Full Circle (UC,Mi/L,MATURE) Chap 46 08/25 [WIP]

[polar4eva]

The part after this one is only partly written - stupid job and need for employment. I will try to get it ready for tomorrow but I make no promises.

Thanks for the feedback.

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Across town on Liz’s balcony, Kyle sat on a deck chair with his eyes fixed on his mentally absent friend.

“I don’t have the full picture.” Kyle confessed. “Do you care to fill in the gaps?”
“No.” Liz replied petulantly.
“Liz.” Kyle reasoned. “You can’t keep all of this to yourself.”
“Well.” Liz said slowly. “What do you know?”

Kyle stood up and paced around the balcony a little. At least as much as he was able to on the confined rooftop.

“The foursquare isn’t working because you are not a part of it.” Kyle stated. “You used Michael’s powers. So that proves you have the knowledge and the ‘permission’ of the granolith to connect with it and the other members of the Royal Four.”
“All true.” Liz conceded.
“Isabel can’t get into the connection.” Kyle continued. “Which means that she is the member of the Royal Four who has been excluded. If that is the case then the Royal Four consists of Max, Tess, Michael and you. We all know that Max and Tess were married and are destined to be so again. It only makes sense that you and Michael were married and are intended for one another.”

Kyle looked over to Liz who nodded glumly.

“Everything except about us being intended for one another in this life.” Liz admitted.
“You died.” Kyle realised. “And to remake the Royal Four Rath was betrothed to Vilandra. They were not married before they were killed.”
“Yep.” Liz groaned.
“God. Lizzie.” Kyle cried. “I’m so sorry.”
“Do you want to be the one to tell Max and Michael that unless they get the foursquare to work Isabel will not be able to return with them to Antar? Unless they get the foursquare to work none of them will be returning to Antar!” Liz challenged.
“The foursquare will work if you join it.” Kyle shot back.
“If I join the foursquare Isabel will be left on Earth as we travel back to Antar.” Liz revealed. “Only four can return.”
“Oh!” Kyle gasped.
“I don’t want to be the one who takes Isabel’s place.” Liz stuttered. “Michael has no clue. I don’t want to do to him what Tess did to Max.”

Kyle sat down heavily on his chair. This was intense.

“The granolith knows you are here.” Kyle reasoned. “It caused it to happen.”
“Rath.” Liz breathed.
“What?” Kyle asked in confusion.
“The flash that the four of us saw earlier was of Rath attacking the granolith.” Liz divulged. “Rath was yelling at it to bring me, Ashana, back.”
“That explains what freaked him out earlier.” Kyle’s eyes widened. “The granolith did it. It brought you back. It knew when the pods were going to release the four of them. It somehow created you to be born human but retain your alieness.”
“I know.” Liz said bitterly.
“Liz, this is a miracle.” Kyle cried. “Vilandra was never accepted into the foursquare by the granolith. Perhaps it knew her nature or future treachery. The one fact that cannot be changed is that Isabel isn’t and cannot be a part of the Royal Four or the foursquare.”

Liz sat silently, her eyes fixed on a spot on the floor but not seeing it.

“I wanted to tell him.” Liz confessed. “Part of me hated that he was with Maria. The only reason I agreed to be with Max was to get into the group and try to guide them towards using their powers. I did fall a little in love with Max. I miss him. He is a good person with a good heart.”

Liz blinked and looked up at Kyle.

“I backed off when Tess came to town because I knew how important it was for them to be together. They were a beautiful couple on Antar. They were so in love.” Liz smiled softly at the memory. “But Max couldn’t remember. Or wouldn’t remember.”
“So you lost hope of Michael remembering you.” Kyle finished for her.

Liz nodded.

“What was he like?” Kyle asked. “Rath as a husband?”
“Abrasive, hot tempered.” Liz smirked. “Sweet, tender and a Viking in bed!”
“Argh.” Kyle cried. “TMI!”
“He could be as caustic as he is now.” Liz explained. “But he could also be sweeter than he is now. Romantic. Loved to dance.”
“Ha, you’re kidding!” Kyle snickered.
“No.” Liz smiled. “I was envied on Antar, he was quite the catch. He had all of the glory and prestige of Zan but none of the politics. He was highly respected as a leader and as an intellect.”
“So you married up?” Kyle teased. He was interested in how Michael could be without the emotional and physical baggage.
“Rath was given the opportunity to find his own bride but failed.” Liz told her rapt audience. “He failed as his father knew he would. Kavos, Rath’s father, arranged to meet with me before our formal introduction. He told me about Rath and gave me some tips as how to get his interest.”
“You tricked him?” Kyle laughed.
“Not exactly.” Liz said with a rueful grin. “I was dead set against the match until I met Kavos. He spoke of his son and gained my interest. When I saw how hot he was I decided to play along.”
“You hussy.” Kyle cried with eyes full of laughter.
“I met with him I liked him.” Liz laughed. “He was nothing like I had imagined the playboy to be.”
“You loved him.” Kyle stated with kind eyes and a serious voice.
“With all my heart.” Liz confirmed.
“You have to give him the same chance now.” Kyle observed. “He deserves it.”
“I will not trap him.” Liz said determinedly. “I will not force him into a situation that he doesn’t want to be in.”
“How do you know he doesn’t want it?” Kyle pressed.
“I don’t.” Liz admitted. “But he has never given any indication that he could feel more for me than tolerance.”
“You have to give him the chance” Kyle advised. “They all have to know otherwise you are wasting time and people’s lives by trying to force the four of them into the foursquare when you know that they won’t fit.”

Liz looked up with a guilty look on her face.

“That would be criminal.” Kyle added, as he rose, leaned in to kiss Liz gently on the forehead and leave.

[polar4eva]

Here is the next part of the story.

Thanks for the feedback.

Hope this answers some questions.

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Kyle decided to visit Michael the following day. He wanted to know how much he knew about Ashana.

Kyle was surprised when Michael answered his door seconds after he had knocked. Michael looked tired and distracted as he ushered Kyle into his apartment.

“What’s up?” Michael asked. He had been up for hours. Ever since his dream about Ashana and his previous life.
“I wanted to see what you were up to.” Kyle told him as he took his usual seat on Michael’s battered sofa. “Something pretty intense happened at the granolith yesterday and I wanted to make sure you were alright.”
“I’m fine.” Michael was touched that Kyle would come all the way over to make sure he was ok. “I got a flash from my previous life.”
“So I understand.” Kyle stated gently. He didn’t want to push Michael.
“Rath… I was attacking the granolith.” Michael related. “Someone I loved died and I wanted the granolith to bring her back.”
“Her?” Kyle pressed.

Michael looked at Kyle with dawning realisation.

“Why do I get the feeling you know more about this than I do?” Michael’s voice was tainted with suspicion. “Isabel told us that Liz told the three of you the truth about her and who she used to be. What has Liz said about me?”
“Bits and pieces.” Kyle replied vaguely.
“Kyle.” Michael warned.
“I can’t betray her.” Kyle stated. “I know enough to know that you have to talk to her.”
“Liz and I were engaged in our previous lives.” Michael said. “She was killed and I ended up engaged to Vilandra.”
“I think there’s more to it.” Kyle confessed. “She told me about meeting you.”
“I saw it.” Michael smiled. “I dreamed last night about the day she and I met. God she was a ball buster.”
“I can’t believe she and your father manipulated you.” Kyle laughed.
“Sorry?” Michael asked.
“Your father met with Ashana before your introduction to give her tips about how to snare you.” Kyle was snickering until he realised that Michael looked clueless.
“What?” Michael demanded.
“Oh.” Kyle gulped.

Michael stood up and grabbed his leather jacket. He stormed out of the apartment and onto his motorbike. He roared off in the direction of the Crashdown. With the same anger and determination Michael climbed up fire escape and into Liz’s room.

Liz had just stepped out of the shower and was in the middle of blow drying her hair so she was not aware of Michael’s presence until she turned off her dryer and stood up. She was startled to see Michael in her room staring at her with a strange look in his eyes. His jaw was set in anger but his eyes were… warm.

“Michael.” Liz stuttered. “What are you doing here?”
“Did you conspire with my father?” Michael demanded.
“Kyle.” Liz groaned
“Did you conspire with my father?” Michael repeated taking a step towards her.
“I advised you once before not to try and intimidate me.” Liz stood defiantly.
“Answer the question.” Michael growled as he stepped inside her personal space.
“No.” Liz shot back.
“Why not.” Michael’s jaw was set so tight he could barely be understood.
“I’m not your crystal ball into the past.” Liz returned.

Michael grabbed onto Liz’s shoulders tightly but not enough to hurt her. His body was pressed against hers. She could feel his warmth and his muscles through the towel she was wearing. Michael stared into her eyes.

Liz couldn’t understand what he was trying to accomplish. She started to tremble in his arms.

“You father wanted our match.” Liz stated looking away from Michael. “After meeting you so did I.”
“Why?” Michael pushed. “I saw our first meeting. It wasn’t great. You hated me. You called me a war monger!”
“You met me.” Liz replied. “You liked me. Not my father. Not his money or power or connections. You had no idea who I was when you kissed me.”
“When I kissed you.” Michael repeated dazedly. He brushed strands of hair away from her face tenderly.

Liz pulled back on instinct. She suddenly became aware that she was wearing nothing but a towel and Michael’s warm body was dangerous.

Michael still hadn’t released his hold on her. As she pulled away he stepped forwards. He kept eye contact as he lowered his lips to her in a searing kiss. Liz moaned into his lips as she reciprocated. Their tongues duelled sweetly as the familiarity of their embrace sparked memories of their past.

“Ashana was…” Michael stuttered in shock. “Ashana was my wife.”

Liz nodded pulling her lower lip between her teeth.

Michael moaned as he pulled Liz into a deeper kiss. His hands pulled at her towel and dropped it to the floor. His hands caressed her smooth skin and tangled in her hair.

Liz was not uncomfortable being nude in her husbands’ arms. It was familiar and reassuring. The two of them lay down on Liz’s bed and continued to kiss. Liz’s hands started to strip Michael of his jacket and Metallica t-shirt. The skin on skin contact heightened their senses and emotions.

Liz was frustrated. Michael was teasing her with his tongue and hands but not giving her any satisfaction. She was prevented from removing his trousers when Michael refused to remove his body from hers. She whimpered in despair.

Michael broke off the kiss for fear that she was uncomfortable with what they were doing or she was being crushed by his much larger frame.

“What’s wrong, baby.” Michael panted as he looked into her eyes. He saw a frown and a slight grimace.
“You’re not naked.” She pouted.

Michael let out a low laugh and blushed. He lowered his face to Liz’s bare chest and shook slightly from laughter.

“One step at a time, angel.” He whispered tenderly.
“But I’m naked.” Liz reasoned raising her eyebrows.

Michael caught the feisty glint in her eye. With a predatory grin he raised himself up onto his elbows and drank in the beauty of the woman beneath him.

“That’s true.” Michael stated sensually.

Liz squirmed under his scrutiny. She was insecure about her body. Her lack of curves and breasts had always been an issue for her.

“You’re beautiful.” Michael told her with sincerity. “Don’t ever think that you can’t take my breath away.”

Liz looked startled by what Michael said. Her eyes were wide and her jaw dropped slightly.

“What?” Michael asked. His head was tilted slightly to the side as though a changed point of view would give him better insight into mind and heart.
“You said that to me before.” Liz stuttered.
“When?” Michael tried to think of when he could ever have said anything like that to her.
“On our wedding night.” Liz revealed as she looked away from him.

Michael was stunned by her memory of her past life and their past lives.

“I’ve said it in two lives.” Michael said slowly. “It must be true.”

Liz’s eyes watered at his tender declaration. She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity, vulnerability and adoration. She raised her hand and ran it gently over his face. She traced the line of his jaw and ran her fingertips over his cheekbones and eyebrows.

Michael was warm all over. From his toes to his fingertips to the tips of his ears. He had never felt so special in his entire life. So loved.

The two of them were in their own cocoon. Away from the cold reality that could tear their delicate connection. There were questions. So many questions that he needed answered But his heart, the steady thumping, was drowning out his head.

This woman, this tiny waif-like figurine had broken him. Not once but twice. He couldn’t understand where his prior anger had gone. Or why. All he knew was that shouting at her was the last thing he wanted to do.

Michael needed a moment. To gather his thoughts, courage or hormones he didn’t know. He just needed a moment. Michael reached across Liz’s bed and grabbed the edge of her comforter. He wrapped it around her hiding her modesty.

Liz was confused by his actions. She found herself wrapped up for reasons that were unknown to her. Michael sat up and planted his feet on her soft carpet. He pulled Liz into his arms and rested his chin on her head. He exhaled slowly as he pressed Liz into his chest.

“Are you ok?” Liz asked in a muffled voice. Her face was buried into his warm skin and she didn’t want to move.
“I need a minute.” Michael whispered into her hair.
“That’s not a yes or a no.” Liz said worriedly.
“I’m fine sweetness.” Michael soothed. “Just thrown by all of this.”
“You get a little lost.” Liz admitted. “The memories blend together and you have to really think about what life they belong to.”
“So I see.” Michael smiled. “Michael is saying that you should have told me. That I had a right to know. But Rath is just telling me to shut up. That losing you again…”

Michael couldn’t finish his sentence. Liz wrapped her arms tightly around Michael’s neck and kissed him softly all over his face.

“I know.” Liz stated softly. “It is something that we have to discuss. I know how you feel about Tess and Max. You have been pretty vocal about them not being together just because they were in their previous lives.”
“I didn’t understand it then.” Michael interrupted. “I do now.”
“That is Rath who understands.” Liz continued. “Not Michael. We’re different people now. I don’t want you to be with me because of who I was. I want you to be with me because of who I am.”
“I want the same.” Michael replied. “But can we do that? To know you. To remember you will inevitably bring back memories of who we used to be. I don’t think we can separate the two.”

Michael stopped talking. Liz was worried about what he was thinking. She tried to steel her emotions from breaking down. She was afraid to find out what he was thinking but she was equally afraid to examine her own feelings on the matter.

“What do you feel?” Michael whispered. “About me.”

It took Liz a moment to realise that he had spoken and to fully understand his question. She raised her head and moved slightly away from Michael. She placed her hands on either side of his face and smiled gently.

“Rath was a great man.” Liz stated. “He was a good man. Who I loved with all of my heart. I missed him so much when he was gone.”

Liz had to pause when her voice cracked. It was hard to remember what she had had.

“Michael is the most honourable man I know.” Liz continued. “He is loyal, brave and beautiful.”

Michael blushed and lowered his eyes.

“You are.” Liz pressed. “You are a beautiful man. Never do I feel more safe and secure than when I am with you. You protect by nature. I feel cared for.”
“What does that mean?” Michael pushed.
“It means that past, present and future.” Liz said passionately. “My heart, my head and my soul are drawn to you.”

Michael chest heaved.

“Are yours.” Liz whispered.

[polar4eva]

Thank you all so much for your incredible feedback.

I have decided it necessary to further examine the scene between Liz and Michael so you will have to wait for some answers for a little while longer.

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Michael froze. He was stunned to his very core. He wasn’t even aware that he was trembling. He had never heard anything like that in his entire life.

And it frightened him.

Liz could see from the look on his face that she had told him too much. He wasn’t ready for this. Disappointment rose in her chest as she saw the disbelief and shock in Michael’s eyes. It was too much. She had said too much.

Liz dropped her head against Michael’s shoulder. She was suddenly cold. She was spent. Her emotions were raw and her nerves were brittle. Tears glided out of her eyes and down her face falling onto Michael’s chest. There was nothing she could do.

Michael started when he felt her tears on his pec. His emotions did a complete 180 as he cursed himself for being so selfish. He used his hand to raise her chin and kiss her gently on the lips. He wiped her tears gently with his fingertips.

“I’m sorry.” Michael whispered as he kissed her again. “What I’m feeling I can’t describe. And what you said just took my breath away.”

Michael pulled her tight against his body berating himself for being so stupid.

“How could anything I say match what you said?” Michael pleaded. “My heart is still pounding.”

Michael took Liz’s hand and pressed it to his chest.

“I don’t have your memories of our past together.” Michael continued. “I can only go by what I know now.”
“And what do you feel about me?” Liz asked in a thick voice.
“I am not good at expressing myself.” Michael stumbled over his words. “My chest feels heavy around you. I can’t think straight. I came over here furious at you for having not told me who you were and who you were to me. One look at you and everything went out the window.”
“I don’t understand.” Liz said.
“I wanted to shout and yell and demand the truth.” Michael explained. “Be myself basically. But I got here and I didn’t want to shout. I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“What are you trying to say?” Liz silenced Michael with her fingers against his lips. “Just say what you feel.”
“I understood Max’s obsession with you when we were children.” Michael confessed. “I pushed my feelings down and fought them. I know you think that I was angry with him for healing you but I wasn’t. I was relieved. I was just scared about what it would mean for the three of us.”
“I know.” Liz reassured him.
“I took your journal because I wanted to know you.” Michael admitted. “I convinced myself that I took it to find out what you had written about us. But that wasn’t the truth. I was drawn to you. I didn’t understand why.”

Michael paused to gather his thoughts. He himself wasn’t sure of where he was trying to say.

“I look at you and I feel calm and frantic at the same time.” Michael spoke in low tones. “I worry about you when I don’t know where you are. I feel more centred when I’m near you. My soul knows you. It’s instinct for me to know you.”

Liz smiled softly at this declaration.

“Liz Parker is smart and kind.” Michael stated with conviction. “She is fiercely protective of those she loves. She is lovely.”

Michael continued speaking even after his voice broke. He needed to tell her as much as he could about how he felt.

“I respect her more than anyone I have ever met.” Michael pressed on. “I don’t know Ashana. But I want to. She was so important to me. I could see that by the way I attacked the granolith.”
“You demanded that it bring me back.” Liz added softly.
“And it did.” Michael smiled warmly at her. “It knew I would need you.”
“You think?” Liz questioned sweetly.
“Yes.” Michael breathed.

He lowered his lips to hers and was delighted when he felt exactly the same sensations as he did the first time he kissed her. It was addictive. He suddenly felt very possessive of her. She was his. And he was hers. She wanted him.

Michael pressed her back into her bed and lay down on top of her. Liz struggled out of her comforter and hooker her legs over Michael’s hips. Things were very heated between them. They kissed, touched and caressed each other tenderly.

Michael shifted to allow Liz to unzip his trousers. He, stripped of all clothing, pulled the comforter over their nude bodies. There were no hesitant movements, no clumsy actions and no second thoughts. Their bodies were perfectly in-tune.

Michael knew instinctively how to make Liz gasp and moan. He grasped her hands in one of his and pinned them to the pillow above her head. Liz looked up at him with lust in her eyes and complete trust.

Michael used his free hand to manoeuvre himself into her. He groaned as he slipped his rock hard cock into her warm wetness. Liz gasped at the intimate contact. She pulled her hands free and wrapped them around his back.

Michael pressed his lips against Liz’s giving them both a chance to catch their breath. Michael could feel his treacherous body demand satisfaction from the beautiful woman lying beneath him. Michael reined in his lust. He did not want to hurt Liz or make her uncomfortable.

“Michael, please.” Liz whimpered. “I need you.”
“Oh God.” Michael groaned as he gave in.

He pulled out of Liz and thrust into her starting a pleasurable rhythm. He wanted her to feel ecstasy and passion. He looked into her bright eyes and nearly climaxed. Liz’s thighs squeezed him tightly and her nails dug into his arms. Michael was deeply aroused by the moans and cries that were emitting from his lovers’ throat.

The deeply erotic experience was brought to a highly pleasurable end when Michael sped up their rhythm to overload her senses. Liz moaned and rolled her head back. Michael cried out in pleasure and collapsed onto her. Liz recovered enough to run her fingers through Michael’s surprisingly soft hair. Michael sighed in contentment as he rest his head against Liz’s soft breasts.

Later that afternoon Michael and Liz were still in bed. The sun was beginning to set outside her window casting lustrous shades of red around her room. Michael was spooning Liz. His face was buried in her sweet smelling chocolate locks. Liz sighed contentedly as she played distractedly with Michael’s long fingers.

“Not to burst our perfect little bubble.” Michael spoke softly into Liz’s ear. “But what happens now?”
“With what?” Liz questioned tilting her head up to look at him.
“Us and the group.” Michael clarified.
“Oh.” Liz stated softly.
“As much as I would love to stay here with you for the rest of our lives.” Michael whispered sensually. “We; you, me and the group need a direction. A clue about what all of this means and where this is headed.”
“I think we need to discuss this as a group.” Liz said pulling her lip between her teeth. “What has to be said is difficult. Impossible. I don’t know if I can say it more than once.”
“Pass me the phone.” Michael commanded. “I’ll call the others and arrange to meet with them later.”

Liz passed the phone to him and listened to him command the others to meet with them that evening at the granolith chamber. He reached over Liz to put the phone back into its stand. He pressed a loving kiss to Liz’s lips.

“Whatever it is.” Michael soothed. “We will deal with it.”
“You won’t be saying that when you know.” Liz’s lower lip trembled.
“How bad can it be?” Michael was confused. “After everything we know and have learned whatever it is we will cope.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Liz half joked in a thick voice. “We only have an hour and I need another shower.”
“I do too.” Michael chimed in. “Care to conserve water?”

Liz looked up into Michael face and smiled. His eyebrow was raised and his eyes were teasing.

“I am very green.” Liz tossed back teasingly. “The things I do to help the environment.”

When the water was hot enough Liz and Michael slipped into her shower. Liz grabbed her vanilla shower gel and poured a little into the palm of her hand. She was about to start washing her body when Michael grabbed her hand and placed the gel filled palm onto his chest. Liz smiled and looked up at Michael with lust in her hooded eyes. She created lather with the gel and started washing Michael’s body.

Michael grabbed the shower gel and ran his soapy hands over Liz’s body. He kissed her passionately and pressed her against the cold tiles. He lifted her up and impaled her on his cock. Liz whimpered in pleasure and wrapped her legs around Michael’s waist.

Every thrust that Michael made threw Liz against the tiles but she wouldn’t have stopped him for the world. Liz moaned and cried, digging her fingernails into Michael’s back. Her lips were swollen from Michael’s rough kisses. Liz’s arms tightened around Michael’s shoulders as she came violently with Michael following moments after her.

They slid down into the bath tub and curled up together. Panting heavily Michael held Liz tightly against his chest. He felt as though his heart was going to burst out of his chest. Peppering her face with tender kisses Michael realised that they were running short on time.

“Come on.” Michael pulled Liz to her feet. “We need to get ready.”

Michael grabbed her shampoo and washed his hair quickly. When he was rinsing his hair his fingers were working magic on Liz’s hair. Liz was sleepy post sex and Michael’s fingers were relaxing her even further.

After they were soap free Michael dried Liz off gently with a towel and dried her hair using his powers. He towelled himself off and they both pulled on their clothes.

[polar4eva]

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Enjoy.

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Liz climbed onto the back of Michael’s motorbike and wrapped her arms around his back. Michael sped off in the direction of the granolith. He was worried about what Liz had to reveal but his doubts were quickly pushed aside by memories of the carnal acts he and Liz were engaged in earlier. He had to shake his head so as not to drive off of the road.

When they arrived at the granolith the others were already there. They, with the exception of Kyle, were surprised to see Liz and Michael arrive together. Both dismounted the bike and walked over to the rest of the group. Michael wanted to grasp Liz’s hand but he knew that the others would not react well to the sudden and unexpected display of affection.

“Hey man.” Max called out. “What’s the meeting about?”
“Liz has some stuff she needs to talk to us about.” Michael answered.

Everyone turned to look at Liz. She smiled nervously and motioned for the others to follow her over to a small outcropping where they could sit together. She didn’t want to be near the granolith just now.

When the others were seated Liz rose and walked over to a dead tree. Using her powers she severed some of the dried branches and levitated them over to the centre of the group. Her friends watched on with interest. The logs were piled and Liz used her powers to ignite them.

She sat down again and took a deep breath.

“I know that all of you have a lot of questions and I think now is the time to answer them.” Liz stared at the flames trying to summon up the courage to reveal to the group what the current situation was.
“Liz.” Tess jumped in. “We will figure it out together.”

Liz smiled warmly at Tess and hoped that her revelation wouldn’t ruin the burgeoning friendship.

“On Antar I was married to Rath.” Liz announced.
“What?” Max yelped.
“It’s true.” Michael added quickly. “I remember meeting her and well I don’t suppose that proposing is quite what it was but we agreed to be married.”

Liz laughed softly.

“I was part of the foursquare.” She added. “The four of us – Zan, Ava, Rath and Ashana ruled over Antar for a couple of years. We were there at the start of the war.”
“Wow.” Max breathed.

Isabel remained conspicuously silent.

“Things were going quite well for the royal army. We were winning.” Liz continued. “That is why Kivar had me killed. He wanted to destroy the royal four and hopefully gain an advantage over the royals.”
“Why you?” Alex asked.
“To get to me.” Michael replied. It made sense to him that as the leader of the army he was the most direct threat.”
“That’s true.” Liz confirmed. “Kivar told me as much.”
“You remember dying.” Maria stated with certainty.
“Yes.” Liz’s smile was thin and bloodless.
“You were part of the royal four?” Max was confused.
“She used Michael’s powers.” Kyle clarified. “I figured as much when she gave her display at the UFO museum.”
“You knew?” Alex asked incredulously.
“Kyle takes after his father.” Liz smiled. “He has a nose for these things.”
“True!” Kyle sighed in mock modesty.

Isabel had sat silently but could remain so no longer.

“What do we need to know?” She demanded nearly hysterical.

Everyone turned to look at her unsure of what had caused her outburst.

“Vilandra was never part of the foursquare.” Liz stuttered. “She was never married to Rath and therefore the new foursquare was never accepted by granolith.”
“What does that mean?” Max demanded.
“It means that Isabel isn’t part of the foursquare.” Liz explained. “The scientists who created the four of you reasoned that sending you with the granolith would ensure that the four of you would be connected to the granolith and each other.”
“But the granolith caused you to be here.” Michael concluded. “So the foursquare that it knew and authorised still exists.”

The group was silent. After a moment Maria blurted out her confusion.

“So Liz is part of the foursquare. Isabel isn’t.” She stated. At least that much she was confident about. “Is there anyway to change that?”
“No.” Liz whispered.
“But she can still go home with us thought, right?” Max’s brow was creased in concern.

After an eternity of silence Liz shook her head.

“There is only room for four.”

Silence engulfed the group sitting around the fire.

Isabel seemed to have collapsed in on herself. She buried her head in the crook of her elbows currently resting on her knees. She shielded her head from the harsh reality that had just been revealed with her forearms.

Max’s jaw dropped. Never had he imagined that he would ever be separated from his sister. He knew that she had done things in her previous life that that were monstrous… was this her punishment? Was this what the granolith had intended? For Isabel to be banished to another planet?

Tess, who had had her suspicions about Isabel’s security within the group, was saddened for her Amazonian friend. They had not been close in their previous lives but Tess had harboured great hopes for this life.

The three humans were silent. They had chosen to sit together around the fire. They were subconsciously preparing for the day when their friends would leave them to go fight a war on another planet. They exchanged silent glances filled with concern and trepidation.

Liz looked around the group absorbing the varying degrees of shock and horror. Her stomach was filled with anxious butterflies as she waited for the group to explode in anger at the unfairness of the situation. And direct the fury towards her.

Michael saw earlier how badly Liz felt about what she had just revealed to them. That didn’t make him feel any better about the situation. He knew, he knew, that Liz had no control over this but he still felt… stunned, angry, breathless and betrayed. Isabel, one of the few constants in his human life was going to be taken away from him. He looked over at Liz with disbelief in his grey eyes.

Isabel leapt from her rock and ran out of the firelight. Max was about to follow her when Liz called out for him to sit down. Max didn’t know why he complied with her barked command.

“I think it’s best if I speak to Isabel.” Liz explained.
“Why?” Michael demanded hotly. “Wouldn’t you be the last person she wanted to see?”
“Perhaps.” Liz acquiesced defensively with sad eyes. “But I know how she feels.”

Liz walked briskly away from the group, upset with Michael, and followed Isabel into the granolith chamber. She found Isabel sitting by the granolith sobbing.

“I didn’t want this.” Liz spoke gently as she sat down a comforting but respectful distance from the distraught girl.
“Why not?” Isabel hiccupped. “You get your husband and you get to go home.”
“I never wanted that at the expense of anybody else.” Liz pressed softly. “I never wanted Michael or Max to have to choose between you and me.”
“Well they don’t have to.” Isabel ground out between sobs. “I don’t get to go home. Only you do.”
“Or none of us go.” A voice resonated behind them.

Both girls turned to see Michael standing in the entrance to the inner chamber. Liz’s eyes widened in horror.

“What?” Isabel stuttered in surprise.
“I’m not going if you don’t go.” Michael announced.

Liz closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. This was going from bad to worse. It was all or nothing. All four of them had to return to Antar or none of them could. With trembling hands and tears threatening to spill over her lashes Liz rose, pushed past Michael roughly and walked out into the darkness of the desert.

Michael chose to stay with Isabel instead of chasing after Liz. Michael dropped down beside Isabel and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He placed a brotherly kiss to her temple.

Liz, meanwhile, was torn between being furious and being devastated. After everything that had happened between them that day Michael discarded her so easily. She had never felt secure in his heart in their previous lives. She was secure in her position as his wife and her position as a member of the foursquare but she was aware of the gossip and lewd tales that followed her husband around. She learned very early on to rise above the fray and just walk with her head held high.

To be so easily cast aside tore into her heart like a barbed arrow. Liz stumbled over the rough terrain nearly falling several times but continued onwards. Tears streaked her face but she stubbornly refused to give into her sorrow. With a strong resolve Liz walked out into the desert.

[polar4eva]

Sorry for the delay people.

Things have been hectic and my muse is on strike.

Enjoy.

****************************************************

It had been two days since anyone had seen Liz. Michael had assumed that she had gotten a ride back to Roswell with the humans. They in-turn had assumed that Liz had gotten a ride back with Michael who she arrived with.

Michael was frantic. He couldn’t find her. He couldn’t sense her anywhere. He didn’t know what had happened to make her disappear. Every nightmare scenario crossed his over active imagination. Bounty hunters, skins, alien obsessed freaks… the Special Unit!

Michael’s chest tightened in panic. He stormed out of his apartment and jumped onto his motorbike. He raced off in the direction of the granolith chamber hoping to find some clues about where Liz had disappeared to.

When he arrived he was worried to see the entrance of the granolith chamber open but no sign of Max’s jeep. It suddenly dawned on him that it could be Liz inside. He rushed into the chamber and found Liz sitting cross legged beside the granolith. Michael sighed in relief. Anger started to rise in his chest as he recalled the panic she had caused.

Liz seemed oblivious to his presence. She had her eyes closed and a serene expression on her face. Michael’s anger evaporated and a warm feeling settled into his chest. A small smile played on his lips. Michael quietly sat behind Liz and wrapped an arm around her waist. He smelled the sweet jasmine scent in her hair as her eyes opened in surprise.

She set her jaw and hardened her eyes against Michael and his charm.

“I was trying to meditate.” Liz ground out in annoyance.
“Meditate?” Michael was incredulous. “You disappear for two days with no word to anyone and you’re trying to meditate? What about ‘sorry I made you worry Michael’ or ‘sorry your heart has been in your throat for two days’ or even ‘I’m sorry that you had every nightmare under the sun about the love of your life being strapped to a metal table being experimented on’?”
“You made your choice.” Liz growled. “Why do you care?”
“What do you mean made my choice?” Michael demanded.
“You refused to leave without Isabel.” Liz clarified with venom. “If you don’t go none of the rest of us can go.”
“You think that I chose Isabel over you.” Michael realised.
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” Liz muttered darkly.
“What?” Michael was confused. “When have I ever chosen Isabel over you? We’ve only had each other for a few days.”

Liz was silent.

“Liz.” Michael pushed in irritation. “You said something now back it up.”
“I’ve been through this with you before.” Liz stated coolly. “I had heard what you were before we were married but I ignored it. More fool me!”
“Oh. And what was I?” Michael demanded.
“A slut.” Liz shot back rising to her knees and then storming out of the inner chamber.

Before she could reach the entrance to the granolith chamber Michael had caught up with her and restrained her firmly.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Michael growled as he used his bigger frame to press Liz against the wall of the chamber.
“It means that as man whores go I married quite the professional.” Liz shot back.
“What?” Michael’s voice hit a high pitch.
“You think you loved me?” Liz cried. “You were too busy with your whores and…”
“And what?” Michael was stunned by what she was saying.
“Vilandra.” Liz whispered sorrowfully.

Liz saw Michael’s eyes widen in shock.

“I had heard about you and your reputation.” Liz’s tears spilled over onto her cheeks. “The women, the whores. An Antarian Casanova without any class. I thought when you married me that I would be enough. But I wasn’t. You were fucking Vilandra the entire time we were together. I see not much has changed!”
“I don’t want Isabel.” Michael protested. “I love you.”
“But you chose her.” Liz cried.
“No.” Michael replied passionately.

He pulled Liz into his arms despite her protests. Using his immense hands he tried to smooth her hair and comfort her. But she was having none of it. Her heart was broken.

“I love you.” Michael whispered.
“Stop it.” Liz whimpered.
“No one but you.” Michael continued. “I don’t know how stupid I was in my previous life but I don’t want Isabel.”

Michael pressed his lips against Liz’s but she pulled away. He knew that he had to get her to understand what had happened and why he had said those things to Isabel.

Liz protested wildly against Michael’s embrace. She didn’t want to be so close to him. She knew that she didn’t have the strength to resist his kisses. Michael lifted her off the ground and pressed her body against the wall behind her. He pressed his lips against hers hoping that they conveyed all of the passion and love her felt for her.

Liz’s mind connected with Michael’s and she found herself gazing upon the scene a few nights previously when the group had been congregated around the fire. Both she and Isabel were absent.

“We can’t not go home.” Michael said softly.
“But what about Isabel?” Max demanded.
“Do you think she will be accepted?” Michael questioned. “Do you really think that the people aren’t aware of what she did?”
“They have to be.” Tess added.
“What are we going to do?” Max sighed with heavy heart.

Michael didn’t answer him. He simply rose and walked away from the group. He entered the chamber to find Liz and Isabel sitting on the floor. He wanted Isabel to know that she wasn’t being pushed out in favour of Liz.

He watched Liz march out of the chamber and sat down next to Isabel. She was so important to him. His sister, his friend, his family. He knew that returning to Antar would be impossibly difficult for her. But he didn’t want this for her.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered softly.
“Why?” Isabel half cried. “You got your wife back. This works out quite well for you.”
“I lose you.” Michael replied. “How is that good for me?”

Isabel sank against Michael in defeated exhaustion.

“You have to go.” Isabel sobbed. “You can’t stay here. Not after what Tess told us about what Liz said. The things the people on Antar are going through have to stop. And only the four of you can stop it. There’s just no room for me.”
“Maybe we can figure something out.” Michael suggested.
“Liz has already told us that only four can go back.” Isabel protested. “Only four can go and it has to be the royal four. I’m not a part of that. I never was.”
“We can’t leave you here. Alone.” Michael said gently.
“You have to.” Isabel’s voice steadied. “I won’t be alone. I will have my parents and our friends. I won’t be alone.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.” Michael admitted.
“You have her.” Isabel gave him a watery smile. “When did that happen?”
“You think you can change the subject?” Michael teased.
“I was hoping.” Isabel confessed with trembling lips.
“Yes I have her.” Michael smiled. “I love her.”
“Really?” Isabel was shocked. “You remember her?”
“Not really.” Michael explained. “I have seen bits and pieces but I know that I love her.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Isabel exclaimed as she hugged him tightly.

Michael was back in the cavern with Liz in his arms, pressed against the wall by the force of his body. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his shoulders and her face was pressed into his neck. She was gasping for breath recovering from what she had just seen.

“Baby.” Michael soothed. “Are you ok?”
“Uh huh.” Liz whimpered.

Michael lowered her to the ground but continued to stroke her hair and kiss her gently on her forehead.

“I love you.” Liz gasped.
“I love you.” Michael said softly looking her in the eye. “I don’t know what I did to hurt you in our previous lives but I will never touch another woman so long as you are mine.”
“Promise?” Liz gave a tremulous smile.
“I promise.” Michael swore.

Liz rested her head against Michael’s chest as she tried to calm down and process what he had just shown her.

Michael was her gently on her crown whilst his hands stroked her hair and back. He could feel her getting quite limp so he guided her down to the ground where he placed her on his lap.

“I’m sorry.” Michael apologised. “I didn’t mean to make you doubt me or us. I wanted Izzy to know that…”
“That she was still important to you.” Liz filled in for him.
“Yes.” Michael admitted. “I can’t imagine being with her. Especially not instead of you.”

Michael caught the sadness in her expression.

“I don’t doubt what you said about Rath and Vilandra in their time.” Michael added. “But that was then. This, you Liz and me Michael, is now. I can’t even think about Iz that way without shuddering.”

Liz smiled softly at his grimace.

“I must have been some kind of idiot to have cheated and think that you wouldn’t notice.” Michael frowned.
“Tell me about it.” Liz half laughed. “And to not hide it and let everyone know about it.”
“Ouch.” Michael’s frown lines got deeper. “I’m sorry to have done that to you.”
“You won’t do it again.” Liz stated with more faith than she felt.
“Max and Tess would kill me if I hurt you.” He pulled her closer to him. “I would want them to.”
“Don’t say that.” Liz admonished.
“Why not?” Michael asked pointedly. “I deserve whatever they have to throw at me if I hurt you.”

Liz wanted to put an end to the distressing conversation so she kissed him softly. After a few passionate moments had passed Michael pulled away slightly short of breath.

“Way to end a conversation, Parker.” Michael grinned as he nuzzled her neck.

Liz shifted position so she was straddling Michael. She pulled off her jacket and shirt and then reached for Michael’s battered leather coat and grey t-shirt.

Michael shivered but not from the coolness of the cave. He was stunned by her openness and lack of fear about being nude around him. Arousal flushed his body in raw heat. The two emotions rushed to the pit of his stomach causing his body to react.

Liz pulled Michael closer to her and ran her fingers through his hair. The last thing Michael wanted to do was ruin the moment. Grabbing his jacket he rolled Liz onto her back with his coat protecting her from the rough and uneven ground.

Liz could still feel Michael’s body heat in the jacket. Michael wasn’t one to wear cologne but Liz could smell his soap emanating from the leather.

It was incredibly soothing.

Michael was worried that he had lost her when her eyes seemed to lose focus. She blinked and as she looked up at her lover, her husband, a broad smile erupted from her swollen lips.

She pulled Michael down on top of her and wrapped her trouser clad legs around his belted hips. Michael settled against her and they lay together peacefully. A few moments later the rest of the group arrived at the granolith chamber.

“Oh shit I’m blind.” Kyle cried in mock agony.

As quickly as they had filed in the six people backed out of the chamber. Michael and Liz exchanged rueful glances and grabbed their shirts joining the others out in the desert.

[polar4eva]

I know - it's been a while. Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

Glad to know that my writing can cheer up people who are unwell. At the end of the day can you ask for more?!?!?

The next chapter...

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With blushed faced, Liz and Michael stood with the others. Nobody was looking them in the eye they were all too interested in the sand and rocks beneath their feet.

“Oh for the love of Christ.” Liz sighed. “Enough already. It’s not like we were actually having sex when you walked in.”
“You may as well have been.” Alex shuddered.

Liz laughed at the expression on his face.

“Why are you guys here?” Michael asked trying to steer the conversation away from the highly personal moment he and Liz had just shared.
“Looking for Liz.” Max exclaimed. “How were we supposed to know that you had found her?”
“I only found her thirty minutes ago.” Michael shot back defensively. “I came out here to find some clues about where Liz had disappeared to.”
“Well?” Maria demanded. “Where was she?”

Michael opened his mouth to answer her only to find that he had no clue. He turned to Liz with an expectant look on his face.

“I was out at the reservation.” Liz explained. “Talking to Riverdog about whether or not he knew anything about the granolith and the possibility of us taking Isabel back with us.”
“And?” Max asked hopefully.

Liz shook her head. Her visit to the reservation had been a fool’s errand. And she had known that at the time. It was the only thing she could think of after Michael had announced that he wouldn’t leave without Isabel. Unfortunately Riverdog had known no more than she thought he would.

Her visit had given her time to thank and calm down a little. She was still upset about Michael’s comment but she knew that that emotion was rooted in her past life and she was determined not to let those memories affect her current relationship.

Michael had not released her hand since leaving the cave and was acting in a very possessive manner. None of the group were in any doubt of their status as a couple.

The silence was becoming a little stifling so Isabel felt the need to break the tension.

“I know the reality of the situation.” Isabel stated softly. “I think that it is best to accept the way things are and stay here with my parents.”

Max wrapped an arm around his sister’s shoulders. The two of them had spoken at length about the facts of their current predicament and, despite Max’s reservations about leaving Isabel behind, he senses that she was a little relieved.

He knew that she was worried about the impact Vilandra’s past betrayals would have on her return but even he was unaware of the breadth and depth of her fear.

“I’m really sorry.” Liz’s eyes were filled with sorrow.
“It’s ok.” Isabel’s eyes watered. She stepped towards Liz and took her free hand. “I know that you are the only person I would trust to look after these two.”

Liz followed Isabel’s gaze to Michael and Max.

“Thank you.” Liz whispered as she squeezed Isabel’s hand.

Michael pulled Liz into an embrace. As he kissed the top of her head he shot Isabel a look that conveyed his gratitude and sorrow.

Isabel smiled at her brother, whose heart had been captured by the woman in his arms for a second time. She had no memories of Michael being so happy or open. It was a heart warming sight.

“I’m taking Liz home.” Michael announced. He nodded to the others and led Liz away from the group. Liz gave their friends a parting wave. She climbed behind Michael and rested her head between his shoulder blades and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.

It was this closeness that made Michael drive to his flat instead of the Crashdown. He wasn’t ready to let her out of his sight yet Liz didn’t questions his actions. She just followed his lead.

Michael closed the door to his apartment and immediately sought out Liz’s lips. He pressed her against the door and kissed her roughly. He felt a whirlwind of emotions when he was around her. Each ran through him with the speed and impact of a freight train.

A lightness in his head. A warmth in his chest. A shiver of anticipation. The anxiousness of any harm. The fear of danger. The terror of loss.

He could feel the woman in his arms respond to his kisses. Her warm body was engaging with his every movement. Lifting her Michael walked across the small living room into his bedroom.

Liz pulled off his leather jacket and dropped it to the floor. She was desperately trying to remove his t-shirt again but Michael was preventing it by refusing to raise his arms. Just as she was about to protest she felt her body being pressed into Michael’s mattress. Michael used his position to remove her shirt.

His lips trailed a line of ecstasy down her throat and collarbone to her bra clad breasts. Michael unclasped her lacy pink bra and nuzzled her soft breasts. He pulled each of her nipples into his mouth and delighted at the sounds emitting from Liz’s throat. The noises were primal and urged his on.

Whilst his lips were teasing her rosy peaks his hands were removing her trousers from her shapely legs. Her underwear soon joined her other clothes in a pile on the floor. Michael’s lips released her teeth marked breasts and continued down her tight body. He spent a few necessary moments running his tongue around her belly button before tasting her.

Liz’s hands clenched the sheets beneath her. Michael lifted her legs so the rested on his shoulders as his tongue deftly and expertly caressed her most tender flesh. Liz cried out in intense pleasure. It was almost too much to bear. Her lovers’ name rushed out of her lips over and over again. Just as she was about to climax Michael quickly replaced his tongue with his fingers.

Liz was confused but opened her eyes to see Michael watching her intently. His nimble fingers continued to pleasure her in equal measure to his tongue but he wanted to know. He wanted to see her in the throws of pleasure without his own needs and frustrations clouding his vision. He wanted to watch her cry and squirm and come.

As difficult as it was for Liz not to simply close her eyes and give in to the pleasure she was to connect with Michael. Wanted him to feel connected to her. Using all of her available powers of concentration, though there was little to spare, Liz maintained eye contact with him. It was the most powerful orgasm she had ever experienced.

Michael saw the look of frustration and almost pain in her eyes. Desperation and need were clearly visible on her beautiful face. Michael loved having so much power of her. But he was just as aware that she held as much power over him. Her trembling body was warm against his chest.

“Wow.” Liz gasped when she was finally able to speak.
“Yeah.” Michael agreed in his usual stoic manner. His eyes spoke differently. They were warm and full of adoration for the tiny woman naked in his arms.
“How come I’m always the one who ends up naked?” Liz complained in jest.
“Because you look better naked than me.” Michael explained with teasing eyes.
“Maybe in your opinion.” Liz returned playfully. “I happen to think that you should just be naked all the time. You shouldn’t own clothes and should just be naked.”
“I wouldn’t want the other guys to develop complexes.” Michael teased.
“Oh really Mr Ego?” Liz cried in a laughing voice.

She pushed Michael over and straddled his hips. Pulling him into a sitting position she pulled his t-shirt over his head. She could feel how aroused he was through his jeans. It turned her on knowing that power she had over him.

Michael lay back on the mattress and enjoyed the sensations running through his body as Liz ran her hands over his chest and shoulders. Michael’s hands caressed her smooth thighs as she unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers. Liz pulled his hard dick out of his jeans and played with it.

Michael groaned in agony at her gentle ministration. He was already on the brink of release. If she kept teasing him he wouldn’t last much longer. After what were possibly the longest minutes of his life Michael had to sit up and remove Liz’s hand. He buries his face in her breasts as he tried to gain a hold on his body.

Liz shifted into position to allow Michael to thrust into her. Michael’s knuckles were white as he clenched his fists trying to gain control. Liz liked seeing Michael struggle for power. It wasn’t a situation he was used to. His strength, size and alien powers meant that he was always, always, in control. She knew it pained him to allow anybody to make decisions on his behalf but here he was… giving her free reign over his body. He was exposed. If Liz had been in any doubt of his trust and love of her those doubts would have vanished in those moments.

Liz rocked against Michael gently and smiled as he moaned into her neck. His hands immediately went to her hips to stop her movements. With a raised eyebrow and a mock stern look on her face Liz pulled his hands off of her body.

“My turn.” Liz teased.

She pressed Michael back against the mattress and placed his hands on the pillow above his head. Michael whimpered pitifully. With a slight frown Liz tried to suppress the laugh stuck in her throat as she told Michael not to move.

She teased him mercilessly. Her nails gently raked over his nipples and down his abs. Liz lowered her tongue to lick his nipples whilst keeping Michael’s eyes connected with her own.

Michael was in hell.

Liz began rotating her hips pulling Michael deeper inside of her. She brought her hands up from Michael’s chest to her own and began to caress her breasts and stomach. She closed her eyes knowing full well that Michael would still be watching her. She sped up her rhythm and let her head fall back slightly as her hands continued to touch her soft body.

She could feel how tense Michael was beneath her. Every muscle in his body was taught under the strain of watching her and knowing that he wasn’t allowed to touch her. Liz opened her eyes just in time to see Michael break.

Using his superior speed and size Michael had rolled Liz onto her back and was pinning her to the bed before she had had a chance to react. Michael pinned her hands above her head and captured her lips with his own as he started to furiously thrust in and out of her.

The agony. The pure, undiluted agony of watching Liz had been too much. He was only one man. It was too much to ask and too much to expect that he would have that much self control.

Liz and Michael panted, cried and moaned into each other’s mouths as they fucked. This wasn’t love making. It wasn’t gentle or soft or tender. It was passionate, animalistic… primal. He needed, he wanted, he took. She needed, she wanted, she took.

Their orgasm was strong. The intensity of the pleasure left Michael and Liz speechless for several minutes afterwards. Michael eventually rolled off of his spent lover and pulled the sheet over them. He was sleepy but sated. He looked down to find Liz already asleep. A look of contentment on her face. A tiny smile on her lips.

It amazed him. Only fifteen minutes prior she had been a devil woman. Using her feminine powers to torture him. The look of lust in her eye as she had ridden him was anything but innocent. But now… the only word that could be used to describe her was angelic.

[polar4eva]

Thank you all for your feedback.

EK - I'm glad you like the story. I still don't really know where this story is going or whether or not there will be a sequel.
LilMiss - Glad to see you are feeling better.
Snowy Owl - Thanks for the support as always.

*************************************

That night Michael witnessed in his dreams what Liz had told him earlier. He saw entire montages of Rath’s philandering. The infidelity spanned from before his marriage to Ashana to afterwards. Michael felt sick.

In his youth Rath had been careless and cavalier with his actions and conquests. He took anyone he wanted. Not that they didn’t give themselves to him willingly. Rath just didn’t care. He was well aware that his reputation preceded him but that fact only fuelled his ego. All of this was plainly evident to Michael as he watched with disgust the long line of women who walked into his life and were pushed out of it.

Michael saw the meeting between Rath and his father. He could tell that his father was too lenient on his wasted son. Michael felt angry. Angry at his father who had allowed him to become this pathetic being currently standing in front of him. Michael saw women. Truly saw them. He had learned a lot from Isabel and Maria and Liz. It was obvious that he had not had the same respect as Rath.

Michael could also tell that Rath was in many ways disgusted by the women he slept with. Their looseness, their easy virtue made them personally unattractive to him. He used them for his own pleasures and discarded them easily.

At least until Ashana.

She had pushed, challenged and berated him. She hadn’t fallen at his feet nor been impressed by his credentials. She was intriguing. She was stunning. For the first time Rath felt as though he could respect a woman. She had honour and integrity. He quickly became infatuated with her.

Michael witnessed his former self loose his self assurance and arrogance around his future bride. He was eager to please and quick to compliment her. It was when Michael was surrounded by their wedding day that he felt as though he merged with Rath and became part of the proceedings. He watched as Ashana’s hand was tied to his with a silken cloth. Hushed words were spoken in the presence of their families and Zan and Ava. The four of them were then presented to the court as the Royal Four.

Rath/Michael felt pride as he stood with his wife in front of the court beside his best friends and his young bride. They were a unit. Zan had expressed his approval of Ashana as had Ava. He knew that they were going to achieve legendary things.

His wedding night with his bride had been a more powerful experience than he had anticipated. Rath had fucked a lot of women. He was a skilled lover capable of pleasing. He had not expected the emotional connection to Ashana or how much sweeter the experience was. Ashana had taken his breath away. Michael smiled to himself as he heard Rath declare to Ashana what Michael had said to Liz the first time they had made love. It was the first time that Rath had made love to a woman for he truly loved his wife.

Michael was confused. He could feel Rath’s emotions and deep connection to Ashana. If that was true he couldn’t for the life of him understand why Rath had ever become involved with Vilandra.

The scene shifted from their wedding night to Ashana’s announcement of her pregnancy. Michael was still blended with Rath, who sat on a chair with a stunned look on his face. He looked up to see a hopeful but terrified look on his beloved’s face. He physically shook himself, stood up and pulled Ashana into a tight embrace.

Rath hoped that his own feelings of terror were not evident as he kissed his wife, whose body had relaxed significantly.

“I know you’re worried.” Ashana whispered into his lips. “I am too.”
“Worried about what?” Rath pretended not to know what she was talking about.
“You think I know what to do or expect?” Ashana pressed. “This is as new to me as it is to you. The good news is that we have time to adjust and learn. The baby won’t be here until the next alignment.”

Rath hadn’t even realised how tense he was until his shoulders dropped a few inches. He exhaled slowly and smiled a crooked smile.

“How do you know me so well?” He teased.
“I’m your wife.” Ashana smiled. “Who else would know you like I do?”
“Nobody.” Rath confirmed.

The scene shifted again. This time Michael was outside watching as Rath was informed that his father had been killed. Michael watched as his former self got an iron grip on his emotions and commanded that the perpetrator be caught and executed. Ashana tried to comfort her husband but was quickly rebuffed. Rath had shut down.

Over the next few days Ashana tried to break through to her distraught husband but to no avail. He was incapable of expressing how he felt. He was angry, abrupt, rude and violent. Anything that got in his way was quickly and decisively disposed of. On one particularly bad evening Rath had stormed out of his home and led one of the horses out of the stables. He rode the animal at a furious pace towards the city irrationally angry that he had agreed to live outside the city walls with Ashana.

He had hoped to find Zan at home to discuss his plans for the minor uprisings that were occurring around Antar. But he wasn’t home. Neither was Ava.

But Vilandra was.

He was tired of feeling angry. He was tired of the red hot flame that burned in his stomach. He knew that Vilandra had always liked him. She had been one of his conquests prior to his marriage to Ashana. With little heed to his wife or his commitment to her Rath led Vilandra to her bedroom.

Rath poured all of his pain and rage into Vilandra’s supple body. He was rough with her. She was not treated delicately but was made to submit to him. His will, his needs and his anger. Vilandra accepted his violent treatment willingly. She enjoyed being treated without reservations, without regard to her feelings or needs. Rath possessed her in every sense of the word.

There were no soft touches afterwards. No tender glances or soothing words exchanged. Rath redressed and left Vilandra alone with her bruised skin and ego. The sense of loathing that washed over Rath as he left the palace and rode home was unending. He had gotten rid of his pain but replaced it with guilt. Never again would he touch any other woman, he vowed.

It was late when he arrived back at his home. He saw Ashana was asleep so he crept into the bathroom and washed away any trace of Vilandra from his body. Thoroughly scrubbed he climbed into bed beside his wife. Ashana automatically turned to him and was scooped into his arms. She opened her eyes to find Rath with her.

“Go back to sleep, sweetness.” Rath whispered tenderly as he kissed her gently.

Ashana smiled and snuggled into Rath’s arms. She didn’t know how or why but he was back with her.

Any feelings of relief that Michael had had about the affair with Vilandra being a one time event were soon swept away by the further images that he witnessed of a continuing relationship with her. It was not one of affection but of dominance and violence.

Any stress or pressures that got too much for Rath he immediately went to Vilandra to release the tension that had built up inside of him. He was not kind to her. She was an object that was to be used for his satisfaction and then discarded until he had further use for her. He felt disgusted by her and by himself but the physical sensations were addictive – were a drug.

Vilandra was bound, humiliated and subjected to various sadistic acts but always came back for more. Begged him for more. She wanted to be dominated. She wanted to be punished by him. It was a toxic relationship.

Rath deluded himself into believing that Ashana was blissfully unaware of his activities. Her pregnancy was advancing smoothly and they expected her to give birth soon. She had never given him any indication that she was aware of Vilandra.

The birth of his son had put a halt on his activities with Vilandra. He was home with his family. Happy for the time being. Vilandra had tried several times to entice him back to her but Rath made the decision never to engage in those acts with her again. He had a wife who he adored. A son who stirred emotions in him that he thought impossible. Life was good.

Until the day he returned home to find his wife and son missing and the members of his household staff dead in a pile at the front door.

[polar4eva]

Lilmisspolarwhore - thank you for your continuing support.
Foreverdreamer - Rath to me has always been darker and capable of more violence than Michael. I think that it is his history with war - at least that's how I see it.
Snowy-Owl 17 - A little more background will hopefully resolve your mixed feelings about Rath/Michael.
Pandas2001 - thank you also for continuing to read my little story.
Bella-Svetlana - ask and ye shall receive.
Egyptian Kiss - I think you hit the nail on the head with your summary. Thank you.

I hope you like the next chapter.

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The terror. Undiluted and ferocious coursed through every vein, pore and cell in his body. He stood for a full minute, his eyes transfixed on the sickening pile of bodies strewn before him. Realisation hit him as he ran to his son’s nursery and to every room in the house desperate to find any trace of his family.

Perhaps they were hiding? Perhaps they had been sneaked out of the building as the intruders attacked. Ashana could be at the palace. She could be safe with their son. Hope sprung into his chest as he used his communication screen to contact Zan.

“Rath?” Zan was obviously surprised to hear from his second.
“Is she with you?” Rath asked breathlessly. “Is Ashana with you?”
“No.” Zan was confused. “Why would she be?”

Zan watched as his friend seemed to shrink before his very eyes.

“What happened?” Zan demanded.
“My staff are dead.” Rath stated hoarsely. “Ashana and my son are missing.”
“God.” Zan gasped. “I’ll send over my personal guard. They can do a search of the house and the surrounding area. Is there any hint or note about where she may be?”
“Nothing.” Rath’s eyes were huge. Zan could see the terror engulf his friend.

Michael felt Rath’s fear. He had been unable to find Liz for two days and that was bad enough. Michael also had the knowledge that it was Kivar who had taken Liz… Ashana. He hadn’t known about his son. He wondered why Liz hadn’t told him that they had had a child. Michael heaved as he thought about the tortures that his family were being subjected to.

Rath left his house and took a transport to the palace to be with Zan and Ava. He couldn’t sit still. The nervous feeling refused to allow him a moment to sit and reflect. Something he was grateful for.

Nothing. There was no news from whoever had taken her. No demands. No threats.

Rath’s chest was tight. It took all of his self control not to fall to his knees and sob. His head was light and felt disconnected. He was her husband. He should be able to sense her, feel her… save her.

It was only a few hours later that the bodies of Ashana and his son were delivered to the palace. Their bruises were obvious. The pain they had suffered must have been great.

Rath was catatonic. He stared at his wife’s face. She looked peaceful. Almost as though she was sleeping. Rath fought Zan when he tried to lead him away from his family. His baby son’s fragile body had been crushed and beaten.

Liz was startled awake when Michael cried out and sat up quickly. She was nearly thrown out of his bed. It took her a few moments to get him to acknowledge her. When he did tears spilled from his eyes. He pulled her into a smothering embrace and sobbed into her hair.

Liz let him break. It was something that he needed to happen. When he had calmed down Liz pulled back slowly and brought her hand up to his face, wiping the tears that still clung to his pale cheeks.

“What happened?” Liz asked gently. She kept her voice low and soothing.
“I saw.” Michael stuttered in a thick voice.
“What did you see, baby?” Liz pressed as she ran her fingers over his face trying to calm him down.
“I came home.” Michael gasped. “The servants were dead in a pile by the door.”
“Oh baby.” Liz whispered realising what he had witnessed. She placed her hands on either side of his head and kissed him gently all over his face.
“Your bodies were sent to the palace.” Michael continued.
“What?” Liz had no knowledge of this.
“You were tortured.” Michael cried quietly. He pulled his lips into a tight line trying to rein in his pain.

Liz nodded.

“And so was our son.” Michael stammered.

Again Liz nodded. Tears spilled over her lashes as she beat back memories of the past.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Michael whispered as he pulled Liz back down onto the bed. Liz lay on her back as Michael lay on his side, hovering over her.
“It was too much too soon.” Liz explained as she wiped a tear from Michael’s face. Her free hand subconsciously rested on her abdomen.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do to take those memories away for you.” Michael breathed.
“I know.” Liz continued to stroke his face. “Me too. I can’t think of what you went through.”
“I saw what happened with Vilandra.” Michael didn’t want to hurt Liz but he felt the need to change the subject. Even if the subject was only slightly less painful.
“Oh.” Liz averted her eyes.
“It wasn’t pretty.” Michael told her. “After my father was killed I was angry. I took that out on her.”
“I don’t understand?” Liz didn’t want to talk about this. But she could see that Michael needed to tell her something.
“It wasn’t love.” Michael tried to assure her. “I used her. I hurt her.”
“Hurt her?” Liz questioned. This was not what she had expected.
“Sexually.” Michael flushed crimson.

Liz’s eyes widened in shock.

“S&M?” Liz’s mouth was open in surprise. She had never experienced that side of her husband.
“I can only assume that it got worse after she and I were betrothed.” Michael didn’t really want to discuss the things he had done to Vilandra. He felt ashamed.
“I’m actually speechless.” Liz confessed. “Is that something that you like?” Liz’s forehead was furrowed in confusion.
“No.” Michael answered quickly.
“There is a little something there.” Liz contradicted. Seeing the hurt look on Michael’s face she continued. “You are possessive of me. Physically. I like it and have never felt overpowered by you. You like control and power.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.” Michael stammered.
“You won’t.” Liz tried to reassure him. “I trust you implicitly.”
“I hurt Vilandra.” Michael whispered.
“You didn’t love her.” Liz comforted him. “You love me and I trust you.”
“I do love you.” Michael stated passionately.
“I want to please you.” Liz added. “I want you to be happy and satisfied.”
“I am.” Michael tried to convince her.
“If you want to try something…” Liz continued.

Michael didn’t want her to continue what she was saying. Her sentence died in her throat as Michael covered her lips with his own. He still felt disgust at his actions as Rath. He never wanted Liz to be sullied like Vilandra.

“I never want you to go elsewhere to be satisfied.” Liz continued what she was saying after Michael released her lips.
“I won’t.” Michael really wanted to stop talking about this. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Ok?”
“Ok.” Liz acquiesced.

Michael rolled onto his back pulling Liz on top of him. He kissed her gently on the forehead and prayed that when sleep claimed him it wouldn’t force him to relieve the past again.

[polar4eva]

To all those who read my story - Thank you.

Please enjoy.

************************************************

Liz felt Michael drift off to sleep. His breathing slowed and steadied. She liked that she brought him comfort. Her mind was whirling, unable to rest after Michael’s confession. Rath and Vilandra. Bondage? S&M?

She knew that Michael/Rath liked to use his size to be in control… but to actually hurt someone? Liz wondered if Isabel had any clue about what had transpired between the two of them on Antar.

Probably not.

Liz sighed and relaxed against Michael trying to fall asleep. Her body was exhausted after making love to Michael but her mind… as per usual was too active. She had avoided thinking about her son for as long as she had remembered him. He was only three months old when he was killed.

Malin.

Her beautiful little boy. With her eyes but his father’s nose and chin. Liz’s lip trembled as she fought the maternal wave of distress. They had only had a few months together but he had left an eternal imprint on her soul. She could still remember the feel of his tiny fingers in hers. The way his knuckles were just dimples on the back of his chubby little hand.

Needing a distraction, Liz slipped out of Michael’s embrace and padded softly out into the living room. She grabbed her clothes and looked for something to do. Within an hour Michael’s apartment was pristine. The kitchen sparkled and the living room was neat as a pin. Liz used her powers to carry out minor repairs to Michael’s furniture and kitchen units. Waving her hands a fresh coat of paint was applied to the walls and the fabric of the battered sofa was renewed. Liz changed nothing. Every colour or fabric was the same just in better condition.

She knew that Michael only viewed the apartment as temporary so had intentionally not invested too much in the place. With nothing left to do Liz flopped down on the sofa and tried to think of what else she could do to take her mind off of the distressing thoughts running around her head.

Liz switched on the tv and channel hopped for a while before settling on one of her favourite films; An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant. Liz watched the beautifully shot film as her mind calmed down. A blanket from the back of the sofa kept her warm as she lost herself in the old romance.

The film made her smile. The two leads were in sync with one another. They could practically read each other’s minds. They tested their love through separation; firstly self imposed then a more traumatic separation after an accident, but still found one another. When Cary Grant’s character was poised to leave; without understanding why his love, Deborah Kerr’s character, had failed to meet him, Liz felt tears come to her eyes.

Liz gasped as a hand rested on her shoulder. Liz looked up to see Michael looking at her with concern in his eyes.

“God you scared me.” Liz panted.

Michael slid down onto the sofa and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her gently on the temple and gave her a moment to catch her breath.

“You’ve been busy.” Michael commented as he looked around his apartment.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Liz explained. “Did I wake you?”
“No.” Michael assured her. “I woke up to find you gone and I didn’t like it.”
“Sorry.” Liz apologised softly, kissing him on the lips.
“What’s on your mind?” Michael pressed as he settled back into the more comfortable sofa. “Something is bothering you.”
“It’s nothing.” Liz tried to dismiss his concern with a smile.
“Tell me.” Michael pressed. He had a feeling down in his gut that it had something to do with what he had told her earlier about Rath and Vilandra.
“I keep thinking about Malin.” Liz admitted lowering her eyes.
“Who?” Michael questioned.
“Our son.” Liz whispered.

Michael stiffened but felt Liz relax against him. He released the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding and tightened his grasp on his love.

“Tell me.” Michael asked.
“When he was born he was so tiny.” Liz smiled wistfully. “He grew quickly but in your arms he always looked so small. He looked like you. He had my eyes but he looked like you.”

Michael saw the dark look in her eyes as her expression dropped.

“What?” Michael pressed.
“I should have protected him.” Liz stuttered. “I was his mother and I should have done something to protect him. Hidden him. Bargained for his life. Something. Anything.”

Michael could hear the self loathing in her voice. He understood her feelings and the anger she felt at herself.

“Rath was the same.” Michael confessed. “I could feel it when he found out that both of you were gone. He was your husband and Malin father’s and it was his duty to find you, protect you and save you.”

Michael felt the pain and sorrow of losing his son all over again. He looked down at Liz and knew that she was experiencing the despair.

“And he failed.” Michael choked out. “I failed.”
“We both did.” Liz’s voice was thick with tears.
“How do you deal with this?” Michael wondered aloud. “How do you process pain that you felt in another life? Can you?”

Michael looked at Liz hoping that she would be able to answer his questions.

“I think we have to grieve for him in this life too.” Liz stated softly. “He deserves that much.”
“How?” Michael liked that idea. His son’s short life deserved proper recognition.
“I have an idea.” Liz smiled a tiny smile.

Liz grabbed some of Michael’s sketching paper, some candles and the blanket that she had been using to keep warm. Michael looked at him with confusion in his eyes but the utmost faith. Liz grabbed his motorbike keys and their jackets and looked at him with an expectant look on her face.

Choosing to follow her lead, Michael rose from the sofa, shrugged on his leather jacket and opened the door to allow Liz to pass. Following Liz’s instructions Michael rode to the quarry and parked his bike. He was still unsure about what Liz was intending but he liked that they were doing something active. He loathed being passive and inactive.

Liz walked away from the light of the motorbike to a patch of wildflowers that were growing a little way away. Liz picked a large handful of coloured blooms and a lot of brush and rush. Michael leaned against his bike with a bemused look on his face. He couldn’t quite figure out what she was doing.

Liz brought her supplies over to Michael and motioned for him to join her on the ground where she had spread the blanket. Using her powers Liz took half of the brushes and rushes and formed a wreath. Michael copied her actions and made a wreath of his own.

Liz took the flowers and intertwined them with the branches of the wreath. She chose not to use her powers needing to do something on her own. Michael copied her again still none the wiser as to what it was that she was going to do with the wreaths.

Liz grabbed the sketch paper and started to fold it into a lantern and placed it in the centre of the wreath. Melting the bottom of one of the candles Liz secured it to the lantern. She watched Michael mimic her actions and soon they sat before two completed wreaths.

Liz picked her wreath up and placed it in the water of the quarry. Waving her hand over the lantern she lit the candle and gave it a gentle push out into the centre of the quarry. Michael did the same and his wreath soon followed Liz’s out into the darkness.

“I forget where this idea comes from.” Liz spoke for the first time since arriving in the desert. “As long as the candle burns you mourn who you lost. After the candle burns out you have to let go of the sorrow and just accept that the person is no longer with you.”
“I like that.” Michael tried to smile but couldn’t.
“The candle lights that way for the departed to heaven or the next life or what ever you believe in.” Liz continued.

Michael pulled Liz down with him onto the blanket and sat with her back pressed against his chest. They looked out over the quarry to the two lanterns.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” Liz whispered.
“I’m sorry I didn’t find you.” Michael added.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.” Liz sobbed.
“I’m sorry I never got the chance to know you.” Michael stuttered.
“I will always love you.” Liz promised.
“I will never forget you.” Michael swore.

Tears marked both of their faces as they sat in silence. Each feeling equal measures of pain, loss and despair. Liz broke first. She turned her body and pressed her face into Michael’s neck and sobbed. It was Liz’s collapse that caused Michael to express his own sorrow. He had been able to keep his emotions under control but to see Liz break was too much.

They sat together for two hours watching the candles burn down and the wreaths sink into the quarry. Taking a few moments to regain their composure Michael pulled Liz to her feet, gathered the blanket and helped Liz onto the back of the motorbike. Taking a second to look back at the quarry before driving off Michael spoke so softly that Liz couldn't understand what he said.

“Goodbye.”

[polar4eva]

Wow - thank you for your feedback.

Egyptian Kiss brought up the point that Maria should be more pissed off than she is. So I have answered.

Enjoy.

*****************************************

Michael had been woken up that morning when Liz had left for her morning shift at the Crashdown. They had fallen into a deep sleep after they had returned from the quarry. Emotionally exhausted sleep had come easily.

Michael only climbed out of bed after a persistent knocking had insisted. Opening his front door Michael was surprised to find Maria standing before him.

“Hey.” Michael’s eyes widened in surprised. “Come in.”
“Thanks.” Maria entered the apartment. “The place looks great.”
“Thanks.” Michael looked slightly embarrassed. “Liz did it.”
“She did well.” Maria sat down on the sofa and the surprise was evident on her face.
“What’s up?” Michael asked as he sat down in one of the single seats opposite her.
“Alex came to be yesterday and asked me why I was being so easy on you and Liz about what has happened.” Maria stated colouring slightly.
“I was wondering about that myself.” Michael admitted.
“I don’t know why I feel the need to tell you this.” Maria squirmed slightly. “I was really angry at first but I then realised that I was feeling angry because I was supposed to feel angry. But what I was really feeling was…”
“Was what?” Michael was confused.
“Relieved.” Maria blushed a deeper shade of red. “I know that that sounds horrible but I was kind of relieved.”
“What?” Michael was blown away. “Things were going so well between us. We were getting on better than we ever had before. Relieved?”
“Being with you meant changing who I was.” Maria continued her eyes fixed on the refreshed carpet. “I stopped singing. Playing music. I was happy with you. I really was. But I wasn’t fulfilled. Being with you put a lot of restrictions on who I am and what I want to do with my life.”

Michael nodded in understanding.

“I’m not saying this to hurt you.” Maria pressed on having not seen Michael’s small smile. “I just need you to know why I am acting the way I am.”

Michael rose off of his seat and knelt down in front of Maria. He took her hand and looked at her in the eye.

“I think that way you have been acting has been amazing.” Michael confessed. “Liz and I are in a really confusing situation and you could have made it a hell of a lot worse. But you didn’t. And for whatever reason you didn’t. Being with me repressed a lot of the best things about you. I never wanted that.”
“Liz gets to be herself for the first time in her life.” Maria stated with certainty.
“I hope so.” It was Michael’s turn to look away in embarrassment.
“And you get to be yourself.” Maria added.
“Yeah.” Michael muttered feeling really self-conscious. He rose and walked through to the kitchen. He opened the fridge and pulled out a Snapple.
“A couple of weeks ago I was approached by a record company.” Maria confessed. “They wanted me to go to New York and sign me as an artist.”
“That’s great.” Michael told her enthusiastically. It took him a moment to realise what she was getting at. “You turned it down didn’t you? You turned it down because things were going well for us, didn’t you?”

Maria nodded.

“I saw Liz this morning and she looked a little out of it.” Maria wanted to change the topic of conversation.
“We had a rough night.” Michael told her.
“Nothing serious I hope.” Maria asked in concern.
“Rath and Ashana had a son.” Michael explained. “He was killed along with Ashana.”
“Oh my God.” Maria gasped, her hand flew to her mouth in shock.
“It was not fun.” Michael whispered. “I saw Rath’s memories. He came home to find his household staff slaughtered, his wife and son kidnapped. Their bodies were delivered to Rath at the palace.”
“God.” Maria cried.
“You should contact that company and tell them that you have changed your mind.” Michael added. “You deserve every shot at success.”
“Thank you.” Maria smiled. “You and Liz deserve every shot at happiness.”