Roswell Fanatics

When you’re gone… (TEEN, all CC) 21/4/08
Title: When you're gone
Author: Serena007
Rating: Teen
Sypnosis: Liz finds out who tried to kill Alex...and that they're not interested in Max...but her...
Disclaimer: I don't own the Roswell Show characters.
Author's note: This is my version of what I think should have happened in Roswell. The title derives from Avril's song - 'When you're gone', and this might be a sad story for some.



She stepped inside the semi darkness after the low rumble of the cave door opening. She had come here often. Alone. When everything was a disaster for her, Liz would run to the cave for some ‘me’ time. This was the only place where she could get some peace, a state of mind without any invasion of privacy. Some time alone in the cave made her feel herself. Outside her box of safety there was too much hassle, havoc and trouble for her to deal with. She’d put on a brave face and endure as much as she could without losing it then run to the cave and let all her repressed emotions out. She would unleash all those locked up feelings and make herself normal again.
Oh, the second reason why she resorted to this particular cave was because she could gain access to it. That was right. She, Liz Parker wasn’t just a mere human who worked as a small town waitress in Roswell. Infact there was more to her then met the eye. She was a part of the supernatural, alien world. She was an alien herself. Of course, she knew that before she had her memory wiped out then thanks to Max who healed her when she got shot, which was the cause of her memories being restored. She didn’t know what Max’s healing had to make her regain her memories and powers again but she knew it was Max’s powers which activated what she had lost. It was a slow but gradual change. Slowly the memories came back to her. Slowly her powers had returned to her.
But she wasn’t the only one. Her memories of Maria, Kyle and Alex being aliens flashed into her mind. Then Kyle got shot, healed by Max and miraculously developed the same symptoms as Liz from the aftershocks of being healed. She wasn’t alone and was quite relieved she had a buddy to talk to. But Kyle was more then a buddy, he was her brotherly best friend. During the summer when she ran away from Max, she and Kyle ran to LA where their protector Kal Langley was and they talked. It was a long talk. Instead of heading to her aunt’s in Florida, Liz remained with Kyle and Kal at Kal’s mansion, desperate to find out more about themselves. She was amazed by the fact that they had accomplished so much at a young age. She was stunned at her abilities and her powers. And how strong she was, surprised her.
Liz was strong. She had this whole side of her that she had been stolen from. Powerful, determined and motivated. She loved it. She loved feeling powerful. Being in touch with her alien side made her feel less vulnerable. She hated feeling like that.
Then she found a way to restore Alex and Maria’s memories. Luckily that potion had worked, the one Kal helped her make. Alex and Maria were their normal selves once again. And Liz never felt happier then having her true family back. Kyle, Maria and Alex.
But that happiness was threatened by a premonition. Alex’s death. She never seen any of their deaths before and this was serious. So she pulled herself together and hatched a plan to save Alex’s life. Which meant she had to sacrifice a few things. But she didn’t care. As long she didn’t lose neither Alex, Kyle and Maria. She loved them so much. She managed to save Alex’s life and now had to uncover his culprit. Their culprit. They all were one. United by their souls, their platonic love for each other.
Now Alex was safe and in hiding while she and the other two were doing their investigation.
And she was sure, just as they were successful in saving Alex’s life, they’d be successful in finding and punishing that sly culprit.
“Good to see you again Liz.” A male’s voice same from the left side.
Liz’s ears perked up and turned to where the stranger’s voice echoed from. She was a little scared but more determined in facing the one who invaded her privacy.
A man’s face slowly came from the shadows and out stepped Nasedo. At seeing him, Liz gasped. “Nasedo?”.
Nasedo returned a sly smile to her. “Yes, it’s me. Nasedo.”

***********************************
“Sean, did you really have to do that?”. Maria asked him with both arms folded accompanied with an annoyed look as she sighed.
“Do what?!”. He protested innocently in the middle of playing Grand Theft Auto 4 on the play station 3.
Maria rolled her eyes. “Was it really necessary to cause a scene in the crashdown?”.
“Listen, if you’re going to play devil’s advocate don’t bother. Max can kiss Liz goodbye because she certainly not into him anymore.” Sean answered Maria in the same tone as her and continued playing the game. His eyes were plastered onto the screen and he didn’t have time to argue as an important part of the game was coming up which was running away from the cops.
Maria sighed again, ah the Max and Liz story again. She knew the distance was growing. Max was getting closer to that whore Tess and Liz was too busy fighting off their demons to notice. No one expect herself, Kyle and Alex knew what Liz was going through. She had a feeling Liz was evading Max to be stronger but the love for Max was still evident in her heart. No matter how hard she tried, Liz could not throw Max out of her heart.
“Sean, just stay out of it okay. Whatever goes on between Max and Liz, you need not to interfere.”
At hearing this, Kyle walked in from the kitchen with three cola bottles in his hands and couldn’t help but reply to Maria for Sean. “Well, Sean’s right. Max can kiss Liz goodbye. What kind of a guy is he? Who can’t realise his true love?”. Kyle handed her a bottle of cola before giving one to Sean and then sipping on his own and slumping down next to Sean.
“Thanks Kyle.” Sean thanked him.
“No probs, Man.” Kyle replied.
“But Kyle..” Maria protested.
“Not buts Maria. If Max can’t see what unjust shit he’s doing to Liz then he doesn’t deserve her. End of story.” Kyle made his point and turned his attention to what Sean was playing. “What’s that? Grand theft auto four?”.
“Yeah. Just brought it yesterday.” Sean answered.
“Cool, let’s have a try.” Kyle asked, interested. He hadn’t had the time to relax since the whole alien business was ringing alarms.
But suddenly he felt a burning sensation in his chest. He almost spluttered out the drink left in his mouth and Sean was concerned. “You alright man?”. He patted on Kyle’s back, hoping to make him feel better.
But the same was happening to Maria who dropped her bottle of cola before coughing uncontrollably. It felt like both of them were chocking. Sean was panicking. “Oh shit, I gotta call 911!”. He paused the game and rose from his seat. For no reason they both started having seizures.
“It’s okay..” Kyle wheezed out and went to help Maria who was on her knees. This wasn’t a fit but a warning. If anything extremely threatening happened to one of them, the rest of them could feel it in the form of a semi seizure through the connected all of them shared. It only lasted thirty seconds. “There’s no need to call the paramedics. It’s fine.” Kyle hollered to Sean in his normal voice. The burning sensation was gone and Maria was just recovering.
“Are you alright?”. Kyle asked lifting Maria back to her feet.
“Yeah, I guess so..” She said in a trembling voice. “Liz..” She whispered in horror and glanced at Kyle who gave her the same look back.
***************************************************

“So all this time you were alive?.” Liz asked Nasedo in disbelief while they were face to face in the cave.
“Yes Liz, I’ve been alive and walking.” He answered.
“Right and you thought it was okay to walk around making Max feel guilty that he couldn’t save you while you were alive all along and….(in a cool deadly voice)were plotting against us?”. She paused. “Well I guess that makes you coward. You couldn’t tell everyone who you really were…” Nasedo cut in.
“Liz…..”
But Liz refused to back down. She raised her voice. “Because you’re nothing but a coward Nasedo!”. She yelled giving him a cold death stare. “You’re too damn frightened of us so you went behind our backs but I had a feeling you’d do something like this. Someone who thinks humans are pathetic are losers themselves. You can’t face reality.” She accused him. “So you’re the one who helped kill Alex?”.
Nasedo slowly clapped his hands admiring Liz’s strength. “Well done Liz, you’ve earned yourself a platinum trophy.”
Liz closed her eyes. “Cut the crap Nasedo and tell me why you’re here.” Liz said and then opened her eyes.
“I came to do my duties Liz. My duties for lord Khivar.”
“So Kivar put you up to this?” Liz slowly nodded. “I should have known.” She growled.
“What else could I do? You know he’s the king of Antar presently.”
“No. You mean he snatched the throne and killed any innocent civilians he could find.” Liz corrected.
“Pathetic civilians, Liz.” Nasedo said. “I thought you knew your Antar very well.”
“And I thought you should be nothing but dust.” Liz spat in anger. Rage boiled in her blood.
“Temper Liz, so much temper isn’t good.”
“Oh, go to hell Nasedo.” Liz rolled her eyes. “I know you had a hand in killing Alex. Just admit it.” Liz said.
“Okay, okay, yes. I did have a hand in killing Alex. Poor thing is dead now.”
“And shortly you will be too.” Liz said through gritted teeth.
“If I die, the people you love will die. Kyle, Maria…Max.” Nasedo smiled.
“Any may I suggest how you will be able to do that with me alive?”. Liz asked, knowing that no one not even Nasedo or a thousand Khivars would harm her loved ones in anyway while she was alive or even dead. Her soul would always protect the people she loved.
“Well I think you don’t know this yet Liz, but Tess, my lovely dear Tess has mind warped Max into thinking he slept with her and she is having his son.” Nasedo slowly revealed, enjoying this drama.
Shock was written over Liz’s face. “What?”. She gasped.
“And you know Max….the responsible good man he wants to be.” Nasedo said, circling around Liz who was shell shocked.
“The poor guy doesn’t know he’s been made a fool off. The child he thinks he has doesn’t exist. But we’ve brought out the child in him, his innocence. The ability to lie to a child constantly and convince them, I love it. Max is a puppet in Tess’ hands right now.”
“No…” Liz gasped, trying to deny it.
“Yes Liz, yes. But this won’t give birth to any life but someone else will die and that is Max. Max will die. And you your highness will be escorted back to Antar and married to Lord Khivar.”
“No, I’m not going to let that happen.” Liz denied, determined to ruin Nasedo’s plan.
“But it already has.” Nasedo mocked. “Max thinks Tess is having his baby. The fool. As if I’d let that weak son of a bitch create another version of himself to carry on his legacy.”
“So Tess is involved with your plan too?”. Liz asked, slowly digesting the information from Nasedo.
“Yes, I must say. Hat’s off to her, she’s the one who directly killed off Alex. I mean the idea was mine but she’s the one who used him to decipher hieroglyphics for the granolith.”
“You sick fuck.” Liz cursed. “Using my Alex for your own satisfaction then dumping him like a finished used up product?”.
“That’s exactly what we did.” Nasedo pointed out and stopped circling around Liz. He bent closer to her ear and whispered.
“If you tell anyone about me or what we were talking about then say goodbye to someone you care about whether it’s Maria, Isabel or even one of your parents. Of course Max will die already since Tess is taking care of him. But you decide the fate of the others, Liz.”
Then Nasedo flashed his watch to Liz. “The granolith has been activated for half an hour now. Only thirty minutes left then boom, we’re going home.”
Liz noticed the light coming from behind the pods. It was true. Max had activated the granolith.
Then the door rumbled and in walked Tess...dragging a helpless Isabel in her arms.
*****************************************

Part 2

“Hope it’s not serious”. Kyle murmured while driving his red mustang like a maniac on the highway. His knuckles were white from gripping the black rubber steering wheel too tight as tension ran through his veins. Maria was also having small fits, beads of sweat were appearing on her forehead and her honey blonde locks were dampened.
“Kyle, if it weren’t this serious then we wouldn’t be shitting ourselves.” She hissed. “I ain’t never felt so scared in my entire life before.” She sighed, tilting her head back and shutting her eyes, feeling the desert air cool her down.
“Well how about I go meet Liz while you get Alex?” Kyle suggested then said. “I’m getting the feeling that Liz has just found out a big big secret.”
“I can’t risk Alex’s life!”. Maria protested as she opened her eyes, beaming at Kyle.
“Well he’s better off with us than by himself.” Kyle reasoned. “Besides don’t you think that Alex deserves a chance to confront his culprit?”.
“I’m not going to argue with you Kyle.” Maria simply said, folding her arms,
Then both of them heard a static sound in their heads which lasted two seconds and then they both heard Liz’s voice. *Guy’s it’s me, listen Nasedo’s alive and he’s been working with Kivar all along. Tess too. They’ve been deceiving us and they tried to kill Alex. They’ve got Isabel. The granolith has been activated, there’s only twenty seven minutes left. Hurry.*Both Kyle and Maria were left with their mouths wide open, shell shocked after hearing Liz’s testimony. It took them half a minute to process what happened and then Kyle remarked. “Holy shit.”
“Oh my lord, this is just…” Maria trailed off.
“See, get my drift?”. Kyle asked Maria. “You go get Alex while I meet Liz at the cave.” Kyle said and stopped the car at the side of the highway. “Right, I’m getting off, you take the car keys and bring Alex okay?”. Kyle left the keys in the ignition and got out of his car. “Take care.”
“Don’t worry, I will.” Maria said and helped herself to the drivers seat. “You best not let those fuckers win Kyle. Don’t let them hurt you, Isabel or Liz.”
“Hell no, they got no chance with me.” Kyle answered and took a few steps back watching Maria wave and drive off.
He looked towards the cave which was almost twenty five feet away, and there were boulders in the way. This was going to be hard if he only had limited time. God knows what was happening in there. With a deep breath, he rushed towards the cave, jumping over boulders in the way.
********************************

Half an hour ago…

I always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cry
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie is made up on your side

With a trembling hand, Max finished the last sentence in the letter. Since he was unable to meet Liz and tell her face to face of what was going to happen, and where circumstances would leave them, the easy option was writing a letter.

When you walk away I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?

The emotions he had locked up for almost a year was washed onto the sheet of paper, every word was holy to him as they expressed his love, his religious love to her. She would never know unless she felt what he felt.

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you

The words were beautifully written in a deep black calligraphy with the fine gold fountain pen she gifted him on his birthday. He would always cherish those memories. He remembered every moments he spent with her, every word she said to him and every touch.

When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone

His love for her was deep as the ink on the letter. And his tears slid down his cheeks and onto the letter, mixing with the ink it left a heart shaped stamp, ironically. His tears and the ink. Love was painful, but it was real, the fact that it was real made him happy.

The words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it ok
I miss you
He knew no one could replace Liz. No one would ever come first but her. Always her. And she deserved to hate him.

We were made for each other
Out here forever
I know we were, yeah
All I ever wanted was for you to know
Everything I'd do, I'd give my heart and soul
I can hardly breathe I need to feel you here with me, yeah

He hoped he’d gain her hatred instead of nothing. He feared someday Liz might stop feeling anything for him. That was his nightmare. Atleast if she hated him, he knew there would be love behind her hate. She would have a reason to hate him. Her love. She’d think he spurned her love and even that wouldn’t wipe out her love for him. He knew her. She was always faithful.
He looked at the letter and recited his words in his mind. “Dear Liz, whatever I’m about to tell you will affect you and you may hate me for not saying it to your face. But Liz, to be honest we haven’t had a proper conversation since that day on the cave where we activated the orbs, remember that night when we were trying to escape pierce? I never felt so scared in my life by at the same time I never felt so happy, having you by my side in times like this. Thank you Liz, for everything.
But there’s more. I..I have to leave. I’m going to Antar because I made a HUGE mistake. Such a mistake that I fear will make you sad, angry and hurt. I spent the night with Tess and now she’s pregnant. I feel dirty to use such insolent words on this letter but it’s important for you to know why I have to leave. I don’t want to leave. My child cannot live here, the atmosphere will kill him. I don’t have a choice. I cannot abandon my son. I’m not that kind of person. I hope you understand Liz. I will always love you.
Thanks again for everything. Love Max”Then he placed the deep red rose on top of the letter and thought about Liz. All their moments together flashed before his eyes. He would never be able to forgive himself. How would Liz be able to forgive him? Taking both the rose and letter in his hands, he took off to Liz’s place.

The words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it ok
I miss you

**********************

“Isabel…” Liz gasped at the sight of her, terrified. There were raw scratches over her body and purple bruises everywhere. Her darkish blonde hair was dishevelled in a messy bush and her clothes were slightly torn, as if an animal had tried to attack her. Of course that particular animal was Tess, Liz guessed with that sly smile spreading across her pale gothic like face. Liz hated Tess so much. She was such a nuisance and a pain in the ass to her.
“Hi daddy.” Tess smiled at her father and dropped Isabel on the ground before walking over to Nasedo to embrace her father.
“Hey sweetie”. Nasedo replied with the same smile as Tess. “How’s my lovely bunny?”.
Isabel who was on all fours on the ground, raised her head slightly in anguish and glared at the father and daughter with angry eyes.
“Like father, like daughter.” She growled lowly.
“Don’t worry about her father, she’s always been a bit bitchy.” Tess commented. While Liz was standing there watching and silently reading their minds, Tess took the time to watch the brunette with envy. “So Liz, how does it feel to know Max thinks I’m having his baby?”. She asked with sarcasm, wanting to rub it in Liz’s face. “If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t that your dream? Right?”.
Liz noticed that Tess was trying to put salt on her wounds, but she wasn’t having any of it. “Tess, I don’t weave dreams based on lies.” Liz threw back. “Isn’t it ironic that you have to pretend to be pregnant to get Max’s sympathy while I don’t have to be pregnant to get his love. I will always have his love, pregnant or not.” At this moment, Liz only cared about making that Tess fume even more. She wondered if there was any truth in her words or not but she would make them sound convincing. At one time, Liz felt as if Max only cared about her but that all changed since Tess stepped into their lives. Max was now distant from her that Liz blocked him out, fearing that he might hurt her. She even refused to meet him or talk to him even when he offered to help find the killer of Alex, she didn’t want to do it with him. Whenever she saw him, she was reminded by his insults, the day at Alex’s ‘funeral’ and the night at Kyle’s door. It was too much and she didn’t want to think about him as much as she used to. It hurt and made her angry.
When those words came out of Liz’s mouth, Tess was fuming. She knew there was some truth in her words but refused to accept it. Even when she and Max were together, all he seemed to do was think of Liz. Liz, Liz, Liz. Liz always came first to Max.
“Whatever Liz, you don’t even have time to tell Max the truth about me. By now you only have twenty four minutes until..” Tess was about to say but then was cut off by the rumbling of the cave door. Kyle stepped into the cave. “Tell me why I’m not surprised to see you here Nasedo?”. Kyle asked, looking at Nasedo.

Nasedo chuckled and answered Kyle’s question. “You shouldn’t really be here Kyle.”
“And you should be dead.” Kyle answered back with insolence in his tone. Seeing Nasedo as who he really was made Kyle want to kill him. His balled his fists and gritted his teeth.
“Well I’m not.”
“Well, you ain’t getting what you want.” Kyle told Nasedo and then looked at Liz. “Come on Liz, let’s get outta here, come on.” He told Liz.
“She’s not going anywhere.” Nasedo said in a stern voice. He’d be damned if he let Liz go. All this time he was planning to kidnap her and deliver her to Kivar now he would not lose her to some small town jock that couldn’t control his temper.
Liz stepped towards Isabel and hinting that Liz was trying to leave, Tess got ready to attack but Isabel sensed this and sprinted up, surprising both Liz and Kyle by tackling Tess to the ground. “You bitch, you’re gunna pay!”. Isabel screamed, both digging her nails and slapping the hell out of Tess while sitting on top of her, screaming like a mad woman.
At the same time, Kyle charged at Nasedo, pinning him up against as wall before kneeing him in the abdomen. Nasedo groaned in pain and felt blood rush up his guts and into his mouth. “You mother fucker, you don’t know who you’re messing with!”. Kyle grabbed Nasedo by the collar and banged his head against the rock a few times before throwing him thirty feet back.
Liz was watching and then she looked towards the pods. “Oh god, we only have twenty minutes left!”.
Tess somehow managed to throw Isabel off her and then charged for Liz. Liz however, could sense Tess coming for her and in reflex she elbowed her in the head, sending her stumbling but Tess really wanted to hurt Liz. Liz doubled kicked her and sent Tess falling on her ass. “Bitch, better stay away from me.” She warned Tess and went to see if Isabel was okay but Tess grabbed Liz’s left ankle and caused Liz to fall, facing the floor.
“I am not letting you go.” Tess panted. “I cannot lose Max.”
With vigorous force, Liz kicked off Tess’ grip, turned onto her back and jumped up onto her two feet before picking up Tess by the collars. “He was never yours in the first place.” She told Tess, looking into those icy blue eyes with her dark brown eyes which flashed blue, the colour of her aura. Now Liz was powering up. She sent Tess flying fifty feet back with her incredible strength.
By the time Nasedo and Kyle were at each other, sprawling on the floor and grabbing each others necks, Liz decided to help them while Isabel was trying to recuperate. This was happening too fast so using her telekinesis she pulled Nasedo away from Kyle and levitated him off the ground, making him crash on the walls of the cave on purpose. Nasedo was surprised at this sudden force, which felt stronger then anything he felt before. It intimidated him and fascinated him at the same time.
Kyle stood up and Liz held Nasedo in place for Kyle to throw some heat blasts at Nasedo.
Tess managed to get up again and throw a blast at Liz who immediately threw up a blue shield, to protect herself, Isabel and Kyle. Tess was amazed. “Wow, looks like Max isn’t the only one who can do that.”
“Shame you can’t.” Liz commented before throwing Tess towards the pods with her force field. Tess crashed into the back room of the granolith, breaking the pod stands but she noticed that they only had fifteen minutes left. Time goes really fast, she thought with a smile. No matter how hard Liz was going to beat them up, She and Nasedo were going to win by the end of the day.
Liz let go of Nasedo and he dropped twenty five feet onto the ground. He was all battered and bruised but the energy from the healing stones gave him enough power to move swiftly. “Tess, now!”. He ordered and Tess inserted the emergency key which would make the granolith take off in ten seconds.
Liz and Kyle were horrified and too busy to notice Nasedo stealthy run towards the granolith and pull Liz in with him. Kyle who saw this, shouted out. “No!!!!”. And ran after them into the blinding light before the vessel detached itself from the cave , sending big rocks falling everywhere as the cave began to collapse. Isabel shielded her head with her arms to prevent being hit with big rocks. “Oh my god!”. She screamed. It was too loud and dusty for her to focus what was going on. And the granolith had already sped off into the sky…

*************************

Maria and Alex jumped out the red mustang as soon as they reached the cave. Worried, they ran towards the direction of the cave but stopped as thick dust poured everywhere, confusing the two. "Shit, what the hell happened! Alex!". Maria boomed and then the dust caused both of them to cough.
"I don't know!. Is this supposed to happen?". Alex asked, worried and used his hands to fan away the dust from his face. "We have to get them outta there, they could be hurt!". He said, taking a few steps forward.
"ALEX!". Maria called, unable to see anything. The dust had really gotten to her eyes. "Can you see anything!?".
"No." Alex answered. "Wait..Isabel!". He called seeing her stagger from the dusty clouds which seemed to die down slowely as she fell into his arms. "Isabel!" He called and bent down, cradling her in his arms. "Thank god you're okay, where is Liz and Kyle?".
Isabel gasped for air in Alex's arms and took a second to process what had happened in the cave. "They took Liz and Kyle." She breathed out.
"What!?". Maria said, picking up on what Isabel said. "Liz and Kyle are gone?" She asked in a raised voice and suddenly her eyes widened in horror as no one answered. A moment of silence passed between them and she knew. "Oh god no. no..." Maria denied and screamed. She flailed her arms about with insanity and screamed at the top of her lung. "No!." She began to walk fast towards the collapsed cave, sobbing. "LIZ!, KYLE!!!NOOOO!".
Isabel got up from Alex's arms and both stood up, rushing towards the sobbing Maria and took her away from the collapsed cave. "It's too late. The cave is good as gone. Liz and Kyle aren't in there anymore." Isabel tried to reason while a shocked Alex remained silent. He didn't know how to react. The two of his best friends were kidnapped and taken to some unknown planet. He didn't know if he was ever going to see them again. It was like his worst nightmare had come true. Maria just refused to accept it and carried on screaming, trying to break out their strong grips and into the cave. She was going mad.
Then Max and Micheal arrived and saw what was happening. Both guys were worried. "What happened?". Max asked worriedly and then looked at Alex. "Alex...you're alive..." he gasped, shocked.

"Alex..you're alive..." Max gasped in realisation, looking at him. Micheal shocked, walked upto Isabel and Maria, still not taking his eyes off Alex until Maria screamed again. "Maria are you okay?". Micheal asked taking her into his arms. "They took Liz and Kyle away!". She howled.
"What?". Max asked. "What is going on?".
"Max..." Isabel gasped and looked at him. Max was even shocked by seeing his sister in this condition. What the hell was going on? "Let me explain..".
"Isabel what the hell happened here, you're covered in bruises, Alex is alive and what's up with Maria?". Max asked, fearing that the truth was really bitter.
"Nasedo and Tess...they've played us all along. And they took Liz and Kyle." She explained slowely letting Max digest the painful fact.

When you walk away I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now

Max's eyes widened in horror. "W-where?". By the tone of his voice, Isabel could tell how Max was starting to feel. The unshed tears in his eyes told her everything but she had to carry on. He had to know that they were deceived. "To Antar."

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you

At that point, Max felt the ground being pulled from underneath his feet. It felt like the whole world had come crashing down on him. He lost touch with reality for a moment.

When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too

"And they used Alex to decipher that stupid book to activate the granolith, they tried to kill him but we saved him." Isabel carried on. "We've been hiding Alex but Nasedo and Tess got what they wanted. To kidnap Liz and poor Kyle got taken to in the process." She sobbed.

When you're gone

"Oh my god.." Micheal said. "Oh god no." He gasped hugging Maria tighter in his arms. Alex who was speechless stumbled and Isabel caught him. "Alex.."
"We have to save them..." He mumbled. "We gotta save them..".
And Alex's words played over and over again in Max's head as he become lost...

The words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it ok
I miss you

****************************

Ch 3
~*~ 3 weeks later ~*~

"Liz.." Came the hushed voice. "Liz..wake up!". It came again, more louder and firmer. She mumbled in her sleep and her eye lids fluttered. "Liz, please wake up." The voice urged.
Slowely she opened her eyes and daylight flooded her sight. Her pupils dialated and then contrated. Her breath became shallow then deeper and it felt as if her body was being switched on again, the rush of blood in her veins and her body lighting up as if it had been asleep for a long time. It took her some time to wake up and her body to get out of it's hibernating state.
"Oh thank god you're awake." The relived voice sighed. "It's been days since you've been like this."
Feeling as if her soul had been thrusted into her body she jerked up. "Easy now..." and this was another voice. It belonged to a lime greened eye girl with shiny sleek black hair. She eased Liz up against the bed before grabbing a glass of water and helping Liz to sip the water.
Without questioning, Liz accepted the water and drank hungrily, as if she hadn't drank for years. The water brought life back into her as she felt it's coolness sliding down her throat.
"Are you okay?." The dark haired girl asked concerned as she placed the empty glass back down onto the wooden dresser. Liz just looked at her with a blank expression. She had never seen this girl before and where was she?? She looked around and realised that the windows were huge with big green curtains made out of velvet. She wasn't familiar with this kind of setting. She began to panic.
"Liz, relax it's okay. I'm here." Kyle said who was seated on her right. She looked at him, took a second to realise that she wasn't alone and then hugged Kyle as if her life depended on it. "Kyle, where are we?!". She gasped and hugged him tighter.
"We're on Antar...Liz." He told her.

TBC...

He was in such a condition that he had become a walking insomiac. His eyes were slits glaring out bright amber, his chin was covered with stubble and his once tidy hair was unkempt. But still he never gave up. His only mission in life was battle the injustice that had been inflicted upon them all including the woman he loved.
He knew she had never been unfaithful, he knew that she always had their best interests at heart, then why, why was she the one to suffer? She should have been rewarded, she should have received so much bliss instead of heartbreak and pain. Destiny had it's cruel ways but not anymore.
Max stared at the messy room. The papers scattered everywhere on the floor, the file cabinets knocked out of their places and tables turned over. There was nothing. No actual evidence of there being an actual ship. Office after office he had visited, searching for that one ship which could take him to Antar..to save Liz and Kyle.
Then his phone rang. He answered it. "What?". He didn't mean to give attitude but couldn't either go back to change his tone.
Isabel was on the other line. "Max, where are you?".
"What does it matter?". He gave her a sarcastic reply.
"Max, I'm not liking you risking your life like this. Come home and let's try to work this out."
"Goodbye Isabel." Max said and disconnected the phone and then turned it off. He didn't need anyone to disturb him while he was on this quest.
He looked at the room again and sighed. This was a complete waste of time. But now he had the key all he had to do was find someone who knew where the ship was. And he knew who that person was. But before he could turn around, someone was already standing at the doorway. "Looking for something Max?...".

****************
"I can't beleive this." Liz stated shaking her head. "So they've suceeded in their plan?". She asked in disbeleif after Kyle explaining their situation in the past half an hour. She had been introduced to Serena, the dark haired girl who was a maidservant of the palace they were staying in. According to her, Tess had been working with Nasedo to acheive Max but when she learned that the kingdom was only going to be ruled by Khivar, she flipped out and Khivar had been deceiving her all along. Liz wasn't surprised. All of them were cheating each other, none who were truly evil remained true to each other.
"Don't worry Liz, they won't hurt you." Kyle said.
"But what about you?". Liz asked, worried for Kyle. I don't want them to hurt you."
"They won't. As long as I abide by the rules." Kyle lowered his eyes. The only reason he hadn't lashed out on Khivar was because he wanted Liz to get better first, then they could ruin Khivar before escaping this place.
"He want's me doesn't he?". Liz softly asked feeling defeated. "What could be so important about me?".
"It's because you have powerful blood." Serena answered. "You're the next queen in live for Slyvia city. Khivar want's to marry you because then he will gain full power and he will have a powerful heir by you."
"No, that's so not going to happen." Liz denied. "I am not going to marry Khivar."
"That's right, I ain't letting Khivar do anything with Liz." Kyle agreed.
"Whatever has to be done, it will be done." Nasedo loudly announced, entering the room as if he didn't give a damn about their privacy. And all of their eyes glared at him with hatred.
***********************

"Micheal?". Max's face was etched with confusion as he noticed his best friend standing in the doorway with a smirk.
"So is this spring cleaning?". The other guy asked taking a step and then shutting the door. He turned around swiftly and dug his hands into his coat pockets. "I must admit, you definetly love messing things up."
Max sighed. "Please don't try and stop me Micheal, I'm so close, all I need-" Before Max could finish, he was cut off rudely.
"No, Max. No." He bellowed. "What you need is to step aside and get what's written in your destiny." He faced Max and paused. "And it looks like I am going to be that person to give you what you deserve."
Max arched an eyebrow, just what an earth was Micheal talking about. "Micheal, what are you saying?". He thought his behaviour was really strange and odd, he had never seen this side to Micheal who talked in riddles. The Micheal he knew hated riddles.
"What I'm saying is...I need to destroy you." And without no futher warning, he shot a thunderous bolt out of his hands and hit Max. Max was stunned for a moment and then collapsed to the ground. He walked over to Max who was lying on the ground convulsing. "M-Micheal...what are you doing?". He stuttered as the pain envoloped him.
"What I should have done years ago". He replied coldly. "And that is to kill you."
He shot another bolt at Max who roared out in pain, he shut his eyes and thought of Liz. Her sweet smiles, the way her dark brown eyes lit up when she was happy, the fresh scent of strawberry and Vanilla in her dark chocolate silky hair and not to mention her touches, the way they made him feel-like nothing else mattered. She fused life into him, she made him feel alive..
He could not just give up to lose her. He needed her like one needed air to breathe. She was his breathes, his heartbeats, his soul. Suddenly he sprung up, yelling out in anger. The power charged inside him.
"What's the matter Max? Scared that you'll never see Liz again?". He taunted him and sent another bolt towards way which Max blocked by putting on his force field up on time.
Instead of saying anything, he focused on protecting himself from Micheal. He couldn't hurt him but he didn't know what was wrong with him either.
"Well say something Zan. I'm sure I'd like to hear your last words before I slay you so mercilessly." He chuckled and shot him again but the bolt fizzed on the green shield. "Always the easy way, seriously how long do you think you can hold up that shield?". He asked.
"As long as I have to." Max answered, trying to back away from Micheal.
"He talks!". He laughed out loud. "Finally, now we're getting somewhere."
"Micheal I don't know what's wrong with you." Max said in a hushed voice. "What's gotten into you?".
"Well, I'm not possesed if that's what you mean." And he kept playing with Max by shooting out lightening bolts and watching it crackle on Max's sheild. He was waiting for the moment when Max would eventually be weakened and give up. He knew Max wasn't a mastermind when it came to powers. Hell, everyone knew that.
"You need help Micheal.." Max urged. "I can help you."
Getting tired of Max's stubborness, he shouted. "I DON'T NEED YOUR DAMN-" Then someone stunned him from behind. "Urghh!". He groaned as his eyes became darkened as he was going through a series of seizures. Max stood there shocked.
Then he saw Micheal drop to the ground as if he was dead. Alex stood behind him.
"Alex?".
"Max, that wasn't Micheal." He said in a firm tone.
**************************************

Ch 4

"Does it ever occur to you that should give up on messing around with us?". Liz asked the shapeshifter in a very sharp tone before throwing the sheets back and standing up. "I'm surprised you even made it this far."
"Oh Liz, you have no idea how I recuperated from those temporary bruises you and your parter in crime..." Nasedo paused and looked at Kyle for a moment, indicating that he was the partner in crime. "You took three whole weeks to get better and there was not a single scratch on you." He smirked.
"Why I outta end you right now." Liz girtted her teeth and went for Nasedo, about to throttle his neck with her bare hands. Never she did ever get so raged about anything. But Nasedo took a step back and raised a hand to stop Liz. "Ah wait, I wouldn't do that if I were you." He said but Liz didn't stop, she grabbed Nasedo's throat. "Kyle! Tell her why!".
Kyle stood up from the bed with Serena. "Liz, we can't hurt him." He slowely said.
"Why?!". Liz demanded, sqeezing harder, she had enough of Nasedo and his sly tricks.
"Because we can't use our powers. They've put up those devices which block our powers." He told her. "Look". He signalled, using his right thumb to point towards the left side of the room. Liz's eyes travelled where Kyle guided her and she saw the hexagonal shaped device which was flashing blue lights. "Oh damn." Liz said and threw Nasedo to the floor.
Nasedo coughed but laughed. Looks like I presently have the upper hand."
"You're not going to get away with this Nasedo." Liz pointed at Nasedo. "You may have the upper hand now, but you wait and watch, you're going to get fucking killed one day and beleive me that day is very close Nasedo. Very close." She warned.
Again he laughed and rose. "I beleive that it's not me you wanna murder." He said. "I'm just the messenger who delivers and receives. In your case I think you should worry about your wedding dress."
"She's not getting married to Khivar." Kyle snapped and went to Liz's side.
"Well, he is the king and he will have her as his wife." Nasedo pointed out. "There's not much you can do. All the rooms in this palace is locked with these devices. You cannot step out of this palace until your highness wishes and we all know that he's not stupid. He will never give either of you a chance to escape."
"Where is your so called highness now?" Liz sniggered. "He's so damn lazy he sent you to do the job. What kind of a lazy ass king is that?".
"I don't think it's appropriate to talk about your future husband in that manner." Nasedo simply said. "Serena, get Liz ready to meet her fiance. The ball will be held in half in hour." He ordered. "And wipe that look of your faces. It's your first time meeting the king. You have to give very good first impressions." And then walked out the room.
Serena quietly walked upto Liz. "Come on Liz."
"Serena, are you just gunna listen to him?". Kyle asked her in disbeleif.
"We don't have much choice right now, and besides, do you wanna get off this planet and go home or not?".
"What do you suggest?". Liz asked her, finding her proposition interesting.
"I think I can help you guys against Khivar and his allies." Serena whispered.

As soon as the door opened, Isabel rushed out from the living room and threw herself on Alex. Max who was present. shut the door behind them and was quiet for a moment. "Oh Alex! I was so worried!". Alex hugged her back and kissed her forehead. Another reason to be envious, wishing he had Liz with him right now, Max silently thought.
"We're okay Isabel." Alex said and when they both realised that they were openly showing affection for one another right in front of Max, they two instantly returned to their once bashful state and swiftly but very reluctantly pulled away from each other. Alex, struck with flushes and Isabel's shyness.
"Ahem." Alex coughed, trying to hide his emberessment. Had he openly loved Max's sister infront of Max?
"Max, you are in a lot of trouble." Isabel warned, pointing her index finger at him. "What the hell were you thinking of running around, trying to find some damn ship, didn't I tell you we all stick TOGETHER?". She scolded Max.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Max agreed, lowering his eyes and brushing past the two. "This is why we need to be prepared." He said as he raced to Alex's bedroom, Isabel folded her arms and looked at Alex before the pair followed Max into Alex's bedroom.
"Prepared for what?". She questioned as they stood next to Alex's bed. Max was evading her and not giving her direct eyesight, something bad was going to happen. She knew it. "Max, tell me." She said, a little scared of what she might find out.
"Alex, where is that book?". Max asked, searching frantically in Alex's apartment.
Alex walked upto the computer desk, reached underneath it and pulled out a heavy iron platinum based book. "Here it is." He said, showing it to Max who hesitated before taking it in his hands. This was the first time he'd ever touched this book,there were black and white gold antarian heirogylphics engraved into the front cover of the book, the weight of the book was heavy and Max had to sit down on the bed with the book in his lab. "What does this say?" He whispered to Alex, in awe of the book's magnificance. He traced his fingers over the symbols and thought this book being the guidance for them all. How Liz, Kyle, Alex and Maria used this to fight their battles. This book had a lot of power in it's pages.
Alex sat next to Max and looked at the book. "It says, in the name of the most merciful, the most benificial, the antarian book of guidance." He said.
"Wow, it's pretty amazing how you already know how to understand antarian." Isabel said, amazed by Alex's fluency. "Could you read it?".
"I think we better open this and find out what we're supposed to find out." Max said and then opened the book. "Do you know where it is?". He asked Alex.
Alex took the book back and turned to a speicific page. "Here, it says they will take your form but they cannot think or behave exactly like you.".
"The shapeshifters." Max breathed out. "Go on."
"They will be divided between good and evil. The protecters may shapeshift to fulfill their duty, and those who have the power to shapeshift but misabuse it shall try to spread evil and only focus on their needs. Their strength lies in deceiving you and manipulating you however, their weakness is falling into their own trap or with Angusup." Alex paused "But Angusup is a type of rare antarian powder." He said to himself.
"Wait what are we talking about?". Isabel, asked not understanding the situation.
"Isabel, the dupes are working for Nasedo. His shapeshifting students." Alex told her. "Rath tried to kill Max."
Isabel gasped. "But how did you know?".
"I've been folllowing them for a week now. Maria and Micheal also have been too." Alex said. "But don't worry, I know where they are and they're safe."
"Oh god, this Nasedo, he's a pain in the ass." Isabel whinged.
"Atleast we know who's working for him and what their weakness is." Alex pointed out. "And not to mention, we're so close to saving Liz and Kyle."
"So you're saying, if we use the shafeshifters, we can save Liz and Kyle?". Isabel asked, with hope gleaming in her and Max's eyes.

Ch 5

Rushing her out of the room and into the main hall, Serena made sure Liz's look was flawless and intact. "Now all you gotta do is act normal." She instructed Liz while shortly stopping on the steps.
Liz who was already breathless, tried to recapture her breath and move her newly formed bouncy curls out of her face. "Serena, how can I act normal if I look like a circus freak?".
Feeling restricted behind dollops of tight foundation, dabs of eyeshadow, lipstick and thick curly locks which seemed to get in her face every time. And the dress she was wearing was like a quinceanara dress. Frilly at the bottom, tight at the top, it was so not Liz.
"It's the tradition of when a woman meets her fiance for the first time." Serena whispered.
"Whose tradition? Antar's tradition of Khivar's?". Kyle sarcastically asked while joining the girls at the steps. He hated the idea of Khivar eyeing Liz up.
"Okay, you know what you gotta do. This is as far as I can go." Serena told Liz. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Liz muttered and lifted her dress slightly up to prevent herself from falling. Althought the dress was too princessy for Liz, the emerald green color of it was captivating and magnificent. Kyle decided to accompany her down the stairs while Serena watched.
While she was making her way through the crowd, she wondered what Khivar looked like. She had never seen him before and wondered if he had seen her. Not that she was interested, she just didn't want to be allianced to anyone and especially if they were old. She could never imagine being romantically linked with anyone else apart from Max Evans, the first love of her life.
"Ah, there she is." Someone said, looking directly at Liz. Liz's eyes turned to see the man whose back was towards her but then he turned at the same time to see her. She was taken aback. His face was nothing like that of an old man's, it kind of looked boyish. His hair was a dark goldish colour and was short with a few strands over his forehead and his eyes were dark green with a tinge of brown in them. Liz guessed he was about 6 foot 1 and the guy was clad in a dark navy suit. There was nothing Antarian about him except for his physical features?
"Hi Liz." Khivar smiled. "I've been waiting for you for a very long time."
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