A Powerless Power (AU,CC/UC,YTEEN/TEEN) [COMPLETE]

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 14

Zan stood in front of everyone just thinking. “Dad?”
Zan looked at Jacob. “Yeah?”
“What made Laya so special?”
Zan smiled. “Erin was born to greatness.” He said. “She was destined to be the most powerful. We saw it in her. She was never a child, like the rest of us. She had to grow up and she never had a real childhood. She was always ahead of us, in just about everything. If Larek and Ava hadn’t been around I would have married her. She was always a queen among women. Oh, she had her faults, but she saw the goodness in people, especially during times when they couldn’t see it in themselves. She’s the type of person you don’t feel ashamed around. Erin will forgive everyone but she always knows when someone is lying or when their intentions are less than honorable. She was the perfect guardian for us, even if she has a tendency to put a lesson in everything.” Zan grinned. “All the time she was making us clean our rooms, or take care of you, Jacob, doing our homework and getting to work on time…she was teaching us responsibility and to me, especially, she was teaching me how to be a king. She was always thereto talk, you could tell her anything. She was also there to be a mother, if you needed it. She always knew if you woke from a nightmare. She was there rocking and saying soothing words. She us volunteer until we loved it!” Zan laughed. “She always said, ‘Zan, if you see the plight of the poor, if you can touch those who are sick, if you can listen, if you know who they are, then and only then you can help them and you can be a king.’ On Saturday afternoons about twice a month we volunteered at the soup kitchen, after school some of us would always be at the shelter. The girls’ would volunteer at the Abuse Clinic. Erin was going to be an RN, she volunteered at the Free Clinic. She was never afraid to touch anyone, she could always give comfort, and no one ever saw pity in her face, only unconditional love.” Zan faltered there.
Ava patted his arm. “He’s just saying that Erin was one of a kind. She wasn’t docile though, that girl could yell.”
“Mostly at me.” Les said. “Not that I didn’t deserve it. I was always coming in at all hours, dragging mud and grass through Erin’s nice clean floors and carpets. Unfortunately if someone did that we to clean…everything and everyone had to clean. I’m not the only one that did it though.” Ari, Rath and Mikey also did it frequently.”
“I hate to contradict.” Larek said. “But I was the one to suffer the fury of her tongue.”
“Larek, no doubt Erin yelled at you, but I have a feeling most of that yelling was due, in part, not to fury, but from…pleasure.” Tony tried (and failed) to keep a strait face.
“Well, I will not argue the point that Tay and I sometimes quarreled just for the opportunity of a passionate reconciliation.”
“Is it possible he has gotten even more formal and serious and proper?” Les asked. “Look old man-”
“I resent being referred to as an old man.” Larek interrupted. “I am 30 in human years-”
“And almost 130 in Antarin!” Ava grinned.
“That means you robbed the cradle, bro.” Tony joked. “In this life and the one before, since Taylaya was 15 and you were 20 and here Erin was 19 and you were 113!” There was a lot of giggling and sniggering going on.
“Can we get back to the task at hand and forget my age from a moment?” Larek asked.
“Hmm, I guess being deprived of sex can make someone grumpy.” Lonnie said half-seriously.
Larek sighed. “Perhaps the children are better qualified to decide what we must do.”
Everyone shut up at that. “All right,” Zan said. “Les, Ari, Rath. You are on box detail. Vin, Lessa. You’re on lookout; you’re always there anyway. Jacob, Erin. You two will be explaining fully what has been happening so we can get a clear picture of what we have to do.” For just a fraction of a second Jacob thought he saw what his father must have been like 15 years before.

Part 15

“Think anyone’s gonna see us?” Ari asked breathing on his hands to keep warm.
“You’re crazy.” Rath said. “It’s probably below zero out here!”
Les rolled her eyes and pushed the shovel blade into the dirt. “Quit whining, you two. Rath it is about 20 degrees, not below zero. Be glad it isn’t snowing again, why they have snow in the middle of the New Mexico desert is beyond me.”
“Well, some years they don’t.” Ari said.
“Thank you for the history lesson.” Rath said sarcastically. “Can we just get this over with? I don’t really relish the thought of digging up a grave, especially since this is supposed to be my sisters’ grave and someone I don’t even know is in it!”
“How do you think I feel?” Les said. “I’ve know it wasn’t Erin for 15 years, but no one would believe me! I probably knew Erin better than anyone, well maybe not Mikey and Larek, but certainly everyone else.”
“You know, Les, you’ve probably been able to cope better than the rest of us without our powers.” Rath said. “You never used yours! And you still have your Slayer abilities, not to mention you being the oldest Slayer in history.”
Les rolled her eyes. “I have been lucky. So what if I am turning 35 this year?”
“That is pretty old to be after vamps, hon.” Ari said.
“Don’t I know it? I wish there was another Slayer to take over…the Council might decide I am too old soon.”
“That bunch of idiots…” Rath said along with a few choice words.
“Get digging.” Les said. “We’ve only gone about 3 feet so far.”
“The ground is frozen.” Rath complained.
“Your head is about to frozen!” Les shot back. “Not to mention your butt! I could lock you in a mausoleum until we are done just so I don’t have to hear your whining!”
Rath shut up, he hated mausoleum’s, kind of strange since Michael and Erin had spent the night in one and had a great time telling ghost stories and sitting on the crypts, they had built a fire and made s’mores. He shuddered at the thought. He had not problems with helping Les on patrol but he would not go into a mausoleum alone. “You know,” Ari said. “I never quite figured out why you don’t like this stuff…especially since Michael and Erin had fun with it.”
Rath shrugged trying to brush it off. “Yer not like Zan, I’m not like Mikey. Yer not like Isabel or Lonnie, I’m not like Erin. It’s dat simple.” He was getting pretty cold and slipping into his accent.
“You know, you’d think you’d be used to it.” Les said. “You lived underground in New York City half your life.”
“Dat was a long time ago.” Rath defended. “We aren’t the same people.”
“It would be easier if we were.” Les sighed. “Hey…” Her shoved had hit something. “Hurry up, you two, I’ve gotten my side down six feet.” She grumbled and helped them clear the dirt. Since it was frozen, they didn’t have any loose dirt to worry about. But down that far…well, sometimes it didn’t look too good.
The black coffin was rusted shut. It took Les and Ari three tries to pry it open with the crowbar. Rath jumped back at the sight. There was no decomposition, the woman looked like she had only just been buried. Les pulled back the rotting dress and they saw she had no freckles whatsoever on her. She then struggled with the clasp and finally it gave way. The bottom didn’t swing up though, Les and Ari had to pry it up with the crowbar. There was the black metallic box, undisturbed. Rath and Ari hauled it out and Les shut the coffin again. Les swung herself out of the grave and a flashlight shown on them. All they saw was the light and a gun. “Shoot, you guys! You gave me a heart attack! What are you doing here?”
The flashlight was lowered and they saw Jim standing there. “Sorry, Jim,” Les said. “We just found out this isn’t Erin and they may still be alive.”
Jim just stared. “What?”
Les quickly filled him in as they shoveled the dirt back in the grave. Jim was silent as he listened. “Kyle and Maria are still alive?” He finally croaked out. “I don’t believe this…how?”
“Jacob and Little Erin have been having dreams of Erin talking to them. They went out to where the Pod Chamber was and they went back in time. There was no earthquake, it was a ship and it took them. We don’t know who put the box here. I saw it when they did it though, 15 years ago. I knew this wasn’t Erin then, but no one wanted to hear it.”
“What can I do?”
“One, you can tell us how you got past Vin and Lessa.” Ari said.
“Oh, you mean the ‘Mini-Me’s’ that are asleep in the back of my truck?” They grinned, Vincent looked just like his dad and Lessa looked just like Les. “Come on, let’s get this out of here.” He said motioning to the box.

Part 16

“I still don’t understand how it could have possibly gotten there!” Zan said pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace.
“I did it.” They all turned to see Kharnak standing there. “I knew it wasn’t Erin…I checked the bodies, all of them, I knew it wasn’t them. But I had to stay silent.”
“Why?” Larek asked him standing.
“If you had known about the box and where it was…you would have been in even more danger. Erin made me swear before she was ‘killed’ that if something happened to any of you I was to take the sword and whatever else I had and hide it. She knew that if something happened to her your last line of defense would be gone.”
Zan nodded. “I knew Erin was protecting us…I just never realized how much.”
“She didn’t want you to know, but more than half of her power was going to shielding you from Tihandra, from Skins and Shapeshifters and other Aliens.”
“Half?” Rath asked incredulously. “But I saw in battle…fighting the Skins and the Abdeash along with us.”
“And she went with me on patrol.” Les said.
“She was only fighting at half power.” Kharnak said. “I knew it, but I don’t think anyone else did. She said that the time would come when everything had to be revealed… if I had betrayed her trust that night you would all be dead. Tihandra found out when she took Erin that she wouldn’t tell her where the artifacts were. But because of things that were already in place…no one could come at you. Erin was smart and she knew that they would strike at her first to get to you. So she made sure that everyone else was protected. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner, but for the past month I have been trying to trace the ship…for the last 15 years I got no where…until last night when Jacob and Erin saw what happened…and then I was finally able to locate the ship.”
“Where is it?” Zan asked.
“It is docked at Plutonian Port, the same crew pilots it.”
“Let’s go.” Zan said. Jim and Amy stood. “No…you can no longer help us.”
“But those are our children out there.” Amy argued.
“Someone has to take care of the children.”
“What do you mean we can no longer help you?” Jim asked.
“Only we can do something about this?”
“Who’s we?” Jacob asked.
“The Royal Eight of Antar.”

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 17

"Everyone ready?" Kharnak asked.
"How come they don't know about this on Earth?" Zan asked watching the space port orbiting Pluto.
"It's not hard to manipulate Earths' equipment." Kharnak snorted. "Now, are you ready?"
Zan was wearing a black suit that was made of laser-resistant material along with something over his eyes that were like sunglasses. His hair had been turned blonde and spiky. Ari had laughed when he saw Zan, of course Ari looked worse with no hair as well as a scar stretching from hair line (or lack there of) to jaw. On the back of his head was a tatoo of some symbol (They all wore the black suits of various alterations, all with glasses.)
Rath now had a beard and the glasses only covered one eye like a patch. The other eye appeared completely white and a scar stretched from eyebrow across the bridge of his nose and down the other cheek. Ava's hair was dyed completely purple and then trimmed and slicked back. Her eyebrows were sharp and a prison tatoo was etched into her face. Lonnie and Isabel looked identical. There hair was cut short and dyed black. Tony had changed the most. His hair was long, strait and red tied in the back. His face was squarer and padding was used to make him muscular.
Larek had been the hardest to disguise. His nose looked like it had been broken once too often and more scars than were good were on his face. His face was larger and squarer to fit his new square body. He was 7 foot now and built like a tank.
"We're ready." Larek growled. He couldn't speak much or it would be a dead giveaway.
"Ok, now remember, Zan, you're Rex, the second lieutenant on the pirate ship, Black Star. Ari, you're Diablo, sworn to a life of self-inflicted servitude to the Lady Blackstar. Les, you are the Lady Blackstar, the leader of the band. You won't have to do much acting, just pretend Ari likes being treated like a slave--"
"Who says he doesn't?" Lonnie snorted.
"Lonnie and Isabel are the Ormede twins, Le and Lin. An assassin team that has never failed. Rath is Zell, a master with hand-to-hand combat and the twin's husband. Ava, you are the Lady Scarlet, men fear you. If you sleep with a man, you kill him. Tony, you are the Lord Red, Lady Scarlet's brother, you have the same M.O.--"
"If he sleeps with a guy he kills them?" Les said trying to be a smart aleck.
"Yes." Tony said. "I have to pretend to be gay." He shot a dirty look at Kharnak.
"Larek, you are Bulk, angry and stupid, all the time."
"What about you?" Zan asked.
"I am Grey, you're tech guy." Kharnak said. "I don't leave the ship. Les, you sit here."
"Ship, you are entering Pluterra, identify."
"This is Black Star, you insolent brigand!" Les snapped into the reciever.
"Sorry, Lady, sorry, come right in. Port 5-B31 is open."
Les didn't answer, she cut the connection. "How do we understand them?"
"Communicator's." Kharnak explained. "Most have them who travel. And if you don't it's no big deal if the person you are talking to has one. You hear your language and they hear theirs."
"Kharnak, do we represent real people?"
"What? Oh yeah, we captured them 2 weeks ago, they're dead now. They aren't very social, but I chose those of you would emulate them the best. They weren't our only choices, but definately the best, except for Tony."
"No kidding, why couldn't Zan be Red?" Tony asked but no one was paying attention. They had docked.
"Here's your assignments." A picture came up on the holo. "Zan, this is Leera, she's the captain's woman, but neither mind fraternization. Les, this is the captain, always on the lookout for a challenge. Ari once she make contact you joing his first mate for a drink, names Cod. Ava, this is Monra, she's the same as you and loves to meet women like herself. Rath, this is Viper, he's also an expert at hand-to-hand combat, they say he saw you fight once, that is he saw both you and Zall fight. You won, but barely, do you remember?"
"Kinda, I knew this guy seemed familiar."
'Good, Larek, for some reason you are always drawn to a game of Farn, that is Bulk is drawn to Farn, and you need to find a game with the crew."
"What's Farn?" Tony asked.
"It's a betting game like poker." Larek said.
"How do you know about poker?" Zan asked.
"Erin and I played." He said shortly.
"Larek, I hope you weren't playing strip poker, the one and only time we allowed her to play with all of us she had us down to our underwear pretty fast." Zan chuckled.
"Best part." Larek grinned.
"Ok, Tony, this is Gyro--"
"Oh, come on now!" Tony objected. The guy on the screen had long curly blonde hair.
'Tony, take one for the team!" Les said laughing hysterically.
No one else could say anything, because they were laughing so hard. "You know Erin wouldn't approve!"
"She'd think it was funny as hell." Lonnie said gaspily.
"Ok, everyone has their assignments." Kharnak said. "I will be watching all of you, so don't worry."
"Yeah, laughing your butt off." Tony grumbled as they exited the ship.

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 18

It had taken less than an hour and one blabbing Gyro. Tony had not been in the bar for 5 seconds before Gyro found him. The blonde man smiled at Tony and let his eyes wander down the toned body. Tony had to act nonchalant at this, though everything in him was crying out in protest. Tony had nothing against people of same-gender attraction, in fact Rath and Lonnie had dabbled in it in their early days, but he was not attracted to men and it was against everything that he had ever been taught to do something that went against who he was. He thought about Maria though, he still loved her. Yes, he was married to Isabel, but they both knew it was a marriage of convenience. They had grown to love each other but it wasn’t the same.
Tony put a sly, calculating smile on his face and reached out flicking a strand of fine blonde hair behind Gyro’s shoulder. “Buy you a drink?” He asked casually.
Gyro looked like he thought it was too good to be true. “Whatever you like.” Gyro said.
“Well, then…” Tony said making himself gaze at Gyro’s body. “I can see we are going to have to study this. I am Lord Red.”
Gyro’s eye widened. “But aren’t you the one-”
“Steady.” Tony said putting his hand on Gyro’s shoulder. “I only kill if I am no longer interested.” He used two fingers and ran them lightly on Gyro’s arm. Pretend he’s Isabel… pretend he’s Isabel. He was going to kill Kharnak…that was a better thought. “I think I am going to be interested. Now about that drink?”
“All right.” Tony had actually put Gyro at ease.
They passed the bar on the way to a private booth. Tony looked at the bartender and put up two fingers. The bartender nodded grabbing two glasses. The two men slid into a booth.
“Now,” Tony said lounging as Rath had taught him to. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Well…uh…” Gyro didn’t know what to say. It was obvious this was the type of guy who jumped into bed first and asked questions later.
“What’s your name?” Tony asked sounding a little bored.
“Gyro.”
“Ah, a self-styled name?” Tony asked leaning his head slightly forward and cocking an eyebrow.
“No, the captain gave it to me after…well just after.”
“I see.” Tony said. A waitress came with the drinks Tony took them both and put Gyro’s in front of him. “Drink.” He said raising his own to his lips. He only pretended to drink. “How long have you been a…merchant?”
Gyro almost choked on the drink. “About 20 years.”
“Hmm, you don’t look that old.”
“I am an Antarin.” He explained.
Tony’s heart burned with fury. He was talking to a traitor. “I hear Antarins are especially intense lovers…is this true?”
“Antarins are specially endowed in bed, yes.” Gyro admitted.
“Good.” Tony said slipping his ring finger around the rim of the glass. “Tell me about your expeditions.”
“There isn’t much to tell.” Gyro said a little regrettably. “Nothing really exciting ever happens to the Moon Ship.”
“Moon Ship?” Tony asked. “I always heard that was the private vessel of the Moonqueen of Varan.”
“It was until she was killed.” Gyro said.
“I have heard rumors of your king still being alive. Is this true?”
“I don’t know about that.” Gyro said. “The Queen Tihandra rules Antar.”
“But she doesn’t have the sword does she?”
“Well, no.” Gyro admitted. “She is the rightful ruler though.”
“Do you work for her?”
“No,” Gyro said. “Well, we did once, about 15 years ago.”
“What happened?” Tony asked taking another pretend sip.
“We had to go to Terra and take a few prisoners.” Gyro said. “One was the Royal Consort…or she was…she had been reborn. They said she was a witch and created a way for them to come back, the Royal Eight, that is. We also took her brother, who was once the General of Antar and three others that were with them. They were Terrans though.”
“What did you do with them?” Tony hardly needed to ask since Gyro had only stopped for a breath.
“Her Royal Highness had us take them to Princess Vilandra and she would get the information she sought out of them. We left them with her but we heard the stories later. The Consort wouldn’t tell them anything, even after the torture of her friends. They said she knew the location of the sacred artifacts and would never give up her secret, that they would have to kill her. But they didn’t. I don’t know what happened to them, but the rumors are that they are still alive.”
“So if someone wanted to find out about them they would have to ask Vilandra?” Tony made it sound like he was just making conversation.
“Yeah. You know they said we didn’t need to treat them well while we were taking them to Vilandra. The Captain had a lot of fun with one of them, a blonde with the lips of an angel.” Gyro smirked but Tony was burning inside. He knew that the Captain had touched Maria…and more than touched.
“What about the others?”
“No one got near the Consort and she tried to stop anything from happening to the others. But the brunette was a wild one!” Gyro laughed. “I had a turn at her myself! The women couldn’t keep their hands off the men! Monra wanted to brand them…but the Captain wouldn’t let her. She was able to make it look like an accident when she scratched them. She enjoyed the way they fought her every inch of the way.” Gyro was laughing almost uncontrollably by now, that drink hadn’t helped much either.
Tony stood then with a cold look on his face. It was enough to shut Gyro up. “You disgust me.” Tony said.
“What?” Gyro said. “But I thought-”
“You know nothing! You use people.”
“Lord Red-”
“I am not Lord Red.” Tony said his anger mounting. “My name is Belil Tirand and you, Gyro, have chosen the wrong side.”
The backhand was enough to knock Gyro out cold. Tony swept from the booth and went to his brother. Tony tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, bro, covers blown. Gyro copped.”
The other men at the table looked up surprised and then their eyes widened. “Hey boys,” Larek said. “Guess what? You’ve just been invited to run before the Royal Eight decides to use you for target practice.”
Tony touched a spot on Larek’s neck and the suit practically melted off. Larek stood. “Recognition.” Tony smirked. “This is good.”
Then chaos.


Part 19

Kharnak shot the ship into hyperdrive. “Man, who you guys decide to brawl, you really brawl!”
Les smiled. “That was fun.”
“And best of all,” Ava said trying to keep a strait face. “No one had to ‘take one for the team’.”
Everyone laughed, even Tony until Kharnak played the tape he had made. Then he rolled his eyes. “Well, he got the position right.” Lonnie said.
“I taught him everything he knows.” Rath said grinning.
“No wonder.” Les said. “I thought he looked a little…uh…too comfortable in that position.”
Rath and Les proceeded to wrestle around a little. It ended when Les managed to sit on Rath’s back pinning him. “I can still best you!” She said triumphantly.
“Yeah, but you have your abilities!”
“I’ve also had two kids!” She said proud of herself.
“Ok, you two.” Larek said. “Save it for the Guard.”
“Guard?” Les asked. “What guard?”
“The guard that is going to be around Vilandra when we get to the outpost.” Larek said pushing in a few coordinates.
“How do you know she’s there?” Zan asked.
“Because Tihandra sent her there.” Kharnak said. They were all out of their make-up and costumes now. Ari had hair again. “They’ve been having a little trouble with the rebels on Desedra. Tihandra believes they might cause a threat later in the war, so she wants them exterminated. We are-what is it they say on Terra? Killing two birds with one stone? The rebels are loyal to Zan; they began the revolt when you were killed. You always gave them the rights of any citizen of Antar but Tihandra saw them as animals. Do you remember them?”
Zan and Ari looked at each other. Ari was the one who spoke. “A little, I remember a small child with cat-like eyes and sharp teeth, her ears were elfin, and she was the sweetest little thing I ever saw. Her name was…” Ari thought a moment. “Denara.”
“Yes.” Kharnak said. “She leads the resistance. She knows you have been reborn and has sworn her undying loyalty to you. She is a grown woman now, but still young in the ways of the ‘Cat-people’.”
“7 years to every human?” Les asked.
“No 70 human to one Desedran.” Kharnak said. “Denara has never married or raised a child of her own. The others follow her and she has been made leader…but will not accept the title of ‘Empress’ until you, yourself bestow it upon her.” He was looking at Ari not Zan.
Zan smiled. “Well, Ari, guess who gets to be King?”
Ari looked at him. “What? No! No! Zan! I am not King! You are!”
“You remember.” He said smiling.
Ari sighed defeated. “All right. I will play King, but it’s yours the second we are gone.”
“Deal.” Zan said and he sat back. “Ah, no worries, I am just a lowly subject.”
Ava looked at him with an incredulous look on her face. “Fine, Les, I am commandeering your man, he’s mine for a while.”
“Ok.” Les said. “You can have him.”

It was about 10 hours later that they reached the outpost. They saw no ships around the spaceport or the planet. “Uh, Kharnak?”
“They don’t expect anyone out here, ships stay clear. They probably don’t even have radar on. We can’t risk that though. We have to assume they know we’re here. We will land on the other side of the planet. Denara’s people will surround us and take us prisoner. We will tell them who we are and then we have to prove it.”
“How?” Ava asked.
“Ari will have to identify Denara and then Les, I am sorry but you will have to fight her. It is said that only the Moonqueen had the power to fight the Empress of the ‘Cat-people’ in hand-to-hand combat.”
Les nodded, but she went to her room to limber up and do some exercises.

They landed in a small concealed grove and got out dressed, as they would have been when they were on Antar and going to fight. Ari led the way flanked by Tony and Kharnak. Ava was behind him with Lonnie and Isabel on either side. Les came next with Larek and Orphena beside her. Rath brought up the rear with Zan.
They hadn’t gone far when they were surrounded by men and women wearing little but what covered the extremes. They weren’t armed but their teeth and claws were enough to stop anyone. A man strode forward with red hair and green eyes. His skin was sallow and had black stripes on it. Ari knew they weren’t tattoos. “I am Sabre, give your names.”
Ari stepped forward. “I am Arizan,” there was murmuring through the others, but Sabre let his hand rise in the air and they were silent. “My cousin Lord Kharnak, my Captain, Belil. My-” he paused. “My queen, Ava, my sisters, Vilandra and Isabel. The Moonqueen, Valaya, my Advisor, Larek, and Orphena, the last of the Elite. In the back are the general Rath and my brother, Zan. We come asking for your help.”
Sabre nodded to his team and they came forward. “We must tie your hands and blindfold you, if you are who you say you are, you would have been prepared for this.”
Ari nodded. “We will come.”
A hood was brought down over his head and his hands tied in front of him.
They were carried along and after some time they were set down. The blindfolds were taken off and their bonds loosed. Ari looked around him and found they were in a large room, filled with the cat-like people. Some were sleeping, others playing games, children running everywhere. Ari was dismayed at what he saw. These proud warriors were reduced to living underground all together. They weren’t meant to be caged…they were meant to run free in the forests. Ari was looking around for Denara when a woman with long black hair and dark skin came over to them. “What do you wish? All of you?”
“That is not a very pertinent question.” Ari said. “Only I may speak until your Empress is acknowledged by me.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “You know I am not she.”
“I will never forget the child that came to me when this planet was in dire peril from its enemies. That child was the last of the Royal line and she begged me to save her people. She would have been my slave if I asked her to be just so her people might live in peace.” Ari looked around at all the people gathered there searching every face for the one that he remembered. “Where is she?” Ari asked. “She is not here.”
A hand was placed on Ari’s shoulder, a hand with long, razor sharp nails. “Or perhaps she is.”
Ari turned to a beautiful woman with a tawny mane of hair and skin the color of dry prairie grass. Her eyes were deep and amber-colored. She titled her head and gave a shy little green. “Denara.” He hugged her tight. She returned the embrace with fervor.
“It’s been so long.” She said happily. “I knew you were alive! I just knew it!”
Ari stepped back and Ava handed him something. It was a sword. “Kneel, Denara.”
The woman did so unquestioningly. Ari placed the cool metal of the blade to his forward and swung the sword with all his might over the woman’s head. She didn’t flinch. The flat of the blade was placed on her head and then Ari drew it back and placed his left hand over her cheek. “I say that you are now Empress Denara Desadrus. The rightful ruler and all that rule shall be from thy hand.”
A clapping was heard, a single solitary clapping. They turned. “Oh, bravo, Ari.”
Vilandra stood there with her guards. The two directly behind her pushed forward two men, their throats cut. “Vilandra.”
“I know you don’t have your powers, Ari. The Royal Eight are defenseless as are these pitiful animals.”
“Defenseless?” A voice said. “I think not.”
Les strode to the front and put her arm in front of Ari. “Ah if it isn’t the Moonqueen. Your powers do not work anymore.”
“The powers of the Moon, no.” Leslie said. “The powers of a Slayer, yes.” Her arm curved in and then shot out. Two stakes were ejected from beneath her sleeve and the two guards behind Tihandra grabbed their chests as they fell to the ground. “Fight Desedra! Fight for your lives! Fight for your Empress!”
The battle ensued. Les faced Vilandra they circled each other. “Well, well, it looks like bitch has bite after all.” Vilandra whispered maliciously.
Les smirked. “I am afraid you found that out long ago, with my sister.”
“Your sister? You mean Tess.” Vilandra laughed. “That girl is but a pawn.”
“No,” Les licked her lips. “I meant Erin.”
Vilandra’s eyes widened slightly. “I see, you know about our little plan.”
“Erin still has some of her powers, apparently.”
“That’s not possible!” Vilandra shrieked.
“Oh, but it is. She has enough to be able to communicate with the next generation.” Les’ leg shot out catching Vilandra in the chest. The older woman flew back, but recovered quickly with a beam.
Les easily avoided it. “What’s the matter, Vilandra? Are you afraid to face me without your powers? Are you that afraid that I can beat you again?”
Vilandra lunged driving her shoulder into Les’ stomach. Les may not have been young anymore, but neither was Vilandra. Les was also fighting for those she loved. She had never felt this way fighting vampires and Abdeash. This time it was for something more than keeping the others safe, this was for their lives. She wasn’t only fighting for her family and friends; she was fighting to ensure that this evil was never going to harm another soul ever again.
“Do you really think you can defeat me?” Vilandra spat and backhanded. “I have power on my side you know nothing of!”
Les remembered Erin’s words to her all those years ago a she round housed. “That power comes at a price that you will one day regret, Vilandra.”
“What do you know of it?” Vilandra smirked kneeing Les in the stomach.
“I know more than you think. Erin taught me well to stay away from that darkness that has taken your soul.” She elbowed Vilandra in the face.
“Erin is a fool!” She scratched Les’ face.
“Erin serves a higher power!” Les said with a punch to the stomach.
“Erin has been taken by that power and kept by it for 15 years!” Vilandra rammed her fist into Les’ back.
“That power cannot hold her, Vilandra! You know that! Erin has a power than you can never reach!” Les grabbed Vilandra’s head holding her there.
“Erin is gone.”
“She will never be gone. She will live on even after death.” Vilandra’s eyes were cold, but even she knew the truth. “Erin’s spirit will not be taken by the fire’s of hell! Only those who know the truth and deny it will be taken. And your dark god waits for soul with open arms, tell him when you see him that we will never stop fighting him and he will never get our souls. We fight in the name of the Eternal God.” Les gave a violent twist and flung Vilandra from her. Vilandra lay there with Les looking down at her. It was over…a life that was never a life. Vilandra was dead.

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 20

They had left one guard alive and they found out where Erin and the others had been taken. He had talked reluctantly but finally the information they sought was theirs. Erin, Michael, Liz, Maria and Kyle were alive and they were on Qurgonsia.
Kharnak sat at the controls. “Tihandra will not be happy when that guard gets back and tells her that Vilandra is dead. She will send Mother and Nicolas against us next and if they don’t do the job then she will come herself. We will be to Qurgonsia and Jayden before that happens. We will find out where they are and get them back.”
“Do you have any ideas where they are?” Lonnie asked.
“I do.” Larek said. “And I hope to the Father I am wrong.”
“You don’t think he would-” It was Zan who spoke.
“Take them to the Cave?” Larek finished. “Oh, I am sure Jayden would do worse. There is something I should tell you though, about the Empress of the Qurgons.”
“What?” Isabel asked.
“Empress Tessa rules with the iron fist that Jayden could never match.”
“Tess?” Zan asked sitting down heavily. “I knew someday we might have to face her…but…”
“Tess doesn’t have her powers, she willingly relinquished them for the plan to work.” Kharnak said. “But Tess is a cruel and heartless person that has control of most of the planet. We don’t want her knowing we are there. She would be all to happy to grant us a…personal audience.”
“Point taken.” Ava said dispiritedly. “But someday that girl will get her comeuppance.”
“Probably sooner than she would like.” Larek said. “Just like Vilandra.”
“Shouldn’t we leave that to Erin?” Les said. “I would never deprive her of teaching that little wench a lesson.” Everyone knew she had wanted to use a much stronger word but she was still quite mad from what Vilandra had called her.
“Zan, I need to talk to you.” Larek said.
Zan nodded and got up. The others watched them leave.
In Larek’s room they sat in chairs across from the bed. “What is wrong?” Zan asked knowing his old friend all too well.
“I have been wondering about the current situations.” Larek began choosing his words carefully. “You are married to Ava.”
“Yes,” Zan said. “I believe we covered this already.”
“No.” Larek said. “I was concerned about Liz.”
The full force of the statement hit Zan then. He hadn’t had time to think about it before. “Oh.” Zan leaned forward resting his chin on his clasped hands. “I see. It is the same for all of us, except you, of course.”
“Of course.” Larek agreed.
“How did you do it?” Zan asked.
Larek smiled. “How did I last all these years without her, you mean?” Larek stood and crossed the room to the bedside table. He picked up a framed photograph. “Zan, I was 8 years old the first time I saw Tay. She was 3. She was such a pretty little girl, full of life and full of love for all around her. I think I began feeling something toward her when I was about 10. It was strange we were so young. Tay seemed so much older than she was. She was 5 and I swear, Zan, she seemed like she was an adult sometimes.” He sat back down with the picture. “At 15 I knew I was in love and I couldn’t bring myself to tell her or to do anything about it…except run from her.” Zan smiled remembering. “Yes,” Larek said. “For five years I courted any other girl I could, except Landra, of course. At 20, I couldn’t keep my feelings hidden any longer. I married her with both eyes open knowing that we were the Royal Eight, Zan. I knew our lives would become all the more…intense and we would be in even more danger. 10 years later I lost her. Zan, when you have loved the way we loved there can never be another.” Larek looked down at the picture. “75 years…” He whispered. “I was not a love-struck teenager. I was a man with my eternal companion. Even now I wake up in the darkness and think that I hear her breathing or feel her reaching out to me…” He took a breath and continued. “I will never love another, I have known that since I was 10 years old. In August I will be 130 years old. And not a day goes by that I don’t long for her. In my heart I am always praying that this a dream and that I will wake up and she will be there holding me telling me it was only a dream. Every night I go to bed and can’t sleep because the ache is so bad. All of you have been able to get on with your lives…I know what you say about me behind my back…I know what they all say. You say I am strong and that I am unreachable, unattainable… well, Zan, you are all wrong.”
Zan was shocked by what Larek was telling me. “But…Larek, I just always assumed that, well, you were a man and could control yourself and you just dealt with everything in your own way…”
“To an extent that is the truth.” Larek conceded. “But not the whole truth. You see, Zan, you look to her as a guardian and as a mother, you might say, but not me. She is the only reason I make it day after day. She is the strength of us all. Only the hope that one day I can hold her in my arms again is what keeps me going, to hear her laugh and to hear her whisper to me in the night. I am a man, Zan, but men are nothing without the one they love by their side.”
“I never knew.” Zan said quietly.
“No one knows, Zan, well, I expect Tay probably knew all of this already. She always seemed to know everything.”
“You’re telling me.” Zan said. “I have often wondered how she knows things.”
“Even when she insists she doesn’t use her powers…” Larek smiled and Zan laughed.
“Larek?” The voice came into the room from nowhere.
“Kharnak, have you been listening?” Larek asked.
“No, sir. I make it a point to always turn the communication off to your room. I have gotten embarrassed too many times when I turned it on before addressing you.”
“Very smart, Kharnak, now what is it?” Zan asked.
“We are approaching Qurgonsia. I am in line behind a huge trash ship.”
“Good.” Larek said. “This time don’t get too close.”
“Ha-ha.” Kharnak said ending the transmission.
“What did he mean about being embarrassed?” Zan asked getting up.
“Sometimes he didn’t know that Tay was here.” Larek smiled.
“Ah, crystal clear.” He caught sight of the picture that Larek set down on the table between the chairs. It showed Erin smiling and Larek behind her with his arms around her. They looked so happy. He followed Larek out of the room.

“Ready?” Kharnak asked for the millionth time since they boarded the ship.
“Yes.” Zan said. “Is it safe just to leave the ship?” He asked.
“Yes, yes.” Kharnak said. “This is one of Taylaya’s Tritons.” He said quickly. “You know that only certain people can come on.”
“Doesn’t that mean Tess?” Ava asked.
Kharnak smiled. “Not unless she feels like getting sparked in the butt. I have reconfigured the entry to voice recognition and since you and Tess do not have the same accent or inflections it would be almost impossible for her to get on.”
“Let’s go.” Larek said. “My boys are out running a reconnaissance mission for any hostiles. We are headed for the cave. They should be there…I don’t know how we will find them but we have to.”
No one argued with him.

Larek was lying on his stomach and put some pressure on the side of his face directly beside his eye. The contact in his eye activated. “200 yards.” He whispered and his right eye was seeing things 200 yards away as if they were right in front of him. He saw a few guards standing around nervously. No one liked guard duty at the cave, they were never sure if a monster was going to come out and attack or not. More than one guard had been killed on duty at the cave. Larek crawled back to the others. He crouched with them behind the low overhang. “Ok, each one of you put one on.” He withdrew a tiny case. Zan took it and opened it. He found contact lenses and he didn’t ask questions just drew one out with his finger and passed on the case. It took a few minutes but he finally got it in. The only one without a problem was Tony who wore contacts anyway. He just asked if it went over his other one or if it worked alone. “Better put it on alone.” Larek said. “Don’t worry it will conform to your vision, so you will be able to see. To activate it just close your eye and put some pressure on the side. To make it do something just give it a command. For example if you want to see something in the dark, just say, ‘Light’ and you can see. I won’t explain how they work but just remember that they do. If you need to know if someone is and enemy or a friend it will also tell you. Just whisper ‘Scan’ and it will scan whatever you are looking at. You only need 2 seconds for it to scan. It’s been programmed with the entire Antarin database. We hacked into it. So it tells all the people from Antarix as well as those from Qurgonsia and Leergha. Everyone that is born is put into the database. The only ones that haven’t are of course those born to the revolutionaries, but we have those anyway and the Desedran’s. But I got all the information before we left…including those that have been sent to the cave. I was able to access that information from Guard Ships database. The only way we will have a problem is if the person isn’t in the databases. At which time you do what you think is right. The eye will let you see hidden things and all life forms in red if you are working that way. One tap activates it, two taps goes into thermal mode, understood?”
Everyone nodded so they got down to business. “You each have laser with 4 plasma charges. Each plasma charge holds enough power for 1,000-3 second beams. The charge will tell you when it is getting low. When it shows blue you have 5 more beams left. On your wrists you have the communicators, they are directly linked to the tiny remote that I inserted into the skin above your voice boxes. You only need to mouth words for it to pick it up, remember you must push ‘send’. If you don’t give it a direct command it will go to all communicators. Your suits will take up to 5 neutrino charges. That is 10 laser beams or 150 bullets. Do not take hits unnecessarily. If you find anyone that is a friend, you protect him or her…unless they can protect themselves. Find out where Michael, Erin, Liz, Maria and Kyle are, that is our mission. Any questions?”
“What about the monsters?” Ava asked.
“You can take out a guard with one laser beam, but depending on how big the beast is you will need more…size them up to human standards. It takes one beam for a 7’0, 300-pound man to go down…if the beast is larger than that go by how many of those men are in that beast and you will have the count. Now anything else?”
There wasn’t, they had pretty much gone over this before, though not in as much detail. “We’re ready.” Les said.
“Good.” Larek said. “Ava, Zan you will be on one team. Ari, Les you are on the second. Isabel, Lonnie and Rath on the third, Kharnak you and Tony will be on the fourth and I will be on the fifth.”
“Are you sure?” Zan asked.
“I work better alone.” Larek said brushing it off. “I don’t have to protect anyone. If anyone is hurt do the best you can…if anyone is killed report it right away. Let’s go.”
They all nodded looking at each other. Ava and Zan looked at each other, as did Isabel and Tony. Ava whispered to Zan. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know.” He said. “We’ll figure something out.”
Tony took Isabel’s hand in his. “I married you, but I’m still in love with Maria.”
Isabel nodded. “I know. I’m still in love with Michael…”
“But the kids…” Tony said.
Isabel put her hand over his mouth. “We’ll figure something out. We have to, but not now. We have to wait until we see what has happened.”
Just then the communicator on Larek’s wrist buzzed. “Sir? Sir!”
“What is it, Orin?” Larek asked.
“Sir, something is really going on here. I think it’s the entire Qurgon Army! They are preparing for something!” The excited voice reflected the lieutenant’s young age.
“Orin, calm down, who’s there with you, Remis?”
“Yes, sir and Toaban too.” The voice was suddenly serious.
“What is their take on the situation?”
“They no longer have a take on it, sir.”
“What?” Larek almost shouted into the communicator. “And when were you going to tell me that little part?” He was fuming.
“Sorry, sir, I thought this news was more important.”
“What happened?” Larek said practically through his teeth.
“We were on reconnaissance, as per your instructions, sir. We found in our sector the troops preparing for battle. They thought Remis and Toaban were escapees and they were shot. I hid and I heard them saying that it was good for them they weren’t in the caves. That it was better to die now than in two day’s time in the slaughter.”
Larek closed his eyes. “They are preparing to lay siege to the caves. Obviously they know Tay and the others are alive. We have to get them out before it’s too late.”


Part 21

Tony positioned himself a few feet from Kharnak. “Scared?” The older man asked.
“A little.” Tony said. “Not of this, but of seeing Maria again.”
Kharnak chuckled. “Believe me, sir, this is the easy part. A woman is always infinitely harder to deal with.”
“Is that why you stick to the killing?” Tony asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“You got it.” Kharnak smiled. “Now, remember aim for their hearts and make sure they are dead.”
“It’s all coming back.” Tony said.
“Good.” Kharnak said suddenly. “No one could best you in combat…at least not with weapons.”
“Yeah, Rath could always kick my butt in hand-to-hand. But not too many others.” Tony grinned.
“OK, you two, enough with the chitchat.” Larek’s voice came over the communicator. “We begin firing in 3-2-1.”
The hillside they were on exploded with laser beams. The guards at the entrance never had a chance…in fact I doubt they noticed they were even dead.
Tony and Kharnak made it down the hillside and checked the guards to make sure they were dead. A hastily shot laser didn’t always kill, especially if it wasn’t in the right spots. Leg and arm shots were useless also stomach shots didn’t kill all the time. Luckily for Kharnak and Tony all the guards were dead. They proceeded into the cave.
Inside the entrance was a large cavern with seven tunnels leading off. “Ok, everyone.” Larek said. “You have your assignments. Numbers 1-7 going from left. Now split up and I want constant communication, but if you don’t have anything to say don’t say anything.” He was looking at Rath and Les when he said this.
“What?” Les asked. “You have to worry about him, not me.”
“Just remember.” Larek said in a voice that meant no arguing. “Go.”
Larek made his way down the tunnel closest to the entrance to his right. The tunnel was dark, but the contact made it easy for him to see what was going on. He pressed the communicator. “Make sure your eyes are activated, everyone.”
Larek knew Ari was restraining Les from making a derogatory comment, probably something to do with ‘old man’ or ‘dad’. Larek was quiet as he made his way down the tunnel, nothing moved in his field of vision, which he found a little discomforting. The last time he had been in the cave was about 50 years ago, but then it had been crawling with monsters. Now it was quiet…too quiet. This tunnel kept going; he didn’t see any offshoots as of yet. And when he did he found the tunnel branching off was cluttered with debris, the entrance blocked. No way to go in that direction.
The tunnel veered off sharply to the left and down. He was expecting this. “Larek? Larek? Larek!”
“Yes, Ava?” Larek noticed the panic in the girl’s voice. Yes, after 15 years he still thought of her as a girl.
“We’re surrounded by two of the biggest things I have ever seen in my life!”
“What do they look like?” Larek asked.
“You ever heard of a dinosaur!?” She screamed at him.
“Are they purple or red?” Larek asked.
“Yes!”
“Dragons, Ava! Throw a neutrino charge at them!” Larek almost rolled his eyes. “Only one! That will take care of them, don’t use them on anything smaller though or less than 10. Ok?”
“Gotcha!”
He was walking all the time he had been talking noticing the stillness that lay around him. He hoped nothing bigger than a dragon was prowling the tunnels…you just didn’t know what Tess could think up. The last time she had an idea she decided to crossbreed Qumats (cat-like birds) and Dreegans (small dragon-like fish). The result was an animal that could stalk, fly, swim and breath gas. Not a very good combination. If she decided to experiment with dragons…or send someone to retrieve dinosaur DNA from earth…well, that would just make his day. He rolled his eyes.
Larek came to a tunnel leading off and noticed a pale light coming from it. He went along it wary of anything that might be there. He found himself in a small cave with a hole high in the ceiling; the light was streaming down in beams to a pool in the floor. Watching around him he checked out the room. What happened next happened so quickly that Larek was never sure how it began, but suddenly a large clawed hand hit him across the body and he was thrown into the wall. He landed on his back and saw a white blast over him. He turned and saw the monster was about 3 times as big as the biggest dragon he had ever seen. Its eyes were white but they didn’t seem to be blind. Scales covered the body and half of it was still inside the pool. The ears were large and elephantine, the snout piggish and the teeth longer than the claws. The light hit the monster and it was followed by two more rapid blasts. The creature reared and Larek caught sight of a fish-like tail. The noise was horrible and then it sank back into the water.
Larek turned and saw a human shape framed in a natural archway. The light coming from it shadowed the person. They stepped forward and Larek made out a woman standing there. Her hair was short and dark blonde. She was wearing what appeared to be a dragon skin tunic, sleeveless and v-necked. On her legs were what appeared to be jeans. Around her neck was a strap that connected to a weapon he had never seen before. That must have been where the beams came from. Larek stared at the woman and she stared back. And then he saw she was smiling. She covered the space between them in a few strides. Her hand closed around his tunic and she hauled him up. His lips met hers and he knew…She pulled back. “Well, dear, I see you’ve finally showed up.”
He grinned. “I see you’ve been doing pretty well without me.”
“Not so well.” Erin said grinning. “I’ve missed you, hon.”
Instead of responding Larek pulled her to him again and kissed her. Into that kiss he poured out every kiss they’d missed those that 15 years.

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 22

Kharnak had his back against a rock. Tony was firing over the rock beside him. “I hate Manticore’s.”
“Those are manticore’s?” Tony asked looking at the weird creature that resembled a lion, goat and snake.
Kharnak rolled his eyes. “Yes.” He was working on the bite in his leg. They had been caught unawares.
“What are you doing?” Tony asked.
Kharnak had a small kit with tools in it out and was touching the skin around the wound with the tools. “Fixing it. What are the manticore’s doing?”
“Waiting.” Tony said.
Kharnak nodded. “They will wait until we die.”
“There are only five!” Tony argued.
“5 more than I like. Stupid communicators.” During the brief skirmish Tony’s communicator was destroyed. Kharnak’s had been under him when he dived behind the rocks.
The little tools emitted tiny laser charges at different frequencies, some dulled the pain and others repaired the damage. It couldn’t do everything though. When they returned to the ship he would spend some time in the tank. The liquid would rebuild the muscle, skin and veins, as well as fortify the blood.
“Well, well, well, what’s this? Two birds caught in a trap?” Tony and Kharnak looked at each other.
“I know that voice.” Tony looked over the rock. “Uh, Kharnak…you’re not going to believe this…”
“What?”
“Tony! You and Kharnak stay low!”
“Ok!” He flattened himself down and then there was a bright whitish-blue light, almost blinding above them. Then the light faded.
“You two coming out?” The woman’s voice asked.
“Yeah, just a sec!” Tony said. “Kharnak’s repairing a bite.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that, Michelle can help him.”
“Who’s Michelle?” Tony asked as he helped Kharnak to his feet.
When they turned they saw a beautiful brunette. Something struck them as odd about her, and then Tony realized she looked older than they did. Humans age faster…Liz Parker had some gray in her dark brown hair and lines around her eyes. She wore a sleeveless dragon-skin tunic over a pair of jeans. Over her shoulder was a strap that held a weapon, unlike anything they had ever seen before.
“Hey, Liz.”
“Hey, guys. We heard people were in the cave.” She smiled. “Come on.”
She moved to help Tony support Kharnak. “Is it far?” He asked.
“No. I know some shortcuts.”

“That old man said there’d be monsters.” Les sulked as she sat down on a rock and took off her boot. She held it upside down and rocks fell out.
“How did those get in there?” Ari asked sitting down next to her.
“Like I know.” She rolled her eyes.” Where’s that darn sister of mine?”
“I assume you mean E and not Av’?”
Les looked at him. “Yes.”
“Knowing her, she found Larek.” Ari said.
“It’s only been about an hour.” Les said not bothering to check her watch, but she did reach up and run her forefinger and thumb along a pendant that was on fine silver chain around her throat.
“She gave that too you, huh?” Ari said.
Les nodded. “For my 19th birthday.” She brought it out and long thin oval shaped sapphire was dangling from her long fingers. She turned it over and showed him the inscription on the back:
‘A Home is of the Heart.
You’ll always have a place in mine.’
~Erin
“Erin and Tony were my family then.” She whispered. “I wanted to leave them with you guys. I didn’t want them to be hurt…like I was hurt. I was afraid that I would be like my parents. Erin was the only one able to convince me that I couldn’t give up a chance for happiness. So I stayed.”
“Did you find happiness?’ Ari asked slowly.
Les looked at him and bit her lips thinking about it. “I think so…I mean I have a two beautiful children, even if they are like us…” Ari laughed. “I have you…”
“Les, there has been something that has always troubled me…”
“What?” She asked.
“Why did you choose me?’
Les was taken aback by the look on Ari’s face. She swallowed. “Because you never gave up on me. You were the only one…”
“What about Zan?’ He asked.
Les sighed. “Ari, you walked in on us and didn’t hear what was said before that…I told him I was in love with you…and he asked what I was going to say. What you heard was what I planned to say to you.”
“Really?” He asked.
Les put her hand on his cheek. “Really. She kissed him.
“Oh, my god!” A voice said swearing.
“Erin’s gonna kill you.” Les said turning.
A large man stood there leaning against the wall. He was wearing what looked like purple leather, with scales…over his torso and black jeans that had faded to gray. Slung over his shoulder was some type of gun. “Only if you tell her.”
Les smiled and hugged Michael. “Looking good.”
“Thanks, been awhile.” He laughed. “Ari, are those gray hairs I see?”
“You try living with her and not getting a gray hair or two.” He growled good-naturedly.
“How’ve you been?” Les asked.
“I’ve been good. Hey, I’ve been with Erin…how bad could it be?” He asked.
Les smiled. “Everyone thought you were dead.”
Michael nodded. “So we assumed. We’ve done well for ourselves. Erin has made a lot of things to help us. She takes care of all of us.”
“Just like she always did.” Les said.
“Yes.” Michael smiled. “There are more of us now, though. Maria and I got together again and so did Liz and Kyle.”
“And Erin has remained the good old celibate person she’s always been.” Ari said.
“Do you expect anything different?” Michael asked.
“Not really. You think she’s found Larek yet?” Ari grinned.
“Knowing her.” Michael said. “Absolutely. Come on, I’ll take you to our home.”
Les and Ari followed Michael through the tunnels.

“Larek? Larek? Larek!” Ava called frantically into her communicator.
“Yes, Ava?” Larek’s voice said in his no nonsense attitude.
“We’re surrounded by two of the biggest things I have ever seen in my life!” She and Zan were staring at two things that looked like tyrannosaurus rex’s with large wings and breathing fire.
“What do they look like?” Larek asked.
“You ever heard of a dinosaur?” She screamed into the communicator.
“Are they purple or red?” Larek asked.
Ava looked…well more maroon and crimson but, “Yes!”
“Dragons, Ava! Throw a neutrino charge at them!” Ava could almost hear Larek rolling his eyes at her. “Only one! That will take care of them, don’t use them on anything smaller though or less than 10. Ok?”
“Gotcha!” Ava said taking a neutrino charge from her belt and throwing it. She grabbed Zan and ducked behind an outcropping. After the explosion they got up.
“Not bad you two.”
“Maria?” Zan asked looking around.
A woman with long blonde hair pulled back into ponytail came out of a side tunnel. Her eyes were still sparkling, her face a little thinner, but her lips were still smiling. She was wearing a purple dragon skin tunic and a pair leggings made out of something that they had never seen before. She carried a highly modified blaster. “Erin’s invention.” She said seeing they were looking at it. “Oh and once dragon skin is cut from a dragon it works better than the most resistant armor.”
Ava ran to Maria and hugged her. “How’ve you been?”
“Can’t complain.” She laughed. “I miss my parents, though.”
“They’re fine.” Zan said. “We’re all fine.”
“And Toby?” Maria asked hesitantly.
“He married Isabel and they have two kids.”
Maria nodded. “I see.”
“He still loves you.” Ava said. “He never stopped.”
“Really?” Maria’s eyes looked at them hopefully. “He still loves me? Does…does he know about…” Maria averted her eyes.
“We know what happened when you were taken.” Zan said gently. “We had some fun with the crew before there ship was blown up.”
Maria smiled lightly. “Good.” She took a breath. “Come on, I’ll show you to where we live.”

Isabel walked along the tunnel deep in thought. “Hey, Iz, what’s the matter?” Rath asked.
“I was thinking about Tony and Michael.” She said slowly.
“Don’t worry.” Lonnie said. “Everything will work out just fine.”
“I hope your right.” Isabel said.
“According to Buddha what will be will be. All we can do is live how we should live and everything should turn out right, maybe not how we want it too, but right nonetheless.”
“Thanks, Kyle, I-KYLE!” Isabel whirled around, as did Lonnie and Rath. They stared at the tall man behind them. He stood there smiling. He was wearing a dragon skin tunic and a pair of jeans. Isabel hugged him. “How are you?”
“Fine, just fine.” He said smiling.
Rath and Lonnie hung back but they all knew how they felt about each other. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Lonnie said.
“Thanks.” Kyle said laughing. “Is Ava here?”
“She’s with Zan.” Isabel said. “Is everyone ok here?”
“Yeah, everyone’s fine.” Kyle said. “We’ve grown some…our community that is. Erin leads us. She invented these.” He showed them the guns they used. “She found out that dragon skin makes great armor. Not a great fashion statement, but comfortable and resistant. We all have work to do.” He led them along as he spoke. “Maria teaches the children. I work on the construction of shelter and making weapons and repair and stuff. Michael teaches the defense aspect. Liz and Michelle work with the wounds and the sick. Erin supervises everyone and helps out where needed. Anyone that is put in the cave we bring them to the community. If we find they can’t be trusted they are killed. We can’t let the knowledge of this to the outside world.”
“They know.” Rath said quietly.
“What?” Kyle asked sharply looking at him.
“They know.” Rath said louder. “In two days they are coming, the entire Qurgon Army to destroy you.”
Kyle’s mouth opened. “Erin, thought something was up…we have to get back now. She needs to know about this. Come on.”

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 23

They all sat around on rocks or odd assorted junk looking at each other. No one really knew what to say. Erin sat next to Larek with his arm around her. Next to them Ari and Les sat and next to them Rath and Lonnie. Everyone else seemed to not look at anyone else. Zan and Ava were sitting next to each other but not touching. Liz and Kyle sat across from them looking extremely uncomfortable. Then there was Tony and Iz and Maria and Michael. No one wanted to speak. Just then a girl of about 15 came in. “Hey, Mom, the kids are asleep-oh…is something wrong?”
Liz smiled nervously. “Michelle, come here, honey.”
The girl had long brown hair and large brown eyes, her face was square and she did as her mother bade her but looked nervous. “What is it, Mom?”
“I’d like you to meet the Royal Eight, dear. Sitting next to Erin is her husband, Larek.” Michelle nodded to the tall man. “Next to them are Les and Ari and Lonnie and Rath. Over there are Tony and Isabel and here are Ava and…Zan…”
Michelle nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Liz looked at Zan. “Michelle is my daughter, Zan.”
“You’re daughter?” Zan asked looking at her curiously.
“Yes, my daughter.” She swallowed. “And your daughter, also. I was 2 months pregnant when we were taken.”
No one spoke. “He’s my-” Michelle looked at Zan. “My father?”
“Yes.” Liz said confirming her daughters’ question.
Zan looked up and Michelle not sure what to say or do. Michelle saw Kharnak who was looking at his wound. “Oh, let me help you with that.”
“That’s Kharnak, dear.”
Michelle nodded as she kneeled next to the man. “Are you related to my father?”
Kharnak nodded. “Cousins.”
Michelle put her hands on the wound and it closed under her touch. “You mean she-” Zan was looking from Liz to Michelle.
“She’s a healer, just like you.” Liz said.
Erin stood and touched Larek’s shoulder. “Let’s leave them to it.”
Larek nodded looking at his wife. Erin led him to a nearby shelter. Inside was a type of bed that was on a rock shelf, another rock that served as a chair and something that could be a desk. Erin looked at him and sat down on the bed. He looked at her curiously. She looked at him with a gaze that went strait to his heart. Erin took the dragon tunic off and she sat there with a sleeveless tank top on. “Larek…” She whispered.
He stepped forward and kneeled down in front of her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her softly. She ran her hands through his hair enjoying the sensation that ran through her. He slid his hand over her should pushing the hair back. He slid down the strap of the tank top and kissed her shoulder. Erin’s arms went around his neck. He slipped the tank top over her head and Erin unbuttoned his shirt slowly, when she slid it back over his shoulders she returned her hands to the firm muscles of his chest caressing and she slid her lips along his chest. Erin smiled at him and scooted up onto the bed.
Larek kneeled on the bed over her and took her in his arms. His lips met hers and he gently lowered her beneath him. One hand stroked her stomach and the other slipped back to undo the clasps behind her. “Larek…” Erin said pushing him away for just a moment. “I love you.”
He smiled bringing his hand up to gently stroke her cheek. “I have always loved you and always will.”
She slipped her arms around him again and kissed him passionately.

Zan and Liz sat next to each other with Michelle across from them. Ava and Kyle were sitting together not so far away. Iz and Mikey and Tony and Maria were also sitting together. It was quiet. No one quite seemed to know what to say. Kharnak, Ari, Les, Rath and Lonnie didn’t know what to do. They seemed to be outsiders in this. “Do you think Larek is telling Erin about the attack?” Ari whispered.
Les gave him a look. “If Erin doesn’t have Larek flat on his back by now I’d be very surprised.”
Rath chuckled and glanced at the shelter. “I don’t know I don’t hear any noise.”
Les rolled her eyes. “Those two usually don’t, it makes it hard to decide whether or not to knock on their door or just go right in.”
“Only you would go right in.” Lonnie said.
“So? Erin’s my best friend.” Les said nonchalantly. “Besides, Rath, only you and Lonnie have screaming matches.”
Rath grinned leaning back. “That’s how I know she’s enjoying herself.”
Les rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you say that alien sex is the best?”
Rath nodded. “Too true. Nothing can compare with that.”
“You know…” Lonnie said with a grin on her face. “I have wondered how good Larek actually was…I mean if there is any consideration with his hand and feet size-”
“NO!” Les said. “Bad mental image! No more! No more! You can think what you want but I definitely do not need Larek in my head. If you really want to know ask Erin! But I don’t want to know! So don’t tell me!”
“She don’t anyone besides me.” Ari growled at his sister. “So don’t you be doing anything ‘bout that.”
“Like I would.” Lonnie rolled her eyes. “Les is almost as much a wildcat as I am.”
“Thank you.” Les said indignantly. “I do not share my love life with anyone thank you very much.”
“What about Erin?”
“Well when she was around, sure.” Les rolled her eyes this time. “But she didn’t really want to hear it. What goes on is between me and Ari, no one else. And you would do well to remember that boy.” Les gave Ari a withering look.
“Ok, I won’t talk to Lonnie no more, satisfied?” Ari grumbled.
“You shouldn’t have in the first place.” Les snorted. “Let’s change the subject. We have been in the dark for the last 15 years and this is all we can come up with to talk about? There must be something more interesting. You know everyone looks pretty good. We haven’t seen the others yet, but everyone looks like they are thriving nicely here.”
Kharnak nodded. “I noticed that too. I have heard that the caves had a 0% survival rate until Erin came onto the scene. That girl is smart, there’s no denying that.”
Les looked at him searchingly. “Kharnak…do you have a crush on Erin?”
“No!” He said. “Why would you think that?”
“Just every time you talk about her you seem to look…I don’t know, just weird.”
“Don’t worry about me, if you worry about anyone worry about Larek.”
Les snorted. “Yeah like Larek is going to be complaining any time in the near future.”

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 24

Larek was lying with his on his head propped up with his hand. He lay gazing down at his wife and she lay on her back smiling up at him. “You haven’t changed much.”
He laughed lightly. “Some things you don’t forget.”
Erin sighed as he caressed her face with his hand. “And you are just as wonderful as you’ve always been.” Erin looked at him. “Larek, am I the only one you’ve ever been with?”
Larek looked taken aback but then leaned down and gently kissed her. He drew back. “Tay, I never even considered being with anyone else. You are what I have always wanted. When you’ve seen eternity in the eyes of the one you love you never desire anything else. I found myself when I found you. I found something that I will never give up, not for anyone or anything. You have always had me, heart, mind, soul and body.”
Erin smiled. “And you’ve had me. All you had to do was say the word…”
He leaned down again and softly touched her lips with his. She ended the kiss and smiled mischievously. “For an old man you’ve still got it.”
“Oh really.” He lifted an eyebrow at her. “And just what have I got?”
Erin pulled him to her kissing him deeply running her hands along his taut, firm body. He pulled back with difficulty. “Are you sure?”
She moved her hand along the muscles of his chest and drew herself closer to him. “Larek, I am always ready for you, always wanting you to make love to me, always wanting to feel your soft caress, always wanting to feel the you here with me.”
He wrapped his arms around her and this time he didn’t hold back.

Zan paced the floor. “How long are they going to be in there?” He cried exasperatedly casting looks at the makeshift room.
“As long as Erin wants to be.” Les said leaning back against Ari. Ari, who was pleasantly surprised slipped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. She swatted his kisses away on half-heartedly. “She hasn’t seen Larek in 15 years.” She elaborated. “Unfortunately even the barest mention of sex is enough to send this one into hyperdrive.”
Ari was at that moment massaging her stomach. Zan raised an eyebrow. “Why haven’t you two ever gotten married?”
Ari stopped at that and glared at Zan. “You know we are married, just because we don’t have a stupid piece of paper making it all legal and crap doesn’t mean we aren’t.”
“And besides.” Les said. “I won’t get married unless Erin is there. It was a rule.”
“Too true.” Ari said gazing down at her body. “You know we could sneak off somewhere.”
“Not know, Ari.” Les said.
“Ah, come on…we both need some release…I can feel it…every muscle crying out to be touched by me.” He pulled her hair back from her neck.
“My body is not saying that.” Les said. “Your body may say that every moment, but I know my body…”
“I know your body too…” Ari whispered running his hand down the outside of her thigh.
She slapped him away. “Be that as it may.” She rolled her eyes. “I said no and I meant no.”
“You’ve said no before and then minutes later you were hot for me.” Ari growled in what he thought was a sexy voice.
“Minutes?” Les asked raising an eyebrow. “More like hours or days.”
“I remember a night you were all for it over and over again.” Ari alleged.
“And when was that?” She asked.
“The night Lessa and Vince were started.” He practically purred in her ear.
Les sighed. “Ari, I said not now. I couldn’t concentrate and you know when ever I am doing something I like to be focused on it 100%, you’d only get about 40-”
“I only need 1% and I’d be happy.” He said.
Les sighed. "Remind me again why I am with him?"
Zan raised his eyebrow at them. "Well according to you that day in the hospital he was your true love."
"Darn you." Les growled. "Ari, I said no!"
Ari had managed to get her shirt untucked from her jeans in the two seconds she had been talking. "Oh, come on, babe. You know I am always hot for you."
Les stood up and straitened her shirt. "Ari, you really need to dampen your hormones."
Ari frowned and got a puppy dog face on. "Les, you know I could die without you..."
"It's not going to work." She said not looking at him.
"Les, you are just the only woman that's ever been right for me...you know I love you more life itself. How could you treat me this way?"
"Ari, not having sex for one day isn't going to kill you!" She yelled at him.
"It could..." He said with the puppy dog eyes.
"No it couldn't." She said with her hands on her waist. "Ari, I said no, so stop it already!"
Just then a verrry happy laugh came from the shelter. Zan looked toward it and shook his head. "Those two are never going to come out."
"That's it, Les!" Ari said jumping up. "I need you now...please...please...please..." He actually got down on his hands and knees.
"Oh, for goodness sake, Ari, go jump in an underground stream!" Les growled.
"That won't help now..." Ari said. "You know how I get."
Les sighed in agitation. "Ok, ok. Maria! We're using your tent!"
"What?" Maria called back. "No way!"
"We'll be in there about 5 minutes." Les called back.
"That's what you think." Ari said.
Les rolled her eyes and shoved him the tent.

Zan shook his head. "Ok, how long can those two be in there?"
"Ari and Les or E and Larek?" Lonnie asked.
"Erin and Larek, of course!" He snapped at his sister who didn't seem to notice.
"Well, then, they will be in there until they are both exhausted. Sit down, bro, you're gonna give yourself a heart attack."
Zan did, relunctantly and put his chin in his heads with a "hummph!"
"Zan, don't get all grouchy." Ava ordered. "It's not like everyone's going to die if you don't talk to her right this second! I mean, come on, we have at least 5 hours."
"AVA!" Zan said whipping his head around, but Ava was grinning.
"I knew that would get ya. Now settle down and talk to Liz and leave the rest of us be."
"Fine." Zan said sitting down next to Liz again.
"Thank you." Ava said turning back to Kyle.

[TaylayaTirand]

Author's Note: Ok, the Royal Eight lost their powers because of a plan brought on by Tihandra. They were still alive because the, I am not really sure what to call it, maybe spell or something? Anyway they are still alive because whatever it was just knocked out their powers, they were supposed to die. The plan was that if their powers were gone they would be defenseless and Tihandra and Co. could just kill them. They didn't count on Erin however and that was the reason their plan didn't work, sure the others lost their powers and lived, but Erin wasn't about to give anything up including her friends. I hope that answers your question. Oh and the tetrazine stuff? Well, when they lost their powers they became human and that was all that was left, something inside of them that resembled a drug. Ok, next part and I know, I am sorry that it has taken so long. College student here. But I will try. Sorry it is so short.

Part 25

Erin sat to Zan’s left in the circle with Larek beside her. Zan was deep in thought. He just sat there thinking about the information that Erin, Larek and Kharnak had given him. He didn’t regret coming after them, goodness no, he just needed to sort out what was in his mind. “The Qurgon Army will be here anytime between 14 and 24 hours. We don’t have much time to act. The original plan won’t work; we didn’t know there would be other people here. We can’t just leave them here, after all. They are loyal to me.” Zan scrubbed his face with his hands. “Erin?”
“I have my people stationed. They will let us know when the army is coming. The rest are sleeping and resting in shifts and also training. There will be relief in 5 hours for those stationed. I suggest we all get some sleep and then prepare. We have time; I knew that something would happen. I will leave it all of you to decide where you want to sleep. Ari, Les you can take the lean-to near the entrance. Rath, Lonnie the one at the back. Zan, you need to sleep, if not you will not be able to fight.”
Zan nodded. “I don’t know if I will be able to…”
Erin stood and went to the young King. She put her fingertips to his temples. “Relax…everything will be all right. But we must be able to rest and conserve our strength.” Erin’s voice was soft and soothing. Zan listened knowing what she was doing but not fighting it. He yawned and she kissed his brow. “Good, now go to sleep.”
“How do you do that?” Ava asked.
“You ever wondered how I could get Isabel to sleep and stop running around?” Erin grinned.
Ava grinned too. “Now it all makes sense.”

[TaylayaTirand]

Part 26

Erin sat outside her ‘room’ checking the weapons. The flap was drawn aside and Larek stepped out pulling his shirt on over his head. “I’d like it if you didn’t wear that.”
He raised an eyebrow at her chuckling. “You’re biased.” He kissed her on the op of the head. “I’ve missed you.” He whispered.
“I can just imagine.” She smiled. He sat down on the rock behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. “Larek.” She protested (but not too much) as he nuzzled her beck and shoulder. She slipped her hand up around his neck, closing her eyes and just enjoying the feeling of his so close to her.
“You know, the fact that you two are so happy is sickening.”
Larek growled as sat up and Erin just sighed going back to checking the weapons. “Les, Larek and I aren’t together as often as you and Ari.”
The tall brunette rolled her eyes and sat down in front of the pretty blonde. “It’s been tough without you. I knew you weren’t dead, but Mr. Stick-up-his-ass wouldn’t listen to me. He told me to let it go; that I didn’t know what the hell I was talking about.”
Erin didn’t bother to correct her sister on her language. “Well, he lost almost every pillar he had holding him up. He lost the woman he loved, he lost his ‘brother’, he lost the two other humans that knew about us, and he lost the only other person who knew for certain what it was like to care so much and have to decide what could possibly hurt or kill them…” Erin paused a shadow in her eyes.
“It must be a hard life.” Les murmured. Les knew what it was like to fight…but what she did…well, it was a lonely existence.
Erin glanced at Larek as he put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. Erin smiled a little and put her hand over his. “It is, Les. It’s hard being responsible for a lot of people. It’s even harder loving them. I tried to help Zan see the difference. He had to love his people and put them before himself if he is to rule. I can only do so much though.”
Les opened her mouth to say something when Michelle ran in. “They’re here.”
“Sound the alarm.” Erin said rising to her feet. “Get your gear.” She said to Larek and Leslie.

Michael kneeled behind a rock beside Tony. “So…you and Izzy…”
Tony nodded. “You and Maria…”
Michael nodded this time. “You have any kids?”
“Yeah.” Tony said. “Mickey and Maria. You?”
“No, no kids. Only Michelle.” Michael cleared his throat.
“Mikey…” Tony sighed. “Iz and I love each other, yes…but we aren’t in love.”
Michael looked at him furrowing his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
“Michael, Isabel and I came together out of mutual need for companionship. She knew I would always love Maria and I knew that she would always love you. Michael, we aren’t in love. We never have been. We thought you were dead. It was the same with Zan and Ava. We all needed someone.”
Michael nodded. “It was the same for us. We knew you thought we were dead. Erin did her best to be there for us. For a while we shared a tent. I just couldn’t believe you weren’t coming for us. Then Maria and I happened again…”

Maria glanced over at the tall blonde. Her and Isabel had never really been the best friends. They had gotten along, sure, but talking had never been a strong point. “Well, the dragon-skin looks good on you…” Maria cleared her throat.
“Thanks.” Iz said slowly.
There was an awkward silence between them. “There just something about those Tirand men.” Erin said sitting down next to Maria. “Kind, serious, gentle…and absolutely wonderful lovers…”
“I wouldn’t know.” Maria said narrowing her eyes at the grinning woman.
“You’re missing a lot.” Isabel said grinning a little.

“They’re coming.” Larek relayed into his communicator.
Then all hell broke loose.

Part 27

The guns were firing all around them; the charges were exploding adding to the din in the caves. All around the sounds of screams and dying moans filled their ears. It deafened and it was insane.
Hot plasma seared through living flesh. Bodies turned to ash. Lights blinded. Noise deafened. Right and left friends were dying.
“Erin! Erin!” Ava’s frantic voice came over the communicator.
Erin ducked down leaning against the rock. “Ava? What is it?”
“Larek’s been hit!” A cold dread filled the woman’s heart…
“Erin, go!” Maria yelled. “We can hold them off!”
She didn’t question Maria. The younger (or older physically) woman could give orders and take care of everything.
It didn’t take Erin long to get to her husband. She found him lying on the stone floor in one of the back caves, away from the fighting. Michelle was sobbing beside him. “No…” Erin fell to her knees. “No…Larek…”
Michelle looked up, her eyes red and face tear-streaked. “I’m so sorry, Erin…I couldn’t heal him.”
“Erin?” She felt Zan’s hand on her shoulder. “It’s over…they retreated…those left.”
Erin pushed him off not really hearing him. She stumbled to her feet. She heard nothing…she could feel nothing. She only saw Larek’s still form in front of her. Each step felt like an eternity.
When she finally stood over him her legs gave out and she sat there beside him. She put a hand to his face, feeling the rough stubble. “No…Larek…open your eyes. Please, Larek, you can’t leave me!” It was then she felt her heart break inside of her. The pain was more horrible than the emptiness. The tears fell from her. “No! I can’t live without you!” She screamed letting out her emotions. Through her blurry vision she saw the laser wound on the side of his head. “Oh, Larek...” She kissed him. “Please, Larek!” She pulled his lifeless form up, holding him to her.
“Erin, he’s gone!” She heard Michael’s voice as if from a long way away.
“No…no…he can’t leave me! He can’t leave me!” She cried hysterically.
Michael watched this quite unable to believe what was going on. Erin never lost it…never. She was the one they could count on to be strong. Now his sister, the most important person in his life, was losing everything. It was then Michael realized why Erin was always strong…Larek.
Erin sobbed into Larek’s chest, exhausted now. They both lay on the ground, one dead and one dying from a broken heart. “Erin, please…” Michael pleaded putting his arm around her. Erin didn’t have the strength to resist him. Michael pulled her up and held her in his arms as he tried to comfort her.
She looked up at him. “Mikey…I can’t, I can’t…”
“No…” Rath kneeled down beside them. “E, ya can’t! Ya can’t leave us!”
“He was my life…my strength…my everything.” She whispered.
“What ‘bout us?” Rath asked feeling her pain inside his own heart. He put his arms around both of them…his family.
“I’ll always love you two…” Erin whispered. “But, I am afraid I just can’t live without him. I’m not strong like him.”
Erin suddenly turned from them and saw Larek standing in front of her surrounded by light. He held his hand out to her smiling. Erin took it and stood.
“Her heart stopped…” Michael said as if in shock. “No…no…!” Both he and Rath started to sob holding onto each other, the only family they had left.
‘It isn’t time yet.’ Larek said.
‘I know.’ Erin smiled. ‘I love you.’
‘Always.’ Larek said holding her to him as a blinding flash erupted from Erin’s still body.

Part 28

Erin jumped up and down clapping and yelling. “Michael!”
He turned wearing the red robe and cap. He smiled and held his arms out (one hand holding a diploma) in triumph. He was right behind Kyle.

Erin stood next to Michael, her arm around him as Isabel snapped the picture. “I’m so proud of you.” Erin said smiling at him.
Michael grinned. “That’s all I want.” He hugged her tightly while Isabel snapped another picture.

Toby kissed Maria right in front of Jim and Amy. She just held onto her cap and kissed him back.

“Ava…will you marry me?” Kyle was kneeling in front of the shocked purple and blonde haired girl.
“Yes!” She finally screamed letting him slip the heart-shaped diamond on her finger. She threw her arms around him as soon as he was halfway up.

Liz drew Zan aside. “Zan, I have to tell you something…”
“What, what’s wrong?” He asked concerned at the look on her face.
“I’m pregnant.” She said biting her lip.
“Who else knows?” Zan asked slowly.
“Maria and Erin.” She said a little hesitantly.
“Well, I guess our plans just moved up a little.” He grinned. “Are you ready to be a princess?”
She laughed. “Only for you.”

Erin sat at the controls of the ship absolutely grinning with anticipation as she watched the sky come into view in front of her. “Ok! Everyone ready?”
“Yes!” Came the chorus of voices.
“Seatbelts on?” She asked.
“Yes, Mom.” Les joked behind her.
“Good.” She pressed some buttons and pushed the lever forward. The ship shot forward into the starry sky. “WOO HOO!”

Author’s Note:
Obviously there is some confusion. Sufficeth to say with Erin’s death a chain reaction was started. Remember she implemented a number of fail-safe measures just in case something happened. Well, with her death they went back in time with no memory of what happened, just as if it had never happened.
Even with their powers gone (though Erin obviously retained a few) the precautionary efforts still existed. Such as the protection of the Royal Eight with her gone. If Erin died the past would be changed, she didn’t know this, but you do.
Now I hope that has answered your questions. Now, as a little freebie I will give you a little insight into the sequel, an Ari/Les shipper.

Ari and Les grow closer when vampires ravage Roswell…also who is this mysterious man that seems to be watching the apartment. You’ll find out in A Match Made In Hell.
And be on the lookout for others in the series.