Re: IDS Eidolon (CC ALL, Teen/Mature) Chapter 49- 11/09/08
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:21 pm
Thanks as always to all reading this story.
xmag- yes, having the essences of the Royal Four makes a huge difference. But why in this story does everyone assume that the New York group are the real ones? Why did they get the training, while the others were tucked away in a small American town? If you were going to raise someone up to be a King of a powerful and cosmopolitan world wouldn't you choose somewhere other than Roswell?
Why are there two copies?
Ana could indeed have turned anyone given time. Liz would have indeed been a force for evil as Emily. A powerful force. There is a reason the Skins feared her. (An evil Alex. Hmm, haven't seen that one either.) Maria was turned because of her flaws, both personal, and in her case genetic. Plus as I said to AvalonRose, I haven't read a story yet where Maria was at any point the villian, a credible force in her own right that the others had to flee.... Plus it literally gave Future Max no one else to trust. He doesn't know Alex that well. Kyle is not a friend. He neither knows nor trusts Tess. Isabel has Vilandra issues. He doesn't know when Maria was turned, only that she is vulnerable. And Michael will not hurt Maria. (He thinks that Maria killed him hours prior to his leaving for the past.)
That leaves only Liz. Who he would do anything to avoid hurting, but trusts completely.
GreginClearwater- Thanks.
Katydid- Thanks.
RhondaAnn- Michael is a realist bordering on, some would say deep in, pessimistic territory. If it happened before it could very well happen again. The bond will work against it, yes. But Michael doesn't know that. And you are right, if it happens in this timeline, he will turn with her.
And Isabel will not keep that information secret either.
Lonnie and Rath will have a difficult time ahead of them. Assuming they survive.
AvalonRose- Thanks. See my comments to xmag above.
Disclaimer- Roswell is not mine and no infringement is intended. Some bits and pieces from MitC.
Eidolon chapter 50
Liz-
Liz could feel herself snap back into herself. She opened her eyes and looked straight ahead into Isabel’s warm brown eyes.
“You did it.”
Liz nodded.
Isabel reached her other hand to cover Liz’s. There were unshed tears in her eyes as she gripped her right hand tightly with both of hers. “Thank you, Liz. By the look on your face, he’s okay?”
Liz felt her face blush slightly as she felt everyone’s eyes on her. She bit her lip and nodded. “He’s fine, but it was close.” She looked at Aeron, “Lonnie tried to kill him.”
Aeron nodded.
Maria spoke up, “Liz, what happened? I mean all we could see was, you closing your eyes…. And then it was like you were gone. This lout,” she pointed at Michael, “wouldn’t let me get to you.”
“She was busy.” Michael looked at her, “Weren’t you.”
Getting involved in one of their spats usually was unwise, but for once Michael was right. Liz licked her lips and said, “I was there. I mean, Isabel what are your dream walks like? It felt so real.”
“I’m in their minds, and usually I see what they’ve made up in their heads…. Although with Max, I saw a bit of what he was involved with.”
“Can you see things they can’t?”
Isabel thought for a moment, “I don’t think so. It is all in their head for me.” She looked intently at Liz, “But it isn’t for you. What I felt when you did whatever you did, it was like, like it had a different flavor.”
“It was strange, all of this is strange.”
Isabel smiled at her and waved toward the whole group, “Welcome to our world.”
Liz looked over at Maria who was scuffling her feet, obviously something on her mind. While Liz wanted to know, badly what her friend was thinking about, she needed to know something from Ava….Aeron. It was going to be hard to remember that Aeron wanted to be called that now. She seemed shamed by it, as if being called by something other than Ava was admitting defeat.
And that she was defeated.
Another thing to find out about. Later.
“Aeron, is there anything that Rath and Lonnie might need Tess for?”
“Tess? Other than raping her?” She shook her head, “To think I used to like him. I almost think changing our names was a mistake. I know I don’t deserve to be called Ava…. I don’t know…. “ She looked lost in thought, “Unless, well there are some artifacts that were on our ship that were supposed to be stored here. Particularly the Granolith. But I doubt any of you know about that.”
All the teens looked amongst each other.
Aeron said, “You don’t know where the Granolith is do you? I mean that is supposed to be how we get home.”
Maria gripped Michael’s hand tighter, a look of loss followed by grim acceptance.
Liz felt much the same. If they had a way home….
Michael looked over to Aeron, “How was it supposed to work?”
“You mean, you mean it really is here? No, don’t tell me where. It is better I don’t know.”
Isabel looked at her quizzically, “But do you know how it was supposed to work?”
Aeron shook her head, “It isn’t a Mithar thing. It is part of your shared heritage with the Skins. I, I don’t know. A book, there was supposed to be a book.” She started looking harried. “I, I have to go.” Aeron stood up and moved towards the door.
Michael said, “Wait, you can’t just leave it at that!”
Maria walked away from Michael and sat on the couch in the adjoining living room. Her face still grim and sad.
Liz spoke, “Aeron, will we see you again?”
She stopped at the door. “Yes. I just need to clear my thoughts. I need to speak with Tess at the very least. Apologize to her. I’m sorry, I just….” Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she just left.
Liz stared after the short alien. “What was that about?”
Isabel was staring with her, her eyes slightly sympathetic, “Kyle.”
Liz looked at her, “Kyle? How serious?”
“About as serious as it can get.”
Liz whipped her head over to Isabel, surely she couldn’t mean….
Isabel met her eyes and grimly nodded.
Liz shook her head. Things were getting increasingly complicated. Her hope for holding Tess her with Kyle fading fast.
They needed her. She didn’t know why, but she knew that they did.
And Liz was not about to give up Max.
No.
Not now.
She closed her eyes and felt along their bond. It was stronger now. Whatever Isabel had helped her do had strengthened it somehow.
Max was hers.
But how to keep Tess?
Liz was unaware of the quiet conversation that sprung up in the room. For she was making plans. And plans within plans.
The future was far from certain. But a good plan could spell the difference between success and failure.
And Liz did not plan to fail….
------
Lonnie-
Lonnie tried to pretend that she was free. That she wasn’t prisoner to an irate Protector. He had Marked her.
Any alien with any skill would be able to sense it. Hell some of the more perceptive humans could probably sense it. They could feel a sense of guilt and doom about her.
There was no court that could remove such a sigil that Lonnie would ever want to sit at. Isabel? Michael? Or shudder, Tess.
The worst thought was how he had phrased her attempt on Max as just an attempt. That he had somehow survived.
Lonnie certainly would not wanted to have faced Zan after attempting to kill him. Max had even less reason to care for her. Or Rath.
Could Max heal Rath? Lonnie couldn’t help but feel a tiny thrill of hope. She had managed to bandage up most of his wounds, but he had lost so much blood….
Max could take it all away. Could make him whole.
But after all they had done. After they had betrayed him, would he?
Yesterday, Lonnie would have said yes. He had seemed such a soft touch. But now, after seeing him at the summit, actually replaying the sense of power she had felt rolling off of him.
Lonnie was frightened of him.
And Tess, the one she had thought of as a pointless milksop had nearly killed both herself and Rath. By herself. Nicholas had warned her. Had warned her against Tess. Had warned her to watch her back. To keep an open escape.
Would she ever be free again?
It was that damn sigil. They affected not only those who might be nearby, but their wearers. Made people reconsider their actions. Made them reflect on their crimes. On their sins.
It could break people.
It was breaking her.
How could she have been so blind as to not see how much Rath had loved her? She had known, of course, in a way. And she had ruthlessly used it against him. Would he ever forgive her?
Could she ever forgive herself.
There was her treatment of Ava…. How had she ever lost her friend? How had they drifted so far apart? Once they had been so close.
And Zan. She had killed him. Oh, God, she had killed her own brother! Her own flesh and blood. Well maybe not on Earth, but….
Vilandra was freshly dressed in her scholar’s outfit, still too young to have made the adjustments that had made her famous. She looked stiff and uncomfortable.
And those of her adoptive family weren’t exactly making her feel at home. They hated her. They always had. A memory of the new Queen’s indiscretions.
She wasn’t a threat to the other Royals. She wasn’t really one of them, even if her mother was Queen Consort.
She did not even know who her father was. Only that it was not the King.
And yet they hated her….
She sat while one by one they greeted their new member. A new Royal. A son. Zan.
Her half-brother.
It was customary for one to bring a gift or a promise at the birth of a Royal.
Lonnie didn’t really own anything. Only herself.
So when it was her turn she pledged that. She walked in, past the omnipresent guards, to stand next to her mother’s bed. Her mother smiled up at her. “Hi, love. Meet your little brother, Zan.”
Lonnie was surprised at the intense look on the baby’s face as it regarded her, his eyes already flecked with gold. She reached out to touch one of his hands, and he gripped one of her fingers.
And connected with her. He had a baby’s mind of course, chaotic and pure. But somehow he knew her.
And she knew him. She smiled, “Little brother, I am sure that many have promised and gifted you with many valuable things. I have little to give. So I gift you my love and loyalty. I promise to stand with you when others would flee. Should ever you have need, I will protect you as I can, even unto death….”
Lonnie could not stop the tears that began to flow. She had killed him, killed the one she had promised to protect…
The sigil’s power was so great she did not hear the others enter the room.
She was aware of Rhyjhaelian blasts streaking out at the Protector. Who calmly raised his shield. A shield that encompassed Tess.
Not Lonnie or Rath. They were traitors. Not worth protecting. Part of Lonnie agreed.
Vilandra had always been a survivor, and Lonnie was no different. She pulled herself out of the line of fire. And in an act that she would not have believed herself capable even that morning, she dragged Rath along too.
She felt as the cut along her body reopened, pain lancing through her. She lay there watching as four Skins marched into the room, Rhyjhaelian blasts still focused on the Protector’s shield.
Nicholas lifted his hand and the other Skins stopped their futile attack. “Well, what do we have here? We must have missed one of you. I thought we had gotten rid of all of you. You must be Kallen then. I thought you happy with your little human life.”
“Vaderian, you have always been a fool. I am not Kallen. I am not Mithar. No Mithar has ever been admitted to the Royal Household Guard. To think our family was so please to have second graduate of the Academy.”
One of the Skins’ face turned pale. “Sir, I think I know.”
Nicholas just stared at the Protector, still shielding himself and Tess. “No. He is dead. I made sure of it.”
“And you failed, nephew. You failed. How many different sides have you been on over the years? How many have you betrayed?”
Nicholas raised his hand and a bar of golden light streamed forth to melt into nothingness on the Protector’s shield.
“Sir, this is pointless. Dorian could hold off armies with his shield. Only Zan in his prime could hold better.”
“We can wear him down. He can’t hold on forever.”
Dorian smiled. “I don’t have to hold on forever. Surely you can feel it, Vaderian. The King is coming. And he is angry. I know you are powerful. You could perhaps beat one of us. But together?” Dorian smile widened.
“Sir, we must flee. If the Granolith is on Earth, if the boy does have the Seal….”
One of the other Skins was already edging towards the door.
Nicholas glared at the offending Skin, who stopped. He turned again to Dorian, “Very well, Uncle. You have won this round. But don’t think I have forgotten you or your protégés. Jeb, Tom, take the two traitors. Don’t worry, Dorian, I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Nicholas left.
Lonnie struggled with the Skin who picked her up. Her offensive powers were weakened by the sigil, and would be until it faded.
It took two of them to carry Rath, and some of his wounds began to open again with their rough care.
Dorian could have freed them at any time. But he just stood there behind his shield, protecting Tess. Letting the Skins have her.
She caught his eyes right before she was taken away to whatever horrid fate Nicholas would decree for her.
There was no mercy in there for her.
Not that she had expected any.
She had killed Zan. She had killed her brother.
-------
Max-
Max rushed into the room. There air was dusty, and a beam of light illuminated Tess, drawing his eyes to her.
There was a sense of someone watching him, but he could not see anyone.
He rushed over to Tess. She looked battered and bruised.
He healed her and a rush of images from her childhood ran through him. Her desire for a family, a real family flooded through him. He could never truly give himself to her, but he could give her a family.
This time, this life he would not drive her from Roswell.
He felt her stir.
“Tess?”
“Max? You came.”
“Of course I did. We’re family. Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“What happened?”
“Rath and Lonnie. They tried to get in my head. I fought back.”
Max looked again at the dust that filled the room. Looked at some of the stains on the floor. Reddish stains.
Blood.
“Where are they?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, you are safe now Tess.”
Tess looked up at him blearily. “Let’s go home. Home to Roswell.”
Max kissed her gently on the forehead and helped her up.
And they left.
-----
Alex-
Alex breezed into the Parker apartment. He could feel Isabel’s focus suddenly change to him.
Of the four teens, she was the only one smiling as he entered the apartment. She got up and kissed him.
Alex was surprised by her open actions. He knew that she loved him, he could feel it in his bones. But he also knew that she was skittish about public displays of affection.
There was a reason she was known as the Ice Princess.
Still he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms, the feel of her.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Maria said quietly. “Ready for your trip?”
He kept one arm around Isabel and turned to face Maria. Both Michael and Liz were deep in thought. Not surprising for Liz, but Michael? He wasn’t brooding, like the aliens tended to do. He was thinking intently.
Just like Liz.
Who would have thought. Maria had told him he was fairly bright, that he could quote Milton and Joyce. But it just had never registered when he had seen him.
Isabel released his arm and pushed him to Maria, “Give her a hug already. Don’t you have to be leaving soon? I mean I’m going with you to the airport. “
Maria rolled her eyes. “Thanks I think.”
Alex looked around, “Is everyone okay? What has happened. Did I miss it all again?” Alex could feel the familiar shame. He wanted to help them. But how could he when he was always absent?
Isabel gave him another brief hug. “We’re okay now. I will tell you some of it on the trip.”
Alex looked at her. There was an eagerness, almost a hunger to her. It wasn’t like they would have time to do anything. He looked at his watch. He had maybe ten minutes before they left, and then a half hour to finish up at home.
There was no time. So he hugged Maria. Said goodbye to a revived, but still slightly distracted Liz. Michael surprised him with a smile and promise to keep his girls safe for him.
For which he was pummeled by the protectees…
He would miss this. But in translating the book, he might be able to help them in ways none of them could imagine. Alex only wished he could tell Liz and Maria about it.
The warp had weakened but it still held.
His mom was pleasantly surprised to see him on time. And by the efficiency that Isabel showed in helping Alex finish up.
Alex could feel his mother sizing Isabel up, trying to see what kind of a person she was. When she saw what a wonderful person Isabel was, how could she not help but be charmed?
He always had been. Even that first day in fourth grade when he met Isabel for the first time. She had been kind, courteous, and distant. And he had joined the ranks of the smitten, even if he did not fully understand what he was feeling.
He spent much of that year trying to fit in. It wasn’t until the fifth he had truly bonded with Liz and Maria. But he had always watched Isabel from afar.
Sure he had never really chased her until fate had brought her close, until they shared the same dangerous secret.
But somehow, by the Grace of God, he had won her.
“Well we are done. It is going to be hard not seeing you everyday Isabel.”
“I’m sure. Trust me I’ll be missing you too.” She carefully placed his last bag off the bed and smoothed out the top cover.
He would have to carry it out in a few moments. He smiled up at her. How he wished he had more time!
He was a little worried about her eyes. The irises were slowly expanding into an almond shape. “Isabel, are you okay?”
“I’ve never been better.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a little grey and green orb.
He could sense her voice becoming multi-toned. Vilandra. Part of him wanted to back away. The hunger was back along the bond. “What is wrong Isabel.”
“I want you.”
“I want you too, Iz, but we don’t have time…”
“That is where you are wrong,” She place on hand on his shirt and began to vaporize buttons, working her way down.
He just stood their stupidly staring at his girlfriend. “Isabel, my mother is right outside the door and she’ll be coming in any minute!”
“Not anymore.” The orb in her hand pulsed.
Alex felt a little disorientation as the world began to spin. He felt Isabel grasp onto his arm and felt as warmth began to flow into him. The world stabilized and he looked up into her normal beautiful brown eyes.
What the hell, you are only a teenager once, right?
So he kissed her, knowing that his mother was going to bust him.
Any moment now.
He let the kiss deepen, let his hands roam. They could only kill him once, right?
After a timeless moment, Isabel backed away and set the orb she had been holding on his dresser. She briskly removed her clothes. She looked at him, still standing there, his shirt half open. “You seem a little overdressed.”
“Isabel….”
“Alex, trust me when I say we have all the time in the world. Well, three or four hours anyway….”
Alex just stared at her.
Isabel walked up to him and sinuously writhed in his arms. “So, about those clothes….”
Alex could feel himself respond. Well what else was he supposed to do?
Resistance was obviously futile.
-------
Aeron
Aeron’s mind was a storm of confusion.
First there was Kyle. What was she going to do about Kyle?
And Tess. Aeron was sure Tess would not react well to her sleeping with her not quite boyfriend.
Particularly when she understood exactly what Aeron had stolen from her.
But the thing that bothered her most was Natalie. Everything her Protector had told her, had sworn was true…. Might be false.
The Roswell hybrids were stronger, much stronger. And while they seemed to fit in well with the humans, so had her group until forced into hiding.
And the Granolith. They had the Granolith.
What she had said to Liz wasn’t wholly true. Her people, the Mithars did have a relationship with the Granolith….
It had been used against them and their parent world several times.
Her people, the group that would later be called Mithar had started as a resistance group against Them. And it was only through using the Granolith that the Third Taran Dynasty had been able to finally crush Them.
The Mithars of Antar had been allowed to settle on the far continent, allowed to terra form it to their desires. And had sworn allegiance to Antar.
But the war had been long and hard and despite all the hard work, Antar slid into a long Dark Age.
Not even her people remembered the name of their home world. But they remembered the threat. And for the most part remembered their oaths.
Certainly, her family had always been loyal.
How much of what she had been told was wrong. Was her group really the Real Royals as they had been told.
Or were they copies.
For she knew Lonnie had Vilandra’s memories…. But she had seen Isabel channeling Vilandra.
None of it made sense.
There was only one way to find out.
She needed to recover Natalie. From what she had heard they had some of the Revival Stones. She would only need a couple. Maybe only one.
She needed somewhere to think, someplace quiet. Not her room. Kyle might still be there. And even if he wasn’t he would be.
The Quarry where she had fixed Tess’s SUV. That would work.
She stopped her car when she saw a truck already parked there. Sean was standing at the edge of the reservoir skipping rocks.
She saw him look at her and start walking towards her car. His eyes were red rimmed with shed tears. “I can go….”
Sean just looked at her.
Aeron was sure she looked a fright herself.
Sean forced a smile. “Nah, we both need to be alone. But why don’t we be alone together.” He handed her a flat rock.
They skipped rocks on the reservoir for a long time.
-----
Maria-
Maria hated closing. Particularly during the holidays. The only thing worse was during a Convention.
She walked into the back to grab a broom.
Michael was still washing dishes.
Still quiet. Still withdrawn. He had been all day since finding out that they had a way home in the Granolith.
Normally this would mean he would be sullen. But tonight he just seemed focused.
Not on her, she was sure. On getting home.
What a week. She finds out her father is dead, no limo for her. He finds a way home. If only he can figure out a way to work it.
She had talked a little with Liz about it. The idea of whether to push them towards Antar or away from it. Liz was surprisingly philosophical about it, certain that Max would choose her over home.
Maria wasn’t so sure. Michael had been quiet really since they had come back from the alternate future. From where he had spent time with the other Maria.
She absently swept the floor, grabbed a mop and mopped it. It seemed mere minutes but it was done.
Michael was waiting for her. He even helped her pour out the dirty water.
Michael being gallant was usually a bad sign. Was she losing him for good?
Maria turned to him as they moved towards the front door to leave. “Okay, I have taken Liz’s advice all night an not pounced on you like I probably should have…. But what gives.”
Michael sighed and waved her over to a booth.
He thought she needed to sit down. Another bad sign. She gingerly sat down opposite of him.
Michael looked straight at her. “I have been thinking about us all night long.”
Huh?
“And I have come to the conclusion that I was right. I never should have gotten involved with you.”
“Wait, Michael, are you breaking up with me?” Maria could already feel her stomach lurch and a tingly feeling begin on her fingers.
“Just let me speak. I won’t be able to finish if you keep jabbering at me.”
“Jabbering, I never jabber. I discuss or converse. You on the other hand….”
“Maria.”
Maria stopped, heart still sinking. Part of her wanted to continue. If he couldn’t talk, he couldn’t say it could he? He couldn’t end it if she just babbled and used up all the air.
But she had known that this day would come.
Just not this soon.
“As I said, it would have been better for you if I never had met you. If, if we had never kissed. But we did. We did. And….”
“No Michael, no. I don’t care what she said. I love you and I won’t let you leave. If, if you go. I will go with you.”
Michael had a little sardonic smile now, a more familiar look than he’d had all night. “Maria, I told you this day would come. When I would have to make a choice.”
Maria felt all the air leave the room.
“And I choose you. It has been what I have feared all along. That I would not be able to leave you. And I have thought about it. I can’t. Not for Max. Not for Isabel. Certainly not for a world I have never seen.”
Maria felt a sudden bubble of joy. She reached across the table and grabbed his hand and pulled it to her cheek. She could feel him. The bond was always strengthened by contact.
And she felt complete.
The door rattled. Amy glared at them. “It’s late and I need to drop Michael off, too. Come on. It is cold out here.”
Michael sent her one of his patented smirks and gave her a quick kiss. “I need another bike.”
“I need a car.”
“We’ll get there, Pixie, we’ll get there.”
Her hand slipped in his, “Together.”
He just smiled.
And they walked out into the night.
xmag- yes, having the essences of the Royal Four makes a huge difference. But why in this story does everyone assume that the New York group are the real ones? Why did they get the training, while the others were tucked away in a small American town? If you were going to raise someone up to be a King of a powerful and cosmopolitan world wouldn't you choose somewhere other than Roswell?
Why are there two copies?
Ana could indeed have turned anyone given time. Liz would have indeed been a force for evil as Emily. A powerful force. There is a reason the Skins feared her. (An evil Alex. Hmm, haven't seen that one either.) Maria was turned because of her flaws, both personal, and in her case genetic. Plus as I said to AvalonRose, I haven't read a story yet where Maria was at any point the villian, a credible force in her own right that the others had to flee.... Plus it literally gave Future Max no one else to trust. He doesn't know Alex that well. Kyle is not a friend. He neither knows nor trusts Tess. Isabel has Vilandra issues. He doesn't know when Maria was turned, only that she is vulnerable. And Michael will not hurt Maria. (He thinks that Maria killed him hours prior to his leaving for the past.)
That leaves only Liz. Who he would do anything to avoid hurting, but trusts completely.
GreginClearwater- Thanks.
Katydid- Thanks.
RhondaAnn- Michael is a realist bordering on, some would say deep in, pessimistic territory. If it happened before it could very well happen again. The bond will work against it, yes. But Michael doesn't know that. And you are right, if it happens in this timeline, he will turn with her.
And Isabel will not keep that information secret either.
Lonnie and Rath will have a difficult time ahead of them. Assuming they survive.
AvalonRose- Thanks. See my comments to xmag above.
Disclaimer- Roswell is not mine and no infringement is intended. Some bits and pieces from MitC.
Eidolon chapter 50
Liz-
Liz could feel herself snap back into herself. She opened her eyes and looked straight ahead into Isabel’s warm brown eyes.
“You did it.”
Liz nodded.
Isabel reached her other hand to cover Liz’s. There were unshed tears in her eyes as she gripped her right hand tightly with both of hers. “Thank you, Liz. By the look on your face, he’s okay?”
Liz felt her face blush slightly as she felt everyone’s eyes on her. She bit her lip and nodded. “He’s fine, but it was close.” She looked at Aeron, “Lonnie tried to kill him.”
Aeron nodded.
Maria spoke up, “Liz, what happened? I mean all we could see was, you closing your eyes…. And then it was like you were gone. This lout,” she pointed at Michael, “wouldn’t let me get to you.”
“She was busy.” Michael looked at her, “Weren’t you.”
Getting involved in one of their spats usually was unwise, but for once Michael was right. Liz licked her lips and said, “I was there. I mean, Isabel what are your dream walks like? It felt so real.”
“I’m in their minds, and usually I see what they’ve made up in their heads…. Although with Max, I saw a bit of what he was involved with.”
“Can you see things they can’t?”
Isabel thought for a moment, “I don’t think so. It is all in their head for me.” She looked intently at Liz, “But it isn’t for you. What I felt when you did whatever you did, it was like, like it had a different flavor.”
“It was strange, all of this is strange.”
Isabel smiled at her and waved toward the whole group, “Welcome to our world.”
Liz looked over at Maria who was scuffling her feet, obviously something on her mind. While Liz wanted to know, badly what her friend was thinking about, she needed to know something from Ava….Aeron. It was going to be hard to remember that Aeron wanted to be called that now. She seemed shamed by it, as if being called by something other than Ava was admitting defeat.
And that she was defeated.
Another thing to find out about. Later.
“Aeron, is there anything that Rath and Lonnie might need Tess for?”
“Tess? Other than raping her?” She shook her head, “To think I used to like him. I almost think changing our names was a mistake. I know I don’t deserve to be called Ava…. I don’t know…. “ She looked lost in thought, “Unless, well there are some artifacts that were on our ship that were supposed to be stored here. Particularly the Granolith. But I doubt any of you know about that.”
All the teens looked amongst each other.
Aeron said, “You don’t know where the Granolith is do you? I mean that is supposed to be how we get home.”
Maria gripped Michael’s hand tighter, a look of loss followed by grim acceptance.
Liz felt much the same. If they had a way home….
Michael looked over to Aeron, “How was it supposed to work?”
“You mean, you mean it really is here? No, don’t tell me where. It is better I don’t know.”
Isabel looked at her quizzically, “But do you know how it was supposed to work?”
Aeron shook her head, “It isn’t a Mithar thing. It is part of your shared heritage with the Skins. I, I don’t know. A book, there was supposed to be a book.” She started looking harried. “I, I have to go.” Aeron stood up and moved towards the door.
Michael said, “Wait, you can’t just leave it at that!”
Maria walked away from Michael and sat on the couch in the adjoining living room. Her face still grim and sad.
Liz spoke, “Aeron, will we see you again?”
She stopped at the door. “Yes. I just need to clear my thoughts. I need to speak with Tess at the very least. Apologize to her. I’m sorry, I just….” Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she just left.
Liz stared after the short alien. “What was that about?”
Isabel was staring with her, her eyes slightly sympathetic, “Kyle.”
Liz looked at her, “Kyle? How serious?”
“About as serious as it can get.”
Liz whipped her head over to Isabel, surely she couldn’t mean….
Isabel met her eyes and grimly nodded.
Liz shook her head. Things were getting increasingly complicated. Her hope for holding Tess her with Kyle fading fast.
They needed her. She didn’t know why, but she knew that they did.
And Liz was not about to give up Max.
No.
Not now.
She closed her eyes and felt along their bond. It was stronger now. Whatever Isabel had helped her do had strengthened it somehow.
Max was hers.
But how to keep Tess?
Liz was unaware of the quiet conversation that sprung up in the room. For she was making plans. And plans within plans.
The future was far from certain. But a good plan could spell the difference between success and failure.
And Liz did not plan to fail….
------
Lonnie-
Lonnie tried to pretend that she was free. That she wasn’t prisoner to an irate Protector. He had Marked her.
Any alien with any skill would be able to sense it. Hell some of the more perceptive humans could probably sense it. They could feel a sense of guilt and doom about her.
There was no court that could remove such a sigil that Lonnie would ever want to sit at. Isabel? Michael? Or shudder, Tess.
The worst thought was how he had phrased her attempt on Max as just an attempt. That he had somehow survived.
Lonnie certainly would not wanted to have faced Zan after attempting to kill him. Max had even less reason to care for her. Or Rath.
Could Max heal Rath? Lonnie couldn’t help but feel a tiny thrill of hope. She had managed to bandage up most of his wounds, but he had lost so much blood….
Max could take it all away. Could make him whole.
But after all they had done. After they had betrayed him, would he?
Yesterday, Lonnie would have said yes. He had seemed such a soft touch. But now, after seeing him at the summit, actually replaying the sense of power she had felt rolling off of him.
Lonnie was frightened of him.
And Tess, the one she had thought of as a pointless milksop had nearly killed both herself and Rath. By herself. Nicholas had warned her. Had warned her against Tess. Had warned her to watch her back. To keep an open escape.
Would she ever be free again?
It was that damn sigil. They affected not only those who might be nearby, but their wearers. Made people reconsider their actions. Made them reflect on their crimes. On their sins.
It could break people.
It was breaking her.
How could she have been so blind as to not see how much Rath had loved her? She had known, of course, in a way. And she had ruthlessly used it against him. Would he ever forgive her?
Could she ever forgive herself.
There was her treatment of Ava…. How had she ever lost her friend? How had they drifted so far apart? Once they had been so close.
And Zan. She had killed him. Oh, God, she had killed her own brother! Her own flesh and blood. Well maybe not on Earth, but….
Vilandra was freshly dressed in her scholar’s outfit, still too young to have made the adjustments that had made her famous. She looked stiff and uncomfortable.
And those of her adoptive family weren’t exactly making her feel at home. They hated her. They always had. A memory of the new Queen’s indiscretions.
She wasn’t a threat to the other Royals. She wasn’t really one of them, even if her mother was Queen Consort.
She did not even know who her father was. Only that it was not the King.
And yet they hated her….
She sat while one by one they greeted their new member. A new Royal. A son. Zan.
Her half-brother.
It was customary for one to bring a gift or a promise at the birth of a Royal.
Lonnie didn’t really own anything. Only herself.
So when it was her turn she pledged that. She walked in, past the omnipresent guards, to stand next to her mother’s bed. Her mother smiled up at her. “Hi, love. Meet your little brother, Zan.”
Lonnie was surprised at the intense look on the baby’s face as it regarded her, his eyes already flecked with gold. She reached out to touch one of his hands, and he gripped one of her fingers.
And connected with her. He had a baby’s mind of course, chaotic and pure. But somehow he knew her.
And she knew him. She smiled, “Little brother, I am sure that many have promised and gifted you with many valuable things. I have little to give. So I gift you my love and loyalty. I promise to stand with you when others would flee. Should ever you have need, I will protect you as I can, even unto death….”
Lonnie could not stop the tears that began to flow. She had killed him, killed the one she had promised to protect…
The sigil’s power was so great she did not hear the others enter the room.
She was aware of Rhyjhaelian blasts streaking out at the Protector. Who calmly raised his shield. A shield that encompassed Tess.
Not Lonnie or Rath. They were traitors. Not worth protecting. Part of Lonnie agreed.
Vilandra had always been a survivor, and Lonnie was no different. She pulled herself out of the line of fire. And in an act that she would not have believed herself capable even that morning, she dragged Rath along too.
She felt as the cut along her body reopened, pain lancing through her. She lay there watching as four Skins marched into the room, Rhyjhaelian blasts still focused on the Protector’s shield.
Nicholas lifted his hand and the other Skins stopped their futile attack. “Well, what do we have here? We must have missed one of you. I thought we had gotten rid of all of you. You must be Kallen then. I thought you happy with your little human life.”
“Vaderian, you have always been a fool. I am not Kallen. I am not Mithar. No Mithar has ever been admitted to the Royal Household Guard. To think our family was so please to have second graduate of the Academy.”
One of the Skins’ face turned pale. “Sir, I think I know.”
Nicholas just stared at the Protector, still shielding himself and Tess. “No. He is dead. I made sure of it.”
“And you failed, nephew. You failed. How many different sides have you been on over the years? How many have you betrayed?”
Nicholas raised his hand and a bar of golden light streamed forth to melt into nothingness on the Protector’s shield.
“Sir, this is pointless. Dorian could hold off armies with his shield. Only Zan in his prime could hold better.”
“We can wear him down. He can’t hold on forever.”
Dorian smiled. “I don’t have to hold on forever. Surely you can feel it, Vaderian. The King is coming. And he is angry. I know you are powerful. You could perhaps beat one of us. But together?” Dorian smile widened.
“Sir, we must flee. If the Granolith is on Earth, if the boy does have the Seal….”
One of the other Skins was already edging towards the door.
Nicholas glared at the offending Skin, who stopped. He turned again to Dorian, “Very well, Uncle. You have won this round. But don’t think I have forgotten you or your protégés. Jeb, Tom, take the two traitors. Don’t worry, Dorian, I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Nicholas left.
Lonnie struggled with the Skin who picked her up. Her offensive powers were weakened by the sigil, and would be until it faded.
It took two of them to carry Rath, and some of his wounds began to open again with their rough care.
Dorian could have freed them at any time. But he just stood there behind his shield, protecting Tess. Letting the Skins have her.
She caught his eyes right before she was taken away to whatever horrid fate Nicholas would decree for her.
There was no mercy in there for her.
Not that she had expected any.
She had killed Zan. She had killed her brother.
-------
Max-
Max rushed into the room. There air was dusty, and a beam of light illuminated Tess, drawing his eyes to her.
There was a sense of someone watching him, but he could not see anyone.
He rushed over to Tess. She looked battered and bruised.
He healed her and a rush of images from her childhood ran through him. Her desire for a family, a real family flooded through him. He could never truly give himself to her, but he could give her a family.
This time, this life he would not drive her from Roswell.
He felt her stir.
“Tess?”
“Max? You came.”
“Of course I did. We’re family. Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“What happened?”
“Rath and Lonnie. They tried to get in my head. I fought back.”
Max looked again at the dust that filled the room. Looked at some of the stains on the floor. Reddish stains.
Blood.
“Where are they?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, you are safe now Tess.”
Tess looked up at him blearily. “Let’s go home. Home to Roswell.”
Max kissed her gently on the forehead and helped her up.
And they left.
-----
Alex-
Alex breezed into the Parker apartment. He could feel Isabel’s focus suddenly change to him.
Of the four teens, she was the only one smiling as he entered the apartment. She got up and kissed him.
Alex was surprised by her open actions. He knew that she loved him, he could feel it in his bones. But he also knew that she was skittish about public displays of affection.
There was a reason she was known as the Ice Princess.
Still he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms, the feel of her.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Maria said quietly. “Ready for your trip?”
He kept one arm around Isabel and turned to face Maria. Both Michael and Liz were deep in thought. Not surprising for Liz, but Michael? He wasn’t brooding, like the aliens tended to do. He was thinking intently.
Just like Liz.
Who would have thought. Maria had told him he was fairly bright, that he could quote Milton and Joyce. But it just had never registered when he had seen him.
Isabel released his arm and pushed him to Maria, “Give her a hug already. Don’t you have to be leaving soon? I mean I’m going with you to the airport. “
Maria rolled her eyes. “Thanks I think.”
Alex looked around, “Is everyone okay? What has happened. Did I miss it all again?” Alex could feel the familiar shame. He wanted to help them. But how could he when he was always absent?
Isabel gave him another brief hug. “We’re okay now. I will tell you some of it on the trip.”
Alex looked at her. There was an eagerness, almost a hunger to her. It wasn’t like they would have time to do anything. He looked at his watch. He had maybe ten minutes before they left, and then a half hour to finish up at home.
There was no time. So he hugged Maria. Said goodbye to a revived, but still slightly distracted Liz. Michael surprised him with a smile and promise to keep his girls safe for him.
For which he was pummeled by the protectees…
He would miss this. But in translating the book, he might be able to help them in ways none of them could imagine. Alex only wished he could tell Liz and Maria about it.
The warp had weakened but it still held.
His mom was pleasantly surprised to see him on time. And by the efficiency that Isabel showed in helping Alex finish up.
Alex could feel his mother sizing Isabel up, trying to see what kind of a person she was. When she saw what a wonderful person Isabel was, how could she not help but be charmed?
He always had been. Even that first day in fourth grade when he met Isabel for the first time. She had been kind, courteous, and distant. And he had joined the ranks of the smitten, even if he did not fully understand what he was feeling.
He spent much of that year trying to fit in. It wasn’t until the fifth he had truly bonded with Liz and Maria. But he had always watched Isabel from afar.
Sure he had never really chased her until fate had brought her close, until they shared the same dangerous secret.
But somehow, by the Grace of God, he had won her.
“Well we are done. It is going to be hard not seeing you everyday Isabel.”
“I’m sure. Trust me I’ll be missing you too.” She carefully placed his last bag off the bed and smoothed out the top cover.
He would have to carry it out in a few moments. He smiled up at her. How he wished he had more time!
He was a little worried about her eyes. The irises were slowly expanding into an almond shape. “Isabel, are you okay?”
“I’ve never been better.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a little grey and green orb.
He could sense her voice becoming multi-toned. Vilandra. Part of him wanted to back away. The hunger was back along the bond. “What is wrong Isabel.”
“I want you.”
“I want you too, Iz, but we don’t have time…”
“That is where you are wrong,” She place on hand on his shirt and began to vaporize buttons, working her way down.
He just stood their stupidly staring at his girlfriend. “Isabel, my mother is right outside the door and she’ll be coming in any minute!”
“Not anymore.” The orb in her hand pulsed.
Alex felt a little disorientation as the world began to spin. He felt Isabel grasp onto his arm and felt as warmth began to flow into him. The world stabilized and he looked up into her normal beautiful brown eyes.
What the hell, you are only a teenager once, right?
So he kissed her, knowing that his mother was going to bust him.
Any moment now.
He let the kiss deepen, let his hands roam. They could only kill him once, right?
After a timeless moment, Isabel backed away and set the orb she had been holding on his dresser. She briskly removed her clothes. She looked at him, still standing there, his shirt half open. “You seem a little overdressed.”
“Isabel….”
“Alex, trust me when I say we have all the time in the world. Well, three or four hours anyway….”
Alex just stared at her.
Isabel walked up to him and sinuously writhed in his arms. “So, about those clothes….”
Alex could feel himself respond. Well what else was he supposed to do?
Resistance was obviously futile.
-------
Aeron
Aeron’s mind was a storm of confusion.
First there was Kyle. What was she going to do about Kyle?
And Tess. Aeron was sure Tess would not react well to her sleeping with her not quite boyfriend.
Particularly when she understood exactly what Aeron had stolen from her.
But the thing that bothered her most was Natalie. Everything her Protector had told her, had sworn was true…. Might be false.
The Roswell hybrids were stronger, much stronger. And while they seemed to fit in well with the humans, so had her group until forced into hiding.
And the Granolith. They had the Granolith.
What she had said to Liz wasn’t wholly true. Her people, the Mithars did have a relationship with the Granolith….
It had been used against them and their parent world several times.
Her people, the group that would later be called Mithar had started as a resistance group against Them. And it was only through using the Granolith that the Third Taran Dynasty had been able to finally crush Them.
The Mithars of Antar had been allowed to settle on the far continent, allowed to terra form it to their desires. And had sworn allegiance to Antar.
But the war had been long and hard and despite all the hard work, Antar slid into a long Dark Age.
Not even her people remembered the name of their home world. But they remembered the threat. And for the most part remembered their oaths.
Certainly, her family had always been loyal.
How much of what she had been told was wrong. Was her group really the Real Royals as they had been told.
Or were they copies.
For she knew Lonnie had Vilandra’s memories…. But she had seen Isabel channeling Vilandra.
None of it made sense.
There was only one way to find out.
She needed to recover Natalie. From what she had heard they had some of the Revival Stones. She would only need a couple. Maybe only one.
She needed somewhere to think, someplace quiet. Not her room. Kyle might still be there. And even if he wasn’t he would be.
The Quarry where she had fixed Tess’s SUV. That would work.
She stopped her car when she saw a truck already parked there. Sean was standing at the edge of the reservoir skipping rocks.
She saw him look at her and start walking towards her car. His eyes were red rimmed with shed tears. “I can go….”
Sean just looked at her.
Aeron was sure she looked a fright herself.
Sean forced a smile. “Nah, we both need to be alone. But why don’t we be alone together.” He handed her a flat rock.
They skipped rocks on the reservoir for a long time.
-----
Maria-
Maria hated closing. Particularly during the holidays. The only thing worse was during a Convention.
She walked into the back to grab a broom.
Michael was still washing dishes.
Still quiet. Still withdrawn. He had been all day since finding out that they had a way home in the Granolith.
Normally this would mean he would be sullen. But tonight he just seemed focused.
Not on her, she was sure. On getting home.
What a week. She finds out her father is dead, no limo for her. He finds a way home. If only he can figure out a way to work it.
She had talked a little with Liz about it. The idea of whether to push them towards Antar or away from it. Liz was surprisingly philosophical about it, certain that Max would choose her over home.
Maria wasn’t so sure. Michael had been quiet really since they had come back from the alternate future. From where he had spent time with the other Maria.
She absently swept the floor, grabbed a mop and mopped it. It seemed mere minutes but it was done.
Michael was waiting for her. He even helped her pour out the dirty water.
Michael being gallant was usually a bad sign. Was she losing him for good?
Maria turned to him as they moved towards the front door to leave. “Okay, I have taken Liz’s advice all night an not pounced on you like I probably should have…. But what gives.”
Michael sighed and waved her over to a booth.
He thought she needed to sit down. Another bad sign. She gingerly sat down opposite of him.
Michael looked straight at her. “I have been thinking about us all night long.”
Huh?
“And I have come to the conclusion that I was right. I never should have gotten involved with you.”
“Wait, Michael, are you breaking up with me?” Maria could already feel her stomach lurch and a tingly feeling begin on her fingers.
“Just let me speak. I won’t be able to finish if you keep jabbering at me.”
“Jabbering, I never jabber. I discuss or converse. You on the other hand….”
“Maria.”
Maria stopped, heart still sinking. Part of her wanted to continue. If he couldn’t talk, he couldn’t say it could he? He couldn’t end it if she just babbled and used up all the air.
But she had known that this day would come.
Just not this soon.
“As I said, it would have been better for you if I never had met you. If, if we had never kissed. But we did. We did. And….”
“No Michael, no. I don’t care what she said. I love you and I won’t let you leave. If, if you go. I will go with you.”
Michael had a little sardonic smile now, a more familiar look than he’d had all night. “Maria, I told you this day would come. When I would have to make a choice.”
Maria felt all the air leave the room.
“And I choose you. It has been what I have feared all along. That I would not be able to leave you. And I have thought about it. I can’t. Not for Max. Not for Isabel. Certainly not for a world I have never seen.”
Maria felt a sudden bubble of joy. She reached across the table and grabbed his hand and pulled it to her cheek. She could feel him. The bond was always strengthened by contact.
And she felt complete.
The door rattled. Amy glared at them. “It’s late and I need to drop Michael off, too. Come on. It is cold out here.”
Michael sent her one of his patented smirks and gave her a quick kiss. “I need another bike.”
“I need a car.”
“We’ll get there, Pixie, we’ll get there.”
Her hand slipped in his, “Together.”
He just smiled.
And they walked out into the night.