maria raced down the stairs.
He heard her warning, and instinctively looked at her. Her eyes caught his, so very green, so very beautiful. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but if that were true, most peoples’ eyes were shuttered and barred. But not hers. He could see her, all of her in her eyes. It was one of the things he loved about her. She did not hide. He knew that he himself did, that in a way it was part of what caused her pain. One day I will have the courage to show her who I am. And she will likely leave me after that, once she truly knows me. But she deserves to know.
She stunned him as she slammed into him, his arms reaching to hold her small body. Only to feel her torn away, tossed through the swinging doors and into the worship area. He felt a killing rage come upon him. His eyes looked at the assailant as the room filled with a sharp white light. And he destroyed Ragar.
It was but moments as he raced down the aisle to gather a broken Maria into his arms. Never before had he so wished he had Maxwell’s powers. While after his talks with Valenti this summer, he no longer thought of himself as evil, he so wished he could heal her. That he had good powers.
Her breathing was ragged and harsh. Only half of her chest seemed to rise with each breath. The other side seemed shattered and glowed with a malignant silver hue. She coughed roughly, and her eyes fluttered open. Her mouth moved slightly.
“No, don’t talk, little pixie. You’re badly hurt. You just need to hold on and we’ll get Max to patch you up. Just hold on,” Michael said. But he could see it would not matter. He could see it in her eyes, her beautiful glorious eyes. She was leaving him. Traveling down a path he wasn’t on, and with his heritage, who knew if they would meet again? Do aliens even have souls? He knew that Maria did, for he could see it. And she was beautiful. And she was leaving him, forever. His world to lose part of its light, forever. Her breathing stopped.
Michael looked up into the church. How can you do this to me! Why her! He felt his resolve grow. He would not let her leave, not without him. He turned his attention to Maria once more, her eyes glazed over. But he could still see her, barely. And he latched on, to hold her or to follow he was not sure.
Tears were rolling unashamedly down his face as he called to her, “Please, don’t go. I don’t know what I would do without you. You…you… make me feel… alive. Please, I beg you. Don’t leave me here alone.”
He could feel his power flow through his hands and into her, could feel her. Could feel as her essence, her soul surrounded him. As she came back, her eyes filled with life once more. And pain. For he could call, and she could listen, but he still could not heal her.
It was not who he was. But now at least he could share the pain, could help her hold on. For how long he did not know. But one thing was certain; if she left now she would not be alone.
Thanks as always to those of you reading this story, and in particular to tequathisy, natalie36, and xmag.
tequathisy- Thanks. The real question is how can Maria be saved. Max is miles away. Don't worry its covered in this part.
xmag- Michael can heal, as can Tess, but there are limits on what they can do. Maria is way beyond Michael's capabilities. In fact she may well push what Max can fix. Max is going to be really busy soon.
As for Dorian, what kind of Royal Protector is he, I mean why has he not shown himself to the Podsquad? He has been there since they were in third grade. (There is a really good reason for his actions, too. If only from his perspective.)
natalie36- Thanks
Disclaimer- Scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout.
Longest day part 20
Maria-
Maria hurt. Just trying to breathe felt like trying to lift a mountain. But how could she not, Michael’s life was at risk. His hold on her was such that if she died, so would he. He could let go, but would not. Impulsive and stubborn, he would hold on though it cost him his very life. She loved him for it, but she did not want him to fall with her.
She looked up at him, at his dark eyes. It always amazed her that for all Michael’s attempt at stoicism, at walling off the world, his eyes held so much emotion. He bottled it, hid from it, but it was still there for all to see. She wondered at how she could have missed it all those years Michael got dragged to the Crashdown by Max. All that missed time… I wonder if he noticed me before I noticed him. All those years, we could have known each other, so very close and not paying attention. But would he have let me in, without the disaster that was the shooting, without all that followed? Or would we have drifted by each other until we all left high school, possibly never to really know one another. Forever.
Maria knew why he would not let go. She wistfully wished her relationship to Michael was like Liz’s to Max, to have flashes. But even without the whole ‘soul gaze’ thing, she could well, feel him. She could read the vibes he sent off, not always correctly, she would admit to herself, but he was not completely unknown to her. Not now anyway. And with him filling her with his power, how could she not sense what he was; sense the very essence of him?
He did not want to be alone anymore. Even with Max and Isabel, he was still alone. They were like siblings, they loved each other, supported each other, but a small sense of rivalry existed between them. Like it or not, but that small level of sibling rivalry left a rift between the Czechs. In contrast there was almost a constant war between Michael and her. But despite all their bickering, Michael could lower his defenses most with Maria. He still could not lower them much or for long, but she could feel him growing more trusting of her. Despite the constant comedy of errors that was their relationship.
And so she knew, just knew that he would not let her go. Not now. If she let go now, she would never be alone, he would be with her always. But if she held on, there was no guarantee that they would work out, no certainty of forever after. Just look at Liz and Max, the perfect soul mate style couple, if they could not last, how could she and Michael?
Because she did not want to be alone anymore either. But the cost of certainty, of the permanence of this, would be to let go, to just die. And take him with her. Forever. And that would rob him of so much; it would take everything from him. His future, his hopes, his dreams all gone just because she was lonely.
She couldn’t do that. She just could not allow it. So she fought against her broken body which was so eager to fail and pulled in another agonizing breath. She would hold, Deluca stubbornness would see to that.
She stared up into his eyes, seeing but mere glimpse of the great man that lurked behind them, the man he could be, that maybe with her help he could become. And if he let her, she would. She would help him become what he needed to be, to take up his destined role. Even if that meant, as it surely would, that they would at some point be forever parted. That one day he would leave her, leave this very world behind him.
For the truth of the matter, the real truth, deny it though she might at times, was that she loved him. And despite all the pain, that was all that mattered.
She took another breath.
----
Michael-
Michael looked down through tear blurred eyes at Maria. She looked so small and broken, her eyes full of pain. But full of life too, it was for that look that he held on. The flashes stormed through him, and he knew her. Knew all of her failures, hopes, and dreams; it was a gift he hoped that one day he had the courage to repay. He hoped that they would have the chance. That they could hold for Max.
Michael heard footsteps behind him, and would under other circumstances have readied himself. But he had something more important to do. If he was attacked, or distracted Maria would die. And part of him would die with her, more so now than before.
“My God, I had heard of it… but to actually see,” Richard said.
“Richard, get Max. We need him here now!” Michael said.
“Do you trust me? I may be able to put her in stasis, like I did with Courtney”
“But she’s human.”
“It should still work, but I will need your help.”
“I still think we should call Max.”
“And we will, but this will buy us more time. A few hours at the very least,” Richard said. “Please, let me help you save her.”
It did help Courtney. I can’t think of anything he gains by this either way, but to have more time. To have time to find Max, it is too great an opportunity to give up. At the very least it will dull the pain. It soothed Courtney long before we set the stasis. “Okay.”
Richard removed one of the gelatin-like bags from one of his pockets. “We are going to have to act fast. Hold on to her with all your might, as this may be a struggle.”
Maria’s eyes never left Michael. Even as Richard moved close and held the bag to her neck, near the large vein in her throat. He saw her beautiful eyes bug out as Richard added the chemicals to her body. He felt her heart pound as the strange concoction made its way, as it rushed through her body. He could feel as the pain began to melt away, as the sensations that she felt died down. And he held her.
Richard’s palm was still held at Maria’s throat glowing with a golden hue. Michael could feel a change, could almost feel Maria slip away, as she simply stopped. She wasn’t dead, she was just … static. Her eyes still held his, the life gone from her emerald orbs. But she was still there, still alive, and somehow still aware. It felt … strange.
Richard looked tired, but satisfied. He looked at Michael and said, “I’ll go grab the car and we will see if we can reach your friends.” He got up and left.
Michael reached over and closed Maria’s now unseeing eyes. He carried her toward the front of the church. He looked over and saw Courtney, also safely in stasis resting against the back wall. The charred remains of Ragar remained near the doorway. He had not vanished into ash like the rest of the Skins, and Michael was curious as to why.
Looking at the remains, he was amazed at the shear amount of power he had wielded. It frightened him, for what if he lost control and loosed his power on accident. It also excited him, to see what he could do, and made him eager to see what he would be able to do in the future as he grew even stronger. But that was what frightened even more, that very eagerness. He looked down at Maria. How could he be around her when he was so dangerous, and given the day, when being around him was so dangerous?
What frightened him most, as he cradled Maria in his arms, was a single errant thought. And the attending emotions were so intense; he could not admit them even to himself, even as he acknowledged them. He knew why he was not able to let her go, would not let her live her life in peace and safety.
He loved her.
----
Emily/Liz-
Emily paced around the room. I have got to think of a way to test my hypothesis. There must be some way. But how can I get him to admit to being a Protector. And if he is, and has been her for so long, why has he not taken a greater part in their lives? But what else can he be? A Traveler? But they would not care about the Royals. They would follow a command given by Max, but only if he knew to give it.
Hmmm, well then maybe. But, no, it cares too much about them. The Travelers are loyal to the Royals, but they are aloof to everyone. They have divergent interests.
She was taken by surprise when the phone began to ring. Should I answer it? She stared at the phone in indecision.
There was little doubt, though when the answering machine picked up. Dorian’s voice was insistent, “Liz, please pick up. I need to talk to you.”
Emily rushed over and grabbed the phone, “Hello?”
“Liz, I have seen some of your friends. Apparently they separated, and one group went to get you. The other was to provide a distraction for the first group. I am headed for the school now to check on the second group, but the news I have relates to the first group.”
“Yes?”
“Liz, I really don’t know how to tell you this. Michael is fine, but well, I am so sorry.”
Emily wanted to drop the phone, to blot out what was to come next. But she couldn’t. A part of her life, a life she barely had a grasp of was either in peril or was gone. “Who,” she said softly.
“I am so sorry Liz I could not get there in time. I saw Michael carry both Maria’s and Courtney’s bodies to a big SUV. Neither of them was breathing. I am so sorry. I need to head to the school and see if I can get there in time.”
“What?” The world spun. It can’t be. No I can’t let it be. The flood gates of her memories were torn asunder. Was it for this that I changed my fate, for this I changed the future? She should have had years, many happy years. Oh, Maria.
And Liz Parker cried.
----
Max-
Max got into the Jeep. He looked over at his sister, and could see by the stormy expression that she had not forgiven him. He sighed. Why can’t my life be simple?
He started to think on what he had learned today. Isabel was hiding secrets. Liz and Kyle had not slept together. Tess has abandonment issues, and seriously thought she was in love with him. Why me?
Why did Liz do it? Was I pushing her that hard?
“Are you okay Max?” Isabel asked. She looked genuinely concerned.
Max had to look away. “Have you ever loved someone so much that no matter how much pain they cause you, you can’t stop loving them?” He looked back at her, curious as to what her response would be. They had once been so close, but the last couple of years had drifted apart slightly. Would she still be open, if only to him?
It was Isabel’s turn to look away. She sat there for a few moments; she reached for something that she then kept rubbing in her hand, as if it were some kind of charm. Then in a quiet voice, so quiet he could barely hear her at all. “Yes.”
He waited for her to elaborate, but she just stared off into the distance. He could hear another vehicle pull up, Kyle in his father’s Bronco. Tess was still asleep, lying in the back.
“So, Evans, where to?” Kyle asked.
“Have you been able to reach Michael at all?”
“No, I haven’t heard a bit from him for a while. Why do you ask?”
“I just hope he remembers, that he doesn’t still think we are here. Well, he should notice our cars are missing anyway. Let’s go to the Tumbleweed.”
“Okay. Hey, do you mind if we stop somewhere and pick something up. I am starving.”
“Yeah, I guess, but we should hurry. Isabel, try to reach Michael if you can.”
“He’s not going to be asleep now, Max.” She replied.
Max closed his eyes. Why me? “So why don’t you use your cell phone. We must be out of range with the walkies.”
And they left.
tequathisy- Thanks. The real question is how can Maria be saved. Max is miles away. Don't worry its covered in this part.
xmag- Michael can heal, as can Tess, but there are limits on what they can do. Maria is way beyond Michael's capabilities. In fact she may well push what Max can fix. Max is going to be really busy soon.
As for Dorian, what kind of Royal Protector is he, I mean why has he not shown himself to the Podsquad? He has been there since they were in third grade. (There is a really good reason for his actions, too. If only from his perspective.)
natalie36- Thanks
Disclaimer- Scenes and ideas may be taken from Wipeout.
Longest day part 20
Maria-
Maria hurt. Just trying to breathe felt like trying to lift a mountain. But how could she not, Michael’s life was at risk. His hold on her was such that if she died, so would he. He could let go, but would not. Impulsive and stubborn, he would hold on though it cost him his very life. She loved him for it, but she did not want him to fall with her.
She looked up at him, at his dark eyes. It always amazed her that for all Michael’s attempt at stoicism, at walling off the world, his eyes held so much emotion. He bottled it, hid from it, but it was still there for all to see. She wondered at how she could have missed it all those years Michael got dragged to the Crashdown by Max. All that missed time… I wonder if he noticed me before I noticed him. All those years, we could have known each other, so very close and not paying attention. But would he have let me in, without the disaster that was the shooting, without all that followed? Or would we have drifted by each other until we all left high school, possibly never to really know one another. Forever.
Maria knew why he would not let go. She wistfully wished her relationship to Michael was like Liz’s to Max, to have flashes. But even without the whole ‘soul gaze’ thing, she could well, feel him. She could read the vibes he sent off, not always correctly, she would admit to herself, but he was not completely unknown to her. Not now anyway. And with him filling her with his power, how could she not sense what he was; sense the very essence of him?
He did not want to be alone anymore. Even with Max and Isabel, he was still alone. They were like siblings, they loved each other, supported each other, but a small sense of rivalry existed between them. Like it or not, but that small level of sibling rivalry left a rift between the Czechs. In contrast there was almost a constant war between Michael and her. But despite all their bickering, Michael could lower his defenses most with Maria. He still could not lower them much or for long, but she could feel him growing more trusting of her. Despite the constant comedy of errors that was their relationship.
And so she knew, just knew that he would not let her go. Not now. If she let go now, she would never be alone, he would be with her always. But if she held on, there was no guarantee that they would work out, no certainty of forever after. Just look at Liz and Max, the perfect soul mate style couple, if they could not last, how could she and Michael?
Because she did not want to be alone anymore either. But the cost of certainty, of the permanence of this, would be to let go, to just die. And take him with her. Forever. And that would rob him of so much; it would take everything from him. His future, his hopes, his dreams all gone just because she was lonely.
She couldn’t do that. She just could not allow it. So she fought against her broken body which was so eager to fail and pulled in another agonizing breath. She would hold, Deluca stubbornness would see to that.
She stared up into his eyes, seeing but mere glimpse of the great man that lurked behind them, the man he could be, that maybe with her help he could become. And if he let her, she would. She would help him become what he needed to be, to take up his destined role. Even if that meant, as it surely would, that they would at some point be forever parted. That one day he would leave her, leave this very world behind him.
For the truth of the matter, the real truth, deny it though she might at times, was that she loved him. And despite all the pain, that was all that mattered.
She took another breath.
----
Michael-
Michael looked down through tear blurred eyes at Maria. She looked so small and broken, her eyes full of pain. But full of life too, it was for that look that he held on. The flashes stormed through him, and he knew her. Knew all of her failures, hopes, and dreams; it was a gift he hoped that one day he had the courage to repay. He hoped that they would have the chance. That they could hold for Max.
Michael heard footsteps behind him, and would under other circumstances have readied himself. But he had something more important to do. If he was attacked, or distracted Maria would die. And part of him would die with her, more so now than before.
“My God, I had heard of it… but to actually see,” Richard said.
“Richard, get Max. We need him here now!” Michael said.
“Do you trust me? I may be able to put her in stasis, like I did with Courtney”
“But she’s human.”
“It should still work, but I will need your help.”
“I still think we should call Max.”
“And we will, but this will buy us more time. A few hours at the very least,” Richard said. “Please, let me help you save her.”
It did help Courtney. I can’t think of anything he gains by this either way, but to have more time. To have time to find Max, it is too great an opportunity to give up. At the very least it will dull the pain. It soothed Courtney long before we set the stasis. “Okay.”
Richard removed one of the gelatin-like bags from one of his pockets. “We are going to have to act fast. Hold on to her with all your might, as this may be a struggle.”
Maria’s eyes never left Michael. Even as Richard moved close and held the bag to her neck, near the large vein in her throat. He saw her beautiful eyes bug out as Richard added the chemicals to her body. He felt her heart pound as the strange concoction made its way, as it rushed through her body. He could feel as the pain began to melt away, as the sensations that she felt died down. And he held her.
Richard’s palm was still held at Maria’s throat glowing with a golden hue. Michael could feel a change, could almost feel Maria slip away, as she simply stopped. She wasn’t dead, she was just … static. Her eyes still held his, the life gone from her emerald orbs. But she was still there, still alive, and somehow still aware. It felt … strange.
Richard looked tired, but satisfied. He looked at Michael and said, “I’ll go grab the car and we will see if we can reach your friends.” He got up and left.
Michael reached over and closed Maria’s now unseeing eyes. He carried her toward the front of the church. He looked over and saw Courtney, also safely in stasis resting against the back wall. The charred remains of Ragar remained near the doorway. He had not vanished into ash like the rest of the Skins, and Michael was curious as to why.
Looking at the remains, he was amazed at the shear amount of power he had wielded. It frightened him, for what if he lost control and loosed his power on accident. It also excited him, to see what he could do, and made him eager to see what he would be able to do in the future as he grew even stronger. But that was what frightened even more, that very eagerness. He looked down at Maria. How could he be around her when he was so dangerous, and given the day, when being around him was so dangerous?
What frightened him most, as he cradled Maria in his arms, was a single errant thought. And the attending emotions were so intense; he could not admit them even to himself, even as he acknowledged them. He knew why he was not able to let her go, would not let her live her life in peace and safety.
He loved her.
----
Emily/Liz-
Emily paced around the room. I have got to think of a way to test my hypothesis. There must be some way. But how can I get him to admit to being a Protector. And if he is, and has been her for so long, why has he not taken a greater part in their lives? But what else can he be? A Traveler? But they would not care about the Royals. They would follow a command given by Max, but only if he knew to give it.
Hmmm, well then maybe. But, no, it cares too much about them. The Travelers are loyal to the Royals, but they are aloof to everyone. They have divergent interests.
She was taken by surprise when the phone began to ring. Should I answer it? She stared at the phone in indecision.
There was little doubt, though when the answering machine picked up. Dorian’s voice was insistent, “Liz, please pick up. I need to talk to you.”
Emily rushed over and grabbed the phone, “Hello?”
“Liz, I have seen some of your friends. Apparently they separated, and one group went to get you. The other was to provide a distraction for the first group. I am headed for the school now to check on the second group, but the news I have relates to the first group.”
“Yes?”
“Liz, I really don’t know how to tell you this. Michael is fine, but well, I am so sorry.”
Emily wanted to drop the phone, to blot out what was to come next. But she couldn’t. A part of her life, a life she barely had a grasp of was either in peril or was gone. “Who,” she said softly.
“I am so sorry Liz I could not get there in time. I saw Michael carry both Maria’s and Courtney’s bodies to a big SUV. Neither of them was breathing. I am so sorry. I need to head to the school and see if I can get there in time.”
“What?” The world spun. It can’t be. No I can’t let it be. The flood gates of her memories were torn asunder. Was it for this that I changed my fate, for this I changed the future? She should have had years, many happy years. Oh, Maria.
And Liz Parker cried.
----
Max-
Max got into the Jeep. He looked over at his sister, and could see by the stormy expression that she had not forgiven him. He sighed. Why can’t my life be simple?
He started to think on what he had learned today. Isabel was hiding secrets. Liz and Kyle had not slept together. Tess has abandonment issues, and seriously thought she was in love with him. Why me?
Why did Liz do it? Was I pushing her that hard?
“Are you okay Max?” Isabel asked. She looked genuinely concerned.
Max had to look away. “Have you ever loved someone so much that no matter how much pain they cause you, you can’t stop loving them?” He looked back at her, curious as to what her response would be. They had once been so close, but the last couple of years had drifted apart slightly. Would she still be open, if only to him?
It was Isabel’s turn to look away. She sat there for a few moments; she reached for something that she then kept rubbing in her hand, as if it were some kind of charm. Then in a quiet voice, so quiet he could barely hear her at all. “Yes.”
He waited for her to elaborate, but she just stared off into the distance. He could hear another vehicle pull up, Kyle in his father’s Bronco. Tess was still asleep, lying in the back.
“So, Evans, where to?” Kyle asked.
“Have you been able to reach Michael at all?”
“No, I haven’t heard a bit from him for a while. Why do you ask?”
“I just hope he remembers, that he doesn’t still think we are here. Well, he should notice our cars are missing anyway. Let’s go to the Tumbleweed.”
“Okay. Hey, do you mind if we stop somewhere and pick something up. I am starving.”
“Yeah, I guess, but we should hurry. Isabel, try to reach Michael if you can.”
“He’s not going to be asleep now, Max.” She replied.
Max closed his eyes. Why me? “So why don’t you use your cell phone. We must be out of range with the walkies.”
And they left.