Roswell Fanatics

A/N: Sorry guys. Busy day. Better late than never.

Chapter 11:

The pull of the morning was far too strong for Liz to resist. She closed her eyes, willing herself back to the land of dreams that she so desperately desired. She was afraid of seeing that every kiss, every touch had been a dream in and of itself. One incredible, magical dream. The buzzing was still strong within her ears, as she allowed her eyes to open and gaze on the chest upon which she lay. Her fingers were still intertwined with his, as his chest went up and down slowly, each motion reinforcing that she was truly there, beside him, enjoying his warmth.

She couldn’t think straight. Everything was so blurred. What happened should probably not have happened… then again, it was more right than anything she had ever experienced before. How would this change their course? How would it change her mission? What exactly was she supposed to do?

The fears began to overwhelm her. What if she didn’t fix things? What if she failed? Would she be destined to live a life without love? She’d had the thought before, especially after the conversations with Maria.

“What are you looking for Liz? You turn down guy after guy as if there were some perfect one… for what? To end up alone? What is it that you want?”

“I don’t know. I just know that when it’s here, I’ll know it.”

There was no doubting, it had arrived. Now, the biggest issue was figuring out how she was going to keep it in her grasp. She rubbed away at the tears that had started to fall. It was all far too much to deal with. Why would she be presented with a life she could never have? It wasn’t fair, to live this way, knowing he was the man meant to lie beside her, and that it all depended on her. She simply wasn’t sure she could handle such a burden.

She felt him stir lightly beneath her, as she wiped away the remaining tears. His head popped up slowly, as his hand ran down the length of her hair.

“Are you alright?” He practically whispered. She could never tell him just how complete she felt. Like every breath she’d ever taken was meant to bring her to that particular moment in time.

“Yes.” It was all she could say, as she buried her head in the safety of his frame, closing her eyes and forming a memory.

“You’ve been crying.” He sat up, his back against the large panel bedframe which lead up to the flowing white canopy.

“I’m afraid that none of this is real. That I’ll wake up tomorrow and it would all have been a figment of my own imagination. That I didn’t meet your other self out in the desert that night, and know immediately that you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

“I love you.” He said, so suddenly, that it was as if the air was pulled right out of her lungs. She stared at him, his golden eyes looking at her with the open, earnest look of the man she first met. She had done it. Zan was now reminiscent to the man Max Evans had become. She had opened him up, despite his desire to remain closed off.

“Did you hear me? I love you Elizabeth.” His words struck her this time, with a violent force. She could not let this happen. She could not break him this way. He lost one love already… could she bear to break his heart a second time, if she were to have to leave?

“No… no you can’t.” She stood up suddenly, wrapping the cool sheet around her body. She had to leave him, she had to get some air, to let herself think straight without the intoxicating allure of his presence.

She headed toward the door, but was stopped, as he appeared beside her, blocking her exit. She looked at him, as he stood in all of his naked glory, reminiscent to a beautiful painting she might have seen once in a dream. He was perfection in a sense she had never before seen or experienced. Her eyes finally drifted up to his, and he looked at her defiantly, with no intent of backing down.

“Let me try and understand this. You come here and you convince me to believe this incredulous story, you live in my home, you allow me to fall in love with you, and then you deny me? I’m not sure I understand you Elizabeth, because you’re a woman full of complexities that are beyond what I can decipher.” She could feel the tension released in his stare. She tried to remain locked under his heated gaze, but she could only look away.

“Does making love mean nothing to you?” He finally asked, as if defeated. She felt her heart break into a million pieces. She knew very well how difficult that question was for him. He was a man used to taking many lovers, a king with unlimited power. But, what they had shared was beyond the physical. It was a plane of existence similar to euphoria.

“It was a mistake… it shouldn’t have happened.” She finally managed, as she tried to turn to leave. But his arm stood before the doorway, daring her to go past him. She looked up, catching a glimpse of the hurt in his eyes.

“What do you want me to do Elizabeth? Do you want me to believe you? I believe you… just do not walk away from me.”

“This can never work.” She pleaded, in between falling tears.

“If I believe you, than I have to believe you were sent to me for a reason. I have to believe that it was purposed that we love one another in this way… to make up for the lifetimes we’ve missed.”

“I wish that were true.”

“So, what then? We walk away from this? As if complete strangers? For what? So that you can try and focus on something that may never happen?”

“It WILL happen! He said it would!”

“I said it would? This other version of me?!”

“Don’t mock me.” She stated firmly, not liking the direction of the conversation.

“Admit it. Admit that you’re terrified of feeling these things because it means that you’d have to face the truth about why you’re here.”

“What truth is that?”

“That there is no mission. That there will be no slaughter… my army is amassed and ready Elizabeth. No one is coming near this castle.”

“If you believe that so much, then why have you amassed an army at all?”

They stood in silence for a moment, as she sighed. She didn’t want to resort back to this. To the tension, to the arguing. She liked the serenity the morning brought, the thought of just being back in his arms.

“Perhaps you’re right.” She finally said, as she turned away, heading back toward the sanctuary of the bed. “Perhaps, I’m just afraid of how it will all end.”

“It has barely begun.” He said, as he joined her on the bed, wrapping them up in blankets, and lying her down gently.

“Hold me.” She whispered, letting the tears of fear and frustration fall.

“I won’t let go.” He whispered into her hair, as she closed her eyes and let her mind drift to a more peaceful place.

<center>***</center>

Zan barely heard the knock on the door, as his eyes opened, heavy with sleep. He looked down, glad to see that Elizabeth was still lying against him on the bed. Early morning had proved to be too much for him emotionally, as every bit of him exploded in his own defense. He couldn’t even begin to describe the panic that took over when she did not respond to his declaration of love. What had sent her into such a spiral of thoughts?

He stood up slowly, careful not to wake her, and slipped on his long robe, as he tied it and walked over to open the door.

“Agudenessa.” Rath bowed his head, and Zan bowed his in return, stepping out into the hallway, and closing the door behind him.

“How is she?”

“Upset. I don’t guarantee that she be left alone, at least until we capture this Kivar… he really scared her Zan… I don’t know how, but he did something to her, he affected her mind, and you can still see the fear in her eyes.”

“I want her watched, every minute of the day Rath. I do not want to see her alone at any point. This is getting dangerous.”

“And, you my lord? They tried to kill you last night.”

“I will be fine.”

“You cannot go without protection.”

“There is no one I trust but you in that department. And, you will have your hands full. We must now worry about it, what must happen, will happen.”

“You believe her now; I can see it in your eyes. Zan, what if she cannot save us? She is but one woman.”

“I trust her Rath. She holds a power beyond what any of us know or can understand. If she says she is here to save us, then despite what might occur in the following days, I believe her.”

Rath nodded in response and shook his head with a soft laugh.

“I could never have imagined you falling in love this way.”

“What?”

“She consumes your every thought, even now; she’s on your mind.”

“Rath, if I were to tell you that there is a woman out there, who will change the way you think about life itself, what would you do?”

“Laugh, perhaps.” Zan smiled, knowing the pessimism his friend displayed was due to a lack of finding his own true love.

“Perhaps, but I do believe she’s out there. You just have not met her yet. I, on the other hand, have… and she continues to threaten that she will disappear. And, knowing that only makes each moment a terrifying nightmare. That I’ll turn around and she’ll be gone, as if she never existed. How do I know that she hasn’t already altered time and saved us?”

“I suppose you do not really know.”

“So, every second is awaiting to see what the future will bring.” They both nodded, and Zan sighed, feeling heavy from within. It was all so much. How would he survive it all?

“Go, Vilandra needs you. I will call Inneise for breakfast, and have it sent to you both. I will come in an hour and see her. This afternoon, we will work on strategy. I will have groups of men searching for Kivar in every planet, spies, soldiers, looking in every corner. I will not rest until I have him.”

“It shall be done.” Rath bowed and headed back toward the room where Vilandra lay. Zan stood at the door a moment, watching him walk away. Something inside of him was terrified. He felt a change coming, he knew something massive was going to happen. Would he be prepared? Would he be able to save those he loved? He went back into the room and watched Elizabeth from the doorway, as she took her deep, even breaths in calm sleep.

He walked over, and sat on the edge, letting his hand go through her long hair. She didn’t know it yet, but he wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Despite what he knew about his future, he also knew that he held a high card. Elizabeth was his token. She had been sent to him, in order to give him a chance at life and love. He would not take the miracle for granted.

He felt her stir slightly, as she turned, opening her eyes slowly, as she met his glare.

“How long have I been sleeping?”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as you stay next to me.” He felt his heart flutter at her smile. Even more so, as her cheeks reddened slightly. A sudden thought came into his mind.

“Are you alright?” She asked, as she watched him carefully. He smiled, trying to erase the pensive look from his face.

“Perfect.” He leaned in and kissed her lips. He would speak to Inneise. Finally, he had a plan. He would not let them defeat him. He would save them… and make sure he and Elizabeth were able to spend their eternity together.

A/N: Ladies and gents... thank you so much for your patience. I really appreciate it. You've all been great. MOM, thanks for the compliment... those are some strong words, and I hope to continue to abide by them. Cherie, of course hearing you tell me you're feeling what I'm writing makes my heart swell. Your writing has always inspired me... I hope that I will continue to make you smile. FSUMWV... I'm sooo sorry you didn't get your Monday morning fix. But... maybe tuesday morning?? Thank you to EVERYONE for reading. You all have kept this story alive and well. *smooches*

Chapter 12:

Liz walked slowly through the conservatory, letting her feet linger with every step, touching the flower petals as she moved on by. She was lost in her thoughts, every feeling running through her was a mixture of terror and euphoria. Her adrenaline had been on high for nearly two days straight. Now, she was enjoying the one place that seemed to give her peace.

The morning seemed to bring her a slew of worries, as Zan kissed her goodbye and promised to be back home by mid-afternoon. But something was keeping him, and knowing that he had traveled to the distant planets to form alliances and break off old connections meant that it was possible that he would not be returning. She cursed under her breath. No. She would not think that way.

She stopped in front of the Amaranth, admiring its glowing petals. The flower was a visualization of everything that she loved about Antar; it’s magic and beauty seemed to rub off on her, making every emotion overwhelmingly strong. She closed her eyes as she let her fingers linger softly on the petals before her.

“Elizabeth!” She heard, as she opened her eyes suddenly, startled by the sound of her name.

“Inneise, you scared me. Is everything alright?”

“Whatever you are thinking of while touching that flower, do NOT think it. It’s power is beyond what either of us can imagine.”

“I’m sorry Inneise, I was just… thinking.”

“Not near that flower, it is dangerous.” She grabbed Liz’s hand and began to drag her out of the room.

“Where are we going?”

“You must not be alone. I see your face, you are worried. You must busy your mind until he returns.”

“And, what if he does not return?” They stopped suddenly, as Inneise turned to face her with a frightening determination in her eyes.

“Is that what you truly believe?”

Liz pulled back a bit, startled by her sudden stop. How was she supposed to explain that every day she lived in morbid fear that it will be the day her love was taken away from her? Because she had realized, if Zan never died, than Max Evans could never exist. Every dream she held of being in his arms once again, back down in a world she did recognize, would be shattered, because once she completed her mission, she would return to a life without love.

Part of her had weighed her options. Could her love for Zan let her allow things to simply play out? In hopes that fate will fix itself?

“Come, come. You must not think so hard. Happiness awaits you now; do not let the dark times cloud your mood.”

“Dark times?” Liz asked, afraid of what that meant.

“Nothing.”

“Inneise… tell me.”

“No.”

“If something happened to him, I HAVE to know.”

They stopped in front of a room. Liz could tell from her face that whatever she was going to say… she wasn’t going to want to hear.

“The townspeople are whispering that Kathana has declared war against Sero. His majesty was not able to make alliances. Antar is standing alone.”

“War?” Liz managed to choke out. He didn’t want war. He was trying to fight it, and still, it was there, staring at them with its ugly face.

“We must go now.”

“Go? What do you mean go? I have to wait for him.”

“He commanded that if this sort of thing were to happen that I must take you and Vilandra away.”

“I will not leave!”

“You have no choice, my lady.” Inneise said firmly, as Liz began to feel herself panic. He knew this would happen. He planned it. Even though he knew what it meant for her to save him. She had come to save him. It would not be for nothing! “He cannot bear life without you.”

“So, he would allow himself to die, in order to be with me again! That is irrational!”

“Love is not rational.”

“Inneise, listen to me. This cannot happen. I told Max that I would save him, I can’t go back knowing that I let him die!”

“He has made his decision.” Liz turned at the sound of someone on the stairs.

“She’s gone.” Rath was standing wide eyed, as if completely out of words.

“What?”

“Vilandra. I left her for a moment… I went out to check the noise coming from the balcony, and when I went back, she was just gone. No trace of anyone having been in her chambers, and her luggage still on the bed.”

Liz felt the pit of her stomach turn.

“Where is he? You know Inneise, tell me.”

She watched her face, conflict shining through.

“There is a spare flyer in the lower level hanger. He is with Sairenete on Yakirah, just out of our system.”

“What is he doing out there?” Rath looked at Liz confused. Obviously, they were both in the dark as to his whereabouts.

“Saving you.”

<center>***</center>

Zan paced back and forth. He was feeling the pressure of his actions. He learned that war was called that morning, despite his efforts to form peaceful alliances. He would not succeed. The thought itself frustrated him. He had always been good at forming relationships, keeping everyone calm. But the rebellion was far too strong, and now, there was nothing else he could say that would change the course of this path. But, there was one thing.

His mind continued to go over it, amazed at how fate worked. Had Elizabeth not fallen onto his lawn, he never would have been compelled to give himself and his family another chance. But, he knew very well that she was sent to them as a warning, not as their savior. It had taken some thinking, remembering what the prophetess had told him. She had never mentioned that the slaughter would not take place, only that Elizabeth would be his greatest ally. And, she had been right. It was because of her that he put his plan into action.

“We are almost ready.” The tall, slender woman said with a smile. He smiled in return, her accent sounding strange to his ears. He rarely venture out of their planetary system, not even for summits. They were usually held on Antar, the trading capitol of the system.

“You seem worried.” The voice said, and he looked up to meet the shining blue eyes.

“I do not think that I can stress enough that this must be foul proof. My entire existence depends on it. And that, of the woman and people that I love.”

“We have been perfecting the art of cloning for years, your highness.” She said slowly, obviously slightly insulted by his tone.

“It is not cloning that I wish. It is the transferring of our souls, something that takes much more detailing and is extremely difficult.”

“Who you are lies within your genetic materials. It surrounds your thoughts and ideas, and your memories are what help you to grow.”

“Then you will prepare the specimens with our memories.”

“That is impossible… you will have to learn to build your own memories.”

“I need her to remember me. This cannot all be for nothing.” He stopped himself, sensing how strange his desperation must seem. “If you can trust me, it is all I ask. I have faith that things will work themselves out.”

She nodded, as if in agreement and reached out her long, slender fingers. “Do you have a sample?”

He reached over and gave her the few strands of hair. Something in his stomach turned. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

“Do you have a communication device?”

“Yes, to where?”

“Antar.”

“Of course, in the next room.” Zan walked over, dreading the call. He pressed the planetary code for Antar, and waited a few moments, before seeing a panicked Inneise on the receiver.

“What?” He said, without an introduction. “Something is wrong.”

“Agudenessa, forgive me. I was unable to get them to where you wished. Vilandra has disappeared. Rath is very upset, and looking for her.”

Zan passed his hand through his hair in frustration. They had taken her. She would be their bargaining tool. He pressed his palm against his mouth, with his index finger up against his cheek. He had to think.

“Elizabeth?” He asked, fearing he already knew the answer.

“She and Rath have taken off for Yakirah.”

“Inneise, you were not supposed to tell her of my whereabouts.”

“She would have found you anyway.”

There was a long silence. He knew what it all meant. It was over. They would have to face the impending war. His death was imminent.

“Go home Inneise.” He said softly, and looked up to see her watery eyes.

“It has been a pleasure serving your family, tusoyah agudenessa.”

“Thank you.” He bowed his head slightly and turned off the receiver.

“They are done.” The woman appeared at the doorway and he stood, ready to sample the new specimens.

<center>***</center>

“Are you alright?” Rath looked over at Liz, bending over in her seat.

“Just a little nauseous.”

“You have flown before haven’t you?”

“Never at these speeds.” She looked up, her face pale with motion sickness. “How much longer?”

“It is past the volara constellation, here to the left. We will be there in no time.”

“What do you suppose they will do to Vilandra?” She asked, as she watched his jaw tighten. She could sense his regret. His loyalty touched her. She placed her hand on his shoulder softly. “They planned all this. Zan being away for the morning, the noise on the balcony. There was no way you could have known.”

“I should never have left her.”

“She would not hold you responsible, perhaps you should not be so hard on yourself.”

“This is a war. She may die.”

They sat in silence, as a planet began to materialize.

“Rath… I’m afraid we are all destined to die in this war.”

“And you?”

“I do not know what will happen to me. All I can hope is that I will wake up in my own time and think this was all a dream.”

“And, all of us? You would be content to pretend we never existed?”

“I get the feeling you will all exist in a very different way. Fate seems to believe your presence in our universe is important, otherwise, I would never have been sent to appreciate this world, and to try and save you.”

“If you were to save us, then why would we exist again?” She sat, listening to his reasoning. It was as if a light bulb flashed on. Suddenly, everything was so clear.

“Because, he was wrong.” She whispered softly, thinking back to Max Evans. “Because, there was no way I’d be able to save you. But, there would be someone who could.”

They were drawing close to the planet, with the vibrant green and purple atmosphere. Liz stared at it in amazement. The universe was so much vaster than she could ever have imagined. The sound of beeping on the radar startled her. She looked down quickly, and then up at Rath’s angry expression.

“What does it mean?” She asked carefully.

“We’ve been followed.”

<center>***</center>

Zan felt her presence. There was no doubting she was nearby. But, where?

“Do you have a mode of transportation available for the specimens?” He tried to focus, looking back up at the woman before him. He found it strange, that she stood before him with long slender limbs, long flowing golden hair and bright blue eyes, and that none of them were truly who she was. The Yakirians were famous for their ability to shapeshift, and she had done so to make him more comfortable. A sudden thought came to him.

“Do you have any warriors, that I could send along? I would like to assign protectors. I do not want to run the risk that any harm will come to them.”

“Of course. We can send two along with the eight pods, an extra set for safe keeping.”

He looked down at the prenatal specimens.

“How will it work?” He asked curiously.

“Once in the designated location, the gandarium will seek out matching hosts, in order to allow for the hybridization of the specimens.”

“We will be sending them to Earth.”

“Earth? That is very far from our system. To ensure it be delivered properly, we will need more than a flyer.”

“I will be sending the Granolith.”

“The Granolith? But, I thought that was never allowed to leave Antar, due to its great power.”

“It will be in the care of our replicas, the safest place to ensure that the Antarian race shall live once again.”

“Very well.” She closed the final pod, and latched the four securely together.

“Thank you. I will forever be indebted to you.” Zan said, with a low bow.

“There is one thing. The two samplings of hair did not match. One of the specimens was of a different breed all together. One that I had never seen before.”

Zan looked up in confusion. His eyes drifted toward the fourth pod.

“Which did the second sampling belong to?”

“I believe the genetic read out was for Ava Lezorioh.”

Zan could not feel his own limbs. She had been in his home, uninvited. Which meant only one thing… she was part of the plot to harm Vilandra. Before he could act, he heard a loud explosion. They ran out of the laboratory, into the landing dock, as they watched the flyer erupt into flames upon hitting the ground. Something deep within his stomach turned. He knew Elizabeth was on that flyer.

A/N: You've all brought up some very valid questions/points. I can't wait to see all of your reactions as the answers slowly unravel. This is sort of a transitory chpt, so it's shorter than they've been. Enjoy.

Chapter 13:

Zan could not hear anything but the severe beating of his heart. He did not have a chance to react at seeing the flyer crash onto the ground, the impact simply sent him back and down, crashing against the floor.

“Are you alright?” He yelled back as Sairenete nodded in return. Then it was only moments before he was up and running towards the flyer.

“No! Sire!” He heard behind him, as she tried to warn him off. But, there was no stopping him. Rath and Elizabeth were in the flyer and he had to save them.

“Rath! Elizabeth!” He yelled for them, hoping one of them would hear him over the sound of crackling metal. He got as close as he could, but the intense heat that the fire emanated made it difficult to move.

“Rath!” He yelled again, hearing his own desperation.

“Over there!” He heard suddenly, as he looked back to see Sairenete pointing toward an area outside of the landing dock. On the ground was Rath and a few feet beside him was Elizabeth. Zan felt his heart fall. She looked far too similar to the day she’d first arrived. On the ground, partially curled up, with her face out of sight. A nagging feeling overwhelmed him. Would she be taken the same way she was delivered?

He ran toward them as he felt the heat of the fire begin to subside. It was burning out.

“Call a medic!” He screamed as he heard a low grunt. “Rath!” He watched as his friend opened his eyes, reaching his hand toward his head. “Don’t get up. You may be badly injured.”

“They shot at us. I couldn’t keep the flyer steady.”

“It doesn’t matter. You managed to jump out in time.”

“Behind us….” He said, as he lay back down, trying to catch his breath. Zan looked up at the sky. It was clear. Whoever had been following them must have thought they finished the job.

“It’s alright. You’re going to be alright now.” Sairenete came running in with two medics who quickly grabbed Rath on the stretcher, taking him in for further examination. Zan headed toward Elizabeth, as he picked her up slowly, determined to carry her inside.

“Is she hurt?” He looked up at the source of the accent. Sairenete looked greatly troubled.

“I don’t know.” He said, with a feeling of desperation washing over him. “We don’t have much time…This is the person I want the specimen of. Elizabeth.”

“She is not in our system, sire.”

“She is not from here. She is from Earth.” They headed back into the laboratory, as he placed her down slowly on the back table, and removed his outer jacket, to place it over her.

“I believe we have a few samplings of ancient tests done by our people. But the Earth DNA is quite primitive, and very delicate to work with. I myself have never dealt with it.”

He could hear her voice, but it all sounded far away. He was staring down at the beautiful face which had somehow taken over his entire life. Her eyes were closed and just like the first night, he desperately wanted her to open them. He was lost in thought, lost in her beauty, when a sudden thought came to his mind.

“Atarah.” He had only whispered the word, but as he said it, it was like new light reached his body.

“Excuse me?”

“Atarah! Do you have the genetic readouts for Atarah?”

“From Cycas?”

“Yes.”

“Of course, sire. We are required to keep copies of all of the royal lineage.”

“That is how you will send Elizabeth. Use Atarah’s DNA to facilitate the cloning, I’m sure with a little bit of adjusting you can meld her and Elizabeth’s DNA.”

“Are you sure of this?”

“Get rid of the second set of pods. We don’t need them.”

“But, Sire what if something goes wrong?”

“We have to take that chance. I do not think with the war that I will have enough resources to send them both and the Granolith. Only one set. And remove Ava. I need you to work as quickly as possible on this, make sure that the fertilized prototype is ready in a few hours. I am sending them then.”

“I will work as fast as I can.” With that she turned and began the delicate process of gathering all of the proper chemicals. Zan turned toward Elizabeth and sighed. He picked up her body and headed back toward the room with the medics. Rath was being well taken care of. Now, he would leave her in their care.

“Until I see you again…” He kissed her forehead and walked out, his heart feeling as heavy as it ever had. He had to believe he would see her again, because it was all he had keeping him sane.

<center>***</center>

Zan paced through the conservatory of the castle. He hated the eerie silence. There was no sign of life, except for the loud thumping of his own feet against the floors. Elizabeth’s face was still flashing in his mind. He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to form her picture fully, as something deep within him seemed to throw out warnings. Somehow, he knew his goodbye would be the last he’d say to her. His time had come. He would die, and she would go back to her world.

To what? He couldn’t help but wonder. The thought of her continuing life without him was depressing. An image of her with another man seemed to strike him from nowhere, and he cursed his subconscious for taking him there.

Suddenly, another thought stopped him in his tracks. He looked down at the rows of flowers blossoming under his watchful gaze. His biggest fear was that she would return and forget him. That she would awaken and forget that their love had ever existed or been so strong. And that, he was sure, would be far worse than if she were to just move on. Because then, his love would never be reciprocated, not even in her dreams.

He looked down and caught sight of the Amaranth, as he placed his hand on its soft petals. A sudden flash blinded him, as he saw Elizabeth, touching the petals dreamily, indulged in her own thoughts. It startled him, as is his eyes drifted back toward the flower, and he wished desperately she were near.

He looked over into the darkening sky. Once night came, it would be a different story. He knew the rebellion well. He knew their tactics. They would use the cover of darkness and try to infiltrate. His army was ready. He was ready.

“We’ll see each other again Elizabeth.” He whispered as he turned to head toward the hanger, where the rest of the army was waiting. He would get his sister back that night, if it were the last thing he did.

He left the conservatory, unaware that the petals of the Amaranth had started to glow.

<center>***</center>

Liz opened her eyes slowly, letting the heaviness fade away. Nothing seemed real. She reached over, as she hit her alarm clock, trying to shut it off. Her head was pounding, as if she had awoken from a sleep that was far too heavy.

“Liz!”

She looked up suddenly, startled by the use of her name. She didn’t know why, but it sounded so strange to her. So foreign.

“Liz!” She heard again, as she tried sitting up, moving slowly, to prevent a further headache. She looked around, expecting to see the wall length windows and the orange sky. But, things seemed very different.

The door to the room swung open as the face peeked through.

“Get up girl, our shift starts in like five minutes!” She could feel her eyes growing wide. Something was just not right. “Liz, you ok?”

She tried searching her brain for some sort of answer, some reason why this all felt so wrong. In her head was a quick shot of his face, with the long hair and brooding jawline. He stood tall in all his majesty, towering over, embracing her in kisses. She felt her skin flush.

“Liz?”

Could it have all been a dream? She thought to herself sadly, realizing that her heart was suddenly heavy. She felt as though she missed someone within the very depths of her soul. It was far too strange.

“You don’t look so good.” Maria sat on the bed and held her hand to Liz’s forehead. “Did you sleep ok?”

“It all seemed so real.” She whispered, as she started her way toward the bathroom.

“Look, sweetie, why don’t you shower and wake up a bit, and then we’ll talk. Cause whatever this acid trip you’ve got going, it’s hard to follow.” Maria smiled and headed out the room, leaving Liz alone to her thoughts. She couldn’t forget the way his lips had tasted against her skin. Was it possible to create such vivid illusions?

She tried to focus, as she donned the aqua uniform and antennas. When she finally rushed down the stairs, she rushed through the backdoor only to stand frozen. Her eyes had drifted to the booth. And there he sat, with his golden eyes admiring her silently. Her heart leapt. He was the man from her dreams.

A/N: Here it is! Thank you everyone, for your patience! You've all been great! I hope you enjoy this!

Chapter 14:

She couldn’t tear her eyes off of him. It didn’t seem possible. She knew who he was, the quiet, beautiful boy sitting in the booth, and still, a part of her knew he wasn’t the person she was remembering. How strange!

“Earth to Liz.” Maria smiled, waving her hand in her face slowly.

“Huh?”

“Could you stare any harder? I don’t think the hole you’ve burned in his forehead is big enough.”

“I’m sorry, I just… he seems so familiar.”

“Liz, babe, it’s Max Evans. We’ve known him for like ever, of course he’s familiar.”

“No… no, that’s not what I mean. I just feel like, I know these really intimate… personal things about him.”

Maria stared at her in silence. When she finally looked up to reach her eyes, Liz could only sigh and roll hers in response. Maria’s face was like that of a disappointed mother.

“Wait a minute… you two didn’t… I mean, there’s no way, you barely speak but… there was no… you know, knocking of erasers, right?”

“MARIA!”

“It would explain the googley eyes! Besides, what’s the deal? He comes in here everyday, and everyday it’s the same story. He sits, he eats, he stares, and he smiles. What’s changed?” Liz looked back over toward where he sat, playing with his food. The distant memory of kisses being traced down her body stunned her.

Something was definitely different, because she could not remember yesterday. And, there was something that made her very uneasy, from the minute she’d woken up.

This just didn’t seem like her father’s restaurant. And Maria looked a whole lot younger than she remembered. Perhaps it was all just a dream, a dream that was very close to reality.

She sighed and picked up the plate at the counter, bringing it toward the booth. It was like everything was going in slow motion. Images of fire were dancing in the back of her mind, intertwined in a quick recollection of bright and rich flowers, breathtaking sunsets draped in orange and crimson, and rich, flowing fabrics.

“Liz, are you ok?” She looked up suddenly, frozen in place before the table, as her eyes looked down to meet his. He had a slight smirk on his face, as he reached his hand out to grab the food from her.

“Oh, yes, yes I’m sorry. I’m just… tired.” She was afraid to look too deeply into his eyes. What would she see there? Did he remember the things she did?

“Maybe you should sit down.” He looked at her, true concern shining on his face.

“I just, feel a little…” She closed her eyes, trying to regain some composure. But, her body was unwilling to cooperate. She started to feel her knees give in, and just like that, he was beneath her, holding her up from her shoulders.

“Here, sit down.” He pulled a chair over from one of the tables and sat her down, wetting his napkin in a cup of water. “Don’t worry, I didn’t drink from it yet.”

He smiled slightly and she felt her soul rumble. The truth was finally beginning to process. He had been her one true love in her dream. And, she had lost him. She felt as though her heart were being pressed on. Why did she feel it so strongly? It was just a dream!

“Did you eat?” He asked, as she looked up to meet his worried eyes.

“No.” She whispered, unable to say anything more.

She watched as he shook his head in mock disappointment and reached for his plate.

“Well, we’re going to have to remedy that. What were you thinking starting a shift without a hearty breakfast?” He grabbed the extra fork set up on the table and handed it to her, as he showed her a sampling of the platter. “Let’s see… we have a Galaxy Breakfast Special, with green pancakes and scrambled eggs. Those are a little hot… I like to put Tobasco Sauce on them.”

She watched with interest as his face blushed and he looked down.

“I like Tobasco sauce too.” She said, without really thinking. But, a sudden thought hit her. She did like it. Very much. She took a scoop of the eggs and stuffed them in her mouth. They were the perfect blend of spice. She closed her eyes and smiled.

“You seem… different.” Liz looked up, startled by the pause in his voice. But he didn’t seem upset or scared, like she had for some reason expected. He looked interested, curious by the subtle change. Like she could really explain that the reason for her awkwardness was that she was deflowered in her dreams; and by him, none the less!

“Yea, I, uh, I feel a little different.” She said, smiling in return. She wanted to keep things light. After all, just being near him was like a sweet intoxication.

“Liz! Order’s up.” She put her fork in her uniform pocket and smiled.

“Thank you.” She managed as she stood back up. Max stood up quickly, nodding his head in return.

“Maybe we’ll get to sit and talk.” He said, with his hands tucked deep into his pockets. She could only smile.

“That’d be great. Let me go get you a new plate, you don’t wanna eat all my leftovers.”

“No, it’s ok!” He reached for the plate just as her hand touched it, and the feeling that exploded was so strong, she was sure she hadn’t made it up. There was a true physical reaction. Her mind was spinning.

“Sorry… static.” He said quickly, as if hoping to get back to his time alone.

“Yea, sorry.” She said quickly, as she rushed toward the back to grab the plate. She reached for the glass and moved toward the counter, to gather more napkins and utensils. She tried to grip harder, for some strange reason it felt as though it were slipping right through her fingers.

She looked down, as she tried to re-grip the plate, and she felt her heart drop. There was some steam coming from the spot where her fingers touched the glass. And, the plate edge had melted and formed a flat, outstretched growth of sorts, all because of her very touch.

It felt as though the world were spinning. She could not think.

“I forgot something upstairs.” She said quickly as she passed Maria at the back door. She never gave her a chance to respond. All Liz could do was run up the stairs and toward the sanctuary of her room, the only place she truly recognized. Why was everything so dreamlike? Why did she feel as though she were only partly awake?

She closed the bedroom door behind her, as she looked down at her hands, which were now erupting in green strikes of lightning. Her mouth was open, as she stared down wide eyed. What was happening to her?

She looked around, desperate to silence her thoughts.

“STOP IT.” She said aloud, as the static subsided and her hands returned to their normal color. She looked down, a strange and curious expression on her face. Then her eyes drifted up toward her dresser. She walked slowly, unwilling to believe what she saw. She recognized it instantly, as it lay, beautiful and elegant against the wood.

“Oh my God.” She whispered as she picked it up and marveled at its beauty. The Amaranth shined back, with its pink petals kissed with silver on the edges. “It was real.”

<center>***</center>

Max looked down at his half eaten plate. He knew he probably should get up and go home, but he was desperately waiting for Liz to return from upstairs. Whatever had happened really seemed to have upset her. He looked down at his hands, still slightly reeling from the shock. It hadn’t been static. He knew that much was true. In fact, if he didn’t know any better, the power had been coming from her, as it seemed to engulf him, and take him with her on this incredible visual ride.

He saw a beautiful city, with incredibly rich colors and precious materials. He saw the interiors of a large palace, with white walls and granite floors. He could feel the complete connection she held to such a place, and the love she held for a particular inhabitant King.

It shouldn’t have made him jealous. After all, it really just seemed an imaginative world, created for a book or movie. George Lucas would have been proud. But, Liz wasn’t the type to sit around making up new worlds and characters to play in them. And, she was even less likely to fall in love with one of them.

It was why, some part of him knew, that what he had seen was true. And that somehow, despite not knowing why, it applied to him.

He heard some whisperings toward the kitchen, as Maria explained that Liz was not feeling well, and would probably stay in bed the rest of the day. There it was, his cue to leave.

He gathered his jacket, as he threw some cash on the table, and headed outside, toward the day. There was something he couldn’t get out of his mind. The feeling that lingered on his lips, of a kiss he never received. And yet, the feeling was just as strong, if not stronger than if it had actually happened. Was his mind playing evil tricks on him again?

He hoped not. He wasn’t sure he could handle any more dreams of Liz, holding him and kissing him against a canopied bed. Still, it was strange; it never felt like those dreams were completely fake. There was such a detail to them, sometimes it frightened him. Perhaps, he was going mad.

He got into the Jeep and headed home, ready to unwind. He would figure things out before school tomorrow.

When he reached home, he walked into the house slowly, trying to make sense of the day. So much of it seemed so unreal. He closed the door behind him and strolled into the living room, with a lot on his mind.

“Where have you been? Oh, forget it, dumb question. How’s little Lizzie Parker?” Isabel looked up from her spot on the couch, as she continued clicking the remote control.

“She’s fine.” He said, as he plopped himself on the couch beside her.

“What’s wrong with you? Usually you come home all love sick.”

“Something weird happened today.”

“Ok.”

“Liz was acting really strange, and when she came over to bring me my order, she almost passed out. Then, she touched my hand, and I… saw things.”

“Saw things?”

“Like images, things that I couldn’t quite recognize. Things that I know weren’t from MY mind.”

Isabel sat up straighter, as she looked at him curiously.

“What are you saying Max?”

“There was also a strange current between us, like a spark.”

“You are going have to get your powers under control around her Max. We cannot afford an accident….”

“It wasn’t from me Isabel. I think… I think she caused it.”

They both sat in silence, staring at the television in front of them. He could sense Isabel trying to add things up in her head. But, none of it seemed to come together.

“Max, that’s impossible,” she finally stated quietly. “That would mean that she’s either an enemy or….”

“One of us.”

“We have to call Michael.” And before he could say anything, Isabel was up and heading toward the phone.

“I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to get him all worked up over something… I may be wrong.”

“Max, I know you. You seem concerned. You’re only concerned when you’re pretty sure you know something.”

It wasn’t even twenty minutes later, when Michael appeared in his room, climbing through his window.

They sat for an unofficial meeting. But the nervous excitement seemed to be flowing through the atmosphere.

“We’ve known her since we were kids, don’t you think we would have figured this out sooner?”

“No Michael, not if she’s hiding. Has anyone found out about us?”

“What if she’s an enemy?”

“I don’t think she is, she would have tried to hurt us already.”

“She’s never had any proof Max, according to what everyone believes, we’re normal.” Isabel stated with a sigh. They sat in silence again. Thinking and plotting.

“Someone’s going to have to watch her.” Michael said suddenly, shaking his head as if realizing the genius of his plan.

“Watch her? Michael, if we’re wrong, that’s going to look mighty suspicious.”

“What choice do we have? We aren’t going to just sit around and pretend you didn’t see these things Maxwell. We’re going to find out if she’s friend or foe, and since you seem to be the most buddy, buddy, then you should be the one to do it.”

Max felt himself begin to panic. He liked watching Liz from afar. It was a harmless game for him. But this wasn’t for pleasure, this required that he study her, watch her actions, treat her like… a possible enemy. He wasn’t sure he could do that.

“He’s right Max. You’re the only one that won’t tip her off. She won’t be suspicious if she sees you hanging around.”

“And, what do I say? Hey, I’m an alien and I have it under good authority you’re an alien too?”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just watch.” They stood up, and Max sighed in agreement. He wasn’t sure what to make of this assignment. On one hand, he was thrilled, at the prospect of spending more time near her, with Michael and Isabel actually approving. But, another part of him was afraid. Afraid that he would find out things he didn’t want to know about the lovely Liz Parker.

A/N: Hello everyone! I've got to say, things will probably get a bit confusing here, but I promise they will be explained. And I know you may not believe this... but next week, is the epilogue. lol Yes, it's insane! I hope you have enjoyed this fic.

Chapter 15:

Liz sat on her bed, staring at the glowing flower in her hands. There were too many thoughts going through her head. Memories were plaguing her, and she felt like she was remembering a life that was not her own. But it was the emotions that came with those memories, the love and passion that burned through her at the thoughts that shocked her.

The flower held the key to this strange world. Her last memory was looking back in a panic, as Rath pressed buttons frantically. There was a loud thud, and then overwhelming heat. Heat, that seemed to consume everything.

An overwhelming sadness ran through her. She never got to say goodbye to Zan; to tell him just how deeply he affected her life. An image of Max Evans from earlier that morning seemed to flash in her mind.

There was something about the way he’d looked at her. Some quiet sense of knowing, as if he recognized her very soul. What was she supposed to do? The realization that this was some version of the man she had fallen in love with, shared such intimate moments with, made her slightly nervous. Could she rekindle the same kind of passion she’d found in Zan? Was this her chance to start over? After all, the first Max Evans she’d met fulfilled his promise. He got her to Antar and back to her home just as he promised.

What she hadn’t expected was how overwhelming it would be to see his face, to be near him again. His scent, his voice, even his eyes were eerily reminiscent of his predecessor. Not necessarily in the actual way they looked or sounded or smelled, but more so in the way they seemed to work together, in perfect harmony, to make up a man she recognized so well. A man that could still make her heart sink and fly with one glance.

Her eyes suddenly got wide at her thought. The desert. It was where she had first met him. Maybe there she would find the answers she was looking for.

She slipped out her balcony window, and down to the ground outside. It was a chilly night, so she wrapped her jean jacket around her tighter, looking back up toward her lit balcony before heading off into the night. She didn’t have her own car, and her parents would not have been too keen on her going off in the middle of the night. But, she couldn’t sleep. And she would not be able to until she got some sense of what was happening to her. She wanted her life back, her memories. She wanted to remember her years with Maria and Alex, to remember meeting Max, to remember all those parent-child moments she knew she’d had. She would be incomplete without them.

She walked down the empty streets of Roswell, sensing both familiarity and nervousness at the strange world. She had only been walking about five minutes, and she was already looking back, wondering if this had been such a good idea. The desert was not exactly walking distance. She should have kept that in mind.

Just as she was about to turn the corner and go back home, she heard the engine behind her. The quiet street roared to life as she turned, her face lit by the headlights. She squinted, reaching her hand up to block her eyes. The lights went off and she looked back up into another pair of eyes, looking down at her from their spot within a Jeep.

“What are you doing out here Max?” She asked, surprised to see him there.

“Jump in.” He said, as she looked at him curiously. “You shouldn’t be out here at this time. Not by yourself. Come on, I’ll give you a lift.”

<center>***</center>

Max didn’t know what to expect when he’d left his house in search for some peace of mind. He hadn’t been able to sleep, as his mind had been on overload since his conversation with Michael and Isabel earlier. He had headed toward the CrashDown, without a second thought, despite knowing that it would be closed. Just being near her calmed him. So he sat in his Jeep, toward the back of the CrashDown, looking up at her lit balcony. She wasn’t asleep. That much he knew. But was her cause of insomnia the same as his? He couldn’t help but wonder. He wanted so badly to talk to her, to go up there and ask her all the things that were on his mind. A bit bold for the boy who had been watching her from afar for so long. Granted, he’d gotten a bit bolder, a few jokes here and there, and soft hellos. Anything to get that smile he loved out of her.

While lost in his thoughts, he noticed her figure on the balcony, as she slowly climbed down. What was she doing? Where was she going at 2am?

He let her go ahead a bit before he decided to follow her. He had to get himself together first. What would he say? How would he explain his being out near her at this hour of the morning?

He turned the corner and reached her in no time. She looked up, her tired eyes shining in the light. He reached down and quickly turned them off.

“What are you doing here Max?” She asked him.

“Jump in.” He said, taking in her curious look. He knew he seemed incredibly suspicious. “You shouldn’t be out here at this time. Not by yourself. Come on, I’ll give you a lift.”

She stepped in, and they rode in silence for a few moments, as he looked ahead toward the road, driving to nowhere in particular.

“The desert.” She said, suddenly breaking the silence.

“That’s where you want to go?” He said, looking toward her for a moment.

“Yes, the desert. Please.”

“Ok.” They were quiet, as they continued the drive and the road got darker and darker.

He parked off toward the side of the rocky cliff, and turned off the car, as they just sat.

“This place calms me.” She said slowly, looking out toward the stars above them.

“Liz?” He asked, unsure of what he was supposed to say, if anything. Did she not find it strange that he had approached her at 2am? Did she even realize he’d brought her out into the desert? Granted, they knew each other, but he didn’t think they knew each other well enough to merit such trust.

“Walk with me.” She said, as she stepped out of the Jeep and toward the top of the rock.

He followed closely behind her, just watching her carefully. She seemed to be in her own world, lost in her thoughts. Then she stopped, as her eyes drifted toward the skies.

“Yosei liamdef tusia.” She whispered sadly. He froze as the sound of her words seemed to drift toward him with the breeze. He didn’t know why, but he knew exactly what she’d just said.

She turned toward him, her eyes holding something he wasn’t sure he understood.

“Max… who am I?” She asked him, her voice full of regret.

“You’re Liz Parker.” He was compelled to say, wanting to take away the sadness that loomed in her face. “You’re the daughter of Jeff and Nancy Parker. You go to West Roswell High. And you’re one of the smartest and most beautiful people I’ve ever met.” His voice faded away, and she looked up to meet his eyes.

“Max, I want to tell you a story.”

He looked at her carefully. She was acting so strange. Did this have anything to do with her fainting spell earlier that afternoon?

“Ok.” He said slowly.

“You’re the only person who truly knows who I am.” She said slowly.

“Liz, you’ve always been very clear as to who you were.”

“That was before the change.”

“The change?”

“Can’t you feel it? Can’t you feel the difference?” Her eyes filled with tears as she reached down for his hand, placing her palm against his. The minute their flesh touched it was like an electrical fire starting and spreading throughout his entire body. He looked up, locking eyes with her, sensing the energy leaving her body.

“I felt it the minute I laid eyes on you this morning.”

He breathed in deeply, afraid of the connection he knew was about to take place. He could feel it deep within his stomach.

“Tusoyah Agudenessa.” She said softly.

“What?” He said, startled by the words. Words he realized he’d been called tons of times before.

“Your Highness.” She whispered as she let her face lean in far too close to his. He couldn’t help what he was about to do. He knew he probably shouldn’t. In fact, he knew that if Michael and Isabel had been with him, they would have hit him for how completely irrational he was being. But, something within him knew what was happening. Something he didn’t recognize was taking over and he was doing this dance that he knew would change it all.

The minute his lips touched hers it was as if light literally beamed off their bodies. The connection was so powerful he held her tight, afraid they would both fall into oblivion together.

The images that rushed through him were intoxicating. The colors seemed to swirl together into a world reminiscent of fantasy. Flowers, dancing, all flashed through his mind. Then, frustration. Irritation. Passion. Love. Then, what shocked him the most. An essence he recognized. A name he knew somewhere deep within his soul.

“Atarah.” He whispered, as he opened his eyes and pulled away from the powerful kiss. “How is that possible?”

<center>***</center>

Liz finally felt like she was in control of her body again. It had been on shut down mode for almost ten minutes. It was like a daze caused by his power. Just his nearness sparked memories. But, their actual touch brought it all back.

Liz shivered at the memories that had ripped through her with such speed, she almost missed them.

Images of her childhood plagued her. A child growing up in Roswell, going to school, hanging out at her parents’ restaurant, growing up with Maria and Alex. And all the while, Max Evans watched from afar. He watched this woman with interest, the woman who seemed to be so familiar, whom he loved, despite not knowing why. He was drawn to her in ways that were unexplainable.

But, there was one thing that stuck out to Liz. Since they had become lab partners a year before, in school, she had started to change. It had been subtle at first, a feeling in the pit of her stomach that something huge was going to happen. Then her body began to feel different. It was something happening deep within her, on a very chemical level. The culmination of it all was her meeting with Max.

“Atarah.” Max said, as he broke their kiss. “How is that possible?”

She looked at him, suddenly recognizing him. She was beginning to feel more like herself.

“I don’t know Max. I don’t really know all the details.”

“Are you one of us?” He asked, as she looked up at the sky again.

“No. I’m not.”

“Then how? I don’t understand.”

“Max, you and I, we were… bonded in that other world. Bonded in a way that has spanned time and space. We made love.” She felt her throat thicken at her words. Could this have been any stranger? “It changed me.”

They stood in silence as he looked at her, examining her carefully, a mixture of emotions shining in his eyes.

“I don’t know what to say.” He whispered finally, breaking the awkward silence.

“Say that you remember,” she whispered through overwhelmed tears. “Tell me you remember what it felt like. That you love me.”

“Liz Parker, I’ve always loved you.” He whispered, as he reached down and kissed her lips.

She felt when the change came in the air. Everything froze, as she looked at the man before her. There was a bright light coming from the sky and suddenly a bright flash. She covered her face until it faded and then looked up, a shocked expression gracing her face.

“Liz.” He whispered softly. Her eyes widened. She knew that voice. It was Max Evans. The Max Evans she had first known.

A/N: PLEASE READ- To everyone who has taken the time to stop and read this. Thank you. I cannot express what an intense and magical ride this has been, and to read all of your reactions has truly been gratifying. This story holds such a special place in my heart, because it is truly my very first attempt at all out romance. And I enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you again, for your time and wonderful praises! I hope you'll enjoy this last piece of this world. I know I loved writing it. *hugs*


EPILOGUE:

“What? How?” Liz looked at the Max before her. He was the one she had the strongest memories of. She stopped suddenly, realizing what that meant. Her memories of her other life were fading. They were being taken over by the new memories, those made and being made. And Antar was less real. The sights and smells were a distant memory. The strongest thing she could sense were her feelings. The way it had made her feel the entire time she was there.

“I came to say goodbye.”

“Goodbye?” She nearly choked on her words.

“When you wake up from this, things will be different Liz. This was just a hint of what our lives could be. A vision brought to you so you can understand the magnitude of your trip. You see, by going back to Antar you saved us from lives we could not have led happily. You prevented the end of the world, you prevented the death of one of your dearest friends, and you prevented a life without love. The very power of your and Zan’s love has created a world where the wrongs have been righted, and you can finally be happy.”

“And, this?” She asked, speaking of the world around her.

“This was to show you that when you go back, things will be different. You, Liz are the essence of an ancient queen. But, you are completely human. And that’s important. Because I am completely human, I have simply been engineered to be a few hundred years more advanced. But our connection, our connection is from deep within the souls, and it is what makes us keep searching, even after we have failed. But now, you have not failed. You have done it. And you will be rewarded.”

“But, he died.”

“Your mission was never to save him from death, but from self-destruction.”

“Self-destruction?”

“Zan was falling deeper and deeper into himself. If you hadn’t gone Liz, we would have lost everything we were fighting for. Zan would have given in to the rebellion with no question, and gone into hiding. Instead, he fought for his kingdom, and for your lives. And, despite his death, he appointed another king in his place. Antar is finally at peace.”

“And what about you?” She asked, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. She didn’t know why, but she was afraid of what it meant when he finally disappeared again.

“Once I leave here, I’ll cease to exist. And you’ll get to move on with your life….”

“But, I don’t want to live without you….”

“You won’t be without me,” he said with a soft smile. “For the first time in eternity, we’ll truly be together.”

“I’m scared Max.”

“Why?”

“Because, I’m afraid of not remembering.”

“You’ll have your own memories Liz.”

“No, Max, you don’t understand.” She stepped up to him, letting her hand cup his face. “I don’t want to lose this experience. These memories, this journey… it’s changed my life. And even though I want to live now, I don’t want to leave this all behind.” She leaned in, readying herself for the phantom touch of his lips. When they met, it was as if every memory came crashing back.

Their first meeting in the desert was probably the strongest. The strange feeling of completion she had, as if she had finally found home. An image of Zan when she first opened her eyes stunned her, in all his glorious beauty back on Antar. It was all like a fairy tale.

“I love you Max.”

“I’ve always loved you.” He whispered in return, as they pulled away and he disappeared into the night.

You can wake up now.

The voice was like a whisper in the wind. She opened her eyes and looked around the room. It wasn’t her room in the CrashDown. She felt a heavy arm reach over and pull her waist back. Her eyes widened.

She reached her hand down and placed it over the hand on her abdomen. It was strong and large. She smiled, as if suddenly recognizing its touch.

She turned around, as her eyes fell upon a beautiful face lying beside her.

His hair was dark and shaggy, falling over his eyes and marred with sleep. He looked at her, his eyes still groggy.

“What are you doing up beautiful?” He whispered, and she felt her heart fill with every joy she could have ever imagined.

“Look at you.” She whispered softly, a sad smile creeping onto her face.

“What’s wrong?”

She sighed loudly, as if not even sure where to begin.

“I can’t ever imagine my life without you.” She said, realizing she couldn’t even remember that life anymore.

“Well, you don’t have to. Because, I’m right here. And I’m not going anywhere.” He said, as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

She closed her eyes, enjoying every bit of his nearness. This man felt real, solid and warm under her touch. He was not the phantom man who left her in her dreams. He was just as real as….

She smiled, suddenly realizing something. Her mind was full of memories of a place so far away. An image of Zan flashed her mind as she looked down at the man beside her. They were finally together.

Max looked at her carefully, his amber eyes exploring her expression.

“What’s going on in there?” He whispered, referring to her mind.

“I’m just reminding myself why I love you so much.” She leaned in and kissed his lips softly, when she felt a sudden current pass through her fingers. Her mind flashed, as images began to flood her.

Memories of falling in love in high school, feelings of endless passion and romance, the first time he told her his secret and she admitted that some part of her knew that. When they dated in college, and their wedding. Their wedding sparked feelings within her that warmed her all over. Feelings that she could never have imagined of love and family and pure happiness were all in her system, and she smiled, realizing what they all meant.

“I told you I’d bring you back.” He said with a smile.

“You remember….” She whispered.

“I remember that you are the only person I could ever love… Atarah.”

She smiled and kissed him, knowing that finally, everything was right in the world.

“I love you Max.”

“I love you too Liz.”

bump

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