Roswell Fanatics

ILMEFOREVER- No, hope never dies!

Angelic- I'm glad you like it!

Starlight- Thanks for the bump!

Araxie HRH- Your right on track on how Liz feels! I'm glad you like it!

Thank you everyone!

CHAPTER 7B

MAX'S POV

"Max."

"Alex.."

"Hey man." Alex coming up beside him.

Looking behind him at the different people in the hall. "Where's Liz?" Not seeing her. *She should be here with Alex.*

"Umm. She took off as soon as the bell rang."

"What? Alex," *God, you were suppose to look out for her. Granted I didn't come right out and say it. How could I with Liz standing there. But you think Alex would have known. I shouldn't have left her.* "Which direction?"

"That way." Pointing in the opposite direction that he just came.

Started to head down the hall. *Come on Liz. Don't be too far..*

Feeling Alex grab his shirt. "Wait Max."

Stopping.

"What?" Looking at Alex real quick before searching the halls once more. *Did Liz go home or is she still at school?* Thinking once more of the places that Liz could have gone. *It's not that Roswell is very big. But it did have a number of hiding places.*

"Let her go Max."

"What?" Looking at Alex. *Is he crazy? He has got to be kidding me.*

"Look Man. The way that she took off when the bell rang. Liz wants to be alone."

*Alone? No. How can I help her if she is alone?*

"Did she say that? Did she say anything to you?"

"No, but the way that she was fidgeting in her seat during class. Max man, you could tell that she wanted the hell out of here."

Nodding his head. "Know what you mean." He was trying to give her space but it was hard. *Especially since all he wanted to do was take her into his arms and never let her go. Make everything bad in her life go away.*

"Alex.."

"I know Max. Just give her some space. This has to be hard on her too. You don't want to push her away."

*I hated to admit it but Alex was right. If he pushed Liz, I would just end up losing her. One thing Nesado was right about. Not that I really care to admit it. This is just so damn frustrating.*

"So now what?"

Alex patting him on the shoulder. "Now we eat." Leading him to the quad.

"Alex are you ever not hunger."

Giving me a big smile. "Yeah, when I'm asleep."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


20 minutes later.

He had everyone filled in on what took place that morning with Liz. *At least most of what happened. Except for the fact that I almost kissed her. Plus the feelings that's she invoked in me. No reason for me to tell them all the details. At least until I figured them out for myself..*

*How can I feel this way about her all ready? I just met her. Granted we have this whole other life that we spent together. But I don't even remember that. Maybe if I did, the feelings that I have for her would make sense. Maybe, it's just that my heart remembers? That I just know that I'm suppose to be with her. That I've been waiting for her my whole life. That's she my soul mate....*

Everyone was there excluding Michael that is. Who he he had filled in last period. *At least everything you can in 2 minutes before the bell rang.* Michael, was currently MIA again. *Plus Liz too. I just hope he doesn't say anything stupid again. Like yesterday, if they are together. I don't want her hurt anymore then she seemed to be. What am I talking about? Michaels her brother. I know he would never hurt her on purpose. Ok, so it's the not on purpose I'm worried about.*

*At least Maria wasn't going nuts about it this time. Being to caught up on the whole Liz situation. Plus doing her best to make Tess squirm. Not to mention me in the process.*

Everyone, which included Tess this time. Who seemed to glue herself to his side all a sudden. *Now I'm the one fidgeting in my seat. Why does she have to sit so close? Even when we were trying to get together. We didn't sit this close.*

Something that he didn't want Liz to see. He wasn't totally sure why. *It's not like he was with Tess or Liz for that matter. I just really want to be with Liz.* A feeling and fact that he couldn't deny. The more he was around her. *The more I want her. For some reason I can't shake the fact that it wouldn't be good if Liz saw them together.*

*I don't want her to get the wrong idea. What am I talking about? How do I even know Liz would still want to be with me? Besides, the more I'm with Liz. The least I want to be around Tess. The more superficial their whole relation seemed to be.* Realizing once more that the emotions he felt for Tess all these years. *Wasn't even a tenth of what I feel for Liz.*

"So she can move things. Wow! That is so cool."- Alex

"I don't like the fact that she has been with Nesado all this time."-Maria

*Couldn't agree with you more.*

"What do you mean she was your wife?" Feeling Tess's eyes on him.

Glaring at Maria again. Who sat happily across from him. Huge smile on her face. *You just couldn't wait to tell her could you...* Being the first thing she told Tess when Tess sat down by him. *Thank you so much Maria.*

"So the book. You need the four of you to open it." Alex changing the subject.

*Thank you Alex!*

"Yes. That's what she said." *Not that I didn't try to open it.* There being some kind of lock on it with 4 squares indented into it. *Defiantly a lock not of this earth. At least not one that he saw.*

*And Liz has no idea what's in it?"

"Liz said that she didn't. That she only knew what Nesado told her. I kind of got the impression that Liz wasn't exactly sure of herself or Nesado. I'm not sure."

*Liz defiantly not an easy person to read. Not that I really got to spend much time with her. Maybe with it being Friday I can see her more this weekend.* Something he would defiantly do. *Or at least try too. If she will let me. I won't let her out of my sight.*

"Alex, would you put that away." Isabel looking around them to see if anyone was watching. "What if someone sees it."

"It's not like they would know..."

Isabel giving him a glare. Alex sliding the book back into my bag.

"So do you really believe that she fell?"-Maria

*No. He wasn't buying it.*

"No." Sighing. "I just know that I don't buy the whole falling down the steps story."

"But what proof do we really have?"-Isabel

"None. Liz shut me out when I started questioning her about it."

"So you think it was Nesado?"-Maria

"Who else could there be?"-Isabel

"That's the whole problem. We don't really know."

"If Nesado is the one hurting her. Liz most likely won't tell."-Alex

"Kind of like Michael."- Isabel looking at Alex questioning.

Alex nodding his head.

*If it wasn't for me coming across that black eye that day. We probably still wouldn't have found out. Michael would still be living with Hank.* Something that he didn't like to think about. Feeling guilty that he didn't know sooner. *But like Alex said. Michael hide it. Which meant Liz would probably hide it too.*

"But Nesado is a killer!"-Maria

"Can you lower your voice please." Isabel looking around.

"Static's say that the victim will protect and defend the abuser."-Alex

"That's not right." Maria shaking her head.

"Right or not. It's usually the truth. You have to take in account that he raised her. He was the only family that she had. At least as far as we know. Besides, Liz probably feels a shame."

"Why doesn't she just blast him? I thought all you aliens had powers. You would think she would protect herself. I'm not buying it. She's probably just a Klutz." Tess taking a drink of her pop.

*What? How can you even...*

"Tess you just don't like her because she's Max's wife."

Tess and Maria glaring at each other.

*Great you had to bring that up again.*

"Michael never did."-Isabel stating it like that answered the question.

"Besides that wouldn't explain her voice."- Alex

"Maybe she is really sick."- Tess

"We don't get sick."-Isabel

"God, I was just trying to help! I thought you didn't know everything about yourself?"

Isabel glaring at Tess. Tess shrinking down next to him. Holding onto his shirt.

*If I was you Tess, I would be scared too. It's not wise to piss off Isabel.*

"Do you think it's like Michael's situation? Do you think Nesado did it?"-Maria

*I'll kill him. I swear I will. How can someone ever want to hurt her? Liz is so tiny. A strong wind could probably blow her over. I'll kill him. Protector or not. He's dead if he's been hurting her. Is she a shamed? I have to get her trust me. Get her to open up.*

"MAX!"

"What?" Isabel voice pulling him out of his thoughts. Isabel handing him a napkin. Wiping the orange that he just squeezed to death off his hand.

*I got to get a hold of my self.* Didn't even realize that he had squeezed the orange to death.

"We aren't going to know until Liz tells us or we see something." Alex.

*God help him if I see him touch her.* "I don't think that will happen any time soon." *Liz didn't want to talk about it at all.*

"I still say she doing it to get attention."- Tess

"You have to be kidding me!"-Maria

"What? You think Liz hurt herself on purpose to get our attention?" Isabel looking at Tess like she lost her mind.

"Yeah, you know. To make you all feel sorry for her."-Tess

*I can't believe you.* Taking her hand off his shirt. Not wanting her to touch him. *She can not really think that. Is she that jealous of Liz?* "That's sick Tess. How can you honestly think some one would do something like that?" *Much less Liz.*

"Why Tess is it something you would do?" Maria challenging her.

"Um... No not me." Avoiding everyone's eyes. "I'm just saying that Liz might have...." Playing with her pop can.

"What ever Tess."- Isabel giving her a discussed look.

Silence... *God, I need to talk to Liz. She has to be alright.*

"So you like lived before?"-Tess trying to change the subject. Feeling her eyes once more on him.

"Yes."

"What about what she did to Mr. Sampson?"-Isabel

"I'm not sure. But he was really happy with the blank sheets of paper. He was obviously seeing something on them that wasn't really there."

"Liz can't read minds can she? Can you? Because that would be so like not cool that you didn't tell me." Alex giving Isabel a worried glance.

"No we can't read minds!" Isabel looking at him Alex like he lost his mind. Softer "At least we can't." Hearing the doubt in Isabel's voice.

*Is that it? Liz read his mind? No, that wouldn't explain why he was looking at the papers like there was something on it. Liz must be able to make you see things that aren't there....*

"What Alex? Afraid that Is. would see some x-rate thoughts about her?" -Maria

"No. I would never. I mean I would but........ Can we talk about something else please?" Alex squirming in his seat.

Everyone trying not to laugh. *Poor Alex.*

"So are you like married now?"

*Yes.* Looking at Tess. "YES! No..... I mean....." *This isn't good.*

"Hey." Michael sitting down next to Maria. Giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Michael. Where have you been? Max was filling us in on your sister." Looking from Michael to Tess. "And his wife."

*Maria..*

"Sister. She's your sister too." Tess looking at Michael.

*Thank you Michael.* Glad that Tess attention was averted off of him. Even if it was for a moment.

"I already know. Max told me." Michael ignoring Tess.

"What are you so happy about."-Isabel

Looking at Michael. Seeing the big grin on his face.

"I talked to my sister too."

"Liz? You talked to her. Is she alright? Where is she? Michael you left her alone?"

Feeling Alex's hand on his arm.

"Max........." Understand his meaning. *God! This space thing really suck!* Taking a deep breathe.

"What happen?"

"We connected."

"You connected."

Michael nodding his head.

Jealousy running through me. *Get over yourself. It's her brother. Of course she's going to open up to him first.* Knowing that fact didn't help much. *I should just be thankful that they are related. God, I'm sound like a cave man. Liz mine. Liz not your.*

Maria throwing her arms around Michael. "I'm so happy for you!"

*I should be happy for him and Liz.* Knowing how much Michael wants his sister in his life.

"What did you see?"-Isabel

"We both saw when I came out of the pods until I left." Shrugging his shoulders. "Liz knows we didn't just leave her now. I could feel her emotions. The relief and happiness she felt at first. How she was so scared of us."

"Scared of us?"

"Why would she be scared of us?"-Isabel

"That doesn't make sense."-Maria

"It does when you see it from her point. We were right. Liz thought we just left her. Never looked back. Like we just throw her away."

"Liz has spent her whole life thinking that we didn't care about her at all?"

*No wonder why she so closed off. I don't think I would even talk to any of us. I would be scared of being rejected again.*

"Once she found out that we left knowing she wasn't ready yet. I think it helped a lot. But..."

"But what?" Not so sure he wanted to know.

"I could feel her emotions.. I think she blames herself now."

"What?"

"How can she blame herself for something she had no control over?"-Maria

"It's just the feeling I got from her. She knows we lost all memory of her too. That it was the reason we weren't looking for her."-Michael

"At least she knows that you guys didn't just leave her. That you do care."-Maria

"Yeah."-Michael

Silent a moment. *Maybe she will actually sit down and talk to me now.*

"She's telepathic too."-Michael

Everyone staring at Michael.

"You know. Be able to talk to you with out saying anything. Hearing her voice in my head." Everyone still staring at him. "What?! I know big words too."

Feeling himself smile. *Poor Michael.*

"What else can the girl do?"-Maria

"I remember we all did it when we first came out of the pods. We just somehow lost it or forgot."-Isabel

"I think it's safe to say that Liz has full control and knowledge of her powers."-Alex

"It helps that she was raised with our protector."-Isabel

*I'm not sure that's a plus.*

"Will she be able to teach you guys how to do it?"-Maria

"Liz might be able to tell you what all you can do."-Alex

"I'm not so sure....."-Michael

"Why?"

"I don't know. Liz seemed just as shocked as I was. It scared her a little. Like she didn't know she could do it. Plus I knew that she thought I was upset at her for doing it. I could feel her pull away from me again. But she did agree to help me with mine."

"Oh Michael." Maria kissing him again.

"So where is she now?" Couldn't help but asked.

"She took off again."-Michael

*You didn't follow her?*

"Why does that girl keep running?" -Maria

"This has to be strange for her. You figure her whole life she believed that you didn't care about her. To suddenly find you guys. That you do actually care about her. She now has a brother and..."-Alex

"Husband." Maria happily jumping up and down in her seat.

"I was going to say friends."

"So what does this mean now Max? Your just going to dump me for her?"

*What?*

"Tess.."

"What? Your a ledged wife just shows up out of nowhere and you just believe everything she said? What do you really know about her? How can you just trust her?" Tess looking around the table like we all lost our minds.

"Tess." *Please don't do this.*

"You don't like her because she suppose to be with Max."-Maria

"You don't know her either! None of you do!"-Tess

*I know her.*

"Liz is not LYING!"-Michael standing up.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW!!!!"-Tess standing up.

"Because I know in my heart that it's the truth." Looking up at Tess.

"What?" Tess looking down at me.

"Michael's right. Liz isn't lying." *I know she is not.*

"So what? You just know all a sudden?"

"No..." *Not all a sudden.*

"Then how can you sit there and tell me that Liz isn't lying? You don't know her Max. You don't know anything about her. The only thing you do know is that she was raised by a killer."

*You can't judge her by who raised her. Besides, I know...*

"Because I know it in my heart."

"Max..... Are you telling me that you love her?" Tess sitting back down.

*Yes. I know I do. I always have and always will. It's not even a question anymore. It's a fact.*

Everyone watching quietly.

"What? Your breaking up with me for her? For someone you don't know. That's crazy Max. You love me. You have always loved me."

*Where is all this coming from?*

"Tess...... We aren't together." Pleading with his eyes for her to understand.

"What?" Looking at him wide eyed.

"We aren't together. We never really was." *How can she think we are together?*

"Max. Don't say that. We just got off to a rough start. You love me. You love me." Tears filling her eyes.

Pang of guilt ran through him.

"Tess...." Not wanting to hurt her.

"No. You love me Max Evans. You have waited all your life to be with me. ME Max. Not her."

"In your dreams Tess." -Maria

*No Tess not you. It really wasn't you.*

Tess standing up. "You love me Max. I know you do."

*No. I don't.* Feeling guilty that he didn't.

Bell rings

"Tess..."

"Your not going to throw me away for her Max. This is not over. I'm not going to just let you go." Tess grabbing her books and taking off towards the school. Looking over her shoulder. "You will be sorry.."

"Tess." Standing up to follow her.

"Let her cool off Max." Alex grabbing his arm. *God, this waiting sucks! Not that I really wanted to follow Tess at the moment. Just need to do a lot of damage control.*

"Max what are you going to do about her?" Isabel

"Screw her."-Maria

*Defiantly not getting the whole picture here.*

"Easier said then done."-Alex

"I don't think it would be that hard."-Maria

"Maria."-Michael

"Well..."-Maria

"God Maria don't you get it. Tess knows about us. About what we... Are. Ring a bell?"-Isabel

"Crap!!"-Maria

*Crap is right!*

Hey guys! I'm finially back with the next part! I know. I know. Another 2 parter. But as I said before, I'm a slow typer and the cast on the wrist isn't helping! Not to meantion life.... So by the time I have one of the POV wrote. I feel so bad that I made you wait so long. I post half. I figured, better then nothing. By the way. Sorry where I left it...

THANK YOU FOR THE BUMPS:

Sweetgurl 3X

Tabithella

PuReAn9el58 3X

Frenchkiss70

Starlight

clueless

Sweetivy420 Hey, don't worry about it. I'm just thankful that you like my story and is reading it at all. Thank you! Don't worry, Tess will get her's. Just not yet.

TGIF



CHAPTER 8A

LIZ'S POV


Running down the hallway.

Not really seeing anything that she passed. Not being able to deal with her own emotions right now. Feeling like everything was hitting her at once.

"Emotions make you weak." "They are just going to lie to you." HIS words echoing through her head.

"I shouldn't have left the cave. I'm sorry. Maybe if I hadn't of left, I would still remember. I wouldn't have forgotten anything. I would remember you. We wouldn't have been alone. You wouldn't be alone with Nesado. I could have protected you." Michael's words following.

*Someplace to process? Yeah, right. More like some place to hide.*

*I can't do this. Not right now.* Feeling like she was about to break.

Pain... Loneness.... Confusion..... Longing...... All running rampage through her. As her fragile existence just starting to crumble.

*Not now. Not now....*

Her mental anguish far out weighing her all physical pain she had.

*Protect me? How is Michael going to protect me?*

*HE will kill him. Besides you deserve everything you get.*

*How is Michael going to protect me from myself?* Knowing that she probably did more damage to herself then HE ever did.

*Didn't you always do something to deserve what ever HE did to you in the first place?*

*But they didn't just leave me....*

*Are you really going to let them into our world? Are you really that selfish?*

*Isn't that what I'm here to do?*

*Does that make it right?*

*Can't I just be part of their?*

*HE will kill you and them. HE always said....*

*NO! I won't let that happen.*

Turning left.

Her mind reaching out to her. Offering unadulterated solitude. That only it could ever offer her.

Hesitating for a moment before pushing it back away. Not so far away that she could bring it back up and wrap it tightly around herself again. But far enough back so that she could still function. While still having the security of the thought that she could escape any time that she wanted. If need be.

It wasn't safe for her to escape yet. No not yet. She still had to get home. Some place safe for her body. Someplace where she wouldn't have to be so much on guard. Some place that she could be alone. That place at the moment only being her so called new home. Now it was just a matter of getting there.

Which left her with the thoughts and feelings that her body wasn't ready yet to deal with. Or her mind for that matter. Having the knowledge that could destroy the only world that she has ever known. Everything that she built her life around. Was slowly starting to crumble with every new thought and feeling that she had.

*So much for protecting them.* Wanting so much to just slip away. *I'm sorry. I can't do this now.*

*I need to just go home....*

*What can't I do? Know the truth?*

*Truth? What truth is that?*

*That they didn't leave me. Michael didn't just leave me. He wants me in his life."

*Where does that really get you? Where? You're still with HIM. You still did everything you did.... You just can't....*

*But...*

Turning right. Part of her still leading her home. To some place safe automatically.

*But what? They still forgot about you. Michael said that they had no memory of you until yesterday? What changed? Why suddenly start to remember? Why not before? This changes nothing. NOTHING! Michael is lying to you. HE said that they would lie. Do everything they could to get what they wanted.* Part of her still trying to hold onto her old life. Her sanity. Not wanting to believe what was right in front of her.

Turning left.

Crashing into something hard.

*Wall?* Her mind trying to understand...

*No, someone.*

Feeling the hands catch her before she hit the ground. *NO!!!!* Feeling her heart start to race even more. Picturing herself being held down against her will. Flashed before her mind.

"Liz?"

*Kyle.* Looking up at him. Her heart slowing slightly. The threat at the moment lessening.

"God. Liz. I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."

*Me either.* Stepping out of his arms.

"Are you alright?"

Nodding her head yes. *No.*

"Are you sure..... Because you don't look to good." Staring at her. "Do you feel alright?"

Feeling her body start to tremble. *What does he see?* Feeling her fragile protective shell cracking. *Get out of here.* Her mind screaming at her body to move.

"Liz? Do you want me to take you to the nurses office?"

*What? Nurses office?*

*He thinks I'm just sick..* Relaxing a little bit.

*Would you just get the hell out of here? What is wrong with you?* Her mind trying to compensate for her body. Her body that was refusing to move at the moment.

"Liz?" Watching Kyle shift from one foot to the other.

*Go home..... You can go away as soon as your home....*

Her head starting to pound.

"Home.." No sound coming out..... *Damn it!* Having forgot all about her voice. Slowly started to back away from Kyle. Putting her hand to her throat. Shaking her head a little. *Just go home.*

"Your voice. You can't talk."

His warm concerned voice stopping her in her tracks. Not hearing someone concerned about her often in her life. Making her hesitate once more.

Longing for something she wasn't so sure about.

Kyle looking at her in understanding. "I heard that you were sick. I'm sorry about that. I was looking forward to seeing you yesterday." Giving her a real smile.

Smiling back a little. *Kyle wasn't so bad.* Averting all her attention to him. Away from her thoughts and feelings about Michael and the past. Reaching out to something normal. Something safe.

"Where are you going?" Looking down the hall in the direction that she was headed then back to her.

Looking past Kyle to the parking lot that lied ahead.

Pointing her finger out the door.

"Home?"

Giving him a small smile. Nodding. As she focused once more on Kyle. Getting a little more control over her emotions and feelings as she pushed them back.

"Oh...."

Looking down at her shoes.

*Just go home...* Still trying to get her to a safe place as fast as possible.

*It's not really my home.* She just wanted to be with someone that cared. Someone that could take care of her and help her understand. Make sense of everything for her. *Is that too much to ask for?*

*Your picking now to argue with the details of the house. It's safe. We can leave. We can take care of ourselves. We have done it all your life. We don't need anyone.*

*I need to work this out.* Knowing she was just going to go home and try to bury it deep in her subconscious.

*Now?*

*Putting it off isn't going to make it go away.* Knowing at the same time that this was not the place.

*I'll try it.*

"Look Liz... I know it's none of my business, but are you alright?" Kyle's voice bring her out of her thoughts.

Staring at him. Slowly nodding her head yes.

"Are you sure?" Taking a step towards her. "You know Liz, if you ever want to talk."

*Talk?* Feeling the danger of the situation start to escalate again.

"I know that you really don't know me but I'm a good listener. Maybe I can help?"

*Help? What?* Feeling her control slipping more. *I can't tell him. What was I thinking?*

*Yeah, Kyle can help us onto an examining table.*

*Kyle?* Realizing now who she was really talking to.

*Yeah, Sheriff's son.*

*Sheriff?* How dangerous it was to be talking to him.

*Yeah, remember him?*

*No... I can't do this now. Not now.* Not being able to deal with even the smallest of problems at the moment.

Feeling the panic start to rise again. Losing her fragile control once more. Losing sight of Kyle as her thoughts once more turned towards the past.

*It was all lies. They really didn't leave me. HE lied to me. Why?*

*HE might not have known.*

*Then why did he keep telling me that they left me? That they didn't care. Michael cares. I felt, what he felt. Michael loves me. Michael waited as long as he could for me. Even after he knew that I wasn't ready yet. Michael still waited for me. I felt how scared he was. How alone he was. And he still waited for me. Hoping that I would come out.*

*Yeah, he almost died because he waited for you.*

*Is that it? Do they blame me too for not being ready yet? Why wasn't I ready? Why didn't I come out when they did? What is wrong with me?*

*You never could do anything right.*

Feeling someone shaking her. Looking up to see Kyle looking at her with concern in his eyes.

"Liz? Liz? Are you alright?"

Looking around her. Seeing the halls starting to fill up with other students. Staring down at her as they walked past. Some of them standing a few feet away from her and Kyle. Who was now Kneeling beside her. Starting to form a circle around them both.

*What happen? What did I do? Why am I on the ground?*

Fear coursing through her full force. Feeling like everyone was getting farther and farther away as she retreated more into her mind.

"Liz your shaking..." Kyle talking just above a whisper. "Liz?"

Hearing them starting to whisper about her. The sounds coming from afar.

*Get out of here! RUN!* Her mind screaming at her as her body frozen in it's spot. Not being about to move. To function.

*They still forgot about you.*

*But I forgot too.* Recalling when she first came out of the pod.

Waking up in HIS arms. Not remembering anything about Michael, Isabel, and Max. HIM having to tell her who she was. About her life. Changing her name to Liz later. Not wanting to be called Ava anymore. Not wanting to be who she was. Who they left.

Women with long black hair. Standing next to a blue car. Handing her a home made doll. Flashes through her mind. Panic rising even more in her. Before she pushed the memory back down again. Trying to lock it away forever.

*No..... No... I can't do this now..* Her last hold of reality slipping away.

"Oh my GOD, LIZ!" Hearing a high pitch voice screaming her name through the fog that was taking hold of her.

Her mind starting to take over. Once more reaching out to her. Offering the safety and numbness that she desired.

"MAX!" Her mind barely able to recognize the name that was called. As it retreated more.

Taking hold of it. Feeling it start to sweep around her. Covering her like a protective shield from the world around her.

"Liz? Liz......" His voice coming across her. Sounding think in the fog.

*Max...* Stopping the retreat.

Feeling the warmth of a hand on her face. The heat of his deep warm amber eyes. The fear in them tugging at her heart. Regret filling her. Breaking her a little more.

Pushing her mind to take hold of her completely. Breaking the last of her resistant. Shutting everything out.

*Sorry.....* As she slipping into darkness.



Once again. Sorry for where I left it. But at least I left her with Max.

Hey guys. Once again. A bunch of thank you! Kisses! Hugs! And last but not least SORRYS!


I told you that this chapter got away from me. Well there is going to have to be a part c. I'm sorry that it took this long to get this part out. But you know how slow I am.... Sorry. Plus. I just can't get this part right. I still don't like it. But I'm done playing with it. Sorry that it took so long. I'm typing up part c now. Thank you. I'll do poper thank you later.... Sorry.





CHAPTER 8B

MAX's POV

*What is going on in her head? Is Tess that jealous of Liz? Why? It's not like me and Tess were ever really together. In fact, up into Tess saw me heal Maria. We hardly said two words to each other. Besides doing our labs together. Jealous? We only kissed that one time. Once! We both decided. It was a good idea to back off, after the whole Michael situation. Both of us. Not just me. I know that she doesn't love me. I defiantly don't love her. After knowing Liz.... What I feel for her.... It really makes me realize how stupidly infatuated I was with Tess.*

Turning down the hall. Heading for his next class.

*No not Tess. But what Tess represented...... What Tess would mean for me.*

Turning right.

Hearing the commotion down the hall. Looking up to see a bunch of students gathering.

*Now what is going on?*

"Oh my GOD, LIZ!" Hearing Maria panicking voice yelling down the hall.

*LIZ?* Feeling his own panic start to rise. Starting hurrying down the hall. Bumping into a few people.

"Kyle, what the hell did you do to her?"-Maria

*What does Kyle have to do with Liz?* Starting to push his way through the growing crowd.

"MAX!" Finally breaking his way through the circle. Stumbling a little before catching himself. Dropping his bag.

Feeling like someone punched him in the stomach at the sight of Liz.

Liz was sitting on the ground. Her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms around her self defensively. With Kyle and Maria kneeling beside her. *God, she looks so lost and valuable. What the hell happened?*

"I didn't touch her I swear!"- Kyle

"Then why is she like this?" Maria pointing to Liz.

Not taking his eyes off Liz. Ignoring everyone else. All that mattered was Liz.

"Liz?" Kneeling down next to her. Pushing Kyle a little out of his way. Seeing her eyes looking glazed over as she stared into nothing. Shifting his weight a little so that he was kneeling right in front of her. In her line of vision. *Blank. Like she wasn't really here.* Feeling the dread growing in his stomach.

"Liz...." Watching her eyes clearing a little. As recognition flashing through her eyes a moment.

Feeling his chest constrict at the pain he felt for her. Recognizing the pain and confusion that her eyes held. Fighting back the urge to cry for her.

Placing a hand on her face. Brushing her hair out of it. Watching her eyes glaze over once more before rolling back into her head. Feeling her weight fall into him. As she started to fall over. Pulling her closer to him. Closing his own eyes for a moment.

*God, what is going on with you? Are you really sick or what?* Just wanted to make everything right. Nothing more then to erase ever pain she ever felt. Just hold her forever.

Concentrating on getting a connection. Knowing it was useless in her current state but having to try never the less. *Nothing. Come on Liz.*

"Max?" Maria voice bring him back to reality. Realizing the danger of the situation as the students voices that were standing around them became louder. *Max? Do you know what's wrong with her?* Talking in a hushed whisper. "Max. Teachers are coming."

*Have to get her out of here.*

Putting his arms around her back and under her legs. Easily standing up.

"What the hell do you think you are doing Evans." - Kyle

Looking at Kyle. Glaring at him. *I'll deal with you later.* Knowing that now was not the time to get into it with him. His first priority being getting Liz out of her.

Kyle taking a step back.

Shifting his look to Maria. "Get the others." Turning and started making his way to the parking lot. *It's alright Liz. I'll get you out of here. I'm not going to leave you.*

"MAX!" - Maria

"Your just going to let him take her? She needs a doctor." - Kyle

"Glancing over his shoulder. Seeing Maria picking up his and Liz's book bags. Locking eyes with him. "Michael's" Maria nodding her head before turning down the hall.

Conversations in the hall growing louder.

Using his back to push the door open and stepped out.

"What's going on here?" Hearing one of the teachers before the door shut.

*Great.* Shifting Liz weight a little. Running his hand over the lock. Using his powers to melt it together. *At least that will buy me a little time to get out of here.* Not intending on anyone stopping him from getting Liz to some place safe. *Where I could figure out what in the hell was wrong with her.*

Going to his jeep. Laying Liz carefully in the back. *Damn, I should have gotten Maria car keys. This really isn't the vehicle to be driving Liz around in now.* Pulling a blanket over her that he always kept in the jeep.

Kissing her forehead. "Hang in there baby. I'll get you some place safe." Climbing into the drivers seat and head to Michaels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It only took him 10 minutes to get to Michael's apartment. Though it felt like an eternity to him. Having glanced in the mirror every few seconds at Liz. Who has yet to move at all. If it wasn't for her steady rise and fall of her chest, he would doubt the fact that she was still alive.

Easily picking her up and carried her to Michael's bed. *My god, what did she eat? Lettuce?*

*She looked so peaceful. You would think that she was just sleeping.* Knowing there wasn't anything natural about her sleep. *At least when you sleep you move a little. What happened? What did Kyle say to her? Was she really sick?* Thinking about what she said about her voice. *Was it something like Michael went through? No, it was nothing like Michael's sickness. Besides. she was no where near River dog.*

Feeling a shutter go through him as the blankness in her eyes. As it flashed before him. *It's like she wasn't even there. Like she was retreating into herself.* Remembering the recognition that register in her eyes momentarily before they turned blank again. *At least she seemed to know who I was for a moment. Before they turned blank again. The question was from what?*

Sitting down next to her. Pushing a stray hair from her face. Holding his hand there. Cradling her head.

"Liz? Liz can you hear me?" Shaking her head a little. "Liz?"

Watching for any signs of movement. *Nothing.*

Closing his eyes. Trying to connect to her once more.

Nothing....

Trying once more. Closing his eyes. Using every fiber of energy that he had. Searching for anything in her that he could connect with. Any signs of life at all.

"Come on Liz. Just give me something. Anything..."

Letting out an exhausted breathe. Opening his eyes once more.

Taking a couple shaky breathes. Trying to get his exhausted body under control.

*It would help if I knew what happened to her. If I didn't know better I would say that Liz was retreating into her self.* Having touched a little about the subject in psychology class. Reaching his mind for the information that he knew about it. *Something about a self defense mechanism a person used to escape a danger or personal threat. Either physical or emotional. The ability usually learned as a child. Carried into adulthood.* The words from the text flashing across his eyes. *Wasn't it most common with abused cases?* Thanking his alien side. *One thing handy about it. We remember almost everything we learned.*

Realization rocked through him. Feeling like someone punched him in the stomach. *Is that when Liz learned to do it? Was she really being abused?* Almost wanting to hold on to the last bit of hope that it wasn't true. That there was some other reason. Almost wanting to believe that it was just something alien again. It would be almost easier to deal with. Then the emotional guilt that was sure to come. With the knowledge of Liz being tortured all this time. *Her hand and voice?*

Carefully taking her right hand in his. Pulling up her sleeve. Finding the bandage. Having turned red in a few area where Liz's blood had started to come through.

*God.* Letting out a breathe that he didn't realize he was holding. *That's defiantly not just a bruised from a fall.*

"We should take off her shoes."

Startling him. "What?"

Looking up to see Maria going to the end of the bed. Removing her Liz's shoes.

"Oh." *I should have thought of that..*

Michael coming and sitting on the opposite side of Liz. "Max?" Not taking his eyes off Liz's face.

"I already tried. I couldn't get in." Understanding what he meant at once.

"She was fine when she left me. A little upset and confused, but I thought.... I shouldn't have left her go..."

Glancing at Michael before starting to unwrap the bandage on her wrist. Trying to be as careful as possible.

"Michael, you didn't know..." Maria coming up beside him.

"We aren't even sure yet what's wrong with her." - Isabel coming into the room with Alex.

"Has she moved yet?"- Maria

Shaking his head no.

"Well, we know she didn't just faint then." - Alex

"Liz? Lizzy. Can you hear me?" - Michael.

Removing the last of the bandage. *My god!* Feeling the air leave his body. Looking at the raw burnt flesh that made up her tiny wrist.

"What happened to her wrist?"- Alex pointing to the wrist that Max was holding.

"Did Kyle to that?"- Isabel

"No. He couldn't have...." Not being able to take his eyes off the burn that encircled her wrist completely. *What the hell caused that? Nesado*

"That didn't happen by falling." - Alex.

"It's burned." -Isabel looking at it like she couldn't really believe what she was seeing.

"What about her voice." Maria pointing to her neck. Her voice breaking with the words.

Michael carefully pulling down Liz's turtle neck. Seeing the ugly black and purple marks that inflamed her pale cream skin. Looking out of place on Liz.

"Oh my god."- Maria covering her mouth.

"What the hell."- Michael

"Nesado did that to her? My god was he trying to choke her to death?"- Isabel

"How could he?"- Maria

"Why?" - Alex

Michael standing up and punching the wall.

"Michael!" -Isabel/Maria

Maria going over to him. "Michael, I know your mad but punching the wall isn't going to help any. It's not going to help Liz now..."

"I'll kill him." Michael tightening his fist but not moving out off Maria arms.

Maria talking whispering to Michael. Not being able to make out what she was saying.

Not being able to take his eyes off Liz. Not being able to breathe. *How? Why? How could he? How could anyone. Why didn't I know? Why didn't I push her for answers. Why didn't I go find her last night. I never should have let her leave school. I never should have let her go.*

"Max? Max. Can you heal her?" Maria's voice bring him once more out of his thoughts.

"I could heal what I see but nothing internal. I have to form a connection to do it." *What the hell use am I?* Feeling bad that he couldn't heal her.

"You have to try, you can't leave her like this...." Looking at him. Her eyes filled with tears. Watched her swallow a couple times. "Sorry." Breaking eye contact with him. Seeing Maria get a hold of herself again. "I just can't believe it. We all thought it, but I didn't really want to believe it."

*There it is. There is no denying it now. We left Liz with this psycho... God knows what else he has done to her. How am I ever going to make up for all this?*

"Maria go and get the first aid kit out of the bathroom."-Isabel

"Someone needs to call the school and act like Liz's father." Maria once more back in control. "I heard them say that they were going to call him. If they don't get a hold of him...." Maria letting the sentence hang. Glancing around the room. "Alex. You do it."

*One thing he had to give Maria credit for. She could be flaky at times but when it came down to a crisis she was always there to help. Now after it was all said and done... Well, she had a right to flip out..*

"Me? Why do I have to do it?"- Alex

"Because everyone else is a little busy." Maria taking his arm.

"This is so not going to...." Alex and Maria leaving the room.

Looking up to see Michael once more sitting next to Liz. Isabel at the end of the bed.

"Why Maxwell, why?"- Isabel

"I don't know. I don't know why anyone would hurt her like this." Shaking his head.

Maria coming back and handing him the bandages. "Thanks." Taking out what he needed to start rewrapping her wrist. *At least until I can heal it right.*

"Max, can you try again?" Seeing the pained exasperation on Michael's face. Knowing that it most likely mirrored his own.

"I can't get in. Not when she is like this. I've tried three times....." Shaking his head. "It's just not working. I'm sorry." Not being able to meet his eyes any longer. Knowing that trying again would just weaken him. *I need all my energy to heal her if she wakes up. When she woke up.* Correcting himself. *There was no way that Liz could stay that way. No way.*

"What about Isabel." -Maria

"What about me?" - Isabel

"What about her?" -Michael looking at Maria.

"Can't you try to dream walk her or something?" -Maria

*Dream walk her. It could work.* Hopes getting up a little.

"I don't know......" - Isabel

"Isabel..."

"You have to try..." - Michael

"Are you sure that she didn't just faint? She could wake up any time now...." Seeing the scared look in Isabel's eyes. She was holding on to last bit of hope.

"No, we would have been able to wake her up by now. Besides, you didn't see the look in her eyes. She had such an empty look. It was like she wasn't even there."

"Wasn't there. That doesn't make sense?" Michael looking at me like I lost my mind.

"It does if you saw her." Maria nodding her head. Confirming what I just said. "It's like she was just gone. Her body was there but you could tell that she didn't know what was going on around her." Shivering a little.

"It's not like she is just sleeping.... You just said so yourself...... I never did..."

"Isabel, you have too." - Michael

"No, I don't Michael! You can't make me." Isabel looking at each of them in turn. "I'm sorry, I don't think that I can....."

*She scared.* Knowing that Isabel hated to be in a situation that she couldn't control. *Im sorry Is, but your all we got at the moment.* "Is. Please. Please." Giving her his best puppy dog eyes. "Please just try... That's all I ask. Please. Just try..."

"What about the healing stones." - Maria

"Yeah, the healing stones. We should try them." - Isabel

*I forgot all about them. That might work.* "We can try."

"We have to take her to the cave." - Michael

"We can't do it right now. We would have to wait till dark." *It would be good to drive all around town with Liz.*

"Why do we have to go to the cave? Why not here?" - Maria

"We only used them that one time. I think the cave would be our best place to do it. It just feels right." Learning a long time ago that it was better to trust his feelings.

Isabel and Michael nodding there heads agreeing.

"Is. You have to try it now. Please."

Seeing the uncertainty on her face.

"Please. Isabel. She my sister." - Michael

"And Max's wife." - Maria

"Maria! Do you have to keep saying that?" Feeling his face growing hot.

"Yes."

"Move." Feeling Isabel push me a little off my side of the bed. Laying down next to Liz. Taking her hand.

Kissing her on the cheek. Knowing that it was taking everything she had to find the courage to do this. Whispering in her ear. "Thank you Is. Thank you."

Giving me a small smile. "Don't thank me yet." Closing her eyes.

"God are our school superintendents stupid. I can't believe that worked." Alex coming back into the room.

"SHHHH Alex. Now isn't the time." Maria pointing to the bed.

"Sorry." - Alex

*Come on Isabel. You can do it. Please.*

After what seemed like an eternity. Isabel opened her eyes. Letting out a exhausted breathe. "I can't.... I can't get in....." Trying to sit up. Alex helping her up the rest of the way. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I couldn't get in." Barely meeting his eyes.

"That's alright." Hugging her. "It was a long shot anyways. Just rest a minute." Feeling her take another shaky breathe.

Knock on the door.

Everyone looking at each other.

"I thought they believed me. I swear." Alex looking frantic. Holding up his hands.

"It's alright Alex. Michael you better get it."

Knocking again. Louder this time. "It's the Sheriff. I know your there. Open up, please."

Michael raising his hand. Feeling his energy stir in the air. As he headed for the door.
CHAPTER 8B

MAX's POV

*What is going on in her head? Is Tess that jealous of Liz? Why? It's not like me and Tess were ever really together. In fact, up into Tess saw me heal Maria. We hardly said two words to each other. Besides doing our labs together. Jealous? We only kissed that one time. Once! We both decided. It was a good idea to back off, after the whole Michael situation. Both of us. Not just me. I know that she doesn't love me. I defiantly don't love her. After knowing Liz.... What I feel for her.... It really makes me realize how stupidly infatuated I was with Tess.*

Turning down the hall. Heading for his next class.

*No not Tess. But what Tess represented...... What Tess would mean for me.*

Turning right.

Hearing the commotion down the hall. Looking up to see a bunch of students gathering.

*Now what is going on?*

"Oh my GOD, LIZ!" Hearing Maria panicking voice yelling down the hall.

*LIZ?* Feeling his own panic start to rise. Starting hurrying down the hall. Bumping into a few people.

"Kyle, what the hell did you do to her?"-Maria

*What does Kyle have to do with Liz?* Starting to push his way through the growing crowd.

"MAX!" Finally breaking his way through the circle. Stumbling a little before catching himself. Dropping his bag.

Feeling like someone punched him in the stomach at the sight of Liz.

Liz was sitting on the ground. Her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms around her self defensively. With Kyle and Maria kneeling beside her. *God, she looks so lost and valuable. What the hell happened?*

"I didn't touch her I swear!"- Kyle

"Then why is she like this?" Maria pointing to Liz.

Not taking his eyes off Liz. Ignoring everyone else. All that mattered was Liz.

"Liz?" Kneeling down next to her. Pushing Kyle a little out of his way. Seeing her eyes looking glazed over as she stared into nothing. Shifting his weight a little so that he was kneeling right in front of her. In her line of vision. *Blank. Like she wasn't really here.* Feeling the dread growing in his stomach.

"Liz...." Watching her eyes clearing a little. As recognition flashing through her eyes a moment.

Feeling his chest constrict at the pain he felt for her. Recognizing the pain and confusion that her eyes held. Fighting back the urge to cry for her.

Placing a hand on her face. Brushing her hair out of it. Watching her eyes glaze over once more before rolling back into her head. Feeling her weight fall into him. As she started to fall over. Pulling her closer to him. Closing his own eyes for a moment.

*God, what is going on with you? Are you really sick or what?* Just wanted to make everything right. Nothing more then to erase ever pain she ever felt. Just hold her forever.

Concentrating on getting a connection. Knowing it was useless in her current state but having to try never the less. *Nothing. Come on Liz.*

"Max?" Maria voice bring him back to reality. Realizing the danger of the situation as the students voices that were standing around them became louder. *Max? Do you know what's wrong with her?* Talking in a hushed whisper. "Max. Teachers are coming."

*Have to get her out of here.*

Putting his arms around her back and under her legs. Easily standing up.

"What the hell do you think you are doing Evans." - Kyle

Looking at Kyle. Glaring at him. *I'll deal with you later.* Knowing that now was not the time to get into it with him. His first priority being getting Liz out of her.

Kyle taking a step back.

Shifting his look to Maria. "Get the others." Turning and started making his way to the parking lot. *It's alright Liz. I'll get you out of here. I'm not going to leave you.*

"MAX!" - Maria

"Your just going to let him take her? She needs a doctor." - Kyle

"Glancing over his shoulder. Seeing Maria picking up his and Liz's book bags. Locking eyes with him. "Michael's" Maria nodding her head before turning down the hall.

Conversations in the hall growing louder.

Using his back to push the door open and stepped out.

"What's going on here?" Hearing one of the teachers before the door shut.

*Great.* Shifting Liz weight a little. Running his hand over the lock. Using his powers to melt it together. *At least that will buy me a little time to get out of here.* Not intending on anyone stopping him from getting Liz to some place safe. *Where I could figure out what in the hell was wrong with her.*

Going to his jeep. Laying Liz carefully in the back. *Damn, I should have gotten Maria car keys. This really isn't the vehicle to be driving Liz around in now.* Pulling a blanket over her that he always kept in the jeep.

Kissing her forehead. "Hang in there baby. I'll get you some place safe." Climbing into the drivers seat and head to Michaels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It only took him 10 minutes to get to Michael's apartment. Though it felt like an eternity to him. Having glanced in the mirror every few seconds at Liz. Who has yet to move at all. If it wasn't for her steady rise and fall of her chest, he would doubt the fact that she was still alive.

Easily picking her up and carried her to Michael's bed. *My god, what did she eat? Lettuce?*

*She looked so peaceful. You would think that she was just sleeping.* Knowing there wasn't anything natural about her sleep. *At least when you sleep you move a little. What happened? What did Kyle say to her? Was she really sick?* Thinking about what she said about her voice. *Was it something like Michael went through? No, it was nothing like Michael's sickness. Besides. she was no where near River dog.*

Feeling a shutter go through him as the blankness in her eyes. As it flashed before him. *It's like she wasn't even there. Like she was retreating into herself.* Remembering the recognition that register in her eyes momentarily before they turned blank again. *At least she seemed to know who I was for a moment. Before they turned blank again. The question was from what?*

Sitting down next to her. Pushing a stray hair from her face. Holding his hand there. Cradling her head.

"Liz? Liz can you hear me?" Shaking her head a little. "Liz?"

Watching for any signs of movement. *Nothing.*

Closing his eyes. Trying to connect to her once more.

Nothing....

Trying once more. Closing his eyes. Using every fiber of energy that he had. Searching for anything in her that he could connect with. Any signs of life at all.

"Come on Liz. Just give me something. Anything..."

Letting out an exhausted breathe. Opening his eyes once more.

Taking a couple shaky breathes. Trying to get his exhausted body under control.

*It would help if I knew what happened to her. If I didn't know better I would say that Liz was retreating into her self.* Having touched a little about the subject in psychology class. Reaching his mind for the information that he knew about it. *Something about a self defense mechanism a person used to escape a danger or personal threat. Either physical or emotional. The ability usually learned as a child. Carried into adulthood.* The words from the text flashing across his eyes. *Wasn't it most common with abused cases?* Thanking his alien side. *One thing handy about it. We remember almost everything we learned.*

Realization rocked through him. Feeling like someone punched him in the stomach. *Is that when Liz learned to do it? Was she really being abused?* Almost wanting to hold on to the last bit of hope that it wasn't true. That there was some other reason. Almost wanting to believe that it was just something alien again. It would be almost easier to deal with. Then the emotional guilt that was sure to come. With the knowledge of Liz being tortured all this time. *Her hand and voice?*

Carefully taking her right hand in his. Pulling up her sleeve. Finding the bandage. Having turned red in a few area where Liz's blood had started to come through.

*God.* Letting out a breathe that he didn't realize he was holding. *That's defiantly not just a bruised from a fall.*

"We should take off her shoes."

Startling him. "What?"

Looking up to see Maria going to the end of the bed. Removing her Liz's shoes.

"Oh." *I should have thought of that..*

Michael coming and sitting on the opposite side of Liz. "Max?" Not taking his eyes off Liz's face.

"I already tried. I couldn't get in." Understanding what he meant at once.

"She was fine when she left me. A little upset and confused, but I thought.... I shouldn't have left her go..."

Glancing at Michael before starting to unwrap the bandage on her wrist. Trying to be as careful as possible.

"Michael, you didn't know..." Maria coming up beside him.

"We aren't even sure yet what's wrong with her." - Isabel coming into the room with Alex.

"Has she moved yet?"- Maria

Shaking his head no.

"Well, we know she didn't just faint then." - Alex

"Liz? Lizzy. Can you hear me?" - Michael.

Removing the last of the bandage. *My god!* Feeling the air leave his body. Looking at the raw burnt flesh that made up her tiny wrist.

"What happened to her wrist?"- Alex pointing to the wrist that Max was holding.

"Did Kyle to that?"- Isabel

"No. He couldn't have...." Not being able to take his eyes off the burn that encircled her wrist completely. *What the hell caused that? Nesado*

"That didn't happen by falling." - Alex.

"It's burned." -Isabel looking at it like she couldn't really believe what she was seeing.

"What about her voice." Maria pointing to her neck. Her voice breaking with the words.

Michael carefully pulling down Liz's turtle neck. Seeing the ugly black and purple marks that inflamed her pale cream skin. Looking out of place on Liz.

"Oh my god."- Maria covering her mouth.

"What the hell."- Michael

"Nesado did that to her? My god was he trying to choke her to death?"- Isabel

"How could he?"- Maria

"Why?" - Alex

Michael standing up and punching the wall.

"Michael!" -Isabel/Maria

Maria going over to him. "Michael, I know your mad but punching the wall isn't going to help any. It's not going to help Liz now..."

"I'll kill him." Michael tightening his fist but not moving out off Maria arms.

Maria talking whispering to Michael. Not being able to make out what she was saying.

Not being able to take his eyes off Liz. Not being able to breathe. *How? Why? How could he? How could anyone. Why didn't I know? Why didn't I push her for answers. Why didn't I go find her last night. I never should have let her leave school. I never should have let her go.*

"Max? Max. Can you heal her?" Maria's voice bring him once more out of his thoughts.

"I could heal what I see but nothing internal. I have to form a connection to do it." *What the hell use am I?* Feeling bad that he couldn't heal her.

"You have to try, you can't leave her like this...." Looking at him. Her eyes filled with tears. Watched her swallow a couple times. "Sorry." Breaking eye contact with him. Seeing Maria get a hold of herself again. "I just can't believe it. We all thought it, but I didn't really want to believe it."

*There it is. There is no denying it now. We left Liz with this psycho... God knows what else he has done to her. How am I ever going to make up for all this?*

"Maria go and get the first aid kit out of the bathroom."-Isabel

"Someone needs to call the school and act like Liz's father." Maria once more back in control. "I heard them say that they were going to call him. If they don't get a hold of him...." Maria letting the sentence hang. Glancing around the room. "Alex. You do it."

*One thing he had to give Maria credit for. She could be flaky at times but when it came down to a crisis she was always there to help. Now after it was all said and done... Well, she had a right to flip out..*

"Me? Why do I have to do it?"- Alex

"Because everyone else is a little busy." Maria taking his arm.

"This is so not going to...." Alex and Maria leaving the room.

Looking up to see Michael once more sitting next to Liz. Isabel at the end of the bed.

"Why Maxwell, why?"- Isabel

"I don't know. I don't know why anyone would hurt her like this." Shaking his head.

Maria coming back and handing him the bandages. "Thanks." Taking out what he needed to start rewrapping her wrist. *At least until I can heal it right.*

"Max, can you try again?" Seeing the pained exasperation on Michael's face. Knowing that it most likely mirrored his own.

"I can't get in. Not when she is like this. I've tried three times....." Shaking his head. "It's just not working. I'm sorry." Not being able to meet his eyes any longer. Knowing that trying again would just weaken him. *I need all my energy to heal her if she wakes up. When she woke up.* Correcting himself. *There was no way that Liz could stay that way. No way.*

"What about Isabel." -Maria

"What about me?" - Isabel

"What about her?" -Michael looking at Maria.

"Can't you try to dream walk her or something?" -Maria

*Dream walk her. It could work.* Hopes getting up a little.

"I don't know......" - Isabel

"Isabel..."

"You have to try..." - Michael

"Are you sure that she didn't just faint? She could wake up any time now...." Seeing the scared look in Isabel's eyes. She was holding on to last bit of hope.

"No, we would have been able to wake her up by now. Besides, you didn't see the look in her eyes. She had such an empty look. It was like she wasn't even there."

"Wasn't there. That doesn't make sense?" Michael looking at me like I lost my mind.

"It does if you saw her." Maria nodding her head. Confirming what I just said. "It's like she was just gone. Her body was there but you could tell that she didn't know what was going on around her." Shivering a little.

"It's not like she is just sleeping.... You just said so yourself...... I never did..."

"Isabel, you have too." - Michael

"No, I don't Michael! You can't make me." Isabel looking at each of them in turn. "I'm sorry, I don't think that I can....."

*She scared.* Knowing that Isabel hated to be in a situation that she couldn't control. *Im sorry Is, but your all we got at the moment.* "Is. Please. Please." Giving her his best puppy dog eyes. "Please just try... That's all I ask. Please. Just try..."

"What about the healing stones." - Maria

"Yeah, the healing stones. We should try them." - Isabel

*I forgot all about them. That might work.* "We can try."

"We have to take her to the cave." - Michael

"We can't do it right now. We would have to wait till dark." *It would be good to drive all around town with Liz.*

"Why do we have to go to the cave? Why not here?" - Maria

"We only used them that one time. I think the cave would be our best place to do it. It just feels right." Learning a long time ago that it was better to trust his feelings.

Isabel and Michael nodding there heads agreeing.

"Is. You have to try it now. Please."

Seeing the uncertainty on her face.

"Please. Isabel. She my sister." - Michael

"And Max's wife." - Maria

"Maria! Do you have to keep saying that?" Feeling his face growing hot.

"Yes."

"Move." Feeling Isabel push me a little off my side of the bed. Laying down next to Liz. Taking her hand.

Kissing her on the cheek. Knowing that it was taking everything she had to find the courage to do this. Whispering in her ear. "Thank you Is. Thank you."

Giving me a small smile. "Don't thank me yet." Closing her eyes.

"God are our school superintendents stupid. I can't believe that worked." Alex coming back into the room.

"SHHHH Alex. Now isn't the time." Maria pointing to the bed.

"Sorry." - Alex

*Come on Isabel. You can do it. Please.*

After what seemed like an eternity. Isabel opened her eyes. Letting out a exhausted breathe. "I can't.... I can't get in....." Trying to sit up. Alex helping her up the rest of the way. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I couldn't get in." Barely meeting his eyes.

"That's alright." Hugging her. "It was a long shot anyways. Just rest a minute." Feeling her take another shaky breathe.

Knock on the door.

Everyone looking at each other.

"I thought they believed me. I swear." Alex looking frantic. Holding up his hands.

"It's alright Alex. Michael you better get it."

Knocking again. Louder this time. "It's the Sheriff. I know your there. Open up, please."

Michael raising his hand. Feeling his energy stir in the air. As he headed for the door.

Hi! Here you go Elf3748. I hope you like.


Before I start. Clear up a few ? That might arise. First off. Michael and Maria found the orb. That's the only part there that has changed. Tess and Max would be just eww! Plus, I only had them kiss that one time on the bacony. Couldn't stand for any more!!!!!!!!! And the whole Hubble thing didn't happen yet. Any ? Please let me know......


CHAPTER 8C



Max's POV

"Michael." Gabbing his arm. "What are you doing?" Giving him a warning look.

"I'm not going to let him take her Max. I'm not." Seeing something wild in his eyes. *I have never seeing Michael like this before. What is it fear? Even when he was with Hank and with that whole situation with him. Michael didn't have this look.*

The others looking on. Waiting to see what was going to happen.

Keeping his voice low. "Calm down Michael. You can't just blast him."

"Why not?"

Signing. "Michael. You know why."

"Well I'm sure in hell am not going to let him take her!" His voice raising a little more.

*Great, lets just tell everyone in the building that she is here.* Reasoning side kicking in. "Michael, we don't even know what he wants. It might not even have to do with Liz at all."

Seeing the questions in his eyes. *Probably running down the different scenarios. One thing for sure. Michael can't talk to him.* Knowing what he had to do.

"Michael, you stay with Liz. Seal the door behind me. I'll see what he wants." Looking over to Maria. His eyes going to her. Back to Michael. To her again. Giving her a silent message. *Watch him. Keep in calm.* Reading his silent message perfectly, she went up to Michael. Michael letting her easily pull him back towards Liz and the bed. Silently thanking her. *She does wonders for that boy.*

"Max?" Looking to see the fear and concern in Isabel eyes.

Giving her a reassuring smile. "It's going to be alright."

"Maxwell."

"I'm not letting him take her Michael. Seal the door to be safe."

Heading to the front door.

Knocking again.

"Come on, I just want to talk." -Sheriff

Isabel and Alex following him into the living room. Glancing at her quickly.

"Is. you could stay in the bedroom." Careful to keep his voice low.

"No. It's alright." Standing closer to Alex. This time giving him a brave smile.

Taking a deep breathe. Opening the door. Just when the sheriff was going to knock again.

"Sheriff, what can I do for you?" Trying to look as innocent as possible.

"Max... May I come in." Pushing his way through the door without waiting for an answerer.

"Sure." *Not like I had much of a choice.* Shutting the door. Taking a couple steps into the room.

"Max, Kyle said that you took the Parker girl home."

"Um, yes sir." Taking a quick look at Isabel and Alex. Seeing the fear in her eyes.

Sheriff nodding his head. "Well, the thing is Max." Not taking his eyes off him. "I went by her house. There was no one there. In fact the place was empty."

"Empty?"

"Yeah, no furniture. No nothing. It was like no one has stepped foot into it yet. Much less moved in."

*Nothing? You would think there would be something. Didn't Liz sleep there last night? How much sleep did she actually get though?* Trying to calm his racing heart. It racing not only from the sheriff but for what happen to Liz too. Scratching behind his ear. "That's strange."

"Kyle said that Liz was upset about something. Scared almost... That she couldn't talk and there was a bruise on her face. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"

"I didn't...." Feeling the anger rise in him. *If he thinks that I would.."

Sheriff raising his hand to stop him. Shaking his head. "No Max, I didn't mean to imply you. I don't think you did anything to her. Kyle said she seemed to get a little better for a moment when she saw you."

His anger subsiding.

Taking a step back towards him. "I did a little research on Liz and her father....." Looking at him closely. It's amazing the things that you can find out now a days... And the things that you can't..... I know your smart enough to do the math..." Taking another step towards him. "I know you didn't take Liz home Max. I think that was probably best under the circumstances. I don't know what Liz Parker has to do with you but I do think we are both on the same side here. Especially when it comes to Liz. I don't think either one of us wants to see her get hurt again." Pauses. "I could help you on this Max."

"There is nothing you can do." Not breaking eye contact.

"Are you sure about that, Max. I am the sheriff. I do have connections...." Pauses. "I think we both got off on the wrong foot here. It's my job to protect people. To protect you. And everyone here." Looking at Alex and Isabel for a moment before looking once more at him. "I know that it requires trust.... I'm hoping that we can do that some day. I know what it's like to need some one to talk to. Not to be able to trust any body. Someone that would understand."

"Is that what you need to do Sheriff?"

Watching him walking to the door. Opening it and turning around back towards him.

"Max, there was another reason that I stopped by. There is a guy in town. His name is Hubble. He considers himself to be an expert Alien hunter. He was at the station today. He was asking a few questions. About you, Max." Holding up his hand once more to silent any protest that I had. "I told him to leave you alone. That there was nothing here. I just want you to keep a look out for him. Stay away from him. In fact, call me on my cell if he shows up anywhere near you."

Handing him a piece of paper and the orb. "I figured someone should make the first move."

Walking out. Closing the door behind him.

*What the hell just happened here?* Looking at the orb in his hand. The orb that Michael dropped. The same orb that Valenti picked up. *Why did he give it back? Can we trust him? Was it some kind of trick? He seemed sincere. But how can I really be sure?*

"He gave you the orb?" Alex looking at it like he couldn't believe it.

"Do you trust him Max?" - Isabel

"What the hell is going on Maxwell?" Michael coming into the room. Looking at the orb in his hand. "He gave it back to you?"

"Max? Do you believe him?" -Isabel

*Do I trust him? I just don't know. I don't know.* His gut telling him too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AT THE CAVE


Sitting around in a circle. Each holding a stone. Closing their eyes. All focused on Liz. Who laid in front of them.

Max could feel the others around him. Feel their presents. Their breathe all slowly becoming even.

In sync.

One.

Their heart beat following .

Slowly mixing together as they all started to slow down to finally match Liz's.

Becoming one with her.

Darkness.... Complete darkness.

Cold numbness all surrounding them.

"MAX! MARIA!" - Michael

"MAX! MICHAEL! ALEX!" - Isabel

"MARIA ISABEL?" - Alex

"Oh god!" - Maria

Feeling the fear start to rise in the others.

Feeling the others close by. Seeing nothing.

"Everyone hold on to one another."

Feeling them all fumbling around till they were all touching.

Feeling their panic subside.

"Where is she?"- Michael

"Why is it so dark?" -Maria

"Can anyone see anything?" - Isabel

"No." -Alex

"What is going on? Where are we?" - Maria

"Liz's mind?" - Alex

"Where is she then?" -Michael

"This is her mind?" Feeling Maria shutter.

Using all his senses he had to locate her. Faintly feeling her all around him.

*Cold.... Detached...* Words coming to mind that he felt from her.

"I can feel her."

"So can I." -Isabel

"She's all around us..." -Alex

"Max, can you heal her?" -Michael

"I don't know.."

"Try." -Isabel

"Some one do something." - Maria

Pulling all his energy. Feeding off the others.

He pictured Liz. Picturing what she looked liked when he first saw her.

Picturing her burnt wrist. Whole and healed.

Picturing the bruise on her neck gone. What her voice sounded like.

Picturing the bruise on her face gone and once more soft and beautiful.

Pouring all his energy and love he had into her.

Feeling it surround him before spreading out away from him.

Through her.

Completing her until that's all there was.

"Max?" Liz's small frail voice barely reaching his ears in the darkness.

"Liz?"

Bright light blinding him.

Blinking several times before the cave once more came into focus.

Looking around at the others.

Meeting there eyes all in turned before looking down at Liz.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LIZ'S POV

Cold and numbness filled her. Wrapped around her like a security blanket. Promising protection. Numbness. Dreamless sleep. Above all else. Lack of thoughts and emotions.

Leaving her body to defend for itself. To endure anything that this part of the mind couldn't handle. Having another part of her mind keep track to what was happening. Locking it away tight where the fail innocent part of Liz. The part that made up who she really was. Would never have to endure it. Forced to remembering any part of it ever taking place.

Having learned early on. Before she was even aware of that the fact that she could do it..

It was a place were she could just simple BE. Simple exist. Not mean anything at all.

Time had no meaning here. Nothing did. No cares. No worries. Just nothing. It was her one and only safe haven from the world.

This was exactly where she wanted to be.

Then she felt it. The soft tugging at the fringes of her subconscious. Begging for entrance.

Her first instinct was to run. Hide deeper into her mind. Away from the intruders. Away from it all. It had to be HIM. HE had tried long ago to break through to here. To rip her from her safety. To take her away to deal with everything. But HE wasn't strong enough. He couldn't break through. He never even got this close to her. It was the only time that she ever truly fought back. The one and only victory she had over him and she cherished it...

Then she felt it. Warmth. Love... Pulling itself closer to her.

Recognition.....

Something stirred deep in her mind. Pulling her closer to it.... Cautiously. Wanting and longing for it. Need for it... Feeling the love and warmth that it so richly desired above all else. Invading the darkness of her sanctuary. Pushing back the numbness as it started to fill her. Erasing the pain that the body felt. Healing it. Pushing the numbness farther back. Willing the mind to release it.

Feeling the love and warmth. then she knew. Knew who it was...

"Max....."

"Liz?"

Feeling him slip away. As they left her in peaceful sleep for the first time in her entire life..

Hey guys! I just wanted to Thank everyone that took the time to vote. Thank you. I couldn't decide on which way to take it.


Thank you for the feedback: LizzieEvans, Gigo, AlienDreamer101, Alien614, Littlebit, rosssli, and Elf3748 THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


CHAPTER 9

MAX's POV


"What the hell was that?"- Michael

"Why was it so dark and cold?" -Maria

"Where was Liz? Why didn't we see her like we did Michael?" - Isabel

"So, was that really her mind?" Feeling Maria shutter a little next to me.

No one really waiting for an answerer. All knowing that the others knew just as much as they did. But having the voice their questions never the less.

Finally able to focus. Liz was still laying in front of them.

"Why isn't she up? It didn't work, did it?" - Maria voice starting to tremble.

"Liz?" Looking at her closely. *Something has changed.* Shaking her a little.

Watching her stir a moment before she once more settled in sleep. Studying her face. Seeing the movement under her eye lids. Showing the signs of dreaming. It being the first signs of life that Liz has giving them in hours.

*This is good right?* Not quite sure what to make of it all.

"Max you healed her." Isabel pointing to her face. Noticing for the first time that the bruise was gone. Only to be replaced with the soft pink hue that matched the other cheek.

Michael unwrapping the bandage on her wrist. Revealing it too once more being whole and undamaged.

Maria pulling down her turtle neck. "It's all gone. You did it Max. You did it." Pulling him into a half hug. His eyes still not leaving Liz.

*At least I fixed something.* Knowing that it was most likely emotional damage that caused Liz to retreat. *But she did come out of herself right? Liz is just sleeping now. Isn't she? Not in a self induced coma. She moved a little. That meant something. Didn't it?* Still not sure what to think about it all.

"Max, did you see anything?" - Isabel

"Nothing." Shaking his head.

"What now?" - Alex

Watching Michael carefully pick up Liz. Her snuggling a little closer to Michael. "Lets get her out of here."

"Are we going back to Michael's?" - Alex

"What about Liz?" - Maria

"I think she will wake up when she is ready." Hoping that his words are true.

"She has to be exhausted. Emotional trauma usually is.." Alex backing him up.

"Is that it? We just wait around until she wakes up?" Maria not liking the sound of that.

"What else is there to do?" - Alex

"I don't know. Shake her or something." - Maria

"Maria......" - Alex

"You can't be serious.." - Isabel

"So what happens when she does finally wake up?" - Maria

"Then we talk to her."

"That's not all." Everyone turning to Michael. "We force feed her until she gains some weight."

Remembering what Liz felt like in his arms. *Yeah.* Nodding his head in agreement. *Also keep her far away from Nesado.*

Feeling a little tickle in the deep recesses of his mind. Something starting to stir for the first time in his life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


LIZ'S POV

Mind and body both relaxing for the first time in her life. Mind releasing it's grip on a small part of it that it kept hidden even from itself. Letting itself go. Releasing itself and the hold it had on the others.

Releasing it before the mind realized what it had done. Mind searching out to lock back what has already slipped away from it's grip. It was gone. Not having the energy or strength to collect it. Not to mention locking it away from even it's self again.

It had done the unthinkable for allowing itself to rest for that one moment. Something that it wasn't suppose to release until the right time. Fearing that now wasn't it. But never the less it happened.

Exhausted. It finally surrendering to the body and will that it had. Tired of trying any longer. It slept......

Liz slept.....

And she dreamed.......


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


MAX'S POV


After getting back to Michael's and Liz once more settled in Michael's bed. Everyone else spreading out across Michael's apartment to sleep. Isabel and Alex sharing the couch with Michael and Maria sharing a sleeping bag on the floor in his bedroom. Not far from the bed incase Liz woke up. All having long ago surrendered to sleep. Being exhausted from the days events.

Leaving him alone with his thoughts.

*I know that Michael felt the same way that I did about Liz." Glancing down at him and Maria snuggled together on the floor. Michael only going to sleep after he swore that he would look after Liz. *Well not exactly. I hope Michael wasn't having thoughts of what it would feel like to kiss Liz. To really hold her.*

*Man, I have to stop thinking that way.* Pushing a chair closer to Michael's bed on the opposite side of Michael's and Maria's. Settling him self in it. Taking Liz's slender hand into his own.

The feeling has came over to him ever since the cave. Was still there. Growing stronger. Becoming more aware of it by the moment. *It was the same feeling that Liz stirred in him but it was more then that too. Something else.* He just couldn't get a grip on it. *It's like it was always there. A part of him. Almost instinctive. It was coming to life.* It wasn't a bad feeling. More like knowledge and power just still out of his reach. The more he tried to focus on it. The harder it was to describe. *To grasp...*

Looking at Liz. Small smile that graced her face. Seeing her totally relax. *She gives new meaning to the words sleeping beauty.*

*She looks so peaceful.* Never seeing her in this state before. *So small and innocent looking.*

Whispering "I promise you Liz. I will protect you with my life. I won't ever let anything happen to you again."

Picturing himself say that exact phase flashed before his eyes. In a different time and place.

*Why do I have the feeling that I have said that to you before?*

Watching the steady rise and fall of her chest. Almost hypnotizing him. Making him sleepy by the minute..

"Why do I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I failed you?"

*What is it about you Liz Parker? What do you know about all us? Why do I feel so different when I'm around you? Am I feeling like this now because we connected. Is it you that woke this up inside of me? Or is it just coincidence that your here now?*

Relaxing more...

Feeling himself start to slip off to sleep.

His body and mind finally resting. Letting some of the long locked secrets of his mind spring forward. Letting themselves be known for the first time. His past at last known. Since it was long ago locked away from even itself.....

Flash/dreams:

Zan and Aveana laughing as he chased her around a beautiful field.

Zan and Ava kissing under the three blood moons. Some how knowing that was their first kiss.

Zan arguing with his father. Telling him that he couldn't be with Ave. That they both came from two different worlds. That they were both promised to another. Zan refusing to except it. Telling his father that he would marry Ave no matter what. Even if it meant giving up the throne. Leaving his planet. Trying to convince his father that it could join the worlds together.

Zan and Rath training their powers for battle.

Valondra and Zan playing together as young children.

On a dark balcony. Asking for Aveana to marry him. Her giving him all the reasons why they shouldn't be together. Him confession his undying love to her. Finally convincing her that they could make it work.

Seeing Aveana for the first time in the woods. Her beauty taking his breathe away. Her soul actually speaking to him before she turned and ran.

Learning that tragedy befell Rath and Aveana house. Fearing the worst happened to his friends.

Aveana and Zan sneaking peeks at each others during their lessons.

Watching Valondra and Aveana talking together in the gardens far below him.

His wedding.

Promising Rath that he would never hurt her.

His family sitting around the table eating dinner.

Enemies attacking their home. Telling Aveana to hide as he started to fight. Aveana crying that she wasn't going to leave him.

Dancing at a ball together. Stopping everyone in their tracks. Everyone staring at them.

Opening the door to find Rath and Aveana standing there. Tears filling her eyes. Taking her into his arms. Crushing her to his body. Silently thanking who ever it was that brought her here safely to him. Realizing for the first time how much he truly loved her. How he would die with out her.

Rath, Vilondra, Aveana and him all meeting together for the first time in the woods. All four of them making up a square. Looking at Aveana as she lost all the color in her face as she looked at each one of them in turn. Catching her just as she fainted.

Catching her reflection in the mirror that she was looking at. Sadness filling her eyes as she looked into the mirror. Holding her stomach. Taking her into his arms as she turned and cried into his chest.

Promising her that he would protect her forever. Never let anyone hurt her again.

Rath teasing Aveana and Max coming to her defense.

Dreams and memories filled his sleep.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



LIZ'S POV


Slowly starting to come out of her sleep induced slumber. The last slivers of the dream scurrying off into the recesses of her mind. The warm fuzzy feeling that it induce still lingering behind.

Snuggling more into the soft comforter. A familiar scent surrounding her. Wrapping itself around her like a security blanket. Making her feel safe. A feeling that she has never experienced out side her body before.

Not ready to give up the small sanctuary that the bed had to offered for the moment. She tried to snuggling in more. Not ready to be herself yet.

Soft muffled voices seeping its way into her conscious. Making her become more aware of her surroundings. Straining her ears to try to understand the words. *Who did the voices belong to?* Searching her mind for the answer. *defiantly males.* Listening more for some clues. The soft whispers not making it any more clearer for her. *None.* Feeling no threat from the voices.

Slowly stretching. Opening her eyes. Looking slowly around the bedroom.

Searching her mind once more for the details. *Defiantly male.* Slowly sitting up.

*Where am I?* Starting to feel a little uneasy. But that was all. Nothing like the panic that would usually over come her.

*God, this can't be good.*

Running her fingers though her hair. Stopping it in front of her face. *Something.* Getting a feeling that something was suppose to be there. Looking at her wrist closely. Pulling down the sleeve. Her wrist being bandage flashed before her face. *Was it suppose to be hurt or was it something in the past?* Swinging her legs over the bed. *God this can't be good.*

*Think damn it. Think!*

Her life once more becoming hers.

HE past before her eyes. Warning after warning ran though her head. HIS voice. "Always be aware of your surroundings. Be alert. You don't want to end up in a white room do you? Do you want to be dissected? The idea is to blend into the crowd. Never draw attention to yourself. If your not careful you will endanger everyone else. Do you really want to be the downfall to everyone? Always be on guard. Always. There is no excuse....."

*No excuse.*

Looking once more around the room. *I know I have never been here before.....*

*No... He is defiantly going to kill me.....* Knowing she let happen exactly what she wasn't suppose to let happen.

*Breathe!* Yelling at her self as the panic started to rise. Knowing that panicking would just put her back into her catatonic state. Taking a deep breathe. Closing her eyes a moment. *Breathe. Just breathe.* The comforting smell filling her nose and surrounding her. Calming her. *This has never happened before. Well it has. I'm always losing time. But that's when HE was around.... That's when.... *

*Stop! Don't go there. Just think. What happened....*

*School. I was at School. Michael.... He told me that he didn't leave me... We connected.* It all started to slowly fall in place. *Think.....*

Starting to pace.

*Umm.. I was thinking about everything. The choices that I made based on the fact that they left me. That they didn't want me... Kyle! Yes. Kyle was there. Said that I could talk to him if I wanted. I was losing it.....* Remembering part of her self was offering safety. Beckoning to her.

Feeling her heart start to race. *Breathe..* Taking a couple deep breathes. Feeling herself start to relax once more. *That smell. I know it...* Looking around the room. Metalica posters on the wall. A metalica T-shirt thrown on a chair. *Michael.* Recognition washing over her. *I'm in Michael's room. I can almost feel him around me.* The feeling comforting her more. Calming her *At least I'm not in a white room.*

*How did I get here?* Max's eyes flashing before her. Barely recalling his face being the last thing she saw. The pain his eyes held. The finial thing that pushed her over the edge. *I never wanted to hurt them. None of them.*

Turning to the half open door. *The voices, they're Max's and Michael's.*

Taking a step towards it before stopping. *Max must have healed me......*

*God, this can't be good. What did he see? What am I going to do now?* Pain in Max's eyes once more haunted her.

An ache starting in her chest.

Walking to the window. *Fire escape. Second story. Not to far down......*

*HE is going to kill me.... I can't believe that I screwed up this bad..... All the attention that I must have drawn to myself. I'm going to have to use my mind warp to get out of this mess.* Shuttering unconsciously at the thought of having to use that certain power.

"Liz?"

"What?' Turning to see Max and Michael standing just inside the room. Backing up against the window. Feeling it against her back.

"It's alright." Seeing the concern look in Max's eyes. His voice softer.

Nodding her head yes unconsciously.

"How do you feel?"- Michael edging a little closer to her.

Looking at Max and Michael closely. *How much do they know? What did Max see?* Not so sure she wanted to know the answer. "How long was I out?"

"About a day and a half."- Max

"I guess this happened before?" - Seeing Michael's muscles in his jaws tighten.

"I umm..." *My god. That long!!!!* Not ever being gone that long before. The longest ever being was a day. Not meeting their eyes. "Some times." *What's the point in lying now? They already know I'm defective...*

"You were just sleeping for most of it. You looked so peaceful and we thought that maybe..... You needed it..." - Max

"Needed it?"

"The sleep..."- Max

"Oh..." *God, I need to get out of here.* Feeling the need to escape arise. The same time part of her wanting to stay. Find out everything that she didn't know about their lives.

"Liz! Your awake!" Jumping at the girls voice coming loudly from the door.

Looking at the door to see a girl pushing her way into the room. Going over to her and hugging her tightly. Before she had a chance to move.

*Who the hell?* Standing there in shock as she grabbed my arm and started to lead me away. "We were so worried about you."

*Worried about me?*

I'll come back and give proper thank you later. I have to go for now. But I though everyone would like the next part.

I don't really know about it. I have changed it so much. But I hope you like..


CHAPTER 9B

MAX's POV

Max woke up hearing the front door closing. Looking over at Liz. To find her body wrapped around his arm. Doing it some how in the night. Feeling her hand still locked within his, between her legs. Her head resting on his upper arm. His own head was resting on the bed. Inches from hers.

*How the hell?* Not really believing that she was able to wrap her body around his arm without him knowing. *At least waking me up?*

Feeling his loins tighten at the sight that laid before him. Getting control of his body. As he carefully started to untwine his arm from her. Moving slowly so he wouldn't wake her.

A soft moan escaped her lips. Causing his body to react once more.

Groaning himself at his body's response. *God, I need a cold shower.* Stretching a moment. His body automatically healing all the kinks and sore muscles that it had. Feeling like there was new energy flowing through his veins. He felt amazing. *Is this what it is like to wake up next to you in the morning? I can defiantly get used to this...*

Tucking the blanket tightly around Liz. Watching her snuggle in more. Kissing her forehead before glancing over at the floor where Michael and Maria were sleeping. *Empty. Where did they all go?* Glancing at the clock. *2:43. My god, I slept that long.. You think they would have woke me up.*

Starting to recall the dreams he had the night before as he made his way out of the room. Finding Michael standing at the counter. Drinking a cup of coffee.

The dreams of last night sprang forward in his mind.

Zan and Rath practicing their powers.

Rath, Vilondra, Aveana and Zan meeting in the woods for the first time.

*All four of us... We were all sent by our parents to meet with the Sheer. Find out our futures. What our destiny was that laid before us. Rath and Aveana. No Michael and Liz coming from. Me and Isabel going too. It was a mistake that our parents made. A mistake that started our history together....* Some how knowing about that day. Everything he felt.

*What happened last night? What changed? To make me remember it now? Is it really true? Did it all really happen?* Not really sure what to think. Some how knowing in his gut that it was.

Still feeling the underline current of energy that flowed through his body. *Stronger.* The only word coming to mind. *I'm stronger. At least my powers are.*

"You feel it too, don't you." More of a statement then a question. Looking up at Michael. Seeing him studying him. "Isabel feels it too. We both also remember some of our past life." Still staring at him. Waiting for his response.

"I feel something.... And the dreams I had last night...."

"No, they were more like flashes. Memories."

Nodding his head agreeing.

"Do you think it has to do with Liz? That she some how did it?"

*Liz? It had to deal with her. There was no denying it. They didn't feel like this before. They knew nothing about them self. Connecting to Liz some how jump started their memories? Awaken something in them... Opened some kind of door that I didn't even know was there.* "It's the only thing that makes sense."

Michael starting to pace in front of him.

"All I can tell you Max. Is that I feel amazing. It's like I suddenly know things that I didn't know before. It's like I don't know. Like I'm just waking up. I know it sounds crazy but it's true."

"Michael."

"No. Max. I know I'm not making it up. It all feels right. They are my memories. I know it's true. I just know it.... I know.."

"Michael, I was going to agree with you. I know what you mean... It just feels right." Not being able to describe it any other way... *I just know in my heart that it did really all happened.*

Both of them sitting down on the couch.

Silent for a moment.

"Where is everyone?" Realizing for the first time that it was only him and Michael.

"Maria had to work at 3. Stopping by her house first to check in with her mom. She gets off at 7. I had her still go to work to help cover for me. Since I took off. Have everything else look as normal as possible. Isabel is doing damage control at your house and picking you up some more cloths. Alex had to stop at his house too. They should be back tonight."

"Do they.."

Michael interrupting him. "They all have their phones on."

Smiling at him. *Michael getting quit responsible.* Glad that they all remembered their phones. Alex getting them all ones that could walky talky to each other. So they could always stay in constant contact. *We would have to get another one for Liz. Not that he was planning on letting her out of his sight.*

"Your getting good at this."

"No, I just want everyone to be safe."

"Your taking your second in command role quite serous."

Smiling at him. "Well, when the king is sleeping his day away..."

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I couldn't. Maria and Isabel wouldn't let me. Who took pictures by the way."

"Great." Smiling a little.

Michael nodding. "Max, I know you care about Liz. But...."

"Michael.."

"No, Max listen to me. I know you loved Liz in the last life. That you got married and everything. I remember that clearly. I would have to be blind not to see the way that you looked at her then. To the way that you look at her now. It's the same."

"Michael."

"Would you just hear me out.."

"Michael, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to rush anything. I know Liz isn't ready for anything like that."

Michael studying him. "Ok. I just don't want to see her hurt."

"Neither to I." *When did Michael start being so logical?*

"Or scared off. She is so unsure of us, as it is."

"Michael, I know." *But did he really? The feelings that he had for her... It was taking a lot of will power not to take her into his arms and kiss her senseless.*

"Good. I'm going to take a shower."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


With Michael in the shower. Max found himself once more in the chair next to Liz.

*God, she was so beautiful. So small and fragile.* The big comforter seemed to swallow her on the bed.

*What was your life like? Has he hit you all this time? Have you spent your whole life in fear? Is that all he did to you?* Recalling horrible story that he heard on the news and read about in psych class. Were the abuse didn't stop at just hitting. Rape and molestation coming to mind. *Usually those were the cases where a person learned how to retreat into one self the most. Was it just the things he said to you and the pain that caused your retreat or was it more? Not that wouldn't have been enough.* Just not wanted it to be anymore then that. *Liz has suffered alone enough. She doesn't deserve anything more.* Silently praying that there wasn't more.

Feeling the tears start to sting his eyes. Blinking a couple of times to stop them. *I have so much to make up to you. How did you live through this? I'm so sorry that I wasn't there.*

"Max?" Looking up to see Michael entering the room. "Are you all right."

Taking a quick look at Liz. Back to Michael.

"Yeah." Getting up and walking to the end of the bed. "I was just thinking." Looking once more at Liz.

"Thinking about how were weren't there for her?"

Nodding his head.

Both silent a moment.

"What are we going to do Max?"

"Keep her away from him."

"The way you talked about him. I don't think he will give her up to easy."

Nodding his head. "Your right."

"So what are we going to do about him?"

He won't be back until friday."

"And then?"

Looking Michael in the eyes. "Then we do what ever we have to. To make sure he never hurts her again.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A couple hours later.

Max back in the room with Liz. Both of them taking turns sitting with her. Not wanting her to freak out if she woke up alone. Not to mention they both just wanted to be with her.

"Max can I talk to you a minute?" Looking up to see Isabel. Getting up and following her out.

"Hey Is. How are Mom and Dad?" Pulling her into a quick hug.

Pulling back. "Their fine. Dad's going to be gone for a week. I told Mom that we were helping Michael paint his apartment."

"Thanks."

"I brought you some cloths."

"Thanks. Are you alright?" Looking at her closely. Seeing the worry on her face.

"Michael said that you remembered too."

Nodding his head. Waiting for her to go on.

"It's weird isn't it? Having this whole other life...."

"Is. are you alright?"

"I don't know. Max. Who am I? Am I Isabel or am I Vilondra? I mean... I have all these memories and feelings now of her in the past life. Alex said that I am still me. But I feel so different... I'm.. I don't know what I am..."

"Isabel." Taking her by the shoulders. "You are still Isabel. Alex is right. The past is the past. Vilondra might have been a part of your past that makes up you. But you are still you. We still make our own choices. Our own destiny. I don't know what's going to happen in the future but I do know that it will be ours. Isabel's, Michael's, Liz's and Mine. We alone decide our futures."

"Do you really believe that Max? Now after knowing. Seeing our past lives. After almost like we just relived it? Don't you think there is something more out their for us? Don't you think there is a reason that Liz is here now? What about what Nesado said? About the four squares being important? Important for what?"

"I don't know." *That's the truth. He didn't know. But...* "But I know when it comes down to it. It will be our choice Isabel. Ours and no one else's."

"What about Liz. Max? She was your wife. I remember the love Zan and Aveana had. I remember how jealous I was of it. You still love her don't you." More of a statement then a question.

"Yes." Without hesitating.

"So is it Zan who loves her or is it you?"

"Me."

"How can you be so sure? So you really believe that you belong with Liz?"

"Because I know the person that I used to be is still a part of me. But it's not exactly who I am today. Is." Trying to make her understand. *How can I do that if I'm not so sure my self?* "I don't know what's going to happen between Liz and me. But I do know that it will be our choice. Mine and Liz's. Not because of the fact that we were married in a past life. I don't know how Liz feels about me. We were raised differently. We are different people. I might not be who she wants this time around." Feeling his stomach tighten at the thought. "Liz might not be who I...." Not being able to complete the sentence. *I already know she is what I want.* "Where is this going Is.? What are you really scared about?'

"I don't know...." Not meeting his eyes. "I guess that is it. I just don't know."

Pulling her once more into a hug. "We will get through this Isabel. I promise. We will all get through this together." Some how knowing that it would all be alright if they just stuck together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAX's and LIZ'S POV intertwining. (Mostly Max's)


Max and Michael sitting at the counter waiting for the others to get back with dinner.

"Max?"

"Yeah." Looking up at Michael.

"Don't you think she should be up by now?"

"I don't know. But she doesn't seem to be in any pain or anything. She's just sleeping." Recalling how she would move around now.

"Do you think it's about time we wake her up?"

"No. Let her sleep. We don't know how much peaceful sleep. She has ever really gotten."

Michael nodding his head. "Max do you think he did anything else to her?" Voicing his worst fears.

Not meeting his eyes. "I don't know."

"She not going to tell us is she."

Hearing movement in the bedroom. "Michael." Standing up and making their way to the bedroom. Seeing Liz looking out the window. "Liz?"

"What?" Seeing the startled look on her face as she backed up against the window.

"It's alright." Using the tone a voice he would a frighten child. Trying to calm her down a little. *God, she looked terrified.

Nodding her head, but the panic didn't leave her face.

"How do you feel?" Michael edging a little closer to her.

Studying them. Her eyes shifting from him to Michael. "How long was I out?"

"About a day and a half."

"I guess this happened before?" Michael's voice taking on a edge. Shooting him a warning look.

Watching her body tense more. "I umm..." Looking away from them. Starting to frigid. "Some times." Her voice becoming softer.

"You were just sleeping for most of it. You looked so peaceful and we thought that maybe..... You needed it..." Trying to calmer her.

"Needed it?" Looking at him. Relaxing some what.

"The sleep..."

"Oh..." Watching her glance out the window again.

*Its like she debating whether to jump or not.*

"Liz! Your awake!" Maria comes busting through the door. Right up to Liz. Pulling a shocked Liz into a hug. "We were so worried about you."

Watching as Maria took Liz by the arm and started pulling her into the Living room. "We better hurry up and get a piece of pizza if we are planning on eating too."

Seeing the shocked look on Liz's face as she past him. Being just as surprised by Maria's out burst as Liz.

By the time that Michael and I got into the living room. Liz was sitting on the couch between Maria and Alex. A plate with a piece of pizza on her lap. Isabel on the other side of Alex.

Liz had a shocked look on her face as she looked around the room at everyone.

Michael sitting on the arm of the couch. I took the chair next to it.

"Hi, I'm Alex." Watching the a tall dark lanky looking guy and a girl next to him eating a piece of pizza. Getting a closer look at her. She was beautiful. *Defiantly Isabel.*

"I'm sure you recognize Isabel. And of course you all ready meet Maria. Who so kindly dragged you in here." Alex point to Isabel then Maria. Alex leaning a little closer to her. Whispering "She doesn't do interdictions very well." Winking at her as he sat back and took a bite of pizza.

"Hey, I resent that. I didn't drag her in here. Did I?" Maria turning her eyes to me.

"Maria!" -Michael.

"What?" Turning to glare at Michael.

Watching Liz shift a little in her seat. Clearly uncomfortable. Trying to smooth things over. *The last thing Liz needs right now is those two to get into it.* "Maria, Liz just isn't use to all of us yet." Pleading with her with his eyes.

"Oh, Sorry." Maria looking at Liz apolitically. "I'm just so happy that your awake. You scared all of us. I have so many questions for you. I thought it would be like when we fixed Michael that you would wake up. Then you didn't. Sleeping all this time. I was going to go in there and shake you awake but Max and Michael wouldn't let me. Then this morning seeing you and Max curled up together. Was so cute. Can't wait to get the pictures back! Michael is so glad that you are here. I have never seen him so happy and worried at the same time in my life. At least Max was able to heal your bruises and that burn on your arm. What was he trying to do strangle you to ......"

Seeing the color wash out of Liz's face. As her eyes got bigger staring at Maria as she rambled on.

"MARIA!" Michael and Max yelling at the same time. Seeing Michael giving her a death glare from the corner of his eyes.

"What? Don't look at me like that space boy." Glaring right back at Michael. Turning her eyes to him.

Nodding his head at Liz who has yet to take her eyes off Maria. Hoping that Maria would get the hint.

Maria finally looking at Liz's pale face. "Oh."

"You have to excuse hurricane Deluca. She tends to run off at the mouth." Alex

"You will get used to her eventually. You will learn when to tune her out." Isabel giving her a small smile.

"She defiantly has to grow on you." - Alex

Watching Liz relax a little. Giving them all a small smile. *It's weird, it's like they are just excepting me as part of their group. Almost like I was always here.* Couldn't deny the fact that she dreamed that they some how would. Making her feel unsettled inside. Not really sure on how to take it all in.

Everyone silent for a moment.

Breaking it. "So you healed me." Not quit meeting his eyes.

"Yes."

"What did you see?" Barely above a whisper.

"Nothing...." Meeting his eyes. *Looking for something...* Seeing the doubt and fear flash through hers.

Placing her plate back on the coffee table untouched.

"We had to use the healing stones to connect to you. We didn't see anything. It was total darkness." Wanting to easy the doubt. *What was she afraid I would see?*

Watching her studying my face then Michael's to see if I was telling the truth.

"Max couldn't get in. We had to use the healing stones." Michael

Nodding her head. *They seem to be telling the truth.* Finding nothing that look suspicious. *If they saw anything I'm sure they would say something. Wouldn't they?* "So you have the healing stone then?." *Which would make sense. Since they did know about River Dog. Why wouldn't he give them the stones?*

"We had to use them a couple weeks ago to heal Michael." - Maria

"Why?" Feeling an uneasiness increase. Not so sure that she really wanted to know, but having to ask anyways.

"He was unbalanced. He almost died. It was really scary." Watching Maria take a bite of her pizza. Saying it like it happened all the time.

*What Michael almost died.* "Michael." Liz standing up. About to reach out to him before stopping herself. Quickly putting her arm back down. "But your alright?" Voice a little shaky.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Michael having a big grin on his face. "Thanks to everyone in this room."

Looking around at everyone. Eyes finally resting once more on Michael. Michael smiling at her. *These people saved him. I was not even here for him...* Feeling a little jealous and guilty. *These people are more family to him then I am. I could have had all this. If I just came out when I was suppose too. How different my life could have been. How am I going to fit into it now.* Almost feeling like she was intruding on them.

Liz getting a far away look in her eyes as the pain once more filled them. *Would her eyes always hold so much pain? Will we ever be able to erase any of it?* Trying to take her mind off of what she was thinking. "Liz?" Waiting a moment. "Liz?" This time reaching up to touch her arm.

Both feeling a underline current run through them both.

Recognizing the power for the first time that she possessed. It coursing through her veins. *When? How? The connection maybe? He said that the four square would be powerful. was it because they were all together?*

"Liz?" Max's voice pulling her out of her thoughts.

"What?" Turning her beautiful eyes on him.

Swallowing. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Yeah, sit down and eat some pizza. Please." Michael standing up and sort of pushed her gentle back on to the couch. Handing her the plate back that she put down. "Wants some hot sauce?"

"Do you eat that on everything too? I swear the three can't live without it." - Maria

"Do we pick on the way that you eat your food?" - Isabel

"I don't eat disgusting things." - Maria

"Hey, how many times are we going to have this discussion?" - Alex

Watching Liz give a small smile at their bickering.

Alex changing the subject. "So where all have you lived?"

"All over the United States. We moved around a lot."

"I'll bet." -Isabel

"Any place that you liked the best?" Trying to keep the conversation at the moment on a lit note.

"Just one..."

"And?" - Maria

"Maria..." - Michael

"I was just asking..." -Maria

"It's alright." Smiling at Maria. Relaxing a little more. *She did have to grow on you. You couldn't help but like her. She was so full of life. I wonder if this is what having friends would have been like.*

"Well then? What's the place. I figure any place has to be better then Roswell."

"I like Colorado. We had a cabin there by a stream. Out side of a little town called Redville. No one around for miles." Liz's eyes taking on a far away look. Voice becoming softer. " HE left me there alone for a couple weeks." She had forgotten all about it. *I was one of her happier times...* Picturing the cabin. It was almost like she was on the porch again. Looking out to the steam. Seeing the mountains in the distance.

"All alone?" Maria looking at her. "How old were you." Maria voice softening too.

"13." Liz still looking dazed. Starting to rock a little, slowly back and forth.

"Did he always leave you alone like that?" Matching his voice to hers. Seeing her eyes take on a glassy look. Knowing she was seeing some place else.

"Sometimes...."

Seeing Maria opening her mouth to speak. Holding up his hand to stop her. "Did you like when he left you?"

"Not at first... But after...... It was always better when he did..* Still staring in the unknown.

"After what?"

"After HE came...." Her face wincing up in pain. Her hands tightening into fist.

"Who came Liz?" Kneeling in front of her. Realizing that she probably didn't realize what she was saying.

"Kaviar.." Coming out a small cry.

"Kaviar?" *Our enemy.* Looking at Michael and Isabel. Seeing the fear and recognition in there eyes.

"Yes." Starting to shake.

"Max." -Michael.

"What did he want?" Placing his hand over her shaking ones. Trying to calm her down.

Flash: Barely catching a glimpse of a cabin in the mountains as it faded away. See Liz standing in front of a man. Who was slowly touching her face. Nesado holding her tight by the shoulders from behind. Preventing her escape.

He could actually feel Nesado digging his fingers into her tiny shoulders. Feel the cold roughness against her cheek as he touched her. As it creep through her body. Searching........... "Ah, my little Avaena." His cold eyes penetrating her.

Feeling Liz's fear hit him full force.

Knocking him back. Away from Liz.

Fear and panic filling her as the cabin faded away. Cold... Leaving her alone standing in front of HIM and Kaviar. A memory that she buried years before. "I don't remember... I don't want to remember...." Tears fill her eyes. Shaking her head. Sharp pain shot through her head. Squeezing her eyes shut. Losing the memory. Her head starting to pound. Feeling a headache starting to come on. Pushing past the pain. *Not now. Please not now...* Slowly opening her eyes. Once more in Michael's living room.

"Max!" - Maria and Isabel.

"What the hell happened? Is she all right?" - Michael

Quickly gathering his wits. Kneeling once more in front of her. "Liz? Liz. Look at me." Wanting to take her into his arms but not wanting to scare her off. Watching her eyes clear and focus on him. "It's alright..... Your here. Your at Michael's. Your safe."

Taking a couple deep breathes. Trying to get control of herself again. Wiping the tears away. *I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine.* Slowly chanting to herself. Staring into Max's eyes. Feeling his love and warm. Taking away the cold that she felt.

"You alright?" Hearing the concern in Michael's voice. Glancing at him.

Seeing the concern and fear in his eyes once more. *Now what have I done...*

"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry... I..." *I what? Got lost in a memory. Didn't realize what I was saying? What the hell did I say?* Looking slowly around at the others. Seeing the concern and fear in all their eyes. "I'm sorry..." Holding her head with one hand. It starting to pounding a little more.

"Don't be. You did nothing wrong." Giving her a smile. "Are you all right?" Not liking the way that she was holding her head. The look in her eyes. The fear was still evident.

"How about I get you something to drink?"

Nodding her head a little. *Water would be good. Thank you.* Still coming out shaky and strained.

"I'll get it." Alex standing up. Started heading for the kitchen before turning around. "What do you want?"

*Water please...* Looking down at her hand trying to get it to stop.

"Are you all right?" - Michael.

"Yeah, I'm just getting a head ache...."

"What? I thought you guys don't get sick?" Maria looking around.

Alex handing her the glass. Seeing it shake in her hands. Concentrating on steadying it. Watching how Max's hands close around her own small ones. Feeling the warmth that they held spreading through her. Helping calm her.

Whispering. "It's alright Liz. He's not here. I won't let him near you again." Looking up to meet Max's eyes. Couldn't help to see anything but Love and concern in them. *How did he know...*

"Maria." Michael giving her a look.

"Liz. Max can help..." - Michael

"NO!" Looking up at Michael back to him. Leaning back a little. Out of Max's grasp. Fear in her eyes.

"I just need my pills. There in my bag...." *Where the hell did I leave it?*

"I got your bag." Maria getting up and getting it. *Thank god.*

Looking around the room. "Can I use your bathroom?" Not being able to look at their faces any longer. *No the love and concern that their eyes held.*

*That I don't deserve...*

Thanks again to everyone that left me feedback!!!!!!!!!!


CHAPTER 9C


LIZ'S POV


Closing the door behind her. Taking out the pills that HE gave her. Having taken them almost her entire life. When her head felt just like it did right now. Blinding sharp pain. Pounding in her ears. Blocking out all other sounds.

Trying to steady her hands as she tried to open the bottle.

Never knowing what brought on the attacks. Just knew once it started there was no going back. Having no control over it. Couldn't escape the pain like every other pain that she felt. There was no retreating. No escape. This pain was different. This pain was to much. Too fast. No controlling.

It felt like her head would split apart. Splitting her apart in the process. Almost like there was a war going on in her head. Her mind fighting against itself. Divided in half. Each side fighting to the bitter end. Each fighting to win. A war she knew that she couldn't survive.

Pain slicing through her once more. As the nausea filled her.

Closing her eyes a moment before reopening them.

*Come on. Keep it together Parker.* As she tried once more to get the bottle open. *Finally.* Shaking one into her hand. Swallowing it down with the handful of water that she got from the sink.

Closing her eyes once more she began to count.

1 breathe. 2 breathe. 3 breathe. 4 breathe. 5 breathe.

Her body began to relax...

6 breathe.

The sharp pain started to dull. The pounding starting to quiet.

7 breathe.

Pain receding as the mind finally started to relax. Both sides going back to their corners.

8 breathe.

Her stomach settling.

9 breathe.

Nothing revealed. Nothing won.

10 breathe.

She survived once more.

Once more in control again. Opening her eyes.

Taking a couple deep breathes.

Body and mind totally relax now.

Splashing some water on her face.

Glancing in the mirror quickly before looking away.

Muttering to her self. "Ready for round two?"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAX's POV

As soon as the bathroom door was closed.

"Max what the hell just happened?" - Michael.

"You saw something didn't you. A flash?" - Isabel

Nodding his head. "I think she was remembering something that she wasn't suppose too."

"What? What the hell does that mean?" - Michael

"It means. One minute I saw Liz standing on the porch in the mountains. Next, I saw Nesado having her by the shoulders holding her while Kaviar was touching her."

"What do you mean by touching her?" - Michael jaws tightening.

"Who is Kaviar?" - Maria

"I only saw him touch her face...."

"That's all?" Michael not letting him finish.

"I'm not sure. He was making her go cold inside. I could actually feel it going though her body. It was almost like he was searching for something?"

"For what?" - Alex

"I don't know. I'm not sure that is what he was even doing. All I know was that she was terrified. I never felt fear like that before."

"THAT SON OF A BITCH!" - Michael

"Michael."

"Michael, you need to keep it together for Liz." Maria putting her arms around Michael from behind. Michael taking a couple deep breathes.

*Maria is defiantly his rock.* Thinking about Liz. *Will she allow me to be hers?*

"By Liz's reaction. I say that she buried the memory again. If that is what it was. Liz didn't seem to remember what she said or saw." - Isabel

"It's possible. Especially if Liz isn't ready to deal with it yet." - Alex

"She could just be scared." - Maria

"That would be an understatement." Still not being able to shake the fear that he felt from Liz.

"What's with the head ache? And the pills?" - Maria

"Can you guys even take anything?" - Alex

"We never tried. There was never any need too." - Isabel

"Max, you have to heal her." - Michael

"Michael."

"No Max. You have too." - Michael

"Michael, I don't think Liz wants him too." - Maria

"He can heal her." - Michael

"I know Max might be able too. But we really don't know what is wrong yet." - Maria

"Max can fix it..." - Michael

"Not until Liz lets him." - Isabel

"That might not be happening any time soon by the way she reacted to the idea. At least I would bet no for tonight." - Alex

Everyone looking at the bathroom door.

"So does that mean that Kaviar is here on earth too?" - Isabel looking a little shaken.

"Looks that way.."

"That can't be good Max. I remember he hates your guts. Not to mention. He wasn't to fond of me either." - Michael

"I know...." *That's all we needed was something else to worry about.* Remembering the hate that Kaviar felt for him.

"Who is Kaviar?" - Maria

"Kaviar was the leader of our enemies. He is the one that started the war."

"There was a war." - Alex

"Yes."

"So Nesado is working with Kaviar?" - Maria

"It looks that way."

"And Liz?" - Isabel

"No."

"She wouldn't" - Michael

"How do we really know?" Seeing the doubt in Isabel's eyes.

"She's not." Michael

"He beat her. I don't think she could be working with him." - Maria

"It could all be a ploy to get our sympathy." - Isabel

"Isabel!" - Michael standing in front of Isabel.

"There is no way..."

"Isabel, you saw her! You can't fake something like that..." - Michael

"Don't look at me like that Michael." Glaring right back at him. Turning her eyes to him. "How do we really know Max? We don't know anything about her..."

"I know Liz wouldn't Is. I know..."

"No Max. You think you do. People change. Your not looking at this objectively." - Isabel

"Is..."

"She wouldn't" - Michael

"Why? Because of our past life? You two said so your self that she thought we left her. She could have been planning on revenge." - Isabel

"NO!" - Michael

"ENOUGH!" Glaring at Isabel. "Isabel, you know that's not true." Praying to god that she really didn't think that. That she was just scared. "I saw the flash. I felt what she felt. Liz was terrified.. I know she is not working with him. I know." Leaving no room for argument.

"Why does this guy hate you so much? Why follow you here?" - Alex

"I'm still a little shaky on the details." Looking at Michael and Isabel to see if they knew.

*Liz.*

"What do you know?" Turning to the doorway to see Liz standing there.

"Are you alright?" Hearing Michael say it at the same time as him. Both walking over to her.

Watching her nod her head. "I'm fine." Giving me then Michael a small smile.

"Does your head still hurt?" Michael reaching out to touch her. Liz backing up before he could.

"It's better." - Liz

"You still look a little pale. Maybe you should go lie down for a while."

"No I'm fine." - Liz

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I think you all need some answers..." Turning her eyes to Isabel.

"Maybe you should eat something." - Michael

"Enough already with the food Michael." - Liz

"When is the last time that you ate?" - Michael

"I...." See her concentrate on finding an answerer.

"Well?' Michael crossing his arms.

"You know this is really stupid." Watching her cross her arms too.

*Defiantly brother and sister.*

"Maybe you should try eating something."

Turning her eyes to him. "Not you too..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So what do you know?" Liz looking at each one of us in turn.

All once more sitting around the living room. Liz on the chair. Others on the couch. Michael closers to Liz. Maria next to him. Then Alex and Isabel. With him sitting on the floor in front of Liz.

Doing her best to glare at Michael as he handed her pizza back. Failing miserable. *She doesn't look very convincing.*

"Eat. We will start with what we know. While you eat."

"Michael.."

"Would you just eat!"

"Better do it. He's not going to let you leave until you do." Maria smiling at her sympathetically.

Liz slowly taking a bite of the pizza.

Michael smirking. "Now was that so hard?"

Liz glaring at him. "Shut up Michael."

Smiling. *It's nice to see her relaxing a little. To see this side of her.* "Actually, we remember quit a lot last night. Before that we had nothing."

"We knew we were different but that was all." - Michael

"We didn't even know our planets name." - Isabel

"Antar." - Liz

"What?" -Maria

"Max and Isabel's plant. Antar." Liz placing the pizza back on the table. Only after taking 3 bites. "What else do you remember?"

"Bits and pieces of our past now. Life as we were growing up. Enough.. Liz you need to eat more." - Michael

"Enough Michael... Please..." Pleading with her eyes.

Michael slowly nodded his head. "Maybe you would like something else?"

"I'm fine." - Liz

"Liz." - Michael

"Michael, I promise to ask if I do. Alright...." - Liz

"Fine." Michael not looking too happy.

"Do you know why they suddenly started to remember?" -Alex

"Did you do something to us?" Isabel giving Liz her ice glare.

"No." Looking Isabel straight in the eyes. "You should be able to tell if I'm doing something to you. You do recognize when one of you are using your powers don't you. When Michael or Max uses theirs? I was made the same way you were. Same pods. Same place..." Glaring right back at Isabel.

Watching the exchange between the two. *Liz is actually fighting back. Sort of. * Being the first time she didn't back down. Feeling a little pride by her answers. Knowing that it was exactly what Isabel need from Liz. Also glad to see that Liz was hold her own. *At least where Isabel was concern.* Liking the change that has came over Liz. The new found confidence... *I just hope we can help it last.*

"I don't remember anything after talking to Kyle. Except Max's face." Looking down at me. "And waking up in Michael's bed." Looking once more at Isabel. "How do I know that you didn't do something to me?"

"Wouldn't you know." Isabel counter.

Liz smiled. "You said you connected to me Isabel. You know better then I would, how I was. Do you really think I would know?" - Liz

Both staring at each other.

Alex clearing his throat. "Do you think that it might have been from the connection? Them remembering that is?"

Watching Liz think about it a moment. "HE said that we would be stronger together. That we all made up the four squares. Maybe it unlocked something. I don't know. I don't know why we didn't remember or forgot everything."

"Four squares?" -Alex taking over the questions.

"It's the right combination of powers. We each posses a certain amount of different powers. Some are the same. Some are different. Each of the powers we posses compliments each other just right. Combined together they can make us stronger. Making our own powers stronger. It has also been said that in certain situations when we connected that we could posses one the other's powers. One that we normally wouldn't have. We were the first ones in a 100 years to posses the powers of the four squares again." Looking at me. "The last ones being Max's and Isabel's grandfather. That is one reason why your family where always our rulers. Of all the known four squares that were established. One or two of your family members have always been in it. Always known for being just and fair."

"Why wasn't there more?" - Alex.

"Because you needed a special bond to make the four squares work and pure blood. It had to be a soul mate. Glancing at him. "Or a sibling." Looking at Michael. "The siblings was the most likely choice. Usually twins or just extremely close emotionally. They had to have a very specially bond. The hardest was a soul mate bond. There only being two out of all the squares found." Looking once more at him.

Feeling a warmth in his body start to spread. Finding himself not being able to take his eyes off of her as she spoke. *God, she is so amazing. Relaxed.* Not ever seeing her like this before. *Did the pills have something to do with it?* Making a mental note to find out exactly what they were.

"Why would that be so hard?" - Maria

"Because we believed in prearranged marriages."

"What kind of world did you live in?" Maria looking at them all like they were crazy.

"They believed that it was the best way to be able to form the four squares. No one married out of their race. Believing in pure blood. Having control over certain powers in a race. It was considered an honor to be chosen at birth."

"An honor? What ever!" - Maria

"We didn't do that. I refused to marry anyone but you." Looking eyes with her.

"Yes." Liz's cheeks turning slightly red. Before breaking the eye contact.

"Alright Max and Liz!" Maria jumping up. Looking at everyone. "Sorry." Sitting back down.

Liz looking down at her hands.

"So you and Michael aren't from the same plant as Isabel and Max?" - Alex

"No. We are from their sister planet."

"But how did you two end up together then?" - Maria

"The Sheer" Isabel and Michael saying the same time.

"Sheer?" - Alex

"High priest. Suppose to posses the power of destiny. You would want to have your child read so you could set them on the right path."

"OK..." Alex looking like he didn't quite believe it.

"It was the first day we all met." Recalling the memory well.

"Yes, it was the start of your down fall." - Liz

"I don't believe that..." Not taking his eyes off her.

"Because of the marriage?" - Alex

"Yes, but also the people weren't happy. Some were scared. Others just power hungry and jealous. Antar was the ruler of the 5 planets. The king and counsel ruled them all."

"There are five!" - Maria

"I thought by marring Liz that it would help bring some of our people together."

"You married her for that reason?" - Maria

"No, I married her because she was my real soul mate."

"So you had the soul mate match." Maria getting all jittery.

Actually we had both. Michael and I had that special bond. As did Isabel and Max for a time.... The first time that it ever happened. Having 3 of the bonds. We were suppose to be the most powerful yet. It scared some people."

"It also help join some." Remembering not everyone was against them. That it did bring their two worlds together.

"Two plants does not out weigh three." - Liz reading his thoughts.

"We got closer because of what happened to our parents?" - Michael. A hint of sadness in his voice.

"Yes, but we were always close. You were always a little over protective." - Liz

"I'll say some things don't change...." Smiling at Michael

"That's when you came to live with us." - Isabel

"Yes, the Queen. Your mother demanded it." - Liz

"So what happened if you were so powerful?" - Maria

"Kaviar organized an army. Convince others to join him in fear. They attacked on the night of our marriage. We were unprepared. Separated at the time." Looking down at her hands.

"He killed all of you." - Maria

"No, we fought and eventually over came them... But the damage was already done." - Liz

"What does that mean that the damage was already done?" - Isabel

"I don't know. I only know is what HE told me. Which isn't a lot. HE's not big on answering my questions. I just know that I died shortly after and you all followed after that."

"You remember dying?" Maria looking around.

Everyone shaking their heads no.

"We are still missing a few things." - Michael

"What do you remember exactly Liz?" - Alex

"I remember what it looked like. Impressions really. Nothing really clear. He taught me memory retrieval technique. But only certain things he let me see."

"Ever try it on your own?" - Maria

"No. You need to have someone grounding you." - Liz

"So you can teach the others?" - Alex

Nodding her head yes. "But it takes a lot of power and concentration. You can lose yourself in the memory."

"That sounds scary." - Maria

"I guess it would depending on the memory." - Liz

"They remembered everything on their own last night. Haven't you ever remembered anything on your own?"

Slowly nodding her head. "I had 2 flashes with Max." Not looking at him. "That was the first time I ever did that. I have never had a real memory on my own. Only what he told me or guided me through."

"So you are really more powerful together." - Alex

"Yes." - Liz

"What do you have?" - Alex

"Have?"- Liz

"Powers. Gifts. What can you do?" - Isabel sounding aggravated again.

Watching Liz start to look uneasy once more. Slipping back into her formal self. Started losing the confidence that she had just recently gained. *What can be so bad about knowing her powers?* Starting to worry a little by her reaction to the question. Trying to take some of the pressure off. "We all change molecular structures. I can heal. Isabel can dream walk. Michael good at blowing this up."

Everyone laughing.

Liz giving Michael a small smile. "Our powers are a link to our emotions. Personality so to say. You were the second in command. A warrior so to speak. You were always very protective. I'm not surprised. You can say that our emotions and personality defines our powers. What is dream walking?"

"I can go into peoples dreams. I can't change anything in them. Just observe."

Nodding her head. "What else?" Looking back at him.

"That's it."

"That's all?" Seeing the confusion on her face.

"Yes. But after last night we all feel stronger. Like we could do more if we wanted."

Nodding her head once more.

"We didn't have Nesado to hold our hands and teach us everything." Isabel's cooled tone snapped through the room.

Watch Liz flinched from the words.

"Isabel" His voice dangerously low. Glaring at her.

Isabel looking at Liz. "Sorry. I didn't mean it the way it sounded."

Alex whispering something in her ear.

Liz nodding her hands a little. Looking at her hands. "I um.... I can move things."

"Max told us that." - Maria

"I can control fire." - Liz

"Fire?" - Michael

Nodding her head. Holding her hand palm side up in the air. Feeling her powers as a ball of fire started dancing a few inches above her hand.

"Cool." - Maria

"Whoa..." - Alex

A moment later the powers were gone and so was the fire.

"Your telepathic.." - Michael

Looking up briefly at Michael. "It was the first time I ever did that. I'm not sure it's really a power I posses or if it just a lingering power from the bond we used to have. Or it could just be yours...."

"Hey, I plan on getting that bond back...." - Michael

Watching Liz smile a little before looking back down at her hands. "I'm what HE calls a sympatric.." - Liz

"Which is?" - Michael

"I can heal a person by taking on their wound or illness..." - Liz

"What?" - Michael

"Is that even possible."- Maria

"Is everything you ever saw seemed possible?" - Alex

"No." - Maria

"Well then." - Alex

"You can't heal your self though can you.." Remembering her own injuries.

"No." - Liz

"Isn't that dangerous then?" - Max

Shrugging her shoulders. "I do have a small advantage. we all do heal faster then a normal human." - Liz

"Not fast enough." - Michael

"No..." Shaking her head.

"Is that all?" -Isabel

Shooting her another warning look.

"I can manipulate structures slightly. It's not really my strong point."

"What is your strong point?" Isabel glaring right back at him.

Liz starting to shake a little.

"Isabel..." - Michael warning. "We can stop if you want...."

"Need a break?"

"Why can't she just tell us." - Isabel

"That's enough Isabel. Liz isn't under interrogation."

"No. She right. You need to know." Taking a deep breathe. "I can mind warp." Barely above a whisper.

"What is that exactly..." - Alex

"I can make you see something and believe something that isn't really there...." Still whispering.

"I don't understand...." - Maria

"You can read our minds?" - Alex

"No..." Looking up and shaking her head no quickly. "I can't... But I can make you believe something that you want is there when it's not." Looking down once more.

"Like the lab papers you gave to the professor."

"Yes.." - Liz

"Can you show us?" - Alex

"I don't like ..." - Liz

"I don't get it..." - Maria

"Just show us damn it!" - Isabel

Watching Liz close her eyes.

Feeling the powering the air. Then a stronger tucking in his head.

Seeing Liz standing in front of all of them. Disappearing the next.

"What the hell?" - Michael

"She can disappear too." - Maria

"Liz!" - Max

"Where did she go?" - Michael

Power gone. Liz once more sitting in the chair. Her legs now drawn up against her chest.

"That was amazing..." - Alex

"I can't believe that...." - Maria

"No way...." - Michael

Have you ever done that to us before?" Isabel now standing.

"No." - Liz shaking more.

"How can we be sure." - Isabel

Liz standing up. Tears in her eyes. "You should be able to tell. You should know. You are going to have to know! You have too... You have to be able to see through it.."

"Back off Isabel..." - Michael standing too.

"I think everyone need to calm down." Alex standing also.

"That was amazing..* Maria still in shock.

Standing. "So that is what you did to the professor."

"Yes." Whispering. Looking at the ground once more.

"Liz look at me..." Standing in front of her. watching her start to tremble.

"I'm sorry." Tears streaming down her face.

"For what?"

"I don't like doing it. It's not right..." - Liz

"Liz, we asked you too. You didn't do anything wrong..."

"Liz?" - Michael

Liz backing up a little. "It's not right. You shouldn't be able to change a persons thoughts or memories. Events that takes place. I just couldn't sit in the same room as you and her. I thought I would be able too, but I just couldn't. I'm sorry." Backing up more towards the door.

"Liz." Following her. "Look at me."

Backing up a little more. Watching her start to wobble. Reaching out to steady her.

"I need to go..." - Liz weakly

"What?" - Maria

"No.. Your not leaving." - Michael

"Your in no condition to go anywhere." Feeling her body shaking more under his hands.

"I'm alright... Please." Begging with her eyes as the tears slipped down. "Please."

"Liz." Michael coming up next to them. "Please don't go. Please." Tears forming in his own eyes. "I just found you. I missed so much of your life. I can't let you go yet. I want to get to know my little sister."

"Michael..." - Liz

"Please Liz.. Just a little while longer.... No more tonight. I promise..." - Michael

"There is nothing else to learn. Nothing else you would want to know...." Her voice breaking. "I...."

Looking from Michael to Him. "Please... Liz. Stay. I promise. No more tonight...."

Watching her slowly nodding her head.

Surrendering.

Her legs giving out from under her.

Hey guys. I'm sorry that it took so long. But this chapter is a total flop! I really do hate it. The more I play with it. The worst that it seems to get. So I am finially giving up. See I was try to make it seem that Liz had change some what. I didn't want her to be the scared little girl that she was. Get some guts. Stand on her own two feet a little. See, I've been watching Dark Angel. Which is not helping me at all. Because that's what I want my Liz to end up like. It's just getting her there. So BIG BIG SORRY about the part....

THANK YOU everyone that is reading and writing feedback. Any suggestion. Please tell me!!!!!!!!!


CHAPTER 10


MAX'S POV

"Max put me down." Feeling her start to squirm a little in his arms. Tightening his hold on her so he wouldn't drop her. Stopping her movements.

Feeling her wrap her arms around his neck. Surrendering. As the tension he felt in her body started to drain. "I'm fine." Feeling her warm breathe on his neck. Sending a warm chill down his body.

Smiling. "Sure you are." *As long as I can help it.* Liking the feel of her in his arms. The feelings that she involved in him. *Feels like I'm coming alive.*

Feeling her body pressed up against his. The warmth flowing through both of them. *Almost like we are becoming one body.* He could feel the tiredness of her body and mind. The weariness and fear that she was feeling. Leaving her body as his love and warmth filled her. Comforting her. Feeling her surprise and amazement of it all. As she relaxed even more into his arms.

*I never had anyone make me feel like this before. I can't believe how in tune my body can be with hers. Like we were made for each other.*

"Are you all right?" - Michael

"Yes. I just got a little dizzy." Laying her head on his shoulder. Trying to stifle a yawn.

"Is exactly why I wanted you to eat more." - Michael

"Michael..." Coming out a whisper. Not really having the strength to argue.

"You really could stand to gain a few pounds. Doesn't HE ever feed you?"

"Not you too. Besides, that's my responsibility."

"What? To get food?"

"I'm not a child." See the anger flash through her eyes. As she tensed momentarily.

"I never said you were..." Smoothing it over. Once again finding himself thinking about the childhood that Liz had to endure. Guilt washing over him.

Her soft hand on his face. Turning his head so he was looking at her. "Don't..." Looking into his eyes. As if she was reading his thoughts. "You didn't know. It's not as bad as it seems...." Avoiding his eyes once more.

*There so much she's not telling us? Is this all there really was? Or was it worst?" Not wanting to think about it for the moment. Pushing the thought a side.

Going to sit her down in the chair. Feeling her heart beat speed up. Her breathe catching as she tighten her arms around him. Immediately pulling her close again. Feeling her body go back to normal.

Sitting down in the chair himself with her on his lap instead. Feeling her curl more into him. "This is so stupid." Making no attempts in moving.

Seeing the disapproving look from Michael before he shifted his eyes back to Liz. "Are you alright now?" Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. Already feeling that she was relaxed once more. *She is just too gorgeous.*

Nodding her head. "I just got a little dizzy." Knowing that there was more to the situation before then just that. Also knowing that now was not the time to push.

"That's why you should eat more.." Michael crossing his arms. Not letting the subject go so easy.

"Michael" Catching Maria out of the corner of his eye pulling Michael away. "Help me get the fruit salad I brought out of the frig.

Alex and Isabel standing.

"Hey Max. Me and Isabel are going to take off. If that's alright." Shifting his look from Liz to him. Getting the hidden message. "Him and Isabel needed to talk."

Knowing that Alex was the best one at the moment to get through to her. Alex would listen to Isabel rant and rave. Then he could get her to see the logically part of it all.

*Alex was defiantly good for my sister. I'm just happy that she let him in.*

"Yeah. I got this.." Holding out his hand. Both locking hands for a brief moment.

"I'm sure you do." Glancing at Liz again. Smile on his face.

"Just keep your phones on."

"Always do.." - Alex

"Staying at my house tonight?" Happy that his parents didn't mind if Alex stayed with him. As long as Alex didn't sleep in her room. *I wonder what they would think of Liz staying? In his room?* Not wanting her to sleep any place else but with him.

"Yeah. I figure you won't be using your bed..." - Alex

Feeling Liz stiffen in his arms slightly. "No. I'm staying here." Pulling Liz a little closer. Feeling her relax once more.

"Yeah, I got that." Huge Smile on Alex's face. "Take care Liz. Get some sleep. Me and you have a date with pancakes tomorrow and a destiny book. I'm dying to crack it open."

"We could do it tonight." Liz starting to get up.

Tightening his grip once more on her. "Liz." Knowing she really didn't need anymore tonight.

"Nope." Alex holding up his hands. "We all had enough drama for one night." Taking a quick glance at Isabel.

Smiling. Feeling her relief as she relaxed once more into him. Coming out a weak whisper. "Thanks Alex. Isabel?" Holding out her hand to her.

Isabel looking unsure as she walked over and slowly took it.

Feeling Liz's body tense. Watched as both girls eyes glaze over a few moments before clearing once more.

Feeling the wave of emotions hit him.

Fear. Confusion. Uncertainty. Understanding. Sorrow. Relief.

Hands dropping to their sides.

Looking from Isabel to Liz. Seeing the tears forming in both their eyes.

*A Flash..* Realizing what had happen.

Feeling the sadness with an underlining understanding and calmness in Liz. Wash over him.

"Anyone want to tell me what going on?" - Alex looking between the two. Not realizing yet what happened.

Isabel looking at the ground. Looked up quickly at Liz. "But...." Look of disbelief filling her face before the tears actually started to fall.

*She's talking to her.* Realizing that Liz was talking to Isabel telepathically.

"But..." - Isabel

*I guess it is Liz's power and not Michael's*

Feeling Liz shake her head no. "I don't..... I really don't Isabel." Voice strained.

"But how can you not? You saw..." - Isabel not able to finish the sentence.

Feeling Liz shake a little. Feeling her weariness even more.

Wrapping his arms around her tighter. Trying to comfort her as best as possible.

"Because I know...." Leaving the sentence open. "I just don't."

"But.." - Isabel

"I also felt what kind of person you are Isabel. I don't.."

Isabel smile a little. "Thank you.."

"There nothing to thank..." Liz giving Isabel a weak smile back. Letting out an exhausted breathe.

"You alright?" Alex taking Isabel into his arms.

"Yeah... I am." Isabel smile at Liz and him.

"Max..." Isabel's voice shaking slightly.

"Isabel?"

"We will talk later..." Coming over and kissing him on the cheek. "Take care of our girl.." Giving him a honest smile the first time that night. A little surprised by her whole attitude change all a sudden. *What the hell just happened here? What did they see?*

"See you man." Taking hold of Isabel's hand. Pulling her towards the door. "Maria. Michael. Catch you guys later."

"See yeah." - Michael

"Bye." - Maria

Michael and Maria coming back into the room.

"Was Isabel crying?" - Maria

"What did I miss?" Watched as Michael search Liz for any signs of distress.

"Max..." Liz yawning again.

"Mmmm.." Smiling down at her. Watched as her eyes closed.

"She will tell you when she's ready." Reading his thoughts.

"Ok.." Letting it go for now. *There is always tomorrow.*

"Since no one going to share. What now?" - Maria

"Brave heart is already in. All you have to do is it play." - Michael

"How many times are you going to watch that movie?" - Maria

"Until I get an accurate body count." - Michael

"Max." Liz holding onto his shirt and snuggling in more.

"That is so sick Michael." - Maria

"It's alright Liz. Sleep. I'm not going any where..." Some how knowing that was what she needed to hear.

Hearing her light snore before he even finished the sentence.

"Here Max." Maria going to hand him the salad.

"I don't think we are going to need it."

"Oh.... Sorry." Putting the salad on the table. "I didn't even notice. Michael, where did I put my camera?"

"Maria..."

"No Maxwell, this is too good to pass up. Twice in 24 hours. No way. Tess is going to shit bricks!"

"Maria..." Giving her I mean business look. *That's the last thing I need is Tess getting more upset.*

"Alright!" Maria sitting down on the couch. "But you so owe me girlfriend."

"Why don't you go put her in my bed." - Michael.

"I'm just going to hold her a little while longer."

"Max. You promise..."- Michael

"I know Michael. I know. I just want to make sure that she is all the way asleep first." *But that doesn't mean that my heart is making it easy.* Finding it harder to keep to his word.

"Come on Michael. Pulling him down on the couch. "Leave him alone. He's not asking for her hand in marriage. He's just holding her." Giving Michael a look that said drop it. "Besides, they are cute together."

"Yeah." Michael looking over at him. Seeing the disapproving look on his face. "Too cute."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


LIZ'S POV


The mind becoming awake fully before the body. Automatically taking inventory of the body and her surroundings. Making sure everything was safe.

*Michaels.* The familiar comforting smells surrounding her. As her body became fully awake. *I could so get used to waking up to this forever.*

*I could get used to actually sleeping good period.* Not fully realizing what she missed out on all these years. Until now.

Feeling a change that was beginning to take over herself. Something that she never really experience before. A new confidence that was never there. Not sure what to think of it. Not fully realizing what it was.

*It was so safe here. Safe.* Being the only words coming to mind.

*Was that what caused the new feeling? Being here with them? Feeling safe...*

*But at what price? To what means?*

Shifting a little. Noticing the first time the hard body that was beneath her. Strong arms that held her. The warmth that was coming from it. "Max."

Feeling the smile spread on her face.

*Very nice. Yes. Can defiantly get used to this.*

The only light coming from the tv. That long ago turned to static. She could make out the peaceful smile that graced his sleeping face.

Fighting the urge to curl up once more on him. To surrender once more to the safety of sleep that he offered her at the moment. Moving his arms off of her slowly. She carefully made her way off him.

*How long could this all really last? I'm just kidding myself to think it could just be like this forever.*

Almost like she was finally waking from a dream that she had been in the last couple days. Reality of the situation hit her. Like she was opening her eyes for the first time. But where there was usually panic there was none. Her new confidence making her strong. Not letting her give away to the panic, doubt, and fear that usually ruled her life.. Even the voice in her head was changing.

*Who am I really kidding here? What did I think would happen?*

*Well, this is what I wished would of happened. Everyone welcoming me into their lives. Like I always belonged here. That they regretted the fact that I wasn't here all along.*

*But isn't that what they did do?*

*Yes... Which makes leaving them all the harder.*

*Leaving?*

*I can't stay here...* Feeling her chest constrict.

*I'm not suppose to be here...*

Going to stand in the doorway to Michael's bedroom. Just barely making out Michael's and Maria's form sleep cuddled up together in bed.

*They looked so sweet together. I'm glad Michael found someone that excepts him and loves him. Isabel and Alex too. They were all so good for each other.*

*Michael. My brother. He excepts me. Michael doesn't even know me and he wants me. He has opened his life and home to me. Michael really does care about me. My brother really does wants me.*

Tears filling her eyes.

*But to what end? His safety? You can't stay here. HE won't allow it.*

Going over and looking out the window.

*I know...*

Hearing an owl in the distance.

*Now what Parker. Now what? God, what am I really doing here?*

*Where do I really fit in? How do I really fit in here? What were they suppose to do? Go back to the way things were in their past life? Turn back the clock? Can they even do that? I don't even know what that was? I really don't remember. Even if they suddenly do.*

Going back over and look at Max's sleeping form in the chair.

*Max excepts me. Can we really start over? Is that what we are suppose to do? Is that what they planed for us to do? Are we really suppose to start over? For what purpose? Why? To what means really?*

*Maybe the destiny book will tell me what I need to know. Why I'm really here. What HE really wants from us. From me....*

Reaching out to brush some of his hair off his forehead.

*I have waited my entire life for us to be together. For you to look at me the way that you did tonight. To comfort me by just your touch.* Remember the love and warmth that she felt coming from him. Comforting her.

"All I ever wanted...." Whispering.

*Here I have everything I ever wanted in these two rooms. All my hopes and dreams. The only people I ever thought I would love. That had a real chance of loving me. I wanted so much to be with you.*

Tears slipping down her cheeks.

*But I'm just diluting myself aren't I? You choose another. Your with Tess. Like Michael and Maria. Isabel and Alex. Your with Tess. Max and Tess.*

Standing up.

*And I don't belong to you.*

Looking around the room until she saw her bag and her shoes. Sitting down and putting them on.

*I don't really belong here.*

*But do I really belong any where?*

*I belong to HIM. I shouldn't even be here. HE is not going to like this at all.*

Shifting through her bag until she found her phone. *Please god. Don't let HIM have called.*

1 missed message.

*Great.*

*You knew god was never on your side.*

Turning back on the ringer.

Checking the time that HE called. 1:34 am. Checking the clock. 4:56.

*Over 3 hours. Not to bad. Not 4 hours yet. I could just call him back.*

*And tell him what? That I did everything HE told me not to do once again? Yeah, that is going to go over well. That's the second time in less then a week.*

*Great.*

*What else was there to do? Michael's my brother. Why shouldn't I tell him what I knew? And Max...*

Looking once more at Max sleeping in the chair.

*Well Max... He is my king... I'm not sure what else he is to me yet. But all 4 of us is in this together.*

*No. We are not. Max is with Tess. There is no us. I need to just except that.* Feeling a sharp pain through her chest.

*He chose another.*

*But the warmth and love that I felt from him.*

*It doesn't matter. He's with Tess. Max is not Zan. I'm not Ava. I don't even remember what she was like. Except for the 2 flashes.*

*What Zan said. What I felt.....*

*It doesn't matter. Max choose another. He is with Tess.*

*We come from two different worlds. Not just in the last life but this one too. We are too different.*

*I'm different.*

*I need to stay away from them. I need to stay away from all of them. They can't protect me from HIM. It's not there job too.*

*Besides, I'm just putting them in danger....*

*If they remember me or not. Even though they excepted me. It doesn't matter.*

*I still have an obligation to him. The way HE talks about them. HE doesn't care about them. They are just a means to an end. HE wants something from them....*

*The four squares? Or is there something else?*

*I have to figure out what HE really wants. Why HE really wanted me to lie to them? It's not like I really know anything that they wouldn't find out anyways. The information I gave them is nothing really. Why lie about it? How was lying to them going to gain the trust HE wanted me to gain from them? Wouldn't they not trust me if I did lie and then found out about it? Which they would. If I didn't tell them. They would remember on their own. If not. Wasn't HE just going to tell them HIMSELF? Why after all these years of looking for them. Why did HE want me to stay away from them?*

*It doesn't make sense. Something is wrong here.*

*What about the way that HE treated me in the past. The way HE treated me the other morning? Why care now?*

*HE said He was just trying to protect me...*

*From what really? What did HE really protect me from? Being terrified to actually see and talk to my family?*

Feeling the knew determination in her.

*What about me? What am I really to HIM?*

*It doesn't matter. I owe HIM my life. I owe HIM everything. I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for HIM. I would either be dead or in a cage right now. HE trained me. HE taught me how to survive. How to use my powers. HE is the one that gave me all the hopes and dreams that I have. HE gave me my family...*

*HE also gave me ever fear and nightmare that I have. With the scars to prove it....*

"So what is it going to be Parker? What are you going to do." Muttering softly.

Putting her stuff back into the bag and standing.

*I need answers.... I need.....* Feeling a longing in her chest. *I need my brother and I need.....* Looking at Max once more.

*No....*

Looking away from Max.

*I need to do what is right. I need to figure out what HE really wants and keep them safe in the process. Until I found out.... That means staying away from them as much as possible...*

*So now what?*

*Wait here until morning and open the destiny book. Go from there?*

*Or go home now?*

*Over 3 hours..... HE will try again in less then a hour. If HE doesn't reach me then. HE will come back.*

*What? 12 hours tops from then? Depending on what HE is doing.*

*What to do Parker. Think. Go home and wait for his call to buy you more time or what?*

*What are you going to tell him?*

*The truth. What else is there? What choice do you really have?*

*You could lie...*

*HE is just going to see for himself anyways...*

*I won't let him.* Feeling more determine then she ever felt in her life. Making her way to the door.

*What! I can't be serous thinking I can't... I'm not strong enough..*

*How would I know? I never tried before.*

*But HE...*

*What do I have to lose?*

*My life...*

*Doesn't matter..*

*Michael... Max...*

"NO!"

"Liz?"

Closing her eyes a moment. *I so need to stop talking to myself.*

Hey guys!

Hilaria 18: Hey! I'm glad you liked it. I agree. Liz needs to stop crying. I'm working on it.

Lullaby- Hey! I'm glad you like the idea. I want Liz to kick butt! THANKS for the bump!

Eternal Dreamer- Hi! I'm happy that you liked it! Good luck with your exams!

OK guys. I have the next part written. Just a few things. I got the part of the whole role thing from Dawson's Creek. Andy and Pacey talking. It's my own words etc. But I got the Idea from it.

Second. I don't know anything about drugs. At least names goes etc. Tripaphaine is totally made up by me. That way I can make it do what I want it to do. The whole word is made up by me. At least I hope....


CHAPTER 11

MAX's POV


"NO!" Liz's voice pulling him out of his peaceful sleep. Quickly chasing away any reminisce of sleep. His heart feeling like it would come out of his chest any minute.

Jumping up. Feeling his powers automatically charge.

Searching the room quickly until he saw her standing by the door.

"Liz?" Quickly going over to her. Holding her out at arms length. Checking her from head to toe. Then back again. Searching for any signs of harm. Searching her quickly once more just to be sure. Satisfied that she was in one piece. Pulling her close to him.

His only thoughts being to protect her.

Searching the room around them. Looking for an intruder. *Nesado?*

Green shield forming around them. Barely noticing it.

Finding nothing.

Feeling his heart beat start to slow back to normal.

"Liz?" Letting his eyes search the room quickly once more before turning his attentions back to the girl in his arms. Searching her face.

Feeling her tremble slightly. Feeling her try to pull herself back away from him.

"Liz?"

"Max please." Squirming a little more. Feeling her anxiety. Through the sliver connection that they had when they touched.

"Sorry." Reluctantly releasing her.

The green field fading with it.

Watching her cross her arms across her chest as she took a couple steps backwards.

Powers fading once more.

*Something is different.* Searching her once more to find the source. Not quite being able to place it.

*Shoes. Back pack.* Noticing what she was wearing for the first time. *She can't honestly be thinking about leaving. What happened?*

"Liz. Where are you going?"

Not meeting his eyes. "I......." Backing up a little more.

"Liz..."

"I haven't decided yet...."

"What do you mean you haven't decided yet?" Taking a step towards her. *Decided to what?*

Holding up her hands. "Please don't..." Her voice faltering a little.

"Liz. What happened?" Lowering his voice. Using the same tone that he used on her just hours before.

Taking note of her stiff poster. The defensive stance she was taking. Realize the walls that they thought they got through yesterday. Was being put back into place. *If not all the way built again. What happened while I was sleeping?* Taking a look quick glance at the clock. *Almost 5. Fell asleep close to 1. 4 hours. I know she was sleeping with me most of it. What happened?* "What happened?" Repeating his question.

"Nothing......." Still not meeting his eyes.

"Liz.."

"You have a force field?"

"What?"

"A minute ago. You produced a force field. You didn't tell me." Finally looking at him.

Realizing what she was talking about. The green field that surrounded them before. "I... I didn't even realize it. Wow... I did that?"

Watching her shake her head. Small smile on her face. "I take it you never did it before."

"No." Shaking his head. "I didn't even realize that I could. My only thought were protecting you. It just happened." Feeling a little amaze by it. *We are getting stronger. What else can I do?* Realizing that she was changing the subject. "What happened Liz?" Focusing once more on the matter at hand.

"Nothing...." Crossing her arms once more. A new determination in her eyes.

"Liz....." Not buying it for a moment. "Last night you didn't want to leave my arms. Today, you don't even want me near you. You can't tell me nothing happened. Did you have a bad dream or something?"

"No..." Shaking her head. "Nothing happened."

Taking another step towards her. Watching her go to take a step back before stopping herself. Pulling her shoulders back. Standing straighter.

"Liz..."

"Max. Stop it."

"What?"

"We can't keep doing this. I don't want us to fall into these two roles."

"What roles?" Not understanding what she was getting at.

"Me being the helpless victim that always needs to be saved and you my hero always coming to my rescue."

Smile. "That doesn't sound too bad to me." Trying to lighten the mood. Watching her frown. "Liz, I'm not..."

"Max. You can't keep swooping down and saving me."

"Liz.."

"Max. Please let me finish." Taking her back pack off.

Nodding his head.

"Everyone can't keep treating me like I'm glass. Like I am going to fall apart any minute. I don't want to get stuck in this role. I can't."

Following her into the living room.

"I mean. I feel like everyone is just waiting for me to fall apart again. Afraid of what to say to me. That is everyone but Isabel. But that was just because she was scared that I blamed her. That I remembered and I would tell all of you." Talking more to herself. "Maybe she was trying to actually push me over the edge." Shaking her head a little. "I'm not sure. Now since we connected and straighten out the whole mess. Is she going to start treating me like glass now too? I really have to start being strong around them. I can't keep letting my emotions rule me."

*Remember what? What did Isabel do? Emotions?*

"Liz." Looking up at him quickly. Putting her hand up and silencing him.

"Max. Let me finish. If everyone keep treating me like I'm going to fall apart. Then I will. I know I will. It would be so easy for me to slip into this role and stay here. Your going to have to trust me to deal with everything as it comes. I can do this. I have to. I really can. I am." Finishing her little speech more determined.

*Who is she trying to convince? Me or herself?*

"Liz, you have to agree with me that you haven't been able to deal too well with us. The only exception was last night after you took what ever it was that you took for your head. That was the calmest that I have ever seen you. It was the first time you actually really opened up to us. Liz.... We haven't been here for you. Your entire life. You really can't blame us for wanting to take care of you now. To try to make up for it..."

Both sitting down on the couch.

Watching her search his eyes for a moment. Before opening her bag and going through it. "That's just it Max. You haven't been with me the last 10 years. You don't know what I am capable of." Moving things around. "What I have done. You don't know me.... I really am stronger then you think. I been through a lot worst then this and made it." Finding what she was looking for.

Feeling like some one punched him in the stomach. *Worst?*

Looking up to meet his eyes. "I mean...." Faltering a little. "It's just that... You and Michael......" Looking away. "I mean..... It was just hard for me to see you." Lowering her voice. Taking a quick glance at him. "I spent my entire life thinking that you hated me and didn't want me.... Then to actually see you... Not pushing me away.. Excepting me..."

Feeling his chest constrict.

"I didn't expected you to even really look at me. Much less talk to me.."

"Liz. We... I.... I am so sorry...." Looking up at him. "We.. I wanted you from the moment that I laid eyes on you..."

Staring at each other for a moment.

Tears filling her eyes. A small smile. Breaking the eye contact. "Well." Handing him the bottle that she got out of her bag. "Lets just say that you guys are my greatest weakness." Wiping away the tears.

Looking down at the bottle. "Tripaphaine 623." Searching his memory. Recall hearing it on the news before. "Isn't this a heavy sedative and suppressant?"

"Yes."

"Didn't the government get in trouble for using it on their soldiers after the gulf war? Using it with out their permission. Experimenting."

"I think so."

*Doesn't it mess with a persons head? Didn't it turn their brains to mush? People claiming that they were trying to brainwash them?* Recalling the fact that the few soldiers that survived were in a psych ward. Crazy or a vegetable. "Didn't they ban the use of this?"

"Yes.."

"How did you get it?"

"HE gets it for me. I don't know where HE gets it. I never asked."

"This helps your headaches?" Looking at her like he didn't quite believe her.

"Yes."

"How long have you been taking this?"

"For as long as I can remember." Studying her hands.

"Liz do you know why you get the headaches? Because me, Michael and Isabel have never gotten them. In fact we have never been sick a day in our lives except for Michael. That was only because he became unbalance. When he went into the sweat with River Dog. Besides that. We have never gotten sick. Ever."

Watching her think a moment. "No, but when I do get them. It feels like a war is going on inside of me. Like my head is splitting in two. Almost like I'm fighting against myself." Looking at him briefly. Giving him a weak smile. "It sounds stupid I know. But that's the only way I know how to describe it." Pointing to the pills. "It's the only thing that stops the pain. It just keeps getting worst and worst until I have to take one. I can't escape the pain in my head. It becomes too much until I have to take one."

"No it does." *It's all starting to make more sense.* "And the Tripaphaine?"

"It stops it. It makes me feel..." Searching for the right word. "Calm?" Frown at the word she choose. "In control..."

"Do you know what brings on the headaches?" Remembering the flash that he got from her. Right before she got the headache. What he told the others. *It's like she was remembering something that she doesn't want too. Or Nesado doesn't want her too. The war going on inside of her. One part trying to remember. Another part not wanting her too?* A theory starting to form.

"No... I never remember." Studying him for a moment. "But you do. Or at least have an idea." Looking at him unsure. Seeing the fear once more forming in the depths of her eyes.

*Almost like she was afraid to find out.* Knowing it was the only way. "Liz, I got a flash from you. Right before you got your headache. Do you remember what you were talking about?"

"I was telling you about the cabin in Colorado. Alex was asking about it."

"Yes."

"You saw the cabin?"

"Yes."

"What else?" Voice shaking a little.

"I saw Nesado holding you." Seeing her start to tremble a little. "Liz?"

"What else did you see?" Her eyes filling with tears.

"Liz."

"What do you know?" Shaking more.

"It's alright..." Placing his hand on hers. Feeling her fear flow through him.

"Tell me.." Gripping his hand tightly. Her eyes searching his face.

"I saw him holding you by your shoulders from behind. Kaviar was touching your face. I could feel Kaviar making you go cold inside."

"What else?"

"That's it..."

"That's it?" Searching his face for any signs of lying.

"Liz?"

"Nothing else? You didn't see anything else..." Her voice a little frantic. Still searching his face for the answers.

*What is she so afraid of? What didn't she want me to see? Wasn't this bad enough?* Remembering the feeling of the cold go through her. Her fear. The fear being close to what he was feeling from her now. *What could be worst?*

"What all did Nesado and Kaviar do to you Liz?" Almost afraid of the answer himself.

"I...." Her voice faltering. Looking at their hands.

"What are you so afraid of that I might see?" Recalling that she was afraid that he saw something. When he healed her too. "What haven't you told us?"

"I.... I...." Letting go of his hand. Putting her hands on her head. Shaking her head with her eyes closed. "I don't.... I'm not sure.." Tears running down her face. "I lose time sometimes..... I can't tell you what I don't remember."

*So is that the whole point? Drugging her so she wouldn't tell us? What does she know that they don't want us to find out?* Kneeling in front of her. So they were eye level. "What do you remember?"

"I... I'm not sure." Shaking her head.

Taking her hands away from her head. "Look at me Liz.... Please."

Slowly opening her eyes. "I don't know." Shaking her head. "I'm not sure... I don't....."

"But you have an idea. You think it's something bad?"

"I ....." Slowly nodding her head yes. "Why else wouldn't I remember?" Searching for an other reason in his eyes.

Filling the anger and guilt rising in him. *What kind of Hell did we leave her in.*

Liz physically flinching. Like someone punched her. Pulling away from him a little. Back into the couch. "I'm sorry." Feeling her regret and fear over coming his own emotions that he felt.

*Damn it.* Pushing away his anger and guilt. *If I can feel her emotions. When we touch. She must be able to feel mine too.* Try to control his emotions. Taking a deep breathe before releasing it slowly. "Liz." Pulling her closer to him. "I'm not mad at you.... It's alright. I promise." Tucking a piece of loose hair behind her ear. "It's alright. I'm not mad at you at all."

"But...." Seeing the doubt and confusion on her face. "I felt..." Looking away from him. "I'm sorry...."

"Hey." Turning her face towards his. So he was once more looking into her eyes. "Liz. You have nothing to be sorry about. I really am not mad at you at all. I'm mad at myself and the situation that I left you in."

"But.. I'm sorry."

"You did nothing wrong.." Using his thumbs to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.

"You don't know that Max. You don't know what I've done. What I'm capable of doing.."

"Liz no matter what happened. I don't care. I honestly believe none of it's your fault."

"Max." Still feeling and seeing the doubt in her eyes.

"I don't.." Sending her his feelings. Hoping she felt them through her own.

Nodding her head a little. Feeling her relax a little. "Now what?"

"We find out what you forgot." Seeing her tense. "It's alright. I'm going to be here to help you."

"But what if I remember something and it's really bad?" Not quite meeting his eyes.

"Then we will get through it. It will be alright I promise." Giving her a smile. *I hope I'm right.* Knowing that they needed the answer though. "We will take it slow alright....." Watching her nod her head slowly. Taking a couple breathes to get a hold of herself. Still feeling her fear but calming some more also. Sending her all his love and strength.. "Do you remember Kaviar?"

Searching his face. *Almost like she was looking for the answers.* "You don't. Do you?"

Shaking her head. Biting her bottom lip. He could tell she was trying not to cry. "I heard the name before but... I feel like I should know it..." Closing her eyes shut as she focused.


Flash: (Different ages.)

Seeing the flashes as she saw them.

"Ava" Kaviar coming towards her. Trying to make herself small against the wall.

Kaviar and Nesado talking.

Kaviar standing in the door way.

Feeling the pain and fear go through her. As the flashes exhilarated.

Kaviar talking.

Kaviar touching her hair.

Kaviar and Nesado fighting.

Kaviar holding her against the wall. Searching through her mind.

Kaviar telling Nesado to move away from her. Nesado refusing to move. Kaviar blasting Nesado in the shoulder. Liz setting the room on fire. Trying to help Nesado up. Being too small. Liz taking the wound herself.

Pulling them out of it. Once more looking at Liz.

Closing her eyes tighter. As her body started to shake.

Finding his voice. "Liz look at me." Tightening his grip on her hands. "He's not here Liz. Your safe."

Feeling the pain heighten.

"OK... Easy.... It's alright.... Look at me."

Closing her eyes tighter. Shaking her head. Starting to feel the pounding in his own head. Feeling her losing control.

Realizing he had to do something quick.

Harsher. "Look at me Liz. Just look at me. Just open your eyes."

Slowly opening her eyes.

Softening his voice a little. "That's it. Just look at me." Locking eyes with her. "Just concentrate on me. Don't think about him. Just let it go...."

Pounding stopping.

"Just think about me."

Feeling the pain start to leave her. The fear lessening.

"That's it.... Alright?"

Nodding her head.

"It's alright... Just keep looking at me. OK.."

"Yeah... Sorry...."

"Don't be..." Giving her a smile. "Do you need a pill?" Really not wanting to give her one. *I want her off the damn things.* But not wanting her to suffer never the less. "Or I could heal you?"

Letting go of his hands.

Feeling the loss of her at once.

Watching her wipe away the tears. "No. I'm fine... It's going away."

"OK?"

"Yeah..." Giving him a forced laugh. "I guess you saved me again."

"Sorry about that..."

"Don't be." Sighing. "Maybe I just need to work more on not being a victim."

"Liz..."

"It's alright Max." Giving him a weak smile. "Just don't tip toe around me. And I promise you not retreat into my self next time and actually try to remember something useful. I'll work on not letting my emotions rule me....."

*You did give me something. Kaviar a monster. But I already knew that right?* "There not going to be a next time." *I'm never going to let either one of them near you again.*

"Max..."

Ring

*Phone.* Looking at Liz to see the fear once more in her eyes. "Liz?" Getting up and sitting next to her on the couch. Going to pull her closer to him as she started to shift through her bag again. "Who is it?"

Phone ringing again. As she pulled it out of her bag.

"The only person it ever is." Staring down at the phone.

*Nesado.* "Don't answerer it."

"I have too." Not meeting his eyes.

Ringing again.

"No you don't..." Standing.

"You don't understand..."

"Don't Liz."

"If I don't. He will come here."

Ringing for the fourth time.

Taking the phone out of her hands.

"No don't Max." Liz standing to take the phone back.

Turning it on. "Hello."

Silence a moment. "Max?" Coming out more of a statement then a question.

"What do you want?"

"Where is Liz?"

"She's safe from you." Seeing all the color drain from her face.

"Now why wouldn't she be safe with me? I'm swore to protect her."

"She doesn't need your kind of protection anymore."

"Did she tell you that? Is she there with you right now?" Not waiting for his reply. "Let me talk to her."

"No. Stay away from her."

Watching Liz shake her head no at him. Reaching for the phone as he took a couple steps back away from her.

"I can't do that Max."

"What do you really want?"

"Liz." Silent a moment. "It's my job is to protect all of you."

"You have done a great job with Liz."

"Oh come now Max. She's in one piece."

Feeling a chill go down his back. As his anger rise. "STAY AWAY FROM HER. WE DON't NEED YOU ANYMORE!"

"You need me more now then you ever thought your highness."

"WHAT SO YOU CAN HAND US ALL OVER TO KAVIAR!"

"Kaviar... What did Liz tell you? Is she alright." The concern in his voice throwing him off.

"What?"

"What did she tell you?"

"Stay away from her."

"Max.." Pause. "I told you not to push her. You don't realize what you are dealing with here."

"STAY AWAY!" Hanging up the phone.

"You shouldn't have done that." Liz wrapping her arms around herself.

"It's going to be alright Liz." Taking a step towards her.

"You shouldn't make him mad."

"I won't let him hurt you."

"You need to be careful Max. You don't know what HE is capable of doing."

"What's going on?" Looking up to see Michael coming into the room.

"Nesado called."

"Are you alright?" Going up to Liz.

"I'm fine...." Taking a quick glance at the door before looking back to them. Not quite meeting their eyes again.

"Max?" Seeing the questions on Michael's face.

Ignoring him. "Liz? It really is going to be alright."

"When is Isabel going to be here?" - Liz looking from him to Michael.

Looking at the clock. A little past 5. "Not for at least a couple more hours. Why?"

Nodding her head. Starting to put her stuff back into the bag.

"What are you doing?" - Michael looking at Liz back to him. "What did Nesado want."

*Liz.* Knowing now was not the time to tell Michael that. "Liz..."

Liz straightening up. "I'll be back."

"Where are you going?"

"You can't leave... You said you were going to stay." - Michael

"I'll be back. I promise." - Liz

"No Liz..." - Michael

"Look. You can't stop me...." Starting to walk towards the door.

Making it to the door before she did. Holding it shut before she could get it open. "Don't do this Liz."

"I have to go Max.."

"Your not going any where." - Michael

"I'll be back.."

"I said your not going." - Michael crossing his arms over his chest.

Turning and glaring at Michael. "You can't stop me. Your not my father." Lowering her voice. "I'm sorry Michael... I'm coming back I promise. I want the answers from the destiny book just as much as you do."

"I just don't want you to leave.." Michael's voice softer this time.

"Liz.." Trying to reason with her.

"No stop. You don't realize what you have done..." Turning her eyes once more to him.

"It's going to be alright."

"Stop it! You don't know... You don't. I just have to go. Please..."

"I really don't think...."

"I don't care what you think. Believe it or not. I made it the last 10 years with out you. HE taught me how to survive. Don't let the way I've been the last couple days fool you." Seeing a new determination in her eyes. "I think I'm capable of surviving the next couple hours with out the two of you."

"Liz..."

"You don't know me. Neither one of you do." Looking up and making brief eye contact with both of them. Seeing her defense slipping a little. "HE know's me..... HE... I just need to think. Please."

"You never have to see him again." Michael pulling her away from the door. "I'll take care of you. I promise. You have me now. Liz please."

"Yes I do... You don't understand...." Tears filling her eyes.

"No you don't." - Michael

"Yes I do." Pleading with her eyes for them to understand.

"Why?" - Michael

"Because HE is all I have ever known. HE taught me how to survive. I would be dead with out him."

"That's not true Liz. He's not...." - Michael

"Yes he is..." Liz cutting him off. "I don't remember you... Either one of you.. I'm sorry..."

Going over to her. "You know me. You know Michael." Taking her hand and placing it on her own heart. "You have always known us here. In your heart. You know me Liz. I know you do... I felt it."

"You have us. Us Liz. We will take care of you. We won't let anything happen to you. I promise." - Michael

"You don't know me... I'm not what you think I am. I'm not Ava..."

"It doesn't matter... I know the person you are right now. I know." Leaving no room for argument.

"You will be safe here. Give me a chance to get to know you better." - Michael

"I just need to think... Please..." Backing up from them. "I'm sorry... I promise I'll be back. I promise Michael."

Slipping out the door before either one could stop her.

Hey guys. Sorry that it took me so long. Life has thrown me another curve ball. Which I'm beginning to understand more and more that it loves to do.....

Sorry about not getting to answerer your feedback right. You all deserve much better. And a greater thanks. But I'm press for time right now. So I thought you would all like the next part much more instead......

Dedicated too:

Kimmie ( the newbee)

Gigo (Much Thanks)

AleinDreamer101 (Most dependable)

lullaby (Greatest)

frenchkiss 70 (Most reliable)

Hilaria 18 (Enjoyable)

Sweetgurl (Keeps me on my toes)

viccu (Thank you!)

roswelllover (been there through it all)

pandas2001 (great reader/freind)

Lizzie Evans (Makes me think 'what's next?)

Thank you everyone.


CHAPTER 12

Michael making it to the door before him. "AWWWWWWWWW!!" Pulling his hand back quickly. Shaking it.

"What's wrong?"

"It's hot." Holding it out for him to see it. A perfect red print of the door knob on the palm of his hand.

"Liz. She must of heated it."

"Really. Do you think.... Would you mind." Holding his hand out to him.

"Yeah." Quickly healing his hand.

"I guess she doesn't want to be followed."

"That's an understatement."

*It's alright. Right? I mean she did tell Michael that she was coming back...*

"What's going on Max. What did Nesado say. What does he want."

"Basically that he wanted Liz."

"WHAT!"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


LIZ'S POV


Liz exited the building. Taking the steps two at a time.

She just need to think.

To clear her head.

To run....

Starting off in a full sprint. Feeling the wind on her face. Tangling itself in her hair.

Making her feel alive.

It was exactly what she needed at the moment.

Just to run.

And think.

*Kaviar.*

*The impressions that I got from Max and what I remember now... It doesn't make sense.*

*Then again. It's not like my life ever really did make much sense.*

*I have never had memories like this before. Have I? Or was it ever time that I did or came close. I took a little magic pill and it all went away.*

*I guess the pills are messing with my head too. Not that I ever doubted that.*

She wasn't stupid. *Just wasn't good at facing the truth. I was always easier just to go with the flow. Not to question things too much.*

*But now what else was there to do?*

*And HE said that I wasn't that human. Guess I'm not too far off. Doing everything that HE said I shouldn't do.*

*So what? They made me forget what ever I was remembering at the moment. I guess the real question would be. Why didn't HE want me to remember? What is HE hiding from me? Why?*

*Kaviar being the obvious thing at the moment. Kaviar is our enemy. The leading opponent against us in our past life. I got that much from Max through the connection. But what is he doing here? Doesn't he have the planets now? Shouldn't he be the ruler? Why mess with us now? What does Kaviar want? Why come to earth when he has 5 other planets to rule.*

*Or does he?*

*Better yet. If he does hate us so much. Why didn't he kill me? It's not like he didn't have the chance.*

*He could be using me to get to the others.*

*But why? Why not just kill me and then find the others. Wouldn't that be easier?*

*Kaviar was searching my memories. Looking for something.*

*Nesado does that too.*

*Do I know something that they both want? Need? What is it? Why don't I remember it then?*

*Why don't I remember half the stuff I should?*

*What is wrong with me? Am I that defective? Will I ever be able to do anything right?*

*Maybe the book will shed some light on it. Maybe it will be able to give me the answers that I need to know.*

Settling into a slow even jog.

*Then again. I forgot or don't remember for a reason. Right? Maybe it would be better for everyone if I didn't know.*

*What I don't know can't hurt right?*

*Wrong. What I don't know I can't prevent. Protect against. Control. Etc.*

*Remember my training.* HIS words echoing in her ears. "Remember your training. When it comes down to it. It will be the only thing that keeps you safe. That will keep you alive."

*So what is going on with our protector? Is HE really working with Kaviar.* Recalling the conversations that HE had with him that she now remembered.

*No real information there. Always talking about where we would be. My training. How I was doing. No real information there.*

*Then again. Would I remember anything more?*

*God! Why can't I be normal? Is that too much to ask?*

Picking up the pace once again.

*Why was HE with Kaviar. HE's not really working with him. Was HE?*

*It's the only logically answer.*

*But that can't really be it. Is it? I mean.....*

*Maybe I just don't want to face the truth.*

*But what is that really? The last thing I saw. Was him trying to keep Kaviar away from me. I wasn't much younger then I am now.*

*Hell the way I remember things it could have been last week.*

*No. The wound.* A mental picture of her taking a quick glance in the mirror. Seeing the deep ugly red scar there on her right shoulder. Not recalling how she got it. *How long has it been there?*

*About 3 months at the most? Plus it would have needed time to heal. What?*

Stopping. Touching her right shoulder.

*It was deep.* Feeling the slight indentation in her skin. *It would have needed a long time to heal.* Not recalling it at all before seeing the scar. *Most likely I had numb the pain away. I wouldn't have felt it.*

"6 to 8 months top? Taking into concideration that I do heal fast then the normal human.*

*Most likely...*

*But why then? HE let him do what ever he wanted to do to me before then. Didn't HE? Why was that time so different? What did Kaviar want to do to me?*

Shutter going up her back. Loosing her rhythm. *I so don't want to know... Much less want to think about it.*

*Why? Why don't I want to know?*

*I guess that is the question.*

*No. Because I do know the answer. I just don't want to face it.* Feeling an ache in her stomach.

Recalling the feel of him touching her face. The way he was looking at her. *No...* Shaking her head. Pushing past the feeling that she needed to throw up. *No... He didn't do anything. HE stopped him. I stopped him.* Remembering HIM stepping in front of her. The sound of the blast hitting HIS arm. The room being engulf with fire. The weight of HIS body. The smell of the smoke in the room mixed with burnt flesh. Making it hard to see. To breathe. The panic that started to rise that she couldn't get HIM out. That HE was to heavy. Taking his wound as her own. All going black.

*HE was trying to protect me.*

Stopping.

*But why was HE with Kaviar in the first place. Why didn't HE keep you away from him all together? HE was suppose to be your protector. HE was suppose to keep you safe.*

*Has my whole life been a lie. One right after another. Is this the way it had to be? Is there anything that I can trust....*

Feeling the tears sting her eyes.

*No damn it.* Squeezing her eyes shut a moment. *I'm not going to cry. I'm not.* Pushing the feeling away.

Opening her eyes and looking around. Seeing Michael's apartment across the street.

*Great. What have I been doing? Going in circles.* Signing.

*So what is the connection here? What does HE want? What does Kaviar want. It can't just be me. They had me.*

*The four squares. Is that it?*

*If it is how are they going to use it? How can they really control it if they we're the ones to actually process the power. They can't take it can they?*

*So what is going on? Does the destiny book have the answerers? Can it tell me?*

*I hope so.*

Looking around before sitting down on the steps to Michael's apartment.

Seeing the first rays of dawn start to shine.

*How long is it going to take you to get here, Isabel.* Wanting nothing more then to find the answers that she sought.

Looking up at the Michael's window. Seeing Michael and Max looking down at her.

Feeling the gentle tugging at her heart.

*They have probably been there the whole time. Watching me.*

Feeling regret for heating up the door knob. *No. I need this. I need time to think. They can't keep smothering me. They have to learn to let me go...* A feeling she couldn't quite describe. Rising in her. *They are going to have to learn to let me....* Knowing when it came down to it. She most likely would have to leave them. *If not only for her but for them.*

Letting her bag slip off her shoulder.

*I so have to get a hold of my self when I'm around them. HE was right. My emotions are going to get me into trouble. They can't be trusted. They make me weak.*

*That's what I can't be. I can't protect them if I'm weak.*

*I'm defiantly going to have to start controlling myself better. Remember the training. What HE taught me. I think HE might actually be on to something there.*

*HE is defiantly going to be mad. Max shouldn't have done that. You don't go around telling HIM what to do. HE tells you. HE is defiantly going to be mad. Especially when HE comes back to find out I have been here all this time. That I told them things that they shouldn't know.*

*Well, I guess HE probable already knows that already, hun?*

*Hell, I wasn't even suppose to know.*

*Not to mention the scene that I made at school.*

*Things were not looking good for me at all. The best I can do is find out what is in the destiny book and go from there..*

"Is this a private party or can anyone join." Voice drawling her out of her thoughts.

Looking up to see Michael there.

"Why not." Scooting over so he could sit too.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, you?

"Yes. No thanks to the door." Smiling.

Giving him a small smile. "Yeah. Sorry about that."

Bumping her with his shoulder. "No your not."

"Max fixed it?"

"Yes."

Smiling. "Then your right. I'm not."

"I didn't think so...."

Silent a moment.

"How long have you and Max been watching me?"

"For about 8 laps. Your a pretty good runner."

"Have to be good at something." *Been running more then one way all my life.* " Besides, I told you that I was coming back."

"Not too bad with the heating up the door knob." Looking at her. "You can't really blame me. I just found you."

"That was cake. Michael." (Meaning the door knob.) "Your going to have to trust me when I tell you something. I have no reason to lie to you."

Studing her. "Tell me what's going on Liz."

"I don't know.." Sighing.

"Nesado?"

"What do you mean?" Not meeting his eyes.

"Max told me about him and Kaviar."

Nodding. "I figured that. Do you always tell each other everything?"

"Only the important stuff. Liz?"

"I don't know Michael. I don't.... I don't know what HE really wants. What Kaviar wants. What anyone wants at this point. I just don't know. I feel like my life is just one big lie or nightmare. That I'm just now waking up and seeing what's really going on. I'm sorry, Michael."

"Nesado wants you Liz."

Shaking her head. "No. There has to be more to it then that. HE has me. Michael. HE always has..."

Watching Michael tense at her words. "He doesn't have you any more.. Your safe here with me, Liz. I won't let any of them hurt you again."

"Michael.." Studying his face. Seeing the determination in them. "It's not your job or your responsibility Michael. I never asked you too."

"Liz. You are my sister."

"That you don't even know."

"Will you at least give me the chance. God Liz. The way you talk.. It's almost like your saying good bye to me all the time. Like your ready to leave me any minute. Aren't you even going to give me a chance to make it up to you?"

"Michael..." Pleading with him to understand with his eyes.

"Don't you even care?"

"It's because I care too much." Voice softer.

"Liz...."

"Lets just find out what is in the destiny book Michael. Alright? Then we can take it from there."

Studying her a moment.

"So your coming in."

"Yes."

"Staying?"

"For a while... Yes."

Nodding his head. "I can settle for that. For now."

*You have no choose.* Not voicing her thoughts.

Michael standing then helping her. Grabbing her bag.

"No matter what happens or what's in that book. It's not going to change the fact that you are my sister Liz. I'm not going to ever let you go without a fight. That I'm going to take care of you. If you like it or not That's a promise..

"Michael...."

"And my first job being. Getting you a shower." Huge smile on his face.

Hitting him. "OH! You! You try spending 3 days in the same cloths. Then go running and see where that leaves you."

Big grin on his face. "Hopefully smelling better then you!"

Taking off running up the stairs.

"Michael!" Chasing after him. "You are so going to pay for that!"