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Title:Reclaiming the Past
Couples:The usual suspects
Rating:YTEEN-Mature
Disclaimer:You know I don't own them so don't even ask
Summary:This takes place after Destiny. If I tell you anymore I'll spoil the suprise...
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Big thanks to Hotaru for the awesome banner, you're my hero!
A cool breeze whipped through the night air in Roswell, New Mexico. Max Evans was standing outside the Crashdown again. It’d been almost a year and he still couldn’t bring himself to go in knowing that Liz wouldn’t be inside. He longed for the days when he would spend hours on end watching her work, stealing kisses between tables. Hell, he’d settle for the days before she knew he even existed when he could just sit in his booth and watch her while he ate. God, he missed her so much. He hadn’t seen her since the end of school, she’d barely said goodbye to him before going to visit her aunt for the summer but summer turned into fall and fall into spring and she still hadn’t returned home.
“Come on Maxwell! I’m starving and there’s no food at home,” Isabel whined tugging on her brother’s leather coat.
Max tore his eyes away from the blinking lights of the Crashdown sign to look at his sister. His eyes were pleading with her to let them leave before his mouth even opened. “Iz please, I can’t do this.” Max sounded more like a child than a king.
Isabel grasped the lapels of his coat giving him a playful shake. “Look Mopey, we’re going into the Crashdown whether you like it or not. Alex, Michael, and Maria are in there waiting for us, we are going in there if I have to carry you,” Isabel laughed giving Max a wink.
While her tone was teasing the look in her eyes made him truly believe she’d make good on the threat. He knew that his fear of the tiny café was getting pathetic but he couldn’t help it. His heart was fighting with his mind but before either could win Isabel was dragging him through the doors of the Crashdown.
“Oh. My. God.” Maria fell into her booth dramatically grabbing her chest, “Is that Max Evans? THE Max Evans? I was told he’d taken his dining needs away from this corny café.” Maria smirked before sliding out of the booth.
“Ha Ha very funny Maria,” Max rolled his eyes but stood uncomfortably in the middle of the room. Everywhere he looked there was some reminder of Liz, he didn’t understand how Maria could still work there he knew she missed Liz as much as he did, maybe she thrived on the memories instead of cursing them like he did.
“Miss, oh Miss. Can I get a refill please?” Marshall was there again, he’d be creepy if he weren’t so round and jolly Maria thought.
“Only if you drink fast Marshall. The Crashdown is officially closing in five minutes.” Maria was actually glad for Marshall’s distraction seeing Max here again made her think of the best friend she hadn’t seen in almost a year.
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As the last customers moseyed out the doors Maria slipped off her antennae and apron as she slumped against the counter.
“Yo Woman! Come over here and help me bring these out.”
Maria spun around glaring, “What did you just…” her anger faded as she looked upon Michaels smirking face. Even when he was being a chauvinistic bastard he was still so cute.
“Kidding honey…but really I can’t carry all these plates by myself,” Michael motioned to the food on the counter he had set out for the gang. His girlfriend walked over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before helping him serve the other three.
“Ooooh, this looks so good,” Isabel cooed as she picked up her fork. Maria stared at Max as he quickly glanced around the café, he just couldn’t seem to relax.
“Look Max,” Maria slipped into the booth next to Alex and reached across grabbing Max’s hand. “You need to let go.” Max turned his attention to Maria so fast he almost got whiplash. “I know you don’t want to hear it but she’s not coming back.” He just hung his head as her words sunk in, Maria never talked about her phone calls to Liz she knew it would just help him hang on but he could feel the truth in her tone, Liz had to have told her something. He looked up and saw tears in Maria’s eyes it was then that he realized that she was telling herself just as much as she was telling him. The other three sat motionless watching as their two friends tried to cope with life after Liz.
Max squeezed Maria’s hand as he gave her a weak smile. “I know you’re right it’s just hard to ya know… let go,” the last words came out in a choked whisper but he quickly regained what little composure he had. His next utterance came out strong and steady as if saying it that way would help to convince him of their truth.
“I know that she’s … “
The crew was staring at Max, silently begging him to stop the words he was about to say. What little hope they had was about to be crushed. While they had all tried to help Max get over Liz they all secretly needed his hope to keep theirs alive, his longing allowed each of them to dream of her return in lonely times. If he finished this sentence all of that would fall away, the five of them would be left to finally deal with her departure and none of them were sure that they were ready. Max took a deep breath and looked into Maria’s eyes.
“Not coming back.”
And that was that.
Silence fell over the five friends as they sat immersed in their own thoughts. For Max and Maria it more like their own personal hell. The doors to the café cautiously opened, ringing the bell and breaking their reverie.
“Can’t you read? The sign says clos…” Maria’s voice trailed off as she stared at their visitor, she rubbed her eyes not sure if she was seeing what she thought she was seeing.
“Liz?”
Last edited by Syke on Fri May 19, 2006 1:45 pm, edited 32 times in total.
“Liz?” It was a whisper, as if any louder would make her go away. The other four jerked their heads toward the doors looking on in disbelief. It couldn’t be Maria thought
It was though but she had changed…a lot. She was still thin but now she was well toned, muscular even, the wifebeater she wore was smeared with dirt but it seemed to match her torn khaki cargos and worn out converse. Her long hair was gone; she now had a messy short cut that barely made the spiky ponytail she wore causing stands to fall around her face. Dark circles hovered under her lower lashes and the dull lifeless orbs that looked upon them now had replaced her bright lively eyes. But even with her disheveled appearance she held a confidence that they all could see.
Max didn’t know what to think or say or do. He stood up slowly walking cautiously toward his love. As he approached her Liz’s eyes narrowed but she stood her ground. He could feel the changes in her as well, something wasn’t right…she exuded confidence and apprehension all at the same time making Max hesitant to reach her. They were all standing now watching him approach.
“Liz,” it was an assertion, a plea, and a prayer all at once.
“Maxwell.” As he watched her lips whisper his name he noticed the slight scar that marred her perfect mouth. What had happened to her?
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Liz glanced over her shoulder at the calendar by the register…today was March 4th, she wasn’t supposed to be back for two weeks but plans had changed. When she had come to the Crashdown she hadn’t expected everyone to be there. Just like old times; the scene brought back so many memories, memories she had tried to repress for so long.
“Liz,” Maria had nudged past Max and was standing in front of her. “You said you weren’t coming back, you sa-“
Liz put her hand up covering Maria’s mouth and quite effectively cutting her off.
“I know what I said Maria, but things have changed. It’s…complicated.”
“Are you OK? Is something wrong?” Maria was starting to panic, her hands flailing as she spoke, “I mean look at you, you look terrible!” Maria said motioning to Liz’s clothing.
Liz winced at Maria’s last comment. She hadn’t thought about her appearance in so long. As Maria babbled on Liz looked down at herself, tugging at her tanktop and trying unsuccessfully to wipe off some of the dirt. She swept the hair out of her face but she only accomplished making more strands fall down. Suddenly there was silence, Liz looked up slowly scanning the faces staring expectantly at her. They were waiting for the answer to a question she hadn’t heard.
“Um…”
Maria gave an exasperated sigh and grabbed Liz by the shoulders giving her a light shake as she spoke, it came out slow as if she were talking to a child.
“Liz…What…is…going…on?”
Liz swallowed hard.
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“Look I know that you guys want, need answers but I’m exhausted and obviously need to shower,” she gave a weak smile trying to ease their fears hoping it would be enough to cover the fact that she was dodging the question.
They might have kept pushing except for the strain in her voice and her worn-down appearance. Liz tilted her head to the side giving them a pleading look. She looked so pathetic none of them could argue with her.
“Yeah, sure Liz. Whatever you need I’m here for you,” Maria couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice, it’d been so long and Liz was already slipping away from her.
Max began to protest, how could they just leave Liz alone like this…so broken.
Isabel gave Max a quick punch in the arm silencing his objections, “You really could use a shower girl,” she teased giving Liz a soft smile. Something in Isabel was telling her to trust Liz, there was something else going on but Isabel knew now was not the time. Liz gave Isabel an appreciative grin.
“Thanks Izzy, I just need to rest some before ya know-“ Liz just motioned with her hand silently finishing her sentence.
Izzy where did that come from Max wondered but before he could ask it aloud he was being dragged through the doors of the Crashdown for the second time that night. Max pulled out of Michaels grasp straightening his coat.
“We can’t just leave,” he yelled in a whisper “Didn’t you see her Michael? She needs our help!”
“No Max, she needs our support,” Isabel interrupted stoking her brother’s cheek. Something in Isabel’s eyes scared him she’d never hid anything from him before but tonight she was swimming with secrets.
“What do you know Isabel?” Isabel could have sworn it was a threat instead of a question.
“I don’t know anything for sure, but the feeling I got from her…Max…we can’t push her and we can’t get too close.”
It was Michael who interrupted this time. “Do you think she’s dangerous or something?” He was turning back towards the café; he’d left Maria alone in there. Isabel grasped his arm before he took a step.
“No, that’s not what I meant. I just…argh,” Isabel was confused herself so explaining to Max, Michael, and Alex was nearly impossible. “I just think we should take it slowly is all I’m saying. You’ve got to trust me Max.”
“Fine, fine. I won’t push but I at least want to say goodnight, is that OK?” Max was whining like a child dragged out of a candy shop. Isabel dismissively waived her hand as Max ran back inside.
Liz and Maria were making their way to the backroom when Max caught up to them.
“Liz wait!,” he grabbed her arm spinning her towards him, as soon as he made contact the flash started but before he could see any details Liz pulled away. He wasn’t ready to see her, the her inside. The truth would come out, just not yet.
“Look, Max…” Liz’s voice was soft as she tentatively placed her hand on his chest being careful to only touch the fabric. “We’ll talk tomorrow but right now I need some rest, yeah?”
“Yeah, I just…I missed you Liz Parker.” Liz gave him a soft smile and a small nod letting her hand slip from his chest as she walked into the backroom.
As the door swung shut Maria and Max looked at one another.
“What are we gonna do?” Maria asked motioning towards the door.
“I don’t know,” Max gave Maria a quick hug then turned toward the exit. Maria watched him slip out the doors as she thought to herself...
And then there was one.
Last edited by Syke on Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
Why didn’t any of them seemed concerned, Liz shows up out of nowhere looking like she’d been in the middle of a war and they’re perfectly content just walking away. Max was sitting in the back of the Jeep with Michael silently fuming, jaw clenched tightly shut. They were all acting like nothing had happened. He looked around at the other passengers. Michael was pulling himself towards the front so he could listen in on the conversation. Isabel was laughing at some stupid anecdote Alex was telling her as he drove. Why weren’t they as concerned as he was? Why didn’t they seem to care?
Isabel glanced back at her brother and the smile faded from her face. She reached past Michael resting her hand on Max’s knee. “Max, it’s going to be OK. You’ll see.”
“You don’t know that Isabel!” Max spat. “How can you all act so nonchalant about Liz just showing up, looking like…” his voice trailed off, not wanting to think about the haunting look in Liz’s eyes.
Max looked up at Isabel tears stinging his eyes, “How can we leave without knowing the truth?”
The other three glanced between themselves and Isabel suddenly looked worried. Why were we so willing to let her off the hook. Alex shrugged behind the wheel looking at Max through the rearview mirror.
“I’m just as concerned about her as you are Max, but we weren’t going to get anything out of her tonight. She’ll still be here in the morning.”
“You don’t know that Alex.”
“Sure I do, Max, and so do you.”
He was right, Max felt in deep inside himself, the certainty that Liz would be there tomorrow and the day after. He had thought it was just his own hope not some perpetual truth that they all felt. Something was definitely going on with all of them.
Isabel was staring into the darkness now; wanting to be concerned, wanting to go back to the Crashdown and shake Liz until she answered them, but something was forcing a calmness inside her letting her know everything was going to be alright, it gave her hope she just didn’t know what for.
Liz stood under the showerhead letting the water rain down on her, washing away all the pains of the last few months. Leaning her forehead against the shower wall she watched the brown tinted water circle the drain and take with it her loneliness and frustration. It’d been so long since she was here, she ran her fingers through her hair half expecting it to reach past her shoulders again. She took her time cleansing every patch of skin and washing her hair…twice. As she stepped out from the shower she felt human again, not like some dirt caked animal. Grabbing a towel she dried her hair and wiped all the beads of water from her body. Liz looked down at her dirty clothes strewn about the floor and wrapped the towel around herself before walking into her bedroom. She looked around slowly; everything was exactly as she’d left it. Walking over to the dresser she picked up a strip of paper and a smile graced her weary face.
“Hey”
Liz pulled the towel around her tighter as she turned towards the voice. Maria was standing in the doorway gripping the frame, looking lost. Liz had expected Maria to stay even though she hadn’t asked her to. Same old Maria, so loyal, she’d never leave a friend in need. Liz opened a drawer pulling out some clothes and throwing them at Maria so that she could get out of the god-awful uniform. Maria giggled picking up the clothes in front of her.
“I thought you always said teal was my color” Maria inquired modeling the polyester dress for Liz.
Liz cringed, overdramatically shaking her head, “No Maria, I said we should burn those things as soon as possible.”
“I don’t know Liz, I think it’s grown on me,” she gave Liz a sappy grin hugging the corny teal uniform to her chest.
“You’re sick DeLuca, just sick.”
The girls were giggling now making Maria wonder what happened to the somber Liz of half an hour ago. As Maria slipped into the boxers and t-shirt she glanced, Liz had her back to Maria and was slipping on a t-shirt of her own, Maria’s eyes got wide as she raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Nice tattoo Ms. Parker, I thought you said that was one thing you’d never do.”
Liz pulled the shirt on quickly looking at Maria’s curious face trying to think of something, anything to tell her best friend.
“It’s just a henna Maria, you know they’re popular right now. I just wanted to see what it would look like…if I ever did get…one.”
Maria wasn’t buying it but she didn’t want to cause any trouble tonight, she began to pull the covers down. Right now all Maria DeLuca wanted to do was crawl into bed with her best friend and feel content for the first time in what seemed like forever. Liz gave a silent sigh of relief as she walked over to assist Maria but found herself picking up a pillow instead. Maria climbed under the covers and stared up at the ceiling unsure of what to say.
Liz gripped the pillow in both hands glancing from it to Maria and back. She knew she shouldn’t do it but there was a strange voice inside her egging her on. She tried to fight the urge but…she took a step toward Maria and her eyes narrowed like a predator eyeing its prey.
Maria glanced towards Liz; fear gripped Maria as her eyes got wide…
Max laid in bed for what seemed like an eternity, in reality in was only fifteen minutes. There he was in his boxers staring up at his ceiling trying to make some sense out of the events that transpired earlier. He was so confused; Maria had been so sure that Liz was never making her way back to Roswell and then Liz just shows up at the Crashdown looking like coyotes had attacked her. Max was certain that sleep was not in his immediate future, at least not until he’d checked up on her.
In less than five minutes was Max dressed and making his way towards the Crashdown. The moon was full lighting his way, the streets of Roswell were so quiet and calm contrasting the heavy beating heart in his chest. There was a sense of doubt following Max Evans through the somber streets, a feeling of uneasiness about going to see Liz as if the heavens were in agreement the rain began to pour. Max stopped in his tracks staring up at the sky.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Max mumbled as he debated turning back, he shook his head at the thought, like a little bit of rain would keep him from Liz Parker.
He pushed forward through the rain making his way up to Liz’s balcony. Running his hands through his damp hair Max looked at his surroundings, the last time he was up here was the night before Liz had left for Florida.
“Is this a bad time?”
“Max, what are you doing here?”
He loved the way she said his name, a breathless whisper that made him tingle from head to toe.
“I just wanted to say goodbye,” Max couldn’t look her in the eye as he fidgeted with the worn brick ledge “Maria told me that you were going away for the summer, I just…I don’t want you to feel like you need to leave because of me…because of us.” He met her eyes as he finished his sentence; she looked like an angel, his angel, and his salvation in this life.
Liz stepped forward setting her hand down next to his on the ledge careful not to touch his slender fingers as she did. “Max,” her voice was consoling, soft “I really want to tell you that this isn’t about us…but I’d be lying. I need time away from you Max.”
He cringed at her words, Max knew she wasn’t trying to hurt him Liz was just being truthful. His mind was racing as he tried to come up with the magic words that would make Liz stay but the look in her eyes told him they didn’t exist. He swallowed hard unsure of what to do; she was everything to him.
The hurt in his eyes must have been evident because it was reflected in her own. She opened her mouth as if to ease the pain but she stopped herself knowing it would only make things harder. She gave him a pained smile and a slight nod before starting for the window.
“Liz, wait" Max moved in between her and the window, he leaned in giving Liz a lingering kiss trying to sear the feeling of her lips into his memory. He slowly pulled away softly whispering to his love. “I just wanted to remember.”
A bittersweet mimicry of words she once told him.
“Goodbye Max.” She moved past him climbing back into her room.
And with that a heartbroken sigh went out into an uncaring, empty night.
“Liz, don’t do this. Please!”
Maria’s terrified cry snapped Max from his memories. Rushing to the window Max readied himself to break through but he was too late, the attack had begun.
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Maria tried to get her hands up in time to deflect the blow but the pillow hit her square in the face.
“I can’t believe you Liz Parker, I’m trying to spend some quality time with my best friend and you go throwing pillows.”
Liz was holding her hands up in surrender, “I’m sorry Maria, I don’t know what came ov-“ Maria’s skillful aim effectively stopped Liz’s apology beginning a full scale pillow fight that would be one for the ages.
As the dust settled the two friends found themselves sprawled wildly on the bed breathing heavily. Liz’s room looked like a war zone with pillows, teddy bears, and blankets scattered around the small space. As their giggling died down a comforting calm settled over the room. Life was right again…if only for the moment. Liz closed her eyes fighting the tears that threatened to come, things would have to change again, she knew this couldn’t last but she wanted just a little more time before she’d have to lose them again.
“Whatcha thinking about?”
Maria’s question pulled Liz back from the abyss. Liz rolled onto her stomach giving Maria a wide grin kicking her legs carelessly back and forth through the air.
“I was just thinking how good it is to be home. To be back with you, Alex, Isabel, Michael…Max.” A breathless whisper yet again.
Maria smiled back clutching her friends hand, “It’s good to have you back, are you ever going to tell me why?” Liz sat up gripping the edge of the bed looking everywhere but at Maria.
“Soon, really soon but I just want to have this for a while if it’s okay?”
“It’s more than okay Liz, way more than okay.”
Maria curled up on the bed laying her head in Liz’s lap looking for the comfort only a best friend can provide. Liz smiled stroking Maria’s hair just as Maria had done for her so many times. After a moment the pair got up and started to pick up their mess. As they finished Maria climbed under the covers leaving Liz to hit the lights.
As Liz reached for the switch the strip of paper she held earlier caught her eye. She picked I up again looking over the pictures of her and Max they had been so happy, so in love and now…she didn’t want to think about now. Liz switched off the light crawling into bed next to Maria’s sleeping form slipping the photos under her pillow and hugging her teddy bear tightly to her chest before letting herself drift away.
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Max had taken up post outside Liz’s window watching the commotion inside. The rain was still pouring down but Max was so caught up in the moment he no longer felt it. Everything slowed down as he watched his dream girl in the heat of battle, her smile was so beautiful and her laugh so infectious that he caught himself chuckle as he watched.
Now Liz and Maria were picking up the remnants of their war and putting Liz’s bedding back together. DeLuca climbed into bed already starting to drift as Liz walked over to the dresser to turn off her lamp. She picked up a strip of paper as a sweet smile lit up her face, Max couldn’t see what it was but it obviously meant something to Liz. She turned off the light and crawled into bed slipping the paper under her pillow and grabbing her teddy bear as she shut her eyes.
All of the doubts and fears he carried about her return seemed to wash away as the rain fell down upon him. He could still feel the pain that radiated off her from wounds he couldn’t see. It was if she had lived a lifetime since he’d seen her last and that life was far from kind but she was back home now, back with everyone who cared about her and maybe she could find a way to heal and maybe, just maybe…find her way back to him.
Liz awoke slowly with the sensation that she was being watched without moving her head she raised her eyebrows, rolling her eyes upward to meet her intruder.
***
Maria had been studying her friend as she slept silently noting every difference between the girl sleeping next to her and the one she had last seen. Liz’s hair color was the same despite the obvious styling change, she still had that scar above her left eyebrow, her cheeks weren’t as full – Maria peered closer – a faint scar ran raggedly along her left cheekbone seemingly pointing to it’s counterpart that sat across Liz’s lips as though it was trying to keep them sealed helping to conceal all her secrets.
Maria’s mind was racing a million different scenarios were running through her head about how Liz ended up like this…
“Am I drooling or something?”
Too engrossed in her thoughts Maria hadn’t noticed that Liz had woken up during her examination. Liz sat up running the back of her hand across her mouth checking for moisture and finding none. She shrugged and languidly stretched her tired body.
“Were you in a gang?” The words came out fast, stumbling across each other.
Liz jerked her head in Maria’s direction, “What?” she was unable to contain the short snicker that followed.
Maria pushed on, “I mean you come back dressed like a Hobo with your hair all cut off, your face all cut up and a big ol’ tattoo on your back! Is that like your gang symbol? Were you in like some…like gang war or something? Did you have to come back to Roswell because some guy was going to ‘bust a cap in your ass’?”
Liz just sat at stared at Maria like she was three feet tall, green, and slimy. “Are you listening to yourself Maria? Do I seem like the ‘cap busting’ type?”
Suddenly her own words were sinking in and Maria turned an interesting shade of scarlet.
“I know, I know. It’s just that you’re not you, I mean you are you but…different.”
“And where are your parents anyway? They go out to Florida to see you and then you show up back in Roswell without them.”
Liz stared blankly at Maria for a moment before answering, “Oh, they’re still there with my aunt…I told them that I needed to take care of some things earlier, they’ll be back on the 12th.”
“You sure about that Liz?”
“Positive, I saw their plane tickets.”
“Well that answers that question,” Maria wearily eyed the well-known stranger sharing the bed with her. “I’m going to go get some clothes from my locker and I’ll meet you downstairs for breakfast. I’m starved so don’t dilly dally around up here.” Maria gave her a quick grin before heading out the door.
Liz sighed in relief for the trillionth time as she fell back onto the bed covering her face with the teddy bear lying beside her. This was such a bad idea.
“Tell me again why we had to get up at the ass crack of dawn, on a Saturday mind you, to come to breakfast at the Crashdown?” Kyle Valenti was half asleep on the counter mumbling his disapproval to the group around him.
“Because Jock boy,” Isabel glared “Maria wanted to give Liz a little ‘welcome home’ and anyway it’s nine o’ clock Kyle that doesn’t really qualify as the crack of dawn.”
The sheriff’s son just snored in response and the rest of the group rolled their eyes.
Max was sitting in a booth by himself folding, unfolding, and refolding a napkin trying to keep his thoughts from drifting to the girl upstairs. As awful as it sounds he almost didn’t come this morning. She had been so indifferent towards him the night she left and the night she returned, what if she didn’t love him anymore, what if she’d found someone else in Florida, what if she was happily seeing some blonde surfer who could give her this extremely normal life-
“Maxwell if you don’t stop fidgeting with that damn napkin I’m gonna take you outside and beat the nervous out of you.”
The napkin stilled as the two aliens eyed one another, Michael’s steely gaze was enough to compel Max to give up on the napkin. How many times are they going to threaten me this week Max thought with a slight grin, the tension over the past few days had been undeniable, even before Liz came home, the could all sense the coming changes-
Yet again his thoughts were silenced as Maria pushed through the backroom door with Liz in tow.
Oh, Fuck me! Liz thought as she ran her hands raggedly through her hair. Maria could have at least warned about the upcoming intervention. She suddenly contemplated making a run for the exit before the inquisition started. She couldn’t mess this up though, the fate of the world depended on the faith of those sitting in front of her. Liz sighed to herself, okay; maybe she was getting a little too dramatic too early
Max could sense her apprehension and he suddenly felt as if the crew was making a huge mistake cornering Liz like this. She had been so carefree with Maria the night before but her whole presence had changed as she faced the entire crew. She still had that aura about her that he couldn’t quite identify. He knew in his heart that she could never hurt any of them but his instincts were telling him otherwise. He never thought that he, Max Evans, the supposed King of Antar could ever fear little Liz Parker but here he was. Her weary brown eyes pooled too many emotions to sort all of them out but he could always catch that tinge of loathing that appeared when she looked at him, like she had lost every ounce of respect that she once held for him. He thought he’d just imagined it before, old fears die hard, and his worst was coming true, he disgusted Liz Parker. The napkin was retrieved as he tore his eyes away from Liz before the lump that was growing in his throat overtook him.
“Okay who’s ready for some heavenly hash?” Maria’s chipper voice broke the silence that had settled over the group bringing them back to life.
They all sat picking at the plates before them and periodically glancing around urging someone else to point out the elephant in the room. Finally, Isabel cracked and tossed it a peanut.
“So, how’s the shopping in Miami?” Okay, it was more of the shell than the actual nut.
“Oh, I…it was…great.”
Isabel swallowed, “I like the hair by the way.”
Liz gave the alien a self-conscious smile in response.
Obviously they were going to have to bring out the taser, cue Michael Guerin. “So, what have you been doing in Florida for the past nine months?”
Liz crinkled her nose as she tried to remember what she had done in Florida. “I uh, hit the beach a bit, but mostly just read a lot.” And cried a lot.
“Sounds fascinating, what’s the deal with the scars?” Maria gave Michael the ‘real subtle jerk’ smack.
Liz gave a short incredulous laugh that caught all of them off guard. When she finally spoke her voice was low, dripping with sarcasm, “I was attacked by an army of aliens.” Her tone was sardonic but her eyes dared Michael to believe her.
Liz hated this; worrying her friends but every time she looked at Michael and Max her blood ran cold, she needed some fresh air. The chair let out an awful hiss as it was pushed away from the table freeing Liz from the Formica cage.
She barely made it into the alley before giving into her shaking body, sliding down the harsh bricks and hugging her knees to her chest. It wasn’t supposed to be this hard.
“Jesus Michael!” Maria scolded the boy to the left of her.
Isabel got up following Liz out of the Crashdown. Liz looked so broken crouched on the concrete cradling her head in her hands. Isabel’s heart sunk in chest as she made her way into the alley.
“I’m sorry.” For Michael, for the ackwardness, for what Liz had gone through, for what Liz was going through, Isabel wasn’t sure.
“Izzy, will you promise me something?” Liz’s voice was shaky; ripping at Isabel’s heart yet again, she’d promise anything right now just to take Liz’s pain away. “Don’t hate them, no matter what happens…never…ever hate them. Promise me, Izzy please.”
Isabel nodded, she didn’t know who ‘they’ were but she was too frightened to ask terrified of the answer that haunted her friend’s dark eyes.
By the by guys, thanks for the feedback. Just a heads up this part is just gonna raise more questions but the answers are coming soon...hehe...probably.Syke
“Michael, there’s something wrong with her.” The floor boards creaked as Max continued to pace the apartment. Michael pulled a Snapple from the fridge and then turned to face his distraught friend.
“No kidding Maxwell, I hadn’t noticed.”
Max let out a frustrated sigh running his hands through his disheveled hair.
“No, I mean…” another sigh, “Does she look at you like… like you’re the enemy?”
Michael stopped mid chug and brought the bottle away from his lips. “You noticed that too huh?”
“Do you think she really was-“
“-Attacked by an army of aliens?” Michael finished Max’s query, “I doubt it. She doesn’t seem to have a problem with Isabel. I mean the two of them just took off today, no goodbye, nothing”
Max sank into the couch and began softly banging his head on the back cushion. Michael had to stop the smirk that was forming at the corners of his mouth, And I thought Max was fucked up while Liz was away.
Max stopped and looked up at Michael, “I’m losing it.”
Michael couldn’t tell if that was a statement or a question but he gave a slight nod anyway.
“You need to talk to her Max, find out what her deal is and…if she’s dangerous.”
Max jerked his head up to look at Michael. “Liz would never hurt anyone.” He spit out though gritted teeth.
“Then why are you so afraid to talk to her,” Michael accused fidgeting with his Snapple cap. “You didn’t even try to go after her at the Crashdown today, why is that Maxwell?”
“I…I just figured,” Max stumbled over his words refusing to look at Michael.
“You figured if you went out there you might not come back.”
Max gave a defeated sigh. Michael was right, he was afraid of what might have happened had he gone after Liz.
“This is ridiculous Michael. I mean it’s Liz” Max laughed nervously, “I’m going to go home and shower, hopefully Iz will be home by then.” Max said slipping out of the apartment closing the door behind him.
“He has not!” Liz was giggling hysterically trying not to lose her grip on the cold chains.
“I swear, Max has been listening to the Counting Crows every night since you’ve been gone,” Isabel gave a little laugh as she slowly swung back and forth, she dug her feet into the sand stopping her motion. “My brother adores you.”
Liz quickly sobered as the smile faded from her lips. The sand suddenly became very interesting.
“Liz you need to talk to him. Last night he…god, he was so happy,” Isabel ducked her head urging Liz to look at her, she finally caught Liz’s eye. “As much as I hate to admit it you are the one thing he wants in this life.”
“I’m just afraid he won’t be able to handle what I have to tell him,” Liz stood up moving away from the swing set. The tears welling up glistened in the moonlight as she turned back toward Isabel. “He’ll want to know everything, he’ll want to know what made me…the way…I am. He can’t know that Izzy,” The tears were streaming down her scarred cheeks “He can’t.”
“Why?” Isabel pleaded.
“Because…the reason I’m like this is because…because of him.” Liz raked her fingers through her hair looking Isabel’s tear distorted form.
Isabel stared at Liz in disbelief “What?”
“He should have just let me die that day…he should have walked away!” Anger and pain leaked from her cracking voice, Liz let her head drop back so that she could gaze at the stars above her with a whimper.
“He could never have walked away,” Isabel whispered laying a comforting hand on Liz’s shoulder “and I’m glad that he didn’t. We all need you Liz, even if we don’t always show it.” She gave Liz a small smile.
Liz drew in a ragged breath. “Izzy I…” Liz stopped, she shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs that were quickly forming.
“Liz what’s wrong?”
“Get…me…home. Now.” Isabel wrapped her arm around Liz’s waist to steady her sagging body as the two moved toward the Crashdown.
The backdoor to the Crashdown swung open as Isabel struggled to get Liz inside.
“Maria!” Liz sank to the floor along with a very worn out Isabel. “Maria!”
“What is going on back here” Maria shouted as she made her way into the back, “Oh my God! What happened?”
Isabel looked down at Liz’s unconscious form as she answered, “I don’t know, we were at the park talking and she just started acting weird by the time we got here she was passed out.”
Maria was starting to panic, “She’s burning up, we need to get her upstairs. We should call Max.”
Isabel looked away, “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“What? Why? Maybe he'll know what to do.” Maria looked incredibly confused.
“The things she said today, something happened with them…”
“Like what?” Maria questioned absently stroking Liz’s forehead.
“I’m not sure, this happened before she could explain it.”
Liz moaned softly drawing their attention back to her. “Liz, hey chica, wake up.”
Maria looked over towards Isabel motioning for her to grab Liz’s legs. The two girls quickly carried Liz’s limp body up to her bedroom.
“Why don’t you start trying to cool her down and I’ll go shut down the café.” Maria then ran downstairs. She got to the doors but stopped by her locker taking a quick glance towards the stairs she pulled out her cell phone and began to dial.
Max stood in the doorway watching Isabel and Maria trying to cool Liz. He had gotten to the Crashdown in record time only breaking a handful of traffic laws.
“Max! Finally.” Maria ran over engulfing him in a fearful hug.
Isabel eyed him coolly, “What are you doing here Max?”
“Maria called me,” Max answered confused at his sister’s attitude.
“You shouldn’t have come here.” Her tone was even, eyes boring into his.
“What the hell is your problem Isabel?” Max’s irritation was building, “What’s wrong with Liz?”
“I don’t know Max, why don’t you tell us!”
“Wha-“ before Max could respond a moan from Liz captured his attention. The bed gave a soft squeak as he sat down beside her prone body. She was so small, so fragile Max reached out tentatively stroking her cheek. As soon as flesh contacted flesh a green glow began to swim over Liz’s face. Max swallowed hard before placing his hand on either side of her face, the glow intensified as the flashes came hard and fast.
Pounding rain.
Screams.
The overpowering smell of death.
So much pain.
Three figures huddled over a prone fourth.
Stars.
The Crashdown.
The images ended abruptly, Max shook his head trying to sort them out. As the green glow faded from Liz she sat violently upright with a scream…no, not just a scream…a name.
“MAX!”
He moved into her line of vision softly stroking her cheek. Liz looked up at him, confused brown eyes filled with tears. His breath caught at the way her eyes stared into his. Her tiny hand, shaking, tentatively reached up as she brushed her fingers over his brow, slowly she let her hand trail down his cheek and softly ran her thumb over his bottom lip. She closed her eyes as a flash over took him
Knowing you has…made me…human.
Whether I die tomorrow or fifty years from now my destiny is the same: it’s you.
I wanna be with you Liz.
I love you.
“I love you,” a whisper so small Max barely heard it, maybe it was just his imagination, but the tear that slipped out from behind her closed eyes gave away it’s reality.
Liz slowly opened her eyes gazing into his amber depths before her energy gave out; she snuggled deep into Max’s lap before giving into the unconsciousness screaming to claim her.
“What just happened? Is she all right? Why was she green?” Maria was pacing a babbling but her eyes never left Liz.
“We should talk about this downstairs,” Isabel suggested, needing to get out of the room, away from the invisible energy swirling around them.
Reluctantly Max moved Liz off his lap and fully onto the bed before following Maria and Isabel into the employee lounge. He sank down into the couch rubbing his temples as he tried to figure out what had just happened.
“Max!” Maria had obviously been trying to get his attention while he had been lost in his own thoughts as she was now standing in front of him with her hands on her hips, glaring intently.
“I don’t know what the glowing was Maria, but when we touched…” running his hands through his hair he contemplated what to tell them about the flashes. “I saw…things.”
Maria cocked her head to the side silently urging him to continue.
“They were muddled. I saw rain and bodies…”
“There was so much death.”
Max’s head snapped up eyeing Isabel as she stared blankly at the floor, silent tears marring her flawless cheeks.
“You saw it too?” the choked whisper tore itself from Max’s throat.
Isabel just nodded not looking up from the floor.
The three friends sat in silence, no one quite sure where they want to take this conversation. Max opened his mouth to continue but was cut off by Maria’s ringer.
“Michael…what’s wrong…yeah, I’ll be there in a sec…just me…okay…bye”
Maria closed her cell phone looking over at Max and Isabel.
“That was Michael, he wants me to come over for some reason. That boy is so weird,” Maria flitted around picking up her belongings “He sounded stressed, anywho, Max can you stay with Liz till I get back?”
“Yeah, of course, I got it.”
Isabel rose following Maria. “Can you drop me home?”
“Iz, are you sure you want to be alone?” Max’s concern was evident in his voice as he ran his hand trough his hair for the hundredth time.
“I’ll be fine Max,” she looked at her brother one last time “but if you do anything to her I’ll beat you with a stick.”
“Ooookay then,” Maria said glancing strangely between the siblings “let’s go.”
Max fidgeted in the employee lounge a bit longer pulling two pieces of Asteroid pie out of the fridge before making his way back upstairs. He quietly nudged the door open with his foot and was met with the sight of a now fully awake Liz leaning up against her headboard looking over the familiar strip of paper.
“Hey, I thought you might be hungry,” Max whispered nodding to the plates he held. Startled Liz looked up and swallowed hard.
“Max…” breathless whisper again.
Liz sat up tucking her legs beneath her patting the bed inviting Max to sit down. The bed gave another groan as he sat beside her offering up a plate.
“Thanks,” she swallowed again, staring down at the pie she was holding “Look Max, about before…I need you to understand something…” she trailed off as she noticed Max pick up the discarded strip of paper now lying beside her on the bed. His hands trembled as he looked upon the object of her idolatry, it was the two of them, Liz placed on his lap as they posed in the camera booth at the mall. Max glanced up at her with questioning eyes, tears glistening.
“Why? God, Liz what the hell is going on?” His voice was a mix of pain and anger causing her to flinch away. Guilt immediately flooded through him as he saw the fear return to Liz’s features, the apprehension that had been dissipating over the last few days was now coming off her in waves. Max hung his head.
“Liz, I’m sorry-“
“No Max,” She cut him off abruptly “You deserve an explanation…all of you do. I’m just afraid of the repercussions, ya know?”
“Nothing could ever make me turn away from you Liz.”
“Except Tess, right?” Her tone was harsher than intended.
Max cringed, she gave a frustrated sigh wrinkling her nose…this wasn’t going as planned.
“I didn’t mean- I just…Max the night I left I, I wasn’t alone.”
“What? Like Maria was there…or Kyle-“
“No, God Max no, argh, it was you. I mean a future version of you. Okay now your looking at me like I’m crazy.”
One eyebrow was cocked as a slight smile played on his lips, “No, of course I don’t think your nuts I mean…I get visited by people from the future all the time”
Liz lightly punched his arm.
“You’re such a jerk, I’m serious Max.” The smirk left his face as he noticed the pale green glow in her eyes. “He came to me saying that you and I couldn’t be together, he said that if we did the world would end.”
“How could we cause the end of the world?” He chuckled incredulously.
“Not us…you.”
“Me?” Max’s brows knitted as he tried to comprehend her words.
“Apparently you treated Tess like an unwanted puppy so she left Roswell. Then when your enemies came to earth the three of you weren’t strong enough to win.”
“So what he came to make sure I treated Tess differently-“
“No, he came because he wanted me to make you fall out of love with me.”
“So he figured you going to Florida for a few months would get me to forget about you…about us.”
Liz rolled her eyes, “You’re telling me it didn’t?” she snorted but at his pained expression she quickly continued “Nevermind…anywho, no, I was just supposed to take some time to come up with a plan that would drive you away but things changed. After a month in Florida my aunt decided to take me with her on a buying trip to New York. One night I was out alone…god I suck at telling this story.”
Max dipped his head down to catch her eyes when it was evident she was debating whether or not to continue.
“Liz, you’re doing fine just…come on…just tell me.”
She looked up at him biting her lower lip, “Can I…can I connect with you?”
“Liz I think I need more than flashes.” He snorted.
Liz rolled her eyes again, “I know, just trust me here Max, can you do that?”
As he nodded she took his plate from him moving in front of him so that they were facing each other sitting Indian style. Liz grasped his hands in hers and the green glow returned to her eyes.
“Just breathe okay and let it come.” Max wanted to object as he watched her eyes roll back in her head but before he could break their connection the static surrounded him.
It felt as if he were watching a movie as images slowly began to form around him.
The sounds of the city bombarded the passerbys as a petite girl with long, chocolate brown hair marveled at the lights above her. She was alone walking down Broadway looking at anything and everything she saw.
As she turned his way Max saw that the girl was Liz.
“God, Maria would love it here,” Liz mumbled to herself as she looked around in wonder. She suddenly stopped, looking behind her she shivered; Liz could feel a presence following her through the night. Her pace increased as she ducked into an alley peeking out for a glance of her intruder.
“Aren’t you a pretty little thing!” a gruff voice drawled out from behind her.
Liz slowly turned around only to meet the voices backhand across her cheek. She slammed into the wall, hard.
Max tried to get to her but found he couldn’t move, all he could do was watch helplessly.
The man smiled a hideous smile and started towards her.
“Help me!” Liz’s scream was heartbreaking, she attempted to run but he caught her arm pulling her up against his hygienically challenged body, she could smell he booze and body odor that wafted off him.
“Not so fast girlie, I only wanna…play.” His breath was so sickening it made her want to vomit not to mention the seductive tone he gave to the end of his sentence. She began to struggle making him laugh and throw her back to the wall but before he could grab her again pipe appeared crashing down on the man’s skull. His thick body dropped to the ground where it now lay prone, his beady eyes fixed open but seeing nothing. The man was dead. Liz grabbed her chest breathing heavily as she slid down the wall onto the ground; she just sat staring down at her unmoving attacker.
“Yo duke, you okay?” Liz looked up at her savior he was only an outline, the lights behind him made him look like an angel she mused silently.
“Hey, did he hurt you?” Her angel crouched down softly lifting her chin to look over the wound on her cheek “That creep sure did a number on you girl”
Liz lifted her eyes gasping as she met his gaze, those eyes, she’d know those eyes anywhere, her angel was…
“Max?”
“Wha? No honey, I ain’t Max…the names Zan.”
“Liz,” She shook her head as she inspected the face before her. He looked just like Max but his hair had short dreds, he also had a gotee and piercings. Who the hell was this?
“Nooo,” the boy drawled out slowly pointing to himself “Zan”
The petite girl rolled her eyes, “Me, I’m Liz.” Zan chuckled softly.
“But you know ‘im. Max, I mean.” His tone carried so much hope.
Liz gave him a slight smile at the mention of Max’s name, “You could say that.” A blush stained her cheeks as Zan raised an eyebrow quizzically.
“We kinda dated but…”
“But…” Zan squinted at her.
“He has this whole other destiny that just doesn’t involve me.” Liz finished studying her hands as they sat in her lap.
“Must be a pretty important destiny to give up a sweet piece like yourself”
Liz looked up quickly about to snap back but the look on his face told her that she should just take it as a compliment. “It saves the world.” She whispered her eyes tearing up again.
“Who the hell told you that?” Zan’s tone didn’t convey any of the harshness in his words.
“He did, well, a future version of him said that us being together would end the world…” Liz waved her hand in front of her as if it would magically make him understand. Why was she telling this doppleganger everything?
”And now you’re looking at me like I’m crazy.”
“No, I mean hey, I see peeps from the future all the time yo.” He stifled a laugh but couldn’t stop the grin that broke over his face.
Liz scoffed punching him lightly, “You’re such a jerk. Aren’t there any non-annoying aliens out there?”
Zan’s eyes went wide “Y-you know about us?”
“I know about them. I don’t know a thing about you.” She replied curtly beginning to stand suddenly feeling like this was a very bad idea.
“Don’t go…please. I wanna show you somethin.” Zan gripped her hand and as he did Liz’s apprehension melted away. Zan stopped as a flash overtook him.
“I know you think I was foolish to write about that day and you and everything,” Liz stepped forward staring up at the boy in front of her. “What I wrote in my journal, it didn’t really have anything to do with science…um… that day that you saved me I felt something that I just had to put into words. So years from now, if anyone ever…if anyone ever touches me the way that you did…I’ll know what it’s supposed to feel like.”
“Are you okay?” Liz gently squeezed that hand that engulfed hers bringing Zan back to reality. He glanced back at her nodding slightly, an unreadable expression across his face.
*******
“You live in the sewer?”
“Beats Brooklyn.”
Startled Liz pressed her body against Zan for protection. As she brought her head up to meet the owner of the voice her knees went weak. Isabel…not Isabel…Isabel doppleganger. Zan wrapped his arm around Liz’s waist as he felt her body drop just a bit.
“What’s the deal yo?” not Isabel said motioning towards Liz.
Another man stepped out from behind her looking a lot like Michael “Duke, the girls cute…I mean I’d do her but Ava ain’t gonna be thrilled.”
“Thrilled ‘bout what?” That must be Ava Liz thought to herself as she stared at the pink haired girl before her. Zan ignored the queries as he turned slightly towards Liz.
“Lonnie, Rath, Ava.” He said pointing to the owner of each name, chuckling “Look familiar?”
“Just a little bit, the others are less…pierced.” She finished smiling up at Zan.
Can you be jealous of yourself? Max wondered as he watched the interaction before him.
“Wait, you found the others and yous didn’t tell us.” Rath spat.
“No, I found her,” Zan motioned toward Liz with his free hand “She thought I was him…I was Max.”
Lonnie smirked “Max? What kinda human bullshit is that?”
“They were adopted” Liz bit back before covering her mouth with her hand. Shut up Liz she berated herself.
“We need to talk,” Rath motioned for Zan to follow him “Now! Your majesty.”
Zan slipped out of Liz’s grip as he stalked off toward Rath.
“Do you wanna sit or somethin’?” Liz nodded joining Ava on the couch listening to Rath’s tirad.
“Zan what the hell is wrong with yous. Bringin’ some broad back here-“
“So…you know the others.” Ava asked inspecting Liz.
“Yeah, Max, Michael, Isabel, and…Tess.” Ava noticed how Liz said the final name like it left a bad taste in her mouth.
“Not a big fan of the fourth eh?”
Liz laughed, “Not really, she’s quite the annoying little gerbil” Liz immediately clapped her hand over her mouth again.
Ava smirked, “She’s my dupe huh?”
“Yeah, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I ain’t her, don’t worry bout it.” Ava gave a reassuring smile, “So, how’d you find out about Max, he just haul off and drop the bomb one day?”
Liz laughed, “Uh, no. Not quite. I was working in my father’s restaurant, some guys brought a gun in and it sort of went off…I got shot…I was dying and Max healed me.”
Ava’s eyes grew wide she swallowed hard, “He. Healed. you.”
Liz was oblivious to Ava’s reaction as she was lost in memories, “Yeah, there were these flashes, it was…amazing!” Liz licked her lips as she remembered Max’s eyes looking into hers, the touch of his skin.
“Zan,” Her voice was thick, Ava couldn’t tear her eyes away from Liz, “Zan!” She barked successfully getting the dupes attention away from his bickering with Rath.
“What?!?” Zan bit back, irritated as he stalked toward the small figures huddling on the couch.
Ava finally looked up at Zan questions swimming in her soft, blue eyes, “You knew he healed her?”
Zan’s gaze met the floor as he answered, “Yeah, I knew.”
“What? How?-“ The four doppelgangers ignored Liz’s inquiry.
“You knew they connected?” Her voice was shaking, Liz could feel the beginnings of fear coursing through her, was it really that big of a deal?
Zan lifted his eyes to meet Liz’s gaze, she softly gasped at he intensity his amber eyes held, “It’s why I brung her here, to find out...if she’s it.”
“If you do anything to Max-“ Liz pushed herself up off the couch angrily, taking a step towards Zan. Arms suddenly wrapped around her waist holding her still.
“Calm down girlie,” Lonnie whispered, “It ain’t nothin’ like that. Maybe this was a bad idea duke.” The last part was directed towards Zan’s amused grin.
“Well, bitch got the fire in her that’s for sure,” Rath chuckled.
Liz glared at Michael’s double heatedly but before she could reply Zan gently tore her from Lonnie’s grip.
“Come on, let’s get some air.”
******
Zan brought Liz to a secluded park, she hadn’t seen a soul for at least half an hour which was how long the two of them had sat in silence on the worn down bench. Liz knew she should be uneasy with the situation but Zan exuded this confidence, there was an air about him that made her feel safe…hell he’d already saved her once tonight. She languidly traced the heart carved into the seat beside her silently musing what a pair they must make, little miss goody goody sitting there with this pierced punk. The thought never crossed her mind that it was him she should be frightened of.
“Better now.”
“Much,” she giggled reflexively at his concerned tone, he sounded so much like Max at the moment maybe they weren’t so different after all, “What did you mean by ‘finding out if I’m it’?”
“Do you love ‘im?” Zan questioned, his eyes burning into hers.
“Zan-“
“I’m fuckin serious here Liz.” His tone was even but his breaths were becoming erratic.
“Yes, okay, yes. I love him,” unbidden tears began to form in her dark brown eyes, why couldn’t anyone back off the subject.
“You do anything to keep him alive?”
“Zan, you’re scaring me,” Liz started glancing around the park, in a town full of millions of people couldn’t one of this be in this park?
“Liz…”
“Anything.”
“Then save him now,” the plea in his voice tore at her heart.
“How?”
“Fight beside us, be our vision, be our strength-“
“What are you talking about,” she whined the confusion evident in her voice.
“He chose you Liz,” Zan cupped her cheek stroking it softly with his thumb, “I knew it when I saw you, I could feel it, that’s why I followed you Liz…you’re our prophet, our seer…our oracle.”
“No, Zan, no.” Her tone was firm as she began shaking her head.
He ignored her protest continuing quickly, sounding mystified, “The power that’s inside you, it’s…it’s…everything. With you we can defeat them, we can save our world…and yours. Now.”
“Zan, this is crazy. Listen to me!” She grabbed the sides of his face shaking his head slightly with each word she pointed pronounced, “I.Don’t.Have.Any.Powers.”
He just smirked at her, “You will. ”
She swallowed hard before breaking contact with him and getting up off the bench. She began to walk away. Zan didn’t move, actually he lounged into the park bench, locking his fingers behing his head before calling after her, his words causing Liz to stop dead in her tracks.
“When it’s over yo, there won’t be a single reason why you and Maxie boy can’t live happily ever after.”
*******
Max shook his head as the fog lifted and he was once again eye-to-eye with present day Liz Parker. His jaw clenched as he began to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
“Why didn’t you contact us? We could have found another way! Zan was wrong.” There was so much pain in his voice.
“No Max, I thought so at first, but now…now I know it was the only way,” she smiled at him softly, “Zan was more right than he knew.”
Her tiny fingers slipped into his again, not to connect this time, just to feel him.
She took a deep breath and told him everything, how Larek contacted them, how they got to Antar, about the horrors of war, the powers she developed, the strength of his people, the loyalty that developed with the dupes…
As the hours wore on the couple had found them selves stretch out on Liz’s bed, leg’s entertwined, fingers mingling as Liz talked against his chest with Max listening intently. Liz yawned as she neared the end of her tale slowly starting to drift she mumbled a few last incoherent words before giving into her exhausted self. Max looked down at her with so much love it hurt, her loyalty to him, and the others, was unfathomable. The things she’d gone through to keep them from the future that was set before them…
He softly kissed the top of her head getting lost in the scent of strawberries and vanilla wondering how he had gone so long with out her. He smiled sadly into the darkness, she had given everything for him, it never should have been that way he thought to himself before following her into the abyss.
*******
The rain fell harshly against the war torn ground, anguished cries went out into the cold, uncaring night as a small figure fell unceremoniously to the ground. Rain soaked hair framed her face as tears mingled with raindrops on her scarred and weary features.
Her painful sob filled the night air, reaching over the wails and distant explosions. Suddenly a shadow fell over her fragile form.
“Liz, please, we need to leave.” Zan looked around nervously knowing this battlefield would soon be teeming with more than dead bodies.
She was on him before he had a chance to react.
“You Bastard! Why would you do this to me!” Liz spat harshly shoving his chest hard with both hands causing Zan to stumble, hitting the muddy ground harshly. He scrambled to his feet standing in front of her again.
“Liz, now is not the time,” he pleaded with her, the rain rolled off his newly razored hair, the dreds had been replaced by barely a quarter inch of ‘fur’ and his piercing long since removed were replaced by jagged scars and bruises.
“Then when is the right time…your majesty?” The hatred rolled thickly from her tongue as she addressed him.
He attempted to grip her arm but she struck out at him again, quickly with a right hook to the lower jaw. He straightened again leveling her gaze as blood gushed from the cut that now disfigured his lower lip. His wound did nothing to discourage her as she lunged again. This time her caught her shoulders, holding her steady as her small fists beat against his chest.
“Why can’t you just- how could he do this to me?He said he loved me!” Zan’s head fell back into the rain masking the tears that now traced down his cheeks knowing this passionate fight was not meant for him. He felt Liz stiffen again but before she could shove him Zan gripped her wrists pushing Liz up against the wall behind her.
Liz’s chest was heaving as she glared at him defiantly. Zan looked down at her through hooded eyes before sealing his lips to hers. She fought him momentarily before giving in. He let go of her wrists as his hands traveled to her waist reveling in the feeling of flesh on flesh. Liz wrapped her arms tightly around his neck deepening their kiss. She could tasted the metallic flavor his blood left in her mouth and guilt washed over her.
Zan pulled back, breathing heavily, “Don’t worry about it.” His voice was husky with desire as he kissed Liz again.
********
Two figures writhed under black satin sheets. Heated electricity filled the air along with heavy moans.
“Zan, please...”
His head snapped up from the mark he had left on her milky neck. Her cheeks were flushed, her body shaking as she stared into his darkened eyes.
“God, Liz. I’m so sorry.” Zan began to roll off her but was stopped by her small, velvety hands firmly encircled his waist and began softly stroking his back. She gave him a reassuring smile.
“That’s not what I was asking for.” Zan swallowed hard as he let Liz pull him back on top of her. His breathing became more erratic as he felt himself settle between her hips.
“Are you sure?” the fear and despair in his eyes was evident as her looked down upon the angel below him. He could never hurt her, she had brought him peace and hope at a time when those words were too fragile to be spoken allowed.
Liz nodded beneath him, “Zan, we need to do this.”
“Liz-“
She cut off his protest with a chaste kiss planted on his lips. Pulling away she stroked his cheek, his heart fell at the tears filling her brown doe eyes. The muscles of his jaw clenched in frustration before he gave in, ravishing her mouth with his. She opened up to him, moaning softly as he slid into her.
*********
The two new lovers lay in silence musing on the events that had just occurred. Zan was propped up on one arm guiltily gazing as Liz as she lay on her stomach fidgeting with the hair tie in her hands. One of his strong hands softly stoked the exposed skin of her back, reveling in the feelings she created in him…even if they weren’t really his.
“Liz,” the whisper was so soft she barely heard it. Slowly Liz turned her head towards her lover with her true love’s face, the irony of the situation brought a small smirk to her beautiful face. Zan cocked his brow at the expression, scowling just a bit.
The confusion on his face only caused her smile to broaden, he may not be Max but that didn’t make the connection that she and Zan shared any less real.
“I…I just need you to know what this meant to me tonight,” Liz smiled again, his rough New York accent had been lost ages ago as he had transformed into the king his people prayed for.
“Zan, trust me…I know.” Liz assured as she reached out stroking his cheek, “But it’d mean a lot more if you’d shave.”
Zan rolled his eyes, “I’m trying to be serious here Liz,” he whined deftly making his kingly air dissipate. Hs tone became somber again as he continued, “Liz, when you go back to him…”
She tore her gaze away from the face in front of her, staring back down at the hair tie. Zan sighed; reaching out he brought her tearful brown eyes back to his matching amber ones.
“When you go back to him, he will understand. Don’t make this all for nothing Elizabeth,” his hand roamed her back again, “This…this will give him something, a choice you can make together…” As he spoke a soft golden glow illuminated her back, “it’s the key to all of his questions but without you it’s…nothing.” With Zan’s last words the glow faded leaving his mark on Liz’s lower back. The ink was a deep black, the center marking was a ‘V’ of six-pointed stars and out of that flowed thorny vines, swirling and entwining to protect their axis.
*******
Suddenly the two figures were back in the pounding rain. Zan was on his knees; blood trickled out from the corners of his mouth as he looked down incredulously at the sword he had just driven through his own chest.
“No!” Liz’s scream once again pierced the night air as she ran to him falling on her knees before him. He eyes were wide and wild, she opened and closed her mouth unsure of what to say, her brain had just shut down as it refused to believe what her eyes had just shown it. She reached for the handle of the sword…
“I can fix this.” She whispered but her blood slicked hands were stilled by Zan’s grip.
“Zan” his name was torn from deep in her throat.
“Hey, no, look at me Liz,” his tone was calm and soothing, he removed her hand from the sword handle and intertwined their fingers, “This was how it had to be.”
“No Zan, there has to be another way!” Liz spat before she sobbed again, slowly she reached up running her small hand over his brow, letting it fall down his scarred cheek to softly stroke his bottom lip with her thumb.
Suddenly footsteps came up behind her, within seconds to strong arms encircled her waist harshly pulling Liz from her knees.
“Larek get her out of here!” Zan choked out as he started to waiver.
Liz struggled but she didn’t have any strength left to break his hold.
More blood spilled from his parted lips as Zan slowly slumped to the ground.
“Zan!” the horrified scream penetrated the quiet Roswell night.
Max sat up trying to shake off the remnants of sleep as he looked around trying to find his terrified love. He was surprised to find her still sleeping beside him, laying on her stomach he watched her back rise and fall evenly. That was the weirdest dream he thought to himself as his eyes traveled to Liz’s lower back, it wouldn’t hurt just to check… right?
Wrong.
He left out an audible gasp as he found black ink beneath her cotton top. He glance at Liz’s face to make sure she was still sleeping before he pulled the shirt farther up her back. No, she couldn’t have, she wouldn’t… he shook his head slowly as tears began to blur his vision, but all the tears in the galaxy couldn’t stop him from seeing the results of his fingers brushing the center artwork.
A golden glow spread through the protective vines causing them to come to life, growing, reaching up her back until it covered all her flesh. As the glow died soft, golden symbols glistened on her skin.
Hope you guys like the new parts! I know I was kinda vague with Liz telling Max the whole story, but all the parts that need to be elaborated will be later on, I promise.
Okay, here we go kiddies! Sorry it's taken so long, I just moved to New Mexico (Weird, I know) so I've been having a hard time getting access. Hope you enjoy, I know some of it is a little corny I was having issues with the characters (sometimes they just won't behave ya know).
Happy reading.
Syke
Michael’s apartment-
“God Michael, what is so damn important?” Maria huffed “Liz really needs me right now.”
Michael had yet to even look at his girlfriend since she stormed through his door. He was slumped into the couch staring at a blank televisions screen nervously playing with the ring on his index finger.
“Michael!”
Maria’s shrill voice finally cut through the fog as he slowly turned his eyes to meet hers.
“I...I didn’t know who else to call,” Maria had never seen him look so vulnerable, so lost. Michael continued when Maria sat down beside him taking his large hand in hers. “I was grabbing a Snapple out of the fridge when I got these…these flashes…they were…” Michael visibly shuddered as he recalled the images in his head as he looked towards the kitchen. Maria’s gaze followed his, that’s when she saw the large puddle of Snapple filled with glass shards in front of the still open fridge. She opened her mouth to comment but Micheal started again.
“I’ve never seen anything like it Maria. I can still feel the rain…hear the screams,” his voice cracked “I don’t know where it came from, I just…” Michael pulled his hard from hers and dropped his head into awaiting palms.
“They’re from Liz”
Her voice was so soft Michael could’ve sworn she never spoke.
“What?” his voice was gruff obviously not liking that Maria knew something he didn’t.
“Liz got really sick tonight, Isabel and Max had her at the Crashdown,” scrunching her nose at the thoughts Maria continued “She was just lying there…she looked dead…and then Max touched her. There was this glow, I don’t know exactly what happened but Max and Isabel got flashes too. Some sort of war or something.”
“So, Liz has seen those things?” He looked at Maria incredulously.
“I don’t know Michael” Now it was Maria who slumped into the couch “We were starting to discuss it when you called, Iz was pretty shaken up too. God though, if you two are like this after a few flashes…I pray Liz didn’t see any of that.”
Michael pulled Maria into his strong arms as he kissed the top of her head.
“Me too” was the soft whisper into her golden hair.
***
“Liz please” the pain-filled cry tore at Liz’s soul as this girls fingers grappled at her tank top trying to hold onto her for dear life “Help me.”
Liz drew in a shuddering breath as she pulled together enough courage to disentangle herself from the desperate arms.
“I’m sorry” Liz’s own voice sounded strangled and cold as she tore her eyes away from the other girls haunted gaze.
“No!” Liz launched herself from her sweat soaked bed, breathing heavily.
“Just a dream,” Liz whispered to herself running a shaky hand down her flushed face. “Just a dream”
It was then that she realized she was alone in her room, Max slipped out long before she awoke but his presence still lingered in the air. Slipping out of her drenched clothing she stepped into the shower.
The cold water poured down on her heated skin. Liz leaned her forehead against the tiles and let her lids fall shut.
Cold gray eyes stared back at her. “You let me die.”
Her head snapped up as she shook it vigorously trying to shake the images away. They wouldn’t leave her though as she slid down the tiles her heart wrenching sobs were muffled by the sound of running water.
***
Max had wandered aimlessly through Roswell trying to understand what the hell was going on. He was hurt and angry, how could she just neglect to mention that she’d fucked…no, made love…to none other than his dupe. The mere thought of Zan touching her made Max see red even if the perpetrator in question was indeed dead. He ignored the voice in his head telling him there had to be a reason for it, pushing the thought away and just focusing on his feelings of betrayal.
He knew it was irrational, but if he started thinking logically about the situation he’d have to think about what he’d done as well…and that just wasn’t going to happen.
Max eventually made it back to his room. Not bothering to change he curled into a ball on his bed tightly closing his eyes against the images that would haunt him throughout the night.
***
Liz finally pulled herself from the icy prison she had made, the cold water started to burn her skin washing away haunting images. She stood before the mirror, dripping wet, looking herself over. Her hair looked jet black and clung in clumps to her forehead and cheeks. Her face was sickly pale; dark purple circles engulfed her eyes. Her eyes…that’s what should have stood out the most, there was no pupil, no iris, no white whatsoever…just a rich, static, forest green…when you looked close enough though, you could see they were not so static…her eyes swirled and churned, much like the sea on a stormy night, and like that sea if you weren’t careful you too could be lost in the depths. But no, it wasn’t her eyes that caught Liz’s gaze…her lips were what she fancied. Pale, blue, slightly parted, the scar across them had become a ghastly purple, the bottom one, usually so full and inviting, quivered somewhat. If it weren’t for that quiver she would have thought those lips dead, drained of life…finally at peace?
A small grin spread over those lips causing a slight blush to creep through them, ending their deathly illusion. Peace…what an unusual concept. Liz had been fighting so long that even now, when no enemy lurked, no danger nearby; even now, she dreamt of war, of death. Better war and death than the images I dreamt on Antar.
Golden curls and swollen lips suddenly flashed before her. Liz winced as if the image caused her physical pain and maybe it did.
Liz lay curled sniffling and…giggling…not humorous ones, but those that keep you from losing all sanity.
“I swear Aves, each time…my heart clenches so hard that it stops beating!” Liz moved, sprawling out on her back.
“If he knew, Liz, he wouldn’t…he just…he just couldn’t.” Ava vowed.
Then Ava moved beside her, mirroring Liz’s former position, head on Liz’s stomach staring up at the chin above. One small hand reached out for another, intertwining fingers, letting strength move from one fragile body to the other. Two women lay in silence, two figures embodying fate… but not destiny.
Ava…Tess…how ironic that her worst enemy wore the face of her closest friend.
Liz braced herself against the sink staring deeply into her reflection. Her eyes back to basic brown. Her lip once again quivered, not from chill, but from a pain so sharp it frayed her soul.
God I need you Aves.
***
“Max,” Isabel slowly pushed his door open and entered the darkened room, “ Max, hey…” Her voice was soothing as she gently brushed the bangs from his forehead. “Is Liz okay?”
Max slowly came to life, looking up at her through sleep laden eyes. The soft glow from the doorway illuminated her angelic features, her long blonde locks were pulled up in a messy bun and she wore no make-up but in that moment of despair and concern, Max realized just how beautiful his sister really was.
“She’s been through a lot,” he gently rubbed his eyes, “she’s doing better though.”
“That’s good, really good.” Isabel flashed him a bright smile, “Do you think she’d mind if I stopped by?”
Max’s brows kitted together, “Iz, it’s way too late to go across town by yourself-“
“Max! It’s two o’clock in the afternoon!” Isabel cut in with a laugh, “Where are you?”
He sat up quickly looking over at the clock 2:03 stared back at him.
“Guess I needed some sleep, eh?”
“Guess so,” Iz sighed ruffling his hair, “coming with?”
Max shifted his gaze to the wall behind Isabel’s head, “No…I’m going to see Tess.”
Isabel’s smile fell; no matter how long Tess hung around she could never bring herself to trust the little gerbil. “I thought they were gone another week,” she whined.
“She called me last night, Valenti got called back into town so they cut the trip short,” Max yawned.
“Oh Yay! I smell sleepover” her overdramatic enthusiasm was lost on Max.
“Isabel, you never have sleepovers-“ Isabel got up moving towards the door, she paused giving him an accusing, disapproving frown.
“I didn’t mean for me.”
Max’s jaw dropped as his sister slipped into the hallway.
***
People are strange
When you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly
When you’re alone
Liz sat at the counter of the Crashdown, sipping on her vanilla milkshake and softly singing along with Jim Morrison.
When you're strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you're strange
No one remembers you're name
And that’s how Isabel found her.
Iz sank into the stool next to Liz and snagged the milkshake for herself.
“Hey!” Liz protested but her face lit up when she saw the criminal, “Izzy! What are you doing here?”
“Do I need a reason to visit my friend?” Isabel queried before taking a sip.
“No, of course not,” Liz shook her head, as her smile faded. “How are you doing, I mean after last night…I know it must have been weird for you.”
Isabel set the shake on the counter and shrugged, “It’s still a little scary, ya know…those images…did you see all that up there?” Isabel ended as she pointed skyward.
It was Liz’s turn to shrug, “Things like that…it was a war ya know” she said with a smirk.
“Yeah, sorry, um…what was it like, Antar, I mean?”
The petite brunette sighed, letting her eyes drift shut for a moment, “Larek used to tell me stories about how beautiful it used to be, gorgeous cliffs, shining cities, deep ruby red lakes…by the time I got there most of that was destroyed. Kivar had turned the whole planet into a battlefield,” Liz looked over at Iz and smiled “You’re people are amazing though, they never gave up hope for a better world…God I sound cornball!”
“No,” Isabel lay her hand over Liz’s, “I like hearing that. How did you end up there anyway?”
“No, he was asleep most of the day and then he went over to see T…someone,” Isabel winced at her slipup.
Liz carefully remained emotionless, “Oh…well then.” She then proceeded to tell Isabel the shortest, least gory story she could.
***
Max stood nervously outside the Valenti’s door suddenly debating his choice of actions.
“Max?” the door swung open revealing the sickeningly sweet blonde.
“Uh, hey, uh, Tess.” Max lamely answered with a little wave.
“Come on in,” she reached out grabbing Max’s jacket and pulling him into the house “Do you want something to drink?”
Tess turned her back to him swaying her hips as she made her way into the kitchen. Max stood awkwardly in the living room repeatedly running his hand through his hair.
“Where’s Kyle?” His voice came out much higher than he intended.
Blonde curls popped out from the doorway, “He and Jim went to run some errands, they won’t be back for a while…” Tess hinted, grinning as Max’s eyes widened.
“Maybe I should-“
Tess walked back in offering him a soda ignoring the fact that he was talking, “Oh my God, it was so funny, Kyle and I went into this little CD store in Denver right? Anyway, the guy working behind the counter was really cool and he invited us to this party,”
Shoot me now! Max thought as he did the nod and smile, trying to feign interest.
“So, we’re all hanging out right? And he introduces us to his friend and get this,” Tess gave a dramatic pause smiling up at Max, “He goes by Zan! Isn’t that great? I mean his name is Alexander but I still thought…”
Max zoned out at the mention on Zan, unwanted images plagued him, her tiny hands stroking his strong back…
He cracked.
“Anywho, Max-“
Tess’s words were cut off as Max’s lips crashed into hers. The kiss was harsh, fueled by anger and hurt, which she of course mistook for passion and kissed him back hungrily.
***
“Wait, so when you get a premonition if one of us is touching you…we all see it?”
“Yuppers”
“Yay! I think I’m catching on,” Isabel grinned.
Liz laughed at her enthusiasm, “Do you want a cookie?”
Isabel gave a playful glare, “No, but I’ll take some Asteroid Pie if you’ve got it.”
“Coming right up Darlin’,” Liz got up moving towards the back room.
“So, Liz, if the flashes we got last night were of the future…” Isabel paused trying to complete the thought, “Then why did we see the Crashdown?”
Iz’s head snapped up at the sound of shattered glass, Liz was staring at her like a deer in headlights. Pie and plates broken and splattered forgotten on the floor.
“Oh my god, Isabel, why didn’t I catch that?” Liz growled in frustration.
“Is it bad?”
“Something could be coming our way,” Isabel swallowed the lump rapidly forming in her throat.
“Group meeting,” Liz smiled as Iz pulled out her trusty cell phone to round up the rest of the Pod Squad.
***
An animalistic growl tore from his throat as Tess nicked his nipple, Max threw his head back but when he closed his eyes all he saw was Liz. Broken and shattered whispering her love.
“Take me Max,” Tess groaned tugging at his belt. Her actions brought him back to reality. Max darted off the bed breathing heavily.
“Max, what…”
“Tess, I can’t-“ RING!!! Max rifled trough his pockets quickly finding the vibrating object. “Isabel?”
***
Liz and Isabel sat perched on the counter eating their pie in silence.
"Liz?"
"Mmm" Liz answered with a mouthful of pie.
"Who did you mean that day in the alley?"
"Isabel, I-"
“Liz, babe, is everything okay?” Liz found herself enveloped in Maria’s arms and chukled softly.
Michael and Maria stormed through the Crashdown doors effectively cutting off that conversation.
"Maria! Calm down,” Liz pulled back holding her friend at arms length. “It could be nothing.”
“Or it could be something HUGE!”
Liz rolled her eyes and smiled Always the drama queen.
Michael walked around behind the counter and began to pour himself a drink as the girls chattered about…whatever…he wasn’t paying attention. Although he definitely did notice Max and Tess arriving together…and Liz’s narrowed eyes, he could have sworn she muttered “Traitor” under her breath or maybe that was him.
“What’s up guys?” Max asked hoping to get the ball rolling and the attention away from him and his blonde shadow.
Liz locked his gaze for a moment before addressing the group; “Basically Isabel brought it to my attention that there was a flash of the Crashdown in my vision. We think it might mean something is coming our way.”
“So you think someone is coming after us…again?” It was Michael already starting to sound frustrated, they’d been left alone for a while now and he was getting used to ‘normal.’
Max cocked his head, “I thought you said the war was over?”
Liz was taken aback by his slightly accusing tone, “I…it…it is. When I left all of it was over. I-“
“Maybe you should have stayed there.”
The voice was malicious and cold and to everyone’s surprise…it was Max’s.
Before Liz could respond to the comment she found herself thrown to the floor.
“You Bitch! You just let him fucking die! Did you even give him a second thought before running back home?!?!?”
The rest of the group sat stunned as Liz scrambled to her feet.
“Rath, please, he wouldn’t let me-“
“Shut up!” Before them stood a monster, Rath was big, built his muscles rippled beneath his torn black T-shirt. His hair was short, just long enough to make the faux-hawk he sported. To top off the look there was a long, jagged scar that traveled from scalp to chin on the left side of his face. The eye underneath had no details just a pale green glow. He had one arm outstretched ready to fire again.
“Rath stop!” Ava pushed past him running to Liz with outstretched arms, “Liz…god, Liz”
If possible the others were even more shocked as they sat watching the small pink haired girl holding onto Liz like a drowning man to a life preserver.
“Ava, I’m so sorry…so sorry. I just couldn’t face you”
Ava stepped back regarding Liz with a sad smile, “You did what you had to do, for them…for us…I was proud of you Cornball.”
Liz gave her a beaming smile, and then glanced over at Rath whose hand had fallen…along with his face.
“Rath-“
“Don’t, just don’t okay…” Rath pushed past Ava engulfing Liz in a tight hug, “We didn’t know what happened to you…so worried,” he mumbled into her hair.
Max felt another pang of jealousy.
“Hey guys sorry I’m…late?” Alex stopped in the doorway taking in the sight before him. Isabel, Maria, Michael, Tess, and Max sat staring at Liz while she stood with two familiar strangers.
“oh, Alex,” Liz was obviously flustered, “This is Rath and Ava. Guys, uh, Alex, Maria, Michael, Max, Tess, and…Isabel.”
Rath held Isabel’s gaze for a fleeting moment but she couldn’t quite pinpoint the emotion that flashed…guilt maybe.
“Nice to meet you, Liz talks about you all the time…never shuts up actually,” Ava laughed as Liz stuck out her tongue.
“The other pods,” Michael was mostly talking to himself but Rath grinned anyway.
“That’s right Duke.”
“Where have you been…besides Antar obviously?” Michael questioned.
“Brooklyn.” The voice belonged to Ava, “They sent us to the one place that all the freaks fit in.”
“So why you and not us,” not that Michael wanted to go fight on Antar but he couldn’t help feeling a little left out.
“You guys, well, to quote Lonnie were ‘defective, too human’ Larek thought that we’d be better equipped for the war,” Rath paused, “we didn’t have anything to live for…’cept each other. You had lives, families.”
“So did Liz!” Maria argued, “That didn’t stop you from taking her away from us.”
“Maria, don’t” Liz pleaded.
“Hey blondie, we didn’t take Liz anywhere it was her own damn decision!”
“Oh yeah, tough choice when you were dangling Max like a carrot!” Isabel chimed in.
“She didn’t go for me…” Max looked pointedly at Liz, “She went for Zan.”
Liz’s face crumpled, “What? No, I…”
“I saw it Liz, in your dream. I saw the two of you together,” Max stood stalking towards her, “Why?” his voice was so quiet, so raw.
“For you, everything is always for you!” Liz lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes, “I trusted you, I gave you everything! I jumped off bridges for you, I broke laws for you, I fought a war for you! I trusted you and you go off with, God, with Tess. God I gave myself for you!” Liz drew in a shuddering breath as tears fell freely down her cheeks.
Max stood gawking at her words, emotions running rampant over his chiseled features.
“You were right, I should have stayed.”
Before anyone could move Liz was out the doors running headlong into the night.
Max slumped into the seat next to him staring at the tile floor, “How did she…”
“You didn’t think she’d know,” Rath growled “She saw it before it happened, there was nothing she could do…except dream about it night after night. She’d wake up screaming your name, sobbing. For you it was only a month ago…but for her…she’s been dealing with those dreams for over a year. A year of watching as the love of her life fucks the enemy. Yeah, she slept with Zan…She did it to save you and you did it to spite her….Lonnie was right you are defective,” Rath spat “just not human enough.”
“It only happened once,” Max protested.
“Not for her.”
“Wait, a year? She hasn’t even been gone 9 months,” Maria argued.
Ava spoke up, “We run on a different plane of time up there, Liz was on Antar for almost 9 years.”
The café was deathly still as the teens tried to comprehend this new information.
“She didn’t tell me that,” Max whispered.
“She didn’t want you to know,” Ava squeezed his shoulder, “ She knew you’d feel guilty, months of war is bad enough…but years…she loved you too much to make you burden that.”
Tess scoffed, “Obviously she loved him so much she slept with his dupe,” she smiled triumphantly as Max faltered slightly.
“When you were with Max, who were the flashes of?” Ava smirked as her twins smile fell, “You are an annoying little gerbil,” Ava bit under her breath.
“Look, as much fun as this is I’m wiped,” Rath languidly stretched and yawned to emphasize his point, “Aves I’m headed up to bed, you comin’?”
Ava glanced around the room, “Yeah, I’m comin’”
Isabel jumped up grabbing Ava’s arm, “What about Liz? We need to go after her!”
“Calm down Izzy,” Rath sighed softly removing her hand from Ava’s wrist. “She needs to blow off some steam and I don’t intend to get in the way, been there, done that, it’s not pretty. Go home, get some sleep, we’ll have her call you when she comes back.”
“Wait,” Michael called after them, “Where are the other two?”
Rath stilled, “Dead.”
With that he slipped his hand to the small of Ava’s back and led her towards the back room.
“Now what?” Alex asked.
Michael stood pulling a stunned Maria with him, “We go home and wait.”
“Um. Who are you and what have you done with Michael?” Alex said raising his eyebrows in curiosity.
“Look Whitman, I’m really not in the mood,” Michael sighed running his hand through his long hair.
“Max…Max,” Iz gently rubbed his back. “Let’s go”
A cool breeze met the teens as they stepped out into the night...
***
Well, there it is...hope some of it made sense. I'll see when I can get the next part up.
Hey darlin's, I figured I'd give you a new part since it took me so long with the last one. Thanks for all your lovely FB!
Keep on truckin
Syke
***
Max sat at his widow staring out into the night thinking about the events that had unfolded before him. Tess, so loyal, but still somehow untrustworthy. Why had she fixed herself to him, destiny was the overwhelming response. Tess felt as if she had to be with him. Had to love him.
Liz…she was his life, his salvation, his only reason. He shuddered, what was he supposed to do?
A sharp tapping at the window caught his attention.
“Liz?” he asked hopefully as he pulled back the curtains, “Brody?!?!”
“No, it’s Larek,” Said the form outside, “Max I have to speak to you. It’s urgent!”
Max lifted the latch and opened the window allowing Larek to climb in. The two men stood, eyeing one another.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were with Liz!?!?!” Max shouted before lowering his voice, suddenly aware they were not alone in the house, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Larek’s eyes dropped to the carpet, “She asked me not to.” He stood uneasily in the center of the room looking at his surroundings, “Liz, she said that you would worry too much, that you would try and save her. It would defy the reason why she did it in the first place. At first that was the reason…”
“At first…” Max’s voice was strained.
“For eight years, she was strong, she fought a noble fight, for love. But after the vision, she faltered; she fell…for a moment. Liz tried to rationalize it, saying that you needed to move on, that she wasn’t your destiny. Zan knew better, he knew her better than any of us-“
“He should of, they slept together!”
Larek frowned, “No, he knew her through your connection. Because of you he knew her inside and out. He loved her as you loved her.”
Max dropped his head into his hands seemingly struggling with his next words, “Did she sleep with Zan because of what I did?”
“No, Max, no,” Larek grabbed the computer chair moving to sit astride it in front of Max, “As shady as it sounds, she had to. Once an oracle is chosen they develop immense power but they still aren’t as strong as their King. They won’t come into full power until the bond is…cemented.”
“Oh,” Max replied lamely. “But they don’t have to cement it?”
“Actually only one King before Zan ever had,” Larek nervously rubbed his hands down his thighs. “It has to do with control. If the bond is made the oracle becomes more powerful than their King. Most rulers don’t want that, as you can imagine, so many of the kings before you chose an oracle from a species they can’t physically bond with.”
Larek’s voice became strained, “They were losing the war Max. If Zan and Liz hadn’t…Kivar’s forces were too many, his power too much. Liz was the key, she won us the battle but she paid a high price.”
“She never should have gone!” Max was desperate to believe it could have been different, “It wasn’t her fight…”
“You made it her fight Maxwell. Whether you meant to or not. God, I didn’t come here to argue with you-“
“Why did you come?” His voice grew cold under Larek’s accusation.
“I came because I need to know if you can still love her.” Larek became quiet waiting for the answer.
“I never stopped, but it doesn’t matter. Liz deserves better than I can give her,” Max gave a sad smile. “Her love and loyalty to me are incomprehensible. She’s the most powerful being in the galaxy and I’m just a boy…a boy who has already taken away her life, her innocents and betrayed her trust and love, for my own selfish reasons.”
Max sighed, “And I’m doing it again. Larek, I can’t take the way she looks at me, the pain and repulsion-“
“It’s not because of Tess.”
Max’s head snapped up, “What?”
“The way she looks at you…and Michael,” Larek continued slowly, “It’s because she knows what’s inside of you.”
“What’s. Inside. Of. Me,” the confusion in his voice was evident.
“I don’t know the whole story Max, only Liz can tell you. But you’re running out of time to ask her.”
Max jumped off the bed, his eyes panicked, “Is Liz okay? Is something wrong? Is she…dying?”
“Only of a broken heart,” Larek chuckled softly. “She contacted me tonight, she wants to come home.”
“She is home,” Max hissed.
The alien raised his hands in surrender, “I meant my home, friend. She wouldn’t tell me why but it wasn’t very hard to figure out.”
“I didn’t mean what I said, I never meant to hurt her… I just can’t seem to stop,” he flopped back on the bed throwing his arm over his eyes while Larek looked on. “She deserves better than me,” Max agonizingly mumbled.
“After all she’s been through, after everything she’s done for you,” Larek paused waiting for Max to meet his gaze. When his amber eyes finally looked up Larek decided to strike.
“Doesn’t she deserve what she wants? Don’t you think you’ve made enough decisions for her? If you let her leave she’ll never have a life of her own, it will always be the life you gave her. If you really love her you’ll sacrifice yourself and your fears and bring her home!”
Max sat up, his face full of determination, “Where is she?”
Larek smirked, “I was hoping you’d ask…”
***
“Are you sure we should be sleeping in here?”
Rath groaned into the pillow, he was lying face down on Liz’s bed, his body limp an arm and leg dangling off the side.
“Rath!” Ava hissed.
He slowly raised his head just enough to keep his voice from being completely muffled. “What Aves? We saved her ass more times than I can count, I don’t think she’ll mind us crashing in her bed for a night.”
Ava snorted, “Then what do we owe her for keeping the whole fuckin’ galaxy from blowin’ up?”
“A box of chocolates?” Rath deadpanned. He barely flinched at the book launched into his back.
Ava slowly walked around the room eyeing anything and everything. Books, stuffed animals, posters, pictures…so many pictures. Some were of her parents, her grandmother, there were tons of Liz with Maria and Alex. She let out a laugh when she found a frame tucked behind the lamp. The picture was one of Liz sandwiched between two of Max, but the Max’s had the wrong bodies. Weird.
“Maria was right, Liz had so much here.”
Rath growled, “I’ll tell you the same fuckin’ thing Aves. It was her Goddamn decision! Zan gave her the facts and she chose to fight. I love her Ava, you know she’s like a sister to me but I refuse to feel guilty, or believe it was the wrong decision. We sacrificed too! Zan and…Lonnie, we all knew the possible consequences and we all made the choice.”
Ava climbed onto the bed next to Rath and pulled her knees up to her chest, “I know. I just…I guess I just see Max’s side too.”
Rath just stared at her incredulously, “You’ve got to be fucking kidding.”
“Not about Tess! I just wish things could have been different too,” a single tear slipped down her cheek and she looked away from Rath.
“Oh Aves, he loved you babe. He loved you so much don’t ever doubt that.” Rath sat up pulling the pink haired alien into a tight hug.
“He said goodbye you know”
Rath pulled back obviously confused, “What?”
Ava smiled, “I didn’t realize it at the time but the night before it happened…he told me that I would always be his queen, in this life and the next, he…he said he’d wait for me forever. God I miss him!” Ava sobbed, her chest heaving.
“He had it all planned, he knew what was going to happen…” Rath swallowed hard, “That’s why he stopped touching Liz during her visions, he knew that we’d try to stop him.” Rath whispered mostly to himself, “Jesus.”
***
Rocks flew as the Jeep skidded through the desert. The moon was full behind them, illuminating the night. Max was pushing 90 as he and Larek looked for any sign of Liz Parker.
“What the FUCK!” Max spat as the Jeep came to a sudden halt, he gunned the engine but only succeeded in sinking farther into the white sand. White sand? “Larek, what the…”
Max looked over to see Larek staring intently ahead. Max followed his gaze and gasped.
“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” Larek shifted and stepped out of the Jeep.
Max sat motionless for another moment before glancing behind him at the “normal” Roswell desert. He looked forward again and cocked his head to the side. Before him was an oasis, white sand covered the ground, small rock ledges jutted out of thin air over to look a serene red (?) lake, the water perfectly reflected the moons above…Max moved his eyes upwards only to find three moons staring back at him. “What the hell?”
“Max,” Larek was pointing at a small figure sitting next to the lake.
“Is this some sort of fantasy or midwarp or something?” Max asked finally climbing out of the car to stand next to Larek.
The alien laughed, “Nope, I told you she had power. This is messing with molecular structure on a grander scale.”
“Wow.” Max shoved his hands in his pockets before trekking towards Liz.
She was beautiful; he would want her in a burlap sack if that’s what she chose to wear. Her chopped off locks were pulled back into a messy ponytail allowing some delicate strands to fall around her face. The moonlight made her skin glow she looked radiant, like an angel. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she looked at the water before her.
Max finally got close enough to see what she was doing. Liz’s tiny hand was outstretched over the spot in front of her, slowly, sparkling ruby water would lift into the air where it would slowly take a form, such as a swan or a rose, and then dissipate back into water droplets and fall back into the whole. Max was amazed at the sight before him but she still hadn’t seemed to notice his presence. The water came up again forming a large, red heart…Max smiled slightly until suddenly the heart began turning to slick red ice and finally shattered in half splashing down harshly into the watery depths below.
It was then that he noticed the tear tracks on her scarred cheek and his heart clenched hard in his chest. Small bits of sand fell into the lake and Max took a seat beside his broken angel.
“Max!” Liz squeaked out in surprise as she quickly wiped at her cheeks, “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.” He sighed as he skipped a stone off the glistening water.
“What? No Tess tonight?” She whispered harshly.
Max ignored her question and skipped another rock, “Larek said you wanted to go back, can I ask why?”
“Larek told you!” Liz dropped her head into her hands muttering, “God, he’s worse than my mother.”
“Liz…” Max prompted.
She lifted her head shifting so she could gaze at the moons above, “I don’t belong here anymore, I was stupid and naive to think I could just come back.”
“You’re not stupid…or naïve,” She cringed at his comment. “But things have changed, it’s not the life you left-“
“I know-“
Max slipped his hand over her mouth causing her to stare up at him with big, green (?) eyes. Well that’s new…
“Um, just let me finish,” Max refused to look away. “Liz, things have changed but one thing is still the same…I love you. No matter what. I fucked up, I know. I shouldn’t have been so angry with you but those images of you and Zan killed me.” His eyes began to glisten with unshed tears, his voice cracked but he pushed on, “When I…when I spent the night with Tess it was cold, I was just driven by this…god, I don’t know what, I just couldn’t stop myself. But it was just this thing that happened, it didn’t mean anything. You and Zan though, you cared about him.” Max could feel her mumblng against his hand, her eyes wide and pleading. “It was soft and passionate, I was jealous and hurt and angry that it wasn’t me beside you, and I’m sorry…so sorry.”
He finally dropped his hand from her mouth, which she continued to open and close for a moment afterwards.
“So where do we go from here Max?” Her voice was so small.
Max shrugged, “I honestly don’t think I deserve you, no…don’t shake your head at me,” he laughed softly. “But if you want me, I will do anything I can to make you happy, you’re everything to me. But I need to know what’s inside of me that scares you so much.”
“Larek?” He nods, she sighs. “We were pushing Kivar’s forces back all across Antar when suddenly the tides turned. Kivar seemed to know all our plans, he was successfully wiping out our troops en masse. That’s when I got a vision…it was Lonnie betraying us to Kivar.”
“Are you serious? Why would she do that?” Max questioned bitterly.
“She loved him,” Liz replied matter-of-factly. “In your past lives it was Vilondra who caused your downfall and history was repeating itself. I told Zan and Rath about it, for days neither would touch me during my visions because they couldn’t let Lonnie know that they knew. I saw our defeat, our deaths at the hands of Kivar and that’s when Zan decided it was time to act.” Liz paused for a moment drawing in a shuddering breath.
“You okay?” Max reached out grabbing her hand intending to offer comfort, instead he was thrown into her thoughts.
“Lonnie get your ass in here, we need to talk,” Zan crouched over a table in a dimly lit room, it was barren except for a few metal chairs and matching table. There were no windows and only one way in and out.
“What’s the deal Zan? I was just going to get some fresh air-“
“Sit!”
Lonnie rolled her eyes, “Sure thing your majesty, what the hell crawled up your ass, Bro?”
“Tell me it’s not true Lon,” Rath emerged from the shadows with a face full of emotion.
“What’s not true?” Lonnie moved to get up but Zan reached out and tugged her back down.
“Why were you with Kivar?” Zan’s voice was cold and emotionless.
“Are you crazy! Fuck Zan, did you hit your head or someth-“ Lonnie stopped when she caught another pair of eyes lurking in the shadows, “Oh shit!”
Liz slowly stepped forward into the light. “I saw you,” she whispered as she tapped her temple.
Lonnie’s eyes grew wide as she frantically looked at her captors. “I’m sorry, I was weak. I won’t do it again please just don’t-“ suddenly Zan’s hand was around her troat.
“Sorry!” He spat, “We lost thousands because of you’re ‘weakness’ Lonnie. We can’t risk losing this war because of a fuckin crush!”
Lonnie wriggled away gasping for air. When she found her voice it was small and trembling, “It’s not a crush! I love him, Zan, I love him.”
Rath closed his eyes as the pain flooded him, how could his wife betray him…them…for a genocidal psychopath?
“Just let me go, please Zan, I won’t come back. I’ll get him to back off, please.” Lonnie was standing beside him, pleading with her brother to spare her life.
Zan and Rath looked at each other, suddenly calm, cold. There eyes were completely black and power was rolling off them.
The corners of Zan’s mouth twitched into a small smirk, “Sorry Lon, you’re not leaving this room…alive.”
Lonnie was in full panic mode, she looked like a cornered animal, her eyes settled on Liz. She was on her knees before the petite brunette in an instant.
“Liz please” the pain-filled cry tore at Liz’s soul as this girls fingers grappled at her tank top trying to hold onto her for dear life “Help me.”
Liz drew in a shuddering breath as she pulled together enough courage to disentangle herself from the desperate arms.
“I’m sorry” Liz’s own voice sounded strangled and cold as she tore her eyes away from the other girls haunted gaze.
“No! Liz!” Lonnie was sobbing now trying to curl herself into a ball. Rath stalked over to the shaking figure; grabbing her by the back of the neck he ripped her from the ground.
“Now my little wife, you are going to tell us everything you told Kivar,” Rath spat with an evil smirk.
Zan sat on the edge of the table watching the scene unfold. Liz caught his eyes and saw no emotion in their black depths as he pulled a jagged knife from his boot. Her feet flew to the door guiding her out into the night.
Max shook his head as he came back to the present, “They…”
She nodded. “It wasn’t them, I mean it was but…”
“You’re afraid that could be me one day?”
She nodded again.
“But you’re powers, you could easily stop me,” Max queried looking over at Liz’s perfect features.
“Max, I went to a strange planet and fought a war to try and keep you alive, do you really think I could kill you myself? Could you kill me?” She whispered.
“What? No! No! Never…oh…I see,” Max blushed as her point dawned on him.
“So I ask again, where do we go from here?” Her eyes were still dark green, the swirling pattern drawing Max closer as he stared into them.
“Well, we take it slow and have a little faith in each other and see where it goes from there.” His hand slowly cupped her cheek wiping away the last of her tears; she gave him a small smile. Max couldn’t help himself he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.
She pulled back and bit her lip, “Max…we need to talk about Tess.”
“I know you deserve an explanation-“
This time it was her tiny hand covering his mouth, with pained features she continued. “Not about that, she and Nasedo…they had a deal with Kivar.”
story, but all the parts that need to be elaborated will be later on, I promise.