Roswell Fanatics

Title: And Where They Take You To
Author: Polarchica77 or Polarchica516 (depends on what board your reading this on!)
Rating: TEEN maybe MATURE (due to violence and innuendo)
Summary: Michael, Liz, Ava, Lonnie, and Max’s lifes are interrupted when they find out their past isn’t as behind them as they thought. You should read Places I Never thought I’d be first or you’ll be really really confused. The link to it: http://www.roswellfanatics.net/viewtopic.php?t=1129
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my one oc character.
Feedback: As always, I need it!!!!!!

Chapter OneA

“Ryan Alexander-Rath Guerin! Did you make this mess?” Liz Guerin yelled across the room at her eleven year old son. A pile of spilled paint and crayons were laying on her new tile kitchen floor. Ryan ran into the room and Liz laughed at his appearance. His face has splotches of paint of it and his clothes were covered in paint.
Liz’s mouth dropped open. “Don’t tell me you’ve been running around the house like that all day while I was gone?” Ryan nodded guilty. Liz instantly felt bad and scooped him up in her arms and set him on the kitchen chair. “I’m not mad at you, buddy, but I told you to be good.”
Liz waved her hand over Ryan and his face and clothes were cleaned. “I could have done that myself, Mommy. And I was being good. Daddy told me to explore my artistic side so I could be a painter like him.”
Liz smiled and kissed his forehead. “Ok, Ryan, didn’t I tell you never listen to your father when he talks stupid talk?”
Ryan laughed. “Yeah. I’ll clean this mess up.”
Liz smiled as he cleaned up his mess. Ryan was so smart; at four, he was reading and writing. Liz and Michael had decided to home school him so his fast development wouldn’t be noticed. Now, we could enroll in high school if he wanted to. Ryan had Michael’s gray eyes and jet-black hair but Liz’s eyes. Liz’s parent said that Ryan looked more like Michael all the time.
Now to find Lonnie, the capable babysitter. Or so Lonnie said, Liz thought. Liz searched around the house until she found Lonnie laying on her and Michael’s bed sleeping. Liz grinned and sent an electric zap so it would wake Lonnie up.
Lonnie suddenly woke up. “Watch it, buddy!” Lonnie yelped thinking it was Ryan. Her eyes widened when she saw Liz standing at the door. “Oh, hey Liz,” Lonnie chuckled nervously. “Ya seez, the funniest thing happened while you were gone.”
Liz put her hands on her hips. “Really, Lon? For Ryan’s godmother, you’re an awfully bad babysitter.”
Lonnie shrugged. “I’ve been up 24/7 trying to handle a pregnant Ava--the girl has serious over hormonage. It ain’t funny, Liz. She wakes me up at one in the morning for some ice cream! I swear, I was going to kill her.”
I felt for her. I refused to go near Ava now. “Well Kyle is coming back soon from Chicago tonight and he can handle his disgruntled wife when he does. Until than, you and Rob are stuck with the kid.”
“Rob can’t take Ava right now.” I laughed, picturing Rob catering to Ava’s every whim. I loved Rob, we all did, he was good for Lonnie. “What did the squirt do while I was sleeping anyway?”
I sat down on the bed with her. “Just took out Michael’s paint and used that and his crayons to be artistic as he says. There was paint all over the floor and Ryan.”
Lonnie laughed. “And to think, there’s a new one coming soon,” gesturing to Liz’s small belly.
Liz covered her belly protectively, “In eight months, Lon. Besides, I don’t get that hormonal.”
“Right,” Lonnie scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Mikey Boy is the one who hovers and won’t let you out of his sight. He goes all caveman on ya, babe.”
Liz laughed. During her pregnancy with Ryan, Michael has basically hovered over her and made sure someone was with her at all times. Actually, all of the gang was protective of Liz. Liz was like their center and all of their best friend. Lonnie and Ava became sisters to Liz and their bond became really strong. “Well, if you’re as big as a house when you’re pregnant, you’ll be hormonal too.”
Ryan ran into the room with the phone in his hand. “Mommy! Uncle Kyle’s on the phone! He says the baby is coming.”
Both Liz’s and Lonnie’s eyes both went wide. “Here we go.”


“AAAHHHHH!” Ava screamed. Kyle sat next to her holding her hand while Ava went through the contractions. “Where are Liz and Lonnie? You did call them right?”
Kyle took a deep calming breath. “Of course, honey. They should be on their way soon” They better be, Kyle thought, I don’t know how much longer I can take this.
“Well than they should get here faste----AHHHHH!”
Liz and Lonnie came into the house and rushed to Ava’s side. “How are you feeling?” Lonnie asked in concern.
“How do you THINK I feel? I am pushing a CHILD OUT OF MY FREAKIN BODY!” Ava screamed and than a burst of energy hit the wall from Ava’s hand.
Liz and Lonnie stared open-mouthed. “How long has she been in labor? Does she keep releasing energy like that?”
Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “About two hours now and yes, she does.”
Liz giggled, “I’d watch your…uh…equipment there, Valenti. Maybe that’s what she’s aiming for.”
Lonnie and Liz watched in amusement as Kyle’s eyes went wide in fear. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Liz turned to Ava and said in a soothing voice, “OK, Ava, you need to breathe, OK? Hee hee hooo, hee hee ooo. Kyle, not you!”
“Well I’m stressed too!”
Ava smiled at Liz, “So everything is normal?”
Liz took in Ava’s small frame (except for the belly) in. Ava was drenched in sweat and in obvious pain, “Yes, Ava. Everything is going as it normally would.”
Liz examined Ava’s cervix and said happily, “OK, Ava, you’re almost there. Now push!” Ava screamed in pain but pushed none the same. Five minutes later, Dianna Lauren Valenti was born.
As Kyle cleaned the baby, Liz and Lonnie watched over Ava while she slept. “Dianna’s beautiful, aint she?” Lonnie asked Liz.
Liz nodded and smirked. “I can’t believe I’m gonna have to do that again soon.”
“Let me guess, not as fun as it looks?”
Liz threw a pillow at her. “No, one day, you’ll find out.”
Lonnie shook her head sadly, “No, I won’t. I haven’t exactly talked to Rob about having kids yet. I don’t even know if he wants them.”
Liz put a reassuring hand on Lonnie’s shoulder. “Yes, he does. Just talk to him about it.”
“I suggest you don’t have kids at all, Lon. Too painful,” Ava joked as she woke up.
Lonnie and Liz embraced her. “How are you feeling?”
Ava smiled, “About twenty pounds lighter. Where’s my nephew?”
Liz chuckled, “He’s at home with Michael. I’ll tell him to call you later.”
Ava looked around the room, “Where’s Kyle and Dianna?”
“Right here,” Kyle said from behind them carrying Dianna.
“Y’know what?” Liz said. “I’m gonna get home and give you two a bit of private time. Congratulations, Ava. And you too, Kyle.”

Liz came home to find Michael and Ryan asleep on the couch. It was times like these when Liz realized just how lucky she was to have the two of them. She walked over slowly to them and picked Ryan up.
Liz laid him down in his bed and was about to close the door when Ryan said softly, “Mom?”
“Yeah, honey. It’s me,” she whispered as she sat in the bed next to him absently stroking his hair.
“When’d you get back?” he asked, his voice heavy with sleep.
“Just now. Aunt Ava is fine and she had her baby. I’ll bring you by tomorrow to see her. Now go to sleep.” Liz kissed Ryan on the forehead and closed the door behind her when she left his room.
Michael was sitting in the kitchen when Liz came out. “Hey, Michael. Ava had the baby.”
Michael smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead, “Yeah, Kyle called me. He said he was wreck--what a pansy.”
I lightly punched him in his arm, “I recall someone else who has pacing a hole into the floor when I was giving birth to Ryan.”
Michael chuckled and patted Liz’s stomach. “And I plan to do the same with this one too. I’m a very protective father.”
Laughing, Liz replied, “I think that Lonnie referred to it as ‘caveman-like’ actually.”
“So I heard Ryan decided to paint today?”
“Yeah, it’s your fault. I’ve told you time and time again, that he is going to be a biologist like me,” Liz joked. “You can blame Lonnie, she was supposed to be watching him and she fell asleep.”
“Sounds like Lonnie? Did she get her apartment yet?”
Lonnie, Ava, Rob, and Kyle had moved to Pennsylvania soon after Liz, Michael, and Ryan did. Liz had gotten a job as a biology professor at a college and Michael ran a art center along with painting for his company. Rob and Kyle both became lawyers and took a job at a firm based in Pennsylvania and of course, Ava and Lonnie came too. Ava was a guidance counselor at a local high school and Lonnie was a journalist for a newspaper. Lonnie and Rob’s house was being built so they stayed with Rob’s parents who lived pretty close.
“Yeah, yesterday. I told her that we’d help her move in tomorrow.”
Michael’s eyes turned lighter with worry. “Now I told you that I would not nag or hover, but may I advise to not lift heavy objects.”
Liz laughed and kissed him on the lips. “Well at least you’re trying to not hover, Michael. Besides, I’m only a month pregnant, we can’t even connect with the baby yet. It took us two months to be able to connect with Ryan.”
Michael sighed, remembering, “Yeah, I know. I just don’t want anything to happen to you or our child.”
“Yeah, I know, Michael. Now let’s get some sleep.”
As Liz and Michael went to their rooms, they failed to notice the lurking shadow outside their window.

Chapter 1b
The next day, Liz, Michael, and Ryan headed over to Ava’s house to see how she was doing. When Kyle answered the door, Ryan immediately ran up to him and hugged him. “Hey, Uncle Kyle, how’s the baby?”
“The baby is doing fine, Ry. Hey Michael, I thought you had work today.”
Michael shrugged, “I called in sick. Figured I’d see my godson, corrupt him while he’s young.”
Kyle laughed and moved aside so they could come in. Ava was sitting on the couch nursing Dianna. She finally looked up and smiled at them, “Hey, you guys!”
Ryan was looking at the baby in fascination. “Can I hold her?”
Ava nodded, “Yeah, Ryan.”
While Ryan was holding Dianna, the adults were having a conversation. “Well,” Kyle began. “My dad wants to see Dianna and he’s too busy to come down here any time soon, so I figured that all of us could go up to Roswell for a couple of days.”
Ava smiled at Liz and Michael, “Besides, the last time you guys went down was two years ago. I’m sure that Liz’s parents want to see Ryan all grown up.”
Liz and Michael both agreed to go down to Roswell with them and they called Lonnie and Rob and they both agreed too.

After all the arrangements were made, the six of them got plan tickets for the following week to go down to Roswell. At Liz’s house, Michael was working late and it was just her and Ryan.
“He is sooo cheating on you!” Ryan shouted at the television as he watched soap operas. When Ava would baby sit last year, all they would do together was watch soap opera. Now, sadly enough, Ryan was addicted.
Liz shut the TV off. “Ryan, did you clean your room?”
Ryan turned to his mother and whined, “MOM! That was an all-new episode!”
Liz put her hands on her hips, “Well, in your room, there are a pile of clothes that need to be put away.”
Ryan began to pout, “But mom, can’t you just clean them with your powers?”
Liz rolled her eyes, “Well I could, but it’s not my room. Now go!”
Ryan drudgingly went to clean up his room. Liz was cooking dinner when she heard footsteps. She turned around startled, “Ryan?”
No answer. It’s probably just the wind, Liz thought. She went back to chopping tomatoes when she heard footsteps again, “Who’s there?”
She turned around to come face to face with a complete stranger. Liz shrieked and threw up her shield. The commotion made Ryan come running out of his room. When Ryan saw his mother with a shield and a man he didn’t know him his house, he sent a blast at the man and ran to his mom and stood in front of her protectively.
When the strange man finally stood up, he put his hands up in surrender. “I am so sorry, my Queen. I did not mean to startle you.”
“Who are you?” Liz asked.
“I’m from Antar and I was sent her to find you, My queen.”
“Than you’re looking for the right girl, I’m not a queen of anything.”
“Surely you are joking. I’m Danroz, the royal queen’s protector and I was sent here because I think that you’re in danger.”
Liz looked at him with confused eyes, “I’m not a queen. Avaleana is dead and she has been for a long time now.”
“No, you do not seem to understand. You are the queen of Antar and the Guardian of the Granolith and I am here to protect you. On Antar, there is a revolution and innocent people are dying. And only you can save us.”

Chapter 2
Liz truly did believe that he meant her no harm but she still kept her and Ryan’s distance from him until Michael came home.
Danroz was pacing on the opposite side of the living room. “I do not see why this is necessary. We should leave as soon as possible to return to Antar before it is too late.”
Liz sighed, “Hey, one step at a time. You’re going to explain everything to me and Michael when he gets back from work.”
With great timing as usually, Michael walked in the house and immediately blasted Danroz and his eyes flew to Liz and Ryan. “Are you guys OK?”
“We’re fine, Daddy.”
“Who are you?” Michael growled at Danroz.
“Let me explain, please.” Michael just went to stand next to Ryan and Liz.
“Than talk, you have two minutes.”
Danroz rolled his eyes, “I’m here to protect the queen of Antar from harm and the queen is her,” he said as he pointed at Liz.
“What?”
“Well, when Zandroz died, the power of royalty is passed to the second in his line. That would be you: You two are the Queen and King of Antar and the kid standing next to you is the heir of Antar. Well as soon as word reached Antar that Zandroz was dead, the planet went into chaos. With Khivar now dead, we had no government structure so now everyone is fighting to gain power. And all we have to do to end it is you get you guys back to Antar and accept your crowns.”
Michael stood in shock. He was a king. He kept repeating it in his head to see if it would click. “So let me get this straight, you want us to leave Earth and go to Antar to bring peace to the planet?”
“Yes!” was Danroz’s exasperated cry. “That’s what I’ve been trying to saw to Queenie over here but she didn’t believe me.”
“So why do you need to protect Liz?” Michael asked.
“Well , some groups want to gain power and if there is no royal line than they can take over. Some of them have already arrived at Earth.”
Even though Michael had mellowed for the better over the years, whenever it came to Liz’s safety, Michael was attentive. “How many are there?”
Danroz thought for a moment, “Maybe ten but I’m not sure. I’m advising you to return to Antar as soon as possible, your Majesty, before we have nothing left to say.”
Michael looked at Liz who looked like she about to cry and Ryan who looked confused. Michael smiled at Ryan’s instinct to protect Liz and turned back to Danroz. “Can you give us some time to talk about this, please.”
Danroz nodded, “I’ll be close by.” He left out the front door.
Michael turned to Ryan. “Look, buddy, I need you to wait in your room so me and mom can talk.”
Ryan shook his head, “No, Dad.” Michael loved his son like nothing else but it was obvious where Ryan got his stubbornness from.
Michael crossed his arms and so did Ryan. “Son, this is not a good time to argue.”
“I’m a part of this too, Dad! I’m a prince of a foreign planet!”
They stood off until Liz suddenly shouted, “Could we not fight about this? Michael, he is a part of this but Ryan, you have to understand that me and your father need to talk alone.”
Another similarity between Ryan and Michael was that their weakness was Liz. At the bottom of their stubbornness, it was just to protect Liz and ensure her safety. Ryan wrapped his arms around his mother briefly and went to his room.
Michael turned to Liz, “So what do we do?”
Liz closed her eyes and sunk down into the nearest chair. “I don’t know, Michael. I thought that all this was over. We could raise Ryan without him going to war. I understand that no matter how much we try to escape it, we are part of Antar, but I never thought that we would have to go back to Antar.”
Michael kneeled down in front her and placed his large hands on her knees. “Liz, if what Danroz is saying is true than Antar is our planet. Earth my be our home but Antar is our planet. And you know that neither of us can ignore our responsibilities there.”
Liz hung her head and she placed her hands over her stomach, “Michael, what about the baby?”
Michael lifted Liz’s chin up and gazed into her brown eyes. “Nothing is going to happen to you, Ryan, or our child. I won’t allow it.”
“I know, Michael. I know. I want to help Antar, Michael, I do but I’m putting my family directly in harm’s way and that’s a big risk.”
Michael nodded in understanding, “It’s my family too, Liz. It’s our royal family, now.”
Liz smiled through her tears. “We should talk to Ryan about this but I’m in if the two of you are alright with it.”
Ryan emerged from his bedroom. “I’m in if Mom’s going. I’m not leaving the two of you.”
Liz and Michael embraced their son and told Danroz the news.

Lonnie, Kyle, Rob, and Ava stared wide-eyed at Liz and Michael. “You’re going to where now?” Lonnie said.
Liz and Michael told the four of them about Danroz and the situation. The situation being Liz, Michael, and Ryan were going to Antar. “I can’t believe this,” Rob said running a hand through his hair nervously.
Rob had known the truth about them before he and Lonnie got married. It took him a while but he accepted it but he did not understand that much. “Are they like going to beam you up?”
Everyone shot Rob warning looks and he shrugged. Kyle put an arm around Ava, “When are you leaving?”
“Whenever we can,” Liz said. “But I requested at least a week until because I want to say good bye to my parents.” Liz’s eyes began to tear at the mention of her parents and Michael put an arm around her and gripped her hand tightly.
They sat in silence until Lonnie spoke up. “Well I’m going too.”
“WHAT?” The whole group exclaimed.
“Honey,” Rob said, turning to face Lonnie. “Don’t you think we should talk about this?”
Lonnie frowned. Lonnie tended to speak first and than think later. “Rob, I don’t mean to put pressure on you but I’m going--I have to. Liz and Michael are my family, I can’t let them go without me.”
“No,” Liz said. “It will be dangerous.”
“More a reason for me to go. I can protect Ryan while the two of you go to summits and stuff and once the baby come, you’ll need someone to baby-sit. Rath would have wanted someone to protect you.”
Lonnie knew it was low bringing up Rath around Liz. Michael nodded, “If you want to come, you can, but maybe you should talk to Rob about this first.” Michael looked at Rob. “Try to understand.”
“I’m going to,” came the soft comment from Ava.
“But, Ava,” Liz reasoned. “What about Dianna?”
“I’ll bring her with me, Liz. Lonnie was right. You guys are my family and you don’t let family leave without you going too.”
Kyle nodded. “I go where Ava and Dianna go.”
“Have you told Isabel yet?” Ava asked Liz.
“No, but she’s going to be in Roswell for a couple of weeks while Jesse and her dad work on his case together so when we go down we’ll tell her. She has Jesse so she won’t come and we don’t want to make it harder on her.”
Rob suddenly stood up, “I’m going too. I’m not leaving Lonnie.”
Liz smiled at Rob. Lonnie wrapped her arms around him and said, “Thank you.”
“How fast can we get to Roswell?” Kyle asked.
“In two days. We can make the tickets,” Liz said.

Two days later, the gang was sitting on a plane going to Roswell, New Mexico. Liz, Michael, and Ryan sat together and the rest went off in pairs. When they arrived, Liz immediately ran to the bathroom. Lonnie raised an eyebrow at Michael, “Morning sickness?”
Michael grunted, “More like all day sickness.”
The group was staying at a hotel a little a ways from Roswell. They decided to make a couple visits: The Parkers, The Evans and Isabel, and Sherriff Valenti. It was assumed that they would all go together for support of whoever needed it.
They dropped off their bags and headed over the Crashdown. As soon as Liz entered the Crashdown, Liz’s dad ran up to her and hugged her. “Lizzy! I didn’t know you were coming in town. How’s the baby?”
Liz grinned, “Just about one and half months now.”
Michael and Ryan entered the restaurant a few minutes later with Lonnie, Kyle, Ava, and Rob in tow.
Mr. Parker and Rob hit it off really well and Mrs. Parker especially loved Dianna. Finally, Liz had managed to get them to close up early so they could talk. “Mom, Dad you know how I told you what we all were?”
Mr. and Mrs. Parker nodded. “Yes. Liz what is this about?”
Liz’s eyes began to collect tears and she leaned on Michael for support. “We, we have to leave Earth to go to Antar.”
“What? Why?”
Ryan spoke up. “Apparently mom and dad are the King and Queen of the planet and they need their help.”
Liz glanced gratefully in Ryan’s direction. Mr. Parker covered his face in his hands. “All of you are going?”
They all nodded. Mr. Parker stood up, “Well this isn’t fair! You can’t leave Earth, it’s unreal.”
Liz began to sob, “Daddy, I need to go. All of us do.”
Mrs. Parker frowned, “Will you be able to contact us at all?”
Liz sadly shook her head. Her parents told her, Michael, and Ryan in a big hug--a hug full of tears: tears for lost daughters, lost grandparents, and lost parents.

Back at the hotel, later that night, Liz was laying on the bed thinking when Ryan came in. “Hey, Mom.” Liz immediately went to go wipe the tears of her face.
“Hey, Ry. Did you want something?”
Ryan sat next to his mother and laid his head on her lap. “Dad’s worried about you, Mom. We all are.”
Liz smiled weakly, “I’m fine, honey. It’s just really hard to deal with that’s all. It’s like you having to say goodbye to me and your daddy and not knowing if you’ll ever see them again.”
Ryan nodded. “I guess I’d be sad too. Are you scared to go back?”
“No, Ryan, it’s not going there that scares me--it’s the leaving part.”
Ryan sat up and leaned against the back of the bed. “I’m scared to go. You and dad have these memories of Antar and what it was like. To me, it’s like going to a totally different place.”
“You don’t have to be scared, Ryan.”
“I’m scared for all of us.”
Liz scooted so that she was next to him. “Sometimes you and dad are so alike. When I first met your dad, he was always acting like he had responsibilities for people that he didn’t. He always wanted to protect people, no matter what he tried to accomplish with his tough exterior. I’m not going to lie to you and say everything is going to be fine because I don’t know that.”
Ryan was beginning to fall asleep. Liz kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to tell you a story, Ryan. A long time ago there was a king, his sister, his friend, and the king’s fiancée. And than there was a girl named Ryanna. Ryanna and the king’s friend, Rathos were madly in love. They were the world to each other but the king, Zandroz, loved Ryanna too and all he wanted was to break Ryanna and Rathos apart. So this mean king made Rathos marry the King’s sister, Vilandra so Rathos couldn’t marry Ryanna. So Rathos, Ryanna, Vilandra, and Vilandra’s fiancée organized a revolution.”
“Did they win?” Ryan asked sounding half-asleep.
“No, Ryan, they didn’t. Zan killed them and so did his fiancée.”
“Aren’t all stories supposed to have a happy ending?”
Liz smiled. “Well, Ryanna and Rathos met again and they got a second chance to be together. And the king’s fiancée who used to be evil, got a chance to be good.”
“That’s a great story, Mom.” Ryan said and than he fell asleep.
Liz kissed him on the forehead and whispered. “But it’s not, Ryan. It’s not a story at all.”

Isabel agreed to meet the group at the park the next day. Ava and Kyle stayed at the hotel to handle a fussy Dianna and Ryan decided to stay and help. Lonnie, Liz, and Michael were waiting at the park when Isabel finally arrived.
Isabel had grown her hair out long again but kept it brown and her pregnancy had definitely agreed with her. Isabel embraced them immediately and when she pulled apart she asked, “So what is going on that brought you guys to Roswell?”
Liz and Michael exchanged looks. “We have to go back to Antar, Isabel. Antar is having a revolution with different groups trying to come to come to power since Zandroz died. They need Michael, Ryan, and me to go to Antar and accept our crowns.”
“What?” Isabel asked, shocked.
“Ava, Kyle, and Rob are coming with us. We wanted you to know, just in case something happens, you’ll know where we are.”
Isabel looked at Liz, “This is unreal, Liz. So you’re really going back, aren’t you?”
Liz kept Isabel’s steady gaze, “Yeah, we are. We aren’t asking you to do. You have a life here, Isabel, and I don’t want to take you away from that.”
“Thank you,” Isabel said.
When the three of them were about to leave, Isabel told Liz that she needed to talk to her for a while alone. “Liz, Max is in town.”
“What?”
“He got in last week and he’s been staying with my parents. I know that you guys haven’t seen him since my wedding and I think he deserves to know what you guys told me today.”
“I’ll stop by tonight with Ryan after we make a pit stop.”

Chapter 3
“Mom?” Ryan asked. “Where are we going?”
Liz pulled up the rental car in front of the Roswell Memorial Cemetery. As she and Ryan began to walk, Liz asked Ryan, “Did you know that I grew up in Roswell?”
“Yeah, Mom. So what does this have to do with a cemetery?”
They finally stopped walking and Liz pointed at Alex Whitman’s gravestone. “Alexander Whitman was my best friend. Him, Maria, and me were inseparable.”
“What happened to you guys?”
“Maria got a record deal our senior year of high school and we’ve talked every once or twice but we lost touch after college. And Alex was killed in a car accident his senior year--you know what, Ryan, actually Alex was murdered by an evil alien. Alex was funny and smart….and he was the best friend I could ever ask for.”
He gestured to the gravestone, “So is he why my middle name is Alexander?”
“Yes,” Liz said through her tears.
Liz was jerked out of her thoughts by a familiar voice. “So obviously I wasn’t important enough to get the first name, but I guess I’ll get over it eventually.”
And standing in front of her was Alex. “How is this possible, Alex?”
“Consider it overlapping parallel universes, Parker. The more you think about it, the more Tylenol you’ll need.”
Alex smiled and Liz and her heart swelled. “So, I hear you’re blasting off into space, Parker.”
“How do you know that?”
“I’ve been watching all of you over the years. I gotta admit the kid the smart.”
“Ryan? Oh god, can he see you too?”
“Nah, all he’s seeing is you crying over my molded grave.”
Liz bit her lip and frowned, “So you aren’t real.”
“No, I’m real, Liz. But like I was saying, the kids a genius.”
Liz laughed, “Yeah, sometimes I feel like I’m talking to an adult rather than a ten year old.”
“He looks like Michael.”
“He gets that a lot.”
“I miss you, Liz.”
Tears began to fall from Liz’s eyes, “Not as much as I miss you, Alex.”
“Liz, I have to go now.”
Panic ran through Liz’s veins. “No! Alex, you can’t leave me!”
“I won’t. I’ll always be with you, Liz. Oh and by the way, I’m thinking that to make up for the middle name thing, you can name your next child, Alexandra. But it’s just a thought.”
Suddenly Alex was gone and Liz was standing next to Ryan. “Let’s go, Ryan.”
As Liz and Ryan were going towards the Evan’s house when Liz suddenly stopped the car. “Ryan! What’s today?”
“The 22nd. Why?”
“It’s two months. The baby is two months. Oh god, I could name the next child Alexandra. It’s a girl, Ry! It’s a girl! I’m having a girl!”
Ryan reached over and hugged his mother and kissed her belly. “Wow, this is so cool. We can pick out names now.”
Liz shook her head, “No, I already got a name. Alexandra.”


Max had been in Roswell for about a week because of a business opportunity. After college, he got a doctorate degree and was now a fully fledged doctor. He was been offered a high paying job at Albuquerque Pediatric Hospital. He was still apartment hunting so until than, he was living with his parents and Isabel.
Max had been micro waving his dinner because his parents were out with Isabel. So when the doorbell rang, he was surprised someone was ringing the doorbell at all.
“Hold on a minute!” Max shouted as he balanced his TV dinner and a can of soda.
He ran to the door and was shocked when he saw Liz standing there with a child.
“Liz.” Max said in shock.
“Hey, Max, Isabel told me you were in town so I thought I’d drop by.”
“Sure, uh, come in.”
Liz and Ryan walked past him. “Sit,” Max said gesturing to the couch.
Liz and Ryan sat and Max took them in. Liz still looked the same, but with longer hair and she looked more matured. And the boy looked like….
“So you’re Ryan,” Max said.
“Isabel told you about him?” Liz asked.
“Yeah.”
“Oh.”
They sat in silence. Liz turned to Ryan and said, “Why don’t you let me and Max talk alone?”
“OK,” Ryan said and left but not without giving Max a classic Michael stare. Yep, Max thought, definitely Michael’s kid.
“So. I haven’t seen you seen Isabel’s wedding. How have you been?”
Max shrugged, “I finished college and I’m a doctor now. I’m going to work at the hospital in Albuquerque.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“What’s new with you, Liz?”
Liz cleared her throat. “Well uh, I live in Pennsylvania and actually, Ava just had a baby. Her and Kyle are married. And I have one on the way.” Liz patted her stomach.
Max stared at her stunned. For Max, it had never really hit home how much he truly missed Liz and having her around. And now Liz was pregnant with Michael’s baby. Max smiled weakly at her, “That’s great. Ryan seems like a great kid.”
Liz grinned with pride, “Yeah the best. Actually Max, I came here to tell you something.”
“What?”
“We’re leaving for Antar in a week. Me, Michael, Ryan, Lonnie, Ava, Rob, and Kyle, we’re going back.”
Max sat there shocked.

Liz and Ryan sat in the car outside the hotel. The conversation with Max had gone well. They talked about what they had missed in each other’s life. Liz was about to get out of the car, when Ryan lightly touched her arm. “Mom, I want to show you something.”
Ryan dug deep into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “I’ve been having dreams about this place lately.”
Liz frowned. “About where, Ryan?”
Ryan unfolded the paper. It was a galaxy-looking background with a symbol in the center.
“What does it mean?”
“It’s not human, obviously. It says ‘Prince’ in Antarian. I’ve never been to Antar, Mom, and yet I know the language. I ease dropped on a couple of your conversations and I know more than you think I do. I just had to piece it together.”
“Ryan,” Liz said, tears collecting in her eyes. “We weren’t trying to hide it from you.”
“I know, Mom. Aunt Ava and Aunt Lonnie were Vilandra and Avaleana. And you were Ryanna and dad was Rathos. Tiyra tarn: Love lasts forever.”
“I wanted you to have a normal life, I didn’t want you to have to be burdened at the age of eleven with our pasts lives and our mistakes. You deserve better than that. How long have you been having these dreams?”
“They started a year ago. I wanted to tell you.” Ryan looked at his hands.
Liz reached over and took his small hand in hers. “Ryan, I’m not upset that you kept this from me. I’m not completely sure on what’s happening that makes you get the dreams and understand Antarian.”
“Me neither. If I ask you something will you answer me?”
Liz nodded passionately, “Yes. Ryan, anything.”
“Where are Khivar and Zandroz?”
Liz took a deep calming breath. “Antar sent two Khivars. There was a good one and bad one. The bad Khivar is dead and the good Khivar was killed before we even knew who he was. It was Alex, Ryan, that’s why he died. Someone murdered him because of who he was. And I don’t want that to happen to you, honey. I love you too much.” Liz ran a hand through her hair. “And Zandroz is dead too. Now, honey, if you have more questions than we can talk about this later but I’m tired and me and Alexandra need our rest.”
Liz put her hand on Ryan’s cheek. “Now let’s go inside, OK?”
Ryan nodded, “Ok, Mom.”

Chapter 4
“You went where?” Michael screamed at his wife. As soon as Liz and Ryan stepped into Liz’s hotel room, the whole group was sitting in her room, demanding where she was. Apparently, she forgot to leave a note and they all assumed something bad had happened to her. Michael’s eyes stayed locked on Liz’s and everyone else left. Michael may hover but no one wanted to be around Michael went into cave-man mode.
Liz looked at her feet, “I wanted to say goodbye to Alex before we left and Isabel had told me that Max was in town so Ryan and I stopped over for a while.”
Michael began to pace and when he stopped he took a deep breath. “I’m trying to be calm here.”
Liz walked over to him and leaned into him. Michael wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry, Michael. I just didn’t need someone hovering over me while I said goodbye to Alex and I wanted to talk to Max alone. I should have left a note, I know.”
Michael held her tighter and absently rubbed her stomach, “You should have brought someone with you and Ryan. You have to be careful, Liz. In case, you didn’t notice, you’re basically the target for Royal assassins.”
“The baby is able to connect now. She’s getting stronger.”
Michael pulled away from her and his eyes grew wide. “She? It’s a girl?”
“She’s only sending light shimmers of energy now. It will be a while before she can send waves like Ryan did.”
Michael sat down on the bed and Liz sat next to him. “Liz, I don’t know what to do.”
Liz was startled by the myriad of emotions jammed into one phrase. “About what?”
“A part of me wants to help Antar but I don’t know how I’d live with myself if something happened to you or the baby. I want to keep you on Earth but I know that I can’t do that and I probably would miss you terribly.”
“I’m safe as long as I’m with you, Michael. Ryan knows about our pasts lives.”
“How much?”
“Most of it, just not about Zandroz killing me and you and Ryanna’s baby. I knew he was smart but he figured most of it out. He said he’s been having these dreams about Antar and he somehow knows how to speak Antarian.”
Michael rubbed his eyes. “Oh boy. We’ll figure it out the next time we see Danroz.”
Liz laid down and Michael positioned himself so his head was resting by her tummy. “Her name is Alexandra.” Liz mumbled half-sleeping.
Michael smiled and kissed Liz’s stomach. “I can call her Alexis for short.” Liz laughed making her belly move.
“Doesn’t Ali make more sense?”
Michael smirked at her, “I like Alexis better. Can I try something?”
Liz nodded and Michael placed his hands on her stomach. Michael felt a stir of life but it was still a bit weak. “I think that she likes Alexis too.”
And they drifted off to sleep.


Liz woke up the next morning to find Ava staring down at her. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Where’s Michael and Ryan?”
“Off having a father-son chat. The kid started shooting off all questions this morning about our past lives we pushed him off to Michael.”
Liz laughed, “Well he is persistent.”
Ava rolled her eyes. “Put that together with Michael’s stubbornness and your curiosity and the damn kid is a menace. I’ll buy him a muzzle for ya, I swear.”
“How’s Dianna doing?”
Ava sat down on the bed next to her. “Fine. She’s with Kyle. He’s making her watch football on television. I personally think he’s trying to brain wash her.”
“Sounds like Kyle.”
“So I hear the new kid’s going to be a girl.” Ava smiled and looked at Liz’s still flat stomach.
Liz smiled radiantly, “Yeah. Alexandra, Michael is so excited.”
“So Parker, how are we gonna go about raising our child on a far away planet?” Ava asked, half-joking. Liz regarded Ava with concern.
“How do you feel about it? I mean, I know that it’s fast with Dianna just being born.”
Ava frowned. “I was thinking of leaving Dianna here with Sheriff Valenti until we get back but I don’t know if I’m gonna come back or when. I want to be there when Dianna says her first word or walks for the first time.”
“I know what you mean I considered leaving Ryan here for his safety but I couldn’t to that to him or Michael and I.”
They were silent for a moment when Ava said softly, “So tell me the real reason why you didn’t tell Ryan about who we were?”
Liz moved to face Ava. “I told you, he’s so young.”
Ava crossed her arms. “I don’t buy that. Sometimes, I swear that kid is smarter than me. Is it because of Ryanna?”
Liz sighed, “Ryanna killed Zandroz. I know it was in revenge but it’s still killing someone. Sometimes I get nightmares that, that night, I killed Max too and not just Zandroz. No kid should know that their mother killed someone.”
Ava placed her hand gently over Liz’s. “You are not a killer, Liz, and you know that. If Ryan knew why you did what you did, he’d understand. And technically, Ryanna isn’t you. Trust me, Liz I know how you feel. I’m terrified of the day when Dianna finds out who was I was. With you, you have the excuse that you killed someone in revenge. Avaleana killed just to be queen.”
“That’s not who you are, Ava.”
“It’s not who you are either, Liz. We are different now and we both know that. Anyway, Danroz stopped by last night and told us that we’d have to leave sooner than we thought.”
“How much sooner?”
“In two days. Apparently, it’s getting worse there.”
Liz was about to say something when Lonnie poked her head in the room, “Can I come in?”
Lonnie flopped on the bed. “So what are we talking about?”
Liz laughed, “Ava was advising on not making you godmother again seeing as I want my kids to see past their teens.”
Lonnie rolled her eyes. “Do you guys remember the last time, just the three of us hung out?” Liz, Lonnie, and Ava all exchanged looks.
Ava grinned, “Sophomore year at Columbia. Right after finals, we convinced Kyle and Michael to go off and do some male bonding.”
Liz laughed at the memory, “So we rented movies, ate ice cream, and decided to get drunk as hell.”
Lonnie held her hands up in defense, “It was Ava’s idea to bring the vodka.”
Ava sent her a pointed look, “It was your idea to mix it with ice cream.”
Liz giggled, “Seeing as I wasn’t pregnant and big as a house than, I drink alcohol for the first time in my life and got incredibly smashed.”
“Then we passed out,” they all said at the same time.
“And woke up at Joey Landervale’s house. Joey claimed that he found us drunk at the pool about to skinny dip but of course when Kyle and Michael found out where we were, they stormed over and went into a jealous rage,” Lonnie added, laughing. “That was great, Joey had his black eye for a month.”
Liz began to look out the window, “And than I got pregnant, Ava and Kyle got married, and you met Rob. So now here we sit eight years later, me pregnant again, Ava just had a kid, and we’re about to go to another galaxy.”
Ava smiled at Liz and Lonnie, “Well, it seems like we’re stuck with each other.”
Lonnie looked at Ava and Liz and said, “I ain’t never had no sisters, none that I remember anyway, and I’m happy I found some.”
The three of them shared a look of utter friendship and love.

Chapter 5

Because of the newly received news, that the gang was supposed to be leaving sooner than they thought, a cloud of hurry and sadness loomed over our favorite aliens. Ava and Kyle had left earlier that morning to pay a final visit to Sheriff Valenti, and Michael and Ryan had gone out to buy more supplies for the intergalactic trip.
Michael had refused to go anywhere unless Lonnie and Rob stayed at the hotel in case something happened. Lonnie and Rob agreed but Liz did not take it so well, demanding she be treating like the capable alien she was, and not some porcelain doll. Liz locked herself in her room. Lonnie and Rob exchanged looks, “Hormones.”
An alien pregnancy was much like a human one in the aspect of the birth and duration period. However, during the first four months of pregnancy the baby would grow at a rapid rate and by the time it was six months the baby was fully developed. Michael and Liz discovered from Aurora, Michael’s mother who they communicated with time to time, that this happened because on Antar, it was around that time that mothers put their children in an incubation pod. Liz was disgusted with the idea of sticking her child in a pod and in the end knew she had made the right decision because of the intense connection that she developed with Ryan before he was born. For the last three months, the baby would lay dormant and not come out until he or she was ready.
However, that also meant, for the first six months of the pregnancy Liz tended to be very hormonal.
Liz was startled when someone knocked on her hotel door, “Coming!” she shouted and she opened the door. Standing there was Max.
“Max! What are you doing here?” Than Liz took in his appearance. Max’s eye was black with a bruise, his lip was cut, and his arm was hanging from an unnatural angle. “What happened? Come in, Max.”
Max limped inside and collapsed on her bed, “Liz,” he croaked out.
Liz immediately ran her hand over his arm, healing his broken arm and than she wiped her hand across his face, clearing his face of any injury. Max smiled in gratitude, “These men came to my house looking for you.”
Liz gasped, “They must have been following me. Are your parents OK and what about Isabel?”
“I was the only one there. They asked me where you were but I didn’t tell them because I didn’t know. They roughed me up a bit and than I called Isabel and asked for you’re address. I came to warn you.”
Dread overwhelmed Liz. “About what?”
“The reason they left me was because some guy came in and told me they knew where you are. They’re on their way now.”
Liz felt like she was being hit with a sledgehammer. “Max, I am so sorry this happened to you because of me.”
Max’s face was lit with surprise, “No, Liz, it’s not your fault. But don’t you understand, they are on their way…here NOW!”
“Help me pack my stuff and I’ll call the rest of the gang to meet us at the Pod Chamber.”
Max hurriedly jammed everything that was in the hotel room into her suitcase. Liz called Ava and Kyle and told them to get to the Pod Chamber and told them to call Michael. Liz didn’t have time to be interrogated by Michael right now. Rob and Lonnie came in a little while later with their suitcases in hand, “Let’s get out of here now.”
Max, carrying Liz’s bag, stood in front of Liz as they all started for the entrance. They reached the door when Danroz appeared from what seemed out of no where. With urgency in his voice, he whispered, “Be calm, my Queen. I just received word that the revolutionists are almost on their way here. I have already ensured Michael and Ryan’s safety and they are waiting at the Pod Chamber.”
Max sent a mistrustful look at Danroz, “Who’s he?”
“My protector, Max, we really don’t have time.”
Once they all got into Danroz’s car, Danroz stepped on the gas and began to hightail it out of Albuquerque. He turned around and said gravely, “This means that we have to leave Earth as soon as possible.”
Lonnie, Rob, and Liz nodded in understanding but they were a bit sad they had to leave so soon. “How are we going to get there?” Lonnie asked.
“The Ganroc.”
Liz shook her head, “It’s already been used. Tess used it a while ago to get to Antar.”
“It regenerates itself, My Queen. Now if you’ll excuse my rudeness, but I don’t have time to explain to you the dynamics of it. Your life is in danger and we have to get you on Antar right away.”
The four of them sat in silence. Max had withdrawn himself as soon as Danroz appeared. He inwardly feared that he would recognize who he used to be. Truth be told, as much as Max loved being human, this chaos was like coming home to him. They arrived at the Pod Chamber and they hurriedly took all their bags out of the car and entered the Chamber. Liz immediately ran to Michael and Ryan. “Where’s Ava and Kyle?”
Danroz frowned, “They should be here soon. Everyone go into the Ganroc chamber, all you have to do is touch the Ganroc and it will send you back. I programmed it beforehand not to leave without the Queen it in so you won’t leave anyone behind.”
Michael stood in front of Liz, “So that means Liz has to go in last? You can’t do that.”
Danroz turned to Michael angry, “We don’t have time to argue. They are assassins probably on their way here right now. I want you, Lonnie, Rob, and Ryan to touch the Ganroc and be on board.”
Ryan stepped forward, “I’m not leaving without my mother.”
“You’ll be able to see her from the Ganroc, I promise. Please just go.”
Just than the door opened and Kyle and Ava ran in carrying Dianna. “Follow Michael and the others.”
Ava and Kyle didn’t ask questions but than Kyle noticed Max standing in a corner, “What’s Evans doing here?”
Liz waved her hand, “Long story, Kyle. Now go!”
Liz watched as they all one by one touched the Ganroc (a/n: the Ganroc is that thing that Tess blasted off in) and they were sucked into the Ganroc. Michael placed his hand against the Ganroc from the inside and mouthed, “Come on!”
Liz was making her way to the Ganroc when the door was blasted open and the assassins, who looked like humans, ran in, blasting everything. Danroz placed a shield over Liz and Max, causing Danroz to get hit. Liz watched in horror as he fell to the ground and did not move. She was about to run over to him when Max grabbed her arm and dragged her to the Ganroc, “Go!” he said.
“What about you, Max?”
Liz glanced at the Ganroc, Ryan and Michael were pounding on the Ganroc trying to get to Liz. Liz glanced at Max, who if she left into the Ganroc, would be left to fend for himself against the assassins. Liz was broken out of her thoughts by a blast sending Max back by at least ten feet. She watched in dread as Max fell right into the Ganroc.
“NO, MAX!“ She yelled.
Not knowing what to do, Liz did the only thing she could do. Liz put her hand on the Ganroc and saw stars.


Chapter 6
When Liz woke up, Michael and Ryan were towering over her protectively. Liz groggily took in her surroundings. It appeared to be a steel room but somehow, the floor was soft and felt like carpet. “Where are we?”
Michael and Ryan hugged her tightly, “We were so scared, Mom, when those guys came in.” Ryan choked out with tears in his eyes. Liz soothingly stroked his hair.
“I’m okay, Ryan.” Than Liz turned to Michael, “Michael, Danroz didn’t make it.”
Michael frowned slightly, “I know, babe. We could see everything from the Ganroc.”
“Yeah, Liz, I didn’t like him much anyway,” Ava spoke up. She was in a corner with Kyle’s arms wrapped around her and Dianna. Liz noticed Lonnie and Rob were talking softly in a corner and that’s when she saw Max.
Max looked like a lost child. “Oh god, Max,” Liz whispered.
Max looked up at her, “I shouldn’t be here.”
Liz was festering in her guilt-ridden thoughts when the room opened. Everyone put up a shield in case there was danger. One of the walls seemed to have dissipated and standing by the opening was Aurora.
Aurora opened her arms and gazed lovingly at Liz and Michael, “You’re home. Thank goodness you are OK!”
Liz immediately ran into Aurora’s arms. When they pulled apart, Liz smiled at her. “What are you doing here?”
“I will explain all very soon, my child. Now where is my son and grandson?”
Michael and Ryan stood open-mouthed at Aurora. Michael was in shock for finally being able to see his mother and Ryan was shocked to know that he had a grandmother-well, another one, anyway. Michael broke out of his stupor and embraced his mother with tears in his eyes. Liz held his hand reassuringly.
Aurora smiled at the tight-knit group. “Now let’s get you out of this chamber.”

The chamber was in the castle of the house of Berandos. There were five royal families on Antar: The Berandos, Michael’s family; the Hernitz, Isabel’s and Max’s family, and Goranian, Liz’s family. Aurora showed them their rooms, which looked very similar to Earth rooms. Liz and Michael shared a room, as did Lonnie and Rob and Ava and Kyle. Ryan and Dianna shared the nursery. Since Max’s arrival on Antar was unexpected, a room was being prepared for him. Michael was helping the servants carry their bags when Liz entered the room. Liz removed the window curtain and gasped at what she saw.
Since they haven’t actually been outside yet, Liz was shocked to see the sky. The sky was the color of a Earth sunset and Antar’s two moon hung delicately in the sky. From her window, she could see the capital of Antar, Lilana. It was a busy place filled with markets and the corresponding castles to the three main houses.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” A voice said behind Liz. Liz turned around to see a women about her age. Antarians looked very similar to humans. However, Antarians had these amazing silver eyes and their skin shimmered as if there were glitter on it. But for some reason, this women looked human.
The women squirmed under Liz’s gaze. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Liz said, embarrassed. “I was just…”
“Wondering why I look like you,” the women smiled.
Liz instantly felt bad, “I didn’t mean to be rude.”
The women waved her hand dismissively, “It’s OK. I look like you because I am like you. I’m half human.”
Liz’s mouth opened, “There are more people like me here?”
The women grinned, “Yes; almost a quarter of Antarian population actually. You see, when the Antarians, long ago, went to Earth to study humans so they could know what you would be like, some fell in love with humans. Most of them, brought the humans back with them and than a whole line of half-humans began to appear.”
“Wow,” Liz said. “So what’s your name?”
“Serena.”
Liz gawked in surprise. As in Serena from the future, Serena? Liz blinked and calmed down a bit. I guess fate works in interesting ways, Liz thought. “So what were you saying is beautiful?”
Serena stood next to Liz at the window. “The sky. At night, the sky looks like what you have on Earth called the Aurora Borelis.”
“The north lights,” Liz whispered. “It sounds beautiful. Do you work at the palace, Serena?”
Serena shook her head. “Actually, I’m a scientist. But my lab is in the castle so they treat me like family.”
Liz’s eye shone, “I’d love to see your lab. I’m a microbiologist. I have to admit, it’s refreshing to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t bow or call me their queen.”
“I’m sure that’s overwhelming but you don’t understand what you mean to our people.”
Liz’s eyebrow’s furrowed together, “What do you mean?”
“Do you think they’d miss you here at the castle?” Serena asked, her expression turning mischievous.
Liz frowned a bit, “Well, Michael did tell me to stay in the room until he got back.”
“We’ll get a couple guards to come with us. We’ll be back before you know it.”
So Liz threw on some fresh clothes and met Serena outside her room door. Serena was waiting with a smile on her face. Two guards that Liz had seen before were by her side. Liz had to admit they were quite intimidating. They stood tall with scowls on their faces. She tossed Serena a smile, “Let’s go.”
Liz and Serena were talking down the streets with the two guards in tow. “It’s so busy here,” Liz said in wonder.
“Yeah. I went to Earth a couple years back so see what it was like. The thing that shocked me the most was that you people drive everywhere.”
“I take it there are no cars here,” Liz said with fear.
“Why? Does that bother you?”
Liz shook her head, “Well no, but when I’m as big as a house and my ankles are swollen I might regret this whole walking thing.”
Serena’s eyes widened in shock, “You’re pregnant?”
Liz frowned. Maybe she should not have said that. Liz glanced at Serena. “Look, Serena, I trust you not to tell this information to anyone, but yes.”
“That’s great. I love kids.”
“Do you have any?”
“Nope, not even bonded.”
“Bonded?”
Serena laughed, “Antarian version of a wedding. It’s quite long actually --definitely not my style. Here we are.”
Liz stopped walking and stood in front of a cemetery. “Why are we here?”
Serena just gestured for Liz to follow her. Serena stopped and kneeled in front of a tomb stone.
Ryanna of Goranian
The Guardian of Our Hearts
Serena looked at Liz, “When you died, the whole planet suffered. Once the people figured out what had really happened with Zandroz, you became a national hero. You stood up to Zan and died because of it. All of you became heroes. The different houses mourned for the lose of their children and Antar mourned for the lose of their rulers.”
“How do you know all this?”
Serena absently traced her fingers along the grave stone, “I was ten when it happened. Time runs a bit differently up here. My father of one of your guards and when you died, he decided that he was no good and couldn’t protect anything. He was distant and cold--it was like he wasn’t there anymore. My mom was human and her and me stuck together and watched as my father began to slowly drift away from us.
Than the revolution started, and my father fought for the good side of Antar’s government for three moon rotations. And he was never happier. My father fought to keep this planet safe and protect its people and he died.”
“Serena, I’m so sorry.”
Serena roughly wiped the tears off her face, “Don’t be. It’s not your fault. But see, Liz, now that you’re back, you can make this right again and stop this revolution before another child’s father dies because of it.”
Liz was about to say something when one of guards tapped her shoulder. “They need you back at the castle.”
“What? Why?”
“The King wishes you to return.”
Serena frowned. “Do you think we’ll get in trouble?”
“Oh, yeah, big time.”

Chapter 7
The guards were anxious. Lonnie, Ava, Rob, and Kyle were sitting in the main room and placing bets on how long it would take Michael to stop rambling. The Council of Lilana had called for them to meet with them to discuss what they were going to do. That’s when the group realized Liz wasn’t there but out in Lilana. Both the guards and the gang were amazed with Michael’s ability to pace, scowl, and ramble at the same time.
“No one knows who she even went with! It could have been an assassin or someone who wants to hurt her! And YOU,” Michael yelled pointing at the guards. “Just let her leave. What kind of security is this? I want to notified if she leaves again! We don’t even know where she is!”
His rambling was interrupted by the doors opening and Liz and Serena coming in with their hands hung low. “Uh, hi,” Liz said nervously.
Michael ran to her and crushed her to his body. “Where have you been? I was so worried, I thought something had happened to you!”
Liz gently tried to push Michael off of her, “Yeah, I’ll suffocate if you don’t let go of me.”
Michael pulled away and crossed his arms. “Where were you?”
Michael knew the minute the words left his mouth, it was a huge mistake. Michael liked to call moments like these the hormonal floods. He watched in horror as Liz’s face transformed from that of guilt to anger. “I was out!” she indignantly yelled.
Ava, Lonnie, Rob, and Kyle tried to hold in their laughter. Michael instantly softened, “Sorry, baby, I didn’t mean to yell. I was just worried.”
Kyle coughed but was unable to hide the word he spoke as he did, “Whipped.”
Liz turned on him, “Kyle Ferdinand Valenti! Keep out of this!”
Ava, Lonnie, Rob, and Michael laughed. “So that’s what the F stood for!” Lonnie managed to squeal out between laughs.
Liz couldn’t help but laugh and her mood changed. “I’m sorry Michael, but Serena decided to take me out.”
Serena stepped forward, “Sorry, your majesty, I just wanted to show her something.”
Michael ran a hand through his hair and than what Liz had said sunk in. His eyes widened, “Serena? As in y’know Serena?”
Liz nodded and Serena looked at them in confusion.
“So what did you need me here for anyway?” Liz asked.
“The Council called a meeting to discuss some things.”
“They probably want to know when you plan on having the Coronation,” Serena piped in. “That is why you’re here to accept your titles.”
Kyle nodded, “That’s probably it but while we are all here, I thought I could bring up something. Evans isn’t doing so well. He locked himself in his room and he won’t come out.”
Liz frowned. She hadn’t even thought to check on Max yet. “I’ll talk to him. You guys go the meeting. I agree with whatever you want to do Michael.”
“That’s probably safer. We can keep Liz under wraps until we have this thing settled. She’ll be safer that way.” Kyle knew Michael probably didn’t want Liz talking to Max alone but playing the Liz’s safety card always worked.


Liz knocked on Max’s door. No answer. “Max?” she said. “If you are in there please open up.” Liz was hoping Max would talk to her. After all, she was the only person he really knew on Antar. “Please, Max, I know you’re in there.”
Liz almost fell over when the door opened revealing Max. He had tear-streaks on his face and he looked like he was a lost child. “Max..” Liz said, her heart lurched.
Max simply moved aside and Liz went past him. She sat on his bed, “Are you OK, Max?”
Max sat next to her and shook his head. “No, Liz, I’m not.”
Liz fiddled with her hands, “Max, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault, if I had never come to your house that night…”
“No, Liz this isn’t you’re fault. It’s mine.”
Liz’s eyes widened in shock, “No, Max. How is this your fault?”
Max sighed, “I have spent every waking day since Zandroz died, trying to forget this place--this planet. I never told you this but I still get nightmares about what he did to you. But do you know how hard it is to forget a whole part of who you once were?”
Max watched, shocked, as Liz placed her hand over his. “Yes, Max, I do. Until about eleven years ago, I never understood Ryanna. When she killed Zandroz, even though it was in revenge, it was still killing and that terrified me. Zandroz did horrible things but the way I saw it, there had to be another way around it. But than when I was pregnant with Ryan, I realized that if what Zandroz had done than, had happened to me than I would have gladly killed anyone who killed my son. But a day does not go by when I don’t think about what I did to *you*, Max.”
“You didn’t do this to me, Liz. Zandroz did. Zandroz ruined what we had, Liz.”
“Max,” Liz began.
“No, I need you to listen to me. When we were together, Liz, you loved *me* not Zandroz. Ryanna would have repelled me but you loved *me*. I know now that we would not have lasted with you and Michael’s history but the point is that Zandroz took you away from me. The minute he began to surface, he ruined us.”
Liz began to look at the wall, “You’re right, Max. And you are being tormented for his actions and it’s not fair.”
“But as I was saying, as much as I tried to escape that part of who I was, I missed the adventures and some of the perks of alien powers. And yet ironically, here I am, on Zandroz’s planet.”
Liz bowed her head, “I know that you have a lot to go through right now but when you do come out of your room, I’ll be there if you need me. Besides, I may have a Coronation to attend soon and I would be honored if you attended.”
Max smiled and nodded, “Yeah, of course.”
“A very wise person once told me that we chose who we want be with. So I guess that also means you can chose the future we want. You deserve the brightest future that you can find, Max. I just hope that you can look past your past and see that you deserve the best destiny.”

Liz softly closed Max’s door behind her. She jumped when she saw Serena in front of her. “Geez, Serena. Could you be any creepier?”
Serena laughed, “I could, but I might scare the kid. Speaking of the kid..OMPH!” Ryan had run into Serena.
Ryan launched himself at his mother, “Hey, Mom. All these people keep calling me their majesty.” Ryan crinkled his nose in disgust. Liz laughed and ruffled his hair. “Ryan, meet Serena.”
“We already met, didn’t we Ryan?” Serena said. “During the meeting, Lonnie told me to keep on eye on him.”
Liz couldn’t help but be amazed at how well the group was accepting Serena. They were pretty uptight about letting people in but with Serena, it was like she belonged with them. “So is the meeting over?”
“Yeah,” Serena said. “And Michael said that he’s in his room and wanted me to get you.”
Liz smiled, “Thanks. Ryan, why don’t you go with Serena while I go talk to your daddy, OK?”
Ryan nodded and Liz began to walk to her room.


Liz opened the door to find Michael on the bed sleeping. Liz tip-toed over and poked him on the chest. “Michael?”
His eyes opened reluctantly. “Liz?”
Liz scooted him over so that she was laying in the bed also. She sighed in contentment when Michael draped his arms over her protectively, one hand resting on her stomach. Fighting the temptation to sleep, she yawned and moved closer to Michael. “I talked to Max.”
Michael began to absently rub her stomach, “How is he?”
Liz frowned, “Bad, Michael. I’ve never seen him like this.”
Michael, sensing Liz’s turmoil, propped himself up his elbow and gazed down at Liz. “Something’s bothering you, besides Max.”
Liz took a deep breath, “Serena took me to the graveyard. I was buried there, Michael. It just freaked me out that’s all. We have to help our people, Michael. I know it.”
Michael held her tighter, “And we will, Liz, I promise. The Council set a date for the Coronation.”
“Really, when?”
“In a week. So they have the time to arrange guest, get attire, all that.”
Liz smiled and turned to face Michael, “So, Michael Guerin, were you ever going to ask me if I *wanted* to be your queen?”
Michael chuckled at Liz’s joking manner. “Not really. I figured I’d drag you in the ceremony kicking and screaming and force you, but if you want to do it the easy way, why not?” His gaze turned serious. “I would be honored if you, Liz Guerin, would be my Queen and rule beside me.”
Liz pretended to think, “Well I don’t know. Alexis may not want to be a princess.”
Michael raised an eyebrow, “What happened to Alexandra?”
Liz shrugged, “Alexis is shorter.”
Michael got off the bed and kneeled in front of Liz and presses his face to her stomach, “You want to be a princess, Alexis?”
Liz giggled as his stubble rubbed her stomach. But all giggling ceased when she felt Alexis sent a burst of love at her. Liz placed her hand on her stomach, “Michael? Did you feel that?”
Michael shook his head and put his hand over hers and he felt it. “Wow, Liz. That’s my daughter.”
Liz rolled her eyes, “Could have fooled me. And don’t forget that she’s also the princess of Antar.”
Michael kissed Liz on the forehead and settled into bed. “Tomorrow the Council wants to hold an official leaders meeting. That means you’ll have to come.”
Liz could tell by this distraught voice that he wanted to keep her safe at all costs and if it were up to him, he’d have her locked in the room all day. “As long as I have my favorite protector with me.”
And they slept and dreamed of Earth.

Chapter 8
The official leaders meeting was about to start soon. Lonnie and Ava were invited but since it was so confidential, Kyle and Rob couldn’t attend. When Liz, Michael, Ava, and Lonnie entered the conference room, a representative from each house. They all were dressed in light robes and slacks. Lonnie, Ava, and Liz were forced to wear long white robes. Liz’s had a symbol on it due to her being queen. Michael got off easy by wearing a shirt with his symbol and a pair of slacks.
When they all sat down, the representative of House of Berandos spoke, “My Queen, is fills me with joy to see you safe and healthy.”
Liz blushed under the formal statement. “Please call me Liz.”
“My name is Rancon and I propose we start with the conflict between the revolutionaries.”
Tranoes of the House of Hernitz spoke next, “There was another battle yesterday and ten men died. We have to end this now.”
“I agree,” Janroano of the House of Goranian said. “We need to come up with a solution before the coronation.”
Liz nodded, “Well, I’ve thinking and maybe instead of man-handling the r

Chapter 8
The official leaders meeting was about to start soon. Lonnie and Ava were invited but since it was so confidential, Kyle and Rob couldn’t attend. When Liz, Michael, Ava, and Lonnie entered the conference room, a representative from each house. They all were dressed in light robes and slacks. Lonnie, Ava, and Liz were forced to wear long white robes. Liz’s had a symbol on it due to her being queen. Michael got off easy by wearing a shirt with his symbol and a pair of slacks.
When they all sat down, the representative of House of Berandos spoke, “My Queen, is fills me with joy to see you safe and healthy.”
Liz blushed under the formal statement. “Please call me Liz.”
“My name is Rancon and I propose we start with the conflict between the revolutionaries.”
Tranoes of the House of Hernitz spoke next, “There was another battle yesterday and ten men died. We have to end this now.”
“I agree,” Janroano of the House of Goranian said. “We need to come up with a solution before the coronation.”
Liz nodded, “Well, I’ve thinking and maybe instead of man-handling the revolutionaries…”
“Trust me, My Queen, we have no intention of harming anyone innocent.”
Liz smiled. “I’m aware of that also but maybe we should give the revolutionary leaders a piece of land that they can rule by themselves. We would still actually *own* the land but they can make their own laws as long as they pass through us.”
Ava agreed, “I agree with Liz. All these guys want is the rule Antar the way they want to. We give them a piece of land to rule and theys happy.”
“Janroano and I can arrange a meeting with the leaders in couple of days so that we can discuss this further. My queen, your idea is brilliant.”
“Hey! I helped too!” Ava chipped in and Michael tried hard to contain his laugh.
Janroano glared at her with hate, “Excuse me, but we do not take suggestions from traitors.”
Rancon and Tranoes sent him death glares, “Janroano, we’ve talked about this.”
“No!” Janroano yelped and stood. “Avaleana has driven this country to this point. How can we trust her to fix it.”
“Because Ava is not Avaleana. Avaleana was killed years ago, Janroano. Now please sit down and think again before you insult my friends,” Michael added sending an authority-filled glare at Janroano.
Janroano ignored him and turned to Liz. “I’ve heard rumors that Zandroz is on Antar; is that true?”
Liz glanced nervously at Michael, “Zandroz is dead Janroano, I assure you.” Liz wasn’t expected the house leaders to know about Max.
“But his human half is here. He’s a danger to our society!” Janroano erupted and pointed a finger at Liz.
Liz slammed her hands on the table and stood up, “Zandroz is DEAD! Yes, his human half is here and he’s completely human. He means you no harm. Max wouldn’t hurt a fly if he had a choice. So, I suggest that you accept that fact that Avaleana and Zandroz are dead and have been for a long time. And I may not be queen officially but I don’t think that it’s very respectful to point at me, sir.”
Janroano sat down in his chair, “I’m sorry for yelling, My Queen. Please forgive me.”
Liz took a deep breath and sat in her chair. “Tranoes, please set up a meeting with the revolution leaders to see if they are interested in having their own land. If they agree to our terms, than set up a meeting after the Coronation in which we can discuss the matter more.”
Tranoes nodded. The house leaders bowed and left the room. As soon as the door closed, Lonnie turned to Michael, “I don’t trust Janroano.”
Liz grimaced and she agreed. “But what can we do? We can’t just overthrow a respected Antarian leader because we have a bad feeling about him.”
Michael ran a nervous hand through his hair. “You also had a bad feeling about Tess and Max when Zandroz began to surface. Your intuition is very accurate. I’ll send some guards to keep an eye on him--make sure he doesn’t do anything suspicious. Until than the dress designers for the Coronation are coming soon, so we should probably get going.”


“So I was standing there forever to they could *measure* me!” Liz complained. Her and Max were sitting on Max’s bed, both cross-legged and relaxed. Liz had made a habit of stopping by to talk to Max whenever she got the chance.
Max grinned, “What’s the point if you’re getting bigger?”
Liz lightly punched him. Since the meeting, three days had passed. Three days of extreme Coronation preparation and various caterers bustling around the palace. Not to the mention, a sudden growth spurt in Alex had finally gotten Liz to look a bit pregnant. Liz patted her slightly rounded belly, “I’m not *big*, but swelling!”
Max laughed at Liz’s choice of words. Max hadn’t laughed so much in the past eleven years. He and Liz had began to rebuild their friendship and Max didn’t find Antar so suffocating anymore.
“Anyway,” Liz said. “I was thinking tomorrow you could get fitted for your robe. I could send someone in to fit you.”
Max frowned. “I think I’ll finally leave my room. I can’t be in here forever.”
“Max,” Liz began but Max held up a hand to stop her.
“I know some people don’t trust me because they think I’m Zandroz but Ava is getting accepted now. Maybe it’s safe for me now.”
Liz ferociously shook her head. “No, Max. We still don’t know what Janroanos is up to. I knew that we’ve been following him but he isn’t doing anything suspicious yet. I just want you to be safe, Max, not turn you into Quesimoto.”
Max chuckled, “I don’t think several days on Antar will turn me into a hunchback. How’s Ryan doing?”
“By time I get out of fitting and meeting with other leaders, Ryan is already having Serena tutoring him. I don’t see him until night.”
“That must be hard.”
Liz nodded, sadly.
“Let’s go now.”
“What?” Liz asked in shock.
“I want to leave this palace for once.” Liz couldn’t help to find Max’s smile contagious.
“We’ll bring a couple guards with us. Michael says I can’t go anywhere without guards now. Where do you want to go?”
“The sky, Liz. I want to see the sky.”

The night sky on Antar was beautiful. As much as it looked like the North Lights, it still had an unearthly appeal to it. Max and Liz had walked until they found a hill and they looked up at the dancing lights in wonderment.
“It’s beautiful, Max.” Liz breathed out. “So, what’s the big deal about the sky? You have a window in your room. It’s not like you’ve never seen it.”
Max turned to her, “For the last decade, I haven’t been able to look at the sky and not feel guilty about Zandroz’s actions. It took me a lot to realize that Zandroz and I were two different people and his actions were not mine.”
“You realize that now?” Liz asked imploringly.
“Yes. My biggest fear was that you blamed me for everything. That’s why I can look at the sky and not feel pain or guilt--but just admire its beauty. I missed your friendship, Liz, and it’s made me whole again. So I guess, we’re finally even.”
“Even how?”
“I saved your life that day at the Crashdown and now, you’ve saved mine.”
Liz smiled at him with tears in her eyes and together, they watched the night sky.





Chapter 9
The next day, Liz and Michael received word that the revolutionaries had agreed to their terms and agreed to cease fire until the final arrangements were made. The gang was ecstatic when they heard the news.
Michael, after the brief celebration, volunteered to look over the paper work for the actual land giving. Liz was sleeping when the door opened. “Hello?” She asked groggily. “Michael? What you are doing back so soon?”
“It’s not Michael.” Liz immediately opened her eyes to see Janroanos standing at the doorway.
“What are you doing here?” Liz got off the bed and felt energy beginning to build, in case she’d need it.
“I heard about the revolutionaries. Congratulations,” he sneered. He clapped his hands and the sound died in the air.
“How are you so against my ruling?”
“It’s not that. I have nothing against you, personally. I’m against any ruling that isn’t *mine*. I was supposed to rule this planet if the Royals did not arrive on Antar. You stole my planet!” Janroanos pointed a finger at Liz. “So I thought that if I placed doubts in the leaders’ mind about where your loyalties truly lay, than maybe they wouldn’t let you rule.
But *NO*! They didn’t believe me! So the only way to get the throne now is to kill you.”
Liz immediately put her shield up. “Don’t come near me or I will kill you,” she gritted out between clenched teeth. She was terrified for her and Alexis but she was not about to let this sicko see it.
Janroanos laughed and flicked his wrist. The first blast reflected off the shield and hit the nearby lamp. The second blast did the same but the third penetrated the shield and Liz went flying and hit the wall.
Liz tried to ignore the pain in her back and stood up. She sent a large amount of energy at Janroanos and he fell on his butt.
Liz ran to the door and used her powers to unlock it. She felt herself being pushed out the door. Liz winced as she hit the hallway wall. Janroanos raised his hand and was about to fire at her when…..
Max appeared out of nowhere and punched Janroanos in the face. Janroanos went flying from the force of the punch. While Janroanos was down, Liz blasted him and turned away when he convulsed and began a pile of ash.
Max immediately wrapped her arm around her waist, and helped her get up. Liz smiled at him and winced as she walked back towards her room. Max gently laid her down and guards came storming in the room.
Syrio, one of Liz’s personal guards, tossed Max away from Liz. About ten guards stood around her as one of them healed her. Max kept trying to push through the crowd of overprotective guards.
“Max!” Liz yelled. “Where’s Max?”
All the guards looked at each other in confusion. Max cleared his throat loudly. “I’m Max.”
Liz pushed through the guards. “He saved my life. Janroanos tried to attack me but Max stopped him before we could kill me.”
The guards all turned to Max with admiration in their eyes. “Thank you for saving our Queen.” Syrio turned to Liz, “Do want me to alert Michael about the attack?”
“NO!” Liz yelled louder than intended. “He’s in a meeting with the leaders. I do not wish to alarm him. Now can you please give Max and I some time to talk alone.”
The guards reluctantly left the room. “What were you doing out of our room anyway, Quesimoto?” Liz joked.
“I just went to my fitting and I thought I’d check on you. Good thing I did, huh?”
“Yeah,” Liz nodded, grimly.
Max sat next to Liz on the bed. “I thought you had guards watching Janroanos.”
Liz sighed, “I don’t know what happened. He probably killed them.”
“You were about to be killed too, Liz,” Max scolded with concern in his eyes.
Liz nodded grimly, “Can I ask you something, Max?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s Antarian tradition that when new rulers are officially crowned, the former ruler kind of gives the Queen away--something like that. And I know with your whole past, it’s probably a lot to ask. But the guards didn’t even know who you were, Max! Maybe they can sense your positive energy.”
Max swallowed hard, “I think that it’s time we told the leaders who I was. So they can trust me. I can’t hide forever. And I would love to give you away at our Coronation.”
Liz smiled and hugged him briefly, “Thank you, Max. Tomorrow there’s this pre-Coronation party. All the leaders and officials will be there and if you want to come, you can. Some of the leaders know already who you were.”
“Yeah. That’d be great,” Max took in the messed up room and cringed. “Michael is going to freak when he finds out what happened.”
Liz didn’t respond but gulped loudly. Max turned around and standing in the doorway was a very angry Michael Guerin.
Liz’s eyes widened in shock but then narrowed, “Syrio told you.”
“No, actually he didn’t, I was sitting in the middle of the meeting when this wave of pure terror went through me.” Michael smirked. “And you told Syrio not to tell me?”
Liz looked at Michael in confusion, “I didn’t send you anything, Michael.”
“I don’t think you did,” Max said. “Alexis did.”
Michael had been so focused on Liz that he didn’t notice Max. “Maxwell,” Michael said in greeting. Than he turned back to Liz, “So what happened?”
“Janroanos decided to, well, kill me.” Liz laughed nervously not looking at Michael.
Michael’s face turned white, “Where is he now?”
“Dead,” Max said.
Liz smiled, “Max came just in the nick of time. Saved my life.”
Jealously ran through Michael. “Right,” he drawled. “Maxwell has a tendency to do that.”
Sensing Michael’s poor attitude, Max excused himself. “I’m just going to find Serena and let her help me pick out something to wear tonight.” He smiled at Liz, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Michael glared at Max while he left. As soon as the door closed, Michael crossed his arms. “So you got him to get out of his room?”
Liz nodded, “Yeah. Michael…”
Michael held up a hand to stop her. “No, Liz, don’t even start. I love you and you know that but we have to talk about this. After I ran out of the meeting, I found Syrio and he told what happened. Now, he’s telling me that you were attacked by Janroanos, broke your back for the most part, and would have been killed if it weren’t for Max.”
“It wasn’t my fault, Michael,” Liz whispered her head hung.
Michael rushed over the bed and framed her face with his hands. “That’s not why I’m upset, Angel. I’m upset because you think that this planet is more important than your safety.”
“What?” Liz asked.
“I know that with us being rulers of Antar, you think that you shouldn’t be my first priority but Antar should be.”
“Yes, I do feel that way. What if that had been an important meeting, Michael!”
Michael ran a nervous hand through his hair, “What if Max hadn’t gotten there in time, Liz? What if I weren’t talking to you right now?” Liz looked down.
“Liz, when Alexis sent me that message-thing that you were in danger, I freaked. All I kept thinking was that something really bad had happened to you.”
Liz noticed that Michael was trembling and he had tears in his eyes. “But I’m OK, Michael. I’m right here,” she said and hugged him.
Michael held her tight. Michael didn’t care if he was the ruler of a planet, if he didn’t have Liz, it didn’t mean anything.
When they broke apart, Michael asked, “So Max saved your life, huh?” Liz didn’t miss the tone of jealously and sadness in the question.
“Yeah. Y’know you haven’t talked to Max in a long time. The two of you were best friends before.”
Michael shook his head, “I don’t think so, Liz.”
Liz knew that Michael and Max had some issues they had to work out but she hadn’t expected Michael to fully not even want to talk to Max at all. “Why not, Michael? He misses you. Ever since he was little, he’s had you around. And now you don’t even want to talk to him?!”
Liz couldn’t help but be a bit angry. She didn’t think Michael would hold his grudge against Max forever. Michael was just being plain *unreasonable*. “Michael, give him a chance,” she pleaded.
Michael didn’t want to talk about Max right now. He didn’t want to talk to Max for reasons that he didn’t want Liz to know right now. But Michael knew Liz was persistent. “Why are you acting like Max is a *victim*, Liz? I just don’t want to talk to him! Leave it alone!”
Liz narrowed her eyes at him, “There’s something you’re not telling me, Michael. Trusting Max isn’t an issue anymore and you know that! So how don’t you want to talk to him?”
Michael got off the bed and went towards the door, “I don’t want to talk about this. I’m leaving.”
Liz gaped at him, shocked. Michael and her rarely fought but he never actually *left*. “Michael, don’t go! Why are you not telling something? You’ve always been honest with me!”
Michael turned the doorknob, “Liz, I want to tell you but I just can’t.” He looked at her sadly and left.

Chapter 10

Liz felt numb. Alexis could feel her mother’s stress and kept sending her waves of love and assurance. Liz placed her hand on her stomach and cried herself to sleep. When she woke up, it was daytime. She hopefully rolled over hoping it was all a dream and Michael was next to her. She felt like she was suffocating when she realized she was the only one in the room.
She hadn’t moved from her bed since than. It was now two hours later and Liz kept staring at the ceiling. She rubbed her stomach absently, “Hey, Alexis.”
Just then the door opened, and a tired Michael walked through. Michael stopped when he saw Liz. Liz just stared at him. She wanted to run into his arms and kiss him senseless. But she kept still. “Where’d you go?”
“I walked,” was all Michael said.
“All night, Michael? Because that’s an awful lot of walking,” Liz said absently. The picture of Michael closing the door last night kept replaying in her head.
Michael looked at her and sat on the bed. “I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have left.”
Liz wrapped her arms around him and the tears began to fall. “You’re right and if you do it again, I’m kicking your ass.”
Michael gazed her. “I want to tell you why I don’t want to talk to Max.”
Liz shook her head, “You don’t have to, Michael.”
“But I want to. You were right, Liz. I don’t hide things from you. I don’t want to talk to Max because I’m afraid.”
Liz pulled back in surprise, “Are you afraid that he’s evil? Because he’ s proved time and time again that he’s not.”
Michael shook his head, “You were right about what you said before. Max has always been there for me. When Zandroz began to surface, he pushed me away. Max is my brother and as much as I hated him sometimes, it hurt when he pushed me away like that.”
Liz nodded, understanding. “So you’re afraid of him leaving you again. Michael, Max won’t do that. So why didn’t you want to tell me this?”
Michael looked at Liz. “That’s not what I was afraid to tell you Liz.”


Max was sitting in his room waiting for the fitting people to come in when the door was knocked. Max went to answer it and stood in shook as he gaped at the person at the person at the door. God, Max thought, she’s beautiful.
“Max, right? I’m Serena,” Serena said offering her hand. Whenever Liz mentioned Max, she never mentioned that he was this gorgeous. Serena prayed that she wasn’t drooling.
“Right,” Max said, breaking from his stupor. “I’m Max. I thought that the fitters were coming.”
Serena smiled. “Well they already had your measurements to they sent me to tell you just to pick the outfit up when you’re ready.” Max nodded.
Serena looked him over, “So you’re the guy who doesn’t leave his room.”
Max blushed. “Well, yeah. Do you want to come in?”
“Sure,” Serena said and she entered. Serena closed the door and looked around the room. “Nice. It kind of looks like my old apartment in New York.”
“What?”
Serena tucked a stand of hair behind her ear, “Oh. Liz probably didn’t tell you. I’m half human and I visited Earth for a while. It’s a nice place.”
Max frowned, “Yeah, it is.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. You probably miss Earth.”
“Yeah,” Max said wistfully. “A lot but I’m getting used to this place. How much did Liz tell you about me?” Max hoped she didn’t know who he really was.
“Just that you’re an old friend.”
“Oh,” Max said and inwardly smiled.
“Why?” Serena said. “You got some big secret I don’t know about?”
Max almost choked on air. “Uh, no,” he croaked out.
They both looked at each other for a while. “I probably should get going.”
Max nodded sadly, “Yeah, I mean if you have to.”
Serena went to go leave but than turned around, “Well aren’t you going to ask me to the party?”
“What?” Max asked dumbfounded.
“Well I was going to ask you but I’m really bad with words. So how about you ask me and I don’t have to embarrass myself.”
Max smiled. “I’ll meet up with you with the others. It’d be nice to have some interaction with someone other than Liz for once.”
Serena laughed, “Yeah, I’ll meet you. There’s something about you, Max. I like it.”


“Michael, what else aren’t you telling me?” Liz asked.
Michael fiddled with his hands, “Liz, I don’t want you to be mad at me.”
“Mad at you? Why?”
“Well you know how Max tried to separate him from us as much as possible?”
“Yeah,” Liz replied. She didn’t understand where this was going.
“When you were pregnant with Ryan, these letters without a return address came to our apartment. At first I thought they were pranks, but than I opened one to see what it was. Max had sent you letters every week, Liz. He wanted to get together with all of us and try to fit in again.”
“Michael, what are you talking about? I never got any letters.” Liz asked.
Michael locked gazes with her and held it evenly. “Because I never showed them to you.”
Liz couldn’t believe this. Why hadn’t Michael given her the letters? “Why, Michael? Why would you do that to him?”
“I wanted to protect you, Liz. What if Zandroz wasn’t dead? Liz, I didn’t know what to do! I made a bad choice and I know that now. I didn’t want to lose you!” Michael was frantic--grasping at straws praying Liz would understand.
Liz sighed. “You thought he’d want me back, didn’t you?”
Michael looked at his hands, embarrassed. “It’s not that I doubt *us* or you. It’s just…”
Liz silenced him by putting a finger to his lips. “How many times do I have to tell you that I love you before you actually believe it?” she asked with a small smile on her lips.
Michael frowned, “I guess more than I thought. I’ll talk to Max tonight at the party.”
“Why don’t you go talk to him *now*?”



Max was a complete nervous wreck. After he had picked up his outfit, he played with it and tugged the suit in a nervous habit. Than he moved on to his hair. Max really didn’t know what was wrong with him. There really was something special about Serena that Max couldn’t get out of his head. He hadn’t been really attracted to a girl since college. Come to think of it, Max hadn’t even dated in college. Max hit his forehand with the palm of his head in frustration. What if Serena found about who he was?
Max was about to return to fixing his tie when the sound of the door being knocked startled him. Max began to panic. *What if that’s Serena? Oh god, she’ s here to cancel. Oh god!* Max thought frantically.
Summing up the courage, he opened the door. He was relieved when it wasn’t Serena because standing at the door was Michael. “Hey, Michael,” Max said. “What are you doing here?”
Michael cleared his throat. “Move aside, Maxwell, we need to talk.” Without waiting for Max to move, Michael went past in and stood in a corner with his arms crossed.
Max closed the door. “What’s this about, Michael?”
“I thought we should talk.”
“What about?”
Michael ran a nervous hand through his hair. “The past decade or two.”
Max stared at Michael, “If this is about those letters, you don’t have to say your sorry or anything. I know you didn’t give them to Liz. I didn’t think you would.”
Michael instantly felt bad, “It was a difficult time, Maxwell. It’s nothing personal.”
“Right, sure, Michael. Just like you not trusting me isn’t personal. Or you hating me isn’t personal. It’s never *personal* with you, Michael,” Max growled.
“I don’t hate you. And I trust you now. Don’t make this any harder than it is.”
Max frowned. “Well you wanted to talk. You standing in a corner with all your defenses up isn’t talking. I’ll take then. Do you know what it feels like to lose all of your friends, Michael? Because I don’t think you do. So let’s talk about how you don’t want to be in my presence.”
Michael could feel the pain coming off Max in waves. Max had been through some tough stuff, Michael knew. But Michael never thought it hurt him to not have him there. “Fine, than. I don’t want to be near you because I miss you.”
“What kind of response is that?”
“The truth. I miss my best friend, Maxwell,” Michael said softly.
Michael and Max stood at a stand still. Max held out his hand, “So do I. I know the past is hard for the both of us. So here we are. The question is: what do we do about it?”
Michael kept Max’s stare and shook Max’s hand. No words were needed. Finally Michael spoke, “Was there a reason you looked so nervous you answered the door, Maxwell?”
“I’ve got a date tonight for the Coronation.”
Michael looked surprised. “Really? Who?”
“Serena and I’m a bit nervous. I haven’t been on a date since, well, 2001.” Max scratched his head sheepishly.
Michael laughed. “And I happened to interrupt it with my impending death.”
Max laughed, “Yeah, Liz and I had to drive all the way to the reservation.”
“It was all part of my master plan,” Michael joked. “Serena’s cool. But does she know about the whole y’know evil counterpart thing?”
“No, not yet. I mean, it’s not something you tell someone on the first date.”
“Good point.” And they laughed together for the first time in eleven years.

Chapter 11
Liz, Serena, Ava, and Lonnie were in the girls’ dressing room. The Coronation was to start in a half an hour and they were putting on their dresses. Ava, Lonnie, and Liz were grilling Serena about Max. “So,” Liz said, as two fitters were pulling up her dress, “Who asked out who?”
Serena blushed, “Actually, it’s kind of complicated.”
Ava, Lonnie, and Liz shared a look. “Honey,” Ava said. “Complicated is hardly the word. The three of us have possibly the most complicated lives possible.”
Serena laughed, “Good point.”
“Max is a good guy,” Ava said.
“Yeah,” Serena said dreamily. “He seems great.”
Lonnie gestured to Liz. “Liz can tell you if he’s a good kisser or not.”
“Lonnie!” Liz protested.
Serena glanced at Liz, “You and Max dated? You never said anything.”
Liz shot Lonnie a death look. “Well, it was a long time ago.”
Serena nodded, “Why’d you break up?”
Ava, Lonnie, and Liz all went silent. They knew Serena didn’t know about Zandroz but if Max wanted her to know, it was up to him.
“He wasn’t the guy she thought he was,” Ava said cryptically.
Serena narrowed her eyes at Ava. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
Before the three women could say anything. The fitters stepped away from them. “All done,” they said.
Liz admired her dress. It was burgundy and flared out in the middle accentuating her almost large stomach. Liz smiled. “Alright, let’s find our men.”
Michael, Max, Rob, and Kyle were waiting in the main lobby. Needless to say, all of their jaws drops when they saw their wives. Kyle, Rob, and Michael seemed to gravitate to their wives. Max was left to stand awkwardly with Serena.
“You look nice,” Max said, blushing.
Serena smiled and looped her arm around his. “Shall we?”

Michael caught Liz looking at Max and Serena. “She likes him, Michael,” Liz said with a frown on her face. Michael was taken aback.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” Michael asked, confused.
Liz sighed, “Yeah, I mean, Serena and Max both deserve to be happy. It’s just that Serena might have a problem with Max’s past.”
Michael nodded solemnly, remembering when Liz had told him about Serena’s father. He looked at Serena and Max more closely. “Look at them, Liz. It might be early to tell but they’re in love. They’ll have to deal with that obstacle when it comes.”
“So I take it you and Max talked?”
“Yeah, we’re good. Now, we have a party to attend.”

The main room was beautiful. It was quite amazing how much Antar was influenced by Earth’s culture. A large shimmering diamond-looking chandelier hung from the painted ceiling. Rows and rows of food were lined up and the officials ate heartily.
When Michael and Liz entered, everyone in the room cheered. Liz blushed, still not really used to the constant praise. Michael held his head high with his arm around Liz. Sometimes Liz wondered how they figured Max was the king. Michael was stubborn and passionate. So it made sense how much of a great king Michael would be.
As Liz realized this, she beamed at Michael with pride and they enjoyed the party. Michael and Liz engaged in small talk with leaders. Ava and Kyle stuck the food and Lonnie and Rob were talking with Aurora.
While Michael was talking with Tranoes, Liz went to go get a drink. She was pouring punch in a cup when Max lightly tapped her on the shoulder. “Are you having fun?”
Liz smiled. “Yeah. A pregnant women loves nothing more than a buffet.”
Max laughed, “I talked to Tranoes.”
“Really?” Liz asked, surprised.
“Yeah, actually he approached me. He was really understanding what my past. He said that Antarians can sense positive energy so I should have no problem being accepted.”
“That’s great. Does Serena know yet?”
Before Max could answer, Michael and Tranoes came to talk with them. Tranoes turned to Michael, “I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting your friend Max. He’s a wonderful soul.”
Michael winked at Max, “Yes, that he is.”
Max asked Tranoes, “Do the other officials know who I was?”
Tranoes laughed. “Word gets around fast, Max. I hear that you will be walking our little Queen down the aisle.” Tranoes affectionately smiled at Liz.
Tranoes had been around a lot lately with the peace talks. Tranoes reminded Liz of her father in some ways. “Yes, he is,” Liz responded.
Max scratched his eyebrow. “Are you sure that’s alright? If I walk her down the aisle, than everyone will know who I was.”
Michael smiled, “Everyone knows that Zandroz is dead. They know you are his human half and like we said, that positive vibes thing should work for you.”
However, Michael’s smile faded when he saw Serena standing behind Max with drinks in her hands. Serena looked pale and was shaking.
“Max? What is Michael talking about?” she asked in a shaky voice.
Max turned around with panic in his eyes. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough.” Serena turned to Liz. “Why didn’t you tell me? You *knew* what he did to my family!”
“Max isn’t Zandroz, Serena. It’s complicated,” Liz said, trying to save both her and Max’s necks. “Max is a great guy and once you get to know him…”
Serena stared at Max with pain in her eyes. “I thought I did.” Serena turned on her heel and ran out of the room.
Max stood there numb as Serena ran away from him. Liz gently reached out to touch his arm, but Max brushed her away. “I just need to be alone right now, OK?” Max stalked out the room.
Liz looked worriedly at Michael. “Maybe you should go talk to him.”
“No, Liz. He needs to wallow in this self-pity. Max will make it. He always does.”


Max was staring out into space in the courtyard when he heard someone coming up behind him. “Michael, if Liz sent you out here, tell her I don’t want to talk to anyone.”
“Not even an incredibly stupid person who may just have made the worse mistake of her life?”
Max turned around, startled to find Serena standing by the doors. “What are you doing here?” Max asked, shocked to see her here.
Serena walked over and sat next to him. “Well after I fumed for about two minutes and decided on about ten ways for you to painfully die…”
Max laughed. “Is this supposed to be your apology?”
Serena sighed and than made a small laughing noise. “Yeah, actually it is. But as I was saying, I was definitely thinking that I should probably never talk to you again. Then it hit me that you never actually lied to me because I’ve known you for two days now. I mean you don’t tell someone you just met your deepest darkest secret.”
“I was going to tell you when I was ready.”
“The point is that I overreacted--big time. I snapped at you and Liz and that’s not fair. To make a long story short, I hate Zandroz with the blinding passion of a thousand scalding hell fires. So when I found out, it was just really difficult. But you’re not Zandroz. It doesn’t take an idiot to figure that out. So I’m sorry.”
Max nodded, “I’m sorry you found out the way you did. I just didn’t want to scare you off. I mean, I haven’t felt this way about anyone since….a long time. I didn’t want to lose you.”
To Max’s surprise, Serena started laughing. “It’s actually kind of funny. Who would have thought that I’d be falling for Zandroz’s human half?”
Max grinned, “You’re falling for me?”
Serena immediately blushed. “I meant to say….yeah. I’m falling for you.”
“I’m falling for you too.”
They both shared a look. “Well,” Serena said breaking the silence. “There’s a party going on there and I have some serious graveling to do for Liz.”
“Hopefully that speech doesn’t begin with you saying that you were planning to kill her.” Max joked.
“I’ll try to leave that out,” Serena said laughing.
Max suddenly leaned in and kissed her. Serena moved closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. “The party can wait until later.”


Lonnie and Michael were laughing hysterically while Kyle was trying to propose to Tranoes that Antar should have a football league.
“I’m telling you Tranoes, it would give the give the kids here something to do. Teach them teamwork and aggression,” Kyle said.
Tranoes laughed at Kyle’s antics. “I’ll bring you down to the fields tomorrow and we can see what we can do.”
Kyle did all but flip backwards in excitement. Lonnie and Tranoes laughed in amusement. Lonnie had to admit it was very intelligent of Kyle to think of the football program. With her and Ava off at meetings with Michael and Liz, their husbands had very little to do.
Watching Kyle made Lonnie think of Rob. At least Kyle had Dianna to spend his time with. With Lonnie at meetings, Rob spent all the time in room by himself. He and Ava had come up with an idea to start a tutor program for the poor children on Antar. Ava missed teaching and Rob would jump at any opportunity to help people.
It was obvious that even Kyle and Rob were making serious adjustments on Antar.
“I think we should forget football and invest in hockey,” Michael joked. Liz had come behind him and smiled at him. Michael instinctively tucked her head under his chin and they both smiled contently.
“Puh-lease,” Kyle exclaimed, rolling his eyes. “Who likes hockey anyway?”
Lonnie and Liz laughed. “Right. Because we *want* to teach kids to tackle each other and grunt all the time,” Lonnie said, between giggles.
Michael puffed his chest out, “Besides, I’m the damn king and I say no hockey. Better yet, I’ll make you my jester.”
“Well maybe we should look into building a recreational/education center. Ava and Rob would a tutor program so we can just fit everything in one building,” Liz proposed.
Tranoes rubbed his chin in consideration, “Sounds great. I’ll bring it up at the next meeting. The next one isn’t until after the Coronation tomorrow, anyway.”
Both Michael and Liz smiled inwardly at the mention of the Coronation. As happy as they were, they couldn’t help but feel conflicted.
On Antar, its people and surrounds felt like coming home to the hybrids and it was quickly becoming a second home to their respective human partners. Now, the once clear-cut decision to return home wasn’t so black and white. Even Max had become a new man on Antar.
The question was: where *was* home? Antar or Earth?

Chapter 12
The soon to be Queen of Antar was about to kill someone. Michael and Kyle refused to go near her and Rob and Ava had snuck out of the room when Liz wasn’t looking. Lonnie and Serena were stuck with the ranting and raving queen.
“I CANNOT believe this! I’m bigger! Oh my GOD, I’m huge! This dress is going to bust. This CANNOT be happening!” Liz frantically yelled while she paced Michael-style in the room.
Lonnie was trying really hard not to laugh. Last night, Alexis had decided to go on a serious growth spurt. Liz had gone from showing a little to busting out of her dress overnight. Needless to say, Liz was not happy.
“Honey,” Lonnie said trying to soothe her. “You look beautiful and glowing.”
Lonnie backed up with fear when Liz turned to her, “I do not look beautiful and glowing! I’m “glowing” from vomiting all morning and I am as huge as an elephant.”
“An elephant is awfully big, Liz. Don’t you think you are overreacting?” Serena said.
Lonnie looked at Serena in shock and than bit her lip to hold back her laughter. Serena hadn’t been there for Liz’s first pregnancy so she didn’t know the infamous wrath of Liz. Lonnie stared at Liz, watching for Liz to blow up. Instead, Liz did worse than yell--she started to *cry*.
“I’m supposed to be coronated with an hour and I am huge and hormonal.” Liz slumped down in the nearest couch and began to shake with sobs.
Serena sent Lonnie a confused look and Lonnie went next to Liz. “Sweetie, you look absolutely stunning.”
“I’m hideous,” sniffled the pregnant women.
“If you were hideous than Alexis wouldn’t be possible now would she?”
Liz laughed. Lonnie sighed in relief and so did Serena. Hopefully the boys are having more luck, Lonnie thought.


Max was waiting out in the hallway for Liz. Lonnie, Ava, Rob, Kyle, and Serena had already arrived in the main room and were waiting for Liz and Max to enter. Max’s breath caught in this throat when Liz came out.
She was wearing a cream colored sequined dress with a long train. The bare skin of her shoulders was sprinkled with glitter. Her hair was swept up and a couple loose tendrils coming down. And the most beautiful thing that stood out, was Alexis. Her perfectly round belly stretched the dress.
Liz smiled sheepishly at Max, “Ready?”
“You look beautiful,” Max said. “You’re going to knock Michael off his feet.”
They began to walk until they got in front the double doors. They were supposed to wait until they heard Liz’s name being introduced before they entered. Liz gripped Max’s hand hard. “I’m nervous, Max.”
“Don’t be. You are already Queen to this people. You don’t need a ceremony for that.”
Liz smiled at his kind words and lightly kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Max. How would you like to the Alexis’s godfather?”
Max grinned. “I would love to Liz. I can corrupt her while she’s young.”
Max and Liz both froze when they heard Tranoes voice say, “Now introducing the future Queen of Antar, Elizabeth Guerin.”
The doors opened and Liz stood in shock at the beautiful room. It looked much like a wedding. A satin pink trail lead up to a platform and on the trail was white roses. There were flowers everywhere and candles hung on a large crystal chandelier on the ceiling. Ava and Lonnie were standing already on the platform with their arm around their husbands. Serena stood opposite of them.
Liz and Max walked down until they got the platform. Max hugged Liz lightly and went over to Serena’s side. He put his arm around her and she leaned into him.
Tranoes winked at her. “Now introducing the Prince and King of Antar, Michael Guerin and Ryan Alexander-Rath Guerin.”
Tears brimmed Liz’s eyes when she saw Michael and Ryan. Michael was wearing a tuxedo with his symbol on it and Ryan was wearing something similar to that. They both smiled at her and Michael mouthed, “I love you.”
“So this is interesting,” Alex said from next to her.
Liz turned around and wrapped her arms around his tightly, “Can other people see you this time?”
“No, Liz. Just you. I slowed down time a bit so I can talk to you.”
“I wish you were here,” Liz said sadly.
“I am. I’m always watching.” Alex took in his surroundings. “This is almost as beautiful as your wedding.”
“Yeah, it is,” Liz agreed.
“You are going to make a great Queen Liz.” Alex gazed at Liz with pride. “So I see that you are all back together,” and gestured to Max. “Good. You’ll need each other. Now, I got to go. Holding back time takes a lot out of you. I’ll be back, Liz, don’t worry. I love you.”
When Liz blinked, Michael was still making his way to Liz. Liz smiled secretly to herself. I love you too, she thought to Alex.
Ryan and Michael made their way to her. Michael stood next to Liz and took her hand. Ryan stood next to Max and Serena and smiled at his mother.
Aurora walked up to the platform. She was the only high priestess on Antar so she was going to perform the ceremony. Aurora looked at Michael and Liz and smiled at them with all the love and pride she could muster.
“Here are here today to bond these two Antarians to Antar and to each other.”
Michael and Liz smiled lovingly at each other and Michael absently stroked Liz’s palm with his thumb.
Aurora gazed about Michael and Liz. “Antar is a very beautiful planet. We have beautiful skies and radiant fields. I have been on Antar all of my life and I have never seen anything as beautiful as Elizabeth and Michael’s love for each other and their family,” Aurora glanced quickly at the people surrounding her.
“They have our planet’s best interest at heart and want what is best for the people. I am honored to be here today to perform this ceremony. Liz, please repeat after me: I, Elizabeth Parker, take this vow to be Queen of my Planet.”
Liz gazed intently at Michael, “I, Elizabeth Parker, take this vow to be Queen of my Planet.”
“And stand by my planet and cherish its beauty.”
“And stand by my planet and cherish its beauty.”
Aurora turned to Michael, “I, Michael Guerin, take this vow to be King of my Planet.”
Michael straightened his shoulders. “I, Michael Guerin take this vow to be King of my Planet.”
Aurora smiled softly at her son, “And protect it and guide it to prosperity.”
“And protect it and guide it to prosperity.”
Aurora stared at the audience, “As if we didn’t already know this but I know introduce to you the Royal Family of Antar.”
The people stood in their seats and cheered. Liz and Michael held each other tightly. Liz wove a arm around Ryan when he ran up to their side.
Aurora and Tranoes gazed at the two rulers. Tranoes turned to Aurora, “Tiyra tarn.”
Aurora nodded it agreement, “Love lasts forever.” She gazed at Liz and Michael who were embracing their friends. “It truly does.”

Chapter 13
It had been about five months since the Coronation. Liz and Michael began their official duties a couple days after the ceremony by settling the agreement with the revolutionaries. All went smoothly and it was taken care of easier than they thought. A couple weeks after the Coronation, Lonnie announced that she was pregnant with a girl. Ryan was now twelve years old and Liz was now eight months pregnant. She didn’t grow much after the last growth spurt that night before the Coronation. But Alexis and Liz were becoming connected even more.
Working on the educational/recreational center had Rob and Ava working with the educational curriculum and Kyle shaping up the sports program with the occasional help of Max and Serena. Yup, Max and Serena were still together and very much in love. In fact, Max was considering proposing to her. Anyway, today was the grand opening of the educational/recreational center. And you won’t believe what our favorite aliens named it: The Crashdown.
Needless to say, our favorite couple, Michael and Liz were happy like they deserved to be. They talked about whether or not they should return to Earth as a group. Of course, Max wasn’t going anywhere without Serena and she decided to go wherever Max went. They decided, home was wherever their friends were. But don’t worry, the gang did visit Roswell from time to time.
I guess the bottom line of all love stories is that the heart can lead you to places you least expected to be. And in the end, it doesn’t matter all the hardships you’ve been through but it does matter that when it’s over, the person you love is there.
So when you’re heart tells you do something, you’ll be surprised where it takes you to. Sometimes, it’s the best place to be.