Gone But Not Forgotten(UC/CC/Slash Adult) [COMPLETE]

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 1: Part 2 of 2

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 1: Biking through the Desert
~ Biker ~

Timeline: Sunday Late afternoon / Same Day

“There's moments when you've been cold. Don't look back. Ages waitin' for you to fall. Never look back” “Don't Look Back” by Papa Roach from the Movie Biker Boyz

Deputy Jim Valenti flexed his hands on the steering wheel as he drove back to Roswell. Amy smiled at him from the passenger seat, truly happy for the first time in over a year. From the back seat Philip Evans was commenting on the dinner, they just had. “The restaurant certainly did have a nice atmosphere. Very relaxing. What did you think of it from your viewpoint Jeff?” asked Philip knowing that Jeff never like fancy restaurants, just good old fashioned down home cooking was his taste.

Jeff Parker looked up from where he was writing in a journal. Jeff had taken to writing in a journal someday hoping his daughter could read what he, the other parents had done, and how they felt about the kids. He had started the journal the day after Liz’s had arrived in the mail. His first entry was about how much pain he was in from her leaving; speculating on what alien powers caused her to abandon her family and dreams. Later entries were more forgiving, emphasizing how much he just wanted his daughter back even with Max as her husband. Today he was writing about Amy and Jim’s marriage. Jeff glanced up from his page. “It was okay? A little expensive for being out in the sticks, but then again that is what you get at a resort.” Diane and Nancy shared a quiet laugh.

Every since their children left, the six of them gathered on Sunday and drove out of town to some new location for dinner. On the way back, Jim always managed to drive past the pod chamber area. Secretly he was holding out hope that the kids would magically appear there waiting for their parents to pick them up.

It had been over a year and a half since they last heard from the kids and the silence was unbearable. Jim looked at Amy and thought about what a hard time she has had last year. They had grown quite close in the recent months, culminating with the marriage at city hall. Jim chuckled when he remembered how they other four looked when he and Amy broke the news over their traditional Sunday outing just this morning.

Suddenly a motorcycle flew past the deputy and started weaving back and forth across the road. “Damn kid, going to get killed or more than likely kill someone else.” Jim pulled out his portable siren and placed it on top of the SUV. The biker just looked back and sped up and out of sight around the next bend. “Damn it” Jim pushed down harder on the gas pedal to get close enough to catch the license plate number. As he rounded the bend, he saw that the biker pause and then take off cross-country. “Hold on this is going to be rough,” Jim warned his passengers.

The SUV kept up with the bike until it suddenly sped up and went behind an outcropping of rocks. Jim soon cleared the rocks to see that the bike stopped off to the left-hand side of the road with the driver leaning against it. The biker still had on his helmet so no one could see he face. His head cocked to one side and Jim could almost see a smirk on this kid’s face. That pissed him off, another smart-ass punk biker tearing through Roswell. It was obvious this one had a lot of attitude and was not afraid. Yet something in the way, he stood with his arms and legs crossed rang a bell with Jim.

“It couldn’t be,” Jim shook his head in disbelief.

“What couldn’t be?” asked Jeff.

“Michael, that guy stands and acts just like Michael.” Jim found himself saying. All six stared out the windows at the kid. Hearts were racing. Could it be Michael?

“Look,” said Diane as she pointed to the rock formation in front of them. It was the pod chamber.

“Everyone stay in the SUV.” Jim ordered as he turned off the engine and opened the door carefully getting out. He drew his weapon and leveled it at the biker. “Okay place your hands above your head and drop to your knees.”

The biker uncrossed his arms and stood up fully.

“Do as I said. Now! Drop to the ground.” Jim yelled.

The biker stretched one hand out in front of him with his palm-facing Jim. Before Jim could react, a silver shield came out in front of the biker. Jim stepped back quickly not knowing if this was a skin or what. His own powers were just starting to materialize in the last few weeks but he was in no shape to tackle an alien. The biker stood there shaking his head and letting out a definite snort. He then reached up to his helmet with his free hand and pulled it off.

“Leave for a few months and they go 5-O down your ass.” Michael shook out his hair and smirked at Jim.

“Oh, my God! Michael!” Jim could not believe his eyes.

“Planning on using that thing? “ Michael said as he pointed at the gun.

“Michael” Amy began screaming in the SUV as she beat on the car window as she tried to open the door. Jim immediately holstered his gun and stepped forward. Michael looked at Jim and saw a panicked Amy come running from the side. He dropped his shield just as she crossed the invisible line that had divided him from them. Amy grabbed Michael by the shoulders and hugged him until he could not breathe. Right behind her the Evans and Parkers came running.

Jim had come up on the side of Michael and grabbed hold of him. “Son, it is good to see you again.”

Michael overwhelmed by the attention he was now getting from the six parents, took a few steps back as a barrage of questions were hurled at him. “Are you alone?” “Where is Kyle?” “Where is Marie is she okay?” “Is Liz okay? What about her and Max?” Where are Max and Isabel? Are they okay? Are they happy?” “Can we see them?” “Where are they?” “Are they close by?”

Michael held up his hands, “I will answer all your questions but first we need to get to a more secure location.” He nodded with his head up the hill in the general location of the pod chamber.

The parents all looked at each other. They had read Liz’s journal and knew some general details about the pod chamber but had never seen the actual chamber itself.

Michael turned and stepped towards his bike. Laying one hand on the seat, the bike slowly changed into a boulder that matched the rest of the landscape. Nancy and Amy let out a gasp at the sight. They knew that Michael was an alien; but it was one thing to hear it and another to see it. Michael then went around the parents to the SUV where he did the same thing. “Better to be safe than sorry,” Michael said as he headed up the hill.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 2: Part 1 of 2

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 2: Alien Births
~ It’s a boy! a girl! a boy! a girl! An Alien? ~

Timeline: Sunday Late afternoon / Same Day

“Hush, little baby, don't say a word. Papa's going to buy you a mockingbird” “Hush, little baby” by Nina Simone

The parents followed and watched as Michael waved his hand over the rock face making a red palm print appear. He laid his hand upon print and suddenly the rock opened and Michael stepped inside. Once they were all inside the entryway closed. It took a few seconds to adjust to the soft light that seemed to be everywhere in the cave. To their left-hand side, they saw what looked like four large oval shaped containers encased in green webbing.

The parents stood there looking at the cave, it was so natural n appearance yet at the same time eerily alien. The pods that at one time housed the four aliens were a prime focal point of the parent’s eyes.

Michael was heading into the Granolith chamber when he stopped and looked at the adults. He had forgotten how truly alien this must look to them.

“Is this where you were …um … er… born?” Diane Evans asked gingerly. She never could believe that her son and daughter were aliens. They looked and acted so human. It had to be some bad joke that was being played on her babies.

“Yes.” Michael pointed to the top left pod. “That was mine. Next to me was Isabel.” He then pointed to the bottom left. ”Tess was there. And Max was here.” as he pointed to the last pod.

Philip began to think; it was as if they in pairs. “Wasn’t Tess supposed to be Max’s wife on your home world?” Philip questioned the boy. He still was trying to piece together all the information about those last couple of years before Max left.

“Yes,” Michael said hesitantly.

Philip’s mind formed the question that he would ask later. ‘So, what was Isabel to you then?’ Philip remembered when Isabel had come home from school dragging this scruffy quiet boy behind her and Max. At first, they tried to prevent their children from knowing a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, but Isabel and Max were determined to keep Michael as their friend. After a few days, they both had welcomed this new burst of enthusiasm for Michael from Max and Isabel. For months all Isabel could do was talk about Michael this and Michael that. Max would shed his shy exterior and glowed with excitement when Michael was around. They would talk for hours; the three of them huddle in a tight group. Secrets they shared from the beginning.

Diane looked over at her husband and could tell what he was thinking as the same thoughts that were running though her mind. ‘Why was his pod next to Isabel? Were they married as Tess and Max had been in this other life? Was Madame Viviane right?’

Diane thought back an incident that happened one typical summer day when the kids were playing in the backyard. “What are you playing?” she asked as her daughter came running past her in some old high heels and a dress that reached to the ground. “I am a princess,” Isabel stated with a regal look that almost made Diane believe that she was truly a princess. “Max is the evil King that has threatened to take me away to his palace and keep me there forever.” Diane smiled and laughed at the scene. “Who is Michael then?” Diane asked expecting him to be a dragon or something. “He is my prince. My warrior. My husband. He has always rescued me and protected me from everyone.” Isabel stated this with such realism that Diane marveled at how creative her daughter was. Now standing in this cave and looking up at the pods, she wondered if Michael was truly her daughter’s prince, her warrior, her husband.

“Michael do you remember being in that thing?” Nancy Parker asked looking at the remains of her son-in-law’s ‘birth room’.

“Well, yeah. Sort of. I guess.” Michael was very nervous to be explaining their birth to the parents. It was all so alien to them and he could see it in their eyes. It was wrong to bring them up here and let them see this. Michael could not help but dwell on the fact that Max is going to have his ass for pulling off this stunt. ‘Shit anointer black mark against me. I can never d…’

Michael was drawn out of his thoughts by Diane’s voice. “So was Isabel older or Max? Isabel always referred to Max as her younger brother.” Diane’s eyes widen at the thought of her daughter being born in this non-sterilized environment.

Michael took a deep breath. He knew this was not going to go over well at all. Slowly he began choosing his words carefully. “The pods were filled with clear ooze. I remember waking up and needing to break through the membrane that covered the opening. I remember touching the ground for the first time and how it felt hard and foreign to my feet. I turned to Isabel’s pod and placed my hand on it. She woke up and I helped her break through the membrane. We then went to Max and got him out.”

Diane and Philip’s eyes met. They were thinking the same thing; Michael was in the desert that night! That thought sent shudders down Diane’s spine.

“But what about Tess?” Jim asked.

Michael scratch his brow, this was going to be hard to explain. “Max went to Tess’ pod but I stopped him before he could activate the waking process. I remember I shook my head ‘no’ at him and blocked his hand. We could not speak but we were still mentally connected. We all three knew instinctually that Tess was the cause of our deaths. We left her here to die.”

Jim’s eyes saddened to think that the three alien children had deliberately left Tess there to die. This was something he would never understand on how they could turn on their own kind.

Michael quickly explained his actions: “I know how cruel that sounds. Twice Tess betrayed us. Once on Antar, which resulted in our deaths and then again, here, when she tried to trick us into returning to Antar to be executed by Ki’var, while she ruled as Queen. I am sorry but I feel no pity for her. If she had died, Alex would still be alive let alone those men and women at the base. She killed so many for her own selfish goals.”

The parents could hear the bitterness in Michael’s voice when he spoke of Ki’var and Tess’ betrayal. ‘What was this about Alex? Was Tess was the cause of his death? How?’ the parents were unclear about these items since they had been glanced over in Liz’s journal. There was so much, they did not know about, so many secrets.

“Michael, where were you that night we found Max and Isabel? “ Diane had to ask. She had to know if Isabel and Max had left Michael there all alone to die as well.

Michael was looking at the floor trying to find a foxhole that he could crawl into and not have to tell Mr. and Mrs. Evans that they left him that night in the desert. He knew they would feel guilty. “The three of us were walking for a long time. The ground and sky were all wrong, the sun was too bright and the colors were odd. We could not find our home no matter what direction we walked, nothing looked familiar. Max and Isabel were alone for the first time in their lives. There should have been guards or soldiers somewhere close by. I remember being confused and my senses, over powered by strange vibrations. It grew so very dark, darker than I had ever seen, then I saw a light. I grabbed Max and Isabel’s hands and pulled them towards a hill where I could hide them. Isabel broke free and went towards the light. Challenging it. Max pulled away and went after her. The noise grew louder. Max turned and held out his hand for me to follow. Before I could act, I heard a voice yelling that they there were ‘children’. I crouched behind a boulder watching. I knew that I was no match for the machine or the man that was in control. My powers had refused to activate. I was helpless watching as you took Max and Isabel away. I ran as fast as I could after you trying to keep the car in sight so that I could rescue them. Soon you were gone and I passed out from exhaustion. “

“I’m so sorry we weren’t there for you, Michael,” Diane said. “You should’ve been with us all along.”

“It’s my fault for staying hidden,” Michael said matter-of-factually as if he did not matter to him. ‘Evil people get what they deserve I got what I deserved.’ that thought went through his mind again and again.

Philip let this information sink in as he winced and sighed. It still bothered him to remember how his precious princess would cry herself to sleep night after night. Max would sneak into her room and hold her soothing her head until she slept. One day Philip overheard Max tell Isabel not to cry because he was still alive and they would find him. Philip and Diane always thought the kids were talking about their natural father. Isabel stopped crying that very night Michael entered the picture. Now Philip was sure they were talking about Michael. Philip broke his train of thought at Jim’s voice.

“Michael you were not found until 2 weeks later. I know because I am the one who found you in the desert.” Jim recanted “How could you stay alive that long without food or water? You looked like you were in the desert for a couple of days not weeks.”

Michael just looked at Jim and shrugged. “I was created to survive.”

“Created?” Amy was stunned, at the new revelation. ‘You mean as in cloned?”

“No, not really. These bodies are not like our originals, but our essence is the same. Alien and human DNA was combined to create the physical form that you see.”

The idea that Michael, Isabel and Max were created was like a ton of bricks hitting the parents all at once. It was a hard concept that their loved ones, designed by scientists to be what they were, to look as they do, and maybe even to act the way they do. Michael could feel the room tense up as the parents fought to understand this new piece of information.

“Hey, I am sorry you had to hear all this.” Michael started to ramble. “I wish we could have a normal life and not put any of you through this. But, I am not normal and neither is Max or Isabel. We have been hiding in fear for so long not knowing who we were, what we were, afraid that you would hate us if you knew about all of this.” Michael threw his arms up encircling the pods and the cave. “Max and Isabel will never recover if you reject them because of who they are. We did not ask to be re-created, to be re-born as a part of some political scheme that….” Michael stopped in mid sentence realizing that probably the parents were not aware of the political nature of their creation. Michael’s thoughts went rampant. ‘Oh, hell I did it again, opened my big mouth and spilled the beans. Damn Max is really going to have my ass.’

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 2: Part 2 of 2

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 2: Alien Births
~ Where is Everyone? ~

Timeline: Sunday Late afternoon / Same Day

“Everybody's talkin' at me. I don't hear a word their sayin'. Only the echoes of my mind.” “Everybody's Talkin'” by Harry Nilsson

Michael fell quiet he was rubbing the back of his head, the headache was beginning, ‘Take what it yours,’ Michael shook his head trying to release the stress.

Up until now, the parents had been rather quiet, mesmerized by Michael’s magical tricks and by the pod chamber itself, but that was coming to a fast end.

“I know we all want to know more about the alien aspect of your life Michael. But right now, I want to know about Maria. So spill it.” Amy looked like she could bite the head off a nail and he was the nail. She wanted to talk to Maria and bring her back home where she could be free from any more alien influence. If what Madame Vivienne said was right, she was not going to let her daughter marry or be involved with one Michael Guerin, alien bigamist. And when she got done with him she was sure he would not have the necessary parts anyway.

Michael was surprised that Amy had been so patient. He mused that she had probably been in shock and it had just now worn off. With Amy DeLuca fully conscious, Michael feared for his own life. Looking quickly around, he checked to see there were any weapons she could use, especially on his head.

Taking a cleansing breath, Michael began to tell them about the gang: “Everyone is okay. No FBI, no skins, no evil aliens attacking us. They all miss you very much. Everyone has a job and we are doing okay with the money and living situation. Liz and Max are sickeningly happy being married. Kyle is slowly forming new powers. Maria and Isabel are okay. They are all far away, though I can’t really give you any details; it is safer for both sides the less you know.”

Michael took in another breath of air. How can I tell them the truth? Things were going terrible for the six of them and I am as usual am at the heart of it. Isabel and I are having an affair, or maybe that should be a reconfirmation of their wedding rights since Vilandra and Rath had been benefiting from most of the fun. Mr. Evans I am sure wound love to choke the living daylights out of me for even daring to touch Isabel. Oh god I am in so much trouble’

Michael was rubbing his neck again; his eyes were shifting back and forth, as he thought. The parents were watching him, he seemed different somehow they just could not put their finger on it.

How can I tell Amy DeLuca about my marriage to Maria one day and waking up in Isabel’s bed the next? She would turn him into dog meat in a spilt second before he could even yelp. How can I tell her that the marriage was over, she wanted a divorce because Michael was having an affair with Isabel, or more like Rath was having an affair with Vilandra his wife? But Maria before he left, I was sure she said morning lover. No, it must be my confused thoughts that dream with Isabel and Maria together with him, it had to be just another dream.

He knew his actions had caused a rift between Liz and Max and that was widening. Things were so bad that to keep away from everyone he was working 16 to 18 hours a day, sleeping in the van in the parking lot of their apartment complex and eating very little.

And how could he tell Mr. and Mrs. Evans that Max had beat him, humiliated him, and raped him. I still cannot believe he refused to believe me. I know he did it, I am not crazy it had to be Max.’

Michael felt eyes staring at him. Looking up slightly he saw the parents watching him carefully, ‘Oh god what did I do. I have been gone again.’

Michael rushed quickly though his explanation of why he was here, or at least the version his conscious had supplied to him for why he came back home. “No one knows I am here. I came ....well.... because --- well —umm ---okay---I cannot stand to hear them bitch and moan about missing their families when Christmas rolls around again. Last year was just too much for me to handle. Sooo--- I thought you could send with me a little something for each of them for this Christmas. Pictures--- videos--- whatever---.” His eyes never left the ground not wanting them to detect any lies in his eyes.

Jim did not believe everything was hunky-dory with the kids. Michael did not look right. He was too pale, fatigue was evident, his eyes lethargic. Jim could detect a slight bruise over Michael’s left cheek and another one barely visible over his right jaw. He had been in a fight, recently, why didn’t Max heal the bruises. That was odd, something was wrong Jim knew it.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 3: Part 1 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 3: The Surprises Just Keep Coming
~ A Call From home ~
Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“Sending The Signal” from "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Soundtrack" By John Williams

‘What is that muffled beeping noise coming from the behind where Michael is standing?’ Jeff Parker was the first to notice it. Michael was rambling on about Christmas and gifts and did not seem to notice the sound.

“Michael!” Jeff interrupted. ”What is that noise?”

“What?” Michael turned his head and heard the sound. It was coming from the Granolith chamber. Slowly Michael walked in checking all around for any alien detention devices that may have been planted in his absence.

The parents all entered slowly marveling at the black cone in the center of the room and the smooth glass like blue walls surrounding them. Diane and Nancy could not help but touch the cold walls as they ran their hands along the surface feeling how smooth they were. It was unlike anything they had felt before. The whole room glowed with an effervescent that while seemed eerie at first was actually quite calming.

The sound was emitting from the side of the black cone that faced away from the door. As Michael approached, the sound increased in intensity, a steady beeping noise, tonal quality was not to high or low, just in the right range and volume for one to notice if they were in the chamber. A silver handprint slowly appeared on the black cone.

Michael looked at the handprint and the cone for a long time before he raised his hand and placed it on top of the print. The cone abruptly came to life. Swirling clouds of silver and gray danced across its surface. A humming noise as if a million bees nested inside the cone activated. Then a sharp snap and crackle was emitted as the cone turned to a brilliant shade of cerulean.

The walls suddenly sprung to life like a motion picture screen. Both Nancy and Diane screamed in unison and jumped away quickly, their hearts almost came out of their bodies. A blurred picture repeated in each wall section going around the room. As the picture cleared up a human looking male was standing at a console apparently adjusting the picture.

“Your majesty” the man suddenly announced looking directly at Michael. He bowed his head and continued, “We have been trying to contact you for weeks. We are using the universal translator recently encoded for English; let me know if the device is encoded incorrectly so that we may made adjustments.“ The man waited for a second and then continued, “Please if I may be so bold as to ask if you are King Zan or Prince Rath? Forgive me; I am unfamiliar with your appearance as it is.” The man remained with his head bowed waiting for Michael to answer.

Everyone in the room realized that this was a two-way communication device that allowed each side to see the other. The man speaking had a rich quality to his voice; he had handsome features, with long deep mahogany colored hair and fair skin. What made him look very inhuman were his black eyes, the pupil covered the entire iris and only a little white showed around the edges. A small glint of brown flashes crossed over the black, like a sparkler on the Fourth of July.

Michael felt all eyes look in his direction. ‘It had been so long since anyone had referred to him Prince Rath. Could this be a skin trap? No, they would not need to know which one he was. Then what was this? Was this communication actually from Antar?’ Lowering his hand Michael turned and faced the man who had raised his head, eye to eye. He found himself answering against his better judgment, “Rath, I am Rath.”

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 3: Part 2 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 3: The Surprises Just Keep Coming
~ Meeting ~

Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“Meeting E.T.” E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Sountrack by John Williams

“Commander Rath it is a great honor to be in your presence.” The man at the console stated before he yelled over his shoulder that Lord Rath had responded to the communication link.

‘Who was in the room with this man? Was it Ki’var?’ Michael’s eyes widen at the prospect that he had just dealt himself into Ki’var’s hands. ‘Great! Max was really going to kick my ass!! Just keep chalking up those black marks.'

“Who are you?” Michael demanded of the man on the screen.

“Forgive me your highness. I am Captain Hathal. My father fought with you at the Battle of Camroom. He was General Thaler from the House of Reash. He was in command of the 3rd Imperial unit.”

Michael stared at the screen trying to form the memories of who this Thaler was. Most of his previous life was still a hazy fog. It was so frustrating not to know even the basics about yourself while thousands of people knew every single detail.

The scene on the screen slowly began to pan out, as more of the background became visible. The parents could now clearly see that this is some kind of communication center with men operating several stations. The men were all wearing uniforms with symbols on their chests that indicated rank and honors, very similar to uniforms worn today by many military units on earth. As the men came into view they ceased their work, stood up, and were staring at Michael. Then slowly one by one they all dropped to one knee and placed their arms across their chest with their fist stopping at the heart, their heads bowed. The image reminded Philip Evans of a recent movie in which Roman soldiers displayed the same action when greeting their superiors. Philip glanced over at Michael and saw that his eyes were like steel not wavering from the scene being played out before him.

Michael found his mouth had gone dry and he scratched at his brow. What was he supposed to do now? Running his hand through his hair, he noticed two men enter the room from the rear. They wore similar black uniforms except they trimmed in a gold braid and a variety of symbols splashed across the left chest area. As they approached Captain Hathal and in clear view of Michael, they both dropped to one knee with their arm in a salute. After a few seconds they both slowly rose.

“Commander Rath. My heart rejoices that you are alive and well. Antar will rejoice in the news. I am General Santal from the House of Kilt. I am currently in charge of communications for the Imperial forces.” The man speaking was tall and slender in build. He appeared to be in his fifties with slight gray hair and black coal eyes but his had a sparkle of blue to them unlike Captain Hathal’s brown sparks. “I fought with you at the Battle of Franenet, I was only a captain then in the supply division. My father was in charge of the 4th Royal Air Command, General Roshua. He served on your counsel of advisors.”

The man next to him was heavier in build with red flaming hair. “Your Majesty. I am General Jaroud from the House of Garew. I am in charge of provisions for the Royal Army. I fought with you at the Battle of Franenet and at the Battle of Helik. I was also a Captain back then. My father was General Dacker who served you until his death at the Battle of Camroom.”

Michael nodded his head at the men. “Generals, I am pleased that you have remained loyal to the Royal Family. Why have you made contact?”

Michael’s voice had a quality that the parents had not heard before this moment. His voice was deeper, more resonance to it. He sounded older, sure of himself and in control of the situation. They noticed how the men in the room were in awe of him and wondered just who was Michael in their world. After all Max was the King and from what they had heard, Michael was only a soldier. Yet, these men referred to Michael as a prince and commander.

The parents then noticed that there appeared to be a fluttering of activity and noise behind the Generals as men scrambled to get out of the way. The Generals looked backward and quickly stepped far off to the side. From the back of the room two figures appear. One was a woman. She was tall and slender with long blond hair held high on her head. On her head was a thin elegant gold crown set with stones of that shone like fire. Her eyes were black but with a sparkle of blue that shimmered and danced. Her dark blue dress covered with a dusting of finely crushed firestones, was long and the style reminded Michael what the women in the movie Camelot wore. She walked with a regal elegance that could only be matched by Isabel in Michael’s eyes.

Next to her was a very tall man with hair so blond it was almost white. He was extremely handsome with a classic profile and sparkling eyes that seemed to shoot silver sparks. Upon his head also rested, a crown intertwined with gold and silver bands. He wore a long black velvet robe that covered a black shirt and pants. Michael knew that he should know these people. Who were they? Michael’s brain went into overload. A deluge of images, sounds, smells, textures, feelings, and memories bombarded his mind overwhelming his senses. He abruptly dropped to one knee with his head bowed.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 3: Part 3 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 3: The Surprises Just Keep Coming
~ Flashes of Memories ~

Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“Memory. All alone in the moonlight. I can smile at the old days” "Memory” from the musical “Cats"


Michael could not comprehend and accurately decipher each of the memories or feeling that his mind was deluged with. The memories were strong; he could smell the flowers of the gardens, the scent of death on the battlefield, the feel of the silk sheets, and the taste of the blood wine. His mind wander, reliving the past as if was the present.

****FLASH****

A palace encased in vines covered with thorns and a purple silver tipped flower, an ancient yet alien intrusion into their world came into his view. He was standing at the top of a tower, a bloody sword in his hand, the ground was full of blood and it was rising like a swollen river during flooding. Far away he heard an indistinguishable noise, faint at first, growing louder with each passing second, finally the noise became audible to the ears, it was the rhythmic metallic beating of a drum. Parting the fog that covered the landscape, ancient warriors dressed in amour, beating their spears on the chest, their armor shimmering in the sun were advancing slowly but steadily towards him. There were hundreds of them in perfect ceremonial formation, they were paying homage to their heroes, men that died in battle, they were magnificent, invincible, the ultimate army of a warrior King. Then one came floating up to him, removed his crested helmet and bent one knee down in a salute. “We await your return.” When he looked up his eyes were not Antarian, they were not black or silver, they were a light brown in a sea of white.

****FLASH****

Nocoal and Lethos forced the boy onto his knees, scrapping them against the rough dirt floor. “Drink this!” They poured a sweet libation down the young boy’s throat, holding his nose so he had to swallow. Then the three men stood there waiting, for the drug to take effect. “Take position two.” he obeyed, locking his wrists behind his back.

"You will keep your eyes open and look at me!" Jalan said harshly. “I created you. No one wants you. I am the only one that loves you. Do you understand?”

The boy shook his head no.

“You will say, Yes Master,” slapping the boy hard across the face.

“Yes Master.”

"That's a good boy. You want to please me don't you?”

“Yes Master.”

****FLASH****

He walked down the worn wooden steps ending in a long winding tunnel, lit by torches set into the rough-hewn stonewalls He began the walk down the path, noticing that the angle of the tunnel in this section began to dip downwards, as if they were entering the very bowels of dead. There were many legends that inhibit this place, ancient stories of truth concerning the Dark Waters. The torches drew forth the dark spirits of the shadow world, waiting to claim wandering souls that dared to enter their realm. he keep his mind cleared any stray thought at any moment in this section would summon forth a dark shadow with eyes of green fire, challenging his right to be a warrior.

He entered the Chamber of the Tortured Souls, designed to extract that very essence from a traitor during war. This was the first time he had been in this room, his eyes traveled around the dimly lit circular room, noting the walls made of dark, dense, smooth stone that absorb the light and heat from the huge braziers. A strip of embedded mirrors five feet off the ground provided additional light through reflection. Above and below this strip were carvings depicting graphic sexual and torture scenes that were enacted in Antar’s ancient violent past. He shivered slightly, the room was cold and damp, and he felt a foreboding presence that threatened to spear his soul. In the center of the room was a large round platform with shackles chained to the base where Jalan stood. He walked forward onto the platform and stood before Jalan.

“I am pleased with you.”

“Thank you Master Jalan.” He responded kneeling on the stone floor as he lowered his eyes, his hands interlaced behind his head.

****FLASH****

“Come forward and stand before me!" commanded the King.

He was startled at the order; he took a few steps forward until he reached the bottom of the first course of stairs and paused. The King motioned him to continue, so he climbed the seven steps to the first landing. There he stopped and looked to his sides. There were various servants waiting to perform whatever task Royal Family deemed needy.

“Continue.”

He felt his throat go dry as his heart began to beat frantically. His mind began to format crazy theories on why he was here. ‘Was the King going to execute him in front of everyone? Did someone accuse me of slandering the King? Have I been classified a traitor to be made an example of by killing me here.’

The silence was deafening in the great hall. Very few were ever allowed to climb the second flight of stairs. The people were crowding together to get as close as they could to see who the boy was that the King commanded into his personal space. He slowly ascended the second set of steps, five in all. At the second landing he stopped. Off to his left he saw an older man with long very blonde hair held in place with a crown. To his right, he saw the Crown Prince Zandanathar and his sister, the Princess Vilandra with an empty chair between them.

“Come further.” The King’s voice could again be heard.

He climbed the last set of three steps and stood only a few feet from the King and Queen on the dais.

“Remove your hood. I want to see your face.” The King commanded. He removed his hood and stood with his head bowed. “Look at me.” The King let out a soft gasp as he raised his head.

****FLASH****

Tellymon entered the guest quarters with Zan right behind him slamming the door shut.

“Why did you not tell me you were a Shadow Master?” Zan’s eyes flashed in fury.

“No. I did not tell you or the King because I was afraid you would send me back here.” Tellymon was desperate, Zan was furious with him for lying. “Please Zan, I will do whatever you say. I will do what ever it takes to please you. Do not leave me here.”

“You lied to us Tellymon,” yelled Zan. “Maybe you should stay here as punishment.”

“No Zan. Please, let me show that I can serve you.” Zan turned and headed for the door, “Zan, please.” Tellymon grabbed Zan’s arm turning him around, their faces just inches apart. “I know how to...” Tellymon suddenly kissed Zan. Tellymon opened his mind and the raw power of his emotions surged sweeping over Zan, ceasing all thoughts leaving only the fervor of the kiss. Suddenly his thoughts were clear again as he came crashing back into reality. He pulled away upset that Tellymon had distracted him from what he was so angry about.

“Show me the master’s symbol.”

Tellymon backed away from Zan and removed his shirt. On his arms were the marks of the Kandahar warrior placed there recently by his father. Turning around Zan saw the shadow hawk tattoo that spread from one should to the other. He had heard of such a design, the image was so real it looked as though the hawk was simply covering his back before taking off in flight again. “So it is true, you are one.” Zan was intrigued by the stories of metaphysical, visionary, and mythological powers that the masters are said to possess. He could feel the raw power of Tellymon through the kiss; it was just the tip of a vast resource of incredible energy. “What else have you lied to me about?”

****FLASH****

The Queen sat down on the bed and held Tellymon’s right hand while Vilandra took the other.

“Tellymon, my son, it is good to see you awake.” King Pondather gave his son a pat on the shoulder. “Do you remember who attacked you?”

“Yes, Tellymon tell us who did this. I will have them executed immediately.” asked King Adair.

“I do not know. I was asleep.” Tellymon began the lie. “Zan had given me some blood wine. I was not use to it and drank too much. I passed out. I never saw his face; my head was forced down the entire time.” Tellymon keep his eyes adverted so they could not detect what he was hiding. “I just want this to end, here and now, please.”

“You poor dear, you need to rest. I will have the servants bring you some broth later." The queen leaned over and kissed Tellymon on the cheek. She loved him already as much as her children. His mother was her closest only living relative they had grown up together. She loved her greatly and that love poured over to Tellymon. Taking Zan by the arm, she paused for Vilandra, “Come Vilandra let him rest.”

Vilandra kissed him this time on the lips instead of his cheek. “I thank the Ancients you will live.”

****FLASH****

Tellymon looked up and smiled, “Come here, it is cold today.” He lifted the fur up inviting her to snuggle with him. Vilandra came over, taking off her cloak, sliding her cool body in next to his warm body.

Just then the storm intensified, as the thunder overhead growled loudly at the lighting that had cracked across the sky tearing apart the heavens in a savage assault. Tellymon looked at her, she was scared, his princess feared the storm.

“It is okay, it is just a little war with the hot and cold air battling for control, kind of like me and Zan. He is a little too cold and I am a little too hot,” murmured Tellymon who was becoming lost in Vilandra’s soft hair and her scent. Her body was warming up, he could feel her softness as her thigh rested against his. She was wearing a pair of soft blue silk pants and matching top, usually worn about in the bedroom after bathing and before dressing. He trailed his hand up and down her spine enjoying the fabric. Vilandra was enjoying his hands; she pulled herself in closer laying her head on the bed staring at him. He had grown recently, eighteen, more muscles were evident, and he was more confident. He had grown even taller than before and now stood over Zan. No longer was he the timid boy that she saw in her mind, taking care of him as a mother would, but she now saw a potential mate, a husband to her future children, a lover.

****FLASH****

He gently took Vilandra’s arm and directed her towards the outside doors. They strolled out of the palace doors and waltzed down to the ancient path that would take them through worn gates that defined the entrance to the gardens themselves. TellymonRath guided Vilandra along the path and through a series of gates pressing deeper into the very heart of the garden itself. Finally, he stood at a towering old stonewall, worn from centuries of weathering. Placing his hand upon the wall, he activated a long forgotten door that slid open and allowed the lovers to enter. “Vilandra…” She turned as his breath fell against her neck. His eyes locked to hers as she delicately slipped the back of her fingers against his cheek. Tellymon’s heart quicken at the touch of her hand. He molded his frame to her as he kissed her more passionately than ever before.

****FLASH****

“Ki'var warned us about you spreading lies about him making him into a tyrant, he is gentle, a great leader, a …”

“Are you that much of a fool? A skilled warrior who believes in such blatant propaganda. Come on, use your head. Why do you fight for Ki’var? "

“We had no choice! You made us attack and fight!” She screamed at Tellymon. “We love Ki'var. He is our Savior,” she said in a flat monotone voice.

Tellymon pounded his fist upon a table that sat against a wall. “Do you love him enough to kill and die for him? Killing will not solve your social problems.”

“Yeah, I’m sure life is great for you.” The woman glared at Tellymon. “You are of the royal class.” she sneered.

Tellymon growled. “I fight for my country, for my King, for honor, for your rights and freedom, not mine. No one should sacrifice their lives on the battlefield for someone who uses them as puppets so he could call the world his own!”

****FLASH****

Tellymon entered Zan quarters through the hidden panel, hearing the water falling in the shower, he walked into the bathroom and saw a profile of Zan in the shower He stood there watching as Zan lathered up his body, letting the water wash over him revealing a toned sensual physique. Tellymon smiled as he put his plan into action. He removed his clothes and opened the etched glass doors to the blue glass tiled shower area. Zan heard him and waited until he felt Tellymon arms about his waist drawing him into his chest, placing kisses on his neck.

“Zan.” Tellymon voice was deep, barely concealing his desire for Zan.

“Why are you here?”

“It has been a long time” Tellymon let his hands wander softly kneading the tight muscles of Zan’s abdomen and chest area. “Do you want me to go?” asked Tellymon as he sensually spread the suds along Zan’s stomach. The arms that encircled him produced a warm, soothing feeling; Zan did not want him to leave, not now, not ever.

“No stay,” Zan turned around in Tellymon’s arms. They kissed feverishly, their tongues danced playfully as Tellymon deftly sucked on Zan’s as a prelude to later events. The passion increased, the two melded in pure ecstasy, their bodies became entangled, their kisses became more urgent, and their hands searching everywhere, gliding over smooth skin, down muscular shoulders, between the cheeks of their hard asses.

****FLASH****

Ava leaned upwards and ran her red nails over his lips, parting them allowing his tongue to flick the tips. “Can only my husband show you pleasure?” She breathed in sharply when he took her index finger in his mouth with a strong sucking motion. “Where did you do it, here in this bed?” she asked breaking away in a short run and jumped into the center of the bed. “Is this where you two have sex.”

Tellymon came over and climb onto the bed, straddling her hips, “Are you jealous Ava?”

“No intrigued.” Ava balled up a section of his shirt fabric and lowered him towards her. “I wonder what Zan sees in you.”

“What? You and Vilandra have not gossiped about bed play,” Tellymon whispered in her ear. “Come on, you know what I can do.” He seductively let his hand trace her neckline down her dress, around to her side and back up, brushing against her full breasts.

****FLASH****

“Whore,” growled Tellymon as he slapped her across the face. “So how does it feel...” demanded Tellymon. “Do I feel like him?” Tellymon drove his cock, harder and faster into her moving her hips, making them crash into him with such force her bones felt as though they would break. “Does this feel like him?”

“Tellymon, your son, you will hurt him.” Vilandra was over two weeks pregnant with the heir to the throne of Kandahar.

“My son or his?” The thought that the child was the son of his mortal enemy was more than Tellymon could handle. “Leave! Go to him you are no longer a princess of Kandahar. The House of Rath is dead to you.”

****FLASH****

Tellymon placed seven ropes on the ground and laid the Thardan banner over the ropes. He then picked up Zan’s body and laid it on the banner, with his feet at the end. Taking the prayer beads from around his neck, he clasped them into Zan’s hands, wrapping the wrists together as if in prayer. He then took the chain off his ankle and wrapped that around Zan’s left ankle. Finally, Tellymon took a ring from his hand and placed it on Zan’s index finger on the left hand, showing their bonded state. Taking the top of the banner, he doubled the material backwards draping the fabric over the top of Zan’s body. Starting at the feet, he took the rope ends in his hands. Speaking softly he said the death prayer careful to bind the body tightly and tie each of the knots in the correct manner.

****FLASH****

TellymonRath looked over the remnants of his men, less than 300 against thousands, he knew they were facing nothing less than a massacre. The east and west walls had fallen, the enemy was devouring the landscape, the King was dead, communications and command structure was in shambles, time was running out. Standing on a broken piece of concrete, that was a retaining wall, Tellymon stood looking at his fallen faces before him. “Die with honor. Die with their blood on your hands. For every one of us that die let a hundred of them perish,” the battle cry went out.

****FLASH****

Vilandra took a vial of poison hidden in her cleavage and walked into where Tellymon was. She bent down over his broken and bloody body, his breath was minimal, and he refused to die as long as she lived. She turned her head slightly and drank the poison, concealing it in her cheeks. With her last breath, she blew the poison into his mouth forcing him to swallow. The last thing his remembered was her kiss, upon his lips.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 4: Part 1 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 4: You’re a Daddy!
~ !My Father! ~

Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“Father oh father. Heal me if you can. Is it true what they say, That life is a dream” “Father” by Cat Stevens

All six humans were intently staring at the couple that was approaching the screen. They made a handsome pair, so tall and regal looking. ‘Was this Max and Isabel’s biological parents’ thought Diane? Amy was the first to noticed Michael’s new position on the floor. She nudged Jim to look.

“Clear the room,” ordered the tall man. Quickly the soldiers in the command center withdrew from the room as well as Generals who made a bow before they left to the couple. The doors echoed as they were slammed one after the other sealing the couple alone in the room to speak with Michael.

“Is it true, are you my son TellymonRath?” asked the man in a clear forceful voice.

“Yes your majesty,” Michael answered, his head still bowed.

“I am overcome with joy that you are alive and well. I did not think I would ever lay eyes on you again.” The tall man now spoke with such concern and softness that his words reverberated with emotion yet his face remained stoic. “Is the King also alive?”

“Yes your majesty, Zan is alive and well.”

“Stand and let us get a good look at you.” The voice belonged to that of an angel. She smiled at Michael as he rose. “You are still just as handsome as you ever were. My dearest Tellymon the palace has not been the same without you.” The woman smiled with great love at Michael. “Tell me where is my daughter and son? Are they there with you?” The couple was scanning the six adults to see if any of them matched Zan and Vilandra.

“No, your majesty.” Michael quietly answered.

“Then who are these people with you, Mayuns?” asked his father.

“No they are human,” replied Michael.

“Do you trust them?”

“With my life.” Both Jim and Philip raise eyebrows at that, they always felt close to Michael but did not know if he ever reciprocated the feeling.

“Then you may announce them to the throne,” replied Michael’s father.

Michael turned and indicated to Philip and Diane, “I have the honor of presenting to the throne in the presence of King Pondather King of Kandahar representing the House of Rath and to Queen Elsiya Queen of Antar representing the House of Thardan, Diane and Philip Evans. They are the humans that raised Zan and Vilandra as children.”

The King and Queen looked puzzled, after a few seconds of silence the King spoke, “I do not understand, you were sent protectors, where are they?”

“The ship you sent us on crashed in the desert, two of the protectors were killed immediately, one’s whereabouts is unknown to me, and the fourth died a short time ago. That one was a traitor, in league with Ava and Ki’var to have us returned to Antar.” The King nodded knowingly.

“We remained in our incubation pods until about 13 years ago when the membranes broke and we were released. Our age at that time was about six. Zan, Vilandra, and I wandered the desert until we were found. It was Mr. and Mrs. Evans that found Zan and Vilandra and raised them as their own flesh and blood, in a good stable loving home.” Diane looked at Michael, she never thought he had such insight or could speak so eloquently when needed.

Queen Elsiya smiled at Diane, “I am honored to meet the woman who raised my children as her own. I owe you a debt that can never be repaid. May I have the honor of calling you by the given birth name, for we have something in common, we have both raised a son as our own that another birthed.”

Diane looked confused “I thought that Max and Isabel were your children?” Diane then as an afterthought “your majesty”

Queen Elsiya looked at Michael who quickly explained, “When we were found we could not speak the language and therefore could not tell any one our names, even we had remembered them. Our memories are very sketchy. Mr. and Mrs. Evans named Zan Max and Vilandra Isabel.”

The Queen nodded and continued to address Diane. “Please forgive such formalities between us. I am not Zan’s birth mother. His mother, Noraya, died when he was about 6 months old. My marriage to Adair, Zan’s father, was a political one arranged when Zan was about a year old. Zan is my child, I was there to calm his nights, I was there to kiss the pain of childhood, and I was there to console him during trouble times. Do you not feel the same about your Max?” asked the Queen

“Yes your majesty.”

“Please it is Elsiya, Diane.” replied the Queen as she rolled the foreign word off her tongue. She was pleased with that name.

“Elsiya,” Diane tried the foreign sounding name on her tongue as the Queen smiled radiantly.

“Then which of these parents are the one who raised you Tellymon?” asked his father.

“None,” replied Michael, “I had no parents.”

The King and Queen looked at each other with much concern. “On your planet are children as raised by themselves at such a young age, with no guidance from an elder,” asked the King.

The Queen directed her question to Diane, “But why Diane, if you are your good husband took in Zan and Vilandra, why did you not take in Tellymon? Why separate him from his wife and confident?”

Diane gasped at the word wife, ‘Oh my good Madame Vivienne was right she was his wife in a previous life.’ she thought.

“They had no choice,’ interrupted Michael. “I was not found in the desert until two weeks later and when found I was put into a social system that paid people to take care of children.”

“Paid? They do no watch a child for love?’’ asked the Queen.

“Some do but the one I was placed with saw it as a way to make money.”

Michael’s father face for a second showed regret as sadness spread across the stoic shell.

“These are parents of friends of ours. This is Jeff and Nancy Parker, Jim Valenti, and Amy DeLuca.” Michael quickly finished his introductions his head was beginning to throb, the voices were threatening to return.

“How is Vilandra? Is she well? Where is she? What of Zan?” The Queen was anxious to know as much as she could. “Where are Zan and Vilandra now?


“Zan and Vilandra are okay. They are right now in hiding.”

“Hiding!” Anger and fear could be detected in the voice of Michael’s father as the tonal quality of his voice raised. “What is going on? Have renegade Mayuns discovered you?”

The parents all looked at Michael who face had hardened with no expression or emotion peeking out what so ever. Amy wondered how strict the royal family was since there was so very little love shown to Michael by his father and vice versa. Yet the woman’s love for Michael was evident. Who was Michael to her anyway? A nephew or cousin?

“Yes the Mayuns know who we are. But we also have enemies among the humans who want to examine us for scientific alien dissection studies.” Michael answered with disgust in his words remembering what Max had gone through in that horrid white room with Pierce.

“Is there an heir to the throne of Antar?” Michael’s father interrupted.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 4: Part 2 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 4: You’re a Daddy!
~ Daddy?~

Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“There are things that I’ve forgotten that I loved about the man. But I’ll always remember the love in daddy's hands” “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn

“No there is no heir.” Michael could feel his cheeks growing red as six pairs of eyes burned a hole into the back of his head. Philip just glared at Michael.

“What!! Why? Do I have to remind you both of your duty….?”

The woman placed her hand on the man’s arm and smiled. “Pondather be gentle with your son. The thought of children may still burn their hearts over the tragedy they suffered.”

“He needs to remember his place in society they both have a duty to do for the crown.”

“For the crown!” Michael exploded. “What about your duty as a father? You left me on a foreign world, you left us in the hands of traitors. For years, we hid in fear terrified of what and who we were. Until recently, we did not even know what god damn fucking planet we came from, let alone our names. Any you tell…”

“SILENCE!” the walls shook with King Pondather’s voice. “You may get away with that attitude with Zan considering your relationship and with the other rulers because they fear you. But I demand that you will show respect to me as your father and to this throne that you will one day sit upon. You do not understand the ways of a King what must be done in order for the people to survive. “

Michael fell quiet as he held his head high defying what he father said. Then he knelt down to one knee. “Forgive me your majesty for my outburst,” said Michael softly.

“Pondather, is it not the right of the House of Thardan to pour water upon the House of Rath to cool the warrior’s temperament? Tellymon has suffered greatly in these last few years cannot you see it upon his face. Remember his death; we are fortunate they all live again. Have we not learned in the last decades from all the suffering and death that surrounds us to extend leniency towards frustrated outbursts.”

The parents were surprised when he shook his head and gave a small smile “Adair was a wise man when he took you for his wife.”

Elsiya smiled at Pondather as she continued, “We have a surprise for you that will ease your mind a little.” Micahael rose slowly.

She turned and clapped her hands. Two women, their faces shrouded in silver veils, wearing long blue gowns that covered their entire bodies, entered the room, each carrying a small child in their arms. They looked as though they were gliding along the floor. As they approached, Michael could see a hand peeking out of the robes, the skin was translucent in quality. These women were shape shifters, protectors of these two little girls.

“Azzal come here my dear.” One of the veiled women bent down and placed a small girl maybe four years old on the floor. This little girl was angelic and very human looking. She had long blond hair, a small upturned nose, big black eyes with blue centers, pale skin, and a big smile for her grandmother in whose arms she ran into. “Azzal do you remember me telling you about your Mother and Father? That one day they would return home for you. “

“Yes Grand-ma.”

“This, my child, is your father, the great Warrior Prince TellymonRath. “

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Book 1: Section 4: Chapter 4: Part 3 of 3

Gone But Not Forgotten: Book One of the Chronicles of Antar
Section 4: Surprise!
Chapter 4: You’re a Daddy!
~ My Father ?~

Timeline: Sunday Late Afternoon / Same Day

“There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you.” “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

You could hear a pin drop in the pod chamber. Michael’s eyes flew wide open at that announcement. Visions of past events once again were flooding in, he remembered Azzal was the third born.

“No that is impossible!” He blurted out. “That is a lie.” Michael was shaking as he ran his hands through his hair. “I saw it! I saw them all dismembered by Ki’var before I died.” Michael could not take his eyes off the child. “No he killed them; I remember the blood, the screaming. He killed Poshar, Danzi, Azzal, and Solidawn. He killed them all including my son that Vilandra was carrying. I saw it!”

“Daddy?” She asked, turning to her grandma, “He looks different.”

“Yes my child. Remember I told your mommy and daddy would look different, but deep inside they are the same parents who loved you four girls very much.”

Michael approached the screen as if in a trance and dropped to his knees so that he was the same height as the little girl. “Azzal?” He questioned. She looked just like he remembered, so much like Vilandra. He raised an open palm and pressed it against the wall. Azzal looked at his palm and raised her to match his. “It cannot be, it can’t. I am not crazy I saw it.”

“You saw four girls murdered, but not these four my son.” King Pondather replied very quietly.

Looking up to Queen he asked, “Who is the other?”

“Solidawn” with a slight motion of her hand she indicated for the other veiled woman, who carried a small child over and placed her in the Queens awaiting arms. Solidawn was just over a year old, the last to be born. She held the child up for Michael to see. Red cheeks, a chubby happy face, and a mop full of blond hair sticking out in all directions.

Diane could not help but smile and thought, ‘yep that had to be Michael’s with that untamed hair’.

“How can they be the same age? It has been over 70 years.” Michael was glued to the small face in front of him. “What of Poshar and Danzi?” He barely heard his father as he began to speak.

“Ki’var had the children kidnapped that evening to use as pawns in his bid to control Vilandra to get her to agree to marry him, thus making him a legit heir to the throne. With her death, his plans changed. He had the girls placed in suspension pods.”

Michael nodded that he was listening, never taking his eyes off the children in front of him.

“He supplanted Tellydine’s DNA with Ava’s; beginning the process to ensure himself a firm fix on the throne. Ava was to produce an heir that Ki’var planned to marry Poshar to; if Poshar died during the suspension process, another sister would have been selected. Ki’var had no way of knowing that when you were recreated a control was instilled that would guarantee only Zan with Tellydine or you with Vilandra could produce an heir for Antar. If you or Zan mated with another, the child would lack the royal imprint and therefore would be unqualified for the throne.”

Taking a breath, the man stopped for a while surveying the humans that were with his son. “When Ava showed up with Zan’s child, the council declared that he did not carry the Royal Seal and was not an heir. Ki’var was incensed over his failed plan and attempted to kill both his sister and her child. Ava knowing what her brother was planning fled in the night commandeering a ship back to Earth. Ki'var ordered the suspension pods destroyed. The executioner was one of our spies and he made a substitution and brought the royal children to Elsiya and myself. Due to neglect, two of the pods are damaged. They have not stabilized sufficiently for the awakening process to begin.”

Michael looked up at his father. “Will they make it?”

His father just shook his head no. Michael closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“It was only a short time later that we discover Ki'var had the technology to travel through the worm holes and attempted to take Vilandra back with him. He hoped that by claiming that you and the King had died, he would then marry her and gain the heir he needed. That plan also backfired.” King Pondather finished, looking at his son wondering what he was thinking.

The Queen began to signal for the protectors, “Please just one minute.” Michael looked at her pleading.

Facing Azzal, Michael drew his right hand across her forehead leaving a blue glowing trail that slowly faded. “May the Ancients bless you with wisdom, knowledge, and diplomacy.” He then drew a blue line down her right side. “May the Ancients bless you with honor and duty to your family, country and the Crown.” His hand drew another blue line down the left. “May the Ancients bless you with beauty and grace.” The last line crossed her body diagonally from left to right. “May the Ancients bless you with another dawn that I may look upon your face.”

Michael repeated the same actions and words with Solidawn. When he finished, the queen handed Solidawn over to her protector.

The other protector came to gather up Azzal. “Daddy, where is my mommy?’ Azzal pushed the protector away “No, I want my mommy? Daddy!”

Michael knelt back down briefly to talk to her. “Azzal go with the protector now. I will bring mommy here soon. Do as I say.” “Yes, Daddy,” Azzal curtseyed and went with her protector.

Once they were out of hearing range King Pondather spoke once again.

“It is time for your three to return home. My son, you must bring Zan here. Ki’var needs a legit claim to the throne. He is desperate. There are many factions pulling at him now, his throne of glory is tarnish and his version of utopia is falling into ruin.” He paused briefly, ”It is time to take up the battle cry, it is time for you once again to lead our armies into victory. Antar needs you both, do not disappoint us.”

He paused again, catching his thoughts, “Blood runs in the streets, family against family, civil war, threats from outside enemies, famine, plaques, natural disasters have taken their toll. Millions have died; the royal race is now but a handful. You three are the last of our kind; you are our hope, our salvation, our future, the saviors, the prophecy must be fulfilled. An heir must be produced, Antar is desperate.” For a brief second the parents saw the King’s face soften as the pain of their world was reflected in his eyes.

“Antar needs you and Zan to bring peace and justice once more to the kingdom, and the Federation of the Five Worlds. Can you have Zan here within five Earth days from now? We will have communications standing by waiting for your contact, just like today.”

“He will be here,” answered Michael.

“Good. Before you make contact, all three of you need to fully restore your memories. There is a chamber located at the base of the chamber cone with a memory retrieval device.”

“I await the time that we may be together again my dearest Tellymon.” The Queen turned to leave, stopping momentarily to wait for King Pondather who had also turned to leave and then stopped.

Looking over his shoulder, the aged king spoke with great sorrow in his voice. “You have been given another chance to raise your daughters. Take it my son; do not make the same mistakes that I did. I am getting old; so much has happened; so much sadness now sweeps our people, too many deaths, and devastating tragedies. I missed both lifetimes of your childhood, I missed out being your father, and I now feel that I was wrong in my decisions.”

Michael stood and faced his father “Your decisions were correct. You did what had to be done for the benefit of our world and people. I survived on my own, you can rest assured I was never in need of a father as a child in either life, the created DNA saw to that.”

King Pondather turned knowing what his son said was for his benefit to ease his guilt. Nevertheless, in his heart he always wished he could have been the kind of father TellymonRath needed and deserved.

“Well so much for my surprise.” Michael muttered as the screen went black.

[suicide_eagle_rath]

Author’s Note:

Thanks to JadeAntar and magikhands for your continual feedback and to everyone who has not fallen into a coma reading this story. I know it is very long; it is just as addicting to write it as to read it.

This ends Section 4: Surprise!

We find Michael heading to Roswell, as a subconscious last-ditch effort, he is seriously considering to commit suicide. He is extremely depressed his emotional state is non-existence. Yet down deep, there is a slight flicker of light, which is calling out for help.

The parents see the insides of the pod chamber and the remnants of the pods themselves, the ‘wombs’ so to speak. They also learn a little history about their children’s birth, being found in the desert, and being created in a test tube.

Hearing the beeping noise Michael follows it to discover a call from home. Michael gets a flood of memories as the dam breaks when he sees Queen Elsiya and King Pondather. The flashes are sliced up excerpts from Book 2: The Past Returns.

Bombshells are dropped as we learn that Michael Is not a regular rank and file soldier, nor a protector of the King, but a prince and commander of the military. We met his stoic but caring father, and the mother of Zan and Vilandra. We also learn that Zan’s birth mother died when he was little.

The biggest bomb is when we learn that TellymonRath and Vilandra had four daughters and a son, who was killed before he was born. (Busy little bunnies weren’t they.)

We also learn a little of the conditions on Antar and plans Ki’var had for the children of Rath and Vilandra. We get an idea that all three of their deaths were violent. We also get a nudge that Ki’var and Ava are related.

Section 5: Time to Come Home will begin as the parents begin to cope with the new information and Michael struggles with his deteriorated state. The gang begins their return to Roswell and to the eventual confrontation between Michael and Max.